The National Pulse

The South African gig economy has been a rising trend for some time now. The gig economy is a labour market characterised by freelance, flexible, on-demand work, rather than the more traditional nine-to- five or permanent work working model. Recently the UK Supreme Court ruled that Uber drivers are to be treated as workers, rather than independent contractors and that they are entitled to paid sic...

Budget Speech Reaction: “Social grants have been increased – were the adjustments reasonable though?” We find out from… Guest: Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, National Advocacy Manager at Black Sash

We look at the South African legislative and regulatory environment pertaining to the gig economy, paying more attention on the e-hailing business side of things Guest: Vhatuka Mbelengwa, Spokesperson of the Private Public Transport Association

Reaction to Tito Mboweni’s Budget Speech: The Minister’s Budget Speech comes at a difficult time when the current Covid19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the country’s economy. But did he provide sound financial solutions that our country so desperately needs right now? We find out from….. Guest: Duma Gqubule, Independent economist

A senior North West government official has been arrested for stock theft. Gift Ramadie, a Chief Director for the provincial education department, alongside his shepherd, were arrested after 100 reportedly stolen cattle and calves were found on his Barberspan farm, outside Delareyville. GUEST: North West NPA Spokesperson, Henry Mamothame

We continue our discussion on the results of the 2020 national senior certificate examination by looking at the Matric dropout rate and the introduction of the National general certificate by the Department of basic education. Joining me on the line is GUEST: Dr Moses Simelane, Chief Director Of Curriculum At The Department Of Basic Education

All eyes will be on South Africa's Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni tomorrow as he delivers this year's budget speech. Some of the questions being asked by consumers include whether tax increases will be the only option that the Minister will have to recoup necessary budget to continue with relief options presented by the President during the State of the Nation Address two weeks ago. In addition...

We now speak to Vuyo Xulu, a 38 year old Media graduate who has been unemployed for 5 years, on some of the challenges of finding employment in South Africa… GUEST: Vuyo Xulu, a 38 year old Media graduate

According to Stats SA, South Africa's unemployment rate jumped to a record high in the fourth quarter of last year. They also suggest that unemployment was largely affecting young people aged between 15 and 24 years with a rate of 63.2 percent and with those aged between 25 and 34 with a rate of 41.2 percent. Joining us to discuss this issue is, Thapelo Maleke, President of SA Youth Chamber of Com...

Budget Preview: Is it in the interest of South Africa to tame its public sector wage bill? We assess SA's Public Wage Bill allocations in provinces and whether local government can afford to keep footing the bill for it. For more on this we are joined by. GUEST: Miyelani Holeni, Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting

World News: Following the death of the Ambassador of Italy to the Democratic Republic of Congo. We look at the recent Goma ambush and ask - who is responsible for this attack and what do they stand to gain? According to the U.N agency, the ambush occurred as the convoy was travelling from Goma to visit a World Food Program school project in Rutshuru. For more on this we are joined by Izak Khomo, C...

For reaction to the 2020 Matric results, we're joined on the line by Professor Michael le Cordeur, the head of Stellenbosch University's Department of Curriculum Studies and ambassador of the Rapport Bursary Fund. GUEST: Professor Michael le Cordeur, the head of Stellenbosch University's Department of Curriculum Studies and ambassador of the Rapport Bursary Fund

Tips on how to cope with stress while waiting for your matric exam results Guest: Judy Rathethe, Head of Programmes @ Kuzodlula Motivational Tour

In the next few minutes, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will announce the results of the National Senior Certificate. The results will be released under unique circumstances due to Covid19 pandemic and many argue that we must expect a drop in matric performance given Covid19 challenges that teachers and pupils faced last year Guest: Prof Mary Metcalfe, Senior Research Associate at the Un...

World News: Following the European Union’s decision to renew sanctions against certain individuals in Zimbabwe, including assets freeze against the Zimbabwe Defense Industries. We are joined by Rutendo Benson Matinyarare to discuss the adverse unintended effects of the sanctions. Guest: Rutendo Benson Matinyarare, founder of Zimbabweans Unite Against the U.S War Sanctions

Thousands of ANC supporters who had turned out to support Magashule were dealt with a blow when they were told that he would not address them. Former ANC councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Andile Lungisa told the thousands of party members that, Magashule wouldn't address them due to the COVID-19 restrictions. GUEST: Professor Sethulego Matebesi, Political analy...

Thousands of ANC supporters who had turned out to support Magashule were dealt with a blow when they were told that he would not address them. Former ANC councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Andile Lungisa told the thousands of party members that, Magashule wouldn't address them due to the COVID-19 restrictions. GUEST: Former ANC councillor in the Nelson Mandela B...

Artist and producer Eugene Mthethwa has chained himself inside the offices of the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) in Braamfontein, Johannesburg yesterday, demanding that the organisation release artists' royalties. Mthethwa says he wants what is due to him from 1998 to 2021. GUEST: Legendary kwaito singer, Artist and producer Eugene Mthethwa GUEST: Mark Rosin, the CEO of the South...

We find out from Dr Emanuel Matambo. Following Malawi’s Democratic Progressive Party’s call for the election to be nullified – they are accusing government and the country’s electoral commission of dragging their feet when it comes to the appointment of two electoral commissioners. Guest: Dr Emanuel Matambo, Research Director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg

U.K Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that Uber drivers are workers entitled to rights like minimum wage, holiday pay and leave days. The ruling is the end of the road for Uber’s five-year fight over the status of its drivers in the United Kingdom. Guest: Kgomotso Mokoena, a labour law lecturer at the University of Johannesburg

Matric results: The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has recorded a 98.07% matric pass rate for 2020. This is a slight drop in the overall pass percentage in the sector when compared to the previous year’s 98.82%. We now speak to one of the top achievers Nqubeko Mthabela, the head boy at St David’s Marist Inanda. He achieved 5 distinctions which included Business Studies and English. Guest: Nq...

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries have investigated the elevated levels of Sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide that has created a sewage like stench in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The department visited the Sasol Secunda Operations, which are believed to be the possible source of the Sulphur stench. GUEST: Albie Modise, head of communications and spokesperson for the Department o...

The department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has dismissed reports that a Western Cape farmer is being kicked off his farm, so that a MK veteran could take it over. 56 year old Ivan Cloete, a coloured farmer, who is a legal beneficiary of government's Land Redistribution process, was reportedly served with a notice of eviction. The department however says the matter of Mr Cloet...

Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has announced that the former superintendent general of the provincial Health Department, Dr Thobile Mbengashe, will face disciplinary action - following the SIU's findings relating to last year's procurement of ambulance scooters intended to assist Covid19 patients. Speaking during a media briefing in Bisho, Mabuyane also announced that Health MEC Sindiswa Go...

The South African Gunowners’ Association (Saga) is not happy with how the firearm amnesty period was managed. According to them – there were no clear guidelines and communication about the implementation of the amnesty. To add to this, on Tuesday, Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police resolved to suspend the meeting they had with police management due to inaccurate statistics provided by the...