African Dialogue: Recent Episodes
Channel Africa
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
South Africa has been placed on Adjusted Alert Level Four of the national lockdown for the next fourteen days, as the country battles the rising number of covid-19 cases. All social gatherings including political, religious and cultural events are prohibited with the exception of funerals which will only be limited to 50 people.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made this announcement in his address to the nation last night. This as the country grapples with new Delta variant of the Coronavirus which has hit the country leading to South Africa recording the highest number of daily infections in the past few days.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Mugwena Maluleke Secretary General South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
• Michael Swain Executive Director Freedom of Religion South Africa (ForSA)
• Wendy Alberts CEO: Restaurants Association of South Africa
Ivory Coast's former President, Laurent Gbagbo, landed in his country, last week Thursday, after battling charges of war and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court for many years.
After being acquitted in 2019 his return has been expected hence this homecoming saw crowds welcoming Gbagbo in Abidjan where he landed with a heavy security scattered across the city. As much he has not made his political ambitions clear the support of his return was a signal that he could still be enjoying a support base in his country.
Today on the program, we look at whether Gbagbo’s return to Ivory Coast has any ramifications to the politics of the country.
On African Dialogue, Benjamin Moshatama speaks to Koffi Kouakou, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Africa China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Mohammed Diatta, researcher at the Institute for Security Studies and Brian Kagoro, commentator and Pan-Africanist Development Practitioner…
As she made her exit as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda denied accusations, tainting the court while she was heading it, that the ICC was only interested in prosecuting Africans.
In a BBC interview, she said the accusations were part of a propaganda campaign by those wanting to discredit the court.
Under former United States (US) President, Donald Trump, Washington opposed decisions made by Bensouda to examine war crimes allegations in Afghanistan, including against US troops, and alleged atrocities in the Palestinian territories by Israeli troops, Palestinians and other armed groups.
The incoming Chief Prosecutor, British barrister Karim Khan, took over last week Wednesday with a pledge to improve the ICC’s track record by taking only its strongest cases to trial.
Khan, who is only the third person to hold the role, faces many challenges at a time of fierce political pressure on the world's permanent war crimes tribunal.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Professor William Gumede, Executive Director of the Democracy Works Foundation
• Sanusha Naidu, Foreign Policy Analyst at the Institute for Global Dialogue …
Zambia’s “founding father,” Kenneth Kaunda, who died last week in Lusaka at the age of 97, was the last of the first generation of African leaders who fought for the liberation of their countries. Kaunda led Zambia to independence in 1964, governing the country for 27 years until 1991.
The charismatic President who won accolades for bowing out peacefully after losing an election was also the authoritarian who introduced a one-party state. The revolutionary who gave sanctuary to liberation movements was also a friend of United States Presidents. He was also known for his endearing quirks: safari suits, waving white handkerchiefs, ballroom dancing, singing his own songs while cycling and crying in public. And yet there was also a hard edge to the politics and persona of the man, whose powerful personality helped make Zambia a major player in Africa and the world for three decades.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Mavuso Msimang African National Congress veteran
• Macdonald Chipenzi, Executive Director of Governance, Elections, Advocacy, Research Services Initiative
Ethiopians have voted in a crucial parliamentary election taking place against the backdrop of war and famine in the northern Tigray region and questions over the poll’s credibility, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expected to cement his hold on power.
Abiy, a Nobel Peace laureate who freed political prisoners, welcomed back exiles and ended a long cold war with neighbouring Eritrea before sending troops to confront the dissident leadership of Tigray late last year, has promised this election will be Ethiopia’s most competitive in history, free of the repression that marred previous ballots. To assist us on this we are joined by Isabel Bosman, a Researcher in the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute for International Affairs and Andualem Sisay Gessesse, a journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Former SAA CEO, Vuyani Jarana, says the SAA deal intended to sell a 51% stake to an equity partner with government will give the airline the opportunity to operate as a functional business.
Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan, announced last week that the Takatso consortium would acquire a 51% stake in SAA - with government due to keep a 49% shareholding. Gordhan says Takatso also intends to inject over three-billion-rand into the deal.
Today we were joined by Guy Leitch, SA Flyer Magazine Editor, Dr Joachim Vermooten, independent aviation consultant and researcher and Professor Jannie Rossouw at Wits Business School.
On Wednesday 16 June 2021, South Africa and the world will commemorate the 45 anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising, the day now known as Youth Day in South Africa.
On June 16 1976 between 3000 and 10 000 students marched peacefully to demonstrate and protest against the government’s directive to have Afrikaans as a compulsory medium of instruction.
Meanwhile the greatest struggle faced by young people today us unemployment which is sitting at 45%.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the government’s commitment to creating jobs.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Pali Lehohla is the former statistician general
• Soroya Jones is the Inyathelo Finance Director
Tensions seem stiff between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates despite them finalising a deal to assist each other with extradition and legal evidence of those accused of looting the state coffers.
While the ratification of the treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance was welcomed this week, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi said they would only accept that there was cooperation from the UAE once they received the evidence they had been requesting for over three years.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
•Wayne Ncube, National Director: Lawyers for Human Rights
•Jo-ansie van Wyk: Lecturer, Unisa: Politics Department
The G7 nations have committed to sharing one billion vaccines doses by next year, however, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told the meeting held in the Britain in the United Kingdom ,that he believes a TRIPS waiver is still the best way to get the world vaccinated against Covid-19.
The G7 nations have agreed to step up action on climate change to help poor countries cut emissions.
African Dialogue’s host Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Elizabeth Sidiropoulos Chief Executive of the South Africa Institute of International Affairs, Victor Kgomoeswana, commentator and author of Africa Open for Business and David Ansara, Chief Operations Officer for the Centre of Risk Analysis within the Institute of Race Relations.
Let’s start our first segment with our one on one, and today we are joined on the line by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s Ambassador to South Africa and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ben Mpoko.
We are going to speak to him about the complex challenges that the DRC is currently facing, the weakening security, the DRC’s relationship with South Africa and how can the country be stabilised…
What’s trending on Twitter?
• The G7 leaders meet this weekend for the first time in nearly two years, after the global coronavirus pandemic forced last year's event to be cancelled. But the most interesting part perhaps is that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has bene invited.
• This week we saw the move by Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, taking a leave of absence pending the outing of the investigation of the Special Investigating Unit regarding his role in awarding of a tender.
Zooming into Zambia
On our zooming into a country segment we look at Zambia where three renowned international Constitutional Lawyers have applied to join the eligibility case on the eligibility of President Edgar Lungu to contest the August 12 elections.
The three are Constitutional Professor Lawyer, Chaloka Beyani, Professor Melvin Mbao, and Professor Cephas Lumina. We are joined on the line by Professor Cephas Lumina …
Money matters
We look at prevention versus treatment within a medical aid insurance.
Here is an interview with Tracey Janssens from Alexandra Forbes Health…
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the current load shedding crisis facing the country will have a huge impact on economic recovery. Eskom started implementing stage four load shedding on Wednesday because of additional breakdowns of a unit in Medupi and high winter demand. The Chamber which represents more than 20 thousand small and medium sized business warns that businesses are struggling with the current power cuts and this will led to additional job losses.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Chris Yelland Energy Expert
• Happy Khambule Political Advisor Green peace Africa
• Dave Long General Secretary South African Independent Power Producers Association (SAIPPA)
South Africa's Health Minister Zweli Mkhize had looked to distancing himself from the growing scandal but has come under increasing pressure to step down. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement on his special leave on Tuesday. Mkhize is implicated in the issuing of a contract to communications company Digital Vibes worth R150 million. The Minister is also preparing himself to appear before the ANC's integrity committee. Mkhize was speaking in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where he inspected vaccination sites in the city.
To look at the ongoing corruption scandals during Covid-19 Benjamin Moshatama speaks to Kaizer Kganyago, the Special Investigation Unit spokesperson, Mark Heywood, editor at Maverick Citizen and a social justice activist and David Lewis, executive director of Corruption Watch.
The National Assembly has passed three crucial Bills to fight gender-based violence and femicide. They are the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, Domestic Violence Amendment Bill and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act. The Bills were introduced in Parliament following a Presidential Summit on gender-based violence and femicide in 2018.
The summit resolved to fast track the review of existing laws and policies to fight GBV. The ANC Parliamentary Caucus says the Bills will ensure that the rights and lives of women, children, members of the LGBTQIA-plus community, and society at large are protected and perpetrators of gruesome crimes given deserving sentences.
To assist us on this we are joined by Lisa Vetten, research and project consultant at the University of Johannesburg and Kerryn Rehse an advocacy, policy and research officer at MOSAIC (a training and service centre combating abuse and gender based violence).
South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.6%, up 0.1 percentage point from the final quarter of 2020, the quarterly labour force survey was released by Statistics South Africa last week.
The results of the survey show that unemployment in South Africa has reached some of the highest levels in the country’s history.
In terms of the unemployed, Stats SA now records that there are more than 11 million people who are unemployed.
This number of unemployed may be even bigger, considering that a large number of the so-called 17-million not economically active is made up of home-makers and/or previously discouraged workers, many of whom would readily accept decent work if on offer.
The survey reveals that the official unemployment rate among youth (15-34 years) was 46.3% in quarter 1, 2021.
To assist us on this we are joined by Labour Analyst, Mamokgethi Molopyane and Lelona Mxesibe, Researcher and Budget Analyst at the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute…
• Allegations of corruption during covid 19 have come up again this time South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has been fingered where its alleged that he has enriched his family and friends with millions of taxpayers' rands meant for the fight against Covid-19.
• Eskom and South Africa’s power supply issues.
• June is Youth Month…
On our first segment, we are joined on the line by Ndumi Hadebe, an entrepreneur self-leadership coach.
She is at the initial stages of writing a book about black tax.
We will be talking to her about the concept of black tax, what it means for African people and how can it be embraced…
Zambia’s main opposition party, the United Party for National Development, has criticised what it called an effective ban on campaign rallies before elections in August, after President Edgar Lungu warned that such gatherings could accelerate the spread of the coronavirus.
Lungu on Wednesday ordered police to ensure health guidelines are followed and said opposition parties should avoid public gatherings so that Zambia avoids a situation like in India, where political rallies accelerated the spread of the pandemic.
To assist us on this we are joined by Dr William Mpofu, Political Analyst; Professor Sitwala Imenda, an academic and we are also joined by Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, listen…
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has suspended a vote on its presidency after it was already delayed by days of scuffles amongst members.
PAP Secretariat, Spokesperson Jeffrey Onganga, says the suspension is indefinite and a date would be confirmed at a later stage.
The session was supposed to run from May 21-June 4.
The delay comes as a win for the southern African caucus who refused to go ahead with the vote unless the process was reformed to a rotational presidency.
The sessions were marred with violence and intolerance by members where a delegate from South Africa was caught in the firing line…
To assist us on this we are joined by Victor Chipofya, Independent Political Analyst, Santosh Vinita Kaylan, Member of Parliament from South Africa’s Democratic Alliance party and former PAP member…
The agency said in a statement it welcomes the DRC government’s “dedicated efforts” to protect people living in the Red Zone of eastern Goma from risks associated with further eruptions, and is warning of the potential that children would be at greater risk from further mass evacuation. Thousands of people fled Goma following the 22 May eruption, many of whom have headed to Sake. Meanwhile dozens of people have been killed in two new attacks in the Eastern part of the DRC a notorious group linked to the Islamic State has been blamed. On the 6th of May President Felix Tshisekedi proclaimed a 30 day state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri in a bid to curb the bloodshed by the Allied Democratic Forces, the armed group being blamed for recent attacks.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
Dr Shingai Mutizwa – Mangiza is an independent political analyst
Everiste Kambanga spokesperson for the Congolese in South Africa
Dr David Zounmeno is a researcher in the African Security Analysis Programme at the Institute for Security Studies.
Leaders of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States held an emergency summit in Ghana's capital Accra to agree a response to the Malian military's ouster of a president and prime minister for the second time in nine months. Mali's neighbours and international powers fear the latest revolt will jeopardise a commitment to hold a presidential election next February, and undermine a regional fight against Islamist militants. In a communique after the summit, ECOWAS said Mali's membership in the bloc was suspended with immediate effect.
ECOWAS and Western powers including France and the United States worry the political crisis could exacerbate instability in northern and central Mali, a home base for regional affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State.
Today on the segment we ask “are medical aids still relevant in this day and age?” Portia Mahlalela from Alexandra Forbes Health explains.
The United States (US) of America‘s patience has snapped with Ethiopia, an important ally in Africa. Washington imposed visa restrictions this week on as yet-unnamed Ethiopian and Eritrean officials, saying they had “taken no meaningful steps to end hostilities” in a brutal six-month war in the Tigray region.
The US also put curbs on economic and security assistance, though humanitarian aid which accounts for most of the $1 billion it spends in Ethiopia each year will continue. Jane Rabothata spoke to William Davison from the International Crisis Group about the latest developments.
• Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s corruption trial went underway this week where he pleaded not guilty.
• French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit South Africa.
This week we speak to author of “My Family of Super heroes” Zinhle Matthews about her new book. It is specifically written to be read by a parent or caregiver with a child, uses engaging illustrations and emotive language to tell a compelling yet accessible story of triumph over adversity.
It introduces readers to a young girl named Precious who, inspired by her mother, uses the power of positive affirmation to overcome her insecurities and doubts.
A study has been launched in South Africa’s Umlazi township, south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, in which young women will receive a novel treatment aimed at lowering HIV risk.
The treatment, called Lactin-V, is derived from a strain of bacteria known as Lactobacillus that is naturally abundant in women who have low levels of vaginal inflammation that is associated with decreased HIV risk.
Prior studies in South Africa have shown that women who have a deficiency of Lactobacillus have higher levels of vaginal inflammation and up to three-to-four-fold higher risk of HIV infection.
To assist us on this we are joined by Professor Thumbi Ndungu, Director: HIV Pathogenesis Programme at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Patient No 1 (Anonymous)…
South Africa’s Department of Health says 3 084 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past 24-hours, taking South Africa's total number of reported cases to 1 640 932.
At least 102 people have died of Covid-19-related illnesses, with the total number of fatalities now standing at 55 976.
The department has warned that all provinces continue to show increases in new cases as well as a 17% increase in hospitalisations in the past week.
At least 700 904 people have so far been vaccinated in Phase Two of the COVID-19 vaccine programme.
The National Coronavirus Command Council is reported to have met this Tuesday to discuss the increase in cases with South Africa’s ministerial advisory committee…
To assist us with this we are joined by:
• Dr Angelique Coetzee, Chairperson of the South African Medical Association
• Prof Ames Dhai, bioethics and health law expert
Location: Speech Title: AFR DIALOGUE 26 05 21
The day formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 5, 1963.
The organisation was later transformed into the African Union on July 9, 2002 in Durban, South Africa, but the holiday continues to be celebrated on May 25. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent as well as around the world.
The celebration however comes on a back heel of a number of issues: the Covid-19 pandemic having piled up pressure on the African economy.
Only last week, Democratic Republic of Congo’s President, Felix Tshisekedi, who is also the current head of the African Union alongside a dozen other African heads of state, concluded a summit in Paris where they argued among other issues for an increase in the Special Drawing Rights from $33 billion to $100 billion.
To assist us on this we are joined by Dr Jessie Kabwila, Chair of the Women Caucas Malawi Parliament as well as Izak Khomo, Channel Africa’s Senior Journalist and Analyst…
French President, Emmanuel Macron, convened a Summit on Financing African Economies in Paris recently in which it was emphasised that Africa’s economic recovery is key to global growth.
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, attended the summit along with representatives from 28 other African countries, China, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and United Kingdom among others.
Ramaphosa made strong remarks at the summit on Africa’s vision for economic recovery and in this way, shaped the agenda.
Summit participants discussed the issue of debt relief and support for African countries from the International Monetary Fund through Special Drawing Rights.
The Summit welcomed the ambition to develop an Alliance for Entrepreneurship in Africa to help mobilise all partners, public and private, to support, through financial, technical resources, and capacity building, the development of the African private sector.
To assist us on this we are joined by Dr Charles Sinkala Africa 55 States President and Organisation of African Political Parties; and Professor Patrick Bond from the School for Governance at the University of the Western Cape…
Time to zoom into the continent and today we look at sexual exploitation in areas of conflict.
Here is an interview with senior researcher at the South African Institute for International Affairs Stephanie Wolters who says that in countries where security and governance is at its weakest crimes against women and children increase.
The State Capture Commission of enquiry was adjourned last night after for security concerns during the testimony of Noma Mngoma.
Temporary ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.
In Malawi the first woman to head the country's anti-corruption bureau Marthur Chizuma has been chosen.
Today we look at the concept of Black Tax with Ndumi Hadebe an entrepreneur and self-leadership coach, she is at the initial stages of writing a book about it..
According to Save the Children, a staggering 72 million children living in conflict areas, globally, or one in six are living near armed groups that perpetrate sexual violence against them.
The High Court in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, has ruled that the retired Chief Justice, Luke Malaba, cannot have his expired term of office renewed in line with the new Constitutional Amendment number two.
Users of the popular WhatsApp messaging service have until this weekend to accept its updated privacy policy.
WhatsApp sparked a public outcry in January this year with a proposed update to its privacy policy to enable it to share information with its parent company Facebook.
The backlash led to the service pushing back its deadline for agreeing to the terms to May 15.
It also reassured users the update was focused on allowing users to message with businesses and would not affect personal conversations.
To discuss this, we are joined by Journalist, Editor and Publisher, Toby Shapshak and Duncan Mcleod, Tech Central’s Founder and Editor…
Today our question is when the best time to take out a retirement plan is. The Director of Ascor Independent Wealth Manager Wouter Fourie now joins us on the line...
Time to zoom into the continent and today we look at Israel. Violence in Gaza and Israel shows no sign of abating amid continued rocket fire and air strikes. Dozens of people have so far died in the conflict. The Israeli army is believed to have put forward plans for a possible ground offensive in Gaza, which needs to be approved by army chiefs and various levels of government before any operation begins. This has been described as the worst violence since 2014, fuelled initially by weeks of Israeli-Palestinian tension in East Jerusalem which led to clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews. Israeli journalist, Jonathan Schwartz is in Tel Aviv...
What’s trending on twitter?
• The African National Congress drama continues, what is the latest on the Secretary General Ace Magashule? • Israel is a hot topic right now as tensions continue to rise.
South Africa’s Department of Health has confirmed variants of the COVID-19 virus first identified in India and Britain, have been detected in South Africa. Two cases of the B.1.617.2 variant - dominant in India - have been reported in Gauteng and another two reported in KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 11 cases of another variant - B.1.1.7, first detected in Britain - have been reported in the country - eight in the Western Cape, one in KwaZulu-Natal and two in Gauteng. Wits University vaccinology expert - Professor Shabir Madhi - says new variants and mutations are inevitable. However, he says the challenge now lies with the country's vaccination programme and whether the vaccines will be effective against the new variant.
Today we speak to:
• Prof Ames Dhai, South African Medical Research Council & Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee.
• Dr Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association.
• Prof Guy Richards, Critical-care Professor at Wits University
South Africa's ruling ANC Special NEC meeting enters its third and final day with mounting calls for NEC members to go on a retreat or to hold a special conference in a bid to find ways to save the party from imploding. For the first time in over 100 years, the governing party is holding its NEC meeting with its Secretary General suspended. And as if this is not enough, its Secretary Ace Magashule was kicked out of the meeting on Saturday for defying his suspension orders. Channel Africa’s Benjamin Moshatama speaks to political analysts Levy Ndou and Gogo-Aubrey Matshiqi.
We now go to our money segment and we look at “how to change our attitude towards money as we age?” Let’s speak to Buhle Langa, financial well-being consultant at Alexander Forbes.
We are taking you to Somalia where there are tensions rising and violence breaking out. Let’s now speak to Senior Researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre, Ibrahim Dean.
• What is happening with South Africa’s ruling party the African National Congress and Secretary General Ace Magashule speaking out?
• The regent queen of the Zulu nation Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu’s memorial service
• South Africa’s Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng is going on leave.
On the 12th of May nurses around the world will be saluted for their dedication and hard work over the past year especially their commitment to fight the covid 19 pandemic which has ravaged countries all over killing millions of people in its path. But young entrepreneur Sylvester Msuthwana says nurses need to be supported and given the tools to do their work more efficiently during these Covid-19 times, he has developed the AFrinurses app to help empower nurses to have access to helping people. He now joins us on the line to tell us more about the vision behind this development...
More people have been killed by Islamist militants in the northeast of Nigeria. According to Reuters, dozens of people were killed on Sunday including seven soldiers in the Mafa local government area of Borno state. It has been reported that in recent months jihadists have killed more than 36 00 people in the area, and the conflict has caused more than two million to migrate from their homes. In the past few weeks, there has been an increase of attacks on army camps which are reported to come from militants linked to the Islamic state.
To get a sense of what is happening here we are joined by Matthew Page, Chatham House Associate Fellow who focuses on Nigeria and Dr Olayinka Ajala, Associate Lecturer at the University of York. We also talk to Teniola Tayo, Research officer of the Lake Chad Basin Programme Institute for Security Studies Abuja, Nigeria.
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has announced that the local government elections will take place on October 27, 2021.
This will be the sixth time under South Africa’s democratic dispensation that voters will elect leadership and public representatives at metropolitan, district and local level.
The announcement comes despite calls from the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters and some sections of Ramaphosa's own party, the ruling African National Congress, for the municipal polls to be postponed.
He said that Covid-19 had changed the way of life across the world so adjustments would have to made as how elections are conducted.
Elections are known for their long queues at voting stations which, given the pandemic, could become super-spreader events.
Is South Africa ready to host it's local elections this year?
To answer this question Benjamin Moshatama in this podcast is joined by Grant Masterson, Programme Manager at the African Peer Review Mechanism of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy and Dr Ina Gouws, Senior Lecturer, Governance and Political Transformation at the Department of Politics, University of Free State and lastly Professor Kealeboga Maphunye, Professor of African Politics at the University of South Africa…
At least four people were reported to have been shot and wounded over the weekend in Chad’s Mandoul region. This took place on Saturday when security forces were said to have fired at a crowd demonstrating against the military taking over the country’s government.
Protesters continued to gather over the weekend in other parts of the country such as in the town of Sarh, where they stood in defiance of the military junta’s takeover. On Sunday the military council, which is now run by late president Idris Deby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, announced its new government while reiterating it will hold elections within 18 months.
Despite this promise thousands of Chadians protested against the militia and meanwhile the opposition has insisted on a call for a transitional government to be formed led by a civilian president and a military vice president.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Kwezi Mngqibisa, Director for M4Insight
• Samuel Okunade, an academic in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies
South Africa has the highest number of Covid-19 cases on the African continent with more than 50 000 reported deaths.
The economic cost of the pandemic is evident on the streets, with healthcare facilities having been under considerable strain during the waves of the pandemic.
Just over 300 000 people have received their jobs, however, the country’s rollout is proceeding at a pace much slower than expected.
The government has been criticised for not actively engaging in vaccine procurement through other avenues at an earlier stage.
We are joined by OB Sisay, Africa Covid 19 lead at the Institute for Global Change and Dr Aslaam Dasoo,Convenor with the Progressive Health Forum to discuss this…
On our money segment today we look at how to get out of personal debt. We are now joined by the COO of Debt Rescue Anneline van der Poel.
Time to go to our third segment where we zoom into a country on the African continent. Today we look into Mozambique. The Mozambican government says it plans to invest over a billion dollars in the country's Northern region. Already underway, it says, is a 100 million dollar emergency programme to support health and education. Meanwhile the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is pushing for 3000 military troops to help Mozambique fight terrorism and violent extremism in the region. To tell us more we are now joined by Milton Maluleke Channel Africa’s correspondent in Mozambique.
• South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa took the stand at the Zondo Commission of inquiry this week in an unprecedented move.
• The unexpected death of the Zulu queen, Shiyiwe Mantombi Dlamini-Zulu, just after she has taken over the throne following the death of her husband, King Zwelethini.
On the first of May, South Africa will enjoy Worker's Day. Worker's Day celebrates the role played by Trade Unions, the Communist Party and other labour movements in the struggle against Apartheid. According to Statistics South Africa more than 500 000 people lost their jobs between December 2019 and December 2020 when the country underwent different levels of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stats SA said 565 000 of the 594 000 people believed to have lost their jobs during that period were full-time employees. Many of those who remained employed were earning less. As South Africa prepares to mark Workers Day tomorrow we speak to the first President of the congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU), Mike Shingange, on the past year’s highs and lows...
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is finally appearing before the State Capture Commission. Speaking about the ruling party African National Congress’ cadre deployment policies, Ramaphosa said the appointments of individuals, such as Brian Molefe, Matshela Koko, Arthur Fraser and Dudu Myeni, to key positions at state owned enterprises bypassed the ANC’s deployment committee. Meanwhile the opposition party Democratic Alliance has criticised Ramaphosa for defending the cadre deployment committee, which he once chaired.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Ivor Sarakinsky Political Analysts Wits School of Governance
• Dr David Monyae Political Analyst University of Johannesburg
The United Nations Refugee Agency says it is in discussions with the Kenyan government on a way forward regarding the possible closure of the Dabaab and Kakuma refugee camps.
The camps host more than 40 000 people.
Last month, Kenya's High Court suspended the government’s move to shut down two camps that hold hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn neighbouring countries.
On this programme we ask the question: Why is it that the refugee camps have been a sore point for the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government?
To unpack this, presenter Benjamin Moshatama speaks to Professor Douglas Yates, an American Political Scientist residing in Paris and Dr Christiano D’orsi, Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at the South African Research Chair in International Law (affiliated with the University of Johannesburg)…
Freedom Day, a holiday celebrated in South Africa, commemorates the first elections to take place in the new democratic dispensation in 1994. We look at how the deepening inequalities, which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, have impacted the social and economic freedoms achieved in South Africa’s democracy.
We speak to Happy Khambule, political Advisor for Green Peace South Africa and Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa. We also get the views of rural transformation Advisor at Oxfam South Africa, Fundiswa Ndlela.
On our money segment today we look at the benefits of saving and those of investing. What is the difference? Is there a difference and which one is most effective?
Let’s listen to this interview with Gerald Mwandiambira the Chief Executive Officer at the South African Savings Institute...
Time to go to our third segment where we zoom into a country on the African continent. Today we look into Chad. This week, re-elected President Idriss Deby died a day after he was declared winner of the elections. The army said the President had been commanding his army at the weekend as it battled rebels who had launched a major incursion into the north of the country on Election Day on April 11. Professor Douglas Yates from American Graduate School of African studies in Paris says Deby died a warrior.
• Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s lawyers have resigned from his case.
• The George Floyd court case has finally come to an end with the former police officer Derek Chauvin being found guilty on all three counts.
• The South African government has lifted the suspension of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
• The Cape Town fires in South Africa have wreaked havoc this week.
After several weeks of a public outcry for a day that celebrates and honours African spirituality, Africa’s number one stout beer, Castle Milk Stout, which has positioned itself as a preserver of African culture and tradition, has announced that it will partner with renowned cultural activist and Poet Laureate, Zolani Mkiva and The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) to officially launch Ancestors Day.
This inaugural commemoration has been set for May 8 and will see South Africans from all walks of life encouraged to celebrate and observe African spirituality and its role in our lives’ through ceremonies and rituals that honour the ancestors.
To launch and celebrate this historic event, CONTRALESA has called upon all South Africans to mark this day as an opportunity to honour the Ancestors and their role in African spirituality.
The guilty verdict of former police officer, Derek Chauvin, has sparked mixed reactions around the world.
However, most people say that it is a monumental moment for the United States of America.
Chauvin was found guilty of murder over the death of African-American George Floyd on a Minneapolis street last year.
He was filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes during his arrest. The widely watched footage sparked worldwide protests against racism and excessive use of force by police.
Chauvin was found guilty on three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
To assist us on this we are joined by Sanusha Naaidu from the Institute for Global Dialogue and Professor Tim Murithi, Head of Peacebuilding Initiatives at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and an Extra-ordinary Professor of African Studies at the University of the Free State, listen…
Chad’s long time President Idriss Deby has died of wounds suffered on the front line in the country’s north, where he had gone to visit soldiers battling rebels, the armed forces said. Deby died just over a day after he was declared the winner of a presidential election. The army said the President had been commanding his army at the weekend as it battled rebels who had launched a major incursion into the north of the country on Election Day on April 11. A military council led by the late President’s 37-year-old son, four-star General Mahamat Idriss Deby, would replace him. A curfew has been imposed and the country’s borders have been shut in the wake of the President’s death.
• Dr Charles Sinkala is Africa 55 States President and Organisation of African Political Parties
• Prof Douglas Yates, American Graduate School Paris of African studies
Former South African President Jacob Zuma rejected a request by the nation’s top court to file an affidavit suggesting what sanction he should face if it finds him guilty of contempt of court for defying its order to testify before the Zondo Commission of enquiry.
Last week, Zuma said he would not be filing an affidavit and, in a 21-page letter to chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, he explained why.
Zuma said the directions were a “sham and an attempt to sanitise the gravity of the repressive manner in which the court has dealt with my issues”.
Describing the directions as “political gimmicks”, Zuma said his decision not to participate in the Zondo commission’s court case to the Constitutional Court was a “conscientious objection” to the abuse of judicial authority by the commission.
We are joined by Professor Tinyiko Maluleke a political analyst.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recommended that the government lift the pause on administering drug maker Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine, given that certain conditions are met.
These conditions include, but are not limited to, strengthened screening and monitoring of participants who are at high risk of a blood clotting disorder.
Last week, South Africa suspended the rollout of the J&J vaccine in the “implementation study” on Tuesday, after health agencies in the United States of America recommended pausing its use because of rare cases of blood clots in six people inoculated with it, out of some seven million people who have received the shot in the country.
To assist us on this we are joined by: Dr Fareed Abdullah from the Medical Research Council and Portia Nkambule, Chief Regulatory Officer at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
We introduce a new segment today on our show and it’s called Money Matters where we look at various topics about money, savings etc.
This week on our first instalment we look at “how to recover financially from lockdown” here is an interview with Alexandra Forbes Financial Planner Jaco Prinsloo.
Time to go to our third segment where we zoom into a country on the African continent.
Today we look into Chad and Benin where presidential elections were held this week. In Chad it is widely expected that incumbent Idris Deby will win a sixth term.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are among those who have voiced criticism.
And in Benin opposition groups boycotted the election rejecting to President Patrice Talon’s quest for a second term. Benin was once praised as a vibrant democracy in the region, but most opposition figures are now exiled, disqualified by electoral reforms or have been targeted for investigation by a special court.
We are now joined on the line by Dr Charles Sinkala 55 States President and Organisation of African Political Parties.
Former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma snubbing Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng in his responding affidavit as to why he should not be jailed for contempt of court?
South Africa will temporarily suspend the roll out of the Jonson and Jonson vaccine?
The tragic death of a teenager who committed suicide after she was bullied?
Nearly a million people are facing severe hunger in Mozambique. United Nations food agency has appealed to donors to confront a protracted humanitarian crisis in conflict-hit Cabo Delgado province.
A worsening conflict has driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. In the latest attack by al shabaab linked fighters, in March led to thousands of residents leaving Palma to Pemba for safety.
However, the situation remains volatile. Earlier on African Dialogue we spoke to Shelley Thakral who is the WFP spokesperson in Mozambique she is based in Pemba where there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid.
The Republic of Tanzania is currently observing a 14 day period of the morning following the death of their President John Magufuli. Magufuli aged 61 succumbed to heart failure at a hospital in Dar es Salaam. Notably, the late statesman will be remembered for his covid-19 denialist position even after the world health organisation urged countries to put in strict measures to try curbing the spread of the virus. He was only six months into his second term as president. Samia Suluhu Hassan who was the vice president called for unity after she was sworn in making her the first-ever female president of the country.
Radio broadcaster and journalist Benjamin Moshatama unpacks this topic as he speaks to:
• Prof Aldin Kai Mutembei Political analyst University of Dar es Salaam
• Dr Dan Paget Lecturer University of Aberdeen
• Brian Kagoro Program Support Division Director of the Africa Regional Office Open Society Foundation
Human Rights Month is commemorated in March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa. This year’s Human Rights Day is commemorated under the theme: “The year of unity, socio-economic renewal and nation-building.” On 21 March 1960, the community of Sharpeville and Langa townships, embarked on a protest march to protest against pass laws. The apartheid police shot and killed 69 of the protesters at Sharpeville, many of them shot while fleeing. Many other people were killed in other parts of the country. The tragedy came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre and it exposed the apartheid government’s deliberate violation of human rights to the world.
• Wayne Ncube is the National Director at the Lawyers for Human Rights
• Alef Meulenberg is the CEO at the Afrika Tikkun Centre.
Patrice Motsepe, the new president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), says it has to put itself in the shop window of the world to reap great financial rewards. Motsepe was installed as the eighth president of the football governing body during the 43rd CAF congress in Rabat, Morocco, on Friday. On Tuesday Motsepe held his first press conference in South Africa since his election; he said that the Africa Cup of Nations should be held every two years. There has been an argument that a Nations Cup every four years would increase the value and competitiveness of the competition‚ and perhaps ease some of the club-vs-country battles for players to be released. Motsepe was elected unopposed.
• Jeff Katala is an African sports analyst • Lebohang Dube is an SABC sport journalist
The World Forum’s latest Future Jobs Report has found that COVID-19 has caused the labour market to change faster than expected. The research released indicates that what used to be considered the “future of work” has already arrived. By 2025, automation and a new division of labour between humans and machines will disrupt 85 million jobs globally in medium and large businesses across 15 industries and 26 economies. The report says there is an urgency to reskill the labour force. Well, how do we survive the digital era that we are in? Can we reinvent ourselves? Well, some believe the answer lies in being creative in everything you do from the moment you conceptualise an idea to executing it.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Lien Potgieter is an entrepreneur, author, colour therapist, and creativity teacher.
Muyiwa Fasakin is an Advisory Board Member of United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day. He is also the Coordinator at the School of Creativity Nigeria.
The United Nations says International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. Women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, community organisers and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry. This year’s theme is "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world".
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Mary Izobo is an International Human Rights Lawyer and Gender Advocate. She is with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. She is also the founder of the Amazon Leadership Initiative.
• Mandisa Ncgobo is the Chief Operating Officer at Asali Capital
• Bea Hakula, is the President of Africa for Africa Women
We start with our one on one now and we will be speaking to Mr Phil Molefe a Business Development and Strategy Lead at Fabrik, is a veteran journalist and Media Executive with decades of experience in the media industry. Tech Company, immedia has invested R10-million and launches its Digital Leap programme to help African media entrepreneurs to build sustainable community radio by using Fabrik, a set of cloud-enabled digital tools that empower media entities to live-stream shows, grow and engage with audiences around the world, and benefit financially by monetising their audiences via a mobile app. As part of its Digital Leap programme, immedia will be giving its platform to qualifying media entrepreneurs across Africa for free for a year. This includes consultation, training and support to help monetize the technology, cumulatively valued at R10 million.
What’s trending on twitter?
• It is one year since the first confirmed covid case in South Africa.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into South Africa. The country today marks one year exactly since the first case of covid 19 was confirmed. Since then more than more one million people have been infected and over 50 000 have lost their lives to the virus. Two weeks ago South Africa began the Johnson and Johnson vaccine roll out giving hope to many, however some health specialists are still sceptical and say that government needs to strengthen it health systems going forward. Here is an interview with Professor Alex van den Heever he is the Chair: Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies and the Wits School of Governance.
Amnesty International says hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed by Eritrean soldiers last November during the height of the conflict in the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray. The rights group says the mass execution of civilians by Eritrean troops may amount to crimes against humanity. Ethiopia's government claimed victory of the region at the end of last year - after the Tigray People's Liberation Front withdrew their forces.
Today to unpack the situation Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
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Ambassador Dr Shiferaw Teklemariam, Ethiopia's ambassador to South Africa
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Ebrahim Deen, senior researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre.
Let’s start our first segment with our one on one, and today I am joined by Edwin Ikhouria who is ONE in Africa Director. ONE is a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030, so that everyone everywhere can lead a life of dignity and opportunity. More recently the organisation spoke out against vaccine nationalism that European countries were securing more doses than they needed. Before Joining ONE in 2014, Edwin worked for the Development Impact Evaluation Unit of the World Bank. His advocacy work covers pro-poor policies and transparency in public finance, health, agriculture and food security among other things. He joins us now on the line from Nigeria…
What’s trending on twitter?
• Matric pass rate of 2020 just over 70%
• The budget speech presented by South Africa’s Finance Minister this week
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into South Africa and taking a look at the budget speech delivered this week by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni. No major tax increases were announced - but fuel, carbon tax, sin tax and national debt saw an increase. Mboweni did say that government debt was unfortunately extremely high. To speak more on this we are now joined on the line by Domnic Brown from the Alternative Information & Development Centre.
Wayne Duvenhage is the founder and CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse also known as OUTA. The organisation aims to fight corruption and maladministration in government. We know them for speaking out against the abuse of tax payers’ money on issues such as the E-TOLLS, eskom, state capture commission and many more.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The Secretary General of the ruling ANC is back in court today for fraud charges here we see a divided ANC.
• Good news in South Africa was the arrival of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and we saw our frontline workers being vaccinated. A joyous moment in the country.
• We saw parliament debating the State of the Nation Address.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into South Africa and it is definitely a feel good story if you are South African. We saw the arrival of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine against covid 19 and thereafter frontline workers were given their vaccination, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize. Let’s speak to the spokesperson the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) about that vaccine which was administered to its members this week. Sibongiseni Delihlazo now joins us on the line.
Nigeria's Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed to be the seventh Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This makes her the first woman and individual from African to head the multilateral body. Okonjo-Iweala is the former finance minister of Nigeria and former managing director of the World Bank. The United States, under Donald Trump's administration, had blocked her appointment in October last year, despite a strong endorsement from almost all WTO members.
To look at the significance of this appointment Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
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Professor Caroline Ncube, SARChI research chair in Intellectual Property, Innovation and Development within the University of Cape Town.
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Kholofelo Kugler, Counsel at the Advisory Centre on World Trade Law
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Dr Olayinka Ajala, lecturer in politics and international relations at Leeds Beckett University.
We are speaking to the former Vice-President of the Gambia and Minister of Women's Affairs from February 2017 to June 2018, under President Adama Barrow Her Excellency Fatoumata Tambajang. She was appointed as Vice-President by Barrow in January 2017, but was found ineligible due to constitutional age restrictions. She was instead made Minister of Women's Affairs overseeing the office of Vice-President, until the constitution was changed and she was formally sworn in as Vice-President in November 2017. Prior to her appointment, she had served as chair of Coalition 2016, the alliance of opposition political parties that had supported Barrow's candidacy in the 2016 presidential election.
What’s trending on twitter?
• State of the Nation Address yesterday was very sombre and different scene all together?
• The debacle around the AstraZeneca vaccine
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into South Africa where President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa delivered his state of the nation address in a very quiet and partly empty parliament. Ramaphosa announced a number of measures to rebuild the economy including supporting young entrepreneurs. He also announced the formation of the National anti-corruption Advisory Council to fight corruption. Earlier I spoke to General Secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions, Zwelinzima Vavi about his thoughts. He said the organisation is calling on a total economic shutdown later this month.
South Africa's Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, says that the roll-out of South Africa's COVID-19 vaccination programme will be tweaked to include an implementation study. This comes as research shows that the AstraZeneca vaccine has 22-percent efficacy in preventing mild to moderate cases of the COVID-19 501y.V2 strain. Last week - President Cyril Ramaphosa received one million doses of the British drug with hopes of rolling it out to health workers later this month.
To assist us with:
• Professor Lynn Morris from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases
• Professor Keertan Dheda is Head of the Division of Pulmonology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, and the Principal Investigator at the UCT Lung Institute trial site for the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine trial.
• Emeritus Professor Guy Richards of critical care and pulmonology
We are speaking to Professor Tshilidzi Marwala is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He holds a number of positions among them include the Deputy Chair of South Africa’s Presidential 4th Industrial Revolution. This commission will assist government in taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital industrial revolution. Professor Marwala has published 19 books on AI (one was translated into Chinese) his latest book though, “Leading in the 21st Century, the Call for a New Type of African Leader” is all about ethical leadership in the digital world.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Former president Jacob Zuma and EFF leader Julius Malema are meeting at Nkandla this afternoon and its said they will be discussing issues of constitution?
• President Cyril Ramaphosa of South African has opened up more sectors of the economy – the people are rejoicing.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into South Africa where President Cyril Ramaphosa re-opened some parts of the economy. This does spell good news but could it be too little too late? To talk more on this we are now joined on the line by Sandile Swana from the Wits School of Governance
South Africa has lost two giants in the music industry just days apart. Sibongile Khumalo South African opera and jazz singer, and a recipient of the country’s second highest national order passed away after a stroke. Khumalo received the presidential Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2008, for her contribution to arts and culture. A trained soprano, she boasted a wide vocal range. Meanwhile Jonas Gwangwa was laid to rest last week, he was a songwriter, producer and an important figure in South African jazz for over 40 years. He spent most of his life in exile, not only did Gwangwa win acclaim for his music; he was also deeply involved in the struggle against white-minority rule in the country.
To expand on the address we are joined by:
•Sipho “hotstix” Mabuse is a legendary musician
•Dr Sipho Sithole is the Director of Philosophy and music producer. He is the founder of Native Rhythms
On our first segment I speak to a South African advocate and professor of Law Thuli Madonsela holding a chair in social justice at Stellenbosch University since January 2018. She served as the Public Protector of South Africa from October 2009 to October 2016. In 1996, she helped draft the final constitution of South Africa promulgated by then-President Nelson Mandela. As Public Protector, Madonsela investigated complaints regarding public spending on Zuma's private homestead in the KwaZulu-Natal town of Nkandla. Her final report on security upgrades to Zuma's homestead titled Secure in Comfort was published on 19 March 2014. Madonsela found that Zuma had benefited unduly from the R246 million the state had spent on the upgrades. Her report has been met with much criticism and opposition from representatives of the ANC ruling party calling it a "political report".
What’s trending on twitter?
• The passing of legendary musicians Jonas Gwangwa and Sibongile Khumalo.
• The Constitutional Court in South Africa has ruled that former president Jacob Zuma will have to return to the state capture commission to answer and that his right to remain silent has been revoked?
• The Chinese lady Xeimei Harvard who was sworn in as the replacement for the late Jackson Mthembu in the Minister of the Presidency. Social media is on fire for that!
On our country profile today we are going to Brazil where the covid 19 situation is deteriorating. Florida leads the country with the highest number of cases caused by the more transmissible and possibly more deadly Covid-19 variant from the United Kingdom, but new concerns are emerging over the potential spread of the Brazilian variant, also more contagious. And to help us with we are now joined by Executive Producer for Channel Africa’s Portuguese service Charlie Khumalo.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into Mozambique as the United Nations responds as thousands are caught in the wake of devastating Cyclone Eloise. Cyclone Eloise made landfall near Beira, with high winds, heavy rains and severe flooding. The death toll from Storm Eloise has risen to 21 across Southern Africa after Mozambique and Eswatini reported a further five and two people killed, respectively. Hastings Kandaya Operations Support Manager with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The State Capture Commission of Enquiry has heard how three former state security ministers who have been fingered by an unidentified State Security Agency (SSA) manager as the members of the executive who oversaw the abuse of the SSA and its mandates. A secret witness identified only as “MS K” told the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture on Wednesday, that Siyabonga Cwele, David Mahlobo and Bongani Bongo who were state security ministers under former president Jacob Zuma, abused the agency and its mandate at executive level. Another witness Mr “Y” said he believed that Dlomo’s recruitment of “co-workers” to form a “private force” of agents for then President Jacob Zuma in 2008 – 2009 was part of a plan to make him a powerful figure in the SSA when he was eventually appointed in 2012. He then had significant power to conduct unlawful operations.
To expand on the address we are joined by:
• Theo Venter from the University of North West
• Khanyi Magubane is a political analyst and broadcaster
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday urged wealthy countries not to hoard surplus COVID-19 vaccine supplies, adding his voice to calls for global production to be shared more equally. President Ramaphosa was speaking in a virtual meeting of the World Economic Forum. With Africa struggling to secure sufficient vaccines to start countrywide inoculation programmes for its 1.3 billion people, the head of the international Gavi vaccine alliance meanwhile said the surplus doses that richer countries had ordered ran into the hundreds of millions. Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union and whose nation has recorded nearly half the continent's coronavirus deaths, said the world needed those who had hoarded doses to release them for others to use.
To expand on the address we are joined by:
• Fatima Hassan is the Head: Health Justice Initiative in South Africa
• Sanusha Naidoo from the Institute for Global Dialogue
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Political Party Funding Act into operation with effect from April 1. The ANC has been among parties that complained that the act would cripple the governing party and had called on the law to be sent back to parliament for fine-tuning. But that will no longer be happening because Ramaphosa is pleased with the act as is. The act requires political parties and independent candidates to keep clear records of donations exceeding the prescribed threshold in any given financial year.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• George Mahlangu Head: Political Funding Unit Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
• Grant Masterson Program Manager: African Peer Review Mechanism Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy Africa (EISA)
• Prof Kealeboga Maphunye Chairperson Department of Political Sciences
South Africans bid an emotional farewell to the late Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu over the weekend. He has been described by many as a humble, gentle giant and passionate about serving his country and fighting corruption. The anti-apartheid activist, who was part of the liberation struggle inside South Africa, cut his political teeth in student politics in the 1970s and his activism continued when he was a student at the University of Fort Hare, resulting in his expulsion in 1980. Between 1986 and 1988, he was charged with sabotage, treason and terrorism, and tried together with 30 other activists from his hometown Emalahleni in what was known as the Bethal Terrorism Trial. He was later acquitted. He later rose through the ranks of the African National Congress occupying different roles until his death.
To assist us with:
• Nomvula Mokonyane a member of the African National Congress’s National Executive Committee and is also a head of the Gauteng Organising and Campaign Committee.
• Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu
• Bathabile Dlamini is the president of the African National Congress’s Women’s League.
On our first segment we will play you an interview I had with chief economist at Efficient Group Dawie Roodt. He spoke about his passion not only for numbers but the faces behind those numbers. He speaks about what he has learned during this period and shows off a bit of his sense of humour. Let’s listen to that interview.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has passed on succumbing to covid related complications. • South Africa’s Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane was in court yesterday for those perjury charges.
I am a country profile today we do things slightly differently we will speak to the Executive Producer for the Portuguese Channel at Channel Africa Charlie Khumalo about Mozambique where South Africa’s International relations minister Naledi Pandor has expressed frustration over the region’s failure to help Mozambique contain an escalating Islamist insurgency.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into Uganda. The country has moved to clamp down on social media use in the country even as its diplomatic relations with the United States have taken a bad turn after a tense and disputed election. On Monday, internet services were restored after a shutdown imposed just ahead of polls opening on January 14 but the ban on social media, which was originally imposed on January 13, has remained in place. Only Ugandans with virtual private networks (VPNs) that haven’t already been blocked are currently able to access social media. Let’s go to Uganda now and speak to Oryem Nyeko from Human Rights Watch and he is the Tanzanian and Ugandan researcher.
It is official the United States of America's new President is Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Just hours after taking office, Biden signed a stack of 17 executive actions aimed at reversing Donald Trump’s legacy on public health, immigration and the climate crisis. Biden’s first move was to mandate masks and physical distancing in federal buildings, and on federal land. In a sharp contrast to his predecessor, who denied public health research and refused to cover his face, Biden did so while wearing a mask. The inauguration took place amid a pandemic that has killed more than 400,000 Americans. An event that would normally have drawn a crowd of hundreds of thousands instead saw a far smaller audience,
To assist us with:
• Professor Gilbert Khadiagala is the Director of the Africa Centre for the Study of the United States
• Francis Kornegay is a senior research fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine's party said on Sunday that it was preparing to challenge President Yoweri Museveni's election win. They also condemned what it called the house arrest of Wine, as news emerged of two people killed in protests over the result. Protests broke out on Saturday after results from Thursday's election were announced in two areas, Luwero district north of Kampala and Masaka to the southwest. Uganda’s top TV station reported on Sunday that security had killed two people. On Saturday the electoral commission declared Museveni the winner of Thursday's vote, with final counts showing the president won 59% of votes to Wine's 35%. Announcing the results, the commission congratulated Ugandans ona peaceful and successful process.
To assist us with:
• Frederic Musisi, Journalist under the National Media Group
• Michael Arereng, Former Channel Africa executive producer
On our first segment I speak to Dr Angelique Coetzee who is from the South African Medical Association (SAMA) she has been doing a lot of interviews over the past year since covid 19 began and has not stopped. She is a medical doctor by profession and on the show we’d like to know what drives what makes her tick and how our health facilities and health workers are coping at this time as the second covid 19 wave continues to wreak havoc in South Africa and the world.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The Basic Education Minister in South Africa has delayed the reopening of schools to the 15th of February. • US President Donald Trump will go through a second impeachment process since his term.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into Uganda where the internet has been blocked and security has been stepped up in Uganda as counting gets under way after polls closed in a hotly contested election. As vote counting began, lorries carrying soldiers drove through the city and police and local defence units were also seen patrolling. Ahead of the vote, the electoral commission banned the setting up of alternative polling centres. Earlier, the police said they intended to deploy officers on rooftops of Kampala during the election period, say that opposition activists commanded protests from high-rise building in November, when more than 50 people were killed. We are now joined by Oryem Nyeko the Human Rights Watch’s Uganda and Tanzania researcher.
The decision by South African government to close 20 land border posts has sparked debate among differenct sectors of society. Border posts affected include one with neighbouring Zimbabwe -- Bietbridge. This means many of Zimbabweans, who depend on coming to SA for economic activity, will have to wait a while longer. This is untill government reviews the decision announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night.
We are joined by:
• Gershon Mosiane, CEO of Mosiane Group
• Wayne Ncube, Lawyers for Human Rights
This week Ugandans will head to the polls following robust campaigning that many characterised as violent which saw the death of dozens of people.President Yoweri Museveni is seeking his sixth elected term in office after 35 years in power. The 76-year-old faces 10 challengers, most notably the pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Meanwhile human rights groups have accused security forces of using excessive force to break up opposition rallies during the campaign. But the government says the strong measures are necessary to ensure people comply with a ban on large crowds imposed to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Prof Dominique Uwezeyimana Associate Professor University of Johannesburg
• Michael Arareng Former Channel Africa Executive Producer: Kiswahili Service
• Ivan okuda Lawyer & Managing Editor: Vox populi
United States President Donald Trump could face a historic second impeachment before the January 20 inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, at a time when the United States is hit by a surging pandemic, a flagging economy and searing division. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said there would be a resolution on Monday calling for the cabinet to remove Trump as unfit for office under the Constitution's 25th amendment. Pelosi was quoted as saying if Vice President Mike Pence does not agree to invoke the amendment, "we will proceed with bringing impeachment legislation" in the House, Pelosi said. Authorities are seeking to arrest more Trump supporters who violently stormed the Capitol on Wednesday after the president held a rally outside the White House repeating false claims that he had lost the election to Biden due to fraud.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Prof Jo Ansie van Wyk is a lecturer at the University of South Africa
• Dr Bob Wekesa is from the African Centre for the Study of United States at Wits University
On our first segment I speak to someone who is no stranger to Channel Africa and African Dialogue in particular. Kwezi Mngqibisa was with the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) for a number of years researching about the continent but he is now the Director for M4Insight.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The borders of South Africa are under pressure from the Zimbabwe and Lesotho side as we have seen long lines of people wanting to cross over to SA this has of course raised some concerns? • The ruling African National Congress will be hosting its January 8 statement virtually this year? • Let’s go to the US where we have seen supporters of outgoing president Donald Trump storming and occupying the Capitol, disrupting the final electoral count in a shocking display of violence that shook the core of American democracy.
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into Zimbabwe. The country has been entered into another hard lockdown this way for the next 30 days and the ripple effect of that is that we’ve seen the chaos at the Beit Bridge border post as people are seeking to cross into South Africa. This has added pressure on South Africa’s borders with the Home Affairs Minister warning of a humanitarian crisis waiting to happen. Some people have been in the line since Sunday. Let’s go to our lines now and speak to Lovemore Kadenge an independent consultant and past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society he is also the coordinator of the New Perspectives and New Horizon columns.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis as pressure mounts at South Africa’s border posts. Long queues and desperate attempts to enter South Africa have placed a huge strain on the country’s border posts with neighbouring countries. On the Beit Bridge border posts hundreds of Zimbabweans have been captured waiting for days in the line to escape the thirty day hard lockdown implemented on Tuesday. The lockdown is said to be harsher than that of South Africa. Some of the reasons for the delays are that travellers are required to produce a valid negative covid 19 test result obtained 72 hours before the date of travel.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Leon Isaacson is the managing director at Global Migration -
• Professor Jo Vearey is an Associate Professor with the African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand.
