The National Pulse

Focus primarily on The Speakers Firm Book Conversations featuring Nyimpini Mabunda and the book CEO Nights: Insights on Leadership, Career and Growth from Top CEOs. Sechaba is the facilitator and should explain how the format draws practical lessons from leaders’ experiences. The email reminder also requests a mention of EmpowaMEN, but the main focus remains the Nyimpini conversation. GUEST:...

Gauteng is reportedly short of more than 4,000 nurses, leaving clinics and hospitals under pressure as patients face overcrowding and long waiting times. The discussion will examine the causes of the nursing shortage, the impact on healthcare workers and patient care, and why qualified doctors remain unemployed amid staffing gaps. What is the role of funding, recruitment and workforce planning, an...

The South African Police Service is emphasising discipline and professionalism amid reports of a 94% drop in the murder rate in KwaZulu-Natal. The discussion examines the figures behind the reported decline, the policing strategies involved, and whether the improvement is sustainable. GUEST: Willem Els of the Security Initiative for Africa (SIA) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

The KuGompo housing project remains stalled nearly three decades later, leaving land restitution beneficiaries waiting for homes. The delays raise questions about government accountability, land occupation and the growing housing crisis. What are the rights of informal settlement residents, the challenges of accessing adequate housing, and how government can balance competing needs while ensuring...

Explore the role of brands, reputation and leadership in shaping how Africa is perceived and how African organisations compete. Link his expertise to the wider leadership themes of the Book Conversations, while keeping the discussion grounded in practical insights for business and society. GUEST: Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder, Brand Africa | Chancellor, Sol Plaatje University | Professor of Practice, U...

South Africa heads to the 4 November local government elections with the highest record number of political parties on the ballot. Voters need a sharper test than loyalty or novelty. These are the words of Dr. Tendai Shephard Mbanje, a human rights, governance and elections expert.  GUEST: Dr. Tendai Shephard Mbanje, a human rights, governance and elections expert

Draw out practical lessons on leading complex organisations, managing change and balancing business growth with operational discipline. Keep questions accessible to a broad audience and invite examples from his leadership experience. GUEST: Jacques Rikhotso, Managing Director, Bridgestone Southern Africa

Focus on preparing future leaders, the skills needed to navigate a changing economy and how young professionals can turn knowledge into career opportunities. Draw on his economics, procurement and cross-sector experience. GUEST: Obakeng Senna, Economist | Founder, The Drive Network Future Leaders NPC AND Zandile Mposelwa, Director of Public Affairs at Sun International

Police in KwaZulu Natal have launched a murder investigation after a foreign national was beaten to death by a group of people on Dr Pixley ka Seme Street in the Durban CBD.  GUEST: Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu Natal Police Spokesperson

North West businessman, Suliman Carrim, appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today. Carrim faces charges related to the attempted theft of two vehicles. The cars were intercepted at the Beitbridge border post in Musina in July, allegedly destined for Malawi. Two suspects were arrested and Carrim has since been added as an accused in the matter.  GUEST: Katlego Nyoni, SABC Repo...

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) launched its conference report in Pretoria today, highlighting the need to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world. The report is titled 'Children's Rights to Privacy and Safety on Online Platforms' Legislative Gaps and the Case for Reformwas compiled by the SAHRC Child Rights Unit (CRU) and captures the findings of a stakeholders' conf...

South Africa’s municipalities are set for major financial reforms for the first time in 23 years, as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana proposes changes to strengthen accountability, improve revenue collection and tackle financial mismanagement. The reforms will require municipalities to adopt funded budgets, while government allocates an additional R21.8 billion to support basic services. Th...

US President Donald Trump’s expanding executive power ahead of the midterm elections and his increasingly unilateral approach to governing. We will look at how he is using presidential authority to pursue political and cultural opponents, challenge institutional constraints and advance his agenda without Congress. What are the implications for democratic accountability, checks and balances,...

The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) has condemned the Patriotic Alliance's decision to ban the media from its activities, warning that political parties cannot exclude journalists simply because they are unhappy with their coverage. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Professor Glenda Daniels, SANEF Secretary General

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has received overwhelming interest from young South Africans seeking to join the police force, highlighting the demand for employment and opportunities to serve their communities. With thousands of trainee positions available, questions arise about the recruitment process, selection criteria and the role new recruits will play in fighting crime. With youth u...

One Nation. One Hope. United in Prayer. GUEST: Pastor Randolph Barnwell, Ambassador for the NIGHT OF HOPE FOR SOUTH AFRICA.

Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, tabled the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), in Cape Town today. The Mid-Term budget plays a critical role in the entire budgetary process as it sets the tone for the country’s fiscal framework for the next national budget. GUEST: Jimmy Moyaha, SAfm Market Update host

Let’s get a reaction from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).  GUEST: Zanele Sabela, Spokesperson of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

Earlier today, the Working Class and Urban Poor organized through CRY OF THE XCLUDED in Gauteng marched to the National Treasury Office, in Tshwane in a march against austerity.  GUEST: Peter Monethe, CRY OF THE XCLUDED – GAUTENG

The Department of Basic Education has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to achieving universal access to quality early childhood development by 2030, and have launched The Bana Pele Cataylst fund.  GUEST: Siviwe Gwarube - Basic Education Minister

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile visited Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto on Wednesday following allegations of sexual assault involving a Grade 4 learner.  GUEST: Lebogang Maile - Gauteng Education MEC

A stomach-related illness outbreak has affected students at Rhodes University in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. The cause remains under investigation. We get more details from the university’s spokesperson GUEST: Olwethu Gwanya – Rhodes University: Communications and Media Relations Manager

South Africa heads to the polls on the 4th of November, but what happens after the elections? We unpack the political, economic and social risks facing the country with our guest. GUEST: Yvonne Mothibi - Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Risk Management South Africa

Rhodes University has revealed a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses among its community. This happens after more than 430 people fell ill in Tshwane.  GUEST: Jonathan Erasmus, WaterCAN Communications Manager

This October, the Lights On After School campaign is highlighting how after-school programmes support learners through academic assistance, mentorship and safe spaces. We discuss the initiative with our guest. GUEST: Wayde Groep – Communication and Advocacy Manager at YearBeyond