The National Pulse

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...

DA’s Shadow MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg explains why the Democratic Alliance Caucus wants the City of Johannesburg to review its VIP Protection Policy. The party took the city to court, accusing it of misusing the blue lights and also stated that this violates the Municipal Systems Act. GUEST: Cllr Solomon Maila, DA Shado MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg 

  Have you ever asked yourself about what kind of future do we wish for in South Africa? Former minister and social activist, Jay Naidoo joins us to share his thoughts on the ‘future South Africa we want and deserve’ topic. Recently, Naidoo took part in the Future South Africa we Want and Deserve dialogues, an initiative run by Higher Education media to deepen democracy through robust conversation...

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently announced a new law that allows convicts and suspects particularly those whose cases are under investigation to avoid prosecution only if they join the army? The new measures come as Russia's military resources have been depleted after 2 and a half years of fighting in Ukraine, with the Russian government boosting its military spending and aiming to re...

We hear from two Afrika Tikkun’s young ambassadors, following their remarkable participation in this year’s prestigious Spirit of Belron Challenge. The event took place in the UK not so long ago and throughout the challenge - participants cycled, ran, walked, swam, and travelled by wheelchair, covering a total distance of 64,000 kilometres.   GUEST: Shaylet Sibanda (Afrika Tikkun ambassador, 18- y...