The State capture commission of enquiry will have its hands full when it resumes its work this year. It is still to hear testimonies of prominent people in the country such as President Cyril Ramaphosa who was deputy president of the country during Jacob Zuma’s tenure which is the same period where state looting is alleged to have taken place for a number of years. Meanwhile judgment in the Constitutional Court application for former President Jacob Zuma to comply with the summons directing him to appear before the State Capture Commission has been reserved. The application also sought an order declaring Zuma’s walkout unlawful and in breach of the commission’s Act. Sticking to his guns, the former president did not show up at the Constitutional Court either to respond or oppose arguments by the commission’s legal team.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Professor Susan Booysen is a political analyst
• Levy Ndou is a political analyst
As South Africa struggles to contain a second wave of Covid-19 infections which appears to be driven by a new and more infectious variant of the disease, the Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has announced government’s strategy to secure vaccines and roll them out to two thirds of South Africa’s population. He says the vaccine will be rolled out in a phased in approach with health workers first in line. Meanwhile scientists say the new variant carries a heavier viral load and appears to be more prevalent among the young. Preliminary data suggests the virus that is now dominating in the second wave is spreading faster than the first wave. South Africa exceeded the one million mark of covid 19 infections last week.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Dr Aslaan Dasoo Convenor of the Progressive Health Forum
• Dr Angelique Coetzee is the chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA)
• Professor Anne Von Gottberg from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD)
According to media reports about one hundred people have been killed in two villages in Niger apparently by terrorists. The attacks on the two villages of Tchoma Bangou and Zaroumadareye occurred on Saturday just as the first-round of the presidential election results was announced. The two villages are 120km (75 miles) north of the capital, Niamey dozens have been wounded in the attacks. The claims are that the attack was carried out at midday, at the same moment the results of the first round of legislative and presidential election were announced. Election officials announced that the ruling party candidate and former minister Mohamed Bazoum won the first round of Niger’s presidential vote, which was held the previous weekend.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Dr Olayinka Ajala is an associate lecturer at the University of York
• Dr Manu Lekunze is a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen
• David Otto, an International, Security and Defence specialist
Sipho Mantula researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs. He is a human rights lawyer on Cultural, Religious and Language related issues. A friend of African Dialogue and today we are dedicating the last show to him.
What’s trending on twitter?
• South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa has tightened the covid 19 restrictions again due to the rising number of cases and the second wave?
Time to go to our last segment and today we are zooming into Ethiopia’s Tigray region. According to reports half a dozen Tigrayans living in the country’s capital described ethnic profiling and growing harassment. Such abuse and discrimination by neigbours, strangers, and government officials could, analysts and others warn, widen the rift among Ethiopia's increasingly polarised ethnic groups, leading to renewed conflict. Meanwhile as the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region enters its sixth week, there is an escalating risk of a regional political and security crisis, coupled with a large-scale humanitarian emergency that could affect nearly 2 million people. Let’s go to our correspondent in Ethiopia Colleta Wanjohi for the latest.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has announced that South Africa is going through the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. As South African geared up for a lively festive season following a hard year marred by lots of covid related deaths, shrunk economy and massive job loses, they now face harsh restrictions in the wake of the second wave. Minister Zweli Mkhize says the infections are more prevalent in the youth then it is with the older generations. He also emphasised alcohol and parties are a major challenge to the spread of the infections. It is expected that President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation to impose some harsh restrictions to curb the pandemic.
We speak to:
• Professor Sam Mokgokong Specialist Neurosurgeon and ICU specialist
• Prof Glenda Gray President South African Medical Research Council
• Dr Angelique Coetzee Chairperson South African Medical Association (SAMA)
Mahlatse Mahlase is the EWN group editor-in-chief and the Secretary General at the South African Editors’ Forum. She started off her career as a radio broadcast journalist, she’s well-travelled and enjoys telling people stories. When she is not writing another article Mahlase enjoys spending time with her family and cooking. I spoke to her about the media space in 2021, transformations we should expect to see and how does media adapt?
What’s trending on twitter?
• South Africa entering the second wave?
• Matriculants waiting to hear outcome of court application to rewrite the maths and science papers next week?
There's been another dramatic increase in the number of daily coronavirus infections in South Africa; this time 8,166 new cases were picked up over the latest 24-hour cycle. They bring the number of known infections in the country since the start of the outbreak to over eight hundred and thirty thousand. The country has officially entered the second wave of the virus with the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng being the key drivers of the virus. While teenagers have been flagged as the main age of current COVID-19 infections, South Africans are being asked to enjoy the festive season with restraint. As SA battles with a spike in the number of daily recorded Covid-19 cases, the country continues to drop on the list of countries with the most Covid-19 infections. Let’s stalk to Dr Angelique Coetzee who is the chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA)
The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was dominated by infighting. The virtual conference designed to discuss the party’s renewal and preparation for the 2021 local government election, the first session was overshadowed by legal opinions on whether ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule should step down following his arrest last month and ANC NEC member Pravin Gordhan’s admission that he was a part of the creation of the controversial SA Revenue Service rogue unit.
To take the conversation further as we speak to political analyst:
• Prof Lesiba Teffo
• Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast
Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has announced the end of the coalition between his political platform, the Cap for Change and former president Joseph Kabila's Common Front for the Change. The coalition has been ruling the country for the last two years.
We are joined by:
• Stephanie Wolters, a senior research fellow at the South African Institute for International affairs.
• Kwezi Mngqibisa is the Director of M4Insight.
• Sanusha Naidu, a foreign policy analyst at Institute for Global Dialogue
Close to seventeen million Ghanaians were registered to cast ballots at thirty – thousand polling stations across the country. Along with presidential candidates, voters were also charged with selecting 275 lawmakers out of 914 candidates for parliament. Although 10 other candidates are seeking the presidency, the contest has focused on the two political heavyweights, New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Akufo-Addo, 76, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Mahama, 62, who have faced off twice before for Ghana's highest office. Akufo-Addo won in 2016, replacing Mahama who won office in 2012. If either wins, which is expected, it would be for a second and final term under Ghana's constitutional term limits. Voting in the West African country has concluded, and results are expected by the middle of the week. Ghana is seen as an example of a well-functioning democracy amid politically chaotic neighbours.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Brian Kagoro is a Pan Africanist and lawyer –
• Dr Manu Lekunze is a lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen
The National Education Department in South Africa has taken a decision to have a national rewrite of the maths paper 2 and the physical science paper 2. Maths paper 2 will be written on Tuesday, 15 December at and physical sciences paper 2 on Thursday, 17 December. In the past, the department has undertaken provincial rewrites of the matric exams following leaks, but leaks have never occurred on a national level.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Katlego Mongoejane is the President of the Congress of South African Students
• Johannes Motona is the President at the Professional Educators Union
• Matakanye Matakanye from the National Association of School Governing Bodies
• Elijah Mhlanga is the spokesperson at the National Department of Education
South Africa on Tuesday assumed the rotating monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Jerry Matjila, the permanent representative of South Africa to the United Nations says during the month, South Africa will focus on strengthening the cooperation between African Union (AU) and United Nations, and emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly in the form of drawing greater attention to “preventative diplomacy mechanisms,”. This is South Africa's second presidency during its two-year (2019-2020) elected term on the Council. December will also be the country's final month on the Council during its current term.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Prof Babatunde Fagbayibo Lecturer: International Law UNISA
• Dr James Nyawo Lecturer: International Relations and international Law Kenyatta University
This week sees the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the marking of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. South Africa is also declared a national week of mourning for those who have succumbed to covid 19 and victims of gender based violence.
To assist us on the implication of this we have on the line:
• Commissioner Nthabiseng Moleko from the Commission for Gender Equality
• Nehwoh Belinda is the general manager of Uthando Centre Afrika Tikkun
• Annah Moyo is the Advocacy Programme Manager at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Bafana Khumalo He served as co-director of the organisation from 2006-2010 and as manager of Sonke’s International Programmes Unit and the Policy, Advocacy and Research Unit from 2010-2011. Bafana has a long track record in the NGO sector. He was senior gender technical advisory for EngenderHealth South Africa. In that capacity, he worked with the South African National AIDS Council, the National Department of Health, provincial and district AIDS Councils, and the Department of Basic Education to integrate gender into all HIV-related public health strategies and activities, incorporate comprehensive HIV prevention strategies and information into all education-related policies and programs for schools and communities.
What’s trending on twitter?
• South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma walking out of the state capture commission of inquiry while Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was speaking basically saying he will not recuse himself from the commission?
• The South African Broadcasting Corporation this week is making headlines as retrenchments loom, massive protests are planned against these retrenchments?
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into Ethiopia. The latest airstrike by Ethiopia's military has hit a university in the capital of the defiant Tigray region and caused major damage, university officials said. There was no immediate comment from Ethiopia's Government, which has been fighting the Tigray regional forces since a November 4 attack on a military base there. Both sides have carried out airstrikes. Each regards the other as illegal, the result of a falling-out between Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray leaders who once dominated the country's ruling coalition. While Abiy's Government rejects urgent international calls for dialogue, a humanitarian disaster is unfolding as food, fuel and medical supplies run desperately short in the Tigray region. Andualem Sisay Gessesse is a journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The State Capture Commission on Monday heard arguments about what constitutes bias. The Commission was hearing the recusal application brought by former President Jacob Zuma against Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo. In his application, Zuma has claimed that he and Zondo are friends - a claim rejected by Zondo. Zuma has also claimed that he would not receive a fair hearing given Zondo's statements and conduct with regards to earlier witnesses. Evidence leader at the State Capture Commission in Johannesburg Paul Pretorius has challenged the application by Former President Jacob Zuma and his lawyers for the recusal of Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Pretorious says Zuma's claims do not pass the test of bias as they make no allegation of actual bias against their client by Justice Zondo.
To assist us on the implication of this we have on the line:
• Khanyi Magubane, political analyst and broadcaster
According to pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech, their new vaccine has exceeded all expectations so far in clinical trials. They said it is more than ninety-percent effective at preventing Covid-19 symptoms. About 44 000 people have enrolled in the clinical trials for this vaccine, which are taking place in several countries, including South Africa. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine exploits new technology that has never before been used in vaccines another reason to treat it with caution. It uses mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) to tell the body to produce viral proteins which stimulate an immune response in the body. Although effective, there are considerable logistical challenges associated with this approach.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Professor Shabir Madhi Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University
• Professor Adrian Puren from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
Terry Bel is a well-known South African labour economist. He was recruited in 1961 into the then recently banned African National Congress (ANC). He subsequently joined the Congress of Democrats (COD). Bell’s journalistic career in the 1960s in South Africa spanned the Amalgamated Press (Germiston Advocate, Benoni City Times, Boksburg Advertiser), Johannesburg Star, Rand Daily Mail, Sunday Times and Sunday Express. He was the treasurer of the short-lived non-racial South African Journalists’ Union (SAJU). He was also a political activist. In London he joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and studied, with other exiles, for a diploma in international affairs through University College. In 1966 the apartheid government imposed banning orders on Bell and a fellow exiled journalist, Geoff Lamb, ensuring that nothing they wrote or said could be published in South Arica. Bell’s ban stayed in place until February1990.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule is facing charges of corruption in the Free State Province.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Wednesday?
• Brackenfell High school in the Western Cape made headlines this week?
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where all eyes are on the Free State Province today as the Secretary General of the governing party the African National congress is being charged with corruption. The charges are linked to the R255-million Free State asbestos scandal. ANC’s top officials told a media briefing that although Magashule had briefed the rest of the top six about the arrest warrant, they had not discussed whether he should step aside in line with the National Executive Committee ruling. The resolution by the party’s 54th national conference stated that leaders charged with corruption or other serious offences should stand aside from their state and party roles until the conclusion of their criminal matter. Let’s look at the implications of this now we are joined by Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer: Governance & Political Transformation Department of Politics, University of Free State.
A new documentary, The Asian Aspiration - Can Africa Become The Next Asia, argues that Africa should follow the economic mode of Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, amongst others. The documentary draws on research by South Africa based Brenthurst Foundation and starts off with a sombre narration by Ugandan pop star and politician, Bobi Wine, who narrates the challenges of poverty and inequality in Africa and throughout its upbeat tone parallels the continent to the Asian economic growth. Doing this, the documentary featuring contributions from former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn insists that Africa must use the economic template of Asia for its own prosperity.
• Former Nigerian president Olesegun Obasanjo
• Greg Mills heads the Brenthurst Foundation and Emily van der Merwe, an economist.
Ethiopia’s federal government has declared an “unexpected war” on its northern Tigray state, threatening the stability of one of the world’s most strategic regions, the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for sweeping political reforms, faces the sharpest consequences yet of the country’s recent shifts in power. Two things occurred early Wednesday morning: Communications were cut in Ethiopia’s heavily armed northern Tigray region, and Abiy announced he had ordered troops to respond to an alleged deadly attack by Tigray’s forces on a military base there. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the fighting. And both stepped up the pressure late on Thursday. Thousands of Ethiopians have escaped across the border to Sudan from fighting in the restive Tigray region, with the exodus likely to swell fast. Hundreds have died in air strikes and fighting amid fears that Ethiopia could slide into civil war given deep animosity between the Tigrayans and Abiy, who comes from the largest Oromo ethnic group.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Edwin Ikhouria is ONE in Africa Executive Director
• Andualem Sisay Gessesse is a journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Colleta Wanjohi is Channel Africa correspondent
The past two weeks the State Capture Commission of Inquiry has been focussing on testimonies about the running of state owned entities namely; failed state airline South African Airways. Former SAA technical board chair Yakhe Kwinana is alleged to have received millions of rand in kickbacks in exchange for lucrative contracts from SAA to JM Aviation but Kwinana maintained she did not have a personal financial interest with the company. Her testimony was followed by former SAA board chairperson Dudu Myeni’s shocking revelation of witness identified by the commission as ‘Mr X’. By doing so Myeni violated the commission’s regulations which give an order not to identify him as he fears for his safety. During her testimony she named Mr X several times even after Justice Raymond Zondo warned her not to do so. So what are the legal ramifications of defying the State Capture commission's regulations? Meanwhile the commission has threatened to lay a charge against Myeni for breaching Section 5 of the Commission’s Act.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Cathleen Powell is an Associate Professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town
• Levy Ndou is a political analyst
Despite President Donald Trump’s objections the United States of America has the new president elect Joe Biden who is getting ready to take over the white house in about two months’ time. Biden won the race for the White House on Saturday, but compared with what lies ahead, that may have been the easy part. In his first address to the nation, the president-elect said he would unveil a group of scientists and experts on Monday to help him craft a plan to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout. Trump has meanwhile threatened a court battle challenging the election results. Biden has been elected as the 46th president of the US.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa Mangiza, independent political analyst
• Professor Jo-Ansie van Wyk from the University of South Africa
The Soul City Institute for Social Justice has a new CEO, Phinah Kodisang took over the reins in January this year. Kodisang has 15 years of experience in the field of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights to the position. Since joining the organisation in 2015 Kodisang has brought a wealth of experience in organisational development, advocacy, programme and grant management, to her portfolio. She has worked previously for organisations such as World Vision South Africa, Ndlovu Care Group, and the Wits Reproductive Health Institute in various positions. Soul City launched a new TV talk show last week and we speak to her ahead of World Aids Day next month.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Vote counting is continuing in the highly contested US elections.
• What is the latest in the State capture commission of enquiry? We saw two former SAA board member Dudu Myeni and former head of technical Yakhe Kwinana.
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Madagascar. Here is an interview with Rintsa Rabemanantsoa
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where the matric class of 2020 sat down for their first exam paper yesterday. According to the National Department of Education over one million learners will sit for this year’s examinations the largest examination to ever be administered in the country’s history. There have been concerns around mental readiness of the learners with covid 19 still in our midst. Let’s now go to our lines and we are joined by the Department of Education’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
President Alassane Ouattara ran for a third term although the Ivorian Constitution limits presidents to two terms. According to the country’s electoral commission, he won Saturday’s election with more than ninety-four percent of the vote. But voter turnout showed that many had heeded the calls to boycott the vote, prompting international observers to say the election lacked fair competition. Since Ouattara announced his participation in these elections the country has been rocked by protests that have at least killed 40 during the presidential campaign.
To assist us
• Dr Manu Lekunze from the University of Aberdeen
• Advocate Sipho Mantula an independent Africa analyst
Today about two-hundred million Americans will be heading to the polls in the presidential elections, after a long season of campaigning by incumbent President Donald Trump and his rival Joe Biden. Yesterday Trump was still hunting for support in four battleground states on the final day of his election campaign. Meanwhile Ohio and Pennsylvania was the focus of Joe Biden as he wrapped up his campaign. In national opinion polls Biden was leading, however many analysts and commentators believe that today’s election race will be a tight one.
To assist us • Professor Jo-ansie Van Wyk from the University of South Africa. • Israel Mkhize, political economist at Bukindaba Group.
South Africa’s Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, wants to have the taxi industry regulated by April next year. Following a three-day national taxi lekgotla government and stakeholders say they will work together to achieve this. Government has also committed to funding but it comes with serious changes including taxi operators paying tax. Meanwhile the National Taxi Alliance pulled out of the National Taxi Lekgotla saying that the gathering is merely a ploy to give the South African National Taxi Council power over them. The organisation has further called on Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula to release COVID-19 relief funds pledged for the industry.
To assist us on this we are joined on the line by:
• Ralph Jones Former Secretary General of SANTACO – Gauteng
• Ayanda Allie – Paine is the spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport in South Africa
• Theo Malele is the spokesperson for the National Taxi Alliance
Dr. Somadoda Fikeni is an acknowledged expert and specialist in the areas of political science, public policy development and analysis, history, political economy and heritage. He is recognised as a leading public commentator on politics, policy economic, social and heritage issues in major South African and international media and fora. Dr. Fikeni was twice voted best political analyst in South African media. He is involved in researching and writing books and articles on various heritage, political, economic and Social issues including African children stories. He recently co-founded and convened the Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios 2030.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The Economic Freedom Fighters leaders are in court for an assault case a lot coming out of that?
• Former President Jacob Zuma has been calling for Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to recuse himself from chairing the state capture commission of enquiry. Judge Zondo has set the record straight.
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where the Finance Minister this week presented the midterm policy budget for 2020. Among other things he said current forecasts are for the South African economy to grow by 3.3% in 2021, 1.7% in 2022 and 1.5% in 2023. However, the organisation Fight Inequality Alliance South Africa is of the view that the midterm budget plan is sending the country from recession to depression. To talk more about this we are now joined on the line by Dominic Brown from the Alternative Information and Development Centre..
South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said he did not expect any further downgrades for South Africa, but said that if it did happen, he should not be burned at the stake. Mboweni was speaking following his 2020 mid-term budget policy which revealed that the 2021 outlook is more uncertain. He said current forecasts are for the South African economy to grow by 3.3% in 2021, 1.7% in 2022 and 1.5% in 2023. He further emphasised that fiscal measures primarily focusing on reductions to the national government wage bill will narrow the budget deficit and stabilise debt over the next five years to return the public finances to a sustainable position. Another bailout was granted to the ailing state airline South African Airways which has since been met with mixed reactions. Mboweni said that South Africa will take years to get back to pre-Covid GDP levels.
To assist us on this we are joined on the line by:
• Redge Nkosi an executive director at First Source money
• Amanda Fitchen is an economist
Tensions are running high in Tanzania ahead of the highly anticipated general election. Voters on the Tanzanian mainland and semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar will cast their ballots for a president and lawmakers after an energetic campaign which saw massive turnout for both the ruling party and opposition. President John Magufuli's main challenger among 15 presidential candidates is Tundu Lissu of the Chadema opposition party.
To assist us on this we are joined on the line by:
• Dr. Dan Paget, Lecturer in Politics at the Department of Politics and International Relations of the University of Aberdeen
• Daniel Ominde Okoth, lead editor of Africa Blogging
• Gabriel Zakaria, Channel Africa correspondent in Dar es Salaam
The West African nation of Ivory Coast is seeing pockets of violence ahead of this weekend’s election, with analysts worried about further clashes. Opposition parties announced a boycott of the election and urged civil disobedience among their supporters. In 2010, the nation plunged into a bitter civil war that divided the country into two, north and south, after then-president Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to rival Alassane Ouattara. The conflict killed more than three thousand people. Since then, the nation has seen a dramatic change. Under his two terms, Ouattara has overseen strong economic growth, as well as security reforms and improvements in livelihoods. However, instead of stepping down this year, he is running for a third term.
We speak to:
• Brian Kagoro is a Pan Africanist and lawyer
• Professor Bhekithemba Mngomezulu, political analyst
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Civil Union Amendment Bill into law, in a move that will now see marriage officers in the employ of the state no longer having to decide whether to officiate same-sex marriages or not. Under the new 2020 Civil Union Amendment Act, which was gazetted last week, this prevents marriage officers from refusing to conduct same-sex marriages. However, the move has been met with resistance from some quarters such as the Christian non-profit organisation Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) who lamented that the amendment to the law failed to replace the right of marriage officers to solemnising same sex marriages with another remedy that meets constitutional standards.
We speak to:
• Thiruna Naidoo, communications and advocacy associate at the Centre for Human Rights
• Roche Kester is the Manager at the organisation OUT LGBTI
On our first segment we speak to a young person in South Africa about unemployment in the youth. According to the latest unemployment figures by Statistics South Africa more than two million people lost their jobs in the second quarter. In the first quarter of 2020, there were over twenty million young people aged 15–34 years of the total number of unemployed persons. The unemployment rate within this group was more than forty-three percent in the first quarter of 2020. The youth are the most vulnerable in the South African labour market. Let’s now go to the lines and speak to Nkululeko Ndlovu a young graduate himself and was the organiser of the fighting against graduate unemployment march earlier this year.
what’s trending on twitter?
• The Nigerian protests are heating up here in South Africa and Nigeria?
• Africa’s wealthiest pastor Sheperd Bushir and his wife have been arrested.
• Angelo Agrizzi is in hospital we know him to be the main whistle blower in the BOSASA scandal at the centre of the state commission of enquiry.
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into Nigeria where the #endSARS protests are continuing. Protests took a turn for the worse late on Tuesday when soldiers reportedly opened fire and killed protesters in Lagos’s Lekki district after the government announced that there would be a curfew. Human rights organisation Amnesty International said it was investigating “credible but disturbing evidence” of the excessive use of force and found at least 12 protesters had died. Meanwhile in South Africa, protests in front of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria were held in solidarity with the #EndSARS protests back home. We are now joined on the line all the way from Abuja Nigeria by Isa Sanusi who is Amnesty International’s Media Manager
South Africa this week marked the forty-third anniversary of Black Wednesday when the apartheid government banned nineteen Black Consciousness organisations and several anti- government newspapers such as the World and the Weekend World on the 19 October 1977. The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) says although the country is in a far better position in terms of media freedom compared to those days, the media industry still faces serious challenges including journalists being harassed by police and communities when covering protests.
We speak to:
• Joe Thloloe is a veteran journalist
• Mary Papaya is the South African Editors Forum’s Media Freedom Chair
South Africa's health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, has yet again cautioned against people relaxing attitudes towards COVID-19, arguing that a second wave of the virus remains real threat despite a decline in the number of new infections in the country since September. The country still has the highest caseload of the coronavirus in Africa, with a death toll that has surpassed the seventeen-thousand mark
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), together with market research partner, IPSOS, has looked at anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. This survey was conducted with a view to understanding how refugees, asylum-seekers and cross-border migrants are viewed in the country. The survey is crucial to assisting government and civil society to develop and implement amongst others, effective public communication campaigns and other initiatives, which can reshape attitudes, behaviours and perceptions, towards foreign nationals.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Dr Steven Gordon Snr Researcher HSRC
• Dr Abdul Karim Elgoni Chairperson African Diaspora Forum
• Gershon Mosiane Chairperson Forum for Immigration Practitioners of South Africa
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is back in Parliament on Wednesday, where political parties will debate his economic recovery plan that promised to create hundreds of thousands of jobs, growing the economy by 3%, spending R1 trillion on infrastructure and hiring thousands of assistant teachers. The plan amongst other things prioritises energy security supply and infrastructure investment. Ramaphosa also said they will create 60 000 jobs for labour intensive maintenance and construction of municipal infrastructure and rural roads. The government would also hire 6 000 community health workers and nursing assistants as part of the implementation of the National Health Insurance.
To take the conversation further we are now joined on the line by:
• Redge Nkosi is an executive director at First Source money
• Andries Opperman is an economics lecturer at Aros
• Amanda Fitchen is an economist
On our first segment I speak to Cassey Chambers who started at The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as a volunteer counsellor in the call centre helping to man the Suicide Crisis Helpline over 12 years ago. With a background in Psychology, and experience as a volunteer in the call centre she then took on the position of Call Centre Manager managing over 100 volunteer counsellors. After 10 years with the organisation, she is now the Operations Director and a board member. She represents SADAG at national conferences, various press interviews, workshops and advocacy projects to help fight for patients’ rights and destigmatize mental health across the country. She focuses on various projects including the Teen Suicide Prevention school programme, rural outreach projects, and support groups, responsible reporting initiatives with press and media, mental health in the workplace.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Economic recovery plan announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa?
• Today all eyes are on the two suspects in the murder of a farm manager in the Free State in Senekal are expected to appear in court. And we are expecting a lot of spectators and protestors?
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday presented the much awaited economic recovery plan. The plan aims to expedite the recovery of South Africa’s economy that was, like most economies, deeply affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The presidency said that the objectives of the plan are to: Create jobs through infrastructure development and mass employment programmes; reindustrialise the economy – focusing on small businesses and strengthening medium and large businesses; Accelerate economic forms, investment and growth; fight crime and corruption and to improve the capability of the state.
We are now joined on the line by Professor Raymond Parsons from the University of North West’s School of Business and Governance
Demonstrations against police brutality have swept Nigeria over the past week, intensifying demands for reform and accountability. To date, At least ten people have died in the protests according to Amnesty International. The human rights group says police have used excessive force against unarmed protesters since the protests started last Thursday. The youth-led rallies in several parts of the country initially targeting the federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit long accused of harassment, extortion and extrajudicial killings. After days of demonstrations, authorities on Sunday announced the scrapping of SARS and the redeployment of its officers to other police units.
To take the conversation further we are now joined on the line by:
• His Excellency Godwin Adama is the Consul General of Nigeria to South Africa
• Dr Jimam Lar from the University of Jos in Nigeria
• Dr Olayinka Ajala is an Associate Lecturer at the University of York
In South Africa October has been declared mental health awareness month. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as many as one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems and this does not include more serious conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Furthermore SADAG says only twenty-seven percent of South Africans reporting severe mental illnesses receive treatment. This means that nearly three-quarters of these sufferers are not accessing any form of mental health care at all.
To assist us on this Benjamin Moshatama was joined by:
• Dr Moipone Tlapu Mental health expert
• Cassandra Govender MSF Mental health supervisor
• Dr Senathi Fisha clinical psychologist and founder of Fisha Wellness Hospital
• Bharti Patel who is the National Executive Director at the South African Federation for Mental Health.
Global statistics show that to date COVID-19 has claimed over 1 million lives and infected over 37 million. Most countries have opened up their economies life is slowly returning to what is now called the new normal. Experts warn of devastating second wave of Covid-19 infections. So today we talk to our colleagues around the continent to see how their respective countries are doing and coping with the new normal.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:
• Corletta Wanjohi Ethiopia and Kenya correspondent
• Simon Muchemwa Zimbabwe correspondent
• Jane Rabothata Channel Africa reporter
Our first segment we speak to Professor Laetitia Rispel a South African Professor of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand. Rispel's work has investigated health policy and management and health services research. Wits University recently hosted a three day convention focusing on decolonising African health systems. The aim of the convention was to provide a platform for conversations to build solidarity across Africa and eradicate colonial-imposed divides in health systems on the continent. In 2018 Professor Rispel was elected president of the World Federation of Public Health Associations making her the first woman from Africa. The WFPHA is an international non-governmental organisation bringing together public health professionals interested and active in safeguarding and promoting the public’s health. She has just finished her term a few months ago.
What’s trending on twitter?
• This week we saw South Africa’s two biggest trade unions join forces to embark on a national strike against corruption and unemployment. • Former president Jacob Zuma has been subpoenaed to appear before the state capture commission of enquiry
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Eritrea, a northeast African country on the Red Sea coast. Here is an interview with Dr Tsegai Medin.
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa. October has been declared mental health awareness month and tomorrow the 10th is World Mental Health Day. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as many as one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems and this does not include more serious conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Furthermore SADAG says only twenty-seven percent of South Africans reporting severe mental illness ever receive treatment. This means that nearly three-quarters of these sufferers are not accessing any form of mental health care at all. Let’s cross over to the lines and speak to Bharti Patel who is the National Executive Director at the South African Federation for Mental Health.
A new UN report estimates that from the year 2000-2015 more than eighty-eight billion dollars leaves the African continent as illicit capital flight. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s Economic Development in Africa Report 2020 says stopping illicit financial flows could almost cut in half the annual financing gap of $200 billion that the continent faces to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
To take the conversation further Benjamin Moshatama talks to:
• Prof Sean Gossel Lecturer Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town
• Kathy Nicolaou Management and Public Sector Consultant Illicit Financial Flows Expert
• Victor Kgomoeswane Author: Africa open for Business
: Rwanda's top prosecutor will seek to merge the case of Paul Rusesabagina, depicted as a hero in a Hollywood movie about the country's 1994 genocide and now on trial for terrorism, with that of former rebels in state custody. Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye said he plans to submit a joint indictment of Rusesabagina along with 18 other Rwandans whom he described as fighters of the National Liberation Front, the militant arm of the political party the Rwanda Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD). Rusesabagina was denied bail on Friday for a second time, with the judge citing he might escape.
Today we speak to:
• Ambassador Vincent Karega. Ambassador of Rwanda in the Democratic republic of Congo.
• Justin Bahunga, President of FDU-Inkingi Party
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says that implementation will be key to the country’s economic recovery plan but has given no indication of when the final plan will be made public. Ramaphosa in his closing remarks to the ANC national executive committee lekgotla, which focused primarily on economic recovery, said the many policies and plans to grow the economy needed to be underpinned by an “urgent need to implement what has been planned”. One of the issues discussed was the issue of corruption within the ANC.
For analysis we are joined by:
• Mr Mavuso Msimang ANC Veteran
• Prof Tinyiko Maluleke Political analyst
South Africa's unemployment rate fell to 23.3% in the second quarter of 2020 from 30.1% in the previous period. It was the lowest jobless rate since the second quarter of 2009, as the country's strict lockdown distorted labour force numbers with fewer people actively looking for employment. South Africa's unemployment rate fell to 23.3% in the second quarter of 2020 from 30.1% in the previous period. It was the lowest jobless rate since the second quarter of 2009, as the country's strict lockdown distorted labour force numbers with fewer people actively looking for employment.
To take the conversation further we are now joined on the line by:
• Terry Bell is a labour and economist analyst
• Nkululeko Ndlovu is the organiser of fighting against graduate unemployment march
• Zwelinzima Vavi is the General Secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions
On our first segment I’m going to play you an interview with Amir Abouelrous an Egyptian citizen who pursued his dreams in South Africa against all odds as a young student in a foreign country. After finishing an undergraduate degree in Cairo Egypt Amir was adamant he wanted to further his studies and find a career in physics. His story is one that will hopefully inspire millions of young people in the same boat not to give up on their dreams. Let’s take a listen.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The wheels of justice are starting to turn all thanks to the testimonies we have heard in recent times coming out of the state capture enquiry.
• On a good note for South Africa our International borders officially opened yesterday allowing certain countries to enter the country
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where the Statistics South Africa released the latest figures indicating that unemployment rate decreased from 30.1% in the first quarter of 2020 to a record low of 23.3% in the data from April to June this year. This, despite the loss of 2.2 million jobs in the second quarter of the year, the labour force survey further shows there was also a massive decline in unemployment. Lets’ go to the lines and speak to Business Unity South Africa CEO Cas Coovadia.
Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Management Authority confirmed this week that more than thirty elephants have died in western part of the country. The parks authority said that the country is planning to send brain tissue samples from dead elephants to the United States to test the cause of the deaths. When Botswana saw the death of 330 elephants this year officials in the country attributed the cause of the deaths to have been caused by toxins produced by cyanobacteria commonly found in water.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Michael Kock, wildlife veterinarian specializing in elephant work and author.
• Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, CropLife SA’s operations and stewardship manager
Mali’s Former Defense Minister and retired Col. Maj. Bah N’Daw had been appointed as the new transitional president while Col. Assimi Goita, head of the junta that staged the coup, was installed as Mali’s new vice president. The transitional president appointed former minister of foreign affairs, Moctar Ouane, as the nation’s prime minister. The three government heads are to lead the transitional government to an election in 18 months.
To take the conversation further we talk to:
• Dr Manu Lekunze Lecturer Politics & International Relations
• Kassoum Coulibaly Political analyst
With South Africa now at level one of its lockdown regulation, borders into the country will be open for tourists and business travelers from the rest of Africa and those coming from outside the continent. South Africa’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma published a series of directives for travelers, including travellers providing a valid certificate of a negative test. The directives also include barring travellers from a list of such countries with a high Covid-19 infection and transmission which may change depending on the country-by-country infection statistics. All commercial seaports are open and international air travel from the 1st of October will be restricted to OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport; and Cape Town International Airport.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Helen van der Plas is an Infectious Disease specialist
• Dr Albie De Frey, Director Travel Doctors
• Bongiwe Pityi-Vokwana , General Manager, OR Tambo International Airport
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where the Human Rights Watch released its report stating that xenophobic harassment and violence against African and Asian foreigners living in South Africa are routine and sometimes lethal. The HRW says despite the March 2019 adoption of a government action plan to combat xenophobia, the government has done very little to ensure that attacks by members of the public, the police, and government officials are investigated and that those responsible are held accountable.
I am a country profile today we are taking you to the East of Africa right in the horn of Africa in Somalia. Here is an interview with Sagal Mahamad Ali ...
• South Africa celebrated Heritage Day yesterday in various ways across the country. One of those ways was the Jerusalema dance challenge that was trending on twitter?
On our first segment we are speaking to the founder and Executive Director of the Kara Institute Professor Mathole Motshekga. The Kara Heritage Institute was established in 1982, under the leadership of Professor Motshekga, for the very purpose of restoring the African cultural heritage and building a nation of African communities and people, with the freedom to shape their own destiny. He is also an academic and a member of parliament in South Africa. Let’s cross over to him now he joins us on the line.
Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated on 24 September. On this day, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions. South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address virtually under the theme “Celebrating South Africa’s Living Human Treasure. He has also meanwhile urged the nation to take up the Jerusalema challenge on Heritage Day as a form of celebration. Master KG's hit track Jerusalema has become a global anthem as the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the globe.
To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to: • Adv Sabelo Sibanda Founder of the School of African Awareness and Ama-Africa Aqotho . • Advocate Kagiso Maphalle is the general manager at the National Heritage Council.
The United Nations celebrated its 75th birthday on Monday under the theme “the future we want, the United Nations we need”. There is a strong focus on the role of the youth and ensuring the UN remains relevant for future generations. World leaders came together, virtually, as the coronavirus pandemic and economic disruption challenge the UN’s effectiveness and solidarity. Millions of people were forced into lockdown and economies were devastated as COVID-19 began to spread around the globe earlier this year. Now, some countries find themselves facing a second wave and the 193-member UN has struggled to assert itself in the face of a distrustful United States, an assertive China and a growing rivalry between the two. To take the conversation further we are now joined on the line by: • Dr Shingai Mangiza-Mutizwa is an independent analyst. • Sipho Mantula – an independent African analyst. • Mpho Tsedu CEO at the Institute for Foreign Affairs.
South Africans are waking up to the first day under level one lockdown, which means you're now allowed to gather in larger numbers, you have an extra day to buy alcohol and the night curfew has been extended. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of more lockdown restrictions which have been in place for almost half the year. International travel will resume next month; however, strict protocols will be in place. However, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has warned South Africans not to be complacent; there are more than six hundred and sixty one thousand confirmed covid 19 cases and close to sixteen thousand deaths. To take the conversation further we are now joined on the line by: • Sanusha Naidoo from the Institute for Global Dialogue • Professor Sean Gossel from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. • Dr Angelique Coetzee is the Chairperson of the South African Medical Association.
Herman Mashaba says his new political party is not for pushovers. The former Johannesburg mayor launched Action SA at the end of August and officially registered it with the Independent Electoral Commission just yesterday. In an interview with him this morning, he says he will be it's prioritising the fight against crime and corruption. The party will be taking part in the next election. This is a two part interview.
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move down to level 1 of the lockdown restrictions as of midnight on Sunday. Let’s speak now to FNB economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi about the impact this will have on the overall economy and what major changes are we likely to see.
In country profile today we are taking you to the West African country known for its beach resorts Côte d'Ivoire Here is an interview with Behila Angama...
West African mediators have failed to persuade leaders of a military coup in Mali to immediately hand over power to a civilian government. Leaders of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have since imposed economic sanctions after the coup saying a new president needed to be appointed. This week, ECOWAS leaders met the heads of a military government in an attempt to quicken the transition from military leadership. Last month Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned hours after soldiers seized him from his home as part of a coup following months of mass protests against alleged corruption and worsening security in the West African country.
On our program today Dr Manu Lekunze, lecturer at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, told Channel Africa that Mali's situation is a complex one where after the coup it has been difficult to manage the demands of the people and demonstrate continuity in governance. Political analyst from South Africa, Advocate Sipho Mantula argues that what is worrying in Mali is the issue which is connected to the militarization of leadership in Africa. They were speaking to Benjamin Moshatama.
In light of the International Day of Democracy UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged governments to be transparent, responsive and accountable in their COVID-19 response. But experts say this hasn’t been the case Africa. Dr Augustine Magolowondo is the Chief of Party at the Democracy Works Foundation, says that the legitimacy of governments continues to be a challenge in Africa. Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong says some African countries have side-lined their parliaments. They were speaking today to Benjamin Moshatama.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured late human rights lawyer and social activist Advocate George Bizos by declaring a Special Official Funeral Category 1 for this distinguished South African. The renowned human rights lawyer passed away at the age of 92. Bizos was born in Kirani, Greece. He came to South Africa with his father in 1941. He dedicated his legal career to fighting for basic human rights, while representing numerous high-profile activists in political trials including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and other accused in both the 1956 Treason and 1963 Rivonia trials. To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to: Morakabe Seakhoa: Author and Poet. Nicholas Wolpe:CEO , Liliesleaf Farm. Nersan Govender: National Director Legal Resources Centre.
Jesmane Boggenpoel has over 14 years of work experience, mainly in investments, private equity and as an entrepreneur. She was the Head of Business Engagement, Africa for the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. She has worked for international companies and has served on several boards in South Africa, including Land Bank. Last year she launched her first book called My Blood divides and Unites, where she shares her account of overcoming apartheid, and how reconciliation can transform pain into hope and change the world.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The former human rights activist and well known lawyer who defended Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia trial George Bizos died this week?
• The health and beauty brand Clicks went viral this week for posting a racially induced advert on their website. We’ve seen protests this week with some branches of the retailer being forced to shut down.
• President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa met with the South African Editors Forum this week?
I am a country profile today we are taking you to the small West African country of Benin. Here is an interview with Souyibou Varrisou
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa where well known human rights activist George Bizos passed away at the age of 92 this week after George, 92 years died peacefully at home of natural causes. Let’s speak now to Nersan Govender who is the National Director of the Legal Resources Centre
This week the ratings agency, Fitch, projected that while China grows by 2.7 per cent this year the global gross domestic product is set to contract by 4.4 per cent. Fitch says that thus contraction will be “twice as deep as the great recession in 2009” while China is the only country expected to see a growth in 2020.
To look at this global phenomenon ewe speak to:
• Andries Opperman, lecturer in Economics and Manderin at Aros
• Redge Nkosi, executive director of Firstsource Money
The United States has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, over her investigation into whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced that Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of the ICC's Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, has also been blacklisted under sanctions authorized by President Donald Trump in June that allow for asset freezes and travel bans. Meanwhile, the Court has dismissed the measures as another attempt to interfere with its judicial and prosecutorial independence. We are joined by:
• Prof Bhekithemba Mngomezulu, politics and international relations analyst
• Dr James Nyawo, international law expert and academic
On the programme today we look at the health and beauty retailer Clicks that is embroiled in a racial storm, after an advertisement had depicted black women’s hair as ‘dry and damaged’, while white hair was described as ‘fine and flat’. The South African Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation.
We speak to:
• Commissioner Andre Gaum of the South African Human Rights Commission • Gabriel Crouse is an analyst and journalist of the South African Institute of Race Relations
September is Heritage month in South Africa. Government calls on all South Africans to use Heritage Month to foster greater social cohesion, nation building and a shared national identity. It says the celebration of Heritage Month has created a conducive environment for all people to embrace and celebrate what was inherited or bequeathed to us. We call on all South Africans to support the culture of reading and incorporate it into their daily lifestyles.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Souayibou Varissou, is the Executive Director African World Heritage Fund
• Jane Mufamadi CEO of Freedom Park, a National Heritage Destination
• Mkhulu Msingisa, CEO Zindzi Mandela Foundation
Yusuf Abramjee is a journalist by trade, but he does not limit himself to the newsroom. His mission is to ensure progress in community development in a democratic society. Abramjee, through the LeadSA campaigns, has worked closely with the Department of Basic Education to ensure improvement in South Africa’s education system. He is a trustee of the Shout Foundation, a campaign working to create a safer South Africa and while he was the head of Crime Line tip-off service Crime Line has led to numerous arrests and millions in seizures. He was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Silver for his excellent contribution to the field of community development through LeadSA. He was recently reappointment by Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa as a social cohesion advocate for a further five years.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The state capture commission of inquiry we saw the return of former minister Nomvula Mokonyane? • The past weekend was eventful for the ruling African National Congress…
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Niger here is an interview with Rahila Mamadou
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into Zimbabwe where well known journalist Hopewell Chin'ono was granted bail yesterday. The journalist uncovered multi-million pound Zimbabwe government scandal. He was arrested for allegedly organising anti-government protests in July. There are claims that the journalist has been kept in a cell with no face mask, sanitisers or adequate food - a move supporters say was deliberate. Let’s now cross to Human Rights Watch’s Southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga
Foreign aid from developed countries to Africa is dwindling – countries are focussed on domestic issues of covid 19 and are unable to support African countries as they would have during HIV/AIDS, TB and ebola. Where does this leave Africa post Covid? IMF estimated Africa will need R1.85-trillion in new funding in 2020 to tackle the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Charles Sinkala, International relations expert
• Dr Peter Karungu Economist
Sudan's government and the main rebel alliance agreed on a peace deal to end 17 years of conflict. The final agreement covers key issues around security, land ownership, transitional justice, power sharing, and the return of people who fled their homes because of war. It also provides for the dismantling of rebel forces and the integration of their fighters into the national army. The international community lauded the deal and said it’s a step in the right direction and rebuilding stability in the decade’s war stricken country.
Channel Africa spoke to:
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Jok Mudut Jok Director SUDD Institute
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Sabir Ebrahim Consultant Sudan Liberation Movement in South Africa
Battles within the African National Congress (ANC) are getting heated by the minute with now a key member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), Minister Jackson Mthembu, coming to Cyril Ramaphosa’s defence, insisting that the president is here to stay, this after the Ekhuruleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina called on the president to resign while legal battles regarding his CR17 campaign funding are ongoing. Last week former President Jacob Zuma also entered the debate and wrote an open letter to current President Ramaphosa addressing internal party politics. So we ask the question: Is this the beginning of the end? To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
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Sanusha Naidoo Political analyst
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Levy Ndou Political Analyst
She is a chartered accountant by profession with an extensive career in business and community engagement in South Africa. She is the Chairman for Allan Gray Orbis Foundation in her previous career she was a former chair and partner of the board of Deloitte Southern Africa; she was the first African black woman to be appointed as a partner and went on to become the chairman of Deloitte Southern Africa. If you still do not know who I am talking about – I am going to be speaking to Dr Futhi Mthoba. She is the past president and first woman president of the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa, a body dedicated to nurturing emerging black accountants. She is also the past president of Business Unity South Africa – the first and currently only woman to hold this role. Let’s speak to her now she joins us on the line…
What’s trending on twitter?
• Eldorado Park – a standoff with the residents and police yesterday after a 16 year old boy was allegedly shot and killed by the police for not being able to articulate himself? • There has been mounting pressure on South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa to act against corruption allegation on some of his cabinet members especially those related to the COVID 19 funds. Yesterday he was answering questions in parliament.
We go to our last segment now where we zoom into a particular issue in a country and today we zoom into our neighbouring country Zambia. A court has acquitted Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya on all four charges of being in possession of property suspected to be from the proceeds of crime. The minister was arrested in June this year; the court ruled that the prosecution had brought insufficient evidence against him. Prosecutors had alleged that the health minister, on four separate occasions, used money believed to be proceeds from crime to acquire property, shares in a tourism firm and a passenger boat from the United Arab Emirates, in the period between December 2016 and January 2018. Let’s talk to our correspondent now in Zambia Arthur Sikopo…
Zimbabweans have expressed dismay over the public attack on two well-known personalities for their alleged opposing views to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government. Renowned and award winning human rights lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa was blocked from entering Harare Magistrate Court on Tuesday a week after the same court recommended that she be de-registered.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Webster Zambara, political commentator
• Advocate Sipho Mantula, legal expert and Africa analyst
Ivory Coast has recently seen protests, where protesters were calling for President Alassane Ouattara to step down at the end of his second term this year, but he insists on going for a third term. Another country in that region, Guinea, could face the same fate because President Alpha Conde plans to alter the constitution to accommodate a third term. This theme of third-term presidential terms is constantly a talking point in governance debates on the African continent. Why does this redundant conversation keep rearing its head in the continent’s political debate?
Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
• Jean Bwasa Africa Analyst
• Dr Adem K Abebe, Advisor and Commentator on Democracy and Constitutional Governance
• Dr Mohammed Diatta Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies
The military in Mali has offered to name a military transition government to rule for three years and will free the president. Under the transition rule, military officials will serve as head of state and cabinet members. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in Mali holding discussions in an effort to reach a peaceful solution. The former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been detained with his prime minister and other government figures at a military base since the coup last week. ECOWAS, is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.
• Kassoum Coulibaly, political expert in Mali on the line from the capital Bamako.
• Kwezi Mngqibisa is the Director for M4Insight
According to South African debt counsellor Debt Busters Payment holidays offered during the three-month period from April to June 2020 will cost an additional R20.7billion in debt for the estimated 1.6 million South African consumers who participated. The company says while payment holidays were very good news for people facing a short-term cash crunch they came at a cost. This is as a result of interest accumulating on the debt owed, even though payments were put on hold for a while. DebtBusters’ analysis was conducted based on the profiles of typical consumers who applied for debt counselling over the past year. The analysis includes a breakdown of how a three-month payment holiday affected these consumers’ levels of debt.
To help us unpack the discussion we are now joined on the line by:
• Benay Sager, DebtBusters’ chief operating officer
• Rose Molokoane from Savings Institute
• Ian Cruickshanks is an economist
Josephine Morake was 18 years old when she joined a skills development initiative in her community, after which she enrolled in a local entrepreneurship programme. That was four years ago. She now owns a domestic worker recruitment agency, employing six full-time staff over and above the many women she has found jobs for. Whilst fighting for her own future, she is empowering others, too: after receiving another sizeable enterprise development grant, Josephine decided to pay it forward by helping fund three other start-ups. She was able to achieve some of this with the support from Afrika Tikkun an organisation that provides a range of assistance to victims of fire, disease and hunger, along with adult skills training, literacy but the organisation has evolved to provide a holistic development model in disadvantaged communities, with a focus on Early Childhood Development, Child and Youth Development, and Career Development.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The much awaited announcement of South Africa moving to level lockdown restrictions came on the weekend judging from the tweets I’ve seen some very excited citizens? • Outrage from some quarters after the former Ethekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede who is currently out on bail for allegations of corruption linked to a tender –has received what we can terms as a promotion? She has been sworn as a member of the Kwa-Zulu Natal provincial legislature?
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Mali, if you remember this week we saw the Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announcing his resignation from his position as leader of the West African country. This comes after a military mutiny that saw soldiers taking up arms and detaining the President. Well let’s listen to this interview, with Oulie Keita.
Time for us to zoom into our last segment where we look at a particular issue in a country. Today we are zooming into the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC is facing one of the longest-standing and most complex humanitarian crises in the world. The country is simultaneously experiencing armed conflicts, food insecurity and recurring epidemics, including cholera, measles and the second-largest Ebola outbreak globally. Insecurity has led to large-scale forced displacement. The humanitarian situation is especially dire in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Ituri, Kasaï, Kasaï-Central, and Tanganyika. Let’s talk to Nixon Tasakana from Channel Africa’s KiSwahili desk and he joins me in studio now.
Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced that he resigned from his position as leader of the West African country, saying he does not wish blood to be shed. This comes after a military mutiny that saw soldiers taking up arms and detaining the President as well as Prime Minister Boubou Cisse at a key base in Kati, a town close to Bamako. The latest developments come amid a weeks-long political crisis that has seen opposition protesters taking to the streets to demand the departure of Keita, accusing him of allowing the country's economy to collapse and mishandling a worsening security situation
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Kassoum Coulibaly, Malian political expert
• Kwezi Mngqibisa, director of M4Insight
• Dr Mohamed Diatta is a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies
The 40th Heads of State summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), meeting in Maputo on Monday, pledged "commitment to support Mozambique in addressing terrorism and violent attacks". This follows Militants linked to the Islamic State group have seizing heavily defended port in Mozambique. The summit received an Assessment Report on emerging Security Threats in the region, and instructed the SADC Secretariat "to prepare an action plan for its implementation that will among others prioritize measures to combat terrorism, violent attacks and cybercrime; and to address adverse effects of climate change". To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
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Egidio Vaz Raposo Political Analyst
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Liesl Louw-Vaudran Africa analyst and senior researcher at the Institute of Security Studies
A Japanese bulk carrier - that has leaked tonnes of fuel oil off the Mauritius coast - has broken apart. The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef last month - with four thousand tonnes of the fuel - causing an ecological emergency. Most of the fuel had already been pumped out during the week - but the ship's condition worsened yesterday. Coast guard vessels have been positioned in the area - and booms have been reinforced near the vessel to absorb any more oil that has leaked out. Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs, and popular with tourists.
• Victor Kgomoeswana Author of Africa is Open for Business and commentator. • Sunil Dowarkasing: Environmental Consultant.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will officially enter into Covid-19 Alert Level 2 with regards to the risk adjusted approach in dealing with the Corona Virus. The move will see further easing of rules such as the sale of alcohol and tobacco products. Ramaphosa issued a stern warning to South Africans ahead of the country’s move to a level 2 lockdown that the country must urgently focus its efforts on recovery, but warned that a move to a lower level is not a ‘free for all’.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Sinenhlanhla Mnguni Chairman Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association
• Zwelinzima Vavi General Secretary South Africa Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU)
• Levy Ndou Political Analyst Tshwane University of Technology
MPA Consulting Engineers was established on 1 July 1997 and it was the first organisation with a majority women equity ownership to be registered with the Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) in 1998. Providing consulting civil and structural engineering services to both public and private sector clients, the company has the expertise and knowledge to run with projects from feasibility all the way through to implementation. MPA Consulting Engineers believes that it is adequately placed to function as role models to other females who want to enter the engineering sector. “We have already been instrumental in developing two other females within the sector who currently run very successful businesses,” Malani continues. Engineering is a scarce profession in South Africa yet engineers are crucial in ensuring a country’s development. Malani Padayachee & Associates has recently together with another female owned company the acquisition of 100% equity of Mott MacDonald Africa (Pty) Ltd, the South African engineering entity of Mott MacDonald. Malani is also a mother of three. .so how does she juggle everything and being a present mother? Let’s find out and talk to her…
What’s trending on twitter?
