As the U.S. presidential election approaches on November 5, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. While Harris holds a narrow lead among registered voters, significant divides exist over key issues such as the economy and immigration, which could influence voter sentiment and turnout. 

Guest: Brooks Spector: International Relations Expert 

The security industry in South Africa is undergoing a transformation with the widespread adoption of drone technology. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionised surveillance and threat detection, offering rapid deployment, real-time data transmission, and extensive coverage. This integration enhances traditional security measures across various sectors, particularly in private security and critical infrastructure protection. 

Guest: Kopano Tholo: Drone Expert at ITOO Special Risks  

 

Afrika Update Report  

09 October 2024  

 

1. Mozambique- Maputo 

Mozambique heads to the polls amid insecurity and drought-induced hunger today.  

Close to 17 million voters in the Southern African nation of 31 million people, are registered to vote today for the next president along with 250 members of parliament and provincial assemblies. 

1. Kenya – Nairobi 

Kenya's parliament voted on yesterday to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges including enriching himself and stirring ethnic hatred, the chamber's speaker said, paving the way for the senate to consider the motion. 

1. Russia – Burkina Faso 

Russia, Burkina Faso talk military cooperation 

Russia's Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and prime minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire J. Kyelem de Tambela, discussed in Moscow expanding military ties, the Russian defence ministry has announced yesterday. 

1. Cameroon- Yaounde

Cameroon's 91-year-old president, Paul Biya, is in good health, the government said yesterday in a statement, calling widespread reports saying otherwise "pure fantasy." 

Biya has not been seen in public since attending a China-Africa forum in Beijing in early September. His failure to appear as scheduled at a summit in France last weekend stoked speculation that the nonagenarian was unwell. 

 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 9 October 1962 when Uganda was liberated from the Great Britain.

National Nutrition Week:Our daily food choices significantly influence our overall health and well-being, impacting everything from energy levels to disease prevention. Recognizing the importance of nutrition, the Department of Health is collaborating with various stakeholders for National Nutrition Week, from October 9 to 15, 2024. This year's theme, "Eat right for a better life," aims to raise awareness about the critical role of nutritious food in fostering a healthier lifestyle for all South Africans. 

Guest: Shonisani Nephalama: Registered dietitian and Nutrition Lead at The Heart & Stroke Foundation South Africa.  

Right of reply: Prof responds to interview by Higgins Mdluli from the Cane Growers association on Tuesday.  Higgins is said to have claimed that there are job losses associated with the HPL (sugary beverage tax) there is currently a paper under review which shows that this isn't the case. He refrains from mentioning the cost to individuals and the country that obesity and its consequences cause.  The total cost of overweight and obesity is estimated to be ZAR33,194 million in 2020. This represents 15.38% of government health expenditure and is equivalent to 0.67% of GDP.    

Guest: Prof. Susan Goldstein Deputy Director of PRICELESS in Wits School 

KZN 100 days report: The KwaZulu-Natal government is intensifying its efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) by deploying 173 volunteers to local police stations. Premier Thami Ntuli announced this initiative, emphasizing its role in ensuring compliance with the Domestic Violence Act and enhancing community engagement. Additionally, the premier highlighted a broader approach to address financial constraints affecting the province and outlined strategies to optimize resources and improve service delivery. 

Guest: Thami Ntuli: KZN Premier 

 

Afrika Update Report  

08 October 2024 

1. Mozambique – Maputo 

Mozambique headed for crucial elections amid jihadist insurgency and drought-induced hunger 

Mozambicans will vote this week for a new president who many hope will bring peace to an oil- and gas-rich northern province that has been ravaged by a jihadist insurgency for nearly seven years. 

 

1. Ethiopia – Addis Ababa

Ethiopia president replaced after falling out with PM 

Taye Atske Selassie, who is now president, was appointed foreign minister in February 2024. Ethiopia's parliament has approved the appointment of a new president to replace the country's first female head of state, Sahle-Work Zewde. 

 

1. South Afrika – Gauteng

Peace and security still perennial challenge for Africa 

Former President Thabo Mbeki says peace and security remain a perennial challenge on the African continent. 

He has committed that the outcomes of the Africa Peace and Security Dialogue will be taken to the African Union structures, BRICS and G20 as South Africa gears up to chair the influential global forum. 

1. France – Rwanda 

Author to go on trial in France for downplaying Rwanda genocide 

A French-Cameroonian writer, Charles Onana, is due to go on trial in Paris accused of complicity in contesting the 1994 Rwandan genocide. About 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed within 100 days. 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 8 October 1962 when Solomon Popoli Linda, singer and composer, dies

Solomon Linda, the singer and composer of Mbube, which became the pop hit as 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight', died without receiving royalties for his work. 

Impact of the GNU on the country’s economy: As the first 100 days of the Government of National Unity (GNU) come to a close, political experts emphasize that President Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership is now under scrutiny. While Ramaphosa celebrated the collaborative spirit of his Cabinet, analysts suggest that the initial "honeymoon" phase is over, and the real challenges of governance lie ahead. 

Guest: Dr Lumkile mondi: Political Economist and Senior Lecturer of Economics and Business Science, Wits 

The sugar industry is once again raising concerns about the health promotion levy, commonly known as the sugar tax, amid growing calls for its repeal or a freeze on future increases. Introduced by the government in 2018 to combat rising diabetes and obesity rates, the tax's effectiveness and impact on the industry are now under scrutiny. 

Guest: Higgins Mdluli, chairman of SA Canegrowers  

In a significant move to ensure energy stability, Eskom has invested R5.92 billion in Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) between April 1, 2024, and October 3, 2024. This strategic investment has effectively prevented load shedding, resulting in South Africa enjoying 193 consecutive days without any blackouts. This achievement underscores Eskom's commitment to enhancing the reliability of the national grid while addressing the energy needs of the country. 

Guest: Prof Sampson Mamphweli  Head of Energy Secretariat at SANEDI & Energy Expert