The Daily Discourse

We’ve been hearing different opinions from medical practitioners and the sector as a whole. This time around we look at the health strategies for prevention and containment of a new Covid-19 pandemic. Where do we even start? Guest: Dr Jabulani Ncayiyana - Epidemiologist and Senior Lecturer at the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine at the Univers...

Effects of COVID-19 on unemployment According to Business Live, economists’ predict that the effects of COVID-19 on unemployment will be felt in the second quarter of the year and in the foreseeable future. GUEST: Bryan Hirsch, Chairperson of Bryan Hirsch, Colley & Associates (Pty) Limited

One of the biggest health concerns that was raised within the context of the Covid-19 was the fear of contracting flue. In an article penned by Professor Marietjie Venter, she says it It is important to try to avoid getting flu this year, since you have the risk of being exposed to people that may have COVID-19 when you go to the doctor’s office. Scary thought indeed, but then how does one avoid t...

We turn the focus on Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) by looking at how they are affected during the national lockdown. According to the Department of Social Development there are 228 533 NPO’s in South Africa. What role can they play during this period and what will be needed for them to survive post COVID-19? Guest: Nation Builder’s executive trustee, Keri Paschal

The President of the Law Society of South Africa, Mvuzo Notyesi, says the amended regulations, governing courts during the coronavirus lockdown period, will have a significant impact on the administration of justice. The department of Justice has published amended regulations, to clear some confusion among the public. Among the amendments, lawyers involved in urgent litigation must get permission...

There has been reports doing the rounds about those people who live alone and the impact the lockdown is having on them. Some just don’t have friends or relatives they live with while others prefer being alone. Mentally how is the lockdown affecting them and what is it they can do to overcome? Guest: Buyisile Mncina – Clinical psychologist

City of Joburg waste management company Pikitup has appealed on residents to sanitize the lids of their waste bins before collection. Pikitup continues to render waste collection services during the lockdown period. But now what about the worker? How safe are they seeing that people throw anything in the bin. How protective is their safety gear? Is it enough that we should sanitise our bins? What...

The South African Medical Association says it has requested Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to intervene in a dispute with the Limpopo Health Department over the forced quarantine of two doctors who tested positive for the coronavirus. SAMA alleges that the two doctors were forced into quarantine at the Modimolle quarantine site on Thursday when they had the means to self-isolate safely at home. SAMA...

Last week we spoke to two South Africans who were stuck at the Malaysian airport. They could not enter the city, but also not able to come back home. Today talk to another South African, this time in Vietnam. He is an English teacher who is stranded in Hanoi without any source of income and says his savings are running out. He has been in self isolation for 68 days. Guest: Ruben Gerber – South Afr...

Earlier this year when we were broadcasting at the funeral of the late Dr Richard Maponya in Soweto, there was one particular hymn that was sang. It’s called Lizalise idinga lakho Thixo wenyaniso "God of truth fulfill your promise". Some articles say it was a prayer composed by Rev Tiyo Soga who is said to be the first black South African to be ordained and worked to translate the Bible and John B...

Eskom says it has experienced a significant reduction in demand for electricity during the nationwide lockdown. The power utility says electricity usage has dropped by up to nine-thousand megawatts since the lockdown began last week. This has allowed Eskom to operate without the need to implement loadshedding. What does all of this mean and how do they preserve this extra energy for the rainy days...

Since the lockdown was pronounced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, government came up with different measures to assist with the impact it may have on the different sectors. The business sector has been the hardest hit with many owners calling radio stations for clarity over different issues. Guest: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni - Minister of Small Business Development

Traditional healers earlier raised their concerns to government feeling left out in the fight against covid-19. What is it they are bringing to the table and as far as they are concerned what assistance can they give and looking back to indigenous knowledge systems, how did our ancestors deal with outbreaks? FOCUS: Gogo Dineo – Sangoma, Spiritual teacher, life coach and professional African storyt...

This morning we focus on Paediatric Drug Access. This is of great concern mostly to parents. Often doctors prescribe medicine that may not solve for a child, but many of us just accept and move on. Let’s get into the subject and get to understand what we mean by today’s subject and is it advisable to just by medicine for your child without consulting a pharmacist or doctor? GUEST: Professor Natali...

Guest: President Kgosi Larmeck Mokoen - The Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa)

Let’s hear now from Clinix Health Group, they are commencing on a recruitment drive for health professionals in effort to increase its readiness efforts to confront the Covid-19. They are a group that is on the ground especially for the black community. What is it they are doing to assist the country against this disease and what would they say are the challenges in dealing with it? Also governmen...

We speak now to the South African Local Government Association about the measures they are taking in dealing with Covid-19. What role are they planning now that we’ve seen all the pronouncements made by government over the past weeks? Guest: Xolile George – SALGA CEO

As Covid-19 continues to spread, concerns are being raised for the impact it may have on the elderly especially those aged 65 and older. Precious Robinson, chief technical specialist for prevention, care and treatment, at health NGO Right to Care says “This pandemic is a frightening time for everyone, but especially for the elderly, many of whom may feel confused without properly understanding the...

Let’s turn our attention now to issues of reputation. Yes as a business you will get into trouble, one way or the other. The big question is how do you turn things around to save your reputation especially under the current situation where government is begging for everybody to play their part? These retailers who inflated prices have been named publicly. Surely this has tainted their reputation....

Retailers found guilty of price-hiking during the Covid-19 outbreak in South Africa could be fined ten per cent of their annual turnover. Last week the National Consumer Commission investigated some retailers and businesses for unjustified price increases due to the demand for goods ahead of the national lockdown. What has happened since then? To find out what happened to those found guilty, we ar...

Guest: Chulayo Thapelo Mthembu – Parent of a child with Autism

The department and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says South Africa's foreign missions are busy collecting information of the many South African stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic. Minister Naledi Pandor, as part of the national command council, says travel restrictions are accompanied by a set of national strategies in each country. Pandor says many South Africans ar...

This morning we are joined by Dr Blade Nzimande who is Minister of Higher Education, science & technology. We are talking to him on a number of issues the higher education under the current lockdown. What sort of impact is it having on students seeing that time is running so fast. What is his message to students? Guest: Dr Blade Nzimande – Minister of Higher Education, science & technology

GUEST: Bryan Hirsch, Chairperson of Bryan Hirsch, Colley & Associates (Pty) Limited

With the recent recession, it is easy to lose focus and dilute your savings and investment portfolio. Nedbank’s advice to its clients during this time is to keep their eyes on their savings goals and continue moving towards making a positive impact on these. Nedbank also has the tools to make savings and investments management as effortless as possible. Guest: Sisandile Cikido: Nedbank’s Head of R...