As tensions continue to rise over illegal immigration in South Africa — with recent protests in places like Pinetown, foreign nationals seeking refuge at the Durban Police Station, and the demolition of structures in parts of Johannesburg — many are now asking: when did this issue really begin, and what are the deeper social and economic factors behind it? 

Guest: Dr Steven Gordon - Chief Research Specialist in the Human Sciences Research Council  

 

The Junior Mining Council says that it welcomes the arrest of 14 alleged illegal miners in Brits, North West. The arrests were effected during a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation involving the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force.

Guest: Fred Arendse - President of the Junior Mining Council 

 

A controversial open letter has been sent by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group to US President Donald Trump, calling for international support for Cape self-determination and a referendum on independence for the Western Cape.

Guest: Phil Craig - Leader of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group  

 

1.South Africa – Mpumalanga – SADC Foreign Affairs Ministers Retreat 

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene a Retreat of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from 22–24 May 2026 at Skukuza, Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, South Africa. 

This high-level gathering will provide a strategic platform for Ministers to assess the evolving global geopolitical landscape and to position the region to respond proactively to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, will officially open the Retreat in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers. 

2.    Benin- Porto Novo 

After a decade in power, Patrice Talon leaves a divided legacy in Benin

After a decade at the helm of Benin, President Patrice Talon is preparing to hand over power this Sunday, 24 May 2026. As farewells and stock-taking begin in the capital, the outgoing leader chaired his final cabinet meeting on this week, while government spokesman Wilfried Houngbédji faced journalists for one last press conference — touching on sacked radio staff, a defiant defence of Talon’s political record, and a refusal to call imprisoned opponents “political prisoners.”

3.    Malawi- Lilongwe

Fuel crisis threatens to bring Malawi to a standstill

Fuel shortages are increasingly disrupting daily life and business activity in Malawi amid rising global oil prices and ongoing instability in the Middle East.

The Transport Association of Malawi says the crisis is linked in part to global market pressures and disruptions in key shipping routes in the Middle East, which have driven fuel prices sharply higher.

In the capital Lilongwe, long queues of trucks and private vehicles have formed outside filling stations, with drivers often waiting for hours — sometimes days — to access diesel.

4.    South Afrika – Gauteng (Afrika month commemorations)

Pens And Missiles: NWASA Calls for Global Literary Solidarity as they host 2nd General Assembly 23-24 May 2026

The National Writers Association of South Africa (NWASA) has called on writers, intellectuals, and cultural organisations worldwide to revolt against oppression, racism, and global instability through literature and international solidarity.

23-24 May 2026 to coincide with the 8th anniversary of the founding of NWASA on 25 May 2018. 25 May is also celebrated in South Africa as Africa Day. Theme: to be tied with that of the inaugural GA, inputs by the main guest speaker, Prof. Njabulo Ndebele, as well as NWASA's strategic imperatives to date. The 1st GA theme was, New Beginnings for SA Writers:  Towards a New African Dawn? From this theme, Prof. Ndebele challenged members to strive towards NWASA 2121.  

In line with this, the theme is provisionally proposed as: Grounded locally, spread globally: Towards NWASA 2121, or Pens and Missiles: Towards NWASA 2021.

5. In our historical archives, it was tomorrow in our story, 23 May 1994, when, after the first fully democratic elections, South Africa was officially admitted as the 53rd member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) at a summit held in Tunis, Tunisia. 

The South African delegation was led by the Foreign Affairs Minister Alfred Nzo, who was applauded after membership was authorised at an OAU Council of Ministers meeting.  After joining the OAU, South Africa actively participated in all its activities and structures, including the Secretariat, the Centre for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, the Central Organ, the Council of Ministers, and the Annual Summit.

 

• Walmart sounds alarm on consumer spending slowdown

• 2. Microsoft looks to break Nvidia’s grip on AI infrastructure
• 3. Market update

 

Guest: Dr Joan Swart - Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch 

 

The Global Briefing: Germany is proposing a new fast-track relationship between Ukraine and the European Union.

former Cuban President Raúl Castro has been charged in the United States over the incident that killed four people, including three Americans

More than 400 activists detained aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla are being deported after videos emerged showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting detainees.

 

Built in Mzansi: How the Phakamisa programme helps expand access to treatment for noncommunicable diseases that has reached over 1,63 million people to date

Guest: Neel Andhee-Shah - Interim Country President for the African Cluster at AstraZeneca 

Built in Mzansi: How BroCode assists previously incarcerated men by providing rehabilitation and upskilling them with tech skills. 

Guest: Jadean Wright - Founder of The BroCode (NPO) 

Dr. Zweli Mkhize - Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)

The Municipal Watch: Parliament oversight role on municipalities - how effective are these oversight visits?

 

 

Yesterday, the State of the City Address was tabled where the Executive Mayor made bold promises to reclaim the CBD as the demolition of illegal structures moves forward. However, there are mounting questions over the city’s finances and service delivery failures. can Africa’s richest city rebuild trust, restore order, and rise again?  

Guest: Dada Morero - Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg