The National Pulse

Tomorrow afternoon, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will table what many South Africans call Budget 3.0. With the proposed VAT increase of 0.5 percentage points having been scrapped, most people are concerned about whether spending will be lowered or not or if Budget 3.0 will be able to allocate more funding. To help us understand certain aspects in relation to tomorrow’s Budget Spe...

Four toddlers tragically died in a Johannesburg slum fire, highlighting severe overcrowding and unsafe living conditions in a property meant for six, but housing at least 32. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Aziz Ally, Community Activist

The FW de Klerk Foundation says they are hoping for a constructive dialogue between the Union Buildings and the White House. The foundation expects President Ramaphosa and President Trump to focus on matters that benefit both countries, rather than trivial domestic issues. To elaborate further on this, we are joined by…… GUEST: Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director @ the FW de K...

Earlier today, members of the Public Servants Association and political parties were picketing outside Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban, following the death of medical intern, Dr Aluluthi Mazwi. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Mlungisi Ndlovu, Public Servants Association spokesperson in KZN

Dr. Mabitje Jacky Rampedi, a medical doctor turned entrepreneur whose journey began in the township of Soshanguve is about to break new ground in Hartbeespoort. Dr. Mabitje Jacky Rampedi joins me on the line to share his story with us… GUEST: Dr. Mabitje Jacky Rampedi, Medical Doctor turned entrepreneur

Aviation analyst, Phuthego Mojapele has questioned the decision of the International Air Service Licensing Council to approve the foreign operator’s permit for a chartered airplane that recently ferried 49 Afrikaners to the United States of America, saying it was irrational and unconstitutional. However though, prior to their departure the department of transport did confirm that the applica...

Earlier today, two people died during a protest for basic services in Diepkloof, Soweto, while a truck driver and two assistants were beaten by residents who looted their vehicle. Sanele Msibi, a community leader from the Diepkloof hostel, spoke to Thulasizwe on The Morning Brief and this is what he had to say… GUEST: Mlungisi Mabaso, MMC for Human Settlements anc Caucus Leader of the IFP i...

Seven girls between the ages of 13 and 15 have been arrested and appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court for assault earlier today. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Megan Briede, Director of programmes at Save The Children South Africa

Independent Analyst, Khaya Sithole, penned a piece for news 24 yesterday on President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the US. According to Khaya, the President faces one of his toughest negotiation tests yet. Khaya Sithole joins me on the line to tell us more... GUEST: Khaya Sithole, Independent Analyst

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has officially launched the review of the White Paper on Local Government. According to him the review is aimed at building a modern and effective local government system. He joins us now to elaborate further on this. GUEST: Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Robin Wheeler shares thoughts on how to transition out of the corporate world. For close to thirty-one years now, Robin has been helping people and businesses around the world succeed on a new level, using his concept of ‘being yourself for a living’. GUEST: Robin Wheeler, Author, International Speaker & Business Consultant

EFF Leader, Julius Malema, led the party’s VAT Victory March to National Treasury offices in Pretoria today. The party marched to celebrate the reversal of the value-added tax increase. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Sibahle Motha, SABC News Reporter in Pretoria

    Today we are pleased to be joined by Hayley Reichert who describes herself as a passionate London-based South African, committed to driving change and improving the future of South Africa. Hayley has done a number of amazing and interesting things, including assisting South Africans who fled Ukraine at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.   GUEST: (UK): Hayley Reichert, founder...

25-year-old, Dr. Alulutho Mazwi, an intern doctor at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal died on Monday night after allegedly being made to work despite reporting he was unwell. To get a reaction to this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: Dr Zanele Bikitsha, South African Medical Association Spokesperson

Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom are today debating a bill that is aimed at legalising assisted dying in England and Wales. Supporters of the bill argue that allowing people to die with dignity is kinder than forcing them to continue their lives with suffering. Those who are opposed to the bill are of the view that opening the doors to voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide could lea...

We chat to another winner, Zaheer Cassim. Some of you may be aware that Polar Ice cream recently scooped five SA Champion titles at the prestigious 2025 South African Dairy Championships and was voted the best ice cream in the country.   GUEST: Zaheer Cassim, owner of Polar Ice Cream, Norwood

The SA Human Rights Commission has confirmed that it has settled a complaint against Renaldo Gouws in relation to a video he published in 2010, which contained racially offensive and harmful language directed at Black South Africans. We understand that the matter has been settled through the Commission’s alternative dispute resolution process. GUEST: Dr Eileen Carter, Eastern Cape Provincial...

    Earlier today, the Public Service Commission in partnership with the Moral Regeneration Movement launched the National Advocacy Campaign on the Constitutional Values and Principles that is aimed at rebuilding the moral fabric of society, instilling the fundamental rights and values of the Constitution and to evoke ubuntu, patriotism and a renewed sense of identity in South Africa. I...

The EFF has condemned the conduct of chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on higher education and training Tebogo Letsie after EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was forcefully removed from a committee meeting. I spoke to Sihle Lonzi earlier on, and I am now joined on the line by… GUEST: Tshepo Louw, ANC Whip of the study group on Higher Education

MP Nicholas Gotsell, the DA's National Council of Provinces member on security and justice, is demanding answers from Correctional services minister, Pieter Groenewald, as to how three dangerous inmates “disappeared” from Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Nicholas Gotsell, MP & DA's National Council of Provinces member on...

Yesterday, EFF MP Sihle Lonzi was ejected from Parliament forcefully after questioning the department of higher education’s appointment of Gwede Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, as chairperson of the manufacturing, engineering and related devices sector education and training authority (merSETA) board. GUEST: Sihle Lonzi, EFF MP

In conversation with Dr Naledi Pandor who addressed the annual Trialogue Business in Society Conference yesterday, focusing on the evolving role of business as a development partner in addressing some of South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges. GUEST: Dr Naledi Pandor, Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation

It’s official, President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump in Washington DC on Wednesday next week to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest. The two leaders are meeting at a time of strained relations between the two countries. However though, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office says his visit to the US, provides a platform to reset the strategic...

Earlier today, the ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi briefed the media in Saxonwold on outcomes in tackling major challenges in the province with a focus on improving service delivery in the province. The Premier also touched on running for office in 2027. This is what he said… GUEST: Professor Andre Duvenhage, Political Analyst from the University of the North...

Post the Africa CEO Forum that was recently held in Ivory Coast, we find out from Team South Africa if their expectations were met. During the event, Team South Africa’s high-level panel focused on unlocking the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) dividend through regional value chains and public private partnerships. Joining us for this conversation is…… GUEST: Dr Ant...