THE MORNING BRIEF

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a landmark 25-year Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) with FFS Tank Terminals, marking a significant step forward for South Africa’s liquid bulk storage capacity and port infrastructure development. Guest: Dr Dineo Mazibuko: General Manager for Commercial Services, Transnet National Ports Authority

On the eve of World Mental Health Day (10 October), fresh warnings have been issued about the toxic state of many South African workplaces — and the high cost of silence. According to Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, toxic work environments are not just bad for employee morale — they are damaging public health and the economy. Guest: Prof Renata Schoeman: Head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School

South Africa’s health standards watchdog, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), has raised serious concerns about “window dressing” in health establishments — a growing trend where hospitals and clinics borrow equipment and documents from other facilities during inspections to appear compliant. Guest: Dr Siphiwe Mndaweni: CEO, The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC)

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter KAL Group says US tariffs are opening new markets as farmers accelerate export diversification 2. Global cocoa prices tank after two year rally 3. Markets

Guest: Malaika Mahlatsi - a senior researcher and government official Malaika Mahlatsi argues that local governance needs skilled and professional leaders, not just famous celebrity faces. This is after ActionSA announced media personality and anti-drug activist Xolani Khumalo as its mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni.

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Firstrand flags concerns over UK FCA motor finance redress scheme 2. Dubai fintech firm, Opstasia set to list on the JSE3. Markets

The family of slain whistle-blower Babita Deokaran has expressed deep anger and disappointment at the findings of a recent Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report, which reveals that over R2 billion was looted from Tembisa Hospital — more than double the R850 million Babita had uncovered before her assassination in 2021. Guest: Bishop Tony Haripersadh: Babita’s Deokaran's brother-in-law

Union Against Hunger call on Shoprite and all food retailers in South Africa to urgently reduce the price of essential food and call on government to regulate essential food prices. Guest: Mark Heywood - One of the Co-Founders of the Union Against Hunger

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 09 October 2025 1. South Sudan – South Afrika South Afrikan Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in South Sudan, Juba on a working visit Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan arrived in Juba, South Sudan yesterday to hold consultations with various stakeholders on the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. 2. Tunisia- Israel- Palestine Protesters in Tunisia mark Gaza anniversary, demand end to ties with Israel Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis this week, calling for the expulsion of the American ambassador and a law to criminalize normalization with Israel. 3. Madagascar- Antananarivo Protesters reject president's offer of dialogue and call for general strike Youth protesters in Madagascar refused to hold talks with President Andry Rajoelina yesterday and accused authorities of repression. The head of state had called for a “national dialogue” with various groups, including spiritual leaders, students and youth representatives. 4. In our historical archives, it was on this day 9 October 1962, when Uganda was liberated from the Great Britain as a parliamentary democratic monarchy with traditional kingdoms Ankole, Buganda, Bunyoro and Toro receiving federal status and a degree of autonomy. Buganda, under the leadership of Sir Edward Mutesa, was the most powerful kingdom.

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter SoftBank acquires ABB’s robotics business 2. BMW trims 2025 outlook3. Markets

In a move that has intensified legal and political tensions across the country, former President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to several U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois. Guest: Brooks Spector: Associate Editor at the Daily Maverick

The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) has asked the Constitutional Court to declare that the reappointment of Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva as chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission “is unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid”. Guest: Bishop Marothi Mashashane: President, South African National Christian Forum

How important is for science to lead in dealing with climate change? Guest: Leen Govaerts: VITO Director of Water & Energy Transition, Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC)

What role is the CSIR playing in advancing research, development and innovation in South Africa and Africa? Guest: Dr Raymond Molapo: Exhibitor, CSIR Conference Platinum Sponsor

Where does South Africa and Africa more broadly stand, in meeting targets of the adoption of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs? Guest: Vuyani Jarana: CSIR Board Member

How important is commemorating of CSIR’s 80 years of touching lives through innovation & Science, technology and innovation for a sustainable future? Guest: Dr Thulani Dlamini: CEO, the CSIR [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

The Zero Dropout national study they conducted, shows that 14% of learners considered dropping out of school due to teenage pregnancy. In KwaZulu-Natal, only around 2,000 of 25,000 pupils who fell pregnant between 2023 and 2024 stayed in school. Guest: Colin Wardle: Communication Lead for the Zero Dropout Campaign

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter PwC flags illegal mining as national crisis 2. Glencore and Sibanye chrome merger gets thumbs up3. Markets

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 08 October 2025 1. Cameroon- Yaoundé Cameroon decides in Five (5) days, what is at stake? And Who are the contenders and outcast? For others, however, the upcoming election is among the most consequential in years. Opposition camps are gaining momentum — and a rare sense of unity — in hopes of finally unseating Biya, who has ruled for nearly 43 years. 2. Egypt- France - UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO) poised for historic leadership change with a nomination of an Arab and Afrikan Representation 3. Chad- United Kingdom ( Environmental diplomacy) Chad ends ties with Prince Harry’s African parks Chad said it has withdrawn a mandate held by a non-profit conservation group associated with Prince Harry to manage its wildlife reserves, accusing the leading charity of not doing enough to stop poaching. 4. In our historical archives, it was on this day 8 October 1962 when 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.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is once again under international scrutiny as it prepares to receive 11 convicted criminals deported from the United States this October. The move follows a similar deportation earlier this year that triggered regional security concerns, particularly from neighbouring South Africa. Guest: Lucky Lukhele - Spokesperson for the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN)