The National Pulse

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...

Public protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has found the Department of Correctional Services have acted improperly in the Thabo Bester infamous escape scandal that has rocked the country.   GUEST: Khulu Phasiwe, Public Protector Spokesperson

    The 21st edition of the Top Women Awards were announced today. This prestigious event has become a beacon for recognising organisations leading the way in gender reform, as well as female leaders and advocates for inclusion. Project manager of the Awards, Odelia Fester joins me on the line to tell us more about the awards…   GUEST: Odelia Fester, Project Manager - Top Women

Seriti workers staged a protest outside the coal giant's offices in Illovo earlier today. Workers are against looming retrenchments at Seriti’s Mpumalanga operations andhave thus issued a warning to the coal giant of potential disruptions to its operations in the province. If the retrenchment proposal goes ahead, more than 1,100 employees could lose their jobs. NUM Highveld Regional Chair, Malekut...

    Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched phase 2 of the business & government partnership. The President said through continued collaboration between government and business, the country can achieve an economic growth target of 3% by 2025, as envisaged by business.   GUEST: Naledi Ngcobo, SABC News Economics Reporter  

    As the Department of Basic Education intends to honour exceptional teachers this coming weekend on the 5th of October, which is World Teachers’ Day. Elijah Mhlanga joins us to explain the selection criteria of the National Teaching Awards. The NTAs programme is one of the ways in which the department acknowledges the extraordinary dedication and effort of excellent teachers, often under very d...

In conversation with Mmusi Maimane on why his organisation (BOSA) has decided to give the Government of National Unity a 50% performance during the first 100 days in office. Maimane argues that the GNU’s focus is on handing out positions to parties in exchange for cooperation.   GUEST: Mmusi Maimane, Leader of BuildOneSA (BOSA)

As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, we look at the military might of Israel vs Iran, Lebanon and Yemen. This as we attempt to gauge as to whether this war is likely to end anytime soon. GUEST: Helmoed Heitman, Defence analyst

A landmark study conducted by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has revealed promising insights into the potential cardiovascular benefits of Rooibos. We understand that this study is the first to use advanced technology to assess real-time heart function in participants with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. To tell us more about the outcomes of the study is……   GUEST: P...

    The Judicial Service Commission has resolved to go ahead with its October sitting without Dr. John Hlophe, who is interdicted on an interim basis from participating. This comes after the JSC held an urgent virtual meeting on yesterday to discuss the MK Party’s request for a postponement.   GUEST: Adv. Sesi Baloyi JSC, member of the JSC [in terms of section 178(1)(j), four persons designated by...

Twelve entrepreneurs from South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho had the opportunity to present their creative industry ventures to potential investors during the Création Africa Days event, held at the French Residence last month. Among these entrepreneurs was Pretoria-based designer, Glorinah Khutso Mabaso of Renaissance Design, who blends modern living with ancient African-inspired patterns.   GUEST...

ActionSA has filed a criminal complaint against the Justice Minister Thembi Simelane relating to her alleged corrupt involvement with a VBS Mutual Bank loan. It is alleged while serving as the Polokwane Mayor in 2016, Justice Minister Thembi Simelane took a loan of over 500-thousand rand. GUEST: Malebo Kobe ActionSA member of palirment  

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, the Deputy Ministers of Police, Cassel Mathale and the MEC of Safety in the Eastern Cape, Xolile Nqata engaged families and the community of Lusikisiki earlier on the progress of investigations in the mass shooting which led to the killing of 18 people in the area. SABC News Reporter, Fundiswa Mhlekude was at th...

Due to negative health implications of ultra-processed foods. Some experts are urging the government to be proactive in safeguarding against foods such as these. What is also concerning is that recently, the World Health Organisation ranked South Africa among the nations with the highest levels of obesity.   GUEST: Dr Angelique Cotzee, Member of the South African Medical Association