• Veteran broadcaster Bob Mabena and today is the former ambassador to Cuba, John Nkadimeng • Eskom latest • State capture
The global response to the environmental disaster in Mauritius is proceeding while efforts on site at the grounded bulk carrier Wakashio continued to report making progress. It however is a race against time as images from the area show the ship buckling and the cracks continuing to grow. Reports from Mauritius are that the weather conditions remained stable to permit the pumping operations to continue. Mauritius has since declared this an environmental emergency. For an update we are now joined by Sunil Dowarskasing who is a former Greenpeace strategist.
This week the State Capture Commission of enquiry saw former Finance Minister Des van Rooyen explain his relationship or meetings with one of the Gupta brothers. Van Rooyen's controversial appointment saw him tasked with replacing Nhlanhla Nene as minister. He explained that he had met with Rajesh Gupta on various occasions and said he believed that Gupta was interested in introducing himself as a businessman who did business with the African National Congress (ANC).
Van Rooyen had to further explain his decision to appoint two advisors, Mohamed Bobat and Ian Whitely, who has been linked to the Gupta family, Van Rooyen admitted that he knew very little about them when he decided to appoint them. In a previous testimony, Nomvula Mokonyane denied ever having influenced Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to drop investigations into Bosasa, allegations made by its former COO Angelo Agrizzi. Today the commission will hear more testimonies highlighting alleged corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency PRASA.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Ralph Mathekga is a political analyst
• Theo Venter political analyst
Lebanon's government has resigned amid mounting anger over the explosion on Tuesday that devastated parts of Beirut and left more than 200 people dead. Lebanese protesters took to the streets of Beirut this past weekend to demonstrate against the government's handling of the port explosion on that killed at least 154 people during the week. Riot police fired tear gas at demonstrators trying to break through a barrier to get to the parliament building in central Beirut. More than five-thousand others were injured in the capital when a warehouse storing large quantity of ammonium nitrate exploded after catching fire.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Naeem Jeenah, executive director of the Afro-Middle East Centre.
• Rania Masri, Lebanon Academic
Makhosi Khoza is a South African politician and former Member of Parliament for the ruling ANC who served as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration. Khoza served in the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development. Following her departure from the ANC in 2017 she formed the African Democratic Change (ADeC) party. This vocal politician shares a rare storyline for her publicly admired personality and accomplishments. She has struggled against all political upheavals to build herself a successful career in the realms of politics. To her advantage is rational and outspoken natures which have continually helped her overcome frequent setbacks while building her reputation.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Zimbabwe made headlines this week where we saw citizens taking to the streets and standing up against government and activists were arrested for speaking up. • Women’s day in South Africa?
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Burkina Faso here is an interview with Stephane Ouedrago
Women’s Day is being celebrated in South Africa on Sunday. The holiday commemorates the national march of women on this day in 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the 'pass'. The 'pass' was an identification document which restricted a black South African's freedom of movement under apartheid. the pass allowed them to enter 'white' areas. The 'pass' had come into force under the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950. On August 9th 1956, 20,000 women staged a march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against proposed amendments to the act. Today women are fighting a different struggle that of gender based violence and gender equality. Let’s go to our lines and speak to Advocacy Specialist at Sonke Gender Justice Mpiwa Mangwiro – Tsanga.
The International Women in Leadership Conference for Africa (IWIL) is an Africa for Africa Women’s Conference signature event held annually to focus on leadership, financial and economic inclusion of women. The Summit brings experts from corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and policy shapers to engage and share insights from personal experiences on how to expertise Africa’s transformation agenda towards total inclusion of women and equity in all spheres. Over the years Africa for Africa Women's Conference through these engagements has given birth to a Women's Cooperation bank. This year’s focus is leadership, economic and financial inclusion of women for sustainable economic growth and development of the African continent.
To assist us on this topic:
• Bea Hakula, is the President for Africa for Africa Women
• Vani Moodley is the Chairperson of the Women’s Bank of Africa
• Jovita Iroeme is the President of the Association of Women entrepreneurs and Business Owners -
Ever since the start of Zimbabwe's national lockdown, the country has seen protests by activists and healthcare personnel over the country's poor response to Covid-19, and lack of care to the vulnerable in society. The country is facing one of its worst economic crises in more than a decade, marked by inflation running above 700%, acute shortages of foreign currency and public hospitals crippled by strikes and a lack of medicine. Food shortages have also been reported. It’s been further reported that Zimbabwean police have arrested over 105 000 people since March for allegedly violating Covid-19 restrictions. Now let’s look back at Friday on the day the planned protests were expected to take place… What happened on 31 July?
On Friday, 31 July, Zimbabwean businesses were closed and streets deserted in the capital Harare early on Friday as security forces increased patrols to stop anti-government protests called by activists over corruption and economic hardship. The president of Zimbabwe Emerson Mnangagwa said they will flush out all the bad apples that have tampered with their country. To assist us on this topic: * Dr Ibbo Mandaza: Political Analyst . * Simon Muchemwa: Channel Africa correspondent in Zimbabwe.
The weekend papers were embellished with front page headlines highlighting the corruption by members of the state and the ruling African National Congress who allegedly put their dirty hands in the cookie-jar of the R 500 billion stimulus package. In addition to this, yesterday South Africa’s public protector office said it had received a multiple complaints related to corruption related to the R350 Covid-19 grant. However, the scandal to recently make headlines is of the Gauteng provice MEC Bandile Masuku who has been put on leave of absence over his alleged involvement in a controversial tender to supply personal protective equipment to the department during the coronavirus pandemic. Masuku has been accused of influencing the processes that led to the 125-million rand tender being awarded to Royal Bhaca -- a company owned by Presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko's husband -- amaBhaca chief Thandisizwe Diko.
To assist us on this topic:
• Theo Venter, political and policy specialist
• Sanusha Naidu, political analyst
The South African Police Service, with Statistics South Africa, has published the country’s crime statistics for 2019/20, showing which types of criminal activities have increased and decreased in the past year. The stats cover twenty-one crime categories, seventeen of which are reported by the public, and four of which are as a result of police activity. In the 2019/20 period, overall crime levels were down when compared to the prior year. This is because of both fewer crimes reported in communities, as well as fewer crimes detected through police action. Across all crime categories, only contact crimes were up, with all other crime types down. Meanwhile the Institute for Security Studies says while the annual crime statistics reveal a substantial increase in violent crimes, including murder and sexual offences, there was a “small silver lining” in the latest figures.
African Dialogue's Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
• Gareth Newham, head of the Justice and Prevention Programme at the Institute for Security Studies
• Lirandzu Themba, is the spokesperson for the Police Ministry
• Getbrandt Van Heerden - research analyst at the Centre for Risk Analysis
South Africa’s Former Environmental Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, she was previously Minister of Communications from 27 February 2018 and Minister of Water and Sanitation with effect from 26 May 2014 to 26 February 2018. She has been a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature from 1994. Mokonyane is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC). She is also a head of the Gauteng Organising and Campaign Committee.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Let’s look at the covid tender scandals that have been in the public space this week. The president’s spokesperson and the Gauteng Health MEC embroiled in the PPE tender scandal. We heard from the ANC leadership yesterday that all three will be subjected before the integrity committee.
Tomorrow Zimbabweans are planning to take part in anti-government protests to respond against the arrest of a journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and a politician Jacob Ngarivhume. The protests supported by the country’s civic groups is said to represent a public outcry against Zimbabwe’s deepening economic crisis and the high-level corruption alleged to taking place in the Zanu-PF led government. Zimbabwean government was over the weekend forced to explain the arrest of two corruption critics after the United Nations Human Rights office raised concern. While government insists the arrest of journalist, Hopewell Chin'ono and politician Jacob Ngarivhume was informed by their incitement of citizens to revolt, the world feels otherwise.
Channel Africa's Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
• Dr Webster Zambara, political commentator
• Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa Director with the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved South Africa's loan request of $4.3 billion to address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19.This is the country's first-ever loan from the IMF, and it could come within days. There have been mixed reactions to the country's IMF request, with some warning against the suffocating grip of accompanying conditions on the country. Meanwhile the National Treasury on Tuesday said that the multi-billion rand loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not jeopardised South Africa’s sovereignty.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Amanda Fitchen Independent Economist
• Prof Patrick Bond Political Economist
The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed developments in COVID-19 vaccine trials, singling out an Oxford University group while noting that the next move will have to be larger-scale real-world trials. The Lancet medical journal, reporting that Oxford University's coronavirus vaccine is safe and produces a positive immune reaction. The early-stage human trials involved around 1,077 people with the results showing that the participants produced antibodies and white blood cells that can fight the virus.
Meanwhile in South Africa over 400 participants have so far been enrolled in South Africa’s COVID-19 vaccine efficacy trial. The first potential vaccines were administered to some of the volunteers in the randomised trial a month ago. Others received a placebo. Local scientists hope to have a COVID-19 vaccine that provides protection against the disease, available by the first quarter of next year. Wits University has collaborated with the University of Oxford and the Oxford Jenner Institute on the South African COVID-19 randomised vaccine trial. The aim is to have 2,000 participants enrolled in the Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-Trial.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Professor Shabir Madhi, Wits University, Principal Investigator of the South African Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA • Professor Jeffrey Mpahlele Medical Research Council –
As of today, all of South Africa's public schools will close again for a month to limit the spread of the coronavirus as the country grapples with surging infections. The country has now recorded over four hundred and forty thousand cases, the fifth-highest in the world, and more than six thousand people have died from the virus. In his announcement last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa added that the academic year that is due to end in December would be extended.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Mugwena Maluleke General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union, (SADTU)
• Elijah Mhlanga is the spokesperson for the National Department of Education
What’s trending on twitter?
• President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing last night that all grades will go on a break as of Monday? • The death of anti- apartheid struggle hero Andrew Mlangeni
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent. Today we zoom into a zoom into South Africa and we looking at the pressing issue of education during the time of COVID. Last night President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that all public schools will close for the next four weeks. However, there are some exceptions with the different grades. This is as the number of covid infections in the country rises to over four hundred thousand. Let’s go to our lines now and speak to Section27’s Moteho Brodie
As of today there are more than three hundred and eighty thousand confirmed covid 19 cases in South Africa with the death toll at over five thousand three hundred. Today on the programme we want to get a better understanding of what is happening on the ground when it comes to burials and the handling of the bodies of those who have succumbed to covid 19.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Dr Lawrence Konyane president of the National Funeral Directors Association
• Pieter Van der Westhuizen is the General Manager: Funeral Services Avbob Funerals
• Morongwa Broodie is the CEO and owner of Broodie Funerals
• Pops Chiba is a committee member at the Hindu Crematorium: Brixton, Johannesburg
Professor Mary Metcalfe has worked in education since 1974 as a teacher, principal, and lecturer. After working in the field of remedial education, she lectured at the Johannesburg College of Education and the University of the Witwatersrand. From 1994 – 2004 she served as the MEC for Education and then for Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs in Gauteng. She was the Head of the School of Education at Wits from 2005 to 2009 before joining the Department of Higher Education and Training as Director General in 2009.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Mandela Day and Zindzi Mandela • South Africa’s new lockdown regulations
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Mauritania; in Northwest Africa. Here is an interview with Binta Diallo
Time to go to what’s happening on the continent. Today we zoom into a zoom into South Africa although Mandela Day is celebrated throughout the world it is of special significance to us here in South Africa. Tomorrow marks Mandela Day a day where everyone is encouraged to spend 67 minutes of their time doing something good for someone else in honour of the late former statesman. Mandela Day encourages active citizenship. It is about taking Madiba’s legacy forward. Meanwhile the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation called on South Africans to share their thoughts on actions that need to be taken to “fix our democracy” in relation to state reform, in honour of Nelson Mandela. Neeshan Bolton: Executive Director at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
Tributes and condolences continue to pour in following the passing of Zindzi Mandela, the youngest daughter of late South African Stalwarts Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Nelson Mandela. She reportedly died in a Johannesburg hospital during the early hours of the morning. Zindzi Mandela served as South Africa's ambassador to Denmark from 2015.She was 59 years old.
African Dialogue presenter Benjamin Moshatama pays tribute to her by speaking to:
• Baleka Mbete, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa from May 2014 to May 2019. She was previously Speaker of the National Assembly from 2004 to 2008, and Deputy President of South Africa from 2008 to 2009 under Kgalema Motlanthe
• Neeshan Bolton Executive Director at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
• Shannon Ebrahim Group Foreign Editor for Independent Media
INTRO: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called out South Africans for their reckless behaviour during the covid-19 lockdown period. The president began by acknowledging that the storm of the coronavirus peak had arrived but had strong words against reckless behaviour, saying "we are not helpless in the face of this storm". In an unfamiliar tone, Ramaphosa delivered a sharp reprimand to South Africans who refuse to abide by Covid-19 regulations during his address to the nation on Sunday evening. He banned the sale of alcohol and further imposed a curfew, a move which some in the industries criticize. Meanwhile as South Africa registers over 200 000 cases of positive coronavirus cases the taxi industry has been allowed to carry 100% capacity for long distance travel.
To help us unpack all these contradictions we are joined by
• Prof Sam Mokgokong Specialist Neurosurgeon & Intensive Care Unit Specialist
• Kurt Moore CEO South African Liquor Brand Owners Association
• Thabiso Molelekwa Spokesperson SANTACO
In May this year leaders of the Southern African Development Community committed to supporting Mozambique against armed groups and terrorists wreaking havoc in Cabo Delgado Province. Calls have been made for non-African intervention to prevent violent extremism spreading in Southern Africa. Attacks by insurgents in Northern Mozambique have so far cost the lives of over one thousand people and displaced more than two hundred thousand citizens.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
Charlie Khumalo is the Executive Producer at Channel Africa’s Portuguese service
Martin Ewi ENACT Regional coordinator for Southern Africa Institute for Security Studies
Research organisation Oxfam warns that around 12 000 people per day could die from covid-19 linked hunger by the end of the year, this potentially more than the damage the disease itself can cause. This is as a lot of economies around the world take a knock because of the covid-19 lockdowns. Many companies have had to close shop, whilst others had to lay off workers in a bit to stay afloat, thus removing food on the table of many.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
• Mthandazo Ndlovu Hlala Programme Manager OXFAM
• Lola Castro Regional Director: Southern Africa World Food Program
• Prof Julian May Director Centre of Excellence in Food Security (UWC)
Professor Francois Venter is a professor at Ezintsha Wits University; he has expertise in HIV programme implementation, including antiretroviral therapy. He has extensive training experience. Professor Venter leads multiple antiretroviral treatment optimisation studies, has an active interest in public sector access to HIV services, medical ethics and human rights. We caught up with him to find out what his views are with the current covid 19 situation in South Africa among other things.
Time to go to our last segment where we zoom into an issue in a country and today we are looking at Mozambique. In May this year leaders of the Southern African Development Community committed to supporting Mozambique against armed groups and terrorists wreaking havoc in Cabo Delgado Province. Calls have been made for non-African intervention to prevent violent extremism spreading in Southern Africa. Attacks by insurgents in Northern Mozambique have so far cost the lives of over 1000 people and displaced more than 200 000 citizens. Let’s go to our lines now and speak to ENACT Regional coordinator for Southern Africa Institute for Security Studies Martin Ewi.
: Veteran actress Mary Twala was be laid to rest today after she passed away last weekend. Her career spanned over six decades, last year, she received the National Order Award from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The award is given to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sport. She spent more than 60 years in the creative industry doing what she loved most, acting. In 2011, Twala was nominated for an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The late actress is known for appearing in several local productions including Generations, Sarafina, Yizo-Yizo, Muvhango, Scandal and many more.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Nocawe Mafu is the South Africa's Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation, Arts and Culture
• Lillian Dube, South African actress
• Patrick Shai, South African actor
The recoveries of covid-19 patients now stand at over 90 thousand. Meanwhile the Western Cape province, remains the most affected with 2,101 deaths reported since the first COVID-19 fatality was recorded in the country three months ago. The Eastern Cape Province has the second highest number of deaths at 528, followed by Gauteng Province with 403 and KwaZulu-Natal Province with 183. Our focus today on the show is to look at those who have won the battle against Covid-19 and we look at the journey.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by * Joy Lowdon Covid-19 recovering patient
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Dr Helen van der Plas Medical doctor and Covid-19 patient
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Dr Evan Shoul Medical doctor and covid-19 patient
The first clinical trial in South Africa and on the continent for a Covid-19 vaccine was announced today, 23 June 2020. As of today there are 168 thousand confirmed covid 19 cases with just under 3 000 deaths and most importantly 81 000 recoveries. For our one on one lets welcome the man who has the enormous task of leading the team of experts and scientists in the covid 19 vaccine trial Professor Shabir Madhi who is a Professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand. Wits University is collaborating with the University of Oxford and the Oxford Jenner Institute on the South African trial.
What’s trending on twitter?
• Not all grades going back as initially planned? • Gauteng covid numbers rise
The phasing in of the rest of the grades was supposed to take place next week but the National department of Education retracted its decision last night saying only three grades would return on Monday. This as the peak of the corona virus is expected to peak in the next two weeks. Here is an interview with Professor Francois Venter who is a professor at Ezintsha Wits University.
The One South Africa Movement has expressed disappointment at the High Court's dismissal of its application over the reopening of schools. The movement, led by Mmusi Maimane, applied to have schools remain closed until an independent body could be appointed to verify and affirm safety conditions at schools to protect learners from the coronavirus. The court ruled that it was satisfied with government's efforts to mitigate the danger of the coronavirus to learners.
African Dialogue speaks to:
• Michael Mayalo Treasurer of Congress of South African Students
• Noncedo Madubedube General Secretary at Equal Education
The Gauteng government has expressed concern about the increasing number of coronavirus infections in the province. According to the department of health's updated report Gauteng is experiencing an alarming increase in the rate of Covid-19 infections, with increased deaths in the past 48 hours. It says that about 174 people of which 57-percent were men mainly between the ages of 50 and 79 with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension have died from Covid19. Coronavirus cases in South Africa surpass 150,000. Some 6,945 cases reported in last 24 hours.
Today Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
• Professor Adrian Puren from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
• Professor Guy Richards is also a professor in the department of medicine at Wits and a principal physician in the pulmonology department.
• Aisha Abdool Karim, health reporter at The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s justice minister, Célestin Tunda ya Kasende, was released from custody hours after his arrest in the capital Kinshasa. Sources say the arrest comes after the clash between Tunda and President Felix Chisekedi over changes to judicial reforms which some see influenced by former President Joseph Kabila. The controversial reforms include proposals to define the powers of judges, which critics said is a ploy to muzzle the judiciary. They were put forward by the Common Front for Congo (FCC).
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Nixon Katembo Tasakana Channel Africa journalist
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Kambale Musavuli Centre for Research on the Congo
The historic rerun of Malawi’s Presidential election has been won by the opposition, the first time a court-overturned vote in Africa has led to the defeat of an incumbent leader. Lazarus Chakwera’s victory was a result of months of determined street protests and a unanimous constitutional court decision that the May 2019 vote had widespread irregularities and could not stand. Chakwera won with 2.6 million votes out of 4.4 million cast. President Peter Mutharika, who had sought a second five-year term, called this new election flawed but has urged the country to “move on peacefully”. The Malawi Human Right Commission, one of the observers, has said the election was peaceful and transparent.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
• George Mhango is Channel Africa’s correspondent in Malawi
• Undule Mwakasungula is n governance and human rights activist/ consultant
• Izak Khomo is Channel Africa’s resident expert on Africa
Simphiwe Dana (born 23 January 1980 in Gcuwa) is a Xhosa singer and songwriter in South Africa. Due to her unique combination of Jazz, Afro-soul, Rap and Traditional music, she has been hailed as the "new Miriam Makeba". Dana is also known for her creative social commentary and activism through music as a political art form. She released her latest album ‘Bamako’ but we will chat to her about that a bit later. Dana’s voice is also political. She is known for fearlessly engaging others, often through her social media accounts, on issues around social ills, politics and her personal struggles, such as domestic abuse.
what’s trending on twitter?
• Former president of South Africa Jacob Zuma was back in court this week? • South Africa hit the 100 000 mark of covid 19 cases • Great news for South Africa launching the first phase of the covid vaccine trial on Wednesday?
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Ghana here is an interview with Sonia Kwami....
What’s happening on the continent and today we zoom into South Africa a lot has been happening this week here, we had vaccines trials but hey right now we want to speak about another important issue which is South Africa’s confirming over 100 000 corona virus cases. Let’s go to our lines and speak to Dr Karmen Coetzee who is the Chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA)
Oxford University rolled out Africa's first human trials for a potential vaccine against the new coronavirus in South Africa on Wednesday, as cases continue to rise. The trial, conducted with local partner the University of the Witwatersrand, will consist of two-thousand volunteers from 18 to 65 years of age, including some HIV positive patients, who will be monitored for 12 months after vaccination to assess how well the vaccine guards against COVID-19. South Africa is the second country outside of the United Kingdom to take part in the Oxford trial after Brazil launched its study on Wednesday. Professor Shabir Madhi is a professor of Vaccinology at Wits University and Director of the South Africa Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit. He was speaking to Channel Africa reporter Elizabeth Lediga,
To unpack this Channel Africa's Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
• Professor Adrian Puren from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
• Professor Jeffrey Mphahlele from the Medical Research Council
No hugging, No touching and no touching of hands. Wearing musks all the time, sanitizing surfaces and observing social distance are the order of the day around the world. That is the new normal that the whole world is subjected to. Are we as a people ready to adapt or are we finding it difficult to adjust? We are having this discussion as we await the South Africa’s Finance Minister’s emergency Budget Speech to be delivered later today. He is expected to table a new financial framework to respond to the coronavirus pandemic which has wreaked havoc on the local economy, an economy which was already in a dire situation prior to the nationwide lockdown.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
1.Dr Moipone Tlapu Mental health expert
2.Ian Cruickshanks Economist
3.Ralph Mathekga Political analyst
Malawians go to the polls for a presidential rerun election on Tuesday 23 June with strong indications that President Peter Mutharika should be defeated by his main challenger Lazarus Chakwera – in a free and fair election. But lingering doubts remain about whether Mutharika will allow that to happen.
In a historic decision in February 2020, Malawi’s High Court, sitting as the Constitutional Court, annulled the elections because of extensive vote-rigging, including blatant use of Tippex correction fluid to delete votes on the ballot for opposition candidates and replace them with votes for Mutharika.
The holding of the elections under coronavirus restrictions with no outside observers has also raised concerns, especially after the original election was rigged. After the courts annulled his victory in the elections in May last year and ordered Tuesday’s rerun, Mutharika has done his best to avoid facing the electorate again. And some observers wonder if he will still try to “throw another spanner in the works”, though they said on Monday it now seemed too late for him to do that.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Victor Chipofya is an analyst • Undule Mwakasungula is n governance and human rights activist/ consultant
In the latest to come out of Zimbabwe is that the Health Minister Obadiah Moyo's arrest after claims of corruption surfaced regarding a deal to procure coronavirus test kits. He has since been granted bail which was not opposed by prosecutors who are investigating three charges, including an "abuse of office" charge that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. Meanwhile Zimbabwe is seeking talks with foreign creditors to clear decades of debt, warning that without more funds the cash-strapped government may not cope with the economic impact from COVID-19. Zimbabwe's struggling economy has further slumped due to the lockdown over the coronavirus. But critics of the request note Zimbabwe's history of corruption and failure to service its debt.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Dr Webster Zambara is the Senior Project Leader for peace building initiatives at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation - • Simon Muchemwa is Channel Africa Zimbabwe correspondent -
She is an executive director and the Chief Executive Officer at Business Leadership South Africa; an independent association of the leaders of some of South Africa's biggest and most well-known organisations. Born in Soweto a township outside Johannesburg during the apartheid era, Busisiwe Mavuso did well in accounting at school. When she matriculated aged 16 in 1994, the year South Africa became a democracy, she says she decided to pursue accounting as a career ‘without really knowing what it meant’.
: Malawi is engulfed in a legal dispute between the judiciary and the executive arms of government. This because the executive issued an order of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Andrew Nyirende to go on forced leave pending his retirement. A move that has been objected by legal experts, meanwhile Malawi heads for a fresh presidential poll next week Tuesday. Here is Channel Africa’s Malawi correspondent George Mhango
A group of more than twenty senior leaders in the United Nations, who report directly to Secretary-General António Guterres, and who are African or of African descent, have put their names to a personal statement published last week, expressing their outrage at pervasive and systemic racism, highlighting the need to ‘go beyond and do more’ than just offering condemnation. The editorial begins by evoking the death of George Floyd, the African-American man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The letter cites the “deep trauma and inter-generational suffering” that has resulted from racial injustice, particularly against people of African descent, the opinion piece written in their personal capacity, declares that it is time to go further than simply condemning acts of racism, described as “a global scourge that has been perpetuated over centuries”.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Gabriel Crouser is an analyst at the South African Institute of Race Relations • Stan Henkeman is the Executive Director at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Five schools in the Free State are being investigated for possible COVID19 infections. Teachers at four of the schools have been tested after they exhibited symptoms. And, 15 learners from Heatherdale Secondary School in Bloemfontein, are still awaiting their results. Meanwhile, COSAS says there are schools that have not fully implemented strict control guidelines to combat the spread of Covid19. The organisation has already removed learners from schools in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Welkom in the Free State - citing non-compliance at the institutions. COSAS Deputy Secretary General, Xola Booi, says they are identifying schools that are not complying with lockdown and sanitization measures, as it embarks on shutting down places of learning amid the coronavirus pandemic...
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Michael Mayalo Treasurer of Congress of South African Students
• Noncedo Madubedube General Secretary at Equal Education
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a "surge in murders of women and children", after the body of a young woman was found dumped under a tree in Dobsonville, Soweto, on Friday. Since the country entered alert Level 3 of the Covid-19 lockdown on 1 June, there has been a surge in gender-based violence and femicide, the president said in a statement on Saturday. "According to the SAPS there has been an increase in violent crime, especially murders, since we entered alert level 3. We need to understand what factors are fuelling this terrible trend and, as society as a whole, address them urgently," the president said. Ramaphosa noted that South Africa had among the highest levels of intimate partner violence in the world, and that as much as 51% of South African women have experienced violence at the hands of someone with whom they are in a relationship.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
• Mienke Steytler is digital and content office at Amnesty International • Bafana Khumalo is Director of Strategic Partnerships at Sonke and one of the organisation's co-founders. • Nomathamsanqa Masiko is a human rights and gender activist
On my one on one I will be speaking to someone who is no stranger to student protests, a South African professor of political geography and vice chancellor at Wits University Professor Adam Habib. After seven years in helm Professor Habib will take up the position of director of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London as of January next year. We are going to be talking to him about his legacy at Wits and as an individual in the country
: what’s trending on twitter?
• The death of Tshegofatso Pule brutally murdered • We also see the nationwide protests against racial discrimination and inequality after the killing of George Floyd • South Africa commemorates one the most important days in our history June 16th next week.
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Sudan; here is an interview with Rahama Mohamed Ibrahim...
what’s happening on the continent? Today we zoom into South Africa. This week we saw another brutal murder of a young woman, Tshegofasto Pule was found hanging from a tree with multiple stab wounds. Not so long ago it was Karabo Mokoena…I am now joined on the line by Mienke Steytler is the digital and content officer at Amnesty International South Africa…
Burundi has begun seven days of national mourning following the death of its outgoing President, Pierre Nkurunziza who died on Monday from a heart attack , aged 55. Nkurunziza was due to hand over power in August to his handpicked successor, Evariste Ndayishimiye. He was however going to be named as the 'Supreme Guide to Patriotism' with a hefty reward of half a million US dollars and a luxury villa.The former rebel leader, who later became a born again Christian, has been accused of overseeing the torture, rape and murder of his opponents by his security forces. He always denied the allegations of Human Rights abuses.
Correspondent, Sarah Kimani looks back on his life..
• Martin Chungong, secretary general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
• Prof. Babatunde Fagbayibo, associate professor in the department of Public, Constitutional and International Law at UNISA
• Nixon Tasakana, Channel Africa journalist
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok pledged justice last week for scores of pro-democracy protesters killed a year ago when security forces broke up a sit-in outside the defense ministry. The demonstration was the culmination of weeks of protests that led the army to overthrow veteran leader Omar al-Bashir and ushered in a power-sharing agreement last year.The military - including a powerful paramilitary force that witnesses and activists said played a leading role in the raid - is now in a fragile, three-year pact with civilians. Hamdok, an economist and former senior United Nations official, leads a transitional government and named a commission in October to investigate the raid.
We get an update on whether the Sudan experienced politician reform since the ousting of al-Bashir and the heightening of protests a year.
African Dialogue anchor Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
Sabir Ebrahim Consultant Sudan Liberation Movement in South Africa
Prof Kwesi Kwaa Prah Author & Public Speaker
Dr Jok Maduk Jok {New York} Executive Director Sudd Intitute
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many countries closing their borders and instituting lockdowns, has left many citizens stranded across the globe. Last week, reports from the Malawian border with Mozambique, said over nine buses ferrying Malawian repatriates from South Africa, has crossed the Mozambique side of the border into Malawi, but are now stranded in no-man’s land. Authorities on the Malawi side have apparently not given the go-ahead and clarity, whether the repatriates should be let free to join their families or get tested and quarantined first. Meanwhile the International Organisation for Migration says thousands of African migrants are stuck in their countries of destination. .
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
• Professor Jo Vearey is an Associate Professor with the African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand,
• Clayson Monyela is from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
• Leon Isaacson is the group CEO for Global Migration
The South African government said it was reviewing a High Court judgement which ruled that some of the government’s coronavirus lockdown regulations unconstitutional. South Africa introduced in March one of the world’s most restrictive COVID-19 lockdowns – including a ban on alcohol and cigarette sales – but has gradually eased restrictions down to the third of five levels. The Liberty Fighters Network advocacy group filed a lawsuit against the regulations in May, arguing they were unlawful as they violated South Africa’s Bill of Rights. The judgement said all regulations under level three and four must be reviewed and amended giving due consideration to their impact on individual rights, aside from a few exceptions including the closure of borders, nightclubs and casinos.
Africa Dialogue speaks to:
• Professor Elmien du Plessis is an associate professor of constitutional law at the North West University • Wayne Ncube is the Deputy Director at Lawyers for Human Rights
Frontline workers have been hailed throughout the world for putting themselves at risk to help patients test and screen for COVID 19 and in many instances to treat COVID 19 patients. Today on our one on one interview I speak to Sindisiwe Ngubo from Richmond in the KZN province of South Africa. She has been a nurse since 2003, she is currently an operational manager for Theatre and GJ Crookes Hospital in KZN
What’s trending on twitter?
• The Gauteng High court ruled in favour of business group Sakeliga after it challenged the regulations requiring essential services to register with the commission for intellectual property and companies? • The tragic death of George Floyd in the US at the hands of the police…we see protests worldwide against racism and inequality in the world?
I am a country profile today we are taking you to Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa. Here is an interview with Oulie Keita.
What’s happening on the continent? Today we go to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Government of the (DRC) announced this week that a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease is occurring in Wangata health zone, Mbandaka, in Équateur province. The announcement comes as a long, difficult and complex Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is in its final phase, while the country also battles COVID-19 and the world’s largest measles outbreak. Initial information from the Ministry of Health is that eight Ebola cases have so far been detected in Wangata, of which four have died (one laboratory confirmed case and three probable cases) and four are alive (two laboratory confirmed and two probable). It is likely more people will be identified with the disease as surveillance activities increase. Here is an interview with the World Health Organisation’s Technical Officer Dr Mary Stephens.
As nationwide protests in the United States of America continue anti-police brutality protests sweep the United States, new charges were announced in the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a 46- year old African American man, died last week in the state of Minnesota when a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His last words, "I can't breathe," became the slogan of nationwide protests. The officer who pinned Floyd down with his knee faces an additional charge of second-degree murder, and arrest warrants have been issued for the three other officers involved in Floyd's arrest. According to the data compiled by Mapping Police Violence website, citing security sources, the rate of black people 13.4% of the population killed by police was two and a half times higher than white people in 2013 to 2019.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
Professor John Stremlau is a professor of International Relations at Wits University
Professor Jo Ansie van Wyk, is from the Department of Political Sciences at the University of South Africa
Let’s rewind to February 2020, the South African economy was in a state of disarray. Two consecutive quarters of negative Gross Domestic Product growth signified a technical recession. The unemployment rate was hovering just below 30%. The estimates revealed in the 2020 Budget Speech indicated that we were teetering on the edge of a fiscal cliff. Within weeks, Covid-19 has turned the world on its head and fast-tracked a global slowdown that may turn out to be unprecedented. Covid-19 has already had an indelible effect on our values, expectations and hopes, as it infiltrates every crevice of economic activity. No business and no consumer — whether rich or poor, big or small — will be immune to the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
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Dr Peter Karungu: Economist
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Regde Nkosi: Economist
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Shaun Raudemeyer: CEO Multinet home loans
On my one on one I am in conversation with recently appointed Executive Director for Section27, Umunyana Rugege, about her career. Section27 is a social justice organisation based in South Africa. It was established in 2010 as the AIDS Law Project, one of the most successful post-apartheid human rights organisations, Section27 has become a leading public interest law center. Born in Roma, Lesotho, Rugege grew up wanting to be a “tree-hugger” but later refined this passion with a degree in environmental studies from the State University of New York, Buffalo. In 2002 she completed a master’s in environmental management at Cornell University before studying law at the University of Cape Town. But while many of her classmates were waiting tables on the weekends, elegant Rugege was gracing the catwalks in the fashion capitals of the world. Now she fights for the rights of those who are vulnerable.
What’s trending on twitter?
• The 1st of June seems to be D-Day in South Africa, schools will reopen for grade 7 and 12s and the country moves to level 3 what is social media saying?
Whats making news on the African continent today we zoom into South Africa as the country moves to lockdown Level 3 the most significant opening up of the economy, according to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel. South Africa moves to Level 3 of the lockdown from Monday and government says it will open up all the core productive sectors of the economy these include sectors in manufacturing, mining, electronics, furniture, finance and retail. On the line to economist Siya Biniza he is also the Executive Director at PESA a political economy think tank focussed on regional integration
In less than a week public schools, are expected to resume classroom teaching for Grade 7 and Matric learners in South Africa. South Africa's Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, has outlined the arrangements for the staggered reopening of schools. Schools closed abruptly in March as early cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the country. Since then, there has been mixed reaction to their reopening, with some parents saying they would prefer to keep their children at home. Although the return for the rest of the grades has not yet been announced, Motshekga emphasised that a revised school calendar would be gazetted soon. It would indicate the opening and closing dates and holidays.
Joining us on the line is:
• Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson of South Africa's Department of Basic Education
• Johannes Motona, is the President of the Professional Educators Union (PEU)
• Matakanye Matakanye, is the General Secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies
• Dr Nic Spaull, senior researcher in the Economics Department at Stellenbosch University
The Organisation of the African Union was established on this day in 1963 with the aim of promoting political, economic and social integration among the family of African States, and to eradicate colonialism, apartheid and neo-colonialism from the African continent. The organisation was transformed into the African Union on 09 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, to achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between African countries and nations. This year's celebration coincides with South Africa's one-year tenure as Chair of the African Union. It also takes place amid the continent's advancing efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Joining us on the line is: • Edwin Ikhouria ONE in Africa Executive Director in Abuja. • Jane Mufamadi, CEO of Freedom Park. • Lucky Masilela CEO of ZA Central Registry.
In October, last year South Africa was crowned the 2019 Africa Netball Cup Champions in a tournament in which South Africa remained unbeaten throughout! It’s the first time South Africa has secured the award in a decade. Netball South Africa, the federation that runs the sport, was crowned the Federation of the Year, while its president, Cecilia Molokwane, won the Administrator of the Year prize. In April Cecilia contracted COVID 19 but has since been cleared.
What’s trending on twitter?
• South African schools will reopen to grade 7s and 12s on the first of June? I imagine some parents are still hesitant what is social media saying?
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga said schools cannot remain closed, even if there is a danger of Covid-19 with them reopening. And, while she cannot guarantee that nobody will die, people must have access to education. Motshekga said it was impossible to wait for the complete eradication of the virus before proceeding with plans to reopen schools. She made an example that the virus might only cease to exist in 2022 and it is not possible to keep schools closed until then. “Life has to move on,” she said. Here is Motheo Brodie an education researcher with Section27.
The manner in which African countries have managed the coronavirus pandemic has set an example for the rest of the world. That was the message of the United Nations Secretary General in an exclusive interview with SABCNEWS in New York on the occasion of the global organisation's release of a policy brief on COVID-19 in Africa. The document addresses issues of economic strain, food security, peace and security and human rights as regions and countries grapple with best practices amidst the public health emergency. The UN Chief lauded South Africa's response, lamented the lack of international solidarity while pledging to do everything in his power to ensure the equitable access to and distribution of a future vaccine for call.
Benjamin Moshatama speaks to:
• Dr Lucille Blumberg, Deputy Director at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the founding Head of the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response. • Dr Yenew Kebede Tebeje, head of laboratory systems and networks at the Africa Centre for Disease Control • Dr Mary Stephen technical officer at the World Health Organisation for Africa
Moeketsi Majoro has been sworn in as Lesotho's new prime minister, a day after his predecessor resigned under pressure over a scandal involving the killing of his wife. Majoro, was previously finance minister. Eighty-year old Thabane is one of Africa's oldest leaders and has spent most of his working life as a politician. No stranger to political rivalry, Thabane once fled to South Africa, alleging a coup plot by the military and had to be escorted back to Lesotho by the police. About three months ago police named him and his current wife Maesaiah as suspects in the murder of his former spouse Lipolelo in a case that has plunged the mountain kingdom into a political crisis.
Channel Africa presenter Benjamin Moshatama speaks to analysts Professor Bheki Mngomezulu and Kwezi Mngqibisa to look at the country's new leader and what the exit of Thabane means for Lesotho's political situation.
It's no secret that the longer government extends the lockdown, the worse the impact will be on the economy and jobs. While businesses fear closures over the uncertainty of the length of lockdown, they are also unable to guarantee that the spread of Covid-19 will be avoided in their operations. Some of South Africa’s struggling state owned entities are also hanging in the balance SAA business rescuers were stopped by the Labour Court from proceeding with retrenchments and Public enterprises Minister has refused an additional bail out and wants a concrete plan from the airline.
Joining us on the line is:
• Sandile Swana from the Wits School of Governance
• Dawie Roodt is the chief economist at Efficient Group
Andrew Mokete Mlangeni was born on 6 June 1925 at Prospect township in Soweto. Although Mlangeni started schooling at the age of 10, financial problems drove him to seek work at the age of 12 to assist his mother in maintaining the family. Faced by poverty and financial problems, Andrew was unable to continue with his studies. After 1946 he worked in several industries and factories where he experienced worker exploitation. As a result, when working as a bus driver for Putco he was active in the strike for better working conditions and a living wage. In 1951 he joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and later in 1954 he joined the ANC.
What’s trending on social media? • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Wednesday and a lot of people took to social media asking what was the address about and I suppose most anticipating a drastic change.
International sporting events are slowly being in process of re-starting the events during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, there have been discussions for the twenty English Premier clubs to start training with restarting games behind closed doors games in June. Amongst these events that are being discussed is German Bundesliga games to start playing in the second half of May with no fans in stadiums. Meanwhile in Spain, which has been devastated by COVID-19; aim to see their two top divisions returning for training to see the La-liga competition resume in June. • Tiyani w aka Mabasa, FARPost editor. • Neto Chemane, Channel Africa newsreader.
With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting almost all countries around the world, there are some that are finding navigating through the pandemic even more difficult because of sanctions that have been imposed on them by powerhouses like United States. The UN has asked that sanctions be loosened during this crisis but the US has done the opposite. Many US allies have broken with them and sent medical aid to some of these countries. African countries like Sudan, Zimbabwe also face the dilemma
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
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Dr Webster Zambara Snr Project Leader: Peace Building Initiatives Institute of Justice & Reconciliation
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Prof Patrick Bond School of Governance University of Western Cape
According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention there are over sixty-four thousand COVID 19 cases in Africa and over two-thousand two hundred deaths so far. While South Africa still carries the highest cases on the continent with over 10 000, Egypt and Algeria are not so far behind. But, Lesotho remains the only country on the continent to be virus free. There are also countries that still have relatively low numbers such as the Seychelles, Mauritania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Comoros and even Botswana they all have cases below one –hundred. Joining us on the line is: • Dr Mary Stephen is a technical officer at the World Health Organisation’s Regional Office • George Mhango is our correspondent in Malawi. • Spencer Mogapi, Deputy Editor Botswana Standard Newspaper.
From the 1st of May all road-based public transport services were permitted to operate from 5am until 7pm, with a grace period of one hour in the afternoon to complete their trips and drop off passengers. This includes minibus-taxis, buses, metered taxis, e-hailing services, charter and shuttle services. The loading capacity for minibus-taxis remains at 70% of licensed passengers, with social distancing and other mitigating measures remaining in place. All taxi ranks in the Gauteng province will be sanitised every three days in the fight against Covid-19 as part of a Gauteng transport department initiative. Gauteng transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo says every taxi, commuter and driver will also be sanitised.
Joining us on the line is:
• Bafana Magagula, chief strategic manager at South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) • Dr Karmen Coetzee is the Chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA) • Theo Nkonki the spokesperson of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport
On my one on one today I will be speaking to South African economist and political scientist, from a modest Cape Town family, he is an Associate Professor in the Public and Development Management Department at the Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He was formerly a student union leader at the time of the fight against apartheid. He is the former assistant editor of the Black daily newspaper The Sowetan, and in 2014 set up the think tank Democracy Works, which has been designed as an Internet platform and research laboratory on democracy in Africa. He is the author of several essays, more recently he released a children’s book Upside Down World. It is done under the auspices of the African Story Book Project which gives the books for free across the continent. The book is only online - to make accessible to children across the continent. The book is about the African environment. Let’s now welcome Professor William Gumede on the programme.
What’s trending on Twitter?
• What is all the fuss about zooming with the Zuma’s? • Madagascar covid cure claims
Over the past few weeks, social distancing policies and travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 came into force in countries across the globe, impacting billions — journalists included. Almost overnight, news publishers had to find a new way of functioning that didn’t revolve around physical newsrooms. To add to the pressure, many newsrooms are simultaneously facing an existential financial crisis of lost advertising revenue and subscription revenue at risk from a global recession, resulting in layoffs, pay cuts and closures at an unprecedented rate. Prof Anton Harber Caxton Professor of Journalism
South Africa’s president has defended the existence and the work of the National Command Council, also known as the NCC. The NCC is a government grouping appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa which makes consultations and provides decisions on how to manage COVID-19 during the lock-down. President Ramaphosa defended the council after two lawyers sent a letter to the presidency which questioned the legality of the council. Many sectors in business, citizens and media in South Africa is also now beginning to question the decisions made by the National Command Council, with the banning of alcohol and cigarettes remaining a talking point.
African Dialogue host Benjamin Moshatama speaks to political analysts Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke and Ralph Mathekga.
Regional economic blocs in East and West Africa are looking for ways to work together to combat the spread of COVID-19 across each other borders as countries begin plans to get out lockdown. In the East African Community region, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni said he was in talks with his neighbours to see how Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda can collaborate in testing truck drivers who operate across the region's borders as they are now a high-risk group for COVID-19 infections. In the ECOWAS region, leaders have held a teleconference to discuss a collective action to save its people from the effects of the disease. President Cyril Rampahosa, who is also the chairperson of the African Union held a virtual meeting of the chairpersons of the AU Regional Economic Communities.
African dialogue today spoke to:
• Lelemba Phiri is the Founder and Principal of the Africa Trust Group
• Kwezi Mngqibisa is General Manager: Political and Policy Advisor at the African Center for the Constructive Resolutions of Disputes.
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has recommended an organic concoction to cure patients infected with Corona Virus. He claims that the concoction named Covid Organics which is a form of herbal tea is curing COVID-19 patients has divided public opinion. Meanwhile the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against any self-medication and said that it has not recommended any medicine as a cure for the COVID-19. Notwithstanding, the WHO warning, a large number of Malagasy people are flocking to the free distribution points while others are still expressing skepticism. President has directed that the drink will be distributed free of charge to the most vulnerable and sold at very low prices to others.
To help us unpack all these we are joined by
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Dr Bonile Jack Pama (Baba Songindaba) Chairperson Xhayimpi Traditional and Spiritual Healing Institute
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Prof Sam Mokgokong Specialist Neurosurgeon & Intensive Unit Specialist
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Dr Moses Thindisa General Practitioner
South African anti-apartheid activist Denis Goldberg, who stood trial alongside Nelson Mandela in the 1963 Rivonia Trial and was imprisoned for 22 years by the regime, has died at the age of 87 at his home in Cape Town. Goldberg, joined the African National Congress’ (ANC) armed wing in 1961 to oppose the apartheid regime. He was arrested in 1963 at a secret meeting in a Johannesburg suburb and stood trial with several others, including Mandela and Walter Sisulu, in what became known as the Rivonia Trial. He was then convicted on sabotage charges and sentenced to life imprisonment after the judge declined to impose the death sentence. African Dialogue speaks to Morakabe (Raks) Seakhoa, author & Chief Executive Officer of the Maritime Heritage Institute, Dr Brown Maaba, historian and author and Verne Harris, director of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Archives and Dialogue.
As of tomorrow the 1st of May, South Africa will see a partial re-opening of the economy after implementing one of the most stringent coronavirus related lockdowns. This means restrictions will be lifted only on certain sectors. Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, primary sectors such as agriculture, forestry and mining will be prioritized. He says only twenty-percent of the manufacturing sector will be allowed to operate under this level and focus will be placed on industries producing products which will be needed such as winter items. Companies which will be allowed to operate during level four lockdown will have to screen employees on a regular basis. Patel anticipates that forty-percent of workers will be able to report for duty in May when level four comes into effect.
African Dialogue host Benjamin Moshatama speaks to Professor Sean Gossel from the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town, Siya Biniza, is a political economist and executive director at PESA (a political economy think tank focussed on regional integration) and Ian Cruickshanks is the chief economist at the Centre for Risk Analysis.
Today South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, a significant moment in our history where people of all races were allowed to vote in the first ever democratic elections in 1994.
What does the Freedom Day of 2020 mean under lockdown while most of our rights have been restricted?
African Dialogue host Benjamin Moshatama speaks to Jane Mufamadi, CEO of Freedom Park and Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director, Amnesty International South Africa. They were also joined by Mkhulu Msingisa, CEO of Zindzi Mandela Foundation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa this week announced a R500 billion fiscal stimulus package to help South Africans through the fight against Covid-19. The package aims to cushion the impact of deep recession, business failures and rising unemployment that is likely in the country this year. We unpack South Africa's stimulus package which makes provision for an increase of social grants and a prioritization for the country's health services during the crisis.
African Dialogue's Benjamin Moshatama speaks to Professor Mills Soko who is an academic and lecturer at the Wits School of Business and the current president of Congress of South African Trade Unions, Zingiswa Losi.
The latest statistics suggest that around the world over 330 thousand people have tested positive for Covid19 and just over 14 thousand have died as a result of the virus, whilst just over 99 thousand have recovered from it. So today we look at the effects of the virus on Education, Sports and Transport systems. Most countries have closed boarders and have imposed certain bans on activities. In South Africa the Minister of Police announced last week that liquor stores would operate for a short time, as alcohol is seen as one that may worsen the spread. To help us unpack all these we are joined by:
•Bafana Magagula Chief Strategic Manager The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO)
•Lebohang Dube Sports Reporter SABC News
•Prof Mary Metcalfe Education and Change Director PILO
Tomorrow the 21st of March marks Human Rights Day in South Africa. Historically the date 21 March 1960 is linked to events of Sharpeville, a township in South Africa. On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws. This day marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. On the show today I speak to Phakamile Hlubi –Majola a writer, social activist, and public speaker. She is also the National Spokesperson for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). I’m going to be speaking to her about workers’ rights and young people’s rights. What rights are young people yearning for right now and how can it be achieved?
I am a country profile today we take you to Cameroon, Central African country of varied terrain and wildlife. Here is an interview with Cameroonian journalist Mimi Mefo.
What’s making news on the African continent; we are zooming into impact of CORONA virus in the sports arena. The coronavirus outbreak has decimated the sporting schedule and affected some of 2020’s biggest events. A range of sports have had to take action to prevent the spread of the virus, with Euro 2020 put on hold for 12 months and postponements also hitting domestic football here in South Africa. To assist us with this we are now joined in studio by Channel Africa’s Executive Producer for Sports, Thabiso Ntema.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is the Fifth post-apartheid President. He inherited a government riddled with corruption and dysfunctional State Organ Enterprises. On assuming office he pledged to bring a new dawn to the masses who were traumatised and frustrated by the weak and unaccountable administration of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma. Two years later is he still adamant that he will deliver a new dawn to the impatient nation?
We are joined by two political analysts:
• Levy Ndou • • Prof Dirk Kotze
Last week, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in Zambia for allegedly defaming President Edgar Lungu in Facebook posts, as critics accuse the regime of turning increasingly authoritarian. The juvenile faces a maximum five-year jail term. Lungu, in power since 2015, faces mounting complaints that he is cracking down on dissent and seeking to consolidate power ahead of next year's elections. But, Zambia is not the only such African country interfering with peoples’ right to use social media platforms. In Zimbabwe, Uganda, Cameroon and more governments have shut down the internet due to anti-government protests. Human rights advocates have been arguing that when governments disrupt the internet, they are grossly violating individual rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Access to social media allows people to share information about human rights abuses at home and abroad.
To discuss this we are joined by:
• Dr George Ogola from the School of Journalism, Media and Performance at the University of Central Lancashire
• Verlie Oosthuizen partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys and head of the social media law department
• Maiko Zulu is a human rights activist in Zambia
The Dow Jones Index in New York last week opened seven per cent lower, prompting an automatic temporary suspension of trading. European markets, have also fallen in response to the plunge in New York. This follows the US President Donald Trump's cancellation of travel from 26 European countries to America for the next 30 days, beginning last week Friday at midnight in light of the corona virus. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a raft of measures to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa, including a national state of disaster. He says this will help in combatting the spread of the virus. This follows a cabinet meeting to discuss measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa. Ramaphosa says 61 cases of the virus have now been confirmed in South Africa.
To discuss this we are joined by:
• Lukman Otunuga, FXTM senior research analyst
• Dr Christie Viljoen, PwC economist
• Ian Cruickshanks, independent economist
March the 8th marked International Women’s Day a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. The theme of International Women’s Day 2020 was “I am Generation Equality”: Realizing Women’s Rights. According to the United Nations, the world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. I have on skype one of the women who has been bestowed with the responsibility of ensuring that we realise this vision. Anne Githuku-Shongwe is the Representative for UN Women's South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), which is responsible for women's empowerment and gender equality in Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia as well as South Africa, where the office is based.
I am a country profile today we take you to Togo, the small West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, is known for its palm-lined beaches and hilltop villages. Here is an interview with David Dosseh.
What’s making news on the African continent; we are zooming into economic impact of the CORONA virus also known as COVID 19. According to media reports, surveys of China’s manufacturing and services sector plunged to record lows in February. Although the outbreak appears to have slowed in China, COVID-19 and its impacts have gone global. Infections are mounting in Europe, South Korea, Iran, the United States, and elsewhere, with authorities implementing increasingly restrictive measures to contain the virus. Europe and Japan are likely already in recession territory given their weak fourth quarter performance and high reliance on trade. Here is Chief economist at Efficient Group, Dawie Roodt.
Today we focus on the judicial system on the African continent. We investigate how free and transparent it is and if those who execute it do so without fear or favour. How far does political interference play in intimidating or stifling judicial independence around the continent? How far does the judiciary go in promoting and protecting human rights and the role as the guardian of the constitution?
We are joined by:
Carmel Rickard. Carmel has been writing about the law and judicial politics for many years. She currently writes and edits a weekly newsletter for the Judicial Institute for Africa. It's specially aimed at judges in Africa, to help them stay up to date with new judgments delivered by their colleagues in other African countries.
Ethiopia and the United States are accusing each other of being “undiplomatic" in a row over the controversial construction of a major dam on the River Nile. This follows Ethiopia's decision not to participate in US-led talks with Egypt and Sudan held on February the 27th and the 28th in Washington. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt were set to sign an agreement to guide Ethiopia's operation of its six-thousand megawatt dam on February the 28th. The US says no filing of the dam reservoirs should happen without an agreement and Ethiopia has responded by saying the US has no right to make such demands. Egypt sought the intervention of the US in negotiations in 2019, because of concerns that the dam will affect water flow downstream to its territory.
