The National Pulse

    As we mark the first anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Goma. We examine a deal between Kinshasa and Washington related to critical minerals and the role of South Africa as it was part of SADC’s peace keeping mission in the war hit region. Advocate Sipho Mantula helps us understand how South Africa is perceived and trusted across the continent post the Goma experience.   GUE...

    We unpack the legacy of the outgoing NPA boss, Advocate Shamila Batohi. Her term of office comes to an end today and a lot has been said about the NPA struggles under her leadership. Many have been frustrated mainly by the lack of convictions in State Capture cases and high-profile cases. But how should we rate her seven year-term in office, having started in 2019? For more on this,...

Today we are joined by Prince Mashele, a South African political commentator known for his engaging and fearless commentary - who is often described as someone who expresses their opinion freely, directly and honestly, even if it shocks or offends others. GUEST: Prince Mashele, Political analyst & Executive Director of the Centre for Politics and Research

    A 63-year-old Chinese National will be extradited to China in connection with defrauding the Chinese government of R120 million. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Athlenda Mathe, SAPS National Spokesperson 

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he has studied the interim report submitted by the Madlanga Commission on the 17th of December 2025 and accepts its recommendations. According to the presidency, the report recommends immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of sever...

    We hear from the Progressive Zimbabweans Foundation about their concerns regarding the current political and socio-economic developments unfolding in Zimbabwe. According to the foundation, there is no appetite from the ruling elite to address several critical issues that continue to threaten the country’s constitutional democracy, economic stability and the well-being of ordina...

Wikipedia, the world’s largest online information resource is celebrating 25 years this year. Over the past 25 years, Wikipedia has overcome countless challenges and changes, thanks to the people behind it and their unwavering commitment to sharing free, reliable knowledge with the world. GUEST: Bobby Shabangu, member of the Wikimedia Foundation Board

    Christopher Rutledge, Executive Director of Mining Affected Communities United in Action has penned an opinion piece about the tragedy that happened in Stilfontein a year ago where 93 people were officially confirmed dead. Let’s talk to Christopher about this…   GUEST: Christopher Rutledge, Executive Director: Mining Affected Communities United in Action

    The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), has welcomed what it calls Chery’s investment in South Africa with the acquisition of Nissan’s historic production plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. For more on this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department

    Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report are launching the Africa NextGen Economist Prize, a new award recognising the best young African economist under the age of 40. This initiative aims to identify and promote a new generation of African economists whose work makes a tangible contribution to public debate and to the shaping of the continent’s economic policies.   GUEST: Lea...

    The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape is urgently appealing to the public for donations of dogs to bolster its K9 Units. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, Eastern Cape SAPS Provincial spokesperson

    We tell you more about the upcoming “Nelson Mandela Africa Leadership Summit” that is due to take place in Kenya early next month. The Summit aligns strongly with ongoing conversations around Africa’s demographic dividend, digital transformation, gender equity, creative economies and youth leadership. To tell us more about the significance of this pivotal event is&h...

In conversation with Joshua Maponga whose work has been instrumental in shaping the field of Black Theology and is often described as an embodiment of black excellence. Some on the continent, respect him for being outspoken and not shy about expressing his thoughts. Today, Maponga will share his perspectives on various topics, creating an engaging discussion about personal growth, challenges and o...

Renowned human rights lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith speaks to us about his efforts to free Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist who gained international attention after her conviction in the US and is currently serving an 86-year sentence for attempted murder and other felonies at the Federal Medical Center in Texas. However, Siddiqui’s supporters firmly believe that she was wrongly...

During today’s proceedings, Jessi-Ann Thompson, a social worker in private practice, recommended that Malema be given a suspended fine instead of a prison sentence, arguing that he is a first time offender and has not been implicated in any criminal conduct in the seven years since the firearm discharge incident. For more update on this, we are joined by…… GUEST: Hlumisa Qabaka...

Friends and families of the twelve pupils killed in a horror scholar transport crash In Vanderbijlpark on Monday gathered today for a joint memorial service. SABC News Reporter, Thabiso Radebe, was at the memorial service and now joins me on the line to tell us what came out of the service… GUEST: Thabiso Radebe, SABC News Reporter 

    As of August last year General Dagvin R.M. Anderson (US Air Force) assumed command of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), succeeding Marine General Michael Langley. Heading into 2026 and beyond, Gen. Anderson’s tenure is defined by a strategic shift towards strengthening the security-economics nexus, focusing on mitigating terrorism's impact on development, an...

The Constitutional Court has remitted the case against Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to Ace Magashule, back to the High Court. The apex court handed down a ruling earlier today in Cholota’s extradition case, in which the National Prosecuting Authority was appealing a High Court ruling. Let’s get reaction from the NPA. Joining me on the line now is… GUEST: Advoca...

Bongani Ndlovu, Public Relations Officer: Greater Johannesburg Learner Transport Association

    Authorities impounded more than 60 scholar transport vehicles earlier today in Lenasia, South of Johannesburg. The vehicles were impounded for carrying more children than they were allowed to and some drivers did not have valid public driving permits (PDPs). For more on this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: Sashin Naidoo

On Saturday (January 24th), South Africa and the rest of the world will observer ‘International Day of Education’, a global observance by UNESCO and the United Nations to celebrate education’s vital role in peace and development. This year’s theme highlights “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education”. To celebrate this day, here at home, UNICEF will highlight...

As the global conversation turns to Davos this week. We are joined by Minister Stella Ndabeni and she is part of team South Africa that is attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting that is currently underway in Davos, Switzerland, and she is going to share insights on their respective business segments and the role they play in shaping economic and social impact. GUEST (Davos): Stella Ndabe...

    Around 300 families from the Seporong informal settlement in Randfontein have fled their homes after threats and violence from illegal miners and are now sheltering in an overcrowded community hall. For more on this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: Zine Buthelezi, SABC News Reporter

    Multiple people have been shot, two fatally, at Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg earlier today. SABC News Reporter, Luyanda Danca, was at the scene and now joins me on the line…   GUEST: Luyanda Danca, SABC News Reporter

    Kruger National Park will cautiously allow day visitors access to sections of the reserve, but full operations are yet to resume after a week of heavy rainfall and flooding. For more on this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson