THE MORNING BRIEF

Guest: Richard Mamabolo: spokesperson, Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru)

Duration:00:04:44

In a groundbreaking move to enhance online safety for children across South Africa, MySociaLife has launched the free "Hero Program," designed to equip primary school students with essential digital literacy and online safety skills.

Guest: Dean McCoubrey: Social Media Expert & Founder of MySociaLife

Duration:00:09:46

President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) while U.S. Attorney-General Pam Bondi reviews current policies and issues new guidelines.

Guest: Janine Erasmus: Website Editor at Corruption Watch

Duration:00:07:06

Racism in South African schools remains a critical issue, with recent incidents at Centenary High School in Durban and Pretoria High School highlighting the persistence of race-based discrimination among young people.

Guest: Sheetal Bhoola: Academic Director of Stellarmaths and Academic at The University of Zululand

Duration:00:08:30

Gauteng's Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has responded to claims of overcrowding in Gauteng schools, stating that the department is taking proactive steps to alleviate pressure on high-pressure schools.

Guest: Matome Chiloane: Gauteng's Education MEC

Duration:00:08:42

Africa Update Report with Lerato Tsebe an independent African Researcher

14 February 2025 Additionally. DRC President Tshisekedi to miss AU Summit and parallel meetings - Again!

Duration:00:06:14

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace negotiations regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Guest: Steven Gruzd: head of the Africa-Russia Project at the South African Institute of International Affairs

Duration:00:07:34

A coalition of healthcare professionals has proposed an alternative to South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which they argue is unworkable and destined for failure.

Guest: Professor Alex van den Heever, chair of social security system administration and management studies at the Wits School of Governance and Universal Healthcare Access Coalition Steering Committee Member

Duration:00:06:07

Epilepsy Week, running until 16 February, brings attention to the alarming global treatment gap for epilepsy, with up to 90% of people in need of treatment not receiving it.

Guest: Guest: Dr James Butler: Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa

Duration:00:07:52

Just days after the Hammanskraal Mayor declared the water drinkable in the area, locals reported that the water quickly returned to its contaminated state

Guest: Tshepo Mahlangu: Lotus Atteridgeville Saulsville Civic Association

Duration:00:06:47

Judgment has been reserved in the legal battle between housing activist organisations and the Western Cape Government, with the Constitutional Court on Tuesday hearing arguments for the contentious Tafelberg site located in the Cape Town CBD.

Guest: Disha Govender: Head of Law Centre at Ndifuna Ukwazi

Duration:00:08:12

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa

13 February 2025 African Court on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in Arusha has opened hearings on DRC-Rwanda dispute In this case, DRC claims violations of human rights, including incidents of genocide, acts of abuse such as rape and defamation, as well as the destruction of human service infrastructure like schools, hospitals, electricity and water, which are being carried out by rebel groups backed by the Rwandan government. 38th African Union (AU) Summit: Advancing Africa’s Development Agenda The 38th African Union (AU) Summit will bring together heads of state, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across Africa to address pressing challenges and opportunities for the continent. Held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, this pivotal gathering will focus on advancing the African Union’s agenda for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Key Themes for the 38th AU Summit: Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations to Africans Sudan's FM visits Moscow seeking more collaborations with Russia The Sudanese Foreign Minister, on a visit to Moscow on Wednesday, said he "is grateful" to Russia for its support in the United Nations Security Council. Ali Yousuf Ahmed Al-Sharif, speaking during a joint press conference with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, said that attempts to pass a resolution in the Security Council that would pave the way for international UN forces to intervene in Sudan were blocked by Moscow. 4.Liberia – Sierra Leone Sierra Leone's President Bio Urges Liberian Military to Stay Out of Politics Monrovia — President Julius Maada Bio has called on the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to remain apolitical in their service to the country and its people. President Bio, who is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone (AFSL), served as the keynote speaker at the 68th anniversary celebration of the founding of the AFL. Addressing the military, he emphasized that the survival of democracy relies on a non-political army, asserting that nations prosper when the military aligns with democratic principles. Known for their powerful isicathamiya and mbube musical styles, the group’s Grammy win symbolizes the universal appeal of South African art and the country’s significant contributions to the world music scene.

Duration:00:04:44

According to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report released last week by Stellenbosch University, “four out of every 10 children do not live with their biological fathers in South Africa”, while “one in every four children live in homes without any adult men present”.

Guest: Kopano Ratele is professor at Stellenbosch University. He is one of the editors of the latest State of South Africa’s Fathers (SOSAF 2024) which came out last week.

Duration:00:05:26

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to be fitted with an electronic tag on February 7, 2025, following his conviction on charges of graft and corruption.

Guest: Prof David Monyae is the Director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg

Duration:00:07:29

Global markets are grappling with increased uncertainty, largely driven by the shifting trade policies under former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have had a noticeable impact on investor confidence.

Guest: Temoso Musi, Investments Analyst at 36ONE Asset Management and part of the PPS Managed Fund investment team

Duration:00:09:06

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has made a significant move to enhance the economic potential of Richards Bay by signing two major Terminal Operator Agreements.

Guest: Phyllis Difeto: Acting Chief Executive, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)

Duration:00:09:54

Between April and December 2024, over 7,400 children under the age of 18 were treated for suicide attempts across South Africa, highlighting a concerning mental health crisis among young people.

Guest: Cassey Chambers: Operations Director, South African Depression and Anxiety Group

Duration:00:10:01

South Africa faces a delicate balancing act in its foreign relations, particularly in navigating the rising tensions between China and the US.

Guest: Arno J. van Niekerk Senior lecturer in Economics, University of the Free State

Duration:00:07:48

In 2024, China saw a historic decline in marriage registrations, with only 6.1 million marriages recorded, a 20.5% drop from the previous year.

Guest: Tom Moultrie: Professor of demography and Director of the Centre for Actuarial Research at the University of Cape Town

Duration:00:09:03

According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s index covering January 2025, workers earning at the level of the national minimum wage, spend 57.7% of their salary on two essential expenses – transport and 350 kilowatts of pre-paid electricity.