Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

The Albanese Blunder How a Rogue Official Sparked a Diplomatic Drama

Loading player...
During her Nelson Mandela Lecture in Sandton, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese - known for her outspoken stance on Palestine - was confronted by a sheriff attempting to serve her with court papers from the US. The bizarre move, reportedly orchestrated by a rogue official in South Africa’s Department of Justice, set off alarms at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and among organisers, including Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor. It later emerged that the official may have been duped by a US-based Zionist lobby intent on discrediting Albanese through a defamation suit. Human rights lawyer Nicole Fritz joins Phemelo to unpack how a paperwork blunder spiralled into a geopolitical storm.
28 Oct 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Joburg's fuel crisis raises concerns over service delivery

Johannesburg's financial troubles are under the spotlight after Roads and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene revealed that fuel services to the Johannesburg Roads Agency fleet have been suspended. The move has left vehicles responsible for pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance and emergency infrastructure inspections grounded, sparking concerns about the City's ability…
24 Jun 5PM 22 min

Parliament seeks answers over clash between IDAC and Crime Intelligence

Parliament is demanding clarity following a dramatic standoff involving the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and senior Crime Intelligence officials. The incident has raised fresh concerns about tensions within South Africa's security cluster, with questions mounting over accountability and law enforcement oversight. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson…
24 Jun 4PM 13 min

Thousands of Malawians stranded as repatriation efforts stall

Thousands of Malawian nationals remain stranded across KwaZulu-Natal as authorities battle logistical challenges in a large-scale repatriation process. Officials say limited transport capacity from the Malawian government has slowed efforts, forcing authorities to balance voluntary returns with deportation procedures. Phemelo speaks to KZN Premier spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha about the delays…
24 Jun 4PM 10 min

Campaign launched to reopen Joburg libraries on Saturdays

Civil society groups are calling on the City of Johannesburg to reopen public libraries on Saturdays, arguing that learners, job seekers and communities are being deprived of vital resources and safe public spaces. A petition has now been launched to pressure the City to restore weekend access. Phemelo speaks to…
24 Jun 4PM 6 min
All episodes