THE MORNING BRIEF

HughFest returns on Sunday, 30 November 2025, bringing South Africans together once again in a vibrant celebration of music, heritage, and creativity. Now in its 12th year, and its fourth gathering at Nirox Sculpture Park, the festival continues the living legacy of the iconic Bra Hugh Masekela—a space where intergenerational stories, cultural pride, and artistic brilliance meet. This year’s edition features a powerful and diverse lineup, including Shekhinah, The Soul Brothers, Mi Casa, Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba, The Brother Moves On, and iComplete, each contributing to the festival’s ever-evolving spirit. Guest: Pula Twala: HughFest co-organiser and daughter of Bra Hugh

Africa’s entry into the G20 marked far more than symbolic inclusion—it signalled a structural shift in the global order. With a rapidly expanding population, rising GDP, and an unparalleled share of the minerals essential to the global energy transition, Africa is moving from the periphery of international governance to one of its central organising forces. South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency accelerated this shift, using its platform to champion the continent’s priorities—from critical minerals cooperation to sustainable industrialisation and reforms to global finance. What made this presidency distinct was not only what it pursued, but how it pursued it. As Zeinab El-Sayed, Head of Government Partnerships at Investing in African Mining Indaba, argues, Africa’s ascent on the world stage reflects a new diplomatic discipline: a compact approach grounded in coordination, coherence, and confidence. Guest: Zeinab El-Sayed: Head of Government Partnerships: Investing in African Mining Indaba

Madlanga commission: Alleged political fixer Oupa Brown Mogotsi faced intense scrutiny on Thursday at the Madlanga Commission, where he was pressed to clarify his lack of qualifications and produce evidence of his claimed role as an undercover agent for the South African Police Service (SAPS). The commission is investigating allegations of political interference, corruption, and criminal conduct within South Africa’s justice system. A central concern during Mogotsi’s testimony is the implications of lying under oath and how it affects the credibility of his evidence. Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga noted that Mogotsi appeared not to grasp the seriousness of taking an oath, raising questions about the reliability of his statements and the impact on the commission’s proceedings. Guest: Elton Hart: Legal Expert

The upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg — the first ever hosted on African soil — is unfolding under the shadow of a full U.S. boycott and an empty chair reserved for incoming G20 president Donald Trump. South Africa is pushing an ambitious agenda centred on multilateralism, climate resilience, energy transition, and fairer global economic structures. But Washington’s refusal to attend and its warning against issuing a joint declaration have created a diplomatic confrontation that underscores deep fractures in global governance. President Cyril Ramaphosa, determined to showcase Africa’s leadership, says he will symbolically hand over the presidency to Trump’s “empty chair,” highlighting the political tensions shaping this landmark summit. Guest: John Stremlau: Wits University Honorary professor Of International Relations

Madlanga commission Brown Mogotsi on the stand Day 3: Controversial businessman and self-proclaimed state agent Brown Mogotsi shocked the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry when he openly admitted to having lied under oath in the past — insisting that deception was part of his supposed intelligence “duties.” His testimony, which has been riddled with contradictions and unverified claims about his role in Crime Intelligence, has drawn sharp criticism from commissioners and evidence leaders who question both his credibility and his alleged involvement in police matters. Guest: Canny maphanga: sabc reporter

With the South African Reserve Bank’s MPC set to announce its final interest rate decision for 2025, businesses and investors are closely watching for potential impacts on growth, borrowing costs, and market confidence. Economists remain sharply divided over whether the MPC will keep rates unchanged or opt for a 25 basis-point cut, as inflation ticks up to 3.6%—slightly above the newly formalised 3% target but still comfortably contained. With markets largely pricing in a cut, the decision comes at a pivotal moment, as policymakers navigate rising consumer costs, a cautious U.S. Federal Reserve, and South Africa’s broader transition toward a lower long-term interest-rate environment. Guest: Danie Dörfling: Head of Business Development at Moore Infinity

A surge in violence shook the Gaza Strip on Wednesday as Israeli strikes killed at least 25 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The escalation, one of the deadliest days since a ceasefire took effect five weeks ago, unfolded just days after the UN Security Council endorsed a US-led plan aimed at stabilising the region and demilitarising Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas traded accusations of violating the fragile truce, raising fears that the ceasefire could collapse. Guest: Thembisa Fakude: Director at Africa Asia Dialogues and Global Governance Analyst

Guest: Mr Siphiwe Mpungose: Secretary General of the Educators Union Of South Africa (EUSA)

Education experts, gender-based violence activists, and national education bodies have expressed deep alarm at the growing number of statutory rape and sexual misconduct cases in South African schools. Their concerns follow new statistics released by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), revealing that 176 teachers were found guilty of sexual misconduct involving pupils between 2021–22 and 2025–26, out of 211 officially reported cases. The revelations have reignited public debate about systemic failures, inadequate vetting, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the safety of pupils across the country. Stakeholders are calling for urgent and coordinated action from government, law-enforcement agencies, parents, school governing bodies, and teachers’ unions to address what is increasingly being described as a national crisis. Guest: Zeenat Sujee: Head of Education Rights at SECTION27

