Madagascar’s Ousted President Confirms He Fled Amid Military Takeover

Loading player...
Madagascar’s political crisis deepened this week as ousted president Andry Rajoelina confirmed he fled the country over the weekend. Speaking for the first time since his removal, Rajoelina cited “serious threats” to his life as the reason for his sudden departure. Reports suggest the 51-year-old was evacuated aboard a French military aircraft. Now in a "safe place," Rajoelina has accused the National Assembly of conspiring with the military to oust him. His departure follows weeks of mass protests, largely led by a Gen Z movement demanding access to water and electricity. The military has announced Colonel Michael Randrianirina as the interim leader, with a swearing-in ceremony planned for Friday. Phemelo unpacked the implications with researcher and analyst Advocate Sipho Mantula.
16 Oct 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

ECD practitioners call for better municipal support for early learning centres

Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners are calling on municipalities to address the challenges affecting their centres, including unreliable water supply, unsafe infrastructure, delayed inspections and inadequate support. Following a series of ECD Imbizos across the country, practitioners have put forward five key demands and challenged political leaders to make public…
3 Nov 2PM 40 min

Local government elections: Voter do’s and don’ts

Phemelo is joined in studio by Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms to continue unpacking what voters need to know about the 2026 local government elections. They look at important voting do’s and don’ts, including why voters should not photograph or share images of their marked ballots on social media, as…
3 Nov 2PM 34 min

-DELETED- Local government elections: Voter do’s and don’ts

Phemelo is joined in studio by Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms to continue unpacking what voters need to know about the 2026 local government elections. They look at important voting do’s and don’ts, including why voters should not photograph or share images of their marked ballots on social media, as…
3 Nov 2PM 34 min

Bronkhorstspruit water remains unsafe despite rehabilitation progress

The City of Tshwane says work to rehabilitate the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works is progressing, with support from Rand Water, but the water remains unsafe for consumption. Mayor Nasiphi Moya says outstanding work, public health monitoring and water quality testing must be completed before a safe supply can be restored…
3 Nov 1PM 10 min

What voters need to know about South Africa’s 2026 local government elections

With South Africans heading to the polls, Phemelo speaks to Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms about what voters need to know before casting their ballots. They unpack the role of local government, how the voting process works, the powers of councillors and how mayors are elected. The discussion also explores…
2 Nov 2PM 46 min