The National Pulse

Over 300 people were displaced by a fire that destroyed over 70 homes at Masingene Informal Settlement in KwaZulu-Natal. Emergency services was called to help evacuate residents after the fire broke out this past weekend, claiming one life. How will government be assisting that community? We’re now joined by Sboniso Mngadi, Spokesperson for the department of cooperative governance and traditional...

As we continue to observe Women’s Month. Today we tell you more about Keready initiative that was launched in February last year. Initially this initiative positioned itself as a youth Covid-19 vaccination campaign, but it has evolved into a movement that seeks to enhance healthcare-seeking behaviour among young people and improve access to health services. Keready now offers integrated health ser...

The former guardian of  Bolobedu Queen-elect Masalanabo Modjadji Mathole Motshekga says he has not withdrawn from being her guardian, however, she turned 18 years old, and by law, she is now an adult. He says the queen-elect is old enough and ready to take her rightful place. He says her brother who is fighting for the throne knows that he is not the heir to the throne. Motshekga was speaking to S...

The rape case against Nigerian pastor, Tim Omotoso resumed in Gqeberha today. Defence advocate Peter Daubermann continued cross examining Vuyiseka Nontlanzi who is the 12th witness. Nontlanzi says she was sexually violated by Omotoso, however, she did not report it because she did not think anyone would believe her because he was powerful and respected. Omotoso and two co-accused Lusanda Sulani an...

Convicted child rapist, Gerhard Ackerman, has told the High Court in Johannesburg that he intends to appeal his sentence and apply for a re-trial. Ackerman has been sentenced to 12 life sentences. He was convicted on 740 counts of crime, including rape, attempted murder, the production and distribution of child pornography, and human trafficking. Reacting to the High Court ruling, the non-governme...

67 Pakistani nationals were denied entry into South Africa after allegedly entering the country without complying with the immigration laws. According to the department of home affairs, the 67 Pakistanis with questionable visas wanted to come to South Africa but were unable to explain where they were going and for what reason.  GUEST: Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs

Nine young South Africans landed back into the country this week after participating in the World Performing Arts Championships held in Los Angeles. They scooped the Senior Grand Championships of the World for Group Vocal 2023 and Senior Grand Champions of the World for Group Dance 2023 categories. The also come home with 51 gold medals and 18 silver after competing against groups from 70 countrie...

The decision to release president Jacob Zuma just an hour after he handed himself over to correctional services has left South Africans divided as some feel it is special treatment while others feel it’s a great decision for the sake of peace. Zuma is a beneficiary of a special remission of sentences for non-violent offenders. Department of Correctional Services acting national commissioner Makgot...

The man accused of the murder, kidnapping and rape of 4 year old Bokgabo Poo has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and rape of another child. Ntokozo Zikhali was acquitted of Bokgabo’s murder on Monday, saying his confession was coerced and evidence was inconclusive and therefore could not prove beyond reasonable doubt he was indeed her killer. He was sentenced to life impriso...

We know that the first Presidential Imbizo took place in March last year in Mafikeng – but has anything changed or improved since the president’s visit? We find out from Kgaupalelwe Lebelo, Chairperson of the North-West Amalgamated Business Forum

We look at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 9th and last Presidential Imbizo that is currently underway in the Eastern Cape. Over the last 16 months, Ramaphosa and his Cabinet Ministers have been visiting some of the remotest areas in the country, engaging with various communities with the intention of addressing issues on the ground. For more on what’s happening in the Eastern Cape right now, we are j...

The United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos Orellana is currently in the country to examine the human rights situation related to the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste. So what measures are used to determine whether a country has adequate waste disposal facilities and in terms of associated regulations, norms and standards...

Dr Webster Zambara who covers politics and economic developments on the continent joins us to discuss the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe and the importance of the election to the region and why the issue of free and fair election remains a complex one in Zim. This as most Zimbabweans have expressed fear of becoming victims of political violence during elections. GUEST: Dr Webster Zambara, Senior P...

We spoke to Zakithi Mkhize on International Girls in ICT Day in April and we wanted her back on the platform as part of our coverage of women’s month. Zakithi Mkhize is a PhD Candidate in Medicine at the HIV Pathogenesis Program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is also the Founder of the NPO Black Girl Scientists. She is passionate about science communications and uses her YouTube channel c...

Francois van Louw outlines the objectives of the newly launched online learning platform called “Topic” which will transform the country’s education sector as it will assist students with their studies when preparing for tests and exams.   GUEST: Francois van Louw, Entrepreneur & founder of Topic  

What are the latest developments with regards to the taxi strike in the City of Cape Town? The city had invited Santaco to another meeting to discuss way forward with regards to the taxis that were impounded. Santaco had initially declined the invitation, saying they are seeking a moratorium on impoundments. However they changed their minds and decided to attend the meeting. The strike was meant t...

Given the country's current socio-economic situation, with many young people being affected by the alarming unemployment rate. Step Into the New Era is marching today, demanding that big companies must create job opportunities for young people. According to Stats SA, the youth unemployment rate, measuring job-seekers between 15 and 24 years old, rose to 62.1% in the first quarter of 2023.   GUEST:...

Leaders of the West African bloc ECOWAS are meeting in Nigeria today, to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger. While earlier efforts to open talks with international mediators have failed, the West African leaders are hoping to find a diplomatic solution in relation to Niger’s coup. Joining us to discuss the significance of this meeting is….. GUEST: Sophie Mokoena, SABC Foreign...

As we celebrate Women’s Month and many women who are doing great things, we must remember that women in South Africa and around the world still face many challenges that hinder them from accessing life-changing opportunities. So one of the key questions that we need to ask ourselves today is - has South Africa done enough to create a conducive environment that enables women to take control of thei...

The National Association of Artisanal Miners says the term ‘illegal mining’ stigmatises marginalised small scale artisanal miners in South Africa. The organisation says the stigma makes artisanal miners easy targets while large scale mining companies get away with not only their versions of illegal mining, but environmental, labour and social transgressions. Minerals and Energy Minister, Gwede Man...

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South African women are excelling in different fields and continue to be the strength of the nation, however they are not being adequately rewarded for their work. Ramaphosa also touched on the issue of gender based violence in the country and the need to make it harder for perpetrators to access bail. He also highlighted the need to professionalise women’s sports, e...

UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s access to foreign military equipment. He says UK will also take further steps to tackle countries actively supporting Putin by supplying weapons and military components directly to Russia, including Iran and Belarus. But what effect are sanctions having on Russia? For more on this, we are joined by…. Guest on the...

Transport minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on the City of Cape Town to release taxis that have been impounded. Taxi drivers had been on a strike since last week, fighting against the city’s by-laws. The first meeting collapsed as the parties failed to reach an agreement, however, there is way forward now following the last meeting between the city, provincial government, the transport depar...

Today we celebrate the spirit of kindness and giving as we tell you more about Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Themba Gorimbo’s story. After hearing about Themba Gorimbo’s tough financial situation, actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson bought the Zimbabwean-born UFC fighter a house. Johnson was moved by Gorimbo's story of how he won his second UFC fight, sold his fight kit and bought a water well for his...

A graphic video of a woman assaulting a toddler went viral yesterday causing outrage on social media. The video shows a boy lying on the floor while someone kicks and stomps on him until he cries. It is alleged the person assaulting him is his mother. A community member leaked the video on Facebook, calling for her to be held accountable. Gillian Mogale