The National Pulse

This week’s debate will see Rhodes University taking on the Nelson Mandela University looking at the subject of social media.   Topic: “In instances where a locally created and owned internet application equivalent (like Research engines, messaging and social media platforms) exists, - should the state block the foreign-owned equivalents? GUEST: Elethu Dela, Student from Rhodes GUEST: Anita Mgalel...

As we observe World Kidney Day which focuses on the importance of kidney health and the various diseases that can affect it’s normal function. We tell you more about Lungelo Hadebe’s journey of sickness - as part of spreading awareness about the hidden qualitative experiences of those living with kidney disease. We understand that in South Africa, there has been a consistent rise in people being d...

The U.S House of Representatives has finally passed a bill aimed at banning TikTok in the US. However for some this came as no surprise as several politicians have been pushing for the ban after concerns that the social media platform poses a national security threat. To react to this is…..   GUEST: Brendon Peterson, Technolgy Editor of Reframed

AfriForum has initiated legal proceedings against Rand Water. This is as they attempt to address the ongoing water cuts experienced by several municipalities across the country. The organisation is arguing that Rand Water’s decision to reduce water supply has far-reaching implications for the affected communities, especially for the most vulnerable. Joining us to elaborate further on this is…..  ...

The Senzo Meyiwa main trial will resume tomorrow at the High Court in Pretoria. This follows Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng ruling today that the confession statements allegedly made by the accused Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi be admitted as evidence. Mokgoatlheng found that the statements were made freely and voluntarily without any coercion. For more on this let’s now speak to …….who was in court th...

3,3% of school staff were found to have been convicted of a crime or awaiting prosecution. This is according to the TPN Credit Bureau after running a screening between October and December 2023. Among the crimes committed were theft, damage to property, fraudulent qualifications, physical assault and more.  Employers are obligated to screen their staff against National Registries for Child Protect...

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan has just held a press conference on the status of the SAA-Takatso Consortium deal. In the press conference, the Minister announced the sale of 51% of South African Airways has been called off after facing obstacles since its announcement back in June 2021. To tell us more about whether this decision was long anticipated, we are joined by...   Gues...

Our guest, Nothando Shongwe helps us understand the objectives of the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act (ULTRA) and how this Act was used unfairly to suppress women’s property rights, particularly during apartheid’s dying days. GUEST: Nothando Shongwe: Attorney at Lawyers for Human Rights in the Land, Housing and Property Rights Program

Joining us to explain the legalities on why Sifiso Mkhwanazi would be sent for psychiatric evaluation after the judgement has been handed down is……   GUEST: Nthabiseng Dubazana, Director & founder of Dubazana Attorneys

Despite this public apology, many social media users have called on existing clients to move their policies away from Old Mutual. Online users have also asked what happens to the stories of several other clients that have surfaced and the conduct of Old Mutual on its policies. If you are a consumer, what options do you have and under what circumstances can you change policy? To help us unpack this...

Three of the accused in the case of six-year-old Joslin Smith who went missing from Saldanha Bay, on the West Coast, have abandoned their bail at the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court. The State has withdrawn charges against a fourth person who was accused in the matter. The girl's mother, Kelly Smith and her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis are among the accused. They face charges of trafficking in person...

The Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed that it will be investigating how the African National Congress (ANC) settled its R102 million debt with Ezulweni Investments. This is after ActionSA approached the electoral body in terms of the Political Party Funding Act. Action SA is concerned that taxpayers may be footing the bill for the settlement through tenders and seek to ensure that the...

Zimbabwean government will soon be importing Genetically Modified maize as part of its efforts to reduce the effects of the El Nino-induced drought. Zimbabwe is currently battling drought and it is public knowledge that the country’s economy is not doing so well. To react to this, we are joined by….. GUEST (Zim): Tafadzwa Musarara, President of the Grain Millers Association in Zimbabwe  

Convicted murderer and rapist Sifiso Mkhwanazi will be sent to the Sterkfontein mental hospital for psychiatric evaluation to determine whether or not he poses any danger to society. On the other hand, the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) has welcomed the Gauteng High Court judgement and hope that it will to some extent, contribute to the healing process of the family and frien...

Underway, the National Assembly is set to vote on the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill which looks into the public and private funding of political parties. Our next guest has  raised concerns surrounding two regulations of Schedule 2 of the Political Party Funding Act: (1) the allocation formula for political party funding is being shifted to two-thirds proportional equitable and (2) the determin...

The Human Sciences Research Council is holding a two-day conference looking into the economic performance of our cities and how we use economic data to inform service delivery. The gathering will also look into how cities should respond and economic recovery to shocks such as natural disaster and unrest. To tell us more about the discussions that emerged from day one, we are joined by.... Guest: D...

Lynton Lefevre chats to us about the KnitWits acts of kindness. The 67 Blankets for Mandela Day’s KnitWits recently donated toys and blankets to the Hopelands Village that cares for abandoned babies. This as part of their commitment to show love and to make a positive impact in the world. GUEST: Lynton Lefevre, Brand Manager for 67 Blankets for Mandela Day’s KnitWits

Last week, we had an anonymous caller who shared a question regarding the Road Accident Fund (RAF) after losing a loved one. Her application was approved as she had a young son and the money was placed in the trust on behalf of the son. Her question was on whether lawyers can put the money disbursed by RAF into a trust after the death of a claimant and if the spouse can access those funds outside...

Following weeks of mounting pressure and increasing gang violence in Haiti. The country’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has finally resigned. According to various reports, he will step down after the establishment of a transitional authority that will govern the country until new elections are held. For more on the way forward post this development, we are joined by…… GUEST: Jacques Junior Baril, Hai...

The U.S Embassy has reacted to the Multi-Party Charter letter that was drafted by several opposition parties in South Africa, asking the U.S and several other nations to help counter threats of domestic and foreign interference in the upcoming election that is due to take place in May this year. According to its statement, the Embassy has no reason to doubt South Africa’s electoral system, adding...

Speaking of resignations, ActionSA has announced "Team Fix South Africa" who will form part of the Parliamentary list running in the national and provincial elections. One of the notable candidates on the list is Dr. Kgosi Letlape who terminated his membership from the ANC last week. To tell us more about his new role and new party, we are joined by...       Guest: Dr. Kgosi Letlape - ActionSA mem...

A national voter survey has revealed that the African National Congress' support will fall to 39%, the Democratic Alliance gain support to 27%, the Economic Freedom Fighters support will fall to 10% and that new kids on the block, Mkhonto weSizwe Party support will come in at 13%. The survey also indicates that the Multi-Party Charter accumulated 33% and are 6% off the pace of the ANC. This the se...

A toddler was reunited with their family over the weekend after a repatriation from Senegal to South Africa. The mother of the baby is serving a prison sentence in Senegal on charges of drug trafficking last February and gave birth days after her arrest. Due to the Children's Act of 2005, the Department of Social Development is obligated to assist children in distress and place them in a conducive...

Residents in Johannesburg have been experiencing water shortages over the past week (9 days) due to a lightning strike that hit a City Power transformer and damaged the Eikenhof system overseen by Rand Water. Our next guest is calling for officials to not to normalize the use of water tankers as a long-term solution. To unpack what impact this crisis will have on residents in the middle of the hea...

Later this evening, the Electoral Commission is expected to reject attempts aimed at discrediting the country’s electoral system ahead of this year’s general elections. This follows the Democratic Alliance's led Multi-Party Charter's decision to write to several foreign countries, urging them to help counter threats of domestic and foreign interference in the upcoming elections. The Freedom Front...