The National Pulse

Adv. Tembeka Ngcukaitobi has been appointed as an acting judge at the Constitutional Court, becoming the first black advocate to serve in this role. We take a look at the man for the job and the significance of this appointment with… Guest: Mbekezeli Benjamin – Legal Researcher at Judges Matter

African nations whose citizens have become victims of the anti-foreigner protests that at some instance have turned violent have written to Pretoria raising concerns about the safety of their citizens. Nigeria is the latest to contact DIRCO with Mozambique and Kenya rumoured to be next.  Guest: Dr Tendai Mbanje - African Governance Expert at University of Pretoria (UP) Center for Human Rights

The constitution court is hearing arguments against the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme brought forward by the Western Cape Provincial Government and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) in which they are challenging the drafting of the Act. We find out more from… Guest: Nosipho Radebe – SABC Reporter

The month of May is recognised as Africa month, a time when the continent of Africa commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity. Africa Month also seeks to increase the appreciation and demand for arts and culture goods and services, and to stimulate competitive markets for trade among African countries. GUEST: Arnold Ekpe, Chairman: Business Council for Africa

The government has been urged to be transparent about the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, amid concern about the potential mismanagement of the project that was launched last year to empower South African-owned township and rural spaza shops. GUEST: Bheki Twala, President: Township Economic Commission of South Africa

The South African Police Service says its Political Killings Task Team is calling on National Coloured Congress leader, Fadiel Adams, to present himself at his nearest police station in connection with charges of fraud and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. GUEST: Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS National Spokesperson

GUEST: Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training

GUEST: Nomhle Kubheka, Mazwi Mpumelelo Kubheka’s Sister

Guest:  Neil Gopal – CEO of South African Association of Property Owners

Guest: Thulasizwe Buthelezi - KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC  

Guest: Marlaine Nair - DA KZN spokesperson for COGTA portfolio committee

Guest: Chris Smit - Partner at DSC Attorneys

GUEST: Dr. Chipo Dendere, Assistant Professor of Africana studies at Wellesley College and African Politics Scholar

Three people have died and another three are sick, following a suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship. The MV Hondius, currently off Cape Verde, has roughly 150 passengers on board. One of the infected is in intensive care in South Africa. GUEST: Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Professor of Bioinformatics at Stellenbosch University’s School for Data Science and Computational Thin...

GUEST: Professor Nirmala Gopal, Professor of Criminology at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today announced that the Local Government Elections will be held on November 4, 2026. GUEST: Dr. Dale McKinley, Political Analyst and Researcher  

Universities South Africa put out a statement noting with concern recent public statements by members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, calling for detailed disclosures on the employment of foreign academics, particularly those not deemed to possess “scarce skills”. GUEST: Dr. Phethiwe Matutu, Universities South Africa CEO

As the country reflects on three decades of democratic rule, the question remains: should South Africa reform its electoral system to better suit an era of coalitions, or does the current model still offer the stability the nation needs? Guest: Prof Steven Friedman - Political analyst and Research Professor at the University of Johannesburg  

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s burial remains unresolved nearly a year after his death, as a fierce legal and political battle between his family and the Zambian government over where and how he should be laid to rest continues. Guest: Khayelihle Khumalo-James, SABC News Reporter

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele, making a political comeback back. Questions about renewal within the African National Congress. Is this a strategic comeback to stabilise KZN, or a sign the party is recycling leadership amid deepening internal divisions? GUEST: Professor Musa Xulu, Cultural Expert and Political Analyst  

The Motor Industry Staff Association, celebrates Jetour’s announcement that it will begin manufacturing vehicles in South Africa, by leveraging from Chery’s recent acquisition of Nissan’s Rosslyn assembly plant in Gauteng. GUEST: Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, Motor Industry Staff Association Spokesperson

South Africa’s mining sector expanding due to high global demand for critical minerals, the benefits are not reaching local communities.   GUEST: Peter Major, Mining Analyst

Another march against undocumented foreigners, crime, and corruption took place in the Johannesburg CBD and Hillbrow today following a two day demonstration by March and March Movement in Gauteng. GUEST: Vusumuzi Sibanda, Chairperson of the African Diaspora Global Network

As we continue building up to the Local Government Elections, it seems divisions and internal strife within the ANC in the North West have intensified over the past few months. GUEST: Mogomotsi Mosheshe, ANC North West, Ward 7 Chairperson

The MK party says it is gearing up for the upcoming local government elections and has announced party leaders to lead its election campaign in various provinces. In a letter sent to all MK party members, the party secretary, Sibonelo Nomvalo, said the individuals were appointed through consultative processes. GUEST: Professor Dirk Kotze, Political Analyst from the University of South Africa