President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national crisis, marking one of the strongest statements yet from government on the epidemic of violence facing women and children in South Africa. Speaking at the G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni, the president acknowledged the national outcry and growing pressure from civil society, including the Women for Change #WomenShutdown planned for Friday, where thousands of women across the country will withdraw from daily activities to protest the ongoing violence. Guest: Advocate Brenda Madumise: Director Wise 4 Afrika & GBV Activist

Afrika Update Report 20 November 2025 Guinea Bissau decides in three days and who are the main opposition candidates in this presidential and legislative elections? And what are the electoral and governance issues dominating these elections? Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, a 53-year-old ex-army general, is seeking a second term, but faces 11 challengers in the West African nation with a history of political instability. UN chief calls terrorism in the Sahel a 'growing global threat', urges cooperation The United Nations Secretary-General has warned world leaders that terrorism in the Sahel is "not only a regional dramatic reality" but "a growing global threat." Speaking to the UN Security Council this week António Guterres urged nations across the region to work together and allow for coordinated action against terrorism. “We face the risk of a disastrous domino effect across the entire region. Many countries are reeling," Guterres said. Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman has urged USA President Donald Trump to take action to help end Sudan’s devastating civil war, raising the prospect of new US involvement in a conflict that has already claimed more than 40,000 lives. They objected to a Johannesburg City Council meeting statement made on 17 October 1944, in which a detailed report regarding the "Western Areas Scheme" had been approved. The Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) passed a resolution on the Johannesburg area "Fietas", (the name by which Pageview and Vrededorp was known).

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), South Africa’s largest restricted medical aid scheme, has released its Roadmap for 2026, outlining plans to strengthen long-term sustainability, enhance member benefits, and improve operational efficiency. Central to the announcement is an average 9.8% contribution increase for 2026, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). While GEMS argues that the adjustment is necessary to protect access and stability for its 2.4 million beneficiaries, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has criticised the scheme for unilateral decision-making, saying the hike undermines trust and burdens public service employees who are limited to a single medical aid option. Guest: Claude Naicker: The Public Servants Association

E-hailing drivers across South Africa have been given 180 days to comply with new regulatory requirements introduced under the amended National Land Transport Act, which formally recognises e-hailing as a legal mode of public transport. The Department of Transport has outlined the steps drivers and platforms must follow to meet the new standards, which include obtaining operating licences, vehicle branding, and installing physical panic buttons to enhance passenger and driver safety. The changes aim to create a more regulated, transparent, and safer e-hailing industry while aligning it with other public transport sectors. Guest: Collen Msibi: Transport department spokesperson

South Africa stands at a defining moment. Inequality, corruption, and unemployment continue to undermine the country’s democratic promise — yet within these challenges lie powerful opportunities for renewal. At this year’s 3rd Annual SAfm Public Lecture, esteemed Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, will lead a compelling exploration of how South Africa can rebuild its social contract to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. This lecture brings together thinkers, leaders, and engaged citizens committed to charting a fairer, more resilient future for all. Guest: Dr Geraldine Fraser Moleketi: Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University & Speaker at the 3rd annual public lecture

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), South Africa’s largest restricted medical aid scheme, has released its Roadmap for 2026, outlining plans to strengthen long-term sustainability, enhance member benefits, and improve operational efficiency. Central to the announcement is an average 9.8% contribution increase for 2026, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). Guest: Dr Stanley Moloabi: Principal Officer-Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems)

Farmers and agricultural leaders from across the world convened in Stellenbosch on 17 September 2025 for the G20 Farmers Dialogue, hosted by the Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai) at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. The hybrid gathering connected in-person delegates with digital participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa—ensuring that the lived realities and authentic voices of farmers were central to global policy discussions. The outcomes of the Dialogue will contribute directly to a farmers’ declaration to be presented at the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Guest: Dr Theo de Jager: Chairman of The Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai)

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Sello Seitlholo, will lead a two-day Sanitation Month awareness campaign in commemoration of World Toilet Day on 19–20 November 2025 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The campaign is a collaborative initiative undertaken by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Water Research Commission (WRC), the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The programme will highlight innovative sanitation technologies designed to improve service delivery, promote dignified sanitation, and build climate-resilient communities—aligning with this year’s World Toilet Day theme, “Sanitation in a changing world.” Guest: Sello Seitlholo: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation

Madlanga Commission Day 2 recap: Commissioner Sesi Baloyi sharply questioned the credibility of North West businessman Brown Mogotsi’s testimony during Wednesday’s session of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. Baloyi criticised Mogotsi for presenting serious allegations without conducting even basic verification. The commission is set to resume on Thursday. Guest: Canny Maphanga: Sabc Reporter

Madlanga Commission Day 2 analysis on claims made by Mogotsi: Alleged political “fixer” and self-described Crime Intelligence contact agent Oupa Brown Mogotsi returned to the witness stand for a second day before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where he forcefully rejected accusations that he is a habitual or “professional” liar. His testimony on Wednesday covered his claims about manipulation within the South African Police Service (SAPS), alleged political interference in crime-fighting units, an attempted assassination, and controversial assertions involving high-ranking police officials, politicians and even the CIA. Guest: Prof Kholofelo Rakubu: Criminologist