We are joined by:
• Dr Rudo Sanyanga, independent water ecologist
• Andualem Sisay, commentator joining us from Addis Ababa
• Coletta Wanjohi, Channel Africa correspondent and journalist
Cases of coronavirus have so far been few and far between in Africa but the numbers are rising rapidly as Nigeria and South Africa on Monday announced new cases and the first death recorded in Egypt. Egypt has 55 cases more than half of all confirmed cases in Africa; it remains worst-hit by the virus on the continent. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) nine African countries have reported more than 90 cases of the corona virus. In South Africa, four more people have tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of cases to seven. All of the new infections are from the same group of ten people who returned from vacation in northern Italy in early March, the minister said. The group of ten were already in self-isolation.
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Dr Angelique Coetzee, is the Chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA)
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Prof Ian Sanne, CEO of Right to Care and an infectious diseases specialist.
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Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma Deputy Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
South Africa has officially entered into a recession as gross domestic product numbers for quarter four of 2019 show that the economy shrank 1.4%. The fall means the country now finds itself in a technical recession which can be described as two consecutive quarters of negative growth after the economy declined by 0.8% in quarter three. In total the economy in 2019 grew 0.2%. The growth is less than the already lacklustre projections by the IMF, World Bank and Moody’s rating agency which said the economy would grow by 0.7%, the Reserve Bank’s 0.6% and National Treasury’s paltry 0.3% estimate.
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Prof Mark Ellyn University of Cape Town Department of Economics
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Anabel Bishop Chief Economist Investec
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Ross Harvey Independent Economist
Award winning South African poet, author and actress Lebo Mashile is a household name that is most recognised for her poetry which has captivated audiences in 28 countries over the last two decades. Here is an interview I had with her this week
I am a country profile today we take you to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula. Here is an interview with Rose Marie Bangura.
What’s making news on the African continent; we are zooming into the developing story around COVID 19 which is the corona virus which is rapidly spreading in the continent and beyond. In Africa seven countries have confirmed cases of corona virus with Algeria with the highest number of cases so far. Most recently South Africa recorded its first case of the virus and government says while its not clear at which port of entry the patient landed, South African health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said that a tracer team had been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal Province and the man is now self-isolated. Here is an interview with a member of the Pan African Parliament Honourable Rose Marie Bangura.
Following a Court order to vacate the church and the central business district they have been occupying over the last four months, the foreigners then moved on to occupy a police station and the surroundings of this law enforcement facility. The government and several NGO’S have been scrambling to find a speedy solution to the crisis. Refugees now say they no longer want to remain in South Africa anymore and call for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to repatriate them to a third country. However, the UNHCR has reiterated it will not be able to resettle this large group of refugees because the move might lead to thousands of other foreigners living in South Africa demand to be included in the repatriation programme.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Papy Sukami, Congolese human rights activist
• Jo Vearey is an Associate Professor with the African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand.
• Ruvi Ziegler is Associate Professor in International Refugee Law at the University of Reading, School of Law
It has been reported that six African countries have recorded cases of Coronavirus or also known as COVID-19, with Morocco being the latest to confirm a case. As the number of infections is close to reaching one hundred thousand people globally the World Health Organisation has highlighted that public health officials are working in “uncharted territory”. Currently most African countries have put in place screening at major points of entry, especially airports.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir last week appointed his long rival Riek Machar as his first vice-President. The government of Unity comes after a brutal civil war that has seen more than 400,000 deaths and has displaced 3.5 million in South Sudan since 2013. Meanwhile the transitional government in South Sudan could be unduly delayed following disagreements over ministry and portfolio balance between President Salva Kiir and first Vice President Riek Machar.
• Prof Dirk Kotze Political analyst
• Sabir Ebrahim Consultant Sudan Liberation Movement in South Africa
Tomorrow energy experts, business leaders and stakeholders in government will be attending the Africa Energy Indaba Conference, taking place in Cape town, South Africa. The twelfth edition of the conference will bring together these delegates to speak on energy generation on the African continent. With growing African economies over the last ten years, Africa has had the challenge of providing energy supply to its infrastructure to support its industries. Today on the show we are joined by delegates who will speak on these modern challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.
We are joined by:
• Seydou Kane Managing Director for Eaton Africa
• Gregory Nott | Director, Norton Rose Fulbright
Mr Brett Wilkinson joined Channel Africa which then was Radio RSA in 1986 as a journalist responsible for syndication and a programme called ‘World at One’. In 1988 he became head of Export Programmes unit for the languages English, French, Portuguese, Afrikaans and Hebrew. The programmes were fed into 6000 United States stations and 300 Canadian stations via satellite. In 1990 after the change of name to Channel Africa, Brett took charge of the revised Syndication unit. Bret moved to the Programmes section in 2000 and by 2004 he was promoted to the position of Executive Producer. He later on moved to lead a Current Affairs flagship programme, ‘African Dialogue’. He retires after a dedicated service of 34 years. Throughout his service, Brett has been of great assistance to other tasks outside his duty. He would, for example, be recording interviews and programmes from other sister stations for use in different programmes of Channel Africa. This, he did with unimaginable passion and will leave a void in content production in Channel Africa
What’s trending on twitter?
• Two South Africans test positive for coronavirus • Adam Catzavelos fined for using the K-word • South Africa Finance Minister delivering 2020/21 budget
I am a country profile today we take you to the East African country Rwanda. Here is an interview with Rwandan Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Vincent Karega.
What’s making news on the African continent; we are zooming into South Africa. Statistics South Africa is a globally recognised centre of excellence for producing official statistics. Stats SA is the only source of official statistics in South Africa. However, in 2015 Stats SA had R160 million stripped from its budget and a freeze on all posts was imposed by government. Both have remained in place since that point. By early 2020, the situation has reached crisis point. The vacancy rate has climbed to almost 20% – that is, every 5th position is vacant, and many staff are thus taking on their own job and work that should be done by others; working a 6 or even 7 day week is common. The freeze on posts means that no promotions are possible, and no vacancies can be filled. Here is an interview with the former SG at Stats SA Dr Pali Lehlohla.
Mauritania will this week take over the rotating presidency of the G5 Sahel, which coordinates the anti-jihadism fight of five countries in the West African region. The handover will happen at the 6th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State of the G5 Sahel, taking place in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott. The G5 Sahel countries - Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger - face a number of challenges, including the growing threat of terrorism and organized crime, as well as climate change. A lot is expected from Mauritania's presidency, as it is the country that has been able to protect itself from terrorist attacks for the past ten years. We speak to: • Kwezi Mngqibisa is General Manager: Political and Policy Advisor at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolutions of Disputes (ACCORD)
• Faith Mabera, is a senior researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue
As South Africa battles record-high unemployment, and depressed economic growth, all eyes and ears will be on Finance Minister Tito Mboweni who is expected to deliver his much anticipated 2020 budget speech. Demands for spending far exceed revenue and Mboweni must show the government is serious about getting its debt under control. That means reining in spending but not so much as to hurt service delivery. While sin taxes and possibly the fuel levy will definitely go up, he’ll be wary about further overloading hard-pressed consumers with higher income tax or causing a political storm by raising VAT. In his Budget speech last year, Mboweni identified the public sector wage bill and state owned enterprises as the biggest fiscal risks, so expectations are high – but how far he will be able to go in curbing state worker salaries or spelling out a plan for Eskom’s massive debt remains to be seen. We speak to:
• Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, Economist | FIRST NATIONAL BANK Economics
• Isobel Frye, from the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (in studio)
Meetings Africa is a tourism event featuring Africa as a destination spot. It aims at providing a comprehensive panaroma in the field of travel industry in Africa. It is a great place for connecting with global network of decision makers, executives or to simple book a vacation trip in the travel industry. This event strives to foster a healthy environment for business to client or business to business organisations all across the globe. This event involves products like diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent etc. in the Business Services, Travel & Tourism industries
To tell us more we have:
Glenton De Kock, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern African Association for The Conference Industry
Catherine Linda, of the Julius Nyerere Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam
Amrita Craig Marketer for Mauritius Tourism
Matamando Chagunda marketing manager Umodzi Park
The Horn of Africa which is one of the world's most impoverished regions is being ransacked by billions of tiny invaders. Farmers look in horror as desert locust’s move in cloud-like swarms darkening the sky. The insects blast through fields of crops at an astonishing pace, decimating livelihoods in the process. The pests crossed the Gulf of Aden and arrived in Somalia and Ethiopia last year. They were spotted in Kenya about two months ago in what has become the worst infestation there in 70 years. The U.N. says the region is already vulnerable to food shortages, and it warns that the international community only has a small window to prevent "looming catastrophe."
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Dr Roger Price Research Team Manager Agricultural Research Council
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Gerhard VerdoomOperations & Stewardship Manager for CropLife
He is the leader of the South African African organisation focused on the interests of Afrikaners, a cultural minority group of the country's white population. The organisation is often in the headlines for defending the interests of white learners and community, but CEO Kallie Kriel says that is not what Afriforum is all about and there are many good, diverse and just causes that his organisation fight for on a daily basis.
what’s trending on twitter?
• SA parliament saga • State capture update • Corona virus update
I am a country profile today we take you to Burundi the landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge. Here is an interview my colleague Benjamin Moshatama had with Carine Kaneza Nantuyla.
What’s making news on the African continent; we are zooming into South Sudan where South Sudan’s opposition leader Riek Machar has agreed to re-join the government as the First Vice President on Friday, paving the way for the creation of the much-anticipated transitional government of national unity. Dr Machar, who leads the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO), met with President Salva Kiir in Juba on Thursday ahead of the February 22 deadline, and agreed to form the transitional administration. Here is the latest from Channel Africa’s correspondent James Shimanyula.
The debacle between South African MP Boy Mamabolo of the ruling African National Congress and Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, has raised concerns over the use of Gender Based Violence to score political points. On Tuesday during SONA debate in Parliament, Mamabolo claimed that Malema abused his wife. And in response, Malema shocked Parliament when he claimed President Cyril Ramaphosa used to beat-up his late wife. Now, the fight between Malema and Mamabolo has reached a legal point. Malema and his wife Mantoa Matlala are each suing Mamabolo for one million rand. We speak to:
• Selby Xinwa, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation researcher
• Ralph Mathekga, a political analyst
• Felicity Harrison, head of Sustained Dialogues
The United Nations supported government in Libya said it has suspended its participation in talks in Geneva aimed at salvaging a fragile cease-fire in the North African country following an attack on Tripoli's strategic port. Since last April, the United Nations recognised Government of National Accord, based in the capital, has been engaged in conflict with the self-styled Libyan National Army. The country’s warring sides had resumed their U.N. brokered military negotiations earlier Tuesday; however the forces of military commander Khalifa Hafter stepped up their attacks on the Libyan capital, hitting its seaport. It appeared to be the first such attack on Tripoli’s port since Hafter's forces began their siege of the city almost a year ago.
We are joined by:
• Dr Shinagi Mangiza – Mutizwa, is an independent analyst
• Ebrahim Dean is a senior researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa gave his state of the nation address in parliament on Thursday. Among the issues Ramaphosa addressed were the country’s embattled state-owned entities (SOEs), such as Eskom and South African Airways (SAA), and unemployment. Ramaphosa announced that financially viable municipalities can now procure their own electricity from independent power producers. He further announced a list of seven measures to rapidly increase the capacity of energy generation outside state utility Eskom.
Joining us on the line to help us with this discussion is:
• Taka Pfende is an analyst and owner of African Dominion
• Anabel Bishop economist at Investec
She is known for her memorable role as Sister Bettina in the TV series Soul City... The bubbly and outspoken actress, who underwent surgery for breast cancer in 2008, has used her experience to spread awareness about the disease. Let’s listen to this interview.
I am a country profile today we take you to the small West African country of Liberia; here is an interview with Allyson Brown.
What’s making news on the African continent; we are zooming into South Africa. Yesterday President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his much anticipated State of The Nation Address. It was disrupted by over an hour by the opposition party The Economic Freedom Fighters. Here is an interview with political analyst Aubrey Mashiqi reflecting on the SONA.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight present his second State of the Nation Address since last year's general elections. Ramaphosa came into power promising to reverse the damage caused by over nine years of Jacob Zuma's presidency. He has, however, faced serious challenges in this regard, not least being his government's seeming inability to arrest the spiralling economic decline. The President is also faces an onslaught from within his own ruling ANC. Can South Africa be confident that the president has the will to fulfil the promises he makes?
• Prof Peter Baur, joining us in studio from the University of Johannesburg’s College of Business and Economics • Dr Sheunesu Zhou on the line from the University of Zululand.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, the country’s biggest labour federation, has said it won’t reach a pact with business on how to resolve the debt crisis at South Africa’s power utility Eskom by the time President Cyril Ramaphosa gives his state-of-the-nation speech on Thursday. Cosatu has proposed using the state pension fund manager, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and government-owned development finance institutions to cut Eskom’s debt by a considerable amount. Cosatu’s proposal has prompted opposition from unions in rival federations and opposition parties, who say the PIC won’t get adequate returns by investing further in Eskom. The PIC manages money for the Government Employees Pension Fund, which is a defined benefit fund, meaning that if it can’t pay out pensions, the government must pay the shortfall.
Joining us on the line to help us with this discussion is: • Sizwe Pamla, is COSATU spokesperson • Reuben Maleka, Acting Deputy General Manager of Public Servants Association
• Gerhard van Onselen is a senior policy analyst/ economic researcher at Sakeliga
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the annual gathering of fifty-five African nations in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa that challenges facing African nations are “complex, multi-faceted and far-reaching" but a “collective, comprehensive and coordinated” response by the global community will build on the momentum that already exists to help the continent thrive. Guterres said the partnership between the UN and African Union is “of paramount importance” and he was deeply committed to the principle that Africa’s challenges can only be solved through African leadership. This AU theme of the year for 2020 will be ‘Silencing the guns: creating conducive conditions for Africa’s development’.
African Dialogue host Benjamin Moshatama speaks with:
• Liesl Louw Vaudran Senior Research Consultant for the Peace and Security Research Programme at the Institute for Security Studies • Dr Shingai Mutizwa-Mangiza, an independent commentator
The Supreme Court in Namibia upheld the results of last year's presidential election on Wednesday, saying the challengers failed to prove ruling party manipulation of electronic voting machines. The ruling means President Hage Geingob will continue in his second term. He won in November with 56% of the vote while Namibia's first independent presidential candidate, Panduleni Itula, received 29% in the country's tightest presidential race since independence in 1990. Meanwhile in the same week Malawi's Constitutional Court has uphold an application from opposition parties to nullify Peter Mutharika's victory in the May 2019 presidential election. The court has ordered that a new presidential vote be held in 150 days' time. Mutharika, who has been Malawi's President since 2014, won the election with a 38-point-five-seven per cent share of the vote.
Mark Heywood is a South African human rights and social justice activist based in Johannesburg. His political activism commenced in the early 1980s in England as a member of the Militant Tendency and continued in South Africa as a leader of the Marxist Workers Tendency of the ANC. After South Africa achieved its liberation in 1994, Mark joined the AIDS Law Project (ALP) alongside Justice Edwin Cameron and Zackie Achmat. His activism in civil society spans the whole of the democratic period in South Africa. Between 1997 and 2010 he was the head of the ALP, one of South Africa's most successful post-apartheid human rights organizations. Later he co-founded SECTION27, a public interest law centre that seeks to influence, develop and use the law to protect, promote and advance human rights, which incorporated the ALP in 2010. He was also one of the founders of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in 1998, the AIDS and Rights Alliance of Southern Africa (ARASA), Corruption Watch and Save South Africa. He is currently the Editor of Maverick Citizen, a section of the Daily Maverick
What’s trending on twitter?
• A warrant of arrest has been issued for South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma if he fails to appear in court on the 6th of May? • South Africa takes up the African Union Chair
I am a country profile today we take you to the small West African country of Gambia Here is an interview with Jeggan Grey Johnson.
What’s making news on the African continent, we are zooming into Malawi Malawian President Peter Mutharika plans to challenge a court decision overturning his 2019 poll victory. Five top judges on Monday ruled that Mutharika was "not duly elected", citing massive and widespread irregularities including the use of correction fluid on results sheets. The judges ordered a fresh poll within 150 days. I’m now joined on the line by senior programme manager of governance at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy Grant Masterson
English-speaking members of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS), plus Guinea, on Thursday condemned a recent announcement that the French-backed CFA franc used in eight West African countries would be renamed as the Eco. The countries say the move "is not in line" with plans by the regional bloc to adopt a single currency also called the Eco. In late December 2019, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced that the West African CFA franc, used by the former French colonies of Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, as well as by Guinea-Bissau, would be retired sometime in 2020 and replaced with a new currency – called the Eco. Ouattara's announcement came as a surprise to the six mainly Anglophone ECOWAS members who don't use the CFA franc. This is because back in June 2019, ECOWAS leaders had formally decided at a summit that the region's planned common currency should be called Eco — the same name as the CFA zone group now plans to adopt.
We are joined by:
• Odhiambo Sande is an advocate of the high court of Kenya specialising in regional integration in Africa /EAC –
• Professor Mark Ellyne from the University of Cape Town’s department of Economics. He also worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)as a senior economist
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to take over the chairmanship of the African Union for the year 2020, replacing Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who chaired the organization through 2019. In his address Ramaphosa said South Africa will use its chairmanship of the African Union to promote the economic empowerment of women. He further said African nations needed to acknowledge that there were too few women in some industries, notably science, and that equal pay for equal work was not adequately respected and women still held lower paid and lower skilled jobs than men.
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Francis Kornegay Senior Research Fellow Co-Author: Africa and the world: Navigating shifting geopolitics Institute for Global Dialogue
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Dr David Monyae Director Centre of Africa-China Studies
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Minister Jackson Mthembu Minister in the Presidency
The total number of confirmed corona virus cases in China stands at over twenty-thousand as of Tuesday morning, an increase of three thousand two hundred and thirty five on the previous day. Meanwhile the death toll is now at over four hundred in China, an increase of around sixty five from Sunday. As the death toll in China rises fears are growing over Africa’s ability to protect its citizens from the rapidly spreading coronavirus epidemic as the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. However, Africa’s porous land borders remain a cause for concern among policymakers and health professionals, who fear that unchecked migration and transport between countries could spread the virus quickly.
We are joined by:
• Dr Pete Vincent from the Netcare Travel clinics and medicross Tokai
• Dr Kerrigan McCarthy- she is a pathologist at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa
• Dr Michel Yao, is the Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) country Office
Today roads leading to the high court in Lilongwe are said to be closed as the Constitutional court is expected to deliver a verdict in a case challenging the legitimacy of last year’s election in Malawi. Two opposition parties, the United Transformation Movement Party and the Malawi Congress Party, are seeking a nullification of the elections which saw President Peter Mutharika re-elected. Malawi has recently seen nationwide demonstrations where demonstrators were seeking for the resignation of the Malawi Electoral Commission head Jane Ansah. To discuss today’s happenings African Dialogue’s Benjamin Moshatama was joined on the line by: • Dr Chris Nshimbi, Director of the Centre of the Study of Governance Innovation • Grant Masterson, senior programme manager of governance at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy • George Mhango, Channel Africa correspondent
If you were once an Isidingo soapie fan then you will know the talented lady I am about to interview. Hlubi Mboya is a South African actress and HIV/AIDS ambassador, what is she up to now she now joins me in studio…
I am a country profile today we take you to Cape Verde an island country with a population of less than 600 000 people. Here is an interview with Dr Olugbengu Adesida.
What’s making news on the African continent, the new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. The concern is that it could spread to countries with weaker health systems. At least 213 people in the China have died from the virus. The WHO said there had been 98 cases in 18 other countries, but no deaths. In South Africa the Health Ministry has called for calm and says all measures are in place to deal with it should it reach our borders. Here is the Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize…
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Tom Thabane announced he would resign as pressure mounted on him, this as a result of allegations of his involvement in the murder of his former estranged wife Lipolelo. Thabane received an invitation by the Deputy Police Commissioner to present himself for questioning regarding the crime. His current wife Maesiah Thabane is still on the run with police having officially issued a warrant of arrest. Pressure has also been mounting from Thabane’s own political party the ABC(All Basotho Convention) as they accused him of being a “threat to the nation” and further failing to fulfil is mandate. 1. Prof Holo Nyane : Associate Prof & Head of Public Law University of Limpopo. 2. Prof Bheki Mngomezulu Lecturer: Politics Department University of Western Cape.
It seems South Africa’s state owned flag carrier South African Airways (SAA) will stay flying, as the Development Bank of Southern Africa has confirmed a loan of 3.5 billion South African Rands. Due to a dismal financial status South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa last year ordered that SAA should be placed into business rescue. Recently SAA has announced that it would be selling some of its aircraft in order to foot some of their bills, however this has come with much scepticism from aviation experts. Benjamin Moshatama spoke to senior business rescue practitioner Thomas Samons (*pronounced Sermons) about how the funding process will take place. 1. Joachim Vermooten - Independent Aviation Consultant & Researcher. 2. Thomas Samons Senior Business Rescue Practitioner. 3. Guy Leitch - SA Flyer Magazine Editor.
A Portuguese hacker has taken responsibility for disclosing hundreds of thousands of files revealing how billionaire Isabel dos Santos, daughter of Angola's former president, built her vast business empire. The hacker, Rui Pinto is already awaiting trial in a Lisbon jail for extortion and other crimes, having claimed to be behind "Football Leaks" - a high-profile trove of 70 million documents that exposed the dealings of European soccer clubs. His defence team says he was acting in the public interest. Dos Santos, whose father Jose Eduardo dos Santos left power in 2017 after ruling Angola for 38 years, has denied wrongdoing and says the leaks are part of a politically motivated compaign by the government of her father's successor. We are now joined on the line from Angola by: • Dr Claudia Gastrow, expert in mediating political concepts and Practices in post-conflict Luanda, Angola. • Alcides Sakala, academic and analyst. • Claudio Silva commentator and politics writer.
It has been a week of tragic events in the education sector in South Africa, as schools across the country opened for the new calendar year news broke that a thirteen – year old boy had drowned while on a school camp. Questions around the supervision of learners whilst on school activities outside the school premises have risen and whether educators are equipped enough to perform their duties. Few days later another story broke of a teenage boy who was found in the swimming pool of his boarding school, his family suspects he was bullied and drowned. It has been reported that there have been five cases of learners drowning at the same facility the Nyati Bush and River break Lodge in the North West province. And so, on the show today we ask how safe are our children when they attend these outside school activities?
We are joined by:
• Elijah Mhlanga, is the spokesperson for the National Department of Education in South Africa
• Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission Andre Gaum (pronounced Gauwm)
• Ernest Boyenge from the Congolese community the association has been providing support to the Mpianzi family
Today marks International Day of Education. Education is a human right meaning that the right to education is legally guaranteed for all without any discrimination. Governments have the obligation to protect, respect, and fulfil the right to education. So what is the role of parents in the education system? Why do we still have children of school going age loitering the streets when they should be at school? In studio I am joined by Matakanye Matakanye who is the General Secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies.
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• What’s the latest with regards to the school tragedy with the drowning of Enock Mpianzi – I understand the Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi had a presser this morning? • Diepsloot protests • South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe attends World Economic Forum
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into the Kingdom of Lesotho. Last week Prime Minister Tom Thabane announced that he would resign this past Tuesday amid allegations that he may have been involved in the death of his former wife Dipolelo Thabane. I’m on the line with Professor Holo Nyani who is an Associate Professor and the Head of Public Law Department at the University of Limpopo.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to THE East African country of Uganda whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Here is an interview with Chief Executive Officer at Afro Holdings South Africa, Mukasa Richard.
South Africa's business and government delegation attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland says the country is well positioned to attract investments into the country despite its challenges. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni says South Africa is well endowed with strong capital markets to raise investments domestically, however a move to increase foreign direct investments in the international market will yield greater returns.
Now we speak to:
• Tim Cohen, business and political journalist and commentator joining us live from Davos,
• Phumlani Majozi, Politics and International Affairs Analyst
Russia's government has resigned, hours after President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes that could prolong his stay in power. If approved by the public, the proposals would transfer power from the presidency to parliament. Mr Putin is due to step down as president in 2024 when his fourth term of office comes to an end. Meanwhile yesterday Putin approved a new government he described as a break with the past, bringing in some fresh faces but retaining many senior ministers.
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Sanusha Naidoo Political analyst
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Prof John Stremlau International Relations Analyst WITS
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Prof Alexander Buzgalin Russian Lecturer Moscow State University
As Malawi awaits the results of a Constitutional Court case that could nullify last year’s presidential election, popular resistance to President Peter Mutharika is growing more strident. Long-standing local grievances against the government began after the presidential election in May last year, which was won by Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) while Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party came second. But the results were marred by allegations of electoral fraud, and rejected by opposition parties, who launched a legal challenge. This is now before the Constitutional Court and the country awaits judgment which is expected in early February at the latest. Meanwhile the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Malawi has launched investigations into a complaint that some politicians tried to bribe the constitutional court judges presiding over the case. We are joined by: • George Mhango, Channel Africa’s correspondent in Malawi. • Wesley Namasala is a private legal professional in Malawi. • Undule Mwakasungula is n governance and human rights activist/ consultant.
Last week South Africa’s minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande held a presser focusing on opportunities and capacity within South Africa’s university and colleges.Nzimande announced that this year, the country's 26 public universities will provide access to approximately 201 042 new entrants wishing to pursue their studies across all general, technical and professional fields. Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Ndzimande says the percentage pass rate of mathematics learners of the 2019 matriculants does not render them eligible for admission for scare skills programmes at universities. Last year's national overall pass rate stands at new record of 81.3%. This is a 3.1 percentage points improvement from the 78.2percent achieved in 2018. According to the academic admission requirements, in the sciences programmes students won't be accepted with lower than 50percent in mathematics. Nzdimande told the media in Pretoria that this is a worrying factor
We are joined by:
• Marius Roodt, IRR Senior campaign consultant
• Dr Theuns Eloff is the former Vice-Chancellor of North West University.
Dr Nic Spaull is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Research on Socioeconomic Policy (RESEP) group at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Nic has a PhD in economics and has published numerous journal articles on education focusing on assessment, accountability, and literacy and education policy in South Africa.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to Tanzania, which is situated in East Africa and it’s known for its vast wilderness areas. Here is Channel Africa’s correspondent Fortunatus Kasomfi..
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
- School boy goes missing while on camp
- Schools opening and university registration kicking off
- Lesotho Prime Minister to resign
- Miss SA – a new one has been appointed
The Human Rights Watch has just released its World Report which takes stock of global progress on human rights issues. The report lists challenges faced by countries and some of the issues that are highlighted are freedom of speech, freedom of media, violence against women, environment and human rights among other things. To help us unpack some of the aspects of the report we are joined in studio by:
We are joined by:
• Dewa Mavhinga the Southern Africa director, at Human Rights Watch
• Carine Kaneza Nantulya is the Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch
• Babatunde Olugboji is the deputy programme director at the Human Rights Watch
The African Union says it is working to assist Libya get an inclusive solution that will be driven by the Libyan people. The AU insists that it is essential to assist the Libyans engage in political dialogue that will see the UN backed government of National Accord and the Libya National Army reach lasting peace. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week made a statement which sounded like a threat to Iran saying he would "teach a lesson" to Libyan leader Khalifa Haftar if he resumed fighting after abandoning ceasefire talks in Moscow. Haftar left Moscow on Tuesday without signing a peace deal aimed at ending nine months of fighting with the UN-backed government in Tripoli. Erdogan said the issue would now be discussed at talks in Berlin on Sunday attended by European, North African and Middle Eastern countries, as well as the UN, EU, Africa Union and Arab League.
Joining us on the line is:
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa Mangiza Independent Political Analyst
In November last year the Department of Higher Education and Training warned that Public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges will soon lose part of their state funding, amounting to millions, due to poor pass rates. This could see underperforming colleges cut their student numbers and lose out on funds to improve infrastructure and research. Meanwhile as the department tries to improve the image of tvet colleges, there is a perception in society that tvet colleges are less desirable than universities. So what has happened to tvet colleges?
We are joined by:
• Professor Ahmed Bawa is the CEO of Universities South Africa
• Klaas Mohlatlole is the Chairperson of labour at the Professional Educators Union
Iran’s military acknowledged early Saturday that it had launched the missiles that brought down a Ukraine International Airlines jet near the Iranian capital on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. The disaster unfolded amid escalating tensions with the United States over the killing of a revered Iranian commander, Major General Qassim Suleimani. For the first three days after the crash, Iran denied that it had shot the plane down; the Iranian authorities insisted that the jetliner had gone down for mechanical reasons, and refused to cooperate with investigators. But then, as the uproar mounted, Iranian leaders admitted that they had shot the aircraft down, citing human error.
We are joined by:
• Kwezi Mngqibisa is General Manager: Political and Policy Advisor at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolutions of Disputes (ACCORD)
• Na’eem Jeenah is the Executive Director at the Afro Middle East Centre
• Prof. Jo-Ansie van Wyk, political sciences department at the University of South Africa
Professor Susan Booysen is Director of Research at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) and Visiting Professor at the Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Booysen is the author of research-intensive books on the African National Congress of South Africa and editor of several other books on South and Southern African politics. Her two major books on the ANC, to date, are The African National Congress and the Regeneration of Political Power (2011) and Dominance and Decline: The ANC in the Time of Zuma (2015), both published by Wits University Press. Her 2012 e-book, The ANC’s Battle of Mangaung, focused on a particular turning point in the ANC trajectory. You may have seen or heard Booysen on tv, radio she is a political analyst and media commentator, both in the print and electronic media.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa; it’s defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi. Here is an interview with Channel Africa’s correspondent George Mhango..
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• The United States admitting to the killing of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s most prominent military leader • The African National Congress January 8 statement celebrations will kick off tomorrow. • South African business icon Richard Maponya died this week and memorial is today.
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Guinea Bissau, where the first presidential elections were held in November, followed by a run off between two former prime ministers after the current president failed to advance to second round.
Some analysts have raised concerns over the new set of regulations in the Refugees Amendment Act which among other things stipulate that asylum seekers can lose their status if they participate in any political activity or activity related to their country of origin in South Africa as well as clamping down on businesses and regulations on where they can work or go to school. The changes came into effect on the first of January. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gazetted the new regulations on 27 December and has defended the decision saying that the new rules only apply to people who are under protection of state. But some legal experts have described them as a ‘paper wall’ to keep migrants out of South Africa.
We are joined by:
• Siya Qoza is the spokesperson for the Home Affairs Department in South Africa
• Dr Calixte Kavuro is apost doctoral research in public law focussing on issues affecting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
• Sally Gandar is the head of advocacy and legal adviser at the Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town • (The centre seeks to integrate migrants and refugees into local society)
• Sharon Ekambaram, is the head of refugee and migrants programme at Lawyers for Human Rights
The African National Congress (ANC)’s Secretary General Ace Magashule says the only message the party wants to bring is “the resuscitation of spirits and hope”. He says they want to revive the hope of society at a time of high unemployment and inequality. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the statement on Saturday in Kimberley. Before that, party leaders are expected to reach out to communities across the Northern Cape all week. We are joined by: • Levy Ndou is a lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology. • Dr Ina Gouws is from the University of Free State in the political sciences department.
The United Nations sent warning signals in December last year that more than half of Zimbabwe's fourteen million people are under threat by a desperate lack of food. It says the aid it provides could run out by the end of February. The World Food Programme (WFP) has since called on countries to step up support to Zimbabwe, where millions of people are facing hunger brought on by prolonged drought and economic meltdown. Meanwhile in Zambia the devastating effects of an extreme dry spell has withered crops, leaving more than one point seven million people struggling to feed themselves.
We are joined by:
• Gerald Bourke spokesperson for Southern Africa at the United Nations World Food Programme • Mark Dent is the SA manager at the Alliance for Waterstewardship. This is a global membership collaboration which contributes to the sustainability of local water-resources
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Soul City Institute for Social Justice is an organisation that aims to improve the quality of life and health of young women and girls and the communities they live in, in Southern Africa. It is driven by the recognition that women's rights are human rights and are fundamental to health and development. Lebo Ramafoko is the CEO of this organisation, she has been at the helm since 2011 after having joined Soul City in 1995 – she is a gender and social activist. Ramafoko is an internationally-recognised defender of women’s and children’s rights whose social justice work has seen her appear before the United Nations Security Council.
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Initiation schools in the Eastern Cape 22 deaths? • US president Donald Trump has been impeached and is facing a trial in the US senate? •
What’s making news on the African continent, today we play an interview with Channel Africa’s analyst Izak Khomo who says the DRC will continue to be a problematic area going into 2020. We’ve unrest and instability, fighting and massive killings in the Eastern part of the country.
Next year will see Twelve African countries holding presidential elections namely: Burkina Faso, Burundi, CAR, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo. United States later in the year around November. January will South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to assume the AU Chairmanship. To help us discuss some of what we can expect, we are joined by
Charlie Khumalo Executive Producer for Portuguese
Nixon Tasakana Executive Producer for Kiswahili
Britain’s Prime Minister Borris Johnson will attempt to mark his election promise to “get Brexit done” by writing into law that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union in 2020 and will not extend the transition period. As members of parliament begin to be sworn in at Westminster on Tuesday, the prime minister’s team is working on amending the withdrawal agreement bill so that the transition, also known as the implementation period, must end on 31 December 2020 and there will be no request to the EU for a further extension.
We are joined by:
• Prof Gerhard Erasmus, Associate at the Trade Law Centre,
• Simon Usherwood Professor at the University of Surrey
• Daryl Glaser – Associate Professor of Politics at Wits University
The 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP25, is the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference is being held in Madrid, Spain. The conference aims to bring together governments to come up with ways to mitigate against the effects of climate change. 350.org is a non-governmental organisation, which aims to do exactly this. It also aims to build a global grass-roots climate movement. Here is an interview I had with Glen Tyler who is the South African team leader for the organisation about his views on climate change and the climate movement.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to the North African country of Algeria, presidential elections were held yesterday. Voting took place amid protests – against the candidates saying that they are still part of the former regime. Ebrahim Dean researcher at the Afro Middle East centre on the line..
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Ben Turok one of the ANC founders dies • Loadshedding sabotage • Floods in the country • SA wins Miss Universe
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Angola and look at the latest that’s happening. Here is an interview I had with Alcides Sakala a member of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola which is the second-largest political party in Angola and he is a member of parliament. I started off by asking him about the trial of the son of the former president of Angola Jose Filemeno Dos Santos and its implications to fighting corruption in Angola…
Algeria’s presidential elections comes amidst mass protests that have taken place weekly across the country for month demanding sweeping reforms ahead of any vote. Ageing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to resign in April after his nearly twenty-years of rule. There are five candidates who will face-off in the country's presidential race. The frontrunners, Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Ali Benflis, are both former prime ministers.
Joining us on the line is:
• Ebrahim Dean from the Afro Middle East Centre
• Dr Martin Rupiya of ACCORD is a civil society organisation working throughout Africa to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent.
Only twenty-percent of migrants actually leave the African continent, according to the African Union. More people move from the Horn of Africa to southern Africa than those crossing the Sahara to north Africa to reach Europe. There is even more movement within West Africa, a region that historically had porous borders. There is also increasing activity from East Africa across the Gulf of Aden, with migrants fleeing conflict or in search of better economic opportunities. Meanwhile estimated number released by The United Nations, the number of international migrants globally reached an estimated two hundred and seventy two million in 2019, an increase of fifty-one million since 2010.
Joining us on the line is:
• Itayi Viriri is the head of online communications at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
• Jo Vearey is an Associate Professor with the African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken the decision to put South African Airways, the cash-strapped national flag carrier, into voluntary business rescue. Speaking about all state owned entities in the country Ramaphosa said they would not allow any of these strategic entities to fail. But rather, take all necessary steps – even drastic ones to restore them to health. In the case of SAA, Ramaphosa emphasised that there was no other viable and financially workable option for a credible future for the airline. But what does business rescue mean? How long does the process take? How does it affect the operation of an entire company? Joining us on the line is: • Professor Jannie Rossouw is Professor of Economics and Head of School of Economic and Business Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. • Joachim Vermooten is an Independent Transport economist.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls continues here in South Africa. And we at African Dialogue are also continuing to put a spotlight on this on-going scourge. Lisa Vetten a social justice activist in South Africa has been working in the field of violence against women for decades and here is an interview I had with her, where we spoke about what still needs to be done to assist women in these situations and if there has been any significant changes in the law, the justice system or even services since she first started work in this field.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley. Here is Channel Africa’s correspondent Coletta Wanjohi
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Ailing South African airliner, SAA has been put on business rescue? • Eskom load shedding? • The weather?
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where there have been protests this week. Here is Jean Noel Ba - Mweze
Latest data from one of South Africa’s consumer credit bureaux Experian South Africa shows that consumer debt in South Africa increased to about R1.63 trillion in outstanding debt according to the company’s latest Consumer Default Index (CDI). The report further states that the overall CDI increased from three point seventy-six percent in the second quarter to three point ninety-three percent in September, mainly due to an overall deterioration in first-time defaulters specifically across unsecured banking products, such as credit cards and personal loans. Meanwhile South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, during his mid-term budget warned South Africans of falling into a debt trap if they continued to spend more than they earned. Mboweni emphasised that, the reality is that the debt is growing at an unsustainable pace. So as we head into the festive season how can consumers be more thrift when it comes to their Christmas spending?
- Stephan Engelbrecht, Fund Manager at Anchor Capital – a wealth and asset management business focussed on personal client relationships and a world-class investment process. (in studio)
2.Dawie Roodt, Chief economist at Efficient Group
The DRC town of Beni saw guns fired on Monday as protesters demanded the withdrawal of the United Nations' security forces MONUSCO from the city, marched towards the UN headquarters. Security forces blocked hundreds of demonstrators attempting to get close to the UN compound housed inside the airport near Beni, one of two UN bases in the area. This comes after residents got angry over the perceived failure of UN peacekeepers to protect civilians from deadly rebel attacks with several mass demonstrations targeting UN facilities in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
1.Jean Bwasa Representative Congolese People’s Organisation in South Africa
2.Father Jean Marie Kuzituka: Congolese Catholic Priest 3.Adv Sipho Mantula Researcher Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa
Yesterday was International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. And you may ask yourself: “How do we have slavery in the year 2019?” Well, the sad truth is that we do. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), there are more than forty million people in the world who are victims of modern slavery. This means that people today find themselves stuck in situations of forced marriage, human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage, amongst other form of modern slavery. According to ILO while there are 5,4 victims of modern slavery for every 1, 000 people worldwide, there are 1 in 4 children who are victims of slavery. To talk us through the phenomenon of modern slavery we are joined by:
• Grizelda Grootboom, author of the book Exit and survivor of human trafficking • Advocat Sabelo Sibanda founder of African Awareness and Ama-Africaaqotho • Bianca Kinsley working at S-Cape; a safe home for women who have been trafficked and exploited
World AIDS Day will be observed this Sunday, a day used to remember all those who have succumbed to the HIV and AIDS as well as a day to take stock of what has been done to reduce the numbers of infections. According to the latest statistics from UNAIDS close to 40 million people are living with HIV, 1.7 million became newly infected in 2018, 770 000 people died from AIDS related illnesses and close to 25 million people were accessing anti-retroviral therapy by the end of June this year. That is the conversation we are having this morning is how do we keep people on treatment for longer, I spoke to Nompumelelo Madonsela a community trace at Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Gauteng one of the provinces of South Africa about her role which includes calling about one hundred patients a week who have defaulted on their medication collections and clinic visits with the aim of bringing them back into the healthcare system.
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• 16 days of no violence against women and children campaign • Former South African president Jacob Zuma back in court • Black Friday today
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. Here is an interview with Namibian citizen Jimmy Lilunguse
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Ethiopia where there have been new political parties formed, referendums held in one of the regions. Let’s listen to this interview with Channel Africa’s correspondent Coletta Wanjohi.
Today is a special three way broadcast on air, between Channel Africa, Radio 2000 and SAFM, which is focusing to Movember month for Men. The month of November boasts International Men’s Day, where the issue of men’s contributions and role in modern society was put on the spotlight. This broadcast is part of the launch of “Africa Rise An Powered By Men In the Making” dialogue initiated by Radio 2000; aimed at stimulating a dialogue of how men can make a difference for good in their communities. Our broadcast also coincides with 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, an international campaign which begins on November 25 and concludes on December 10 each year. African Dialogue spoe to some of the speakers at the event:
As Namibia prepares to hold its presidential elections, the court dismissed a case aimed at preventing the use of electronic voting machines. Opponents of President Hage Geingob feared the machines could be used to rig the results. Ten candidates are expected to run for presidency, with Geingob expected to win with a reduced margin, due to voter anger over the worst economic crisis since independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. The National Unity Democratic Organisation's Esther Muinjangue is the country's first female candidate participating in these presidential elections.
To look at this we joined by:
• Lesley Blaauw, senior lecturer at the University of Namibia
• Grant Masterson, senior programme manager of Governance at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy of Africa (EISA)
The United Nations Childrens Fund - UNICEF – Has release a report on the latest global statistics on children and adolescents living with HIV. The report was released at UNICEF’s offices in Sunninghill, north of Johannesburg in South Africa . In the global effort to end HIV and AIDS, children and adolescents continue to fall behind. New cases of infection still occur at birth, during breastfeeding and in adolescence; and not enough children and adolescents living with HIV have access to testing and life-saving treatment. As a result, hundreds die every day.African Dialogue was there and spoke to :
• Dr Ider Dungerdorj an HIV and AIDS specialist at UNICEF
• Phiwe Ndabeni a youth activist and an Intern with the Aurum Institute
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women a global campaign to raise awareness around the abuse of women and children. According to the United Nations it is estimated that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner (not including sexual harassment) at some point in their lives. However, some national studies show that up to 70 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Meanwhile in South Africa, seven women and three children are killed every day and a today marks the start of the 16 days campaign of no violence against women and children.
Joining us today is: • Barbara Kalima-Phiri, Global Senior Advisor, Gender and Inclusion, for World Vision International
• Sanja Bornman is an attorney for the Gender Equality Programme at Lawyers for Human Rights
Liesl Louw-Vaudran is a consultant and analyst, focusing on African politics and current affairs. She has lived in Francophone West Africa and has been traveling across Africa for the past twenty years in my professional capacity as foreign correspondent, Africa editor at Media24 and editor of publications of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). Currently she writes a weekly analysis on African issues for the ISS Today and regularly contributes to the Mail&Guardian newspaper in Johannesburg. Throughout her career Liesl’s say “I have sought to promote greater understanding of what is happening in Africa”.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to the Southern African nation whose varied terrain encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers and Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border into Namibia. Here is an interview with Augusto Bafour a lecturer in African Geography in Angola
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Former South African President Jacob Zuma is in court again today to appeal the dismissal of the application he lodged for a permanent stay of prosecution. • South African Airways threatening not to pay staff salaries on time because of the current strike that is already diminishing the coffers of the airline? • Our very own comedian Trevor Noah has been nominated for Best Comedy Album! At the Grammy Awards?
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Guinea Bissau where presidential elections are expected to be held on Sunday 24th of November. President Jose Mario Vaz is the first democratically-elected president in Guinea-Bissau's history to finish his term. I’m joined in studio now by Channel Africa’s Executive Producer Charlie Khumalo.
• How crucial are these elections? The president is standing for re-election? • Have things on the ground stabilised? • How is the media in Guinea Bissau reporting about the elections?
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The Minister of Home Affairs has announced that his department is currently working on making a number of changes to South Africa’s marriage laws. According to Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, the updated policy must deal with the following: human dignity, equality and non-discrimination. Joining us today is: • Dennis Matotoka the legal adviser for the Commission for Gender Equality. • Adv Sabelo Sibanda, Founder of the School of African awareness and Ama-Africa Aqotho. • Kensani Motileni is an Attorney at the Legal Resources Centre based in Cape Town.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a working visit to Brasilia in Brazil where he participated in the 11th BRICS Summit. At the conclusion of his visit, Ramaphosa stressed that the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have affirmed their shared commitment to a strong multilateral system that is properly governed. The President said this commitment, along with BRICS’ stated intent to promote trade among member states and play a key role in the growth of the world economy, constituted a notable positive outcome for the summit which was themed “BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future”. The BRICS have been meeting annually since 2009, with South Africa joining for its first summit in 2011, to enhance cooperation among themselves, as well as issues of common concern, including global governance reforms, development challenges and security concerns. The Brasilia Summit happened against a backdrop of growing global economic concerns. The International Monetary Fund's latest growth forecast projects a global economic growth slowdown in 2019 due to increased geopolitical- and trade tensions and a downturn in manufacturing activity. Joining us today is: • Cyril Prinsloo a researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). • Sanusha Naidoo an analyst from the Institute for Global dialogue.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Liesl Louw-Vaudran is a consultant and analyst, focusing on African politics and current affairs. She has lived in Francophone West Africa and has been traveling across Africa for the past twenty years in my professional capacity as foreign correspondent, Africa editor at Media24 and editor of publications of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). Currently she writes a weekly analysis on African issues for the ISS Today and regularly contributes to the Mail&Guardian newspaper in Johannesburg. Throughout her career Liesl’s say “I have sought to promote greater understanding of what is happening in Africa”.
We are taking you South Sudan Africa’s 54th newest nation, which became independent on the ninth of July, 2011. As we might remember South Sudan's rival leaders have, once again, missed the November 12th deadline to form a transitional unity government, raising new concerns for a fragile peace process in a country devastated by years of ruinous civil war. Here is an audio from our correspondent James Shimanyula ..
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Zimbabwe, where the situation according to our correspondent Simon Muchemwa is deteriorating and citizens are not getting a reprieve. Furthermore the government has fired striking doctors who were protesting over a pay raise.
The month of November is now known as “Movember”. This month, men around the world stay refrain from shaving their beards to bring awareness to men’s health. This theme is relevant especially since recently South Africa lost one of its popular radio hosts, Xolani Gwala, who died after struggling with colon cancer. It is commonplace for men, not only in the country, but all around the continent and the world to struggle with dealing with health issues such as cancer, as the disease is stereotypically seen as one which affects women. To look at this we joined by: •Prof Bernando Leon Rapoport, Specialist physician and medical oncologist. Founder of the Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank • Darren Robertson, a cancer survivor and representing the Movember Foundation. • Prof Michael Herbst, health specialist CANSA Men’s Health Division.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a court comprised of one-hundred and twenty two states from around the world. The ICC is the "court of last resort," and came into force on July 1, 2002. The court tries four types of crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression and war crimes. It is not intended to replace a national justice system. In summary the ICC has issued arrest warrants for 36 individuals and summonses to eight others. Six persons are in detention. Proceedings against 22 are on-going, 15 are at large as fugitives, one is under arrest but not in the Court's custody, two are in the pre-trial phase, and four are at trial. Proceedings against 22 have been completed: two are serving sentences, four have finished their sentences, two have been acquitted, six have had the charges against them dismissed, two have had the charges against them withdrawn.
Joining us today is:
• Professor Bheki Mngomezulu from the politics department at the University of the Western Cape • Amal Nassar, the International Federation for Human Rights Permanent Representative to the ICC • Advocate Sipho Mantula Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa
After five days of unbridled joy and love from Pretoria to Soweto, from Joburg to Durban, East London to Port Elizabeth and, most moving of all, to captain Siya Kolisi’s hometown of Zwide, average South Africans from all walks of life shared in the pleasure of being the best at something. The Springboks vowed to fight on the field to continue to be the best team on the planet and not let this moment of rugby supremacy be just that – a moment. But they also asked South Africans to follow their example and unite as a country, like they did as a team.
Joining us today is: • Mark Alexandre, president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU)
• Thando Mxoli is an SABC sports journalist
• Stanley Henkeman is the Executive Director at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
South Africa’s second investment conference held last week was expected to raise hopes of the country’s economy being revived. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s aim was to build trust with foreign investors. He is determined to raise 100 million US dollars in the next five years. In the inaugural Investment Conference, in 2018, local and international investors pledged to inject as much as R300-billion into South Africa’s economy. According to Ramaphosa, this translated into thirty one projects that would boost the economy and create job opportunities. At this time, eight projects have been completed and seventeen more are in construction, or at the implementation stage.
Joining us today is:
• Dr Peter Karungu is a economist
• Ian Cruickshanks is an economist at the Institute of Race Relations
The Afro Middle East Centre is a Johannesburg based think tank South Africa, and focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region. I’m joined in studio by its Executive Director Na’eem Jeenah, who according to google is a ‘well-known academic and leader in the Muslim community and the anti-capitalist and anti-war movements in South Africa’
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to West African country of Gabon. Gabon is situated along the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. Here is an interview with Gabonese citizen Jean Donald Taladzi..
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending? • South Africa hosting its second investment conference. • Springboks Rugby Cup tour.
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Angola where there have been steps taken to try and revive the economy. Augusto Bafour a lecturer in African Geography in Angola tells us more...
As the investment conference kicks off today delegates can expect a packed programme discussing issues ranging from the Fourth Industrial Revolution and what it means for South Africa and Africa, a new dawn for mining: unlocking value chain potential, impact investing, start-ups and SME’s focusing on innovation for growth. But most importantly to create jobs and raise the standard of living for all South Africans. Joining us today is: • Grant Masterson is the from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy (EISA) he is a Programme Manager for the African Peer Review Mechanism. • Izak Khomo is our resident Africa analyst at Channel Africa
As the investment conference kicks off today delegates can expect a packed programme discussing issues ranging from the Fourth Industrial Revolution and what it means for South Africa and Africa, a new dawn for mining: unlocking value chain potential, impact investing, start-ups and SME’s focusing on innovation for growth. But most importantly to create jobs and raise the standard of living for all South Africans. Joining us today is: • Taka Pfende, an Investment analyst and owner of African Dominion. • Amanda Fitchen is an independent economist.
Refugees and asylum-seekers involved in the protests in Cape Town and Pretoria in South Africa have been urged to respect the laws of the country. Foreign nationals staging a sit-in outside UNHCR offices in Cape Town were forcefully evicted last week following a court order, another group continues to protest outside UN offices in Pretoria. The grievance raised by the group is their dissatisfaction with living in South Africa, and they are therefore demanding that the UNHRC relocate them to another country. Joining us today is: • Joan Allison, from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, • Neeshan Balton, executive director of the Kathrada Foundation.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
This year’s theme of World Cities Day is Better City, Better Life, while each year a different sub-theme is selected, to either promote successes of urbanisation, or address specific challenges resulting from urbanisation. It aims to promote the international community’s interest in implementing the New Urban Agenda globally and in enhancing cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization in cities. Over half the world’s population now live in cities. With the number expected to double by 2050, urbanization is one of the world’s most transformative trends. Urbanization poses several sustainability challenges related to housing, environment, climate change, infrastructure, basic services, food security, health, education, decent jobs, safety, and natural resources. Urbanisation can also present great opportunities and is a critical tool for sustainable development if it is done right.
Guests:
• Parks Tau Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
• Vuyiswa Letsoko a lecturer in Town Planning at the University of Johannesburg
• Sithole Mbanga the CEO at SA Cities
Despite the fact that forty percent of small and medium businesses on the continent are owned by African women, they have a financial gap of 42 billion dollars. This imbalance of gender equity in the world of economics exists despite projections made by Mckinsey that the female economy is the largest emerging market. This economy is said to add twelve trillion dollars to global GDP BY 2025. This is the issue being addressed at the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) which started today at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
GUESTS: • Caroline Corbett, an Award finalist • Sizani Ngubane an Award finalist • Nicolas Pompigane Mognard – Chairman of the APO Group – Conference speaker
The 15th gathering of investigative journalists from across the continent and the world is underway in Johannesburg South Africa. Over 90 speakers and delegates from at least 36 countries are attending the conference. It is three days of celebrating the work of the continent’s best journalists, networking, sharing stories, and training. This year’s event will include financial investigations into public and private sectors; the growing relationship between civil society and investigative journalists; how to deal with physical and online security threats; the surge in cross-border investigations; the latest in data journalism and multimedia storytelling. So the big question is – is there still room for investigative journalism? • Vanessa Offiong assistant editor at Daily Trust Newspaper, Abuja, Nigeria. (being a woman investigative reporter: issues in investigative reporting) • Benon Oluka Ugandan multimedia journalist, and from the Global Investigative Journalism Network (tools and techniques: resources for upping your investigative game) .
