The Daily Discourse

Newsmakers and Guest Experts offer their insights and perspectives into the national and global discourse on politics, economics, education, social matters and comprehensive dialogues on cultural diversity and other essential issues of public interest like, poverty alleviation, unemployment rate and health related issues.

Women’s Month for what? That’s the question being asked by Michelle Festus, Women’s Rights Coordinator at ActionAid South Africa, who is of the view that Both Women’s Day and Women’s Month have been depoliticised and have lost their value in recognising the struggles of women in our country. How true is this assertion?

This morning we delve into the problem of over drinking and ask – why do we drink and abuse alcohol, what needs to be done to end South Africa’s status as a nation of heavy drinkers? Research suggests that South Africa has the worst drinking habits in the world. The level of alcohol consumed amounts to each citizen drinking between ten and 12.4 litres of pure alcohol a year. Worldwide consumption...

This morning we delve into the problem of over drinking and ask – why do we drink and abuse alcohol, what needs to be done to end South Africa’s status as a nation of heavy drinkers? Research suggests that South Africa has the worst drinking habits in the world. The level of alcohol consumed amounts to each citizen drinking between ten and 12.4 litres of pure alcohol a year. Worldwide consumption...

As part of observing the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples which was officially commemorated last week Sunday (9 August). This morning we assess the plight and economic standing of indigenous people of South Africa, asking - what do we need to do to advance and elevate indigenous people’s economic and social development in this country

In today’s show we look at the situation of workers in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Egypt, Tunisia and Palestine – asking, what does the future look like for workers in these countries? Joining us to discuss this we have: Rahma Refaat, Lawyer and Programs’ Co-ordinator, CTUWS (Centre for Trade Unions and Workers’ Services) and Ebrahim Deen, Researcher at Afro-Middle East Centre (AME...

Nompumelelo Motlafi, lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at UNISA explains why she thinks Black women in South Africa don’t fully embrace the feminist discourse. She is of the view that in the current democratic era, black women’s negotiations of human rights continue to be a delicate balancing act.

As we are in Women’s Month, we turn our focus now on women entrepreneurs. How are we doing 21 years into our democracy when it comes to women in business, what are the main challenges and how do women themselves turn the situation around? We spoke to Andrea Rademayer – CEO and founder of Ask Africa for her take on the subject.

Elijah Mhlanga talks about new methods aimed at reducing and preventing violence in schools. The department of basic education is in the process of reviewing and amending the regulations for safety measures at public schools. How effective are those measures and why does violence occur? Elijah Mhlanga Spokesperson, Department of Basic Education spoke to us on the subject.

US president Barack Obama’s visit to Nairobi last week was mainly viewed as the return of a long-lost son by Kenyans with all the elements of a family reunion. With very little time left in his presidency. This morning we ask, has Obama achieved anything significant by visiting Kenya and what does it mean for him and his global legacy?

US president Barack Obama’s visit to Nairobi last week was mainly viewed as the return of a long-lost son by Kenyans with all the elements of a family reunion. With very little time left in his presidency. This morning we ask, has Obama achieved anything significant by visiting Kenya and what does it mean for him and his global legacy?

Following numerous debates about what languages should be taught and dominate at African schools. This morning we are joined by Professor Ernst Frederick Kotzé who argues that a fundamental question is being ignored in these debates; he is urging us to ask ourselves - what is the purpose of teaching and learning languages in the first place?

As we are approaching the end of the Nelson Mandela Month. This morning we talk about the legacy of the late Ethiopian Emperor - Haile Selassie, whose influence as an African leader went beyond the boundaries of his country. In 1962, Madiba secretly travelled to Ethiopia for military, political and spiritual training. Haile Selassie’s Ethiopian army, on the orders of Haile Selassie himself first t...

Over the years even recently, many companies found themselves being portrayed in a negative light on social media. With the advancement of technology the public now use social media to air their frustration. Surely this has a potential to destroy a company forever. But not all is lost as experts recommend something called reputation management. What is it exactly and how can companies maintain and...

His excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa and first citizen Jacob Zuma, calls in to congratulate SAfm for dealing with issues of nation building.

US President Barack Obama is in Kenya today (Friday) with a mission to strengthen U.S. security and economic ties. His personal connection to his father's birthplace is said to dominate a trip that Kenyans view as a native son returning home. Kenya is a critical Western ally in the battle against the Somali Islamist group al Shabaab, The expectation is that Obama is likely to focus talks in Nairob...

Newsmakers and Guest Experts offer their insights and perspectives into the national and global discourse on politics, economics, education, social matters and comprehensive dialogues on cultural diversity and other essential issues of public interest like, poverty alleviation, unemployment rate and health related issues.

Many people find themselves battling to get housing finance with banks saying one does not make enough money to qualify for a loan and government on the other hand saying you earn too much for low cost housing. Well what then is the solution to this problem?

Kgoshi Setlamorago Thobejane explains why traditional leaders are calling for the suspension of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act. The Act allows municipalities to establish a tribunal to decide on applications for land use and development.

In July South Africa celebrates Madibas’s legacy, but what most people often forget is that July is also Social Cohesion Month. This morning we tackle the subject of Social Cohesion and ask what needs to be done to move South Africa forward?

To discuss this topic we are joined by Dr Ouma Oyoo who is of the view that science should be taught in only one language, and that language is English. He argues that South Africa’s policies promote multilingualism but its schools are battling with a lack of African language teachers and many teachers are not multilingual. Are we just chasing a phantom dream here? Give us a call and share your th...

To discuss this topic we are joined by Dr Ouma Oyoo who is of the view that science should be taught in only one language, and that language is English. He argues that South Africa’s policies promote multilingualism but its schools are battling with a lack of African language teachers and many teachers are not multilingual. Are we just chasing a phantom dream here?

With so much negativity going around, we turn our focus to one of our institutions that is flying the South African flag high. The National Health Laboratory Service has been awarded an international award in ‘European Quality’ in the healthcare sphere category. The award is in recognition of the safe and effective treatment methods and quality services in accordance to the European standards. Wha...

Today on our SMME feature we take a look at why some people make it in business and why others fail. Many would advise that one should never give up and just keep trying, but the reality is that being self-employed is not an easy thing. What is the most practical advice then for aspiring entrepreneurs and what are the most important lessons to learn?

Issues of unemployment remain high on the country’s agenda as many complain that they can’t find jobs. The question then arises over the application process. What is it that people are putting on their CV’s that should not be there and do we really understand what a proper application is?