The National Pulse

Latest data released by Statistics South Africa shows that the country’s economy grew by 0,1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year – meaning that our country has marginally avoided a technical recession. But should we be optimistic about the state of our economy, given the fact that it is growing too slow to create more jobs? We find out from …… GUEST: Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Econ...

As global leaders continue to monitor Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has been going for two years now. Norway’s Ambassador to South Africa, Gjermund Saether asks, “if we abandon the core principles of the UN Charter to appease an aggressor, can any UN member state feel confident that it is protected?” He also argues that Russian authorities have isolated themselves from the rest of Europe and...

Following its decision to lift a two-decade-old Zimbabwe sanctions programme. Yesterday, the United States of America imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his wife and other senior leaders, citing rights abuses and corruption. The announcement comes months after Mnangagwa was re-elected to a second term in a contest that the opposition party and human-rights groups said wa...

Today, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) held a media briefing to provide an update on the status of the registration process, payment of allowances to beneficiaries and student accommodation. In recent weeks, the financial aid scheme has faced numerous challenges at the start of 2024 academic year which has led to many students being left without access to their higher education i...

Today, the health fraternity commemorates World Obesity Day in a bid to raise awareness not only on the risks of not addressing your weight but also shed light on the medical implications. Obesity affects one in eight people around the world. One of the trends that has become part of this discussion is the rise in weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy as an alternative to traditional bypass...

The United States Agency for International Development  (USAID) provided direct grant funding to support men's health program, with a focus on sexual reproductive health. In partnership with OUT LGBT well-being, the grant funding is also working to provide comprehensive care for the LGBTQI community in three major cities: Nelson Mandela Bay, Johannesburg and Buffalo City. This partnership is set t...

Over the weekend, the Speaker of the National Assembly was implicated in a corruption scandal during her tenure as the Minister of Defence. An affidavit named the Speaker of Parliament and the business entities involved had paid her up to R2,3 million between November 2016 to July 2019. Opposition parties in Parliament have reacted to voice their concerns regarding this development from the Sunday...

    Closing arguments in the Senzo Meyiwa trial within a trial have been adjourned till Wednesday. This as defence counsel Thulani Mngomezulu- who is now representing accused number 1 - Muzi Sibiya - needs to consult with other witnesses. Sibiya and four others are on trial at the High Court in Pretoria for the murder of the Bafana Bafana captain who was shot and killed in 2014. The defence is cha...

Today marks the first day of public hearings of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry, spearheaded by the Competition Commission. The Inquiry will among other things focus on examining the distribution of media content on South Africa’s digital platforms and it will also investigate if there are any market features that may be adversely affecting competition or undermining the purposes of...

SABC News senior political reporter, Samkele Maseko chats to us about the ANC’s Special NEC meeting that is currently underway in Boksburg. Today’s meeting is aimed at finalising the party's candidate lists ahead of the IEC deadline (which is this coming Friday). But what makes it even more interesting is the fact that today’s meeting is convened just after the party's integrity commission recomme...

Chad's interim president Mahamat Idriss Deby announced over the weekend that he will run in the country's long-awaited presidential election that is due to take place in May this year. Following his announcement, Deby has been endorsed by a coalition of more than 220 political parties and associations. However though, his candidacy confirmation is clouded by the death of one of his main opponents...

    GUEST: David Kau, SA Comedian

Today the National Planning Commission (NDP) is hosting a two-day strategic Lekgotla where the advisory body will measure what strides the nation has made in its quest to achieve NDP: Vision 2030. The Chairperson of the NDP addressed the Commissioners and outlined that the thirty-year review of South Africa's democracy established whether the development programs that have been implemented are imp...

Most often than not, we are always told that doing good things can help inspire, uplift, and encourage people to help others. That’s pretty much what the Humanity Foundation is about – through various initiatives that they undertake to assist the needy. From time to time, members of the foundation donate their time and money towards NGOs that focus on gender-based violence, early childhood develop...

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union in the Johannesburg Region has welcomed the High Court’s ruling regarding the protracted legal battle between the City of Johannesburg and its former 130 employees. The court has found that the termination of employment contracts of the employees two years ago was unlawful. On the other hand, the City of Johannesburg says it has carefully studied the judg...

Several organisations representing black lawyers have approached the Pretoria High Court, demanding that the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel must gazette the B-BBEE Legal Sector Code. They want the issue of inequality in the legal profession to be resolved as soon as possible as they argue that it remains a major concern. Joining us to articulate their concerns is….. GUE...

Human rights organisations, including the United Nations are urging Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo not to sign the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill into law. We understand that the bill imposes a prison sentence of up to five years for the wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities. Amnesty International’s Ghana Country Director, Genevieve Partington...

As we continue with our Election Manifesto discussions. Today we hear from the ruling African National Congress about how it aims to deliver economic growth plans that are designed to transform our country’s economic misfortunes. Among other things, the party has promised to create and sustain 2.5 million work opportunities over the next five years – but is that enough, considering the country’s h...

It’s that time of the year for the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN-Film Television Awards call to entry. If you are a filmmaker, actor, producer or director who originates from KZN, this is the time for you to enter, especially if you feel that you meet the award criteria. The Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela film and television awards recognise outstanding achievement and excellence within the South African Film...

The Electoral Commission has just released its latest report on political party funding. According to the commission, there has been a steady increase in the value of donations disclosed for the third quarter. Once again - political newcomers Rise Mzansi declared the highest value of donations, securing close to R17 million in funding. Close to them was ActionSA which declared the second largest d...

Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto said the blaze started on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread towards the N1 highway, resulting in road closures and disruptions to traffic law. Guest: Jo-Anne Otto: Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) spokesperson  Contacts

Ethekwini municipality has been granted interdict to stop unprotected Samwu strike. According to the municipality, the court’s decision comes amidst an unauthorised and unlawful labour unrest that erupted on Wednesday and continues presently which has impacted some operations of the municipality and service delivery. GUEST: Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson

Following Judge Motha’s concerns over the absence of African advocates in a case concerning black economic empowerment. We hear from the Solicitor General. This after the State Attorney’s remarks that suggest that Judge Motha’s demand for an explanation on this matter is impermissible. According to News24, State Attorney NR Baloyi said his office chose white lawyers because of their experience and...

Last week, the couple who own Enyobeni tavern were convicted of selling alcohol to minors on the night of a pens down party in June 2023. The couple was slapped with an R5000 fine each or 100 days imprisonment. One of the questions raised during the discussion was why the judge may have not followed the national guidelines for appropriate fines and under what circumstances does the provincial guid...

As the war continues in Gaza, Human Rights Watch is accusing Israel of non-compliance with the ICJ ruling and says the country continues to block aid to millions of Palestinians. The organisation is also in support of the United Nations report that suggests that the amount of aid reaching the Palestinian territory dropped by 50% in February compared to the previous month. However, Israel has stron...