According to media reports the Democratic Alliance (DA) is set to have a new all white leadership following several resignations including those of two prominent black members. It further says that supporters of new federal chair Helen Zille are planning a clean sweep as it grapples with a leaderless organisation. Last week saw now ex leader Mmusi Maimane, former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Athol Trollip, chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Boughey and Herman Mashaba resign from the party. This came days after Zille’s come back to the party’s powerful position of federal council chair.
Guests:
• Levy Ndou is a political analyst from the Tshwane University of Technology
• Gary van Staden political analyst
It is not often that we are graced with an opportunity to sit down with our previous leaders, especially with such a rich and vast history. I am sitting opposite Her Excellency Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza, she has accomplished so much in her life, just to name a few being a recipient of an honorary degree of Doctor Philosophy at the University of Durban-Westville and a recipient of a degree of Doctor honoris causa at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in the United Kingdom. Her last post was the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that was from 2001 to 2009.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to Mozambique a southern African nation whose long Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with popular beaches. Here is an interview with Grant Masterson from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into South Africa, and this past weeks has seen internal fighting within the opposition party the Democratic Alliance. The party has seen the resignations of two prominent leaders in just one week – what implication does this have on the party and opposition politics in the country?
About 40 African heads of state and government, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and 2,000 companies, among them several from South Africa, are attending the economic forum and summit in Sochi Russia. In his opening of the two day summit Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said his country was determined to expand its presence in Africa. Russia was offering systematic development assistance to Africa. The economic forum is showcasing the economic opportunities which Russia has to offer the African continent.
Joining us today is:
• Sanusha Naidoo, a political analyst from the Institute for Global Dialogue
• Amanda Fitchen an independent economist
• Dr Malte Brosig, an associate professor with the Department of International Relations
Africa's biggest diamond producer - Botswana - is preparing for elections on Wednesday. These come at a time when the country is facing a mammoth task of addressing sluggish economic growth, inequality, poverty and unemployment. The country has enjoyed relative political stability and economic growth since gaining independence from Britain in 1966. Leader of the Botswana's main opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, Duma Boko, has cast doubt on the credibility of the elections to be held on Wednesday. Boko says the opposition is being harassed by the intelligence services, making it difficult for it to campaign around the country. Over 920-thousand Batswana are expected to vote in what is believed to be the fiercely contested elections in the history of Botswana. Joining us today is: • Dr Gladys Mokhawa, senior lecturer at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Botswana
• Grant Masterson (Studio Guest) Program Manager at EISA, (The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa )
• Sentleeng Lehihi, SABC journalist
• Spencer Mogapi of the Botswana Standard Newspaper
Rwanda is fast becoming a beacon of a progressive country in Africa. It has increased its women representation in Parliament, beating its current world record of 64 percent. This means out of a total parliamentary membership of 80, women occupy 54 seats. Meanwhile the country has unleashed the first Smartphones Made Entirely in Africa; the Mara Group has opened a new plant in Kigali to manufacture two smartphones, the Mara X and Mara Z. On the other hand a few years ago Rwanda made headlines as the first country to pilot blood deliveries by drone. Technology can save lives and this is a reality in Rwanda where drones are used to deliver medical supplies in remote areas. Finally President Paul Kagame has offered his country as a pilot for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Guests:
• H.E Vincent Karega : Former High Commissioner: Rwanda to South Africa Currently Ambassador of Rwanda to the DRC
• Toby Shapshak: Editor in Chief & Publisher Stuff Magazine
Over 150 senior leaders from the water sector attended the 5th Annual Water Stewardship Event which took place at the Crowne Plaza – Rosebank, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event hosted by the Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN), the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS), the National Business Initiative (NBI), and the Royal Danish Embassy, explored strategies to further develop and test alternative water management and water delivery solutions to overcome some of the nation’s most pernicious water challenges and help meet the nation’s water service objectives. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Mark Dent, Regional manager at the Alliance for Water Stewardship. • Andre Kruger, Programme Manager at the Nepad Business Foundation.
Earlier this month South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa announced the newly appointed 18 member economic advisory panel. It is hoped that the new panel will steer the country’s economic down turn towards the right direction and will bring tangible change. In an earlier interview I had with Professor Richard Parsons from the North West University he stresses the importance of South Africa taking bold steps now so that our economy can start to strengthen and for that he says we need bold leadership. He says his love for economics started when he was a young boy.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to Egypt, country located in the northeastern corner of Africa. Egypt’s heartland, the Nile River valley and delta, here is an interview with researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre Ibrahim Dean..
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Nicholas Ninow knowns as Dros rapist convicted • Load shedding Eskom
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Mozambique. The Southern African country held its presidential elections on Tuesday. Let’s now talk to Jacob Tivani from Channel Africa’s Portuguese service about the latest
Today marks the first-day of the African Home Education Indaba Conference. The three-day conference aims to bring to the spotlight issues surrounding home education on the African continent. The small gathering brings together up to thirty delegates from six international and African countries. The CEO of a home-schooling education institute Brainline, which is organising this event, Coleen Cronje says that the biggest challenge for home-schooling is the misunderstanding between parents and governments in South Africa on the issue of parent’s rights to choose this kind of schooling system.
Benjaminn Moshatama today speaks to
• Godfrey Kyazee, CEO of Uganda Masters Institute for Education, • Cornelia Marais - Public Relations Officer Pezalozzi Trust • and Coleen Cronje, the CEO of Brainline.
At the beginning of this month South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa launched October as the country’s Transport Month. Alongside the president the minister of transport Fikile Mbalula launched new programs of road safety. However, South Africa does not only have a challenge with road safety but it has a public transport system which does not equally accommodate all South Africans, and if so it is either too pricey or too fragmented for its users. On this program Benjamin Moshatama speaks to experts looking at South Africa’s challenges in the face of the emphasis of intra-trade and intra-travel on the Africa continent. He spoke to: • Leslie Mpofu, Director of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat
• Unathi Henama Tourism/transport analyst
• David King Project Manager for Cape Town Air Access at Wesgro, a tourism, trade and investment promotion agency
Mozambicans are heading to the polls in a general election this morning. The country has seen one of the most violent campaigns in its brief and turbulent history. This has raised fears that the presidential, parliamentary and provincial polls may not be free and fair. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Election Observers have strongly condemned all incidents of violence including the killing of the head of the local election observer group Anastácio Matavele, in Xai-Xai, last week. This will be the first elections without historic Renamo opposition leader, Afonso Dhlakama, who died in May last year. He ran unsuccessfully in the previous presidential elections without accepting defeat in any of them
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Egidio Vas Raposo A Political Analyst and Media Scholar from the Centre for Communication Studies, who is currently in a voting line up
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Charlie Khumalo Channel Africa: Executive Producer Portuguese Services
The United States Treasury has sanctioned three controversial and politically connected Gupta brothers who are at the centre of corruption allegations that contributed to the downfall of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma. The relationship between Zuma and the Gupta brothers is one of the focuses of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture which he himself set up before he was ousted by his own party. Zuma and the Guptas deny the allegations. Meanwhile the financial blacklisting was reported across the globe, the Guptas will face increasing difficulty doing business globally. To look at this we are joined by: • Professor Bheki Mngomezulu from the Politics department at the University of the Western Cape. • Elvis Masoga is a political analyst.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Every forty seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. This as the world observed Mental Health Day on Thursday. This year’s theme is suicide prevention. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group says one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems (and this does not include more serious conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia). Charlene Sunkel CEO at the Global Mental Health Peer Network now joins me in studio to tell us more about her journey and living with schizophrenia.
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Duduzane Zuma state capture saying that he is the face of corruption and that his character has been defamed? • The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that president Jacob Zuma has been unsuccessful in his application for permanent stay of prosecution. • Mental Health Day
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to the North African country of Tunisia here is an interview with Advocate Sipho Mantula…
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Zimbabwe, the country is in economic turmoil with electricity and petrol price hike of 26% Zimbabweans are struggling to survive, meanwhile a two month doctor’s strike is also crippling health services. More from our correspondent in Zimbabwe Simon Muchemwa.…
Today the 10 October is marked as world mental health day. The focus of this year’s theme is: “Suicide Prevention” We are coming to you LIVE from Pretoria West at the Fishawellness Hospital. Fishawawellness, founded by Dr Senathi Fisha a health expert for over 30 years, boasts expertise from social workers, physiotherapists, counsellors to even dietitians to help patients with various mental health disorders. These disorders range from post-traumatic stress syndrome, bipolar and depression, amongst others.
Global climate change has already had observable effects on the environment. Glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted and trees are flowering sooner. Effects that scientists had predicted in the past would result from global climate change are now occurring: loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its Climate Change and Land: An IPCC Special Report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems in August 2019. The Special Report was a response to proposals from governments and observer organisations to the IPCC. It assesses the existing science to date on how greenhouse gases are released and absorbed by land-based ecosystems, and the science on land use and sustainable land management in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation, desertification, land degradation and food security. The findings are of great importance to decision-makers across Africa and the world.
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Happy Khambule Political Advisor with Green Peace
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Dr Chris Moseki Specialist Scientist: Climate Change Research Department of Water and Sanitation
More than six months since South Africa took up its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2019-2020 how has it fared? Some analysts believe that South Africa has played a visible and important role in the council thus far, stating that it in one instance, during the tense debate on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this year, South Africa blocked the council from releasing a statement that it deemed premature. In another example the situation in Sudan in June displayed how South Africa can take an independent stance against other council members, especially permanent members. South Africa pushed back against pressure from Germany and the United Kingdom and prevented the UNSC from issuing a public statement before the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) could meet on Sudan. But can this be sustained in the 18 months to follow?
To look at this we are joined by:
• Professor Malte Brosig is an Associate Professor in International Relations at the Department of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand
• Sanusha Naidoo an analyst from the Institute for Global Dialogue
• Kwezi Mngqibisa is General Manager: Political and Policy Advisor at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolutions of Disputes (ACCORD)
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was in South Africa last week for a three day state visit. The visit, the first by a Nigerian leader since 2013 comes after incidents of violence in South Africa targeted at both locals and foreign nationals. The violence in which at least 12 people were killed - sparked fury in Nigeria and saw hundreds of migrant workers repatriated to the country. The visit is took place under the theme "Forging a new era in collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria.
To look at this we joined by:
• Prince Akinwale Ojomo, CEO of the Diaspora Innovation Institute and analyst joining us from Lagos Nigeria
• Professor Mills Soko, professor of International Business and Strategy at Wits Business School
Solly Phetoe’s career can be traced to the early eighties during the launch of SABC TV 2 & 3. He left the organisation and came back in 1998 at SABC News. He later became the National Editor of the SABC Radio Current Affairs before joining Channel Africa in 2012. Since joining the SABC, ‘Bra Solly’, as he is popularly known, has been in charge of a number of national radio news projects that include National Elections, Local Government Elections, World Summit on Sustainable Development – WSSD, World Racism Conference - WRC, to name just a few.
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to the North African country of Libya. Maghreb region in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, lets listen to this interview with researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre Ebrahim Dean…
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• The South African Broadcasting Corporation has been given a R2 billion rand life line? • Nigeria’s President’s state visit to South Africa an effort to mend the strained relations? • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Johannesburg this week?
: What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Rwanda. Rwanda has agreed to take in hundreds of African refugees and asylum-seekers held in detention centres in Libya under an agreement reached with the UN refugee agency and the African Union. Here is an interview with Rwanda High Commissioner Vincent Karega…
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed that a new growth strategy needs to be adopted to turn the economy around. Ramaphosa said the country is taking firm action to grow the economy and create jobs. This week the president revealed his new economic advisory council, according to Ramaphosa the council will aim to ensure greater coherence and consistency in the implementation of economic policy and ensure that government and society, in general, are better equipped to respond to changing economic circumstances. The new economic advisory council is also intended to build a capable state. This is on the backdrop of rising unemployment and the job crisis facing the country.
• Professor Raymond Parsons is a professor at the North-West University School of Business and Governance.
• Professor Jannie Rossouw is the Head of the School of Economic and Business Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand
Egyptian police mounted a huge show of force in central Cairo last week and closed off entrances to Tahrir Square on Friday after calls for protests against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi following opposition accusations of corruption, which he denies. Protests broke out on Sept. 20 in Cairo and other cities following online calls for demonstrations against alleged graft by Sisi and the powerful military. Sisi, who was in New York this week attending the U.N. General Assembly, returned to Cairo on Friday morning, where he was greeted off his plane by senior ministers and later stopped to speak to a crowd of supporters on the roadside. Sisi also appeared to repeat his earlier rejection of allegations of corruption posted online by Mohamed Ali, a former contractor and actor, in the run-up to the protests. Ali's videos have attracted a wide following.
To look at this we joined by:
• Dr Lucia Ardovini, Research Fellow (MENA Programme)The Swedish Institute of International Affairs
• Mr Mohammed Taha, a PHD candidate from the SOAS University in London
The final day of the Africa for Africa Women conference currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa women around the African continent gathered in solidarity to address matters of Africa’s transformational leadership. The conference theme this year is “women in leadership for sustainable growth – creating a progressive workplace for growth and sustainability”. Speaker after speaker stressed the importance of gender equality in positions of leadership. This comes at the backdrop of a South Africa that is witnessing high numbers of gender based violence and attacks targeted at foreign nationals.
• Venete Klein, former Eskom board member
• Honourable Florence Mutua – Waingah, member of the Kenya parliament
• Dr Jessie Kabwila, former member of the Malawian parliament and chair of the women’s caucus
A United Nations human rights envoy says Zimbabwe’s deteriorating political and economic situation is causing anxiety as hopes fade for a long-awaited improvement in living conditions. Many Zimbabweans are frustrated that the November 2017 departure of long-time President Robert Mugabe, who died September 6 of this year in Singapore, did not lead to a quick economic recovery or end the heavy-handed tactics of authorities in the country. The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that annualised inflation in Zimbabwe hit almost three-hundred percent in August, and called on Harare to intensify reform efforts.
• Professor Tapiwa Chagonda, an Associate professor at the Department of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg
• Professor Willie Chinyamurindi, Associate professor Department of Business Management, research leader – Faculty of Management and Commerce University of Fort Hare
• Takura Zhangasha, analyst in Zimbabwe
In Africa today numerous challenges continually confront millions of people living with albinism first as individuals and as a demographic group within the continent. The prevalence rate of albinism in Nigeria is ranked amongst the highest in the world with an estimated figure of over two million albinos living in the country. In an earlier interview I had with Nigerian born Ikponwosa Ero is the first United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism. I started by asking her as a person with albinism how did her upbringing contribute to the work she does today…
On I am a country segment: We are taking you to the West African country of Nigeria. Nigeria shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Let’s listen to this interview with Dr Jimmam Lar from the University of Jos Jos in Nigeria
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• It has been finally decided that Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe will be laid to rest in his hometown of Zvimba? • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making waves in South Africa visiting a number of organisations.
What’s making news on the African continent, today we zoom into Egypt and look at the on- going protests. Egyptians are calling for their president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. I am joined on the line by Ibrahim Dean a researcher at the Afro Middle East Center:
• Nearly 2,000 arrested as Egypt braces for protests against president Abdel Fattah al Sisi protests. More rallies are expected today? • What is at the heart of these protests? • Authorities are accusing the media of inaccurate reporting of protests? • Authorities in Egypt have also blocked news websites and disrupted access to messaging platforms, according to monitoring groups?
Heads of states in the world are meeting this week at the 74th session of the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) which is taking place at the UN headquarters in New York. The gathering seems pivotal this year with multiple issues at hand which are polarizing the world; from the unpredictability of the Brexit deal to disagreements on how to deal with climate change and not forgetting recent tensions between the United States and Iran. However, what made headlines regarding the United Nations has been the speech by Greta Thunberg, a young climate change activist, who told world leaders at the Climate Action Summit that they were failing her generation saying; "And yet I’m one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction. And all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!"
To look at this Benjamin Moshatama spoke to:
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa-Mangiza, department of politics at the University of the Western Cape
• Kumi Naaidoo, Secretary-General of Amnesty International,
• Vishwas Satgar, associate professor at Wits Department of International Relations
The matter can now be put to rest – it’s been decided Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe would be buried at the National Heroes Acre monument, in about 30 days, once a mausoleum was built for him. Mugabe's burial has been a point of dispute between his family – who wanted to bury him at his rural homestead Zvimba – and the government, which pushed for the body to rest at a national monument in the capital. He died during a medical trip to Singapore aged 95, leaving Zimbabweans torn over the legacy of a man who is some still lauded for his role as a colonial-era liberation hero.
• Simon Muchemwa Channel Africa Correspondent in Zimbabwe
• Advocate Sipho Gideon Mantula Researcher at the Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa A Human Right Defender for Peace and Justice in Africa
Heritage Day used to be known as Shaka Day in KwaZulu-Natal, according to South African History Online. The day was made into a holiday to commemorate the Zulu king, Shaka Zulu. In 1995, the Public Holidays Bill was presented to the new democratic Parliament of South Africa but it didn’t include Shaka Day. In response to this, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected to the bill. Eventually, parliament and the African National Congress (ANC) managed to reach a compromise with the IFP. They agreed for the day to become a holiday where all South Africans observed and celebrated their diverse cultural heritage.
Jane Mufamadi CEO Freedom Park Souayibou Varissou Executive Director African World Heritage Fund
It has been ruled by South Africa’s Constitutional Court that the spanking of a child by a parent is unconstitutional. The court delivered a ruling last week stating that “reasonable and moderate parental chastisement” could end you up in jail. This judgement trended on social media platforms with South African users debating the social merits and demerits of the judgement. A non-profit organisation Freedom of Religion says that this decision may hamper parent’s rights to raise children according to their religious belief, while University of Cape Town’s Children’s Institute declared the judgement as a landmark moment for children in South Africa.
To look at the implications of the constitutional court’s decision we speak to:
• Carmen de Vos, Senior Social Worker, parent education facilitator, counsellor and counselling supervisor at the Parent Centre • Michael Swain, Executive Director of Freedom of Religion • Maryke Huijbreg, Chief of Child Protection and Social Policy for UNICEF SA
The United Nations says gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Currently, 1 in 5 women and girls between the ages of 15-49 have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner within a 12-month period and 49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence. In South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa himself admitted that women and children are under siege saying there is a need to recognise the reality that we are confronting a crisis of violence and intolerance. I’m joined in studio by Commissioner Mbuyiselo Botha from the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) a man that has fought for women and men’s rights for many years, as well advocated for boy children to be mentored from an early age.
On I am a country segment we are taking you to the Republic of South Africa exactly where I am. South Africa is the largest country in the world by land area with over 57 million people…here is an interview I had earlier with Channel Africa’s resident analyst Izak Khomo.
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• The Constitutional Court in South Africa has made a landmark ruling that spanking your child is unconstitutional? • South African drug mule Nolubabalo Nobanda returned home after serving eight years in prison for drug trafficking? • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are coming to South Africa
What’s making news on the African continent, today I am joined by Zondani Sakala from Channel Africa’s Chinyanja service here at Channel Africa...?
South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa has had no choice but to hit the ground running. It was evident at the recent World Economic Forum on Africa which was held in South Africa’s touristy Cape Town. However the city didn’t make headlines for its table mountain splendour, but for protesters outside the International Convention Center who were demonstrating against ‘femicide’ and the xenophobic attacks which were taking place in the country. President Ramaphosa had to leave the World Economic Forum to attend to the protesters outside to reassure them that his government could resolve the situation. Ramaphosa has since announced he will not be attending this year’s United Nation’s General Assembly meeting to focus on domestic problems. He has also deployed a special envoy to go on Africa tour to amend relationships with African countries. To help us look at this we are joined by: • Dr Benjamin Breakfast, from the University of Stellenbosch • Dr Theo Venter , University of the Northwest
Steve Biko was an anti-apartheid activist who spearheaded the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa. In 1968, Biko co-founded the South African Students' Organization, an all-black student organization focusing on the resistance of apartheid, and subsequently spearheaded the newly started Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa. Biko became SASO's president in 1969. In August 1977, he was arrested and held in Port Elizabeth, located at the southern tip of South Africa. The following month, on September 11, Biko was found naked and shackled several miles away, in Pretoria, South Africa. He died the following day, on September 12, 1977, from a brain hemorrhage—later determined to be the result of injuries he had sustained while in police custody. The news of Biko's death caused national outrage and protests, and he became regarded as an international anti-apartheid icon in South Africa.
Lebo Mashile – Poet and Artist
Prof Ramathate Dolamo Emeritus professor: Discipline of Theological Ethics UNISA
Tunisians will now have to hold a runoff election after candidates failed to receive an outright majority in the presidential elections held this past weekend. It is now reported that the runoff elections will be held on the 29th of September. These elections come after the death of the country’s first democratically elected President Beji Caid Essebsi. Turnout was at a low 45%, despite attempts made to call for young people in Tunisia to vote. Earlier my colleague Ayanda Mkhwanazi spoke to a representative from the commission of elections in Tunisia Kauther Abbess about how vote counting was coming along… To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Prof Bheki Mngomezulu, University of Western Cape’s politics department
• Ibrahim Dean, researcher at Afro Middle East Center
The South African Police Service and Stats SA released the 2018/2019 crime stats, which indicate that murder, violent crimes and sexual offences have increased significantly in the past year. The stats cover twenty-one crime categories, seventeen of those categories are reported by the public, and four are as a result of police activity. Over two million crimes were recorded in 2019. In 2019, contact crimes, which include murder, attempted murder and sexual offences, common assault and robbery, increased by two point six percent.
• Dr Chris de Kock, is an independent crime analyst at Crime Facts South Africa • Nonhlanhla Sibanda is a gender specialist with the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Among the topics covered is violence against women - looking back at the week in South Africa where we saw violence against women spiraling out. We spoke to a gender specialist on how or why South Africa is not overcoming the hurdle of gender based violence.
The Prime Minister of Algeria, Noureddine Bedoui, is set to resign to pave way for the country’s elections. This comes after the country’s army chief insisted that the country should hold elections latest in December this year. General Ahmed Gaid Salah said that the election, which would see the leader to succeed the ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, could no longer be delayed. Recently Algeria has seen protests which are calling for the current prime minister’s departure; this comes after protest pressure forced Bouteflika to step down after twenty years in office. This is not the first time this year that elections were announced as the July 4 planned election was postponed due to a lack of candidates. The failure of the July elections left a constitutional vacuum in the country as the mandate of the interim head of state, Abdelkader Bensalah, had expired in the same month. To look at the leadership vacuum in Algeria and the roadmap to the possible elections later in the year we are joined by: • Dr Ahmed Jazbhay Senior Lecturer in Political Sciences at the University of South Africa
• Ibrahima Kane, senior policy advisor at the Open Society Foundations Africa regional office
According to media reports, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has only been Prime Minister for seven weeks, but it appears he is already out of ideas on Brexit. On Monday night, Johnson suspended Parliament, a move that came after a punishing evening in which his government lost two parliamentary votes adding to his four losses from last week. Johnson's suspension of Parliament comes at a critical moment in the Brexit process and has set the scene for a frenzied few days in just over a month's time. Parliament will return on October 14.
Professor Jo-Ansie van Wyk, lecturer political sciences at the University of South Africa
From music stars boycotting performing in South Africa to businesses which have their origins in the country being snubbed by customers based in African countries, the impact of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has meant that the country could be isolating itself from the rest of the continent. Last week Zambia’s national soccer team cancelled a friendly match against South Africa citing security concerns because of the anti-immigrant violent attacks the country is recently experiencing. The South African multinational mobile telecommunications company MTN closed down its Nigerian offices and business outlets last week as it had become the target of protesters in Nigeria. These are handful examples of the kind of impact the xenophobic attacks have had for South Africa, not forgetting that countries such as Rwanda and Malawi, amongst others, pulled out of attending last week’s World Economic Forum.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Steven Gordon, Senior Research Specialist in the Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD) Programme in the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
• Unathi Sonwabile Nenama, Tourism analyst
• Dr Jimam Lar from the Department of History and International Studies, University of Jos, Jos-Nigeria.
Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe for almost four decades, has died aged 95, leaving behind an indelible stain on his country’s human rights record, according to Amnesty International. His early years as leader of Zimbabwe, following the transition from British colonial rule, saw some notable achievements through his heavy investment in social services. Areas including health and education saw dramatic improvements, with the country still enjoying one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. However, he later eroded his own track record. During his 37 years in power, he presided over the brutal repression of political opponents and established a culture of impunity for himself and his cronies, while his government implemented a series of policies that have had disastrous consequences.
• Dr Webster Zambara, senior project leader: Peace building initiatives at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation • Advocate Sipho Mantula, researcher at the Institute for Dispute Resolutions in Africa
Sunday is International Literacy Day, celebrated an opportunity for Governments, civil society and stakeholders to highlight improvements in world literacy rates. According to data released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation or UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics, literacy rates for adults and youth continue to rise. Meanwhile South Africa is facing what some may call a reading crisis. 78% of pupils in their fourth year of primary school cannot read for meaning. Earlier I spoke to Lorato Trok an early literacy consultant and expert in developing reading for pleasure books for young children especially in African languages. I started by asking her when her love for reading began.
On our I am a country segment we are taking you to the Republic of Botswana one of Africa's landlocked countries, located in the south-west part of the continent. It is surrounded by four countries - Namibia to the west and north, South Africa to the south and Zimbabwe to the east. Let’s listen to this audio with Deputy Editor of Botswana’s Standard Newspaper, Spencer Mogapi. Botswana’s Standard Newspaper…
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• The world waking up to the news of the death of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe? • South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa coming out and addressing the nation yesterday some may say it has taken a while?
What’s making news on the African continent, today I am joined by our resident Africa analyst here at Channel Africa Izak Khomo.
• A lot happening on the streets of South Africa no doubt the violence has been making headlines this week? • Let’s look at the World Economic Forum in Africa taking place in Cape Town. How can South Africa rebuild its reputation to the world after this week’s events?
We’d like to end the show with a short clip of former president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe. It’s reported he died in the early hours of this morning. Let’s listen to this clip of Mugabe addressing the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in December 2015.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told potential investors that South Africa is poised to be amongst top 50 best investment destinations in the world. He was addressing an interactive breakfast session which was part of the build-up of the World Economic Forum (WEF) which started yesterday and ends on Friday. However South Africa’s hosting was muddied by the recent conflict of South Africans and foreign nationals. Yesterday, the World Economic Forum has confirmed that it has received communications from the governments of Rwanda, DRC and Malawi that their leaders will no longer be attending the World Economic Forum on Africa meeting in Cape Town. WEF spokesperson Oliver Cann says the forum received the notices last week. He however, could not confirm if the withdrawals from WEF have anything to do with the violence and looting against mainly foreign nationals...
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Dr Peter Karungu, political economist at Wits University
• Ian Cruickshanks, Chief Economist at the South African Institute of Race Relations
• Akinwale Ojomo, CEO, Diaspora Innovation Institute
Five people have been killed in what many call xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the police say as President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to clamp down on what he described as "acts of wanton violence" and the African Union and Nigeria sounded the alarm. Police fired rubber bullets and arrested 189 people in the township of Alexandra on Tuesday, a day after clashing with looters who local media said targeted foreign-owned businesses in several parts of the city. Most of the deceased were South Africans, police said. All this happens at a time when South Africa is hosting the World Economic
Lirandzu Themba Spokesperson: Minister of Police
Hugo Van der Merwe Director: Research Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
The triennial World Wildlife Conference, known formally as CoP18 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), concluded last week after adopting a list of decisions advancing the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife across the globe. The Conference revised the trade rules for dozens of wildlife species that are threatened by unstainable trade linked to overharvesting, overfishing or overhunting. These ranged from commercially valuable fish and trees to charismatic mammals such as giraffes to amphibians and reptiles sold as exotic pets. It further concluded to increase quotas for trophy hunting of adult male black rhinos, almost doubling the current quota of five, subject to strict controls; however, proposed trade in southern white rhino horns from Eswatini (Swaziland) and live animals and hunting trophies from Namibia were not accepted.
We are joined by:
• Pelham Jones, Chairman of South Africa’s Private Rhino Owners Association • Ross Harvey is a freelance conservation economist
Today is the seventh and last day of the Umhlanga Reed Dance, a traditional ceremony in Eswatini, where thousands of Swati maidens gather and dance for the Queen mother. The cultural event is performed as a tribute to the royal family. It is a centuries-old tradition where the Kingdom's unmarried and childless females present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence. It attracts thousands of spectators from across the globe. Joining us now to talk about the event, we have
Nomsi Mthembu Dlamini , of the Eswatini Tourism Board.
.Stanley Dlamini, CEO of Arts and Culture for Eswatini
Moses Vilakati, Minister of Tourism and Environmentalism for Eswathini
According to the United Nations, human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work, education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. Now I am joined in studio by a gentleman who is championing for these rights to be accessed on the African continent. Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa Director with the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch.
• Zandile Gumede resignation and withdrawal confusing people at a high cost? • The death of politically connected businessman Gavin Watson sent shock waves in the country given that he holds so much information about government’s dealings with his company BOSASA?
What’s making news on the African continent, today I am joined by Daniel Banda the Executive Producer for the Chinyanja service here at Channel Africa...?
• The Zambian Constitutional Amendment Bill was released for public comment on 21 June 2019. Section 79 of the Constitution provides that a Bill which seeks to amend the Constitution must be published in the Gazette 30 days before its first reading. On the second and third readings the Bill must be supported by two thirds of all members of the Assembly. Some of the note-worthy amendments to the Constitution proposed in the Constitutional Amendment Bill are highlighted below. There is concern that this most recent amendment reverses progressive provisions in an already existing flawed Constitution. • Zambia wants to liquidate Vedanta's mining company; $3 billion investment at stake. • Opposition leader Chishimba Kambwili was arrested following a video that has gone viral in which the he is heard referring to government ministers, including President Lungu, in derogatory terms.
Poetry is considered as one of the most universal and important vehicles of human expression as it encapsulates various human experiences in an understandable and well-documented manner. Africa is rich in literature and poetry, as we now that in South Africa poetry was used as a tool to fight against the apartheid regime. On the show today we ask our guests how has poetry evolved over the last 10 years and how has this affected the way they perform? We are joined by: • Nomsa Mazwai, is a poet and author. • Natalia Molebatsi is a poet and author.
The second annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum starts with a dialogue focusing on youth participation in the tourism industry. The forum, taking place at Durban's International Convention Centre, is hosting the Africa Youth In Tourism Summit which aims to bring together young people in the fields of tourism, travel, aviation and academia to find ways in which young people can be more engaged in entrepreneurship in the industry. The forum has also incorporated the Youth Innovators Competition which is a platform for entrepreneurs between the age 18 - 35 to present their business projects to potential funders, partners and mentors. We are joined by: * Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners. * Judy Kepher-Gona, Executive director for Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agendas, based in Kenya. *Marang Marekimane – Managing Director , Lean Business and Founder, Business Process Mechanics.
It is not often that we are graced with an opportunity to sit down with our previous leaders, especially with such a rich and vast history. I am sitting opposite Her Excellency Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza, she has accomplished so much in her life, just to name a few being a recipient of an honorary degree of Doctor Philosophy at the University of Durban-Westville and a recipient of a degree of Doctor honoris causa at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in the United Kingdom. Her last post was the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that was from 2001 to 2009.
On our I am a country segment we are taking you to the West African country of Senegal. Let’s listen to this audio from political analyst David Zounmenou
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• The old South African apartheid flag has come under the spotlight with the court ruling – what’s been happening there? • Yesterday South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had a grilling session in parliament what came out of it? • Pupils at a high school in Umzinto in KwaZulu-Natal are demanding a daily smoke break?
Channel Africa correspondent James Shimanyula sent us this audio taking a look at development in and around Sudan
This year South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa launched SA SME CEO fund Circle; aimed at ensuring that small medium enterprises in the country grow and are efficiently supported by the government. Today, we look at since how far have these initiatives tried to create a support system for small, medium and micro businesses in the country since the launch of the fund. We also discuss how can South Africa find ways in empowering and supporting small medium enterprises in South Africa. We are joined by: • Lisa Klein, the executive director from the CEO Circle • Ketso Gordhan, the CEO of the SME Fund
Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) who met in Tanzania have agreed to address rising security threats facing the region, including terrorism. Leaders urged SADC member states to implement comprehensive response plans to tackle the recurrent drought and food insecurity in the region. There was an overall decline in food production in the region during 2018-2019 crop seasons. Furthermore the leaders noted with great concern the slow growth in the intra-SADC trade levels, saying the region continued to export unprocessed raw materials to the rest of the world, forfeiting the potential benefits of the resource endowments. To help us with this discussion we are now joined on the line by: • Dr Shinagi Mutizwa-Mangiza is from the political sciences department at the University of the Western Cape .
This week as we continue marking women’s month we focus on women and the economy. How can women form part of growing the economy of South Africa and the continent? Can women own successful businesses and most importantly be financially independent. Earlier I spoke to founder and president of Women to Women’s conference Bea Hackula. And I started by asking her how she started her organisation
On our I am a country segment we are taking you to the Kingdom of eSwatini, a country bordering between South Africa and Mozambique. Here is an interview with Dr Mike Matsebula who is the Chairman of the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NamBoard) in eSwatini…
Last week the Kingdom of Eswatini hosted the Cold Chain Summit, which brought together farmers, input suppliers, exporters and retailers among others. The aim of the summit was to maintain an uninterrupted cold chain management system within Eswatini’s fresh produce markets. But is the country’s tourism industry thriving? I spoke to Linda Nxumalo the CEO of the Eswatini Tourism Authority
Standard Bank Top Women Conference and awards aims to build a trusted network of gender-empowered companies and female entrepreneurs to accelerate the realisation of gender parity in Africa and the world. Launched in 2003, the brand showcases and awards gender-empowered companies, and gives iconic female leaders a platform from which to share their success stories with the next generation of women achievers. To tell us more about the two-day event at Emperors Palace just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, we have :
1) Lindiwe Matali, Fouder and CEO of African Teen Geeks Non-Governmental Organisation
2) Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder and President of Avtar Group, India
3) Khensani Mabuza Executive Communications Relations of Ithuba Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Olympic gold medallist Caster Mokgadi Semenya was the headline speaker for the Standard Bank Top Women Conference taking place at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, on 14th and 15th August 2019. The annual conference is a gathering of entrepreneurs and business leaders who are passionate about driving gender empowerment. Supported by UN Women and the Gender Commission of South Africa, this year’s event focuses on the advancement of women and girls on the African. To tell us more we have: 1. Sola David-Borha, Executive for Africa Regions for Standard Bank. 2. Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Head of SA Fashion. 3. Mich Atagana, Head of Communications for Google SA
The South African Police last week raided the Johannesburg CBD area in search of counterfeit goods being sold. Gauteng premier David Makhura has confirmed that at least 600 people were taken in by police on Wednesday to verify whether they are in the country legally. They were arrested in the Joburg CBD during a search operation. Firearms and counterfeit goods were among the items recovered in various buildings. In a turn of events as many as 10 police officers accused of wrongdoing during last week's raid on counterfeit goods in the Johannesburg CBD were on Monday sent back to jail by magistrate Lucas Van Der Schyff, who presided over the matter in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court. They were arrested last week for allegedly soliciting bribes, tipping off illegal vendors of imminent raids and trying to sell confiscated goods. The police officers face charges including extortion, theft, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Dr Abdul Karim Elgoni Chairperson African Diaspora Forum
Leon Isaacson Managing Director Global Migration
Izak Khomo Channel Africa expert
It’s important that if Eswatini is to trade with more African countries that it diversifies its offerings in the agriculture sector. This is the sentiment from the Eswatini Prime Minister Mandvulo Dlamini who spoke exclusively to Channel Africa at the Cold Chain Summit which took place last week at the Mavusi Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini. Speaking at the summit, which focuses on how to better value chain systems in the agriculture sector, Prime Minister Dlamini says that since the country has ratified the African Continental Free Trade Agreement it has to diversity the agricultural goods it offers. Today on the show we speak to
• Honourable Mandvulo Dlamini, Eswatini Prime Minister
• Jabulani Mabuza, Eswatini Agriculture Minister
The Cold Chain Summit 2019 is underway at the Mavusi Trade and Exhibition centre at Manzini, Eswatini. The summit bringing together various keyplayers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector on the continent is focusing on the importance of maximising value chain systems in agricuture. Organised by NAMBoard, a stragetic organisation in Eswatini which facilitates local and export sales in the country, the summit is being attended by farmers input suppliers, academics and cold chain suppliers to transport providers and retailers. According to Namboard CEO Sphephiso Dlamini the summit will also increase investment in cold chain technology by all players involved in the fresh produce market. Channel Africa today spoke to various experts at this event: • Trevor Dukes, chairman of the Produce Markerting Association 's Africa regional office. • Mancoba Hlatshwako, direcor of SANI FARMS. • Nicholas Tshotsho, packhouse manager of Lusuthu Neluboyane Luyasondla (Pty) Ltd.
Mozambique's government and the ex-rebel group Renamo completed a long-awaited peace pact on Tuesday, inking a final deal aimed at ending years of conflict. The deal was signed by President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade in Maputo's Peace Square and witnessed by former presidents and regional and continental leaders. The pact brought the curtain down on marathon negotiations initiated by Afonso Dhlakama, the historic leader of the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo), who died in May last year.
- Ephraim Khumalo: Channel Africa: Executive Producer.
- Egidio G Vas Raposa: Political Analyst.
According to the United Nations, women’s leadership from the local to the global level is restricted. Women are underrepresented as voters, as well as in leading positions, whether in elected offices, the civil service, the private sector or academia. Women face several obstacles to participating in political life. Furthermore the UN says women in every part of the world continue to be largely marginalised from the political sphere, often as a result of discriminatory laws, practices, attitudes and gender stereotypes, low levels of education, lack of access to health care and the disproportionate effect of poverty on women.”
To help us with this discussion we are now joined on the line by:
• Belisa Rodrigues, is the Programme manager at the Klau Jurgen Bathe leadership Programme at the University of Cape Town – Belisa also does entrepreneurship and leadership development across South Africa. • Wadi Ben-Hirki is the founder of the Wadi Ben-Hirki (WBH) Foundation, which she created when she was 17 years, to impact the lives of the less privileged, marginalised and disadvantaged through humanitarianism and activism. WBH is mostly focused in Northern Nigeria - Skype : Wadi Ben-Hirki
Land expropriation without compensation is a method to acquire land, but not the sum total of land reform or restitution. That’s the long and short from the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture, whose report was released last week. The report contains recommendations aimed at speeding up land reform and the redistribution of land. Among the recommendations is a constitutional amendment to allow for land expropriation without compensation in limited circumstances. To help us with this discussion we are now joined on the line by: • Professor Ruth Hall from the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies at the University of the Western Cape she is also a member of the presidential expert advisory panel on land reform and agriculture. • Stanley Peterson who is the leader of the indigenous land rights political party the Khoisan Revolution and he also speaks on behalf of the National Khiosan Council.
As we kick off Women’s month here in South Africa we found it befitting to find one of many women in our country who is doing extra-ordinary things in the business space. Kate Moodley is an accomplished business woman with a number of academic qualifications which includes a Masters in Law. She began her career in legal but quickly moved into the financial services industry and insurance in particular. She has won numerous awards including the Standard Bank Top Business Awards. In an interview I had with her earlier I asked her to start by telling us about herself and her journey.
Social media with Tumelo Zulu what’s trending?
• Stats SA releasing the highest unemployment rates in ten years earlier this week what has been the reaction? • It has been a week of protests in Gauteng, • Women’s’ month has begun and we know that South Africa does not take this day very lightly considering our history with women’s’ rights. What can we expect?
Interview with Mariamo Khumalo, producer and journalist here at Channel Africa’s Portuguese Service. We are looking at Mozambique this week:
South Africa's unemployment rate has increased more than expected in the second quarter of 2019. According to figures released by Statistics South Africa, second quarter jobless rates jumped to 29 per cent, its highest level in ten years. The number of unemployed persons increased to 6, 7 million compared to quarter one this year. The South African working-age population increased by 150 000 in Q2:2019 compared to Q1:2019. The results further indicate that the number of discouraged work-seekers decreased by (248 000) and the other not economically active population by 77 000 resulting in the net decrease of 326 000 in the number of those who were not economically active.
• Malerato Mosiane is the Acting Chief Director responsible for Labour statistics. • Professor Ingrid Woolard who is the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University. • Taka Pfende is an investment analyst and owner of African Dominion.
The EFF says it will go to the Constitutional Court to challenge the suspension of the Public Protector's remedial action against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan - pending a judicial review into the so called SARS 'Rogue Unit'. The High court in Pretoria has interdicted the implementation of Busisiwe Mkhwebane's recommendations - including that President Cyril Ramaphosa discipline him within 30 days. The office of the Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is considering referring high court judge Sulett Potterill to the Judicial Services Commission. The Public Protector has raised concern over the language that Judge Sulet Potteril used when delivering judgement in the matter between it and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan. Gordhan had brought an urgent application to interdict the Public Protector's remedial action in the so called SARS rogue unit. The court granted Gordhan's urgent application to suspend Mkhwebane's remedial action against him pending a judicial review.
• Christine Botha, Manager at the Centre for Constitutional Rights
• Dr Thabisi Hoeane, Lecturer at the politics department (UNISA)
• Dr Ina Gouws, Lecturer in Governance and Political transformation (University of the Free State)
Sudan’s ruling military and the pro-democracy civilian movement have signed a political document which is part of a power sharing deal meant to end the country’s deadlock after weeks of stalled talks. The signing comes months of street protests and violence after the ousting of former dictator Omar al-Bashir. The second agreement will cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence. The 17 July "Political Declaration" provides for the establishment of the joint civilian-military transitional ruling body that would install an overall civilian administration. That governing body will include six civilians and five generals. It will then oversee the formation of a transitional civilian government and parliament to govern for 39 months, after which elections will be held. 1. Sabir Ebrahim, Representative of the Sudan Liberation Movement in South Africa. 2. Jok Moduk Jok , Director SUDD Institute. 3. Dr Mustafa Mheta, Head: Africa Desk Media Review Network.
Britain's Boris Johnson will make his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit. Johnson took office on Wednesday with a pledge to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union by October 31. Scotland rejected independence by a 55-45% majority in 2014 but then voted to stay in the EU at the 2016 Brexit referendum, fueling calls for a second independence vote from those who argue it is being taken out of the bloc against its wishes. Johnson will visit a military base in Scotland as part of a tour of the United Kingdom to announce extra funding for local communities. We speak to: • Professor Jo-Ansie Van Wyk, of University of South Africa (Unisa) politics department. • Simon Usherwood, reader in politics at the University of Surrey.
Today is the last day at the World Tourism Conference in South Africa which will highlight the emerging business and investment opportunities across Africa’s tourism sector. The conference aims to show how tourism can be utilised as an engine for economic growth and job creation. Back in South Africa, Statistics SA’s latest report shows that the tourism industry is declining, the overall number of visitors to South Africa in the first financial quarter of the year, normally one of the most popular times to visit the country, fell by 3%. The decline is attributed to a number of factors including the recent drought in the Western Cape and crime. We felt it was appropriate to invite an entrepreneur who is in the tourism industry in South Africa to talk to us about the type of business he runs and help us understand why such a vibrant which was once a popular tourist destination with global travellers – is now not doing so well. I’m joined in studio by Lebo from Lebo’s backpackers in Pimville Soweto
Today we travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo with Katembo Tasakana who is from the Swahili Service at Channel Africa
Interview with Jacques Kaokaou who is a West African analyst and former colleague here at Channel Africa…today he will be talking to us about the West African country Ivory Coast and what made news this week
The decision to extradite former Mozambique Finance Minister and Member of Parliament Manuel Chang has been halted as it appears he enjoys immunity in the country. South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola authorised the Director-General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Vusi Madonsela, to file papers in response to Chang's urgent application to be surrendered to the Mozambique authorities. According to a statement by the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, the immunity suggested that extradition to Mozambique would contravene the SADC Protocol, South African Constitution and the Extradition Act, rendering the decision to extradite illegal.
To help us on this we are joined by:
• Chrispin Phiri is the spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services in South Africa
• Denise Nambureti is the Cordinator for Budget Monitoring Forum in Mozambique
Poor African countries are harmed by the loss of revenue by major companies which find ways to pay less taxes than they should. This is according to Mauritius Leaks, which is a new investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which also found that Mauritius has transformed itself into a tax haven at the cost of its African neighbours and less developed countries. The leaks exposes cases including rock star celebrity Bob Geldof for using his African fund to avoid to taxes and reveals how law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman is diverting tax revenues from poor nations back to the bank accounts of big corporations from the West.
African Dialogue host Benjamin Moshatama spoke to:
• Will Fitzgibbon, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists senior investigative journalist for Asia and Africa. (Washington DC)
• Oxfam Pan Africa Programme Director, Peter Kamalingin, (Nairobi, Kenya)
South African musical icon Johnny Clegg will be honoured at his official memorial service, this Friday the 26 July at the Sandton Convention Centre and will be open to the public to pay tribute to the late legend. The musician died at his family home in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon age 66. He was a singer, a songwriter, a dancer, anthropologist and a musical activist whose music, a blend of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms, exploded onto the international scene and contributed immensely towards social cohesion in the young South African democracy. Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015.
Joining us on the line to help us with this discussion we have:
• Roddy Quinn, Johnny Clegg’s manager and family spokesperson
• Sipho Mchunu, is the co-founder of the Juluka band
• Ringo Madlingozi, fellow South African musician
World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This comes after a meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee for Ebola in the DRC. The Committee cited recent developments in the outbreak in making its recommendation, including the first confirmed case in Goma, a city of almost two million people on the border with Rwanda, and the gateway to the rest of DRC and the world.
Prof Lucille Bloomberg Deputy Director National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD)
Kate Learmonth Coordinator: Public Health Emergencies International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Interview with Channel Africa Executive Producer for the Chinyanja service Daniel Banda on Malawi
What’s trending.. Last week we spoke about South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma attending the state capture enquiry this week – what is twitter saying?
We are taking you to Lesotho with retired Professor Frances Makoa from the University of Lesotho. Let’s listen to this.
On Thursday the world celebrated International Mandela Day, by playing their part in communities and spending their 67 minutes as called for by the United Nations. Earlier I had the privilege of interviewing Ndileka Mandela who is the first granddaughter of the former statesman, her father Thembekile Mandela was killed in a car accident on the 13th of July 1969 while his father was in prison on Robben Island. Ndileka was four years old at the time. I started by asking her what was it like growing up with the Mandela surname?
The Rock Five-One Day Care centre based in Midrand is a humble but dilapidated dwelling which cares for 52 senior citizens and 45 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years of age. Founded in 2004, this NPO provides the children and seniors with daily meals and prepares the toddlers for their first years of schooling. Elders are kept busy with beadwork, knitting, sowing and physical exercises during the week. In Partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Channel Africa worked with the community and sponsors to refurbish the food gardens, clean, paint, and revamp the centre as part of the 67 minutes of Mandela Day initiative. Channel will also be a media partner at this event. To help us understand the importance of Mandela Day events, we have: • Anna Maliki Principal of the Rock Five-One Day Care centre. • Lindo Ngcongo CFO of Johannesburg City Parks. • Putty Pakobi of mashishing distributors. • Mamolefe Segakweng Channel Africa marketing manager.
There are a multiple challenges in the mining industry on the African continent. They can be outlined on a long list ranging from scarcity of energy in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the illegal mining of diamonds in Zimbabwe to questions of ownership in mining companies in South Africa; this list goes on and on. Adding to this problem is the intense use of automation in mining which threatens many jobs in the industry. Experts are also of the view that with these challenges investors are also finding new ways to invest in less intensive mining projects. To assist us on this project we are joined on the line by: • Dr Ola Bello, resource governance expert. • Dr Vuyo Mjimba, a Chief Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council.
In the next few days the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is expected to descend onto the Cape Flats in the Western Cape Province of the country to offer support to the police and enter ten identified areas of the Cape Flats. South African Police Commissioner Bheki Cele announced last week that President Cyril Ramaphosa had given him the green light for the army to be deployed. Meanwhile it was another bloody weekend in the Cape Metro with one hundred and forty-three arrests, and forty-three murders were committed over the same period. Residents have been urging government to urgently assist to quell the gang related violence in their community. We are joined in studio by: • Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast, from the School of Security and African Studies at the Faculty of Military Science at Stellenbosch University. • Helmoed Heitman is a defence analyst. • Dewa Mavhinga is the Southern Africa Director at the Human Rights Watch.
Former South African president Jacob Zuma on Friday confirmed that he will be attending the State Capture Commission, or known as the Zondo Commission. On Friday, outside of the Randburg Magistrate's Court, Zuma spoke to the media saying "We'll see how it goes,” when asked about his lawyers making a showing at the commission today. The commission is a year in now, and Jacob Zuma's name has been mentioned loosely in multiple witnesses claiming that he had been linked to forging deals for the Gupta deals to wanting to fast-track the Russian nuclear deal. The testimony which has blatantly put the former president into the centre of the state capture controversy is that of former head of state protocol Bruce Koloane, who this week said he never apologised to Zuma and two ministers for using their names to land the Gupta family at the Waterkloof air force base. The Gupta family landed a commercial aircraft at the air force base without permission. It carried about 200 guests who were invited to attend the family's lavish wedding at Sun City.
We are joined in studio by:
• Levy Ndou, political analyst
• Elvis Masoga, political analyst
• Christine Botha Manager of the Centre for Constitutional Rights
Yesterday it was World Population Day, a day celebrated to raise awareness about population issues. And we spoke to two experts on how countries especially African countries can better prepare themselves for the inevitable growth of their populations. Accessible family planning, strong education system for young people so they can make better choices and a strong political will were some of the recommendations raised by the panel. Taking our discussions forward today I am joined in studio by * Dr Julitta Onabanjo who is the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at the United Nations Population Fund.
Today is World Population Day, a day celebrated to raise awareness about population issues. According to the United Nations the current world population of seven point six billion is expected to reach eight point six billion in 2030 and nine point eight billion in 2050. World Population Day is also used to educate youth to avoid unwanted pregnancies. World Population Day was established by the governing council of the United Nations Development Program on July 11, 1989.
Justine Coulson is the Deputy Regional Director at the United Nations Population Fund East and Southern Africa
Jacques van Zuydam is the head of the National Population and Development Unit at the Department of Social Development in
About 500 people gathered at Gallagher Convention Centre to discuss the future of the SA economy in the digital age. The gathering was the result of the work of Fourth Industrial Revolution SA (4IRSA), an initiative between the universities of Fort Hare, Johannesburg, Wits, the government and major private-sector players such as Telkom and Deloitte SA. The digital economy summit was the first of its kind for SA, though similar gatherings have become commonplace in many other countries across the world. At the Summit many South Africans were encouraged by governments commitment to look forward to the revolution and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, such as fifth-generation mobile internet connectivity (5G). The Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said the government would finalise and review key policy frameworks such as the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, in order to make them responsive and adaptive to 4IR. 1. Ross Harvey an Independent Economist. 2. Toby Shapshak an ICT Journalist.
All the countries making up the Economic Community of West African States have agreed to join hands in forming a single currency for the region by the year 2020. The region, also known as ECOWAS, aims to make trade in its territories easier while decreasing facilitation payments and transaction costs. Already, two currencies are used in the region which include the West African CFA franc, used in eight West African countries, and the Central African CFA franc, used in six Central African countries. So, it is said that the new eco-currency would replace these currencies with a gradual introduction after the ECOWAS countries lay out criteria in the months to come.
To look at the significance of this new currency we are joined on the line by: • Trudi Hartzenberg Executive Director, t r a l a c, or the Trade Law Centre • Dr Oscar van Heerden, scholar of International Relations (IR), where he focuses on International Political Economy
African heads of state and governments met in Niamey, Niger on the weekend to officially launch the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area. It is reported that if successful it will unite one point three billion people, and usher in a new era of development. The agreement will pave the way for free movement of goods, services, investments and people around the continent. It is hoped that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) - the largest since the creation of the World Trade Organisation will help unlock Africa’s long obstructed potential by boosting intra-regional trade, strengthening supply chains and spreading expertise.
Our guests today are: • Tinashe Sithole, from the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg • Liesl Louw-Vaudran is a senior research consultant with the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) is currently in Niamey
The Smart Cities Africa Summit has heard that partnerships are important in achieving smart cities. The summit took place over two days at Emperors Palace, east of Johannesburg in South Africa. Senior business executives and respected city leaders are discussing best practices and high tech solutions for smart cities realization needs. Director of an e-mobilityTo help us analyse some of the talking points, we have: William Fick – an independent consultant Hiton Pamar – Director of an E-mobility company John Bosco Arends – Executive of EOH company Vincent Mbonye – of the University of Kwazulu/Natal.
