THE MORNING BRIEF

As Diwali 2025 approaches, Indian South Africans prepare to celebrate the symbolic triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. But amid the spiritual and familial rituals of the Festival of Lights, South Africa as a whole continues to grapple with serious societal challenges — from corruption and violent protest to judicial failures and a declining education system. Guest: Dr Sheetal Bhoola Bhoola is an education expert and a senior lecturer at the University of Zululand, and director at Stellarmaths.

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Attacq eyes global capital as Waterfall City gains investor traction 2. Grindrod appoints new CEO 3. Markets

Sello Hatang argues that the recent destruction at the University of Fort Hare has shaken the nation — not just for the loss of buildings, but for what it represents: a system at breaking point. Guest: Sello Hatang: Executive Director of Re Hata Mmoho

How Vodacom Business is Driving Purpose-Led Digital Transformation in South Africa. Guest: Lukhanyo Zahela: Acting Executive Head of Security at Vodacom Business

As the 2025 matric exams approach, excitement around end-of-year celebrations is being tempered by growing concerns over the safety of unsupervised “pens-down” parties. How do we avoid another Enyobeni tavern tragedy? Guest: Vee Gani - chairperson of the Parents Association of KZN

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter 1. IMF remains concerned about SAs debt picture warning of mounting fiscal pressures 2. SA keeps its position as Africa’s top financial market 3. Markets

The South African Cabinet has approved the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2025) — a comprehensive and long-term strategy to shape the country’s electricity generation mix. Guest: Chris Yelland - Managing Director at EE Business Intelligence (Pty) Ltd

While Gauteng residents grapple with dry taps and decaying infrastructure, a more insidious crisis is brewing beneath the surface — the increasing pollution of the province's rivers and dams. Guest: Dr Anja Du Plessis: associate professor at Unisa and a water management expert

South Africa’s legal gambling industry generated a staggering R75 billion in gross revenue during the 2024/25 financial year, despite widespread poverty and unemployment. Guest: Sibongile Simelane-Quntana: Executive Director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)

Africa Update Report with Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher: Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs: Unisa 20 October 2025 1. Madagascar- Antananarivo Madagascar coup leader Col. Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president, promises new elections within two years An army colonel who seized power in a military coup was sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader on Friday. 2. Kenya- Nairobi Kenya holds state funeral for Raila Odinga Presidents and representatives of African heads of state joined thousands of mourners at a state funeral service on Friday for Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the democratic reformer who died this week in India at the age of 80. 3. Lebanon- Libya Son of late Libyan leader ordered released in Lebanon if he pays $11 million bail After 10 years in prison without charge, a Lebanese judge has ordered the release of Hannibal Gadhafi, son of the late Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi. But it’s on condition that he pays $11 million bail, something his lawyers say they will contest. 4. In our historical archives, it was on this day 20 October 1995 when A book claims that SA’s Nuclear weapons programme has continued since 1993 Peter Houman and Steve McQuillan's book " Mini-Nuke Conspiracy: Mandela's Nuclear Nightmare " claimed that South Africa did not destroy all its nuclear weapons in 1993, as it was initially claimed by the then State President F. W. de Klerk, and that the nuclear weapons programme had been far more sophisticated than de Klerk had admitted.

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter 1. Growth in China slows in Q3 2. Kering dumps it’s beauty business 3. Markets

Across the United States, millions of people took to the streets in a wave of “No Kings” protests aimed at denouncing President Donald Trump’s perceived authoritarianism, attacks on democratic institutions, and overreach of power. Guest: John Stremlau: Wits University Honorary professor Of International Relations

AfriForum has secured a court order halting a proposed out-of-court settlement between Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which would have allowed Eskom to increase electricity tariffs by an additional R54 billion over three years. Guest: Morne Mostert: Head of Local Government Affairs at AfriForum

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter Increased purchases of Indian and Chinese car brands gives CMH a boost 2. Competition commission gives the Cashbuild-Allbuildco deal the thumbs up3. Markets

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police has strongly criticized acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola for failing to attend a crucial committee meeting on Wednesday. Guest: Mr Ian Cameron: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police

African penguins have now been listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as scientists warn they could vanish from the wild by 2035. Guest: Pierre de Villiers: Senior Manager Marine and coasts at CapeNature

South Africa is set to receive R2 billion in funding over the next six months from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support and sustain its existing HIV and Aids programmes. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has also strongly defended South Africa’s public healthcare system amid growing criticism over specialist shortages and long waiting times. Guest: Aaron Motsoaledi: Health Minister Guest: Anele Yawa: General Secretary Treatment Action Campaign

Latest business news with Ntaoleng Lechela - Business Reporter 1. Retail sales growth moderates in August 2. DHL earmarks R6 billion to invest in Africa 3. Markets

City Power has expressed serious concern following a violent armed break-in at its Alexandra substation on October 10, in which two on-duty security officers were attacked. The incident comes amid growing challenges faced by the utility, including infrastructure vandalism, cable theft, and the dangers of illegal electricity connections. Guest: Isaac Mangena: City Power Spokesperson

After an oversight visit to several schools in the Free State province, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education highlighted discriminatory hiring practices, language policy bias, decaying infrastructure, and severe staff shortages - all of which are undermining the quality of education, particularly for disadvantaged learners. Guest: Joy Maimela: Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Basic Education