The National Pulse

After months of preparation and the rigorous evaluation of 600 entrants, 16 business leaders are in the running for the title of SA’s Entrepreneur of the Year. This year sees an impressive mix of businesses shortlisted, from Legends Barber to digital comms agency, Retroviral, and a space component manufacturing company. I’m joined on the line by David Morobe, Executive General Manager for Impact I...

    We just spoke to Barry Bateman, AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit’s Spokesperson about corruption allegations levelled against Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi. The Premier’s spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla joins me on the line now to share their views on these allegations…   GUEST: Sizwe Pamla, Gauteng Premier’s Spokesperson  

    The AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit released a statement earlier today alleging that, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, was implicated in corruption cover-up and thwarting criminal investigation. According to the statement, Panyaza Lesufi is alleged to be a central figure in a massive cover-up of rampant corruption, money laundering and fraud that has cost the provincial government hundreds...

In conversation with Ayanda Colombile who represents unemployed learners and SMMEs in the O.R Tambo Region in the Eastern Cape who were part of a Skills Development Programme, targeting unemployed youth beneficiaries for the duration of three months. Apparently, some of them haven’t been paid what is due to them and there was no proper explanation as to why they haven’t received their payments. GU...

Ethiopia's parliament has replaced the country’s first female head of state, Sahle-Work Zewde. There have been reports that she was having a difficult working relationship with the current Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed and his colleagues.   GUEST: Professor Mamo Muchi, Pan Africanist Professor for Justice, Peace and Security

ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for an audit of spaza shops in eThekwini to determine how many are owned or run by illegal foreigners. This as they attempt to address the needs and concerns of local communities. To explain how this proposal will work is…..   GUEST: Zwakele Mncwango, ActionSA Provincial Chairperson

Today trade union federation Cosatu, embarked on the National Day of Action against what it terms, the crippling economic crisis in the country, characterised by joblessness, poverty and inequality. Let’s now cross to one of our reporters who is currently in Bloemfontein  Guest: Solly Phethoe - General secretary of Cosatu 

We continue our rolling coverage of the COSATU National Strike as we move to the north of the country. SABC News Reporter, Koketso Motau has been following proceedings in Polokwane, Limpopo and he joins me on the line to chat to us about what has been happening…   GUEST: Koketso Motau, SABC News Reporter  

We continue to give you more coverage on COSATU’s nationwide marches – this time around though, focusing on what’s happening in the Western Cape where our colleague Corbin August is at the moment……   guest:  Jayed-Leigh Paulse, SABC Reporter based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Today trade union federation Cosatu, embarked on the National Day of Action against what it terms, the crippling economic crisis in the country, characterised by joblessness, poverty and inequality. Let’s now cross to one of our reporters who is currently in Bloemfontein ……   GUEST: Konelo Lekhafola, SABC Reporter based in Bloemfontein Mthobisi Mkhaliphi  in Komatipoort, in Mpumalanga.

On Wednesday this week, Mozambicans will vote for a new president. Some observers believe that Mozambique's ruling party, Frelimo - is likely to maintain a firm grip on power. Yesterday, the candidates rounded off their campaigns in the northern and central provinces, which are regarded as the highest-voting constituencies. Joining us to talk about the country’s state of affairs ahead of Wednesday...

A veteran police officer stands accused of being the mastermind behind a hit squad connected to the assassination of a whistleblower. He now faces additional charges for violating his bail conditions. Authorities are investigating a secret network of influence at the maximum-security prison where he was held. Jeff Wicks, News 24 Investigative Journalist is behind the ‘Whistleblower hit squad’ piec...

Roadblock crackdown in South Africa While the Department of Transport plans to implement a 24/7 shift schedule for traffic police by March 2025, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department has vowed to use a new ‘three-strike system’ to crack down on unroadworthy vehicles. The JMPD said on Wednesday that “any vehicle found with three or more defects will be immediately discontinued from operating on...

  The South African Medical Research Council is proud to be participating in the 2024 National Science Week which ends tomorrow. The event, which is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation, aims to ignite conversations about the implications of living in an increasingly technologically driven society. This year’s theme is "Living in a high-tech world: should we be concern...

Former KwaZulu-Natal premier, Willies Mchunu, has resigned from the African National Congress, saying that he can no longer add value to the party due to its current political trajectory, also making it clear that he has lost hope in the ANC’s commitment to pursue the National Democratic Revolution in the interest of the working class and the poor. Mchunu joins us now to elaborate further on this…...

As Lesotho celebrates 58 years of independence today and 200 years since the founding of the nation. We look at the bilateral relations between Lesotho and France, and how the Mountain Kingdom continues to preserve and promote the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I.  GUEST: David Martinon, French Ambassador to South Africa    

As we approach the first anniversary of the October 7th attacks. We talk about the importance of humanitarian aid in conflict zones and the significant role played by medical staff in providing support to individuals and communities affected by armed conflict.  GUEST: Federica Lezzi, Project Medical Coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza Strip 

  The High Court in Johannesburg is today hearing the urgent application launched by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party against the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). The party seeks to interdict the commission from sitting in the absence of its Parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe. Legally speaking – how strong is their case?  GUEST: Modidima Mannya, an admitted Attorney of the High Court 

More than 17 million people applied for the R370-a-month Social Relief of Distress grant in September 2024, according to the latest figures supplied by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This is an increase of more than three million people since September 2021, when 13.8 million people applied. GUEST: Dr Morne Malan, Deputy Head of Policy @Free Market Foundation   

  According to AfriForum CEO, Kallie Kriel, the Civil Rights organization unanimously requested that the DA and the Freedom Front Plus reconsider their role in the Government of National Unity if the Basic Education Laws Amendment ACT remains implemented. Kallie Kriel joins me on the line to expand on this statement… GUEST: Kallie Kriel, AFriForum CEO

Gauteng is heading for Day Zero, with leading scientists pegging the province’s water crisis as a near-term climate change tipping point. There are several other water scarcity hotspots countrywide, making this a national concern, not only in terms of economics but also the potential for conflict. Senior Research Associate, Climate, at the Institute for Security Studies, Dhesigen Naidoo joins me o...

TBWA\South Africa is currently hosting its Africa Conference which commenced on Monday this week. We understand that more than 100 delegates from all over Africa and middle East are attending this all-important conference which will see brand communications experts exchange ideas on numerous topics. The theme for this year is “Here we are”. TBWA\SA’s Graham Cruikshanks joins me on the line to talk...

  The South African Social Security Agency has revealed that more than 17 million people applied for the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant last month. Worryingly, their latest figures also show that this is an increase of more than three million people since 2021. To talk to us about these latest figures is….. GUEST: Paseka Letsatsi, Spokesperson of the South African Social Security Agency (SAS...