African countries have high rates of suicide rates and depression, however it is difficult for researchers to pinpoint the exact reasons why. The World Health Organisation has reported that the country with the highest rates of suicide is Kenya, with countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast surpassing the figures of European countries, China and the US. South Africa is reported comes sixth in the highest number of suicides, with 800 000 people take their own lives every year. Our guests today are: • Tawanda Makombo, analyst for the Centre for Risk Analysis . • Hopolang Matee , Clinical psychologist, also with South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
President of the United States of America, Donald Trump together with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have agreed to resume trade talks in agreement made at the G20 summit in Japan over the weekend. The G20 summit brings together industrialised and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. The agreement between China and America comes after a long row that has contributed to a global economic slowdown. Trump had threatened additional sanctions on China, however, backtracked on the sidelines of the summit announcing that America would not impose any new tariffs on Chinese exports. Other issues of climate change also stood out as an area of contention among the world leaders attending. We are now joined in studio by: • Dr Oscar Van Heerden is a political commentator and scholar of International Relations (in studio) • Taka Pfende (pronounce Fende) is an independent investment specialist and owner of African Dominion • Dawie Roodt is chief economist at Efficient Group – Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, is a political sciences lecturer at the University of the Western Cape
Egypt's Former President, Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood leader who rose to office in the country's first free elections in 2012 and was ousted a year later by the military, collapsed in court during a trial and died. State Television has cited a medical source and said Morsi died from a sudden heart attack. Meanwhile the United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the death of Morsi, a move that was heavily criticized by the Egyptian Government saying the UN is politicizing the death of its first democratically elected president. Morsi had been Egypt's elected president following the abdication of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, but was deposed after a military coup in 2013 that installed General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi into power.
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa- Mangiza, of the Department pf Political Sciences at the Western Cape
• Dr Ahmed Jazbhay Senior Lecturer Political Sciences UNISA
South Africa has witnessed violent attacks on foreign nationals, with locals accusing them of taking up all the jobs. In some cases foreign nationals have had to seek refuge at police stations for fear of their lives. So what challenges do refugees in South Africa face and how best can they be supported? We are now joined on the line by: • Amir Sheikh, is the spokesperson of the Africa Diaspora Forum. • Kyasha Bhoola, from the National Identity Management Commission.
In his third State of the Nation Address, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that the state of the economy was not making it conducive for job seekers especially young people. Ramaphosa announced a ten year plan which would create two-million jobs for youth through working with the private sector and investment drive. He emphasised that it was essential to strengthen the state owned enterprises such as Eskom which contributed to the shrinking of the economy. In addition Ramaphosa said his government would work tirelessly to ensure better education outcomes.
• Professor Lorraine Greyling, is with the Department of Economics at the University of Zulu Land
• Associate Professor Ivor Sarakinsky is from the Wits School of Governance
• Marubini Raphulu (experience in Africa’s energy sector) (11:05 to 11:25) he is the Chief Executive Officer of Hulisani – a black-managed company committed to meaningful socio-economic development.
Millions of South Africans will wait with baited breath as the President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). The economy is dwindling, unemployment crisis is leaving many young people anxious about their future, and key state enterprises such as Eskom and SAA are crumbling, will the president show political will to change the situation in South Africa? On the backdrop of this previously we remember that president announced that Eskom would be broken down into three, he is also on a path to raise millions of dollars of investment for the country. On the line we are joined by: • Levy Ndou, is a political sciences lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology • Lara Hodes is a chief economist at Investec • Professor Peter Baur is from the University of Johannesburg
South Africa has committed to reinvigorating the response to the HIV/Aids epidemic, as announced at the country’s ninth Aids conference. The message formed part of the closing plenary at the four-day conference, which heard much about how “donor fatigue” and societal complacency had hampered the fight against the disease. The 2019 conference confirmed that: About 7.9 million people in South Africa were currently living with HIV; over 4.4 million people in South Africa were on treatment. While the incidence was declining, new infections among youth – particularly adolescent girls and young women – remained persistently high and progress towards the 2030 global epidemic control targets was not adequate, among other things. On the line we are joined by: • Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia is the Chief Executive Officer at the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme. • Professor Khangelani Zuma is the Executive Director: HIV/AIDS, STI’s and TB Research Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
Lesotho Prime Minister Thom Thabane has fired five members of the national executive of his party All Basotho Convention (ABC). Thabane said the five have brought the party into disrepute, but they're adamant he didn't follow procedure to expel them and say they are staying put. The two factions of the party have been at loggerheads since the organisation's elective conference in February. Meanwhile a motion of no confidence is looming for Thabane, after the High Court in Lesotho endorsed a motion of no confidence against him. • Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, is a political sciences lecturer at the University of the Western Cape. • Tlohang Letsie is a senior lecturer and the department of political and administrative studies at the University of Lesotho.
The latest numbers from Statistics South Africa show that South Africa’s economy has shrank by 3.2 percent in the first quarter. Experts claim that that the country could be already experiencing a recession, as this has been the worst performance in this quarter in a decade. Adding pressure the country’s economic performance is the unemployment rate which is now at 27.6 percent, in half of that percentage is of young people who don’t have any work. Today on our Youth Month program, we look at how the country can change the tide for young people regarding the unemployment problem. Our guests today are:
• Serapelo Mofokeng, head of learning and development at Miway Insurance
• Errol Freeman, Lulaway Marketing Director
The number of Ebola cases has risen dramatically to two thousand people who have been detected to have the deadly virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Now to deal with this rising outbreak medical experts are resuscitating the use of an experimental vaccine which was used in an earlier outbreak. The virus has left more than eleven thousand people dead since it affecting three West African countries in 2014.
We spoke to: • Nicole Fassina, Ebola Virus Disease Coordinator at the International Federation of Red Cross Crescent Societies • Tarik Jasarevic, Spokesperson of the World Health Organisation
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has considered the debate on the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) closed after he made a pronouncement on the matter. The African National Congress’s Head of Presidency, Zizi Kodwa, said the issue would not be open to any discussion despite the top six meeting yesterday. ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule, drew the attention of top officials when he said the National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved that the mandate of South African Reserve Bank be expanded to include growth and employment. But ANC head of economic transformation Enoch Godongwana, entered the debate and disputed Magashule’s statement saying there was no such decision or resolution. He was backed by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, who said the mandate of the Reserve Bank will not be reviewed. On the line we are joined by: • Dawie Roodt, chief economist from Efficient Group. • Professor Chris Malikang from the Wits School of Economics . • Professor Tinyiko Maluleke a political analyst.
In the latest escalation by protesters demanding an end to military rule, a civil disobedience campaign in Sudan has brought the country's capital to a standstill, closing down restaurants, banks and other businesses and turning streets desolate. The mass showing of government defiance follows a military crackdown that has reportedly left more than 100 killed by security forces in Khartoum over the past week. Government forces also cut off mobile data, which most Sudanese use to access the Internet, posing major difficulties in getting basic information out of Sudan. Furthermore Sudanese security forces have arrested two opposition leaders shortly after they met with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during reconciliation talks in Sudan's capital, Khartoum. On the line we are joined by: * Sabir Ebrahim, Respresentative of Sudan Liberation Movement in South Africa. * Mossaad Mohamed Ali, Executive Director at the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies Jok Moduk Jok Director from from Suud Institute.
Last month Cyril Ramaphosa was appointed president of South Africa by members of parliament who were also sworn on the same day. Although there were many changes to consider in parliament on the day such as new political parties featuring in the national assembly for the first and those parties which had fewer seats this year around one major fact stood out. This was the number of young people who were being sworn in to be part of the 400 members to be part of parliament’s National Assembly. What was noteworthy was the point that a majority of these youths were aged in their early to late twenties. Today we speak to some of these members of parliament and have a conversation on the importance of youth participation in governing structures.
On the line we are joined by:
• Peter Keetse EFF, Member of Parliament
• Sibongiseni Ngcobo, DA member of Parliament
South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise is seeking legal advice on how to take appropriate action pertaining to a request made by the Democratic Alliance to have Parliament initiate proceedings to consider the removal of the Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. In her latest report, the Public Protector found that the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan had violated the Constitution when he granted former SARS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Pillay early retirement with full benefits in 2010. Gordhan has since filed a review application in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria seeking to have the report's findings set aside. Meanwhile, some sectors of society have called for Mkhwebane to resign while some political parties such as the African National Congress and the Economic Freedom Fighters have expressed their support for Mkhwebane. To assist us on the day’s discussion we are joined in studio by: •Theo Venter, is a political and policy specialist and lecturer at the North West University’s Business School. • Dr Ina Gouws, is a senior lecturer for Governance and Political Transformation at the Department of Politics at the University of the Free State. • Dr Thabisi Hoeane from the Department of Political Sciences at the University of South Africa.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been sworn in for a second term at what many called a low-key inauguration ceremony in which he surprised many by not delivering a speech. The 76-year-old former military leader faces a long list of challenges which include a sluggish economy, high unemployment and a decade-old Islamic insurgency. His four-year first term, in which he rarely gave public addresses, was overshadowed by speculation about his health and marked by a long absence abroad for medical treatment. But he won a clear endorsement in February’s election with 56% of the vote. • Dr Akinola Olojo: Senior Researcher: Transitional Threats & International Crime Institute of Security Studies (ISS). • Dr Jimam Lar : Political Analyst. • Dr Olayinka Ajala: Associate Lecturer University of York.
South Africa’s Department of Social Development has urged South Africans to take real action in protecting children within our families and communities. According to the Children’s Institute several South African studies point to the saturation of violence in the everyday lives of children. The Birth to Twenty Plus study found that 99% of children had experienced or witnessed some form of violence, and more than 40% had multiple experiences of violence in their homes, schools and communities. All forms of violence affect children of both genders. Evidence shows that a larger numbers of boys experience sexual abuse than previously believed. Both boys and girls similarly experience physical abuse, but emotional violence is poorly understood. To assist us on the day’s discussion we are joined in studio by: • Ngaa Murombedzi is the Advocacy Manager at Women and Men against Child abuse • Sibusiso Khasa is the Communications Manager at Save the Children • Sinah Moruane, a child protection specialist at Unicef South Africa she is in Pretoria
Malawi’s electoral commission says it will not release the presidential election results because of a court injunction obtained by the main opposition party, the Malawi Congress Party. The party’s leader Lazarus Chakwera wants the electoral body to fix irregularities around the votes in some parts of the country where there have been huge anomalies and electoral disputes. Despite the voting process appearing to be well-managed, peaceful and transparent, the handling of the results has been chaotic. There have been complaints of forgery of result sheets. Electoral Chairwoman, Jane Ansah said the commission had received 147 complaints. The elections on Tuesday chose a president, lawmakers and municipal councillors, and the complaints related to all three tiers.
To assist us on the day’s discussion we speak to: • Advocate Sipho Mantula a researcher at the Institute for Dispute Resolutions in Africa. • Victor Chipofya, an independent political analyst. • George Mhango is a Channel Africa correspondent.
Ditsong The National Museum of Cultural History of South Africa was the venue on Thursday 23rd May 2019 for a lecture and a round table discussion on “The Dialogue on Xenophbia”as part of the Africa Month commemoration. South Africa has been one of several African countries that has faced the Xenophobic attacks on Immigrants from other countries. To give us an insight into the problem and resolutions, we have:
*** Dr Noel Solani, Director of the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History
*** Mr Ruphus Matibe , Director of International Relations , with South Africa’s Department of Arts and Culture
*** Ms Beatrice Achaleke, Founder of Global Books in Cameroon
*** Mr Jean Bwasa, Founder and Chairman of the RIGHTS2LIVE, in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Cyril Ramaphosa will be inaugurated this coming weekend as president of South Africa. Coming out of an election campaign during which Ramaphosa made a multiple of promises to the electorate from creating jobs to dealing with the land questions in the country, much is expected from his presidency. At a recent press conference his political opponent Julius Malema (of the Economic Freedom Fighters) stated that Ramaphosa has a mixed bag of challenges within his party, the African National Congress (ANC). Malema highlighted the main challenges of Ramaphosa being factionalism in the party, the land reform and issues surrounding state capture. To assist us on this we are joined by political analysts: • Sanusha Naidoo, Political analyst at the Institute for Global Dialogue. • Dr Khondlo Mntshali, Politics Department of the University of Kwazulu Natal. • Dr Thabisi Hoeane, Politics Department University of Natal.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday proposed early elections for the National Assembly, which is headed by opposition leader Juan Guaido and is the sole body recognised as democratically legitimate by most Western nations. The opposition won a majority in the National Assembly in 2015 and the next congressional elections are currently scheduled for late 2020. Most western nations have recognised Guaido as the country’s rightful head of state, after Maduro won re-election last year in a vote widely deemed fraudulent, and stacked other state bodies with loyalists. But he retains control of state functions and the support of the military’s top brass, as well as allies Russia, Cuba and China. • Mr Aziz Pahad Chairperson Ministerial Review Panel Department of International Relations and Corporation. • Henning Suhr, South Africa Director of the Konrad Adenaer Foundation.
Malawians are expected to head to the polls tomorrow for their local, parliamentary and presidential elections. The elections are seeing seven candidates contesting for the presidential seat, amongst them incumbent President Peter Mutharika, Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and main opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera. About 6.7 million Malawians are registered to vote and results are expected by May 29.
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Sangwani Mwafuli: Spokespersons Malawi Electoral Commission
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Victor Chipoya : Independent Political Analyst
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George Mhango : Channel Africa Correspondent
South Africa’s national and provincial election last week saw the lowest voter turnout in its history. Only 65.99% of voters turned up at voting stations which saw the victory of the African National Congress who won with 230 seats. Historically the voting turnout has been fluctuated with the first record being in 1999 where there was an outstanding turnout of 89.3%. However, in the years the voter turnout in the national and provincial elections in the country seemed to fluctuate in the 70 per cent mark. So for the first time in the history of the country, it is the first time that the national voter turnout is at sixty per cent.
We are joined by:
• Elnari Potgieter, project leader for the South Africa Reconciliation. Barometer at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. • Ipsos director and political analyst , Mari Harris. • Gabriel Crouse, associate at the Institute of Race Relations.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says democracy has emerged victorious with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) declaring the 2019 free and fair. The electoral body has released the results of the country's sixth general elections within seven days as specified in the Electoral Act. The commission declared the African National Congress (ANC) the overall winner with 230 seats in the National Assembly followed by the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters with 84 and 44 seats respectively.
To assist us on the environment before elections we speak to: • Professor Cherrel Africa, analyst joining us from the University of the Western Cape’s politics department. • Prof Sean Gossel, an associate professor at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town. • Grant Masterson Program Manager African Peer Review Mechanism Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy Africa (EISA).
Results are trickling in at the Independent Electoral Commission’s results operating centre in Pretoria, South Africa. Thirty-percent of the votes have been counted so far. Although they are not yet conclusive, a picture is starting to emerge; the African National Congress (ANC) is in the lead with 53.89%, trailed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 27.14%, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with (7.83%), Freedom Front Plus (FF+) at 3.52% and the Ikatha Freedom Party (IFP) with 1.59%.
We are joined by:
Dr Theo Venter from the North West University
Dr Shingai Mutizwa – Mangiza from Western Cape University
Milton Maluleque – Channel Africa journalist
Thuto Ngobeni – Channel Africa journalist
In a matter of hours millions of South Africans will be making their way to voting stations across the country. These are the sixth democratic elections since 1994. South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world and is held back by corruption and crime. The African National Congress, while embattled, looks likely to retain its throne of national governance. However, recent voter surveys show that the 2019 general election may be the ANC’s most daunting test of confidence in 25 years. While internal issues form part of the ANC’s uneasiness, an up swell in support for opposition parties, in particular, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has managed to chip away at the ANC’s support base, by intensifying a revolutionary rhetoric which appeals to the demands of populism. We are joined in studio by: Professor Cherrel Africa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of the Western Cape. Professor Sean Gossel is an Associate Professor from the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town. Dr Theo Venter from the University of the North West.
On Friday South African born gold medallist Caster Semenya won the 800 meters at the Doha Diamond League meet. Her win came two days after she lost her case against the International Association for Athletics Federation’s bid to change its rules for female athletes who have higher testosterone levels who compete in the 800 to 1500m events. The rules are to take effect on Wednesday 8th May – meaning if Semenya wants to continue competing on an international stage she will have to take medication to lower her testosterone levels. Now the 28year old has not minced her words and said she would not be taking any medication.
We are joined in studio by:
Shanti Bartlett, an Academic Associate at the University of Pretoria Law Faculty in the Department of Private Law
Professor Katrina Karkazis, a Senior visiting fellow at the Global Health Justice Partnership at Yale University
Dr Mwangi Francis Mundia is a lecturer and chairman at Kenyatta University in Nairobi Kenya
Africa's largest tourism event - The Travel Indaba - is currently underway in South Africa's Kwa Zulu Natal province. The event showcases the widest variety of Africa's best tourism products and attracts international buyers from across the world to visit the continent. Part of the focus this year's Indaba will be to bring more innovation to the tourism industry and sell Africa as a top tourist destination. To help us find more information about the event, we have :
Mr S Nhlapo – Lesotho.s Minister of Tourism Environment and Culture.
Tuli Galelekile – Marketing General Manager for Kwazulu Natal
Steve Masamba – Uganda Wildlife Society
We are exactly a week from elections here in South Africa, and as political parties intensify their campaigns voters are gearing themselves up to vote for the party of their choice. We know that 48 parties will be contesting the 2019 elections. Now with observer missions already in South Africa, the Southern Africa observers have raised concerns saying they seek protection from the government fearing a flare up of xenophobic attacks. Meanwhile the international Relations Department has assured them that the elections will be free and fair.
We are joined by:
• Sy Mamabolo: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission of South Africa
• Professor Susan Booysen: Political Analyst
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Libya is caught between a military strongman Khalifa Haftar who sells himself as the only one who can drive out terrorists, and a United Nations backed government under Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, whose attempts to hold a national vote have, so far, only entrenched divisions. On Sunday Forces backing Libya’s internationally recognised government fought house-to-house battles with troops loyal to commander Haftar in Southern parts of the capital Tripoli and appeared to be gaining ground.
To help us with the discussion we are now joined on the line by:
• Professor Bhekithemba Mngomezulu, is with the Political Sciences Department at the University of the Western Cape
• Ebrahim Dean is a Researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre
African leaders meeting in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday agreed to give Sudan's ruling military council three months to implement democratic reforms, amid pressure for a quick handover of power to civilians. The decision extends a fifteen day deadline set by the African Union last week for Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) to hand over power to civilians or to be suspended from the grouping. The TMC took over after President Omar al-Bashir was ousted on April 11. But, Bashir is just the latest long-standing African leader to be removed recently, just a week before Bashir, Algeria’s ailing president Abdelaziz Bouteflika was also forced to step down. On the programme today we ask how strong is the AU’s commitment to rejecting unconstitutional changes to government as well as their power to deal with military overthrow? • Dame Rosalind Marsden, an Associate fellow at Chatham House, she was the former British Ambassador to Sudan and then the EU Special representative for Sudan and South Sudan. • Dr Martin Rupiya, the Director at the African Public and Research Institute. • Professor Bhekithemba Mngomezulu from the University of the Western Cape’s Political Sciences Department
The number of young people who have registered to vote in the May general elections is down substantially from 2014, despite population growth, according to News Agency “GroundUp”. Meanwhile the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) expressed concern over the number of 18- to 19-year-olds on the 2019 voters' roll was 341 236. In 2014, it was 646 313, meaning the number of new voters has dropped by nearly half (47%). When taking into account that the population has grown by approximately 7.5% over the past five years, the drop is even more profound. The reason for the drop is unclear. Could the youth just not be interested in the politics of the country or is this a form of protest on their part? To answer those questions we are joined by: Prof Kealeboga Maphunye, Chairperson, Department of Political Sciences, UNISA. Grant Masterson, Program Manager, African Peer Review Mechanism Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy Africa (EISA). Levy Ndou, Lecturer,Political Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Zimbabwe is to start paying compensation this year to thousands of white farmers who lost land under former president Robert Mugabe's land reform nearly two decades ago, the government said, as it seeks to bring closure to a highly divisive issue. Two decades ago Mugabe's government carried out at times violent evictions of 4 500 white farmers and redistributed the land to around 300 000 black families, arguing it was redressing imbalances from the colonial era. But land reform still divides public opinion as opponents see it as a partisan process that left the country struggling to feed itself. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government sees the paying of compensation to white farmers as key to mend ties with the West, and has set aside $17.5 million in this year's budget to that end. The initial payments will target those in financial distress, while full compensation will be paid later.
To take the conversation forward we are joined by:
Dr Webster Zambara Senior Project Leader: Peace Building initiatives The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Lovemore Kadenge President Zimbabwe Economics Society
Kenya is slowly taking steps to recognize people who identify themselves as intersex meaning they are born with genitalia, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit the typical definitions of male or female. A major step came recently when a government body, the Registrar of Societies of Kenya, acknowledged intersex people as a society. Despite the step, intersex Kenyans says they battle prejudice and stigma related to their sexual orientation.
To help us with the discussion we are on the line to:
• Ryan Njeri from Kenya an intersex activist
The World Bank has estimated that Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe will need about two-billion US dollars together to recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai. Roughly one-thousand people were killed and lots more displaced when two major rivers, in the port city of Beira burst their banks. The cyclone then moved to parts of Zimbabwe and Malawi leaving behind a trail of devastation. The World Bank further revealed that direct economic losses from Cyclone Idai in Mozambique will range from six-hundred and fifty and eight-hundred million dollars. Meanwhile humanitarian aid from all over the world has been and continues to pour in for the three countries.
To give us an update on this developing story we are on the line to:
• Rejoice Nxumalo is the spokesperson at the South African Association of Investors
• Florento Delpinto is the head of Emergency Operations at the the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent and is in Beira Mozambique
• Tigere Chagutah is the Deputy Regional Director Campaigns at Amnesty International’s Regional Office for Southern Africa
Mayor of South Africa's City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Herman Mashaba, was forced to abandon his public engagement with the residents of Alexandra Township last night, following disruptions at the Marlboro Community Centre. This after a group of protesters continued singing and refused to cooperate with city officials for about an hour, preventing the programme from starting. This resulted in Mashaba and his officials leaving the stage. The disruptions follow two weeks of protests over the mushrooming of illegal structures in the township, as well as the lack of service delivery.
To assist us on the environment before elections we speak to: • Tsholofelo Nakedi Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation’s community interventions programme manager. • Bobby Solomons, Alex Shutdown Convener. • Phillip Molekoa, head of advocacy of the South African Human Rights Commission.
After nearly three decades in power, Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir has been ousted and arrested, the defence minister said on state TV. Minister Awad Ibn Ouf said the army will oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections, adding that a three-month state of emergency with a 10pm curfew would be enforced. Protests against Bashir, who had ruled Sudan since 1989, started on December 19 last year. The demonstrations were initially in protest over the rising costs of bread and fuel, but soon widened to call for the overthrow of Bashir. Since its independence, Sudan has periodically suffered military coups, including the one that brought Bashir to power. The role of the military was vital in forcing out Bashir as well, as it was only once soldiers began defending protesters that his position became completely untenable. We are in conversation with the following parties: Sabir Ebrahim Representative of Sudan Liberation Movement in South Africa. Prof Kwesi Kwaa Phrah Author & Public Speaker. *Jok Moduk Jok Director SUDD Institute.
Today the African Leadership Academy alongside MasterCard Foundation hosted the Very Young Entrepreneur Education and Acceleration Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The summit, which hosts young entrepreneurs, their parents and teachers, investors and policymakers, aims to encourage the attendants on how to harness a culture of entrepreneurship amongst young people on the African continent. The summit will also hold discussions around possible new policy positions that African governments and private corporates can adopt in promoting entrepreneurship amongst the youth. Africa Dialogue spoke to: • Josh Adler, vice president of Global Programs at the African Leadership Academy. • Karidas Tshintsholo, a young entrepreneur. • Elizabeth Bintliff, CEO of Junior Achievement, Africa. • Eric Osiakwan, co-founder of Angel fair Africa and managing partner at Chanzo Capital.
Last month the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and fourteen armed groups signed a long-awaited peace agreement aiming to end the country's devastating civil war. While this is one of many peace deals signed in CAR before, citizens shall have to take a wait and see approach whether the deal will benefit them. Meanwhile according to a United Nations 2016 report, human rights violations increased by seventy-per cent in CAR compared to the period covered by the first report in 2015.
To assist us on the environment before elections we speak to: • Catherina Wilson is a researcher at the History Department of the Leiden University (The Netherlands) she concluded her doctorate in conflict and mobility in Central Africa and the DRC). • Caesar Poblicks is an East and Central African Project Manager at Conciliation Resources. • Dr Shingai Mutizwa – Mangiza is a post-doctoral fellow at the department of political studies at the University of the Western Cape.
Malawians will be heading to the polls on the 21st of May to elect a new president, plus new representatives in the county’s national assembly and local government councillors. The current president Peter Mutharika will be running again for elections and will be contending against vice president Saulos Chilima who is standing as a candidate of the United Transformation movement. The other two main contenders will be Atupele Muluzi from the United Democratic Front and representing the Malawi Congress Party will be Lazarus Chakwera. Former president Joyce Banda pulled out of running in the elections and this past weekend it was announced by the government that she is facing arrest over corrupt charges. To assist us on the environment before elections we speak to: • Enoch Chinkhunta, regional officer in Southern Malawi for the National Initiative for Civic Education. • Undule Mwakasungula, Human rights and social advocate. • Sangwani Mwafuli is the spokesperson for the electoral commission in Malawi.
With just under a month left before the South African elections, voters are confronted with the serious challenge of processing larger quantities of information than has ever been the case before. More people have access to mobile phones and information traffic has increased across society. The increased number of political parties competing in the elections also increases information traffic. According to the Electoral Commission's tally, there are 48 parties competing in the forthcoming elections. This is 19 more than recorded in the 2014 elections. If it was confusing for voters to decide which party to vote for in 2014, imagine what it's like now with 19 more choices added to the picture. Now today on the show we look at the minority parties in parliament that have existed for a while but have relatively remained unchanged.
We are in conversation with the following parties:
• Mkhuleko Hlengwa Spokesperson & Member of Parliament Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
• Dr Petrus Groenewald Leader Freedom Front Plus (FF+)
Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe, announced last weekend that as of 3 April, motorists on the coast will have to pay R1.26 more for 95 unleaded petrol, R1.29 for 93 Octane and 77 cents more for diesel. Meanwhile tax on a litre of petrol has increased by 29c for the year 2019 and the tax on a litre of diesel by 30c as announced by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni during his budget speech. Ths comes as South African struggles to balance its budget shortfall which will increase to R243 billion in 2019. Mboweni said the general fuel levy will increase by 15c per litre to R3.52 in April - government levies now represent almost 41% of the petrol price. Now today we ask, can a regular South African survive all these hikes? One has to take into consideration that we also have witnessed an increase of value added tax (VAT). On the other hand The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has approved electricity hikes of 9.41%, 8.1% and 5.2% for the next three financial years respectively, far below Eskom’s application for double-digit tariff increases. Now to introduce our guests I am joined in the studio by: • Anabel Bishop Economist Investec. • Terry Bell Economic, Labour and Political Analyst.
Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has resigned after weeks of massive street protests around the country. Bouteflika, who has been in power for 20 years, had already dropped plans to seek a fifth term as opposition to his rule grew and pressure mounted. The Algerian army had called for the 82-year-old to be declared incapable of carrying out his duties. Protesters had vowed to continue piling on pressure until the entire government is collapsed. President Bouteflika, who has been visibly ill since he suffered a stroke six years ago, has avoided public events ever since. The latest is that Bouteflika has now written a letter to the people of Algeria asking and pleading for forgiveness, he added that he was "leaving the political stage with neither sadness nor fear" for Algeria's future.
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Ibrahim Dean Researcher Afro-middle East Centre
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Ibrahima Kane Snr Policy Adviser Open Society Foundation’s Africa Regional Office
South Africans will be heading to the election polls on May 8 this year and according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa an estimated 27 million South Africans have registered to vote. Despite the fact that over two hundred and eighty parties had registered to participate in this election only forty-eight parties made the final cut to be listed on the ballot paper. Although analysts have predicted that the main contenders will be the three top political parties in country (which are the African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters) there are new political parties that are now contending for this year’s elections. Does South Africa still need new political formations in its democracy? We will be speaking to these new political parties to answer this question.
We are joined by: * Dr Makhosi Khoza, founder of the African Democratic Change. * Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, Gauteng chairperson of the Socialist Revolutionary Workers Party. * Zanele Lwana, the Deputy President of Black First Land First.
South Africa’s Minister for International Relations Lindiwe Sisulu has emphasised that the recent violence which erupted against foreign nationals is pure criminality and not xenophobia. Sisulu was speaking after a high level meeting with African Heads of Mission on Monday. Last week more than 150 Malawian nationals were displaced from one of South Africa’s informal settlements in Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal following attacks by locals. The meeting called by Sisulu was aimed at restoring faith in the South African government to address the attacks. To help us unpack the discussion we are now joined on the line by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya Phinith Chanthalangsy, is a programme specialist for social and human sciences at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) he is based in the cluster office in Rabat Tsholofelo Nakedi is the Community Interventions Manager at the Center of the Study of Violence and Reconciliation Professor Jo Vearey is an Associate professor and director at the African Centre for Migration and Society
The SADC region has confirmed its support for the decolonisation of the occupied territory of the Western Sahara and for the holding of a referendum on self-determination for the Saharawi people. The regional block hosted a Solidarity Conference with the people of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic in Pretoria over the past two days. The meeting was opened by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Namibian counterpart and SADC Chairperson Hage Geingob. It was attended by representatives from the over 40 countries including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Zimbabwe's Emerson Mnangagwa and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as well as the President of the Western Sahara Ibrahim Ghali. Ntebo Mokobo was there......
We are joined today by:
• Ebrahim Dean, researcher at the Afro-Middle East Centre. • • Peter Fabricius, Institute for Security Studies consultant and foreign affairs journalist
• Charlie Khumalo, executive producer for Channel Africa.
The British Parliament has passed an amendment giving itself the power to vote on alternatives to the government's plan to leave the European Union Block-the process known as Brexit. The attempts to take control of the process came as Prime Minister Theresa May prepared for a last-ditch effort to persuade lawmakers to support her withdrawal plan, which has already been rejected twice by huge margins. Last week, European Union leaders granted Britain an extension on the March 29 deadline for departure from the block, but not on the terms Prime Minister Theresa May sought. By stepping into the process and trying to define an alternative path, lawmakers could create a constitutional showdown in Britain, where the government normally controls the agenda in Parliament, especially on its most pressing issue.
Today we speak to:
• Trudi Hartzenberg, Executive Director at Trade Law Centre
• Professor Jo-Ansie van Wyk, from the Department of Political Sciences at the University of South Africa
As political parties continue with their campaigns ahead of the elections on May 8, South Africans are gearing up to make their choice. Today on African Dialogue we host in our studios the three main parties, namely: the African National Congress (ANC) the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to come and battle it out live in our studios. All three parties have released their party lists which are names of members who are going to parliament after the May elections. But are the lists reflective of their electorate?
In its latest plan of action, South Africa’s leading opposition party the Democratic Alliance is gearing up to lead a march across the country on Friday in protest against the power crisis at power utility Eskom and the looming electricity tariff hike. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa will raise the cost of electricity by an average of 3.5% above inflation for the next three years. Eskom has been marred by corruption, rolling black-outs and governance challenges. But South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa is optimistic that the power utility can be turned around and emphasised that the government is taking steps to correct all that went wrong.
The death toll caused Cyclone Idai has risen to above 750. This is after one of the worst tropical cyclones to hit southern Africa devastated the lives of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. As the call for increased international assistance continues there has been concern that the region could see the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera. According to agencies in Beira, it is said that up to more than one hundred thousand people are now living in shelters in Mozambique after the cyclone hit.
To look at this story we are joined by:
• Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa • Glen Tyler, South African team leader for 350.org
As South Africans commemorate Human Rights Day; the government says Human Rights Month has been leveraged as a vehicle to foster social cohesion, nation-building, national identity, and socioeconomic development and to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and all related intolerances. South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa said the objective of Human Rights Day 2019 is to amplify efforts to preserve, promote, and revitalise endangered languages, to affirm that South Africa is committed to human rights for all. However, as this is an election year for most African countries, there have been reports on the clamping down of activism and protestors in countries like Senegal and Burundi.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
Wayne Ncube is an attorney and head of Strategic Litigation Program at Lawyers for human rights
Dr Ashwanne Budoo is the Programme Manager: Human rights and Democratisation in Africa at the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria
Shenilla Mohammed: Executive Director at Amnesty International South Africa
The debacle between Rwanda and Uganda continues. Last week Uganda’s foreign ministry issued a statement stating that although the border between the countries has not been closed there were various actions taken by the Rwandan government which ‘frustrates’ the movement of goods between the two . The statement highlighted that Rwanda has stalled any exports of Ugandan goods into its country and even stated that the country has implemented a trade embargo on bilateral agreements it had with Rwanda.
We speak to:
• Stephanie Wolters, researcher at the Institute for Security Studies • Sekou Toure Otondi, PhD research student at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies • Dr Jonathan Beloff from Researcher of the African Great Lakes region at the School of Oriental and African Studies
Last week an Ethiopian Airlines Flight a Boeing 737 Max 8, went down shortly after take-off from Addis Ababa killing all 157 people on board. The accident, occurred less than five months after a Lion Air jet crashed into the Java Sea in Indonesia during a similar stage in its flight, killing all 189 passengers and crew. Since last week’s tragedy, all Boeing 737 Max aircrafts have been grounded worldwide pending investigations. However, preliminary investigations show that there are similarities between the two crashes and Boeing is said to be designing a software update to strengthen its safety feature.
To help us with this discussion we are now joined on the line by:
• Joachim Vermooten, an independent aviation consultant
• Guy Leitch is SA Flyer magazine editor
Earlier on producer Ayanda Mkhwanazi spoke to the Director of Civil Aviation at the South African Civil Aviation Authority Poppy Khoza who said that despite the current challenges faced by the aviation sector air travel is still the safest mode of transport
The ruling party in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) has in its election manifesto called for the nationalisation of the South African Reserve Bank. Meanwhile the Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago has called on the country to protect state institutions from attack by those who want to abuse power to enrich themselves. On the other hand Deputy President David Mabuza has reaffirmed the ANC's intention to nationalise the SA Reserve Bank and place "public interest and development" at the centre of central bank's existence. This move hasn’t found favour from all political parties; the Democratic Alliance has vowed it would fight against the adoption of a bill by Parliament aimed at nationalising the Reserve Bank‚ saying it opposes any threat to the central bank’s independence.
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Anabel Bishop Chief Economist Investec
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Prof Phillipe Burger Head of Department: Economics and Finance University of Free State
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Leon Louw, Executive Director Free Market Foundation
The African Continent has seen a number of political leaders face protests from their people as a result of their leadership styles or dictatorship. In the year 2017 we saw the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe let go after 37 years of dictatorship. Now in the recent past we witnessed calls for the Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to step down to which he did although with an agreement to make a coalition government. Currently in Algeria and Sudan are up in arms demanding the resignation of their presidents. So today on the show we look at this new way of pressuring political leaders to step aside. But to take the conversation forward we joined on the line by: Ibrahim dean,Researcher:Afro-Middle East Centre. Dr Martin Rupiya, Africa Analyst. Dr Alex Vines, Head of the Africa Programme.
Last week, the police in South Africa found themselves inundated with cases involving well known celebrities. Some have criticised their treatment of these cases especially because they involve celebrities. So on the programme today we look at the treatment of celebrity cases by the police, are the police under pressure to be seen to be doing their job due to the high reporting of these cases by the media?
To help us with this discussion we are now joined on the line by: Dr Chris de Kock an independent crime analyst with Crime Facts South Africa. Lisa Vetten is a mellon doctoral candidate at Wits City Institute with the University of the Witwatersrand. Selby Xinwa a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation.
Former President Joseph Kabila’s coalition will have a say in choosing the next Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, this is according to an agreement between his coalition and that of the incumbent president, The DRC election which was marred by violence and chaos saw Felix Tshisekedi win despite rumours that he had struck a deal with Kabila. The statement issued by the Kabila and Tshisekedi factions said the move was part of “their common will to govern together as part of a coalition government.” It further said the coalition government aims to preserve “the achievements of the historic peaceful transfer of power that took place on January 24, 2019, to strengthen the climate of peace and the stability of the country and facilitate the rapid establishment of a government". To help us unpack this discussion were joined on the line by • Ben Mpoko, who is the DRC ambassador to South Africa. • Adv Sipho Mantula is a researcher at the Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa. • Dr Reuben Loffman, lecturer in African History and Deputy Director of Taught Programmes (DDTP),School of History at the University of London
Tomorrow marks International Women’s day and aims to promote women’s rights. The attention tomorrow will be focused on ways to eliminate gender gaps experienced in the world and the focal point will be how to protect women in societies where patriarchal norms seem to place women below their male counterparts. Today AFRICAN DIALOGUE partners up with ONE, the international campaigning and advocacy organisation which has aligned itself to up to 40 activists from 11 African countries who have written an open letter to world leaders to address gender inequalities. On our show today we will speak to these various activists from parts of the continent to speak on gender equity in various parts of African society. We speak to : • ONE Africa Executive Director Rudo Kwaramba-Kayombo • Melene Rossouw, South Africa: Melene is a South African Attorney who founded the Women Lead Movement. • Naomi Tulay Solanke, Liberia: Naomi is Founder and Executive Director of Community Health Initiative
Uganda’s foreign ministry has issued the first statement about the country’s relations with Rwanda, since the on-going standoff that escalated last week when the main Katuna border was partially closed. The statement released addressed three main themes, including Rwanda’s accusations that Uganda was harbouring dissidents against the Kigali regime, in addition to harassing its citizens. Meanwhile earlier the Rwandan Foreign Minister Richard Sezibera accused Uganda of offering assistance to two foreign-based Rwanda rebel groups that are opposed to Paul Kagame’s rule.
Prof Dominque Uwizeyimana Associate professor School of public management and public policy University of Johannesburg
Victor Kgomoeswana Political Analyst
Zimbabwe’s economy is now experiencing its highest inflation in a decade, at 42%. Recently the country was put in the spotlight when it was reported that the country’s fuel is the most expensive in the world and that it was also experiencing shortage of bread. Last month Zimbabwe’s government announced that it would drop the US dollar and launch their own currency as an effort to revive the economy. Ever since taking over power in November 2017 President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been travelling the world on an investment drive for his country, however, it has been reported that multiple companies in various sectors in the countries have shut down, while other employees have forced their employees to go on leave. To look at the how the country can reform its economy we speak to: • Derek Matyszak, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies • Dr David Monyae, co-director of the University of the Johannesburg Confucius Institute. • Prof. Roger Southall, Emeritus Professor in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand
As South Africans keep a close watch at the hearings at the State Capture enquiry many may be asking themselves whether those officials who have been implicated in any wrong doing will face the law. The state capture commission of inquiry is looking at allegations of corruption in most government institutions in South Africa, it is estimated that it will take two years to conclude. On the other hand the country has been subjected to the Marikana commission of inquiry, the Public Investment Corporation, the Life Esidimeni and the SARS inquiry – the question remains to what degree have the recommendations by the various chairs been implemented?
To help us unpack this discussion we are joined on the line:
• Dr Cathy Powell is an Associate Professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town. Her areas of expertise are Constitutional and International Law.
• Stan Henkeman is the Executive Director at the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation
Senegalese President Macky Sall is on course for victory in the February poll with nearly 60% of votes, according to preliminary figures provided by local media and a source inside the electoral commission. Local Media further say his closest rival, former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck, is said to have won 20 percent, with former tax inspector Ousmane Sonko receiving a mere 16 percent. Sall's team declared him victor on Sunday, but the opposition said their results showed he had not won the required 50 percent of votes to avoid a run-off next month against a second-placed candidate. Sall won popularity for driving economic growth during his first term, building highways and an airport and widening the electricity grid. Yet the opposition and rights groups criticized him saying he used his influence to bar major candidates from running in the election because of corruption convictions.
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Ebrima Sall Executive Director Trust Africa
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Jean Bwasa Africa Analyst
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has won a second term at the helm of Africa's largest economy and top oil producer, the Electoral Commission chairman said on Wednesday, following an election marred by delays, logistical glitches and violence. He defeated his main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar, a businessman and former vice president. Buhari secured fifty-six percent of votes, compared with forty one percent for Atiku, a candidate for the People's Democratic Party - PDP. Buhari faces a daunting to-do list, including reviving an economy still struggling to recover from a 2016 recession and quelling a decade-old Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people in the northeast, many of them civilians.
To help us unpack this discussion we are joined on the line by:
• Dr Jimam Lar, political analyst and also lecturer in history and international studies at the University of Jos, Nigeria
• Serah Makka-Ugbabe, Nigeria Director for advocacy group, ONE
In its latest report called “The Global Crackdown on Civil Society Organisations” Amnesty International reveals the startling number of countries using bullying techniques and repressive regulations to prevent NGOs from doing their work. The report lists 50 countries worldwide where anti-NGO laws have been implemented or are in the pipeline. The organisation says in the past two years alone, forty pieces of legislation that are designed to hamper the work of civil society organisations have been put in place or are in the works around the world. Amnesty International says these laws include implementing ludicrous registration processes for organisations, monitoring their work and in many cases shutting them down if they don’t adhere to the unreasonable requirements imposed on them.
To help us unpack this discussion we are joined on the line by:
• Mienke Steytler is the media and digital content officer at Amnesty International South Africa
• Lisa Vetten is with Wits University and also the manager of the Care Work project; key concern is organisations which provide social care services
Last week, during his budget speech in parliament, South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said that the country’s state owned enterprises are posing a very serious risk to the country’s fiscus. Mboweni highlighted that the deteriorating financial position of several large State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) pose a risk to the South African economy and public finances. Over the past year government guarantee use increased by 3.67 billion dollars. Mboweni further questioned whether these SOEs were still necessary; however, in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s previous remarks state owned enterprises were are the life blood of the economy. During his State of the Nation address, Ramaphosa announced the splitting of South Africa’s power utility Eskom, into three, namely generation, transmission and distribution.
Today, on the show we ask if State Owned Enterprises work for African countries.
To help us unpack this discussion we are joined on the line by:
• Professor Fiona Tregenna who is the South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, she is from the college of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg
• Dr Sean Gossel is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town
• Dawie Roodt is a Chief Economist at Efficient Group
South African Olympic Champion Caster Semenya is once again making headlines around the world. This after the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) proposed regulations that target female athletes with androgen excess, which is a medical condition characterised by having excessive levels of male sex hormones such as testosterone. The IAAF is now enforcing that female athletes take medication to reduce their testosterone levels. Semenya is currently fighting her case in Lausanne, Switzerland involving the IAAF and Athletics South Africa. The South African Minister of Sports Thokozile Xasa and a delegation of experts are currently in Switzerland to support Caster Semenya’s case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
We are joined for the 1st time this year to unpack all those by:
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Richard Stander CEO Athletics South Africa
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Thokozile Xasa Minister Department of Sports and Recreation RSA
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Lethlogonolo Mokgoroane Policy Development and Advocacy Fellow Sonke Gender Justice
Early in the month of February the French multinational integrated oil and gas company, Total announced that a gas condensate discovery which could between 500 million to over 1 billion barrels of oil. Located off the shore of Mossel Bay in the southern coast of South Africa says the discovery is said to make a significant contribution to South Africa’s economic development as it will help the country to depend less on imported oil and gas. However, with this new find, many questions have been asked from sections of sections of South African society. This potential of this gas discovery was discussed at the Africa Gas Forum which is part of the Africa Energy Indaba which has been underway since yesterday.
To assist us we are joined on the line by:
John Rocha, project manager of the Nepad Business Foundation
Nosizwe Motsitsi, the executive managing director at GE Power System
Presidential elections in Senegal are expected to be held on the 24th February, which is this coming Sunday. Last month, two opposition leaders Khalifa Sall (no relation), a popular politician and former mayor of Dakar; and Karim Wade, a former minister and the son of former president Abdoulaye Wade were both found to be ineligible to stand for office due to convictions for corruption. Meanwhile, the country's Constitutional Court has preliminarily authorised five candidates, including incumbent president Macky Sall whom experts have said is likely to get sufficient support on the 24th to avoid a second vote. Ahead of the elections the non-governmental organisation focussing on human rights, Amnesty International says it is concerned about the bans on peaceful assemblies, violence between political activists and pressures on civil society organisations, among other things.
To assist us on this topic we are joined on the line by
• Francois Patuel, is the West Africa Francophone researcher at the Amnesty International, West and Central Africa Regional Office in Senegal
• Paul Melly is a Consulting Fellow, with the Africa Programme at Chatham House
Last week Friday US president Donald Trump declared a national emergency to obtain funds for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. Trump made this declaration after Congress refused his request for $5.7 billion to build the wall he had promised during his 2016 election campaign. Some legal experts in the US say that Trump’s move could lead his opposition in Congress to challenge him through the courts by way of lawsuits. Today it was reported that California and New York would approach the federal court to sue Trump’s administration. President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency will allow him to have access to money from Congress to be used for other purposes for the construction of the Mexican border wall. The White House has claimed that Trump will have access to around $8 billion.
To assist us on this topic we are joined on the line by
• Prof. Patrick Bond, political economist
• Prof. John Stremlau, international relations analyst
• Thomas Gift, political analyst joining us from the University College London
Violence in Schools has once again come under the spotlight, following a leaked video of a teacher who is seen to slap a learner after she had a heated argument with the learner in class. The teacher and pupil were both suspended pending disciplinary hearings after the incident at the school in Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa. A subsequent video of the same teacher is recorded after the incident where the school learners are seen hugging the teacher at the school premises. So today we ask the question? Are teachers equipped enough to instil discipline to the leaners or is it the duty of the parents and society at home?
We are joined for the 1st time this year to unpack all those by:
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Nomusa Cembi Media Officer South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
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Prof Kobus Maree Department of Educational Psychology University of Pretoria
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Prof Felix Maringe Head of School of Education Wits University
Today it has been reported that the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will intervene with the political situation in Venezuela by meeting the country’s foreign minister last week. This comes after the country has experienced multiple protests in the past weeks calling for the removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Already, the opposition leader Juan Guaido has declared himself as president with the support of fifty countries including the United States supporting him. Firstly, earlier I spoke to Mr Aziz Pahad, former South African Deputy minister of foreign Affairs.
Today we ask why does the country find itself in this situation and where to from here. We are joined in our show by: • Henning Suhr, South Africa Director of the Konrad Adenaer Foundation (Studio)
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa Mangiza, post-doctoral fellow at the department of political studies at the University of the Western Cape
• Dr Thomas F. Purcell, senior lecturer in International Political Economy at the Leeds Beckett University
In his state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa committed to a number of structural reforms for the country’s electricity public utility, Eskom. He said that Eskom would be unbundled into three separate entities; namely generation, transmission and distribution. President Ramaphosa’s utterances come three months away from South Africa’s elections in May and at a time when the power utility is facing a major financial and governance crisis. In November Eskom forecasted a loss of 2 billion US dollars for the 2018/19 financial year, with a further loss of 3 billion US dollars forecast for 2019/20.
But will this plan to separate Eskom be that silver bullet to fix all the problems at the power utility? How will it affect jobs?
To help us unpack the discussion we are joined in studio by:
• Happy Khambule, Greenpeace Africa, political advisor
• Sikhonathi Mantshantsha is the Deputy editor Financial Mail
It may not be a red carpet affair at this year’s State of the Union address as South Africa’s parliament has announced that it has cut the budget for SONA 2019 by 47% from last year. Parliament emphasised that the legislature is taking every feasible step to do more with fewer resources, and that means less glitz for the important political event. Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa is putting his final touches to his much awaited speech. Ramaphosa’s predecessor faced a lot of disruptions during his SONA’s so today we are yet to see if Ramaphosa will be subjected to the same?
To help us unpack the discussion we are joined in studio by:
• Professor Samantha Ashman, is an associate professor at the School of Economics at the University of Johannesburg
• Dr Ivor Sarakinsky, is an associate professor at the Wits School of Governance
• Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast is a political analyst with Stellenbosch University’s school of security and African studies
The African Union will hold its 32nd Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa as Egypt assumes the post of Presidency of the continental body. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi takes over the leadership of the African Union, while he has been criticised for a bad human rights record in his country. However, Egypt has styled itself as the champion to improve intra-African trade and to restructure economic reforms on the African continent. The 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) will take place next week, under the theme “Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa”. Many issues are expected to be brought to the forefront such as conflict issues, economic integration and the reformation of AU instruments.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Babatunde Fagbayibo, associate professor of international law at the University of South Africa. • Frank Mattheis, senior researcher at the centre for governance innovation at the University of Pretoria
The South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has indicated that the national elections will take place in May 2019. Addressing a press conference, IEC chairperson, Glen Mashinini said the official date will be confirmed by President Ramaphosa closer to the time. As political parties start campaigning for the elections, what has been evident with the major political parties such as the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance is the tensions within their political parties, meanwhile new political parties have registered to compete for seats in parliament.
To help us look at how campaigning is going so far, we are joined on the line by:
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Zohra Dawood Director Centre for Unity in Diversity
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Grant Masterson Senior Manager Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) (studio)
Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election will be the country’s sixth since the end of military rule in May 1999. In November last year, the Independent National Electoral Commission said that a total of 73 political parties fielded candidates for the 2019 presidential election, but it is reported that the race is generally believed to be between the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president of the country of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s). Some of the issues that are likely to drive this election are how the economy has been governed by Buhari and issues of security such as Boko Haram among other things.
To help us unpack the discussion, we are joined on the line by:
• Matthew Page, Chatham House’s Associate Fellow with the programme covering Nigeria
• Dr Akinola Olojo who is a senior researcher in the Transnational Threats and International Crime Programme at the Institute for Security Studies
• Dr Olayinka Ajala is an Associate lecturer at the University of York
One of Zimbabwe’s most successful and internationally renowned musician Oliver Mtukudzi has died at a local clinic from diabetes, ending a career that spanned four decades and 67 albums. The music giant was laid to rest on Sunday the 27th January. His death coincides with the anniversary of his long but now late friend Hugh Masekela who died at the same time the previous year. At the ceremony that befitted his status most mourners sang and danced to his songs.
We are joined for the 1st time this year to unpack all those by:
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Moriera Chonguica Mozambican Jazz Musician
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Yvonne Chaka-Chaka South African Musician (Princess of Africa)
The government shutdown in the US has cost the country’s economy over 11 billion dollars. This is double the amount that US president Donald Trump was looking for to find his border between his county and Mexico. Donald Trump’s five week long shutdown affected an estimated 800 thousand federal workers, some of which were not being paid by the government. Last week Trump signed a bill to find the government for the next three weeks. After the exasperation from the public and the decline of the economic environment in the country Trump was left with no choice but to end the longest government shutdown in history.
To look at the consequences of the shutdown we are joined on the line by:
• Thomas Gift, Political scientist and lecturer at the University College London • Lukman Otunuga, search analyst at FXTM;
• Brooks Spector, the Associate Editor at Daily Maverick and a retired American diplomat.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday extended ceasefires in two conflict-hit states, according to media reports, where protest leaders have pushed for anti-government rallies. There were no reports of rallies Monday in the three conflict-hit states, which have been devoid of demonstrations apart from a day of rallies in Darfur earlier this month. Protests in Sudan began last month after the government tripled the price of bread. The protestors have called for the resignation of Omar al-Bashir who has run the country for nearly 30 years but brought little improvement to his people.
We are joined for the 1st time this year to unpack all those by:
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Ibrahim Dean Researcher Afro-Middle East Centre
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Sabir Ebrahim Representative of the Sudan Liberation movement in South Africa
A key witness, Angelo Agrizzi, has returned to the Commission of inquiry into state capture this morning. The former Bosasa COO will once again be testifying before the commission for the eighth day. Agrizzi has implicated high ranking officials in the departments of correctional services and members of the ruling party, the African National Congress, in tender rigging and corruption. According to Agrizzi, Bosasa colluded with state officials and politicians in order for the multi-services company to secure multi-million worth contracts. Agrizzi is expected to finalize his testimony in the next two days.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Prof. Lesiba Teffo, political analyst from the University of South Africa
• Levy Ndou, political analyst from the Tshwane University of Technology.
