The National Pulse

Latest developments at SAA: This past weekend government confirmed that it was developing a business case to create a “new” national carrier. The plan emerged after the government and union representatives on Friday concluded crunch talks to avert SAA’s collapse following SAA joint business rescuers Les Matuson and Siviwe Dongwana threatening to quit the process. Guest: Ephraim Mphahlele, General...

Many of South Africa's major banks promised to offer debt relief for businesses and payment holidays for Individuals affected by COVID-19. We now speak to one of these banks, Absa, about the bank's Payment Relief Programme and how many clients and customers they have been able to assist since the launch of the Programme on the 30th of March this year. Guest: Bongiwe Gangeni - Deputy CEO of Absa Re...

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says they are in consultations with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the police. This after some long distance travelers were left stranded and inconvenienced by SAPS and traffic officers who stopped them on the road due to the set Covid-19 curfew. Minister Mbalula has apologized to the travels who were affected over the weekend...

Emergency Medical Services workers based in Khayelitsha have embarked on a strike, arguing that they have never been screened or given adequate personal protection equipment in the battle against Covid19. Guest: Eric Kweleta, Provincial Secretary of Nehawu in the Western Cape

Today is the deadline for SAA workers to choose between terminating their contracts or liquidating the airline. Recently we have heard that SAA’s rescue practitioners and workers’ unions are of the view that the airline is on the verge of being liquidated. To give us an update guest: Ephrahim Mphahlele, General Secretary of the National transport movement

52 The African Christian Democratic Party, ACDP says there is no rationale in risking the lives of our children to complete the academic school year. The party was reacting to the proposed re-opening of schools by the Department of Basic Education. To elaborate further on their concerns, Guest: ACDP MP Marie Sukers

There's a group of young South Africans stranded in Turkey due to the nationwide lockdown. The group travelled to the country around March for music opportunities. But now they have been left stranded following the coronavirus pandemic. Guest: Lundi Mlonyeni, who is the spokesperson for the group

Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela, about policing of the province's roads. This after reports that suggest the department is allegedly making it difficult for people from the Eastern Cape to enter the province. Guest: Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela

Oupa Segalwe explains why the Public Protector has decided to investigate the department of Public Works and the role Minister Patricia de Lille played in the building of the R37 million Beitbridge border fence. Guest: Oupa Segalwe, Public Protector Spokesperson

On World News today we ask – Why is Tom Thabane dragging his feet, when is he going to resign? Recent reports suggesting that Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Tom Thabane, has agreed to an immediate retirement are proving not to be accurate. This as Thabane continues to occupy the mountain kingdom’s influential office. News coming from the country suggests that the All Basotho Convention (ABC) has report...

As we observe May Day - Mbhazima Shilowa shares his thoughts on the exceptional challenges facing the workers during the Covid19 pandemic. Since the enforcement of the national lockdown there were various disturbing reports suggesting that some companies that were operating during the national lockdown were largely failing to provide basic or adequate health and safety measures. Guest: Mbhazima Sh...

The Automobile Association (AA) says a record decrease in the price of fuel is expected in May due to the lockdown and other factors. The AA says petrol is expected to decrease by R1.74 a litre with diesel expected to fall by R1.56 and illuminating paraffin a whopping R2.18. Guest: Layton Beard- Spokesperson for the Automobile Association

According to S&P, the downgrade is a result of coronavirus related pressures that will have significant adverse implications for South Africa’s already deficient growth and fiscal outcomes. Government has expressed disappointment over global ratings agency S&P to lower South Africa’s long term foreign and local currency debt ratings further into non-investment grade to ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’ respectively....

Still on the Sanco story, right now though we focus on the course of action that can be taken against anyone who violates the national lockdown laws. Guest: Ulrich Roux, attorney and managing director of Ulrich Roux & Associates

Sanco reacts to the WhatsApp message that allegedly orders that food parcels only be given to those residents affiliated to SANCO. The organisation says it condemns the views shared by its member whose name is not mentioned in the statement. The incident took place amid existing fears of corruption, abuse of power and mismanagement of resources meant for the neediest. Guest: Bongikhaya Qhama, the...

We pay tribute to anti-apartheid activist Professor Dennis Goldberg who sadly died just before midnight (we are told). Goldberg was one of 10 people who faced charges of treason in 1963 after a raid on Liliesleaf Farm. He was found guilty on charges, including conspiracy and sabotage, during the infamous Rivonia Trial held at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria from October 1963 to June 1964. He was...

Yesterday Masechaba spoke to the ANC's parliamentary study group on Tourism Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo about the use of BBBEE in the government's relief measures for businesses during Covid19. This after AfriForum and Solidarity decided to approach the court to challenge the official government policy of BBBEE. During the Interview Supra Mahumapelo backed Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Nguba...

Seven people have been arrested in connection with vandalising and breaking in at schools at Mankweng outside Polokwane in Limpopo. Some of the goods recovered include computers and fridges. Guest: Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo- Police spokesperson in Limpopo

A group of researchers from the University of Cape Town are hard at work developing a smartphone app to help government track people who may be unaware they have contracted COVID-19, as well as those who have come into contact with people who have tested positive. The application is called Covid and uses location to do the tracking. Guest: Professor Co-Pierre Georg- UCT Associate Professor

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) met with Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan yesterday to try and find the most optimum solution to the current challenges faced by South African Airways (SAA) and SA Express. It was reported yesterday that SA Express has been placed on provisional liquidation. Guest: Zazi Nsibanyoni-...

Yesterday, an industry body that represents 320 member organisations in the solar PV industry has written an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, in which it calls on him to remove limitations to private power generation as a way of supporting efforts to kick start the economy post COVID-19. Guest: Wido Schnabel – Chairperson of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)

The Progressive Student Movement is calling on government not to rush learners to return to school without proper health mechanisms being put in place and they are also saying that quarantine camps will be a great alternative instead of school classrooms at this point. Guest: Rich Modisha, Gauteng Chairperson of the Progressive Student Movement

BSS: We hear from the Public Servants Association of South Africa on why they want government not to release opportunistic inmates, particularly those who revolted against lockdown measures last week. The association is of the view that “the protests instigated by prisoners’ organisations are irresponsible” 1. Guest: Reuben Maleka, Assistant manager for the Public Service Association 2. Guest: Phi...

The Department of Home Affairs has been briefing the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and the Select Committee on Security and Justice about various issues concerning the department's services, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown. The Joint Committee also received an update on the removal and movement of refugees from the Cape Town Central Business District. Guest: Home Affairs Minister, Dr...

Have you tested positive for coronavirus or been close to someone who has? Well you are urgently needed to participate in South Africa's coronavirus rapid test study. So what does this study entail? Guest: Professor Elizabeth Mayne, head of immunology at Wits University