The National Pulse

Game Store is offering a 10% discounts to its shoppers who have vaccinated against Covid-19. Game's "Vax Appreciation Wednesdays" campaign will start on the 18th of August, and run until 15 September. For more on the Initiative, we're joined on the line by Ms Katherine Madley, Game Vice President of marketing... GUEST: Ms Katherine Madley, Game Vice President of Marketing

On Tuesday, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta met with Somali Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble to mend bilateral relations between the two countries. Relations between these two nations have been marred by increasing tensions stemming from security and maritime border disputes. But how genuine was the meeting and what came out of it? Guest: Abdirizak Osman, Somalian Political science student ba...

According to World Health Organisation, air pollution is the third world leading cause of death worldwide. Bringing it home, South Africa should be very worried, particularly because most recently - Johannesburg recorded high levels of air pollution since the start of August and in some parts of the city, air quality levels measured have reached unhealthy and hazardous status. But what causes dete...

Today is the deadline for public comments on constitutional amendments that once approved will make it possible for South Africans to expropriate land without compensation.  Guest: Dr Mathole Motshekga, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee to Initiate and Introduce Legislation Amending Section 25 of the Constitution

President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the State Capture commission that the ANC's deployment Committee does not get involved in the appointment of Individuals who head state organs. Testifying before the Commission earlier on, President Ramaphosa was questioned about the degree of authority that comes from the ANC's deployment committee in the naming of preferred judges the party wants appointed. In...

Voting is currently underway in Zambia in an election showdown between President Edgar Lungu and main opposition rival Hakainde Hichilema. Many are saying that this election is too close to call. But who is likely to emerge victorious and why? Guest: Dr Emanuel Matambo, Research Director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg

“Reflections and political analysis on the appearance of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Zondo Commission” GUEST: Professor Sethulego Matebesi , Political analyst from the University of the Free State

The newly elected mayor of Johannesburg, Jolidee Mathongo, hopes he will work well with other political parties to best serve the interests of the residents of the City. He was elected yesterday following the death of former Mayor Geoff Makhubo who succumbed to covid-19 related complications. Mathongo, who served on the mayoral committee of finance, was elected unopposed during a special coun...

The ANC caucus in Parliament have nominated Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who was removed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as defence minister last week during his cabinet reshuffle. Thandi Modise has been appointed as defence minister, Mapisa-Nqakula's former position. Mapisa-Nqakula was fired after the government failed to respond speedily to the recent violent riots. Parliament has also launched its own...

A Mpumalanga man has been arrested by the Hawks for trying to 'bribe' an SIU investigator in Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tender investigation. The man was arrested during a joint operation with the SIU. For more on the case we're joined on the line by Mr Kaizer Kganyago, Spokesperson for the Special Investigating Unit (the SIU) GUEST: Mr Kaizer Kganyago, Spokesperson for the Speci...

We now look at the role of the speaker in light of a parliamentary inquiry, the case study here being the recent insurrection probe. Two weeks ago the committees decided after legal opinion to refer the matter of both house members probing the unrest to the Whips, Speaker and NCOP chair on the composition of the inquiry including who should chair it. What's the role of a speaker in light of this p...

The ANC has nominated Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to be the next Speaker of Parliament. Mapisa-Nqakula was removed as defence minister last week during President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet reshuffle. GUEST: Nomfanelo Kota, Acting spokesperson of the ANC’s caucus in Parliament

Dr Nomusa Dlamini talks about the significance of the ongoing research conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research on the benefits of indigenous plants. Guest: Dr Nomusa Dlamini, Principal researcher in agro processing and food cluster & acting manager for the food safety program at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

World News: As part of strengthening its fight against terrorism in Africa. The US government has decided to add five individuals to its terror black list on the African continent. But how dangerous are these individuals and how much damage have they caused already? Guest: Iqbal Jasat, Executive Member of Media Review Network

Eastern Cape, Social Development Is calling for action to alleviate the impact of covid-19 on women in the province. The Director for Women Development, in the province Ms Nobulele Volsak, speaks to us about some of the initiatives they have embarked on to ensure the actualization of women's economic rights and food security, amid the pandemic... GUEST: Ms Nobubele Volsak, Director for Women Devel...

The renaming of Brandfort in South Africa's Free State Province to struggle icon, Winnie Mandela, has been met with mixed reactions. The town was originally named after the president of the former Orange Free State, Johannes Brand. Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, who approved the name change, says this is to preserve the legacy of all freedom fighters. GUEST: Marietta Visser, a counc...

Just as the women of 1956 fought against injustices of their time, the women of today are engaged in a new frontier of struggle. Onica Makwakwa joins us to share her thoughts on the role of culture as an enabler of gender-based violence. The truth is - the culture of gender-based violence and misogyny devalues women and girls – but why do we allow it to happen and why do we protect those who...

On World News today, we talk about South African students who are stranded in Cuba. Apparently many of them are frustrated as they were told by the department of health that they will only receive their stipends in two weeks' time once they are back in the country. But who is looking after them at the moment and how are they coping? Guest: Dr Cedric Sihlangu, Spokesperson for the South African Med...

Staying on matters pertaining to the recent cabinet reshuffle, we examine the whole concept behind the DA's Shadow Cabinet. The aim of the shadow ministers are scrutinise their counterparts in government and come up with alternative policies in their respective portfolios. GUEST: John Steenhuisen, MP and Leader of the Democratic Alliance, DA

Some political analysts and politicians say National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise's appointment as defence minister is a loss to parliament. The appointment has also raised questions around the issue of separation of powers as the National Assembly Speaker is now serving in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet... Guest: Dr Dale McKinley, who is an Independent Political Analyst

Khayelitsha community leader talks to us about what it means for some community members to finally receive their title deeds after so many years of being deprived an opportunity to own property.  Guest: Mzayifani Vithi, Khayelitsha Community leader

World News: World Health Organisation is worried that twenty-two African countries have seen cases rise by over 20% for at least two weeks running. Of a major concern as well is the fact that fatalities surged by 80 percent within the last four weeks on the continent. So what can Africa do to aid its fight against Covid19 and what about the global support that the continent has been receiving - is...

Former intelligence head Mo Shaik shares thoughts on South Africa’s intelligence services, following structural changes that were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night. Ramaphosa has decided to scrap the ministry of state security and as of today, both domestic and foreign intelligence services are now obliged to report directly to the presidency. When justifying this move, Ramap...

Today we debate the presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa. It’s been three years and almost six months since he occupied the country’s hot seat. But - Is He Leading The Country In The Right Direction – Has The Thuma Mina New Dawn Project Delivered? Guests: Sibongile Besani, ANC’s Head of Presidency Guests: Andile Zulu, Political essayist