• Mbali Thethani, SABC journalist,
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has been acquitted of all charges by the International Criminal Court after seven years behind bars on charges of crimes against humanity. Judges at the court have delivered the eagerly awaited judgment after Gbagbo's requests for an outright acquittal or conditional release. About 3,000 people were killed in the West African nation in a violent standoff during 2010 and 2011 when Gbagbo refused to accept defeat in an election against his bitter rival and now Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. Last year former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba was also acquitted on appeal for crimes allegedly committed by his militia in the Central African Republic in 2002-2003. Our English service spoke to Amal Nassa, representative of the International Federation for Human Rights in the Netherlands who was in court when the judgment was handed down.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Sanusha Naidoo, is an expert on foreign policy and African politics
• Mothlabane Modupe, junior regional analyst for think-tank Political Economy Southern Africa
Hundreds were forced to flee the the DusitD2 hotel and business complex on Tuesday last week as Extremist Group al-Shabaab attacks it. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya confirmed during a press briefing that at least 21 people were killed in the attack and some injured and had been admitted to hospital. The Somalia-based Islamist group al-Shabab said it was behind the attack, which triggered a 19-hour security operation. President Uhuru Kenyatta said the siege ended with five jihadist attackers "eliminated". Kenya has been a target for al-Shabab since October 2011, when it sent its army into Somalia to fight the jihadist group.
We are joined by:
Nerima Wako Executive Director SIASA Place
James Shimanyula Channel Africa Correspondent Ryan Cummings Director African Risk Management Consultants & Signal Risk
Africapitalism is about the intersection of economic prosperity and social wealth! This was the theme of The Shared Value Africa Initiative summit taking place today at Liliesleaf Farm just outside the city of Johannesburg in South Africa. High powered business people of all ages are meeting to strategically assess challenges facing business on our continent and set an agenda for 2019 to 2020. To tell us more, we have : • Sanda Ojiambo(Kenya) - She leads the Corporate Responsibility Department that coordinates the integration of the SDGs, Sustainability Reporting, Technology for Development Products and the Safaricom and MPESA Foundations
• Nichole Yembra (Nigeria) The Chief Financial Officer for Venture Garden Group and Managing Partner at Green House Capital the VGG’s International arm.
• Simba Mhuriro (Zimbabwe) The Founder and Managing Director of Oxygen Africa a renewable energy development company.
• Lucia Bakulumpagi-Wamala (Uganda) Founder and CEO of Bakulu Power a renewable energy company
According to the United Nations, it is estimated that by the year 2030 there will up to seventy-five million to two-hundred and fifty million people in Africa who will be living in areas that are water stressed. Due to the extreme weather conditions experienced the entire world has suffered from clean water scarcity; however, Sub-Saharan Africa has been identified as the region with the largest number of water-stressed countries. What makes the water scarcity problem worrying in African countries is that few governments have implemented any reliable systems and plans to deal with the unpredictable weather patterns. To confirm the seriousness of the situation, NASA has reported in a research report that out of the 37 world’s water sources about 21 of those are under pressure as a result of human consumption and misuse. But to try and make sense of it all we are joined on the line by: 1. Sputnik Ratau Spokesperson Department of Water and Sanitation RSA 2. Dr Matthys Dippenaar Lecturer Engineering, Geology and Hydrology University of Pretoria. 3. Dr Thabo Nkambule Senior Lecturer Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research UNISA.
Early this week there was heavy police presence on Zimbabwean streets as more violence was expected on day two of the national shutdown. Angry protesters in Zimbabwe's capital Harare barricaded roads and burned tyres after President Mnangagwa announced a massive fuel price hike. In Bulawayo, police fired teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters. Reports have suggested that five people have sustained gunshot wounds following the unrest. Mnangagwa announced over the weekend a more than 100 percent rise in the price of petrol and diesel. The government was also accused of shutting down the internet with communication on the popular WhatsApp platform impossible from mid-morning and access to social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook restricted. To help us unpack this discussion we are now joined in studio by: • Lovemore Kadenge, president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society. • Gideon Chitanga, researcher and analyst from Political Economy Southern Africa.
Unveiling the African National Congress’s election manifesto President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared to transform the economy through the creation of 275,000 jobs each year by boosting local demand for goods, investing more in mining, manufacturing, agriculture and expanding export markets. Ramaphosa further promised to accelerate social transformation and making education and health accessible to all. He added that he will step up the fight against corruption throughout society and safeguarding the integrity of the state and ethical leadership, among other things. To help us unpack this discussion we are now joined in studio by: • Melanie Verwoerd is a former ANC MP, now political analyst • Professor Joeleen Steyn- Kotze is a senior research specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council. • Dr Ina Gouws, senior lecturer for governance and political transformation at the University of Free State.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitutional Court has seven days to respond to an application made by presidential runner-up Martin Fayulu who is asking for a recount. Last week the electoral commission announced opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi as the winner with 38-percent, however, Fayulu alleges a backroom deal between the declared winner Tshisekedi, and President Joseph Kabila. Meanwhile the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through its chairperson Zambian president Edgar Lungu has urged political parties in the DRC to consider forming a government of national unity in light of the disputed election results. To help us unpack this discussion we are now joined in studio by: • Everiste Kambala is the spokesperson of the Congolese Community in South Africa • Advocate Sipho Mantula is a researcher at the Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa
The year 2019 is set to be a very busy year for most around the world. Some have named it the year of elections especially on the African continent. The ANC has recently held its January 8th statement rally, which marked 107 years of the existence of the party. The event saw President Cyril Ramaphosa flanked by his predecessor Jacob Zuma attend the rally. Ramaphosa took the opportunity to address the divisions of the party and also clear the air between him and Zuma. So today we look at the journey to elections. Does the ANC go to the polls united or are the divisions irreparable?
We are joined for the 1st time this year to unpack all those by:
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Mr Elvis Masoga Political Analyst
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Prof Sipho Seepe Political Analyst
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Ms Lebohang Pheko Political Analyst
Millions of learners in South African schools walked into the classrooms this morning to kick off their schooling careers or return to class for the 2019 academic year. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is in KwaZulu-Natal visiting schools that performed dismally last year. The department says some regions in this province had the worst results last year with some achieving a 0% pass rate. Now the education system is never without any challenges, such as overcrowding in classrooms, cost of uniforms, preparations by parents to register their children, among other things. Nonetheless the Department has emphasised its readiness for the start of the New Year. To help us unpack this discussion we are now joined by:
• Matakanye Matakanye is the General Secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB)
• Johannes Mutuna is the Vice President of the Professional Educators Union (PEU) • Elijah Mhlanga is the Spokesperson for the National Department of Education in South Africa • Chris Malemetsa is the Gauteng Provincial Chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO)
According to media reports the United Nations Security Council has put off a planned session on the Democratic Republic of Congo and it’s closely watched presidential election as the country continues waiting for delayed results. A council discussion initially set for Tuesday was postponed to Friday after Congolese officials indefinitely postponed the release of the first results which were due Sunday.
To help us unpack this discussion we are now joined in studio by:
• Nixon Katembo is a producer at Channel Africa Swahili Service (in studio)
• Everiste Kambanga is the spokesperson of the Congolese Community in South Africa (in studio)
• Advocate Sipho Mantula is a researcher at the Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa
The year 2019 is set to be a very busy year for most around the world. Some have named it the year of elections especially on the African continent. So! today on the show as we have said earlier, we take a look at the events and stories that will likely make the headlines for the year, both local and internationally.
We are joined for the 1st time this year to unpack all those by:
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Prof Patrick Bond Political Economist/Analyst
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Dr Martin Rupiya Executive Director The African Public Policy & Research Institute
The much anticipated Democratic Republic of Congo elections- due to take place on Sunday - may be postponed for a week, according to media reports. This after electronic voting machines were destroyed in a suspected arson attack on a warehouse last week. An official, from the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday that both the presidential and legislative polls could be delayed. President Joseph Kabila is scheduled to step down after nearly 18 years in power following the elections - which are already two years overdue. • Nixon Katembo is a producer at Channel Africa Swahili Service and Migration researcher. • Dennis Kadima is the Executive Director at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy. • Khumbelo Munzhelele is a reporter at Channel Africa.
The year 2018 was a busy year for the continent of Africa, From the forced ousting of long-time Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, to the majority of African Union members signing a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) agreement. From worldwide renowned former soccer player George Weah being inaugurated as Liberia 25th president to the shocking news of Boko Haram kidnapping 110 school girls in a girls boarding school in Dapchi, a town in north-east Nigeria. In Today’s programme we take a look back at 2018 with the help of : Dr Shingai Mutizwa- Mangiza from the political department at the University of the Western Cape.
Nixon Tasakana – From the Kiswahili section of Channel Africa
Rwandan prosecutors say they will appeal a High Court ruling acquitting government critic Diane Rwigara and her mother Adeline Rwigara of insurrection and forgery. Media reports say the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) would file an appeal in the Appellate Court seeking to re-examine evidence pinning the Rwigaras to possible wrong doing. It is believed that their acquittal came after sustained pressure from rights groups and the international community, who accused the government of cracking down on dissent and freedom of expression. The Rwigaras' release was seen as a sign by government yielding to pressure, but some observers argue that the court confirmed its independence. We are joined in studio by: • Prof Dominique Ewizeyimana, associate professor at the school of public management and public policy at the University of Johannesburg – • Victor Kgomoeswane is a political commentator and author of ‘Africa is Open for Business. • Charles Nyonkonge a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Global Dialogue.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila who is due to step down after 17 years in power. He says his top priority is to ensure that elections run smoothly on the 23rd of December. Meanwhile, the European Union has prolonged sanctions against the man Kabila has chosen to be his successor. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary continues to have his asset frozen and a travel ban in Europe. The ban by the EU was actioned because the economic bloc claims that Shadary obstructed last year’s electoral process. Now we are joined by: • Stephanie Wolters, a great lakes region expert. • Evariste Kambanga, spokesperson of the Congolese Community in South Africa .
According to media reports the United Nations secretary-general's Antonio Guetteres envoy for Western Sahara last week wrapped up the first talks in six years over the future of the territory mostly controlled by Morocco, saying the sides have agreed to meet again early next year. Six years after talks broke down; the meeting took place on Wednesday and Thursday, with neighbouring Algeria and Mauritania also attending. The meeting has been viewed as the start of a new chapter in the political process. The talks were brought forward as part of adopting Resolution 2440 as the UN Security Council called on parties concerned to the dispute over the territory to engage in talks. On the line we are joined by: • Jose Nascimento who is a human rights lawyer/author. • Ebrahim Dean is a senior researcher at the Afro Middle East.
Parliament has adopted the report on the expropriation of land without compensation after the ANC’s majority ensured the report got the nod from MPs. But other opposition parties on Tuesday rejected the report and warned that this was setting South Africa on a dangerous path. The national assembly saw both the ANC and the EFF sing struggle song about land, something that hasn’t been seen in a long time. Major opposition party the Democratic Alliance confirmed that it would head to court to challenge the report and, in the debate, said it would vote against the report because its recommendation was a foregone conclusion, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on television, well before the committee had completed its task.
We are joined in studio by:
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Hon Lechesa Tseonli Deputy Speaker Parliament of South Africa
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Prof Ruth Hall Senior Researcher PLAAS (Institute of Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies)
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Dr Theuns Eloff Executive Director FW De Klerk Foundation
Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have to release the report from the Kgamlema Motlanthe led Commission of Inquiry. According to the presidential spokesperson George Charamba, Mnangagwa is not obliged to release the report from the inquiry which looks into the killing of six people in Harare after Zimbabwe’s elections in August this year. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Dewa Mavhinga, researcher at Human Rights Watch • Dr Webster Zambara, Senior Project Leader, for peace building initiatives, at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocacy and communication for World AIDS Day 2018 aims to urge people to know their HIV infection status through testing, and to access HIV prevention, treatment and care services, it further aims to urge policy-makers to promote a “health for all” agenda for HIV and related health services. An estimated 3.2 million children were living with HIV at the end of 2013, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Majority of them acquire HIV from their HIV-infected mothers during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. With efficacious interventions the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission can be reduced to 2%. However, such interventions are still not widely accessible or available in most resource-limited countries where the burden of HIV is highest. And these children who are already infected with HIV need to be enrolled in effective treatment to stay healthy. To help us unpack the discussion we are joined by: • Dr Karl Technau, is a doctor at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital – specialises in mother to child transmission. • Jessica Burry is an HIV Pharmacist at MSF’s Access Campaign/ Doctors without Borders.
Several U.S. Republican senators this weekend rejected President Donald Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with some lawmakers from his party saying Congress must take additional action. Trump vowed last week to remain a "steadfast partner" of Saudi Arabia and said it was not clear whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew about the plan to kill Khashoggi last month at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The president cast doubt on the CIA assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi's killing, telling reporters that the agency had not formed a definitive conclusion. The United States on Nov. 15 imposed economic sanctions on17 Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Khashoggi and senators from both major U.S. parties introduced legislation that would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi and for its role in Yemen's civil war.
To assist us we are joined by
• Ibrahim Deen, researcher at the Afro Middle East Center • Brooks Spector, associate editor and US Foreign Policy expert at Daily Maverick • Professor John Stremlau, from the Department of International Relations at Wits University
In the first of its Pan-Africa Profiles based on recent public-opinion surveys in 34 countries, Afrobarometer reports that “decent work and economic growth” is Africans’ highest priority among the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – but is also an area where governments are performing particularly poorly. The new report links the “most important problems” identified by more than 45,800 Africans, as well as their assessments of their governments’ performance on these issues, to the goals of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The analysis is designed to help governments and advocates design more effective interventions through a better understanding of how their intended beneficiaries – perceive and prioritize these goals.
We are joined in studio by:
• Prof Dominique Uwezeyimana, Senior lecturer School of Public Management and Governance University of Johannesburg
• Daniel Armah – Attoh, Project Manager: Anglophone West Africa Afrobarometer
South Africa's Minister for Women in the Presidency, Bathabile Dlamini has made an impassioned plea to strategic NGOs and the general public to work with government in the fight against gender-based violence. She was unveiling plans for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Abuse campaign under the theme #Hear Me Too in Pretoria. Various civil society organizations, NGOs as well as the Gender Commission, National Heritage Council, Progressive Women's movement and church representatives pledged their support to the campaign.
We are joined in studio by: • Anne Githuke Shongwe, UN Women Representative for East and Southern Africa
• Sidwel Sehoana (Coordinator of Youth Program – at ADAPT) Studio Guest
• Lisa Vetten, worked for 20 years in the field of violence against women, counsellor, paralegal, researcher and activist
• Bafana Khumalo, co-founder of Sonke Gender Justice.
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has appeared before the state capture inquiry. Minister Gordhan as a politician and professor became the centre of attention where in his opening statement he detailed an account of his history in the ANC and then later, he provided the first public details of how close he and Zuma had been as comrades. By the time he concluded his submissions, he was accused of unduly benefiting as a minister from business deals, including through his daughter’s business interests, an allegation he was quick to dispel.
We are joined in studio by: • Dr William Mpofu Political Analyst
• Sanusha Naidoo Political Analyst
• David Lewis Executive Director Corruption Watch
The eighth edition of the Africities Summit is currently underway in Morocco Marrakesh with an estimated five- thousands delegates to attend. This year’s theme is “the transition towards sustainable cities and territories: the role of local and sub-national governments. The main focus this year is creating more sustainable African cities. The summit’s open sessions will allow different networks wishing to work with African cities territories to present their proposals and to contribute to reflections on how local Africa changes its approach to harness the opportunities and benefits that exist.
We are joined on the line by:
• Oumar Sylla, is the Urban Legislation Land and Governance Coordinator UNHabitat
• Parks Tau is the President of the South African Association of Local Government and United Nations Local Government Association
Intense fighting broke out this week in Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, despite the United Nation’s efforts to call a ceasefire. Coalition warplanes resumed bombing in the city after the Saudi led coalition and Houthi insurgents agreed to halt offences and to resume peace talks. So far, the conflict has killed thousands and pushed millions more Yemenis to the brink of starvation. The conflict began in 2014 when the Houthi Shia Muslim rebel movement took advantage of the new president's weakness and seized control of northern Saada province and neighbouring areas.
To assist us on this topic we are joined by:
• Sarah Alzawqari, ICRC’s Public Relations Officer for the Near and Middle East based in Beirut, Lebanon : • Kristine Beckerle, Yemen researcher at Human Rights Watch,
• Joost Hiltermann, Program Director of Middle East, North Africa from International Crisis Group
Oil rose for a fourth session in a yesterday lifted by the prospect that top exporter Saudi Arabia will push OPEC and maybe Russia to cut supply towards the end of this year. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, led by Saudi Arabia, is pushing for the group and its partners to reduce output by 1 million to 1.4 million barrels per day to prevent a build-up of unused fuel. Despite yesterday's gains, Brent is almost 25 percent below early October's 2018 peak of eighty-six dollars, as evidence of slowing demand has materialised and output from the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia hit historic highs. • Lukman Otunuga, Research Analyst at FXT • Chris Bredenhann Price water house Coopers Africa Oil & Gas Advisory Leader
The African Union 20th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council was concluded this past weekend in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where there were calls for strengthened commitment in pursuing the African Union institutional reform process. AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat officially opened the Executive Committee and called on the need for member states to embrace the reforms as they would enhance the operations of the African Union Commission. Mr. Mahamat further expressed disappointment at the low levels of implementation of treaties that are ratified by member states. He said it was unfortunate that some countries were not domesticating some of the treaties that they were signatory too.He has since called on Member States to speak with one voice when they speak on international fora about issues affecting Africa.
We are joined in studio by:
• Corletta Wanjohi Channel Africa Correspondent
• Emeritus Prof Shadrack Gutto Political Analyst UNISA
Ethiopia's parliament has approved senior diplomat Sahle-Work Zewde as the country's first female president. Ethiopia's decision to appoint Sahle-Work Zewde as the country's first female president was largely welcomed by the continent and across the globe. This appointment makes her the only serving female president in Africa. Although the president's post is a ceremonial one in Ethiopia, the prime minister is the one who is the head of state, holds executive power. We are joined in studio by: • Corletta Wanjohi Channel Africa Correspondent. • Omer Redi Political Analyst.
European Union observer mission overseeing Madagascar’s elections said on Monday this week that ex-president Andry Rajoelina had bribed two local officials with a total of five thousand US dollars. Rajoelina has rejected these allegations by EU observers in a report which outlined that the observer mission had "noted candidates committed breaches" ahead of the November 7 poll. According to preliminary the time of these reports, Rajoelina was leading the election race ahead of rival Marc Ravalomanana, also a former president. We are now joined by: • Frank Lekaba, researcher at the Africa Institute of South Africa unit of the Human Sciences Research Council. • Prof. Dirk Kotzé is a Professor in Political Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Furthermore, he was involved in the official training programme in South Africa for the Government of South Sudan and with the mediation process in Madagascar. • Liesl Louw-Vaudran, the senior research Consultant at the Institute for Security Studies.
The conversation around whether or not South African Airways (SAA) should be sold or not has sparked debate in some circles, with some aviation experts and economists warning that the selling of state owned entities could force South Africa to pay up to R466 billion in guarantees should its state companies not be able to meet their debt responsibilities. With utterances by South Africa’s Finance Minster suggesting that SAA should be sold, President Cyril Ramaphosa has since poured cold water on those sentiments saying that selling SAA was not an option and that the airline was pivotal in developing the country’s economy. We are joined in studio by: • Prof Jannie Rossouw is the Head of the School of Economic and Business Sciences and Wits University. • Guy Leitch is the Editor of SA Flyer/ FlightCom . • Joachim Vermooten is an Independent Aviation Consultant and a researcher at the University of Johannesburg.
Each year the AWIEF Awards recognize, honour and celebrate Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa and across industry sectors, for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. AWIEF salutes these women for their passion and determination in making a difference in their countries and on the continent. The AWIEF Awards cover emerging and established entrepreneurship in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Pioneers or not, AWIEF Awards candidates are women who have demonstrated outstanding vision and inspiration, and have overcome challenges to make a significant social impact and/or become successful in their businesses along AWIEF’s core areas of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and socio-economic development. To tell us more we have : Josh Ghaim – Chief Technical Officer at Johnson and Johnson Family of Consumer Company. Barbara Makhubedu – Chief Financial Officer for Shell Downstream South Africa Dr Ameenah Guris-Fakim – 6th President of Mauritius
Last month Stats SA released the Labour Force Survey for the third quarter showing that unemployment increased by 0.3% to 27.5%. This means that 6.2 million South Africans are jobless compared to 6.1 million people in the prior quarter. The expanded definition of unemployment which includes people, who have stopped looking for work, also rose slightly to 37.3% from 37.2% in the third quarter. More worryingly, Stats says youth unemployment is at a record high of 52.8%.
We are joined by:
• Nkululeko Ndlovu is the organiser of fighting against graduate. unemployment march held yesterday at the union buildings • Statistician-General and Head of Statistics South Africa Mr Risenga Maluleke. • Mamogkethi Molopyane is a labour analyst.
Recently with the customary marriage law court case in which Lerato Sengadi won to be recognised at the hip-hop rapper HHP’s customary wife the issue of traditional marriages was brought to focus. The public discussion in the mainstream and social media became about the legal process which must be observed in a customary marriage or how the process of lobola is incorporated in the legal system. n his judgment, Judge Mokgoatlheng said that HHP and Lerato Sengadi complied with all necessary requirements under the customary law and therefore Sengadi was HHP’s customary wife. Customary law only recognises three requirements: that both must be over the age of 18; Lobola must be agreed upon and that there must be a celebration. We are joined by: • Advocate Sabelo Sibanda, law and human rights expert. • Nomboniso Gasa, senior research associate at the Centre for law and society within faculty of law at the University of Cape Town. • Professor Pitika Ntuli, expert in African indigenous knowledge systems.
In October the United Nations Security Council headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the December elections, amid tensions between Congolese authorities and the UN and concerns over a risk of poll violence. The DRC elections are set to take place on the 23rd of December, president Joseph Kabila has meanwhile vowed to host free and fair elections and that the country will cover the full cost of the elections. We are joined by: • Sylvain Saluseke from the Congolese citizen movement Lucha. • Charles Nyuykonge is a research fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue.
Last year The Gambian government announced that it will set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate abuses committed during ex-President Yahya Jammeh's rule. Recent reports from the country reveal that 11 Commissioners were appointed this year to preside over this commission including the designated Chairperson Mr Lamin J. Sise, and the Deputy Chairperson Ms Adelaide Sosseh. Making the announcement of this TRC last year, the justice ministerm Abubacarr Tambadou said that the finances of Jammeh would be investigated. The minister also encouraged witnesses to come forward and reiterated that victims who may have suffered from Jammeh’s regime would be compensated. The former regime was accused of widespread torture and enforced disappearances during its 22-year rule. We are joined by: •Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project at the Africa Foundations of the Open Society Foundations. •Prof. Leon Wessels, former human rights commissioner. •Charlie Khumalo, executive producer at Channel Africa.
The CRL Rights Commission is a constitutional body established in terms of the South African Constitution of 1996. The Commission was established in order to protect and promote the cultural, religious and linguistic community rights. Its mandate is achievable through both proactive and reactive approach. The CRL Rights Commission is set out to build the nation by providing space for each of the cultural, religious and linguistic communities and to promote unity amongst diverse communities. But does this obligation include the regulation of churches and how can churches be regulated without infringing on people’s right to practice whatever religion they choose to?
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Prof David Mosoma, is the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) /
• Solomon Izang Ashoms - the facilitator of the False Prophets Must Fall march and journalist, (STUDIO GUEST
A trade war is an economic conflict resulting from extreme protectionism in which states raise or create tariffs or other trade barriers against each other in response to trade barriers created by the other party. Increased protection causes both nations' output compositions to move towards their autarky position. China and the United States are locked in an ongoing trade war as each country has introduced tariffs on goods traded with the other. US President Donald Trump had promised in his campaign to fix China's "long-time abuse of the broken international system and unfair practices". Starting in January 2018 the U.S imposed a tariff on solar panel imports, most of which are manufactured in China. So today we look at this as topic of discussion. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Terry Bell Political, economic and labour analyst • Amanda Fitschen Independent Economist
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's investment drive Saw domestic and international business pledge hundreds of billions in investments over the next few years. Ramaphosa announced a combined amount of R290 billion in investments in South Africa. The pledges came as Ramaphosa hosted more than 1 300 local and international business leaders as part of his drive to raise more than $100bn in investments in the next five years. The investment commitments span across sectors such as mining, telecommunications, media and manufacturing. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: •Pieter Laubsher, is a consulting economist at the Bureau of Economic Research •Terry Bell is a political, economic and labour analyst
The national army chief Lt-Gen Lindile Yam has criticised government for budget cuts that have hampered the military's defence capacity at home and its ability to participate in foreign peacekeeping operations. Yam also highlighted that the army wasn’t even able to procure simple things like uniform. Currently the army’s budget is less than 1% of the GDP as opposed to during the apartheid government where it was around 28% of the GDP. In his speech Yam stressed that South Africa was not immune to extremist attacks, pointing to an Islamist insurgency that erupted a year ago in neighbouring Mozambique. Early this year, South Africa’s former finance minister Malusi Gigaba in his budget speech announced the cut of the defence ministry’s budget to R47.9 billion for the 2018/2019 financial year, from R48.9 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Sam Gulube Secretary of Defence Department of Defence
• Prof Thomas Mandrup Associate Professor: Security Institute of Governance & Leadership in Africa Stellenbosch University
• Helmoed Heitman Defence Analyst
As the world marks United Nations Day, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the men and women working for the UN to continue tackling the world’s many challenges despite growing inequalities. Guterres made clear the Organisation’s determination to implement climate action, fight for human rights and the life of peace that everyone deserves to enjoy. United Nations day commemorates the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, with the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.
We are joined by:
• Nardos Bekele-Thomas is the Head of the United Nations in South Africa (in studio)
• Prof Vishwas Satgar, is a professor of International Relations at Wits University
• Faith Mabera, is a senior researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue
The British prime minister Theresa May is facing a backlash from hardline Brexit supporters in her own party, after she told European Union leaders that she would consider extending her country's post-Brexit transition period by another year. Hundreds of thousands of supporters of the European Union marched through London on Saturday in the biggest demonstration so far to demand that the British government holds a second public vote on the terms of Brexit. What has been at contention recently is the trade agreement that the United Kingdom will have with the European Union before it separates itself from the political and economic union.
We are joined by:
• Prof. Gerhard Erasmus, Associate at the Trade Law Centre,
• Asmita Parshotam, dmitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and a researcher in our Economic Diplomacy Programme
• Jameel Ahmad is the Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Market Analyst at FXTM
Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu was a political activist and nurse and one of the most important leaders of anti-Apartheid resistance in South Africa. She acted on her ideal of human rights throughout her life, assisted by her late husband and fellow activist, Walter Sisulu. She attended the first conference of the ANC Youth League where she was the only women present. In 1948 she joined the ANC Women’s League and in the 1950s she began to assume a leadership role – both in the ANC and in the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). She was one of the organizers of the historic anti-pass Women’s March in 1956 and opposed inferior `Bantu’ education. Her home in Orlando West in Soweto was used as a classroom for alternative education until a law was passed against it. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Stella Ndabeni Abrahams Deputy Minister Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services • Elinor Sisulu Author of Albertina Sisulu and Executive Director at phuku.co.za
Proceedings at the Zondo Commission of Enquiry into State Capture have been postponed to November. Deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo’s legal team brought an application to postpone evidence submission former Minister Barbara Hogan, who was expected to testify, as well as Minister Pravin Gordhan. Advocate Thandi Norman told the commission that Hogan’s final statement had been received but those implicated in her affidavit had not been given sufficient time to respond - which is normally a two week window. One of the submissions was done by Nhlanhla Nene who was at the time Minister of Finance, who after the giving his side of things subsequently resigned as Minister. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Sam Sole Co-Managing Director Ama-Bhungane • Karyn Maughan Senior Journalist Tiso Black Star
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) presented a rather startling report at a recent International AIDS Conference that showed around 30 teenagers aged 15 to 19 years were newly infected with HIV per hour in 2017, of these, two-thirds were girls. It further says that the epidemic’s spread among adolescent girls is being fuelled by early sex, including with older males, forced sex, powerlessness in negotiating around sex, poverty and lack of access to confidential counselling and testing services. Now South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world as well as largest treatment programme. So how do we navigate around these contributing factors while trying to reduce the HIV numbers?
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Adrian Puren, is the Acting Executive Director at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases
• Dr Nevilene Slingers is the Executive Manager at the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
• Lebo Ramafoko CEO of the Soul City Institute
A Human Rights Watch 2018 report on Egypt highlights vast human rights violations, malfunctioning governance and the violation of freedom of religion. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi maintained zero tolerance policy towards dissent, introducing repressive legislation that may end independent associations, reinstating a state of emergency and continuing near-absolute impunity for abuses by security forces under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Let’s now look at the latest in Egypt, and how despite this negative coverage their economy is doing very well.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Ibrahim Dean Senior Researcher Afro- Middle East Centre
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa Mangiza Lecturer: Political Studies University of Western Cape
When the Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015, almost all nations agreed to come together to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius but, ideally, to keep it below one-point-five degrees. Last week Monday the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) released an exhaustively researched report on the effects of a 1.5° and 2° Celsius increase in global temperatures. The report warns that we have only twelve years to make global energy infrastructure changes. To help us make sense of the report, we have:
• Glen Tyler, SA Team Leader for 350.org (Global Grassroots Climate Movement)
• Dr Jim Taylor is an Associate of (Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa)
• Apollos Nwafor, Oxfam Pan Africa Director (Nairobi Kenya)
INTRO: South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Corporation, Lindiwe Sisulu hosted a workshop on the review of South Africa’s foreign policy last week. The purpose of the workshop was to engage non-government stakeholders as part of a broader and phased consultation effort in the process of reviewing South Africa’s foreign policy. Earlier this year, a review panel to steer a new direction for the country’s foreign policy, was appointed by Minister Sisulu who has made it clear that she wants to overhaul South Africa’s foreign policy position in the continent. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Mr Aziz Pahad, is the Chairperson of the Ministerial Review Panel in the Department of International Relations and Corporation (DICRO) • Kwezi Mngqibisa is the General Manager of Operations at the Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD)
As the world today commemorates World Mental Health Day, the theme of this year’s celebration is “Young people and mental health in a changing world”. Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times while to others it’s a very stressful time full of uncertainty and anxiety. In recent times many young people are finding themselves living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics, which in turn them particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Moipone Tlapu Mental Health Expert The Stress Doctor
• Dr Jan Chabalala Chairperson South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
• Hein Hofmeyer Phycologist AKESO Clinic
• Dr Sebolelo Seape Chairperson Psychiatry Management Group
Zimbabwe's finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, has warned Zimbabweans to expect pain during the reform process aimed at setting the country on the path to economic recovery. The recovery plan launched by Professor Ncube on Friday includes proposals to slash government spending, cut government job and increase taxes. The government of Zimbabwe has launched a Transitional Stabilisation Programme, as Zimbabweans are battling with sharp price increases, shortage of goods owing to panic and low confidence. The TSP is an economic reform programme aimed at re-aligning price distortions in line with the country's Vision 2030.
To help us unpack what is really happening economically in Zimbabwe, we are now on the line joined by:
• Dr Webster Zambara, Senior Project Leader, for peace building initiatives, at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
• Lovemore Kadenge, president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government has signed a framework agreement which is expected to create 275 000 jobs annually, he said this would provide an opportunity to "develop trust and forge cooperation". Speaking at the national jobs summit held last week Ramaphosa said a lot needed to be done to lift the economy which saw a recession in the second quarter. Furthermore, the financial sector has committed one-hundred billion rand over the next five years to support black businesses. The summit, collaboration between business, labour and government, aims to find ways to address the country's high unemployment rate. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Amanda Fitchen is an economist at Amandla Consulting • Mamokgethi Molopyane is a labour analyst
According to reports concerns are rising in Zambia that they could be facing colonisation by the Chinese which the Zambian government has denied. The Chinese Government has invested heavily in Zambia through its State owned companies like Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Sino Hydro Corporation, China Henan Cooperation and others but these companies do not form Joint Ventures with Zambian companies. Some critics believe that the ideal situation is that Zambia as a host country is supposed to benefit through gaining access to skills transfer; creation of quality employment and more.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Shingai Mutizwa-Mangiza, from the Political Sciences Department at the University of the Western Cape
• Dr Samson Lembani is the Programme Cordinator for Malawi/Zimbabwe: One World-No Hunger (EWoH2) Programme for Subsaharan Africa Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Last week, South Africa released their revised version of the Mining charter, which seeks to clarify further targets of ownership; stating that 20% of the 30% BEE targets must go to BEE entrepreneurs, instead of the previous version of the charter which made provision for 14%. According to the mining charter it has also introduced a minimum of 5% non-transferable carried interest to host communities, or a minimum 5% equity equivalent benefit. The Charter further outlines requirements for Junior Miners – i.e. a mining right holder with a single or multiple mining rights, having a combined annual turnover of less than R150m. To assist us on this we are joined by: •Thembinkosi Dlamini, Senior Extractives Lead at Oxfam South Africa •Brown Motsau, deputy chair of the alternative Mining Indaba’s steering committee. •Ms Sibongile Malie, Mineral Resource Departmnt’s Director of Mineral Policy Development and a member of the mining charter drafting team.
Nigeria gained its Independence from the British on 1 October 1960. Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, assured that Nigeria will be great again and that the season for Nigeria’s promotion and progress has come. Osibanjo was quoted as saying that the 58th year of Nigeria’s independence will mark a great new beginning of peace, prosperity and abundance.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• His Excellency Godwin Adama, is the Consul General Nigeria
• Dr Ola Bello, is the Executive Director at Good Governance Africa (GGA) in Lagos, Nigeria
It has been reported that at least 80 inmates have escaped after gunmen stormed a prison in the Northwest of Cameroon. This comes as tensions have heightened in the country as English speaking separatists have been battling for forge an independent state in country, called Ambazonia. The conflict between the separatists and Cameroon’s military intensifies before the scheduled October 7, which will see the current President Paul Biya running for president once again, since being in power since November 1982. To assist us on this we are joined by: Samira Daoud, Amnest International Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa
The past few weeks has seen videos going viral on social media of learners perpetrating violence in school against their teachers or fellow classmates. In September alone, a North West high school pupil stabbed and killed his teacher for allegedly refusing him a plate of food and in a separate incident four pupils manhandled a teacher in a Soweto school. Today we ask the question why we are seeing the rise of violence in our schools. Is it poor security? Is it upbringing and background – what is causing our schools to become more and more unsafe? To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Dr Siphiwe Mthiyane is a senior lecturer at the Wits School Education. • Prof Nuraan Davids is an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education and the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University Troy Martens is the spokesperson and Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of Basic Education. •Troy Martens is the spokesperson and media liaison Officer for the Minster of Basic Education. •Basil Manuel is the Executive Director at the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation, NAPTOSA
South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology in partnership with the North West University are currently hosting the Indigenous Knowledge Conference in Pretoria, South Africa. The theme for the 2018 International Conference is explores "Protecting Indigenous Knowledge towards Socio-economic Development”. This theme emphasises the pivotal role that protecting indigenous knowledge (IK) from exploitation can play in creating a prosperous socio-economic environment for indigenous communities, rooted in the rich cultural heritage that IK encompasses. This protection will ensure that the socio-economic benefits arising from utilising indigenous knowledge as a communal resource will flow back into the local communities who are the generators and custodians of this knowledge. To help us unpack some of the topics of discussion, we have :
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South African Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane
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Dr Yonah Seleti, Chief Director at the The Department of Science and Technology (DST), South Africa
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Prof. Philip Iya, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre at North West University
Heritage Day is one of the newly created South African public holidays. It is a day in which all are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa. The question of National or Cultural heritage is, however, not without its complications. In a country of eleven different official languages and a turbulent recent political past, one is obliged to ask, for instance, whose heritage it is that South Africans are being called to celebrate. Another point of contention is that in a former settler colony such as South Africa, one person's heritage is another person's trauma.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Mathole Motshekga Founder: KARA Heritage Institute Member of Parliament of South Africa
• Mr Mkhulu Msingisa CEO Zindzi Mandela Foundation
• Ms Jane Mufamadi CEO Freedom Park
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has decriminalised the private consumption and use of cannabis for adults. This landmark decision by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo this week means that it will no longer be a criminal offence for an adult to be in possession of cannabis in private use. However many have been questioning how this judgement will affect substance abuse policies in the workplace and how this will impact the use of illegal drug. Parliament will now have to consider this court decision and consider introducing a new bill to put into effect this court decision.
To assist us on this we are joined:
• Mr John Smith, counsellor in rehabilitation of drugs and substance abuse at Changes Treatment Centre
• Sister Kerry from the House of Judah Rastafarian Community
• Unathi Sonwabile Henama, lecturer at the department of tourism management from the Tshwane University of Technology
Last week South Africa’s latest crime statistics were released in the country, showing that the countries murder rate has increased by 6.9%. In the last year the number haS increased to over twenty-thousand people who have been murdered; meaning that an average of fifty-seven people were killed in the country every day. The statistics which only look at a period of 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018, recorded the trends in violent crimes in the country such as armed robbery, car-hijacking, armed robbery, taxi related crimes and mob justice murders. One of the initial consequences of the crime statistics by the South African Police Service was the US Department of State issuing a travel advisory to its citizens travelling to South Africa.
To assist us on this topic we are joined by:
• Dr Andrew Faull, independent criminologist and Consultant at the Institute for Security Studies
• Dr Chris de Kock In dependent Crime Analyst at Cime Facts, SOUTH Africa
• Vannessa Padayachee operations and advocacy and lobbying manager at NICRO
There is rise of what is dubbed “the people’s president” which is usually held by the main opposition leader in some countries, mainly after a lost election. After losing an election Raila Odinga of the republic of Kenya, declared himself the people’s president, thus making the term or deed popular. Meanwhile Kizza Besigye of Uganda did the same and declared himself the peoples president. On the other hand speculation has it; Nelson Chamisa of Zimababwe is considering embarking on the same route after he lost elections against Emmerson Mnagagwa. So today we look at the rise of this practice and what it means for opposition politics in the continent?
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Prof David Moore Department of Development Studies University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• Dr Jessie Kabwila Member of Parliament (Opposition) & Chair: Women Caucus Malawi Parliament
• Jesse Majome Constitutional Lawyer Former Member of the Zimbabwe Parliament and Member of the Opposition MDC party
According to the United Nations the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals. An article in the Daily Nation says that the state of democracy in Africa is one of the most controversial and difficult questions facing the continent today. The article continues to ask the questions whether Africa is getting more or less democratic. Why have so many countries become stuck in a murky middle ground between democracy and authoritarianism? How can we design democracy so that it better fits African realities?
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Check Achu who is a Senior Research Specialist at the Africa Institute of South Africa – a unit of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
• Ebrahim Fakir is the Director of Programmes at the Auwal Socio-economic Research Institute (ASRI) and a part time lecturer at the Wits School of Governance
International social media has been buzzing this week over the controversial cartoon by an Australian cartoonist depicting US tennis star Serena Williams having a temper tantrum at the US Open. Many are saying that the depiction is racist and physically misrepresents the tennis player. Meanwhile, in South Africa there has been a lot of a backlash against artist Ayanda Mabulu latest artwork which shows Nelson Mandela raising his hands in a Nazi salute juxtaposed in front of a Nazi flag. These two pieces of work have stirred a conversation around how far can you actually take satire, with some insisting that there should be limitations applied to the genre. “Should Satire have Limitations?” To assist us on answering this question we are joined by: • Nonhlanhla Mahlangu, manager at Arts Eye Gallery • Jonathan Shapiro, also known as Zapiro,Cartoonist
According to UN-Habitat Africa’s urbanization is at the rate of 4% each year, with population shifts from rural to urban areas posing a challenge to many African governments. With challenges such as overcrowding, crime and population, African governments have to start re-thinking how to create sustainable cities which adapt to the population dynamics. Governments also have to create infrastructural development which deals with the commercial and social needs of the urban environment.
To assist us on this topic we are joined by:
• Sithole Mbanga, CEO of South Africa Cities Network
• Donald Mpholo, town planner/private consultant
• Vuyiswa Letsoko, lecturer at the University of Johannesburg at the department of town and regional planning
Critics have warned that the Chinese’s involvement on the continent should be carefully scrutinised. According to financial experts Chinese investment in Africa could be accelerating debt on the continent and creating economies which are “entirely dependent on China”. As China takes steps to becoming the biggest investors in Africa, so is their language spreading fast. Mandarin has been introduced in some African counties as well as included in the curriculum of some schools. Could there be a worrying imbalance that is starting to form here? Is language the new form of colonisation? And should Africa be weary of its relationship with China so they ensure that its long term impact is not detrimental.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Andries Opperman Lecturer: Economics and Mandarin Akademie Reformatoriese Opledeing en Studies (AROS)
• Dr Mantoa Motinyane is a Linguistic and Child Specialist at the University of Cape Town
South African Parliament’s Constitutional Review Committee has concluded its oral submissions on Land Expropriation without Compensation. Various stakeholders including banks and trade union federations, farmer’s organisation and many others made submissions before MPs. Co-chair of the constitutional review committee Lewis Nzimande says provisional data from the provincial public hearing indicated that citizens are urging for an amendment to the Constitution.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Elmien du Plessis Associate Professor in Law North West University
• Prof Ruth Hall Senior Researcher PLAAS (Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies)
• Adv Dumisa Ntsebeza Board Member Foundation for Human Rights
South Africa has plunged into a recession with the country's real gross domestic product decreasing by 0.7% in the second quarter of the year. This is despite expectations from many economists that the country would narrowly miss a recession. Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa says impediments to the country’s economic growth are due to transitional issues and will be resolved. When Ramaphosa took over as president in February this year, the rand strengthened and business confidence was up. But the last few months have been rocky, with government increasing value added tax while fuel prices continue to rise.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Amanda Fitchen Lecturer Department of Economics UNISA
• Temba Nolutshungu Director Free Market Foundation
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded its third summit meeting in Beijing on yesterday, where a vast majority of Africa’s 55 countries sent their top leaders to join Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in strengthening relations between China and Africa. A declaration and an action plan were adopted. The Beijing Declaration – “Toward an Even Stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future” and the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2019-2021) were adopted at the two-phase roundtable meeting. This meeting was chaired respectively by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who is co-chair of the forum.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Lumkile Mondi Political Economist
• Cobus Van Staden Senior Resercher: Foreign Policy Programme South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
• Andries Opperman Lecturer: Economics and Mandarin Akademie Reformatoriese Opledeing en Studies (AROS)
Four people died last week in South Africa’s biggest township Soweto, after residents went on a looting spree of about two-hundred foreign owned shops claiming that they were selling rotten goods to the communities. Pictures went viral on social media showing the violence that was unfolding and soon it had spread to other parts of the country. Twenty-seven people have been arrested for public violence. Some leaders believe that this is a symptom of far deeper issues affecting community that need to be addressed such as unemployment and poverty.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Prof Sheila Meintjies from the Department of Political studies and School of Social Sciences
• Gerbrandt van Heerden is a researcher from the Centre for Risk Analysis
• Gushwell Brooks is the Spokesperson of the South African Human Rights Commission
Critics say the announcement by the Mozambique government to introduce hefty license fees for local and foreign journalists is an attempt to discourage reporting from the country. Local correspondents will be expected to pay two-thousand five –hundred dollars per trip for media accreditation while foreign correspondents living in Mozambique will be charged eight-thousand – three-hundred dollars per year. Mozambique’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has warned that the imposition of licensing fees on the country’s mass media must not compromise the fundamental right of the public to information.
To help us unpack this discussion, we are joined by:
• Prof Franz Kruger, is the Director at the Wits Radio Academy at the University of Witwatersrand
• Jovial Rantau Chairman of the Africa Editors Forum
• Zenaida Machado is the Angola and Mozambique researcher in the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch
A journal reported that a number of young South Africans who are suffering from obesity has doubled six years while it has only taken 13 years for the United States. In the beginning of this year the International Journal of Epidemiology highlighted that there was a greater increase of obesity in low-and-middle-income countries due to socio-economic and demographic changes that has now triggered rapid changes in nutrition. Meanwhile in general, there are various health challenges on the continent, as the World Health Organisation says that while overweight rates in children might still be low, the proportion and numbers are increasing in all age groups. Among adults for example, overweight, including obesity, affects about one in three women, with rates of over 40 percent in Gabon, Ghana and Lesotho.
To assist us on this story we are joined on the line by:
• Professor Xikombiso Mbhenyane, professor and head of division in Nutrition at the Faculty of the Medicine and Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University
• Dr Florence Malongane, lecturer and a registered nutritionist from the Department of Life and Consumer Sciences at the University of South Africa
• Dr Francesco Branca, World Health Organisation’s Director of the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development
Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki says the National Leaders Forum that took place in Lesotho is a confidence building measure which marks the beginning of a long and fruitful journey. Moleleki was speaking at the two-day forum held in Maseru. He further expressed confidence that at the meeting the participants were able to address issues that may impede progress towards the envisaged National Reforms, was a success. The SADC team was headed by Justice Dikgang Moseneke who praised the forum for having made a critical milestone in forging political consensus towards reaching a peaceful Lesotho which will be fruitful to every Mosotho. He encouraged the nation to remain in search for peace, stability and development. To help us unpack the problems in the war stricken country, we are joined by: 1. Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer: Governance & Political Transformation Department of Politics University of Free State 2. Dr Hoolo Nyane Associate professor and head of public and environmental law at the University of Limpopo’s Department of Law 3. Moahlodi Mphaka Government Secretary Kingdom of Lesotho
Yesterday Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court heard opposition party’s challenge the results of the recent presidential elections in the country which saw the victory of Zanu-PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa. The country’s capital city, Harare, was heavily securitized with police barricading the streets. After arguments from the opposition claiming ‘gross mathematical errors’ in the counting of ballots the chief justice of the court announced that the ruling would be made public tomorrow at 14:00 Central African Time. Last month, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declared Mnangagwa narrowly won with 50.8% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. It said Chamisa received 44.3%.
To assist us on this story we are joined on the line by:
• Derrick Martyszak, analyst and researcher at the Institute of Security Studies joining us from Harare, Zimbabwe
• Prof Kealeboga Maphunye, department of political sciences at University of South Africa
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced free treatment against the new Ebola virus for the next three months. The Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has claimed 55 lives since the start of the month. This is the 10th outbreak to strike the DRC since 1976, when Ebola was first identified. Ebola has long been considered incurable, though isolation and the rapid treatment of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration has helped some patients to survive. The quest for a vaccine grew increasingly urgent during an Ebola epidemic that killed more than 11 000 people in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2013 to 2015.
To help us unpack this discussion, we are joined by:
• Tarik Jašarević Spokesperson / Media Relations/ World Health Organisation. Mobile
• Florent Del Pinto is Head of Emergency Operations for Ebola at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The Ghanaian born, former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan passed away this past weekend, following a short illness at the age of 80. The diplomat and former Nobel Peace Laureate died in Switzerland on Saturday. He was a member of The Elders, a group started by former president, Nelson Mandela. His family is still to finalise funeral arrangements.
To look at the life and times of Kofi Annan: • Sebastian Brack, senior political officer at the Koffi Annan Foundation • Prof Tim Murithi, head of the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture begins today where some key witnesses are expected to testify. The inquiry is currently underway in Parktown, Johannesburg where Ndleleni Willie Mathebula, a seasoned treasury staffer of 15 years, former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, former ANC MP and parliamentary caucus chairperson Mabel Petronella Mentor, former Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) director of communications Themba Maseko and government communications Deputy Director-General Phumla Williams are expected to be called to testify.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Steefaans Brummer Co-Founder Amabhungane
• Karyn Maughan Independent Analyst
• Dr Somadoda Fikeni Political Analyst
• Lawson Naidoo – Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution
Forty-four people in total were killed on the 16th of August 2012 at Lonmin’s Marikana operations in what has now been known as the ‘Marikana Massacre’. The Farlam report which was released by government in June 2015 rejected the police’s explanation for the deaths but as yet, no full account has been provided of what actually happened at the second scene. However, according to a new Marikana report released by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) striking mine workers did not attack police at “the small koppie”, despite police testimony of protesters having shot at them.
To help us unpack this discussion, we are joined by:
• Khuselwa Dyantyi is a Candidate Attorney at the Socio Economic Rights Institute (SERI) in studio
• Patrick Craven is the Spokesperson of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU)– telephonic
• David Bruce is an Independent Researcher on Marikana –In Studio
Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum, argues that the most important challenge facing humanity today is how to understand and shape the new technology revolution. According to Schwab, the fourth industrial revolution captures the idea of new technologies and its impact on the world. He says, like any revolution there will be opportunities and risks such as potential job losses and rising inequalities. But, the question then becomes why is it important for policymakers and everyone to understand how to deal with the changes that will come with the fourth Industrial Revolution?
To help us unpack this discussion, we are joined by:
• Martin Sanne is the Executive Director at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in studio
• Paul Clark is the Africa specialist at Ashburton Investments, in studio
• Godwin Khosa is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT)
United States President - Donald Trump - has warned countries doing business with Iran that they will be barred from doing business with the USA. The early morning tweet affirmed Washington's unilateral decision to re-impose sanctions that went into effect at midnight despite the objections of US allies, particularly the European Union. The first of two tranches of sanctions snapped back Tuesday, after the Trump administration's decision to walk away from the multilateral agreement that placed limits on Iran's nuclear programme in return for reducing trade barriers with the Islamic Republic. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports. • Jameel Ahmad, Global Head of Currency Strategy & Market Research at FXTM • Ebrahim Deen is a researcher at the Afro-Middle East Centre,
Congress of the People (COPE) MP Deidre Carter is planning to introduce a bill to parliament that will explicitly allow for living wills to be recognised and allow for terminally ill patients to refuse medical treatment that could prolong their lives. Addressing a media briefing DignitySA's Prof Willem Landman says the bill was about 20 years overdue‚ since the Law Commission's 1999 report recommended advance healthcare directives that enable competent people to express their preferences and give instructions about such possible future situations through a living will or a durable power of attorney for healthcare.
To help us unpack this, we are joined by:
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Ms Diedre Carter Deputy General Secretary Congress of the People (COPE)
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Prof Willem Landman Executive Committee Member Dignity SA
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Prof Sam Mokgokong Neurosurgeon
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Mrs Cheryllyn Dudley Member of Parliament of RSA African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)
Former Democratic Republic of Congo Vice President Jean Pierre Bemba, whose war crimes convictions were overturned in June returned to his home country to take part in the upcoming presidential election. Bemba returned weeks after the International Criminal Court (ICC) overturned his war crimes convictions to submit his credentials to the electoral commission. He had been in custody in The Hague for 10 years and was convicted in 2016. The deadline to file applications for the much-delayed presidential election is today. Exiled opposition leader Moise Katumbi who is another prominent opposition leader also announced his return to participate in the political process after fleeing the country two years ago.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Professor William Gumede who is the Executive Chairperson at Democracy Works Foundation and an Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance • Kambale Musavuli is the Spokesperson for human rights advocacy organisation Friends of the Congo
Zimbabwe has spoken and has renewed its mandate to its ZanuPF President Emmerson Mnagagwa who won the election by 50.8% of the vote against his close contender Nelson Chamisa of the MDC who only got 44.3 of the vote. The opposition has been crying foul after the election results were announced saying there were some irregularities during the vote counting. While Election Day was peaceful, protests rocked the capital Harare over the delay in announcing the poll results and six people were killed in an army crackdown against protesters.
