The National Pulse

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...

Yesterday, Stats SA released its Quarterly Labour Force Survey showing the country's official unemployment rate rose to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, up 1 percentage point from the previous quarter. We heard from the youth and labour unions on this so today, we invited an economist to weigh in on the numbers. I am now joined on the line by… GUEST: Xhanti Payi, Senior Economist at PWC

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has impounded at least 15 delivery bikes and arrested 10 foreign nationals for contravention of the Immigration Act. For more on this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: Xolani Fihla, JMPD Spokesperson

Yesterday, a group of Metsimaholo (Sasolburg) residents in the Free State started picketing against Sasol in the area, claiming that the giant energy company is overlooking locals for jobs and procurement opportunities. The protest started in the morning and the police had to be called in to restore order after traffic was blocked, creating chaos in the northern Free State area. To get more on thi...

The EFF wrote a letter to Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, regarding reports of the awarding of the National Lottery operating licence to Gold Rush Consortium. The EFF says this was done unlawfully. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Sinawo Thambo, EFF National Spokesperson  

Tanya Jakeni’s journey to excellence   Have you ever encountered someone who excels in everything? Well Tanya Jakeni might just be one of those people as she was one of the notable winners in this year’s Gauteng Women’s Excellence Awards. She was recognised with an award in the “Girl Child” category, having successfully represented her school (Bertharry English P...

How significant is Donald Trump’s Middle East trip? During his visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday, U.S President Donald Trump secured deals that strengthen America’s economic competitiveness and global influence and it didn’t end there as he also announced that his administration intends to lift sanctions on Syria now that the Assad regime is no longer in power. He also revealed tha...

With South Africa continuing to grapple with high unemployment rate. Neil Coleman from the Institute for Economic Justice argues that we need to change our approach in order to reverse this catastrophe. Currently 12.7 million people remain unemployed, which simply means that our country has one of the highest jobless rates globally.  GUEST: Neil Coleman, Senior Policy Specialist at the Instit...

Africa CEO Forum   Let’s now tell you more about the #AfricaCEOForum that is currently underway in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The event serves as a platform for multinational CEOs on the continent, investors and government leaders, to gather and conduct high-level meetings on innovation and business ideas. Yesterday during the Presidential Panel, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke glowingly abo...

Earlier on, I spoke to Statistician General, Risenga Maluleke about the latest unemployment stats. As things stand, unemployment in South Africa has increased by a 1% in the first quarter of 2025, with the economy shedding 291 000 jobs. To get some reaction on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Co-ordinator

The East London Magistrates Court has ruled that controversial Nigerian pastor, Timothy Omotoso, can stay in South Africa for now. The televangelist appeared in court earlier today, facing immigration-related charges. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Lubabalo Dada, SABC News Reporter in the Eastern Cape

According to the latest “Perceptions of Democracy Index”, South Africa ranks 7th among countries viewed most positively by the global community. The index summarises attitudes toward democracy, geopolitics and global power players. Interestingly the US is becoming less popular globally. GUEST: Phumzile Van Damme, Tech & Society Consultant & former MP

As you heard from the Statistician General that young people remain vulnerable in the labour market, I guess the big question is - are we failing our youth? GUEST: Thapelo Maleke, President of the Youth Chamber of Commerce

According to Stats SA, the country’s unemployment rate has increased by 1% to reach 32.9%. The organisation has also revealed that young people remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the total number of unemployed youth having increased by 151 00 to 4.8 million. Joining us to unpack the latest numbers is…… GUEST: Risenga Maluleke, Statistician General & head of Stats...

Food producer, Tiger Brands has offered to compensate listeriosis victims. This is a huge development considering the fact that this case has dragged on for years. Some of you may recall that in 2017, more than 200 people died following a listeriosis outbreak. Richard Spoor Inc. played a pivotal role in assisting the affected families during a protracted legal process and they join us now to react...