April 20, 2026.

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lynne Davies.

Making headlines:

Ramaphosa warns global inequality threatens democracy

DA calls for immediate suspension of arrested Ekurhuleni municipal manager

And, Nigeria tightens broadcast rules to curb divisive content ahead of 2027 elections

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a warning regarding the state of global affairs, stating that solidarity, cooperation and friendship are being challenged by the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice and intolerance.

With South Africa preparing to celebrate Freedom Day on April 27, marking 30 years since the adoption of the democratic Constitution, Ramaphosa emphasised the need to defend democratic gains both domestically and internationally.

In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa notes that conflicts and wars – often linked to battles over resources – continue across the globe, as do others related to colonial-era divisions shaped by violent conquest.

In many places, democracy is under threat, he says, noting a decline in trust in democratic systems.

Ramaphosa notes the issues are a “serious challenge”, exacerbated by deep inequalities within and among nations, arguing that the rules and institutions that support democracy must work to improve people’s lives.

The Democratic Alliance is calling on Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to immediately suspend municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla pending further investigation into the charges laid against him.

Lerutla was arrested on Sunday on charges related to fraud, corruption and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

He is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court alongside suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said the city cannot be led by someone who is potentially implicated in criminal activity.

“He must be suspended immediately,” she stated, calling on law enforcement to seek out others working for the City who were involved in crimes.

Nigeria’s broadcast regulator has barred radio and television presenters from airing personal opinions, intimidating guests or broadcasting divisive political content, warning of sanctions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Africa’s largest democracy goes to the polls in January following past election cycles marred by misinformation and sporadic violence.

In a notice issued on Friday, the National Broadcasting Commission said it would strictly enforce provisions of the broadcasting code that prohibit presenters from passing personal views as fact, denying opposing perspectives a fair hearing or airing hateful or inflammatory material capable of inciting disorder or undermining constitutional authority and national cohesion.

While comparable restrictions on broadcaster conduct exist in other democracies during campaigns, critics say enforcement in Nigeria has historically been uneven.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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