To help us unpack the problems in the war stricken country, we are joined by:
1.Dr Ibbo Mandaza Political Analyst
- Dr Shingai Mutizwa-Mangiza Lecturer Political Studies University of Western Cape
3.Acie Lumumba Political Consultant and Strategist
The South African government this year implemented its first phase of teaching African languages to all Grade 1 pupils in public schools. This, as the government wants to begin a gradual phasing in period starting with Grade 1s with the ultimate plan being for all grades to be taught African languages by 2029. As this may be the case, concerns have been raised on the slow development of African languages in the public and private domain; including in higher education. Experts say Sub Saharan Africa cannot effectively preserve and promote the cultures and histories of its people if it does not pay attention to the development of its indigenous languages. Furthermore doubts that African languages are fully developed and empowered enough to be able to operate in public and official domains effectively.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Angie Netshiheni is the Acting CEO of the Pan South African Language Board (in studio)
• Professor Monwabisi Ralarala is the Chairperson of the African Language Association of Southern Africa
• Naledi Mbude is the Director for Language Policy and Planning in the Eastern Cape in the Department of Education
The South African Development Community, also known as SADC, has gathered this week with the private sector in Winhoek, Namibia, aiming to create new opportunities for intra-trade and investment in the region. Utilising the theme “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”, this gathering includes delegates comprising of government stakeholders, business representatives and academics. The 2018 SADC Industrialisation Week is being hosted with the support of the NEPAD Business Foundation, the Southern Africa Business Forum (SABF), the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa and the Department of International Relations and Corporation (DIRCO) and is being supported by the Barclays Africa Group and the European Union.
Joining us telephonically on the line we have:
• Tapiwa Samanga, Director of Industrial Development and Trade at SADC Secretariat
• Calicious Tutalife is the Senior Programmes Officer of Value Chains at the SADC Secretariat
Heads of states from all parts of the world descended on Johannesburg South Africa last week to witness the 10th annual BRICS Summit. New measures to strengthen cooperation on innovation and industrialisation were taken at the end of the summit. The Chinese president Xi Jinping, noted in this speech that efforts should be made to fully unlock economic potential and resolute in rejecting unilateralism and protectionism. A consensus was reached that BRICS is not just about the five countries, it is about creating a partnership with the rest of the world, especially developing countries.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Ian Cruickshanks is the Chief Economist at the South African Institute for Race Relations
• Victor Kgomoeswana is the author of Africa is Open to Business and a public speaker on African business affairs
• Jennifer Wells is an intern at Amnesty International South Africa focussing on Justice and Accountability
Scores of Zimbabweans are in long queues in order to cast their vote in the first election without the ousted authoritarian leader Robert Mugabe running for the presidential office. Election observers are in the country to monitor a process that some opposition parties have claimed is biased against them despite electoral commission assurances that it will be credible. A record of more than 20 presidential candidates and nearly 130 political parties are participating in this year’s historical election. Channel Africa presenter spoke to political analysts Dr William Mpofu, Dr Ibbo Mandaza and Channel Africa Zimbabwe correspondent Simon Muchemwa.
The priorities and themes of the 10th BRICS Summit, ranging from peacekeeping to collaboration around the 4th Industrial Revolution, were all touched on when the leaders of the 5 emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - spoke in Sandton, Johannesburg yesterday. Each gave a short address, after which they left to attend to the signing of memorandums. In his closing remarks, South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa said following a proposal by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, they have decided to deepen a 'people to people' component in BRICS.. In this special episode of Gateway Benjamin Moshatama discusses the outcomes of the summit with Sanusha Naidu Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Global Dialogue, and Nozipho Mbanjwa CEO of the organisation The Talent and one of the facilitators at the Summit:
Johannesburg, South Africa’s Business Hub is hosting a vast range of BRICS leaders for the coming three days at the 10th BRICS Summit. Heads of states from Brazil, Russia, India and China and African states such as Zambia, Egypt and Rwanda are expected to attend the meeting. Meanwhile economists say the summit will be an opportunity for South Africa to establish its agenda in BRICS as well as how it can shape the blocs focus to include a more African approach. To help us unpack the problems in the war stricken country, we are joined by: 1. Mthandazo Ndlovu Hlala Programme Manager: Governance, Democracy & Strategic Alliance OXFAM 2. Gosiame Choabi Steering Committee Member The Civil BRICS Forum 3. Folo Alona Congolese BRICS Critic
2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. This provides an opportunity for people around the world to reflect on his life and times and to promote his legacy. The Mandela Day campaign was introduced in 2009 as a tool for the world to honour him by interpreting his legacy in the contexts of working to meet the needs of local communities. In 2018 the Nelson Mandela Foundation will seek to create appropriate platforms for such engagement. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Albie Sachs is a human rights activist and former Constitutional Court judge • Verne Harris is the Director of Archive and Dialogue at the Nelson Mandela Foundation
The latest in South Sudan: the United Nations Security Council have placed an arms embargo on South Sudan in an effort to reduce the impact of the infighting on civilians. This comes after years of deliberations by the UN-Security Council about the volatile country. The genesis of the war emanates from the accusations by President Salva Kiir that his deputy Riek Machar was plotting a coup, these claiming thousands of lives. To help us unpack the problems in the war stricken country, we are joined by: 1. Dr William Mpofu Political Analyst 2. Dr Ibbo Mandaza Political Analyst 3. Simon Muchemwa Channel Africa Correspondent: Zimbabwe 4. Mr Utoile Salaigwana Chief Electoral Officer Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
The aim of the event is to provide a platform for stakeholders to dialogue, while also aiming to serve as a catalyst for the emergence of coalitions to mobilise for actions. Over 600 innovation submissions were received from 44 African countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, Gambia, Egypt, Lesotho to name a few with the majority being submitted from Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania. The focus was on innovators who are tackling the challenges in Water and Sanitation, Food Security, and Agriculture, Healthcare, Governance and Energy. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Tracey Webster is the CEO of Enterprise Room (partner of the Africa Innovation Summit or AIS). • Clement Mokoenene is one of the AIS innovators for 2018 from South Africa. • Dr Olugbenga Adesida is the Director of the AIS based in Rwanda.
South Africa is a hive of activity as celebrations get underway to marks the centenary of the country's former president, Nelson Mandela. Mandela's politics were shaped within the oldest liberation movement, the African National Congress. South Africans are being encouraged to do a good deed for at least 67 minutes today or contribute financially to a good cause in honour of former President Nelson Mandela. Birthday wishes are already pouring in on social media as the world remembers Madiba's legacy of goodwill and kindness. Mandela would have turned 100-years- today. Channel Africa is playing its part to do 67 minutes of sweeping the streets of Johannesburg clean. African Dialogue is there and to help us expand on Mandela Day we have
Herman Moshaba – Executive Mayor of Johannesburg
Ntombi Khumalo – Johannesburg MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services -
Sigi Olonada – Member of City of Johannesburg’s Migrant Help Desk
The United Nations Security Council has imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan through a U.S.-drafted resolution that expresses deep concern at the failures of the country's leaders to bring an end to hostilities there. An earlier resolution adopted in May threatened an arms embargo and target sanctions if the UN reported by June 30th that fighting had not ended. In a letter to the Council on June 29th, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that there had been credible reports of fighting and continued serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
To help us unpack the problems in the war stricken country, we are joined by: • John Hursh is Associate Director of Research at the Stockton Center for the Study of International Law and Senior Managing Editor of International Law Studies.
• Dr Martin Rupiya Executive DirectorThe African Public Policy & Research Institute
• Dr Joan Nyanyuki International Director: East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes. Amnesty International
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has managed to secure 20 billion US dollars’ worth of new investment for the country from the Middle East and got a further commitment of 10 billion US dollars for investment in the energy sector from Saudi Arabia. Ramaphosa was on a three nation tour last week; he visited Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The countries have committed to strengthening bilateral relations across fields such as trade, mining and tourism.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Chris Vandome is a Research Associate for the Africa Programme at Chatham House
• Liesl Louw-Vaudran is a consultant on Nigeria for the Institute for Security Studies
• Ebrahim Deen is a Senior Researcher at the Afro-Middle East Centre
In a few days, South Africa and the world will commemorate the 100 years since the birth of international icon Nelson Mandela. South Africa holds many historical sites that reflect it’s dark yet rich history, Channel Africa visited Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia – a chapter of our history that would soon lead to the world casting its eyes on the apartheid struggle. To help us look at the history of Lilliesleaf we have : • George Bizos, who represented Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela in both Treason and Rivonia Trial. He appeared in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission representing families of killed heroes of South Africa's liberation struggle.
• Sir Nicholas Wolpe, CEO of Liliesleaf and the son of Harold Wolpe, who was arrested soon after the police raid on Liliesleaf.
In a democratic society, the observance of chieftaincy faces many problems in which one of the key issues relates to chieftaincy operating on principles that aren’t aligned to democratic ideas and values. A chief is not elected into office by popular vote, but through lineage, and is thus in office for life. The system is largely patriarchal and has most of the time excluded women from the office, and supports customary laws that are oppressive to women. In such a system there is a lack of representation and downward accountability. Now recently in South Africa there have been tensions between the government and Zulu King Zwelithini Zulu regarding the land debate. We further saw President Cyril Ramaphosa saying the government plans not to take land belonging to the zulu kingdom. So today we ask just how powerful kings and queens in a democracy like South Africa’s are.
To help us answer those questions we are joined by:
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Adv Sabelo Sibanda Founder The School of African Awareness & Ama-Africa Aqotho
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Zolani Mkiva Secretary General CONTRALESA
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Prince Hlabezulu Khumalo
Hundreds of workers on Norwegian offshore oil and gas rigs went on strike today after rejecting a proposed wage deal, leading to the shutdown of one Shell-operated oilfield and helping to send Brent crude prices higher. Shortly after a midnight deadline passed, a state-appointed mediator said talks between two trade unions were taking place. US oil prices today have risen due to a concern over potential short supply, however the US president Donald Trump threatened to reduce oil exports from the world’s biggest producer, Iran, due to the fact they resist other big producers to pump more oil. In response to this, Saudi Arabia's King Salman has agreed to Trump’s request to increase oil output "maybe up to" two million barrels.
To look at how the oil price works internationally and how it affects me and you we are joined by:
• Lukman Otunuga, Research Analyst at FXT
• Dawie Roodt, chief economist at Efficient Group,
• Layton Beard, spokesperson of Automobile Association,
Some European Union countries have promised to take in migrants rescued from the Mediterranean Sea to alleviate the burden on Italy and Greece, but the details remained unclear. According to media reports, in an effort to avoid a chaotic situation, leaders agreed there should be “a shared effort”, but “only on a voluntary basis”. Countries will take in rescued migrants and establish processing centres to assess asylum claims on their soil. EU leaders called for migrant processing centres in North African countries such as Algeria, Egypt and Libya.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Mienke Steytler (in studio) The Media and Digital Content Officer at Amnesty International South Africa
• Leon Isaacson is the managing director for Global Migration South Africa
5 African soccer team teams made it to the World Cup and all of them have been eliminated just days before the quarter finals. Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Egypt will watch the remainder of the game at home. It’s safe to say it was not an easy competition for the teams. According to reports only three African teams have made it to the World Cup quarter finals; Cameroon in 1990 in Italy, Senegal in 2002 during their World Cup debut in South Korea and Japan, and Ghana in 2010 in South Africa. But, why is that the continent’s soccer development is not reaching that of world class as yet? Is it almost expected that they will never win the World Cup and what can be done to improve their skills etc? To help us answer those questions we are joined by: • Tiyani waka Mabasa, Sports analyst • Duane Dell'Oca SABC sports commentator • Thabisa Ntema, co-presenter
Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Review is moving around the country in a quest to get public opinion on the amendments of the constitution’s section 25 known as the “property clause”. An Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) motion was successfully passed with the ANC’s backing and a parliamentary process is now under way to consider a review of Section 25 of the Constitution. Although the Constitution already allows for land expropriation without compensation on the basis that it is “just and equitable”, if there is a change, it will be the first time an amendment has been made to the Bill of Rights. To help us unpack the debate:
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Vincent Smith who is the Co-Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee
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Nompumelelo Seme Attorney & Lecturer: Property Law Wits School of Law
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Barend Uys Deputy CEO Community Affairs Afri-Forum
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Zanele Lwana, Deputy President of Black First Land First
Twenty-two African leaders have gathered in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott for the 31st summit of the African Union. The summit, which is hosted by Mauritania for the first time, is being held amid tight security measures. Security in the Sahel region and the Western Sahara conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front are some of the issues high on the agenda. Talks are also expected to focus on the deteriorating security situation in the Central African Republic, illegal immigration and coordination on fighting organized crime. To help us answer that question we are joined on the line by: • Gustavo De Carvalho Senior researcher (Peace operations and peacebuilding)Institute for Security Studies • Talkmore Chidede, researcher at Tralac,
According to a report conducted by Ecobank’s research team, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are the regions’ economic powerhouses and are enjoying a period of significant economic growth with their Gross Domestic Products forecast to grow by between 5.2% and 8.5% this year. Much of the region is reliant on agricultural crops and commodities for export earnings. Some further findings are that Kenya, with its diversified commodity exports, which include tea, horticultural goods and coffee, has started producing crude oil and Ethiopia is benefitting from strong foreign direct investment in infrastructure and industrial projects, among other things.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Gaimin Nonyane, is the Head of Economic Research at Ecobank the Pan African Bank
• Victor Kgomoeswana, is a consultant on African business development and author of Africa is Open to Business (in studio)
• Faith Mabera, is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue
According to research South Africans are the biggest wasters of food. It has been reported that 30 % of the food that is produced in the country is not eaten. It is usually discarded or becomes rotten due to the fact that South Africans buy too much food. This is despite the expensive cost of groceries and food products and the increase of food prices year in and year out. To assist us on this topic we are joined on the line by: • Sukati Mpumuzi is a Senior Nutrition Officer, FAO Regional Office for Africa. • Tatjana von Bormann, World Wide Fund Food Expert,
According to the latest International Migration Report by the United Nations there are an estimated 258 million people living in a country other than their country of birth — an increase of 49% since 2000. The report further states that in 2017, high-income countries hosted 64%, of the total number of international migrants worldwide. Later this week, European Union leaders are expected to meet over migration and discuss ways to further tighten their external borders, give more support to Libya and possibly look at creating “disembarkation” centres outside of their territory for people who arrive by sea. To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Luca Lamorte, is the Social Media Officer in the Media and Communications Division at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). • Mienke Steytler (in studio) The Media and Digital Content Officer at Amnesty International South Africa. • Charley Yaxley is the Media and Communications officer at the United Nations Refugee Agency.
The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape says it does not hold any grudges against four disgruntled members who took the party to court. This after the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissed their application for a declaratory order on the Sbu Ndebele Report on the 8th provincial ANC conference. The four members from the province filed an application seeking the court to force the ANC NEC to implement recommendations of the report which recommended a conference re-run within three months. The chaotic conference held in East London last year elected Oscar Mabuyane as the chairman. The chaos comes after the ANC’s Kwazulu Natal consultative conference was called off early this month, following disruptions which took place before the conference when the party’s national chairperson‚ Gwede Mantashe was booed and prevented from addressing delegates.
To help us contextualise this situation:
• Thapelo Tselapedi, political analyst
• Gary van Staden, political analyst
• Susan Booysen, political analyst
The United States walked out of the United Nations Human Rights Council almost half way through its second three year team on the Council. In doing so, the US claimed the council was a roadblock to genuine global human rights protection. This move by the Trump administration has been anticipated for some time. The UN Human Rights Council was established in 2006 to replace the UN Commission on Human Rights, which ran from 1947 to 2006.
To help us answer those questions we are joined by:
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Dewa Mavhinga Director Human Rights Watch: African Division
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Prof John Stremlau Visiting Professor: International Relations Department Wits University
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Mpumelelo Mkhabela : Lecturer at the Department on International Relations at UNISA
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Courtney Priester: Past Chair of the Democrats Abroad SA
Today saw the second and final day of Vision 2030 Summit high powered delegates from the public and private sectors of business in Southern Africa , coming together at the Emperors Palace Hotel near South Africa’s International OR Tambo Airport . The two-day event aimed to Reinforce private and public sector support for and commitment to the National Development Plan (NDP). To raise awareness and position the NDP as a South African plan and not merely a government plan, and to position South Africa as an investor-friendly country. To help unpack some of the main topics of discussion:
Professor Arthur Mutambara = Former CEO of the African News Agency, and former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.
Kilson Kalanda Head of the South African office of the Angola South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry
This week high powered delegates from the public and private sectors of business in Southern Africa , have come together at the Emperors Palace Hotel near South Africa’s International OR Tambo Airport to attend the Vision 2030 Summit. The two-day event aims Reinforce private and public sector support for and commitment to the National Development Plan (NDP). To raise awareness and position the NDP as a South African plan and not merely a government plan, and to position South Africa as an investor-friendly country. To help unpack what is being discussed we have: Tshediso Matona, Head of Secretariat for South Africa’s National Planning Commission. Rashmia Ishmail-Saville, CEO for the Youth Employment Service Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO fof Siemens in Southern and East Africa
Uganda’s parliament has imposed a tax on the use of social media in a bid to raise revenue but opponents of the law say it aims to stifle criticism of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. The new tax will see social media users pay 200 shillings (R0.66) a day. For people who use social media daily they will folk out an astonishing R240 per year, which is about 3% of an average Ugandan’s income. Is this some sort of media censorship or infringement masqueraded as a tax incentive?
To help us answer those questions we are joined by:
Shiela Muwanga Vice President International Federation for Human Rights (Uganda)
Sanusha Naidoo Political Analyst
Juliet Nanfuka Researcher and Journalist ICT Policy Centre for Eastern and Southern Africa Uganda (CIPESA)
Judges of the International Criminal Court last week overturned a 2016 verdict against the former Vice President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Jean Pierre Bemba and quashed his 18-year prison sentence, stating that he could not be held criminally liable for crimes committed by his troops in the Central African Republic in 2002-2003. Bemba, who has already spent a decade behind bars, was released under specific conditions.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Fadi EL Abdallah is the spokesperson for the International Criminal Court
• Everiste Kambala is the spokesperson of the Congolese community in South Africa
• Prof Bheki Mngomezulu is a political sciences lecturer at the University of the Western Cape
Millennials (also known as Generation Y) are usually referred to by researchers as the generation born between 1981 and 1996 and are the first generation in the new millennium. According to Africa report, millennials make up more than a third of Africa’s population. This generation is known as having lives which revolves around their mobile phones, don’t stay long working in a company unless they are growing and are slowly becoming well known as change-makers in their communities.
To further expound on this generation we are joined by:
• Jack Mthembu (26)Entrepreneur Runs youth camps for high school learners to teach them responsibility, leadership skills and self-development.
• Thabang Dlamini (23)Entrepreneur Runs a “Thuma Mina courier services” – helping elderly people in his community who cannot access service runs their errands for them using his bicycle
• Matlhabeli Molaoli (Lesotho)African Leadership Academy student and TED talk organiser
• Muzwakhe Sigudhla, Founder of the Southern African Youth Movement to help the young in the SADC
Today is World Albinism Day. The United Nation’s General Assembly proclaimed this day as such on the 18th of December in 2014. This came after the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 which called for the prevention of discrimination against persons with albinism. Although it is difficult to get accurate statistics on crimes against the albinism community it is a well-known fact that many are attacked in African countries such as Malawi, Burundi, South Africa and Tanzania. This is because it is believed in parts of southern and eastern Africa that body parts of those living with albinism are believed to hold magic powers.
To assist us on this topic we are joined by: • Puleng Molebatsi, activist and broadcaster, • Brigadier Leonard – From the South African Police in Mpumalanga province
The South African economy is not doing well and the brunt of that is felt by all South Africans. President Cyril Ramaphosa when he took office in 2018 talked about the “new dawn” that had come to South Africa. But since his taking of office we have seen VAT go up from 14% to now 15%, petrol hiking by a whooping 85c/l and to add to that the economy shrunk by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. In April the president announced an investment team that is supposed to attract foreign investment in the country. But today we ask with the poor performance of the S.A economy, what happened to the “New Dawn” or is this it? To help us answer those questions we are joined by: 1. Prof Patrick Bond Economist 2. Tembinkosi Dlamini Taxation, Public Finance and Economist Specialist OXFAM
On Friday four branches of the African National Congress from various regions in KwaZulu-Natal were granted a court interdict by the Pietermaritzburg High Court to stop the planned elective conference from going ahead on the weekend – instead the ANC wants to challenge the conduct of the judge who granted the urgent interdict.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Ralph Mathekga is a political analyst • Ayanda Mhlongo is an SABC reporter based in KZN • Aubrey Matshiqi is a political analyst
The ministerial task team which was set up by South Africa’s Basic Education Minister Angie Mothsekga has recommended that history be made a compulsory subject for pupils from grade 10 to grade 12. In its report, the team has recommended history to be phased in from 2023 with the process leading to the phasing out of life orientation which is compulsory currently. But the plan has its critics. Some fear that history will be abused as a political propaganda tool. For example, in Zimbabwe the history syllabus in government schools is reportedly skewed in favour of the ruling Zanu-PF. The task team conducted research on India‚ Rwanda‚ Zimbabwe‚ Nigeria‚ China‚ Tanzania‚ Russia and Brazil to earlier international research.
To help us answer those questions we are joined by:
• Prof Linda Chisholm Centre for Education Rights and Transformation University of Johannesburg
• Mary Metcalf Senior Research Associate University of Johannesburg
• Nathaniel Lee National Representative Professional Educators Union
BRICS ministers have expressed their support for continued cooperation of member states in areas of mutual interest including through regular exchanges amongst their multilateral missions. Foreign Affairs Ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa held a meeting in Pretoria yesterday, as part of preparing for the block's 10th summit to be held in Johannesburg. The summit will be held under the theme, "BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution".
To assist us on this:
• Dr Philani Mthembu, executive director of the Institute for Global Dialogue, (UNISA) • Luanda Mpungose, program director at the Governance and foreign policy program for South Africa Institute of International Affairs • Desmond D’Sa, coordinator at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance
Following the announcement by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa that general elections will be held on July 30 – opposition party the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has accused the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of planning to rig the elections in favour of the governing ZANU-PF. The MDC is planning a mass protest in the capital Harare today (Tuesday). A very confident Mnangagwa was quoted by media reports as saying that the ruling party will continue to govern post elections.
To help us answer those questions we are joined by: • Steven Gruzd, is the Head of Governance and Foreign Policy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs • Derek Matyszak, is the Senior Researcher at the Institute of Security • Dr Webster Zambara is the Senior Project Leader for peace building initiatives at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
In the recent past Atul Gupta’s High Court application opposing the freezing of R10 million from his personal account has been granted by Judge Fouche Jordaan. Further the Bank of Baroda and seven Gupta-linked entities have also emerged victorious, with the preservation order against them also being set aside. So today on the show we ask! Why is the National Prosecuting Authority unable to pin down the Guptas? Is there some a lack of political will to finally put a stop to the Guptas?
To help us answer those questions we are joined by: 1. Dr Ina Gouws: Senior Lecturer Governance and Political Transformation University of Free State. 2. Professor Shadrack Gutto - Political Analyst.
In the recent past South Africa has seen crimes make headlines. Newspaper headlines, radio news bulletins and TV bulletins have been topping with crime stories, from Cash in Transits, political murders and femicide. Social media has also seen a rise in the reporting of crimes, where some people who were alleged to be involved in these crimes where depicted. Is there a need of a state emergency or some sort of national dialogue that will seek to address all these crimes? Are some these crimes as a result of the poor living conditions of the people of South Africa and lack of jobs? What is government saying about these? What is the president saying?
We are now joined by: • Chandre Gould, senior research fellow for Crime for Justice Programme at the Institute for Security Studies
• MS Dianne Kohler Barnard, member of the portfolio committee on police, and member of the Democratic Alliance
Serious Social Investing Conference is a gathering which took place this week to delve into how social investment can make a difference in society. The conference also looks at how corporate philanthropy can be useful in the economic and social challenges on the. What makes this year’s gathering stand apart from past gatherings is the fact that up to twenty millennials have been central to this conversation. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Nikki Griffiths, COO of Tshikululu Social Investments • Allan Van der Muellen, Founder of ZLTO, digital reward platform
The Pan African Parliament has in the past week received it new members and bid farewell to those who were leaving the continental body. The chambers will still be led by its re-elected Cameroonian President Nkondo Dang who there is allegations around his mismanagement of the parliaments funds. Established in 2004, PAP still suffers from the lack of legislative powers, a cry which South African politicians Julius Malema, Thandi Modise and Thoko Didiza who were sworn in as new members have raised.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Mr Vipya Harawa Clerk: Pan African Parliament
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Ms Vinita Kaylan Member: Pan African Parliament Member: Parliament RSA (DA)
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Dr Bernadette Lahai Former Vice President: Pan African Parliament and now a Member of the Parliament of Sierra Leone
As South Africa reflects on the 100 days of President Cyril Ramaphosa, it can be argued that a lot has been achieved while much more still needs to be done. When Ramaphosa came to office he made it clear that kid gloves will no longer be used to address corruption. With this sentiment we saw a major shake up to his cabinet with the removal of some ministers who have been implicated in the state capture report by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. Ramaphosa also emphasised that rebuilding the economy was not negotiable – he has since set up a 'special envoys on investment' team which would be tasked with raising about one - trillion rands of investment for the country over the next five years. To unpack the discussion, we are joined by:
• Prof Richard Calland is an Associate Professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town • Dr Khondlo Mtshali is a senior lecturer in political sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal • Gabriela Mackay is an analyst focussing on politics and governance at the South African Institute for Race Relations
Delegates from across Africa have come together at the MasLow Conference Centre in Sandton South Africa for a two-day conference entitles the Africa Shared Value Summit for 2018. This the second time the meeting has been held, and it’s aim is to raise awareness and advocate for the success of the strategic implementations of the “Shared Value Business Model” which brings about social change while positively impacting profit. Today one of the topics debated was shared values as a vehicle to implement and align business to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To tell us More about the event we have some of the speakers : • James Mwangi Executive Director of the DalbergGroup. • Deprose Muchena Southern African Regional Director for Amnesty International • Brian Chicksen a Vice President with AngloGold Ashanti Mining Limited
Last week the Mail & Guardian reported that the South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation Lindiwe Sisulu had appointed a review panel to evaluate the country’s foreign policy and advice on ways to strengthen South Africa’s economic diplomacy with other African states. It was reported that Sisulu wants former president Thabo Mbkei to preside over the panel. Mbeki’s African Renaissance was aimed at ensuring the Africa’s political stability and economic regeneration, focussing on freeing it from its international debt burden. We are now joined by: • Thami Ntenteni is Head of Communications at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation
• Ashantewaa Acher-Ngidi is founder of The Institute of Afrikology and the reference committee member for Africa month, appointed by the Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa
Burundians have approved a new constitution which will allow the country’s president Pierre Nkurunziza to stay in power until 2034. Late yesterday, Burundi’s electoral commission confirmed that seventy three percent of voters were in favour of the amendments which will extend Nkuruziza’s presidential term from five to seven years. Before the outcomes of the referendum are yet to be announced, the opposition was challenging the process. Agathon Rwasa, leader of the main opposition party, the National Liberation Forces, says the process was neither free nor fair. We are now joined by:
• Prof. Babatunde Fagbayibo, associate professor in the department of Public, Constitutional and International Law at UNISA
• Rachel Nicholson, researcher for Rwanda/Burundi at Amnesty International
Last week South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the 28 member Commission on the Future of Work, together with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven. The global body, set up by the International Labour Organisation, is assessing the rapid transformations taking place in the world of work, and identifying the key challenges and what must be done to make the future of work better and fairer. To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Deborah Greenfield is the deputy director general for policy at the International Labour Organisation • Neil Coleman is from the Institute for Economic Justice • Jakkie Cilliers is the head of African futures and Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies
Israel is facing widespread condemnation after its forces reportedly killed more than sixty Palestinians in Gaza during protests coinciding with the opening of the United States embassy in Jerusalem. Many countries including Britain, France and Russia slammed the US decision to move the embassy, while some nations have backed a UN resolution condemning Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
We are now joined by:
• David Saks, the associate director Vice of South Africa’s Jewish Board of Deputies,
• Naeem Geen, Director of the Afro Middle East Centre
• Roshan Dadoo, representing the Palestine Solidarity Campaign
: According to an Oxfam report Sub-Saharan Africa which is home to approximately 950 million people is the most electricity-poor region. More than 600 million people lack access to electricity, and millions more are connected to an unreliable grid that does not meet their daily energy service needs. Most countries in this region have electricity access rates of about 20%, and two out of three people lack access to modern energy services. Now the African Utility week brings together over 7000 decision makers to source the latest solutions and meet over 300 suppliers. It focuses on all aspects of the provision of energy services to the African market.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dom Wills is the CEO of Solar Future
• Romain Py is the Investment Director and head of transactions at African Infrastructure Investment Manager
• Debmalya Banerjee is the Regional Director at the Indian Chamber of Commerce
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the national government to taken over the North West Province of South Africa. This comes after there were political clashes over service delivery and political leadership in the province. This prompted President Ramaphosa for the first time to apply section 100, (of sub section 1) of the constitution that says the province will be controlled and run by the national government. The North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo is known to be one of former President Jacob Zuma’s strong allies, and it is expected that he is not going to take this one lying down. The task team that is working on the province is led by former AU Commission Chairperson and current Minister in the Presidency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: • Levy Ndou Political Analyst • Gary van Staden Political Analyst • Prof Dirk Kotze Political Analyst
Former Mozambican guerrilla leader Afonso Dhlakama, who was due to run for the presidency next year, died more than a week ago, aged 65. Dhlakama, who headed the former rebel Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo) movement, was found dead in the central town of Gorongosa. Some analysts have said that his death could have major implications for Mozambique with no clear successor.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
• Milton Maluleke is a journalist at Channel Africa
• Zenaida Mahcado is the Angola and Mozambique researcher in the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch
• Eduardo Namburele is the external affairs secretary for Renamo Party
According to media reports United States President Donald Trump signed proclamations granting a select number of countries exemptions until June 1. These countries include the European Union, Mexico, South Korea, Australia and Argentina among others. The US is imposing a 10% ad valorem tariff on imports for aluminium products and 25% ad valorem tariff on imports for steel. Furthermore SA Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies made submissions to US delegates on the matter but fell on deaf ears.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Prof Fiona Tregenna who is South African research chair in Industrial Development and professor in the department of economics and econometrics at University of Johannesburg
• Lumkile Mondi is a senior lecturer at the Wits school of economics and business science
• Sizwe Pamla is the national spokesperson of the congress of south African trade unions COSATU
Technology has over the past several years defined how people travel and there is no denying its operational efficiencies and impact on the expectations of travellers. While there has been much talk about the coming 4th Industrial Revolution and its impact on manufacturing, there has been little discussion about the further Integration of technology on the service industries. At the currently underway Africa Travel Indaba hosted in South Africa's port city of Durban, tourism specialists discussed how exploiting the potential of new technology could cater for some 1.8 billion international tourists expected to descend on African soil by 2030. To tell usmore about the other topics being discussed we have:
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Amanda Kotze Nhlapo – Chief Convention Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau
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Hamish Erskine – CEO of the Dube Tradeport Corporation
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Desbo Mohono – Tourism MEC For South Africa’s North West Province
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018 is taking place this week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban South Africa. Themed, “Africa’s Stories, Your Success”, the platform affords the over 6000 delegates from around the world a chance to acquaint themselves with the 21 exciting travel experiences on offer on the continent, and to engage with a view of forging dynamic tourism partnerships. Africa’s Travel Indaba also offers industry players and its stakeholders an opportunity to meet and engage on the challenges and opportunities that affect the advancement of tourism on the continent. ) at a workshop aimed at identifying opportunities for entrepreneurship and best practices concerning the advancement of Coastal and Marine Tourism on the African continent. Channel Africa is there, and to tell us more we have :
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Tom Foster – from Kruger Lowveld Tourism
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Mock da Bahar – from the Ministry of Tourism Handicraft Mali Tourism Promotions Agency
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Itumeleng Magongoa of Detour SA Media
President Jao Lourenco was quoted in media reports as saying they were going to re-launch fishing and agriculture and open the country to foreign investment. His government is seeking to increase the annual fish catch by sixteen per cent over the next four years to 614,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, it is aiming for a fifty per cent increase in fishmeal production to 30,000 tonnes over the same period. To demonstrate his commitment, Lourenco has visited fish factories and promised to help with resources.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Dr Alex Vines is the head of the Africa programme at Chatham House in London • Ross Harvey is a senior researcher under the Governance of Africa's Resources Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs
The South Africa-India business summit was aimed at increasing and maximising economic opportunities between the two BRICS countries. South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies said the two countries should develop strong links to address issues pertaining to inclusivity and curbing poverty and inequality. Davies has expressed his interest in increasing South African companies foot prints in India, meanwhile there are currently 130 Indian companies doing business in South Africa employing about 18 000 citizens and injecting millions into the local economy.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• High Commissioner of India to South Africa, Her Excellency Ruchira Kamboj
• Jameel Chand is the Acting CEO of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency
• Amanda Fitchen is senior lecturer at the Department of Economics at UNISA
• Abdullah Verachia is senior executive programme for Africa at the Gordon Institute of Business Science
The SADC Extraordinary Double Troika meeting met last week in Luanda, Angola. At the top of the agenda were Lesotho, DRC and Madagascar. The Chairperson of SADC who is also President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa opened the meeting acknowledging that whilst there were various challenges in the region, considerable progress had been made and the region was stable. With elections coming up in countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and the DRC, the SADC meeting conceded that there would need to be a commitment from ruling parties and opposition parties to ensure smooth, free and fair elections.
To help us answer that question we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Shadrack Gutto Political Analyst UNISA
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Levy Ndou Political Analyst Tshwane University of Technology
South Africa celebrates the month of April as Freedom month. This comes after the 1994 first democratic election that saw the African National Congress come into power from the apartheid government. All over the country people stood on ques for hours so they could x-mark the ballot box. So today we look at few ideologies that have resonated from the freedom charter.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr Ntshikelelo Breakfast Lecturer Stellenbosch University
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Patrick Craven Spokesperson South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU)
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Jodi Williams Communications and Advocacy Project Officer Institute for Justice & Reconciliation
27 April commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa. South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of the former British colony and its people from a long period of colonialism and White minority domination. On this day, millions of black South African stood on long queues in order to elect its 1st ever democratically elected government, with Nelson Mandela at the fore. While the right to freedom is enjoyed by many in and around the world, there has been numerous allegations that the media was used as a machinery to promote propaganda. In the recent past we have heard of issues like how Stratcom an apartheid propaganda propeller was using some media and journalist to discredit anti-apartheid activists, one of whom is the late Mama-Winnie Mandela. So today we ask: Has the media really achieved its freedom?
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
Joe Tlholoe Veteran Journalist Executive Director: Press Council
Eric Chinge CEO African Media Initiative
Mahlatse Gallens Chairperson SANEF
According to Swaziland government officials changing the name of the country won’t happen overnight. King Mswati III announced last week at an Independence Day celebratory event that his country would now be known as the Kingdom of eSwatini. But some critics believe the King should have undergone a consultation process with the whole country and that his move is indicative of his autocratic style of ruling. We are now being joined by:
• Bheki Makubu editor of the Nation magazine in Swaziland • Dewa Mavhinga Southern Africa Director with the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch • Mduduzi Dlamini – A Swazi Citizen currently residing in South Africa
World Immunisation Week is a global public health campaign to raise awareness and increase rates of immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases such as tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, measles, mumps among others. This year’s theme is Protected Together, #VaccinesWork’— highlights the need to improve paediatric vaccination rates globally, as the WHO estimates they have been stuck at 86% over the past year. Immunisation saves millions of lives and is widely recognised as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions.
To discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
Dr Paulin Basinga serves as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s country director for Nigeria
Niklas Danielsson Senior Immunisation Specialist, UNICEF headquarters, in the Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya
Dr Felicitas Zawaïra is the Director of Family and Reproductive Health at the World Health Organisation’s regional office in Congo Brazzavile
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday (April 21) that he's encouraged by North Korea's decision to suspend nuclear and missile tests and that it's proof that diplomacy solves conflicts.North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it had completed its goal of developing the weapons, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.It was the first time Kim directly addressed his position on North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes ahead of planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in next week and with U.S. President Donald Trump in late May or early June. President Trump has promised a forceful response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria, as consultations continue at the United Nations. Any action is expected to be coordinated with other western nations.
We are now joined by:
• Prof John Stremlau, lecturer at the International Relations department at Wits University.
• Matsidiso Motsoeneng, researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre
• Jameel Ahmad, Global Head of Currency Strategy and Market Research at FXTM
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has told Commonwealth leaders from around the world that South Africa is looking for investment as it enters a new era of confidence and hope. It came as Ramaphosa delivered a key address at a banquet to celebrate the Commonwealth Business Forum yesterday. Catherine Drew reports from London. We are now being joined by:
• Dawie Roodt, Chief economist at Efficient Group • Ian Cruickshanks, Chief Economist at the Institute for Race Relations
Last week the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) snubbed the United Nations (UN) led pledging conference which was aimed at raising funds towards a $1.7 billion UN appeal this year to help 10.5 million people in DRC. DRC President Joseph Kabila remains the main cause of unrest. His term ended in December 2016 yet refuses to step down. His government continues to find reasons to delay elections which should have been held shortly after the conclusion of Kabila’s term. Meanwhile, citizens have expressed dissatisfaction with the government and have repeatedly taken to the streets of the capital city Kinshasa to call for elections and Kabila’s resignation.
To discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
• Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, he is a political sciences lecturer at the University of the Western Cape • • Kambale Musavuli, is the national spokesperson of advocacy organisation Friends of the Congo and he is in New York
Amnesty International has release its annual report on the state of the death penalty around the world. The report gives general information about trends, and the number of recorded executions and death sentences globally. Although the reports says most countries in sub-Saharan Africa are making efforts to abolish capital punishment, it has decried the rising number of death penalty sentences in Nigeria.
To help us on this topic:
• Muleya Mwananyanda – Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa
• Adv. Sipho Gideon Mantula ,researcher Institute for Dispute Resolution in Africa
• Wayne Ncube Attorney Head: Strategic Litigation Programme at the Lawyers for Human Rights
According the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies African leaders’ adherence to constitutional term limits is a key component of institutionalising predictable norms of democratic succession. Progress toward establishing this norm has been mixed. While a number of African countries have succeeded in upholding term limits over the past two decades, leaders in more than 20 countries effectively do not face restrictions on their time in power. Meanwhile internationally, Chinese president Xi Jingpin has no limit to his presidency and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been at the helm for over 12 years. To discuss this further we are joined on the line by: • Dr Samuel Oloruntoba, senior lecturer international political economy at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute • Dr Ina Gouws, senior lecturer for governance and political transformation at the University of Free State • Mandla Tyala is the head of programmes at Good Governance Africa
Struggle icon Winfred Nomzamo Madikizela Mandela who is the former wife of the late State-man Nelson Mandela will be laid to rest on the 14 April this coming Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her untimely death comes after she succumbed to a recurring illness. Affectionately known as Mother of the nation, Mama Winnie Mandela played a pivotal role in the fight against the apartheid regime. She was imprisoned and sent to solitary confinement in an attempt by the then regime to break her spirit. Soweto where she lived has been a buzz with mourners coming from all walks of life to come pay their last respect to the struggle icon. Yesterday there were two memorial service held in her remembrance. Speaker after speaker, all shared their moments with Mama Winnie. Her Personal Assistant Ms Zodwa Zwane took the world by surprise as she talked about Mama-Winnie as normal human being who was crazy about God and fashion.
To help us pay tribute to the mother of the Nation we are joined by:
• Yvonne Chaka Chaka An African Icon musician
• Dr Joyce Banda Former President Malawi
• Nomsa Mazwai, SA Poet and Author
Three SADC countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola) have in the recent past received new leaders. At the top of all the three leaders’ agendas is the combating of corruption in their states. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to fully support the state capture enquiry, which will seek to unravel allegations of state capture in the country. Meanwhile Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa hit the ground running after former president Robert Mugabe was ousted in what some call a coup. Zimbabwe has since unearthed a lot of dubious transactions which include former 1st lady Grace Mugabe, where in some cases she is being accused of the illegal trade of elephant tusks and diamond smuggling. In Angola the new President João Lourenço is hard at clamping down corrupt activities happening there. There are allegations currently under investigation of the former Presidents son planned to siphon off $1.5 billion when he ran the oil-rich country's sovereign wealth fund, the finance ministry
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
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Elias Isaac Country Director Open Society Initiative Southern Africa: Angola
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Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer Governance and Political Transformation University of Free State
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Dewa Mavhinga Southern African Director Human Rights Watch
Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe, has finally signed the 27 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Projects - including the Power Purchase Agreements with Eskom. The 27 projects are worth 56 billion Rand in new direct investment in the energy sector and will create 58 thousand jobs. These projects will benefit mostly rural areas and their communities. The minister says the new agreements will bring much-needed policy and regulatory certainty and maintain South Africa`s position as an energy investment destination of choice. Unions earlier went to court over the matter complaining that the Projects will lead to job losses in the coal sector. Amina Accram reports Today we are joined by: • Terence Govender, Chair of SA renewable Energy council • Phakamile Hlubi, spokesperson of The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa • Adil Nchabeleng, President of Transform RSA
After a sold out performance in Tel Aviv, Israel DJ Black Coffee has received a lot of backlash from his fans on twitter suggesting his ignorance to the oppressive law in Israel and to the killings of Palestinians. Followers accused Black Coffee of ignoring recent calls to boycott Israel by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel in South Africa or BDS South Africa. They have imposed an academic and cultural boycott calling on all artists, academics, cultural practitioners to refuse to participate in any activities, in the country which is being boycotted. Meanwhile, some corners of the country such as the South African Jewish Board of Deputies have defended the musician saying imposing a boycott against Israel over and above every other country in the world is itself inconsistent with how South Africa normally conducts its foreign policy.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Kwara Kekana is the spokesperson for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against Israel in South Africa (BDS SA) (STUDIO)
• Klaas Mogamole from Africans for Peace, (STUDIO)
• Tshepo Sithathu, is the president of the musicians associations of South Africa
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the Vicki Momberg judgement sets a precedent for other racial related cases. Momberg was sentenced to an effective two years in prison. However, the sentencing of the former estate agent has raised debate about the differences in the sentences various courts have imposed for crimes from similar incidents. Last year, Momberg was found guilty on four counts of crimen injuria in connection with her racist rant, when she lashed out at a black police officer who had helped her after an alleged smash-and-grab incident. In a video clip that went viral, Momberg could be heard complaining about the "calibre of blacks" in Johannesburg.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Gushwell Brooks is the communications coordinator at the south African human rights commission
• Zorah Dawood is the Director at the centre for unity and diversity
• Michael Morris, head of media here at the Institute of Race Relations
An icon has fallen, South Africa and the world are coming to terms with the death of anti-apartheid struggle heroin Winnie Madikizela – Mandela. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared twelve days of mourning and all flags across the country and at all South African missions abroad are flying at half-mast until the evening of the struggle icon’s funeral. The mother of the nation as she was affectionately known died on Monday after a prolonged illness beside her family. Messages of condolences have been pouring in from all over the world since news of her death broke.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise
• Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga,
• South African Federation of Trade Unions General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi
According to the International Bullettin of Mission Research Africa has the most Christians, with almost up to six hundred million Africans subscribing to the religion. Now in Easter time, many Christians will be observing the holiday in some countries, with Easter vigils, daily rituals of prayer and some taking pilgrimages to spiritual locations to celebrate their faith. However many have contested that Easter isn’t a Christian phenomenon, with the origin of the name coming from Eostre relating to a Teutonic goddess. Joining us for this conversation is: • Dr Mathole Motshekga, founder of KARA institute • Rev. Mzwandile Molo, South African Council of Churches • Funi Rambuda,Representative for the African World Heritage Fund
Egyptians began casting their ballots on Monday. President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi is running against just one other candidate, Mousa Mostafa Mousa, after several others quit the race. The opposition has blamed Sisi's government for squeezing potential rivals through what they see as a strategy of intimidation, but Sisi has denied the accusation. This is the country's third presidential election since former leader Hosni Mubarak was ousted in the Arab Spring protests of 2011. It was hoped the toppling of a dictator who had ruled for nearly 30 years would bring a new era of democracy in the Middle East's most populous country. Instead, the country was thrown into further political turmoil.
Joining us for this conversation is: • Ebrahim Deen is a researcher at the Afro Middle East Centre
• Timothy Kaldas from the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy
• Dr Shingai Mutuzwa-Mangiza is a research fellow at the politics department at the University of the Western Cape
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Facebook allowed a researcher from political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica — which worked on United States President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign — to use data collected from 50 million users without their consent. Meanwhile, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed on Monday that it had officially opened an investigation into Facebook following the privacy scandal. The current investigation will aim to determine whether or not Facebook violated a 2011 consent decree that it signed promising stronger privacy practices. This incident has raised a number of concerns and questions which we hope can be answered on the show. Joining us for this conversation is: • Palesa Madumo is Vuma Reputation Agency Executive Director of Strategy • Dr Colin Thakur is Director at E-Skills Lab • Toby Shapshack is ICT Journalist
Representatives of 44 of the 55 member countries of the African Union have signed the African Continental Free Trade Area pact in Kigali, in Rwanda, recently. The signing ceremony took place during the 10th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. The deal envisages that the free trade zone to be created by participating countries will boost inter-African trade, estimated at 10 percent at the moment. The AU hopes that the deal will also speed up the process of a single currency for intra-continental trade and free movement of Africans on the continent.
Joining us for this conversation we are joined by:
• Dr Peter Karungu, economist
• Trudi Hartzenberg the executive director of Tralac,
• Asmita Parshotam is a researcher under the Economic Diplomacy Programme at SAIIA
A team of European Union election observers has arrived in Zimbabwe on a pre-election assessment mission ahead of polls set for July. This will be the first time in 16 years that the EU has been involved in Zimbabwe's electoral processes following a spat between the government and the EU over the Southern African country's land reform programmes and perceived bad governance and human rights violations by the former President Robert Mugabe's government.
Today we ask the question is Zimbabwe stable enough to hold elections this year?
To assist us on this we have:
• Dr Victor Shale, Country Director of Zimbabwe for the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa
• Dr Webster Zambara, the senior project leader for peacebuilding initiatives at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
• Robert Shivambu, senior researcher for Southern Africa for Amnesty International
The President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa could be described as a new broom sweeps clean. In his one month in office he has already reshuffled his cabinet with some significant changes, in what he himself has described as a ‘transitional cabinet’. Ramaphosa has also committed himself to turning the economy around.
To discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
Mavuso Msimang: ANC Veteran
Terrence Corrigan: Projects Manager at South African Instiotute of Race Relations
The rivalry between Meter cab operators and app operated cabs Uber and Taxify have been at each other’s necks for past few years. The people bearing the brunt of the squabbles are the unfortunate consumers/customers who need to commute from point A to B. Traditionally the meter cabs have been known to be a little more costly and the vehicles not in the best of conditions. There also hasn’t been a real clear body that held them accountable when customers had complaints. Whereas with Uber and Taxify the cab can be requested at the convenience of the client and the prices are reasonably cheaper. In Gauteng we have seen the rivalry intensify to a point where some uber/taxify cabs have been torched and drivers assaulted for picking up clients. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined by: 1. Mr Duncan Phopi Secretary Metered Taxi Association 2. Mr Collen Msibi Head: Communications Department of Transport
Following its’ establishment, the New Development Bank (NDB) opened its South African branch of the Africa Regional Center (ARC) in Johannesburg, in August last year with the intention to facilitate access to global finance by African investors and institutions. Last week, Oxfam South Africa held a dialogue between the bank and civil society organisations to provide inputs on BRICS through a Civil BRICS working group. Civil BRICS is planning a multi-stakeholder roundtable to initiate this engagement. Some areas of concern that will fall within the Bank’s five areas of operation are: clean energy; transport infrastructure; irrigation, water resource management and sanitation; sustainable urban development. The meeting comes as South Africa will host the 10th BRICS summit in July 2018.
To discuss this further we are joined on the line by: • Namhla MnikiExecutive Director at African Monitor • Marianne Bueneventura-Goldman Project lead for South-South Corporation at Oxfam South Africa • Tumisang Moleke Acting Director General at the New Development Bank’s African Regional Centre
South African Activist and Human Rights Lawyer - Richard Spoor - and the United States Food Safety Law Firm, Marler Clark, have teamed up to file a class action lawsuit against Tiger Brands. The lawsuit will be filed on behalf of the families of people who died after eating processed meat contaminated with listeria produced and distributed by the company. This comes after Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's announcement that the source of the listeriosis outbreak in the country is two brands of polony by Tiger Brands of Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken. The company has already recalled the processed meat products. Richard Spoor says the class action lawsuit is aimed at bringing justice to the victims..
My colleague Tumelo Zulu spoke to Dr Gwen Ramokgopa Gauteng MEC in health asking her about where the listeriosis crisis started in South Africa…
To further help us look at the current situation, we have:
• Dr Charlotte Nkuna, Interim CEO of the South African Poultry Association
• Dr Selva Mudoly, President of the South African Institute of Environmental Health
• Dr Juno Thomas, Head of the Centre for Enteric Diseases at South Africa’s National Institution of Communicable Diseases
Sierra Leone people have taken to the polls recently. Counting of the ballots is currently underway, with what is said the two front runners Julius Maada and Samura Kamara being neck and neck. The elections come after the outgoing President Bai Koroma served his maximum two terms in office. Spectators say the election has been so far a very peaceful one. The winner of this election will be tasked with kick starting the economy of the country as well as rehabilitate the country that has seen in the 1990’s a civil-war fuelled by diamonds. Other key areas the incumbent would have to focus on are the drop in prices of iron ore which is its main export as well as to intensify the fight against EBOLA.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
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Prof Shadrack Gutto UNISA Political Analyst
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Fatou Jagne Senghor West Africa Director for Article 19
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Paul ADEYEMI Proprietor of SIERRA Express Media
This past Monday South Africa’s parliament discussed the whether or not to decriminalise sex work at its multi-party women’s caucus. This was as the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) presented its report which recommended that full criminalisation of sex work must remain a law in the country. Various arguments came out of the discussion at the caucus with some arguing that partial criminalisation should be considered, while others suggested that the voice of the sex workers themselves was excluded in the report.
To discuss this further we are joined by:
• Susan Tolmay Women and Marginalised Groups Rights Officer Amnesty International South Africa
• Dellene Clark Lead researcher on the project 107 sexual offences investigations
77% of South African organisations have experienced some sort of economic crime, this according Price Water Coopers report on economic crimes globally. According to the report by the PWC fraud committed by consumers ranks the second most reported crime in South Africa. With economic crimes in South Africa now at its all-time high over the past decade, the report further suggests that 6% of executives in South Africans did not know if their organisations were affected by economic crimes or not.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Trevor White PWC Partner , Forensic Services and South Africa Survey Leader
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Dr Ivor Sarakinsky WITS University School of Governance
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Patrick Craven Spokesperson for South African Federation of Trade Unions
The international medical humanitarian agency, Doctors Without Borders or MSF has reiterated its concern about what it says is an increasing barrage of intense criticism that India faces for its progressive patent law and policies, not only from multinational pharmaceutical companies but also from developed countries. India remains a critical producer of affordable medicines, and competition among generic drug manufacturers in there has brought down the price of medicines for diseases like HIV, TB and cancer by over ninety percent. Some of the world's poorest countries rely heavily on generic medicines manufactured in the South Asian country, known as the pharmacy of the developing world. MSF argues that any changes that erode the safeguards included in India's patent law would keep medicine prices too high.
To assist us on this topic we are joined by:
• Claire Waterhouse, advocacy advisor for MSF's Access Campaign in South Africa
• Lotti Rutter, campaign manager for the Treatment Action Campaign
South African Members recently voted in favour of a motion to begin a process that will allow land expropriation without compensation. Now our neighbouring country Zimbabwe went through the same process of fast tracking land reform and displaced commercial white farmers, replacing them with blacks, but the results were not as desirable as many would have wanted. Can South Africa do the same process so it doesn’t have the results it had on Zimbabwe.
To discuss this further we are joined by:
•Jackie Dugard Associate professor at the Wits School of Law •Ndabezinhle Ziqubu Programmes coordinator for the Association for Rural Advancement
The World Health Organisation has declared the 3rd of March every year “World Hearing Day”. The day is used to commemorate people with hearing impairment and to raise awareness on and about induced hearing loss as well as measure to prevent it. Now according to the WHO over 5% of the world's population has disabling hearing loss, with the majority of people with disabling hearing loss living in low- and middle-income countries. A further approximately one third of people over 65 years of age are affected by disabling hearing loss. So today on our show we will be talking to the deaf community LIVE on radio in our studio, something which is rarely seen in radio broadcast:
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Veliswa Nqaba Teacher Sizwile School of the Deaf
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Xolani Mahlangu Learner Sizwile School of the Deaf
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Mariah Morgan Learner Sizwile School of the