The National Pulse

Following the Electoral Commission’s decision to lodge an urgent and direct appeal to the Constitutional Court relating to the order of the Electoral Court setting aside its decision following the appeal by the MK Party. We continue to give you more analysis on the subject and this time around we speak to Qaanitah Hunter who is going to share her thoughts on why she thinks it's important for the I...

Following the scrapping of e-tolls, we speak to the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) about the importance of civil society activism in safeguarding our democracy.     GUEST: Stefanie Fick, Executive Director of the Accountability Division @OUTA    

The Electoral Commission has lodged an urgent and direct appeal to the Constitutional Court relating to the order of the Electoral Court setting aside its decision following the appeal by the MK Party. The commission wants the court to prove more clarity on the proper interpretation of section 47(1)(e) and its interplay with the powers of the commission to adjudicate objections to candidates. Howe...

Mali is making headlines once again. After the country’s ruling junta decided to ban all political activities in the country and also imposing a ban on media coverage of political events. So what needs to be done in order for Mali to achieve political stability post its recent coups?     GUEST (GHANA): Dr David Matsanga, Political analyst & Expert on Diplomatic Relations  

The South African Union of Students has welcomed  Minister Blade Nzimande’s decision to dissolve the board of NSFAS, saying that it’s a step towards saving and protecting the gains of “our revolution”. Nzimande has since appointed former head of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, Freeman Nomvalo, as the administrator for the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS).    GUEST: A...

Over the past few weeks, we have been speaking to various political parties about their election Manifestos ahead of this year’s national and provincial elections. Today is no different as we tackle SARA’s Election Manifesto. Among other things, the party has promised to professionalise our political and public sector based on merit. Through its GEAR program, the party hopes to defeat poverty and...

On our Election Watch Feature today we talk to Bongani Ngomane who is a PHD student at Wits. He penned an article about the things political parties the promises they are selling. One of the things he is highlighting in his article is that many of the promises they make don’t align with the reality on the ground. He now joins us on the line to share his thoughts….. Guest: Bongani Ngomane – PHD stu...

You may have heard in the news that Trade Union Federation, SAFTU is calling on motorists to refrain from paying their outstanding E-toll debts. This comes after yesterday’s announcement by Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga that E-tolls will be scrapped. However, the government has encouraged motorists with outstanding bills to settle them. To tell us why they are making this call, we are joi...

The disaster has also affected the animals that were either at clinics or shelters with and they are also pleading for funds so that they can save the stranded animals. To tell us more on how the storm has affected the animals and the funds needed, also how you can contribute, we are joined on the line by…   Guest: Marcelle du Plessis - Fundraising and Communications Executive  

We kick off this hour by bringing you the latest from the Western Cape storms as authorities are focusing on mop-up operations. Many houses have been damage with roofs blown away, while some of the schools have been closed. The local government is also seeking more funds from national to deal with some of the crisis on the ground. To paint us a picture on what the current situation is and also tal...

SECTION27 has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment in a corporal punishment case against the South African Council of Educators (SACE). The case was about two teachers, who meted out corporal punishment against two primary school pupils in the classroom. The court dismissed the review application on technical grounds but agreed that SACE’s internal policy be revised. For more on thi...

Recently, the United States of America notified World Health Organisation of a laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) detected in the state of Texas. We understand that this is the second confirmed human case of influenza A(H5N1) detected in the country. It also appears to be the first human infection with A(H5N1) acquired from contact with an infected mammal, although human in...

The African National Congress’ Doctor Xhakaza has been elected the new executive mayor for the City of Ekurhuleni. You may recall that the mayoral position was left vacant two weeks ago when Sivuyile Ngodwana was removed in a vote of no confidence sponsored by ActionSA. For more we cross live to SABC News Reporter Sashin Naidoo…..   GUEST: Sashin Naidoo, SABC News reporter….

European Union lawmakers have passed a landmark Asylum and Migration Pact that is aimed at managing the impact of migration in Europe. This after almost 10 years of negotiations. The reforms stipulate that people could be rejected for asylum if they can be sent to a third country deemed safe.   GUEST: (Scotland): Musa Mdunge, Political analyst and PhD candidate based at the University of Dundee

Cross-border crime has created a huge problem in the country mostly around vehicle theft. In an effort to deal with this problem, Police minister Bheki Cele says that South Africa and Mozambique must work together to combat the crime. Cele was speaking in Maputo during the Mozambique/South Africa bilateral meeting, saying the gathering aims to tackle challenges between the two countries. Mozambiqu...

As more political analysts and election experts continue to react to uMkhonto Wesizwe party’s court victory. Today we assess former President Jacob Zuma’s influence on the country’s political landscape and what it means ahead of this year’s national and provincial elections. Joining us for this discussion is…. GUEST: Wayne Sussman, Political analyst & Elections monitoring expert

Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu and City of Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink earlier today conducted an oversight project inspection of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works and Klipdrift Package Plant in Hammanskraal. You may remember when the story broke about how the community was affected by cholera and government promising to deal with the situation. They have experienced continuou...

Today we learn more about the impact of Ramadan on society. Our guest, Dr Quraysha Sooliman will elaborate more on why fasting during Ramadan brings various social, moral, spiritual, psychological, and health benefits to individuals and society in general.   GUEST: Dr Quraysha Sooliman

As the conflict in Sudan nears its one-year mark, the UN Refugee Agency has warned that the country and its neighbours are experiencing one of the largest and most challenging humanitarian and displacement crises in the world. This as over 8.5 million Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes, and also with over 25 million people facing a humanitarian crisis. So, is there a political will to e...

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has welcomed the nationwide scrapping of the E-toll system. He says the gantries will remain functional to support the province's crime fighting efforts. Lesufi also revealed during today’s press briefing that Gaung has set aside 4-billion-rand to go towards road maintenance in the province over the next 5 years. Going forward what will happen to the e-toll debt? F...

Government, through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is today officially launching national Freedom Month, as part of celebrating 30 years of democracy. The year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”. As part of today’s launch, which is taking place at the Freedom Park and Museum Amphitheatre – Government will unveil the 30 Years of...

Turkey has just announced that it will impose trade restrictions on Israel starting from today over the ongoing war in Gaza, covering a range of products including cement and steel and iron construction materials. You may recall that Israel and Turkey pulled back their ambassadors from their respective capitals shortly after the start of the war.   GUEST: Thembisa Fakude, Senior research fellow at...

ActionSA feels vindicated after the Press Council’s ruling against the publication of questionable political polls ahead of this year’s national and provincial elections. ActionSA had lodged a complaint with the Press Council after Rapport, City Press and News24 ran a poll that was allegedly shared by DA and seemed to favour the party.   GUEST: Michael Beaumont, ActionSA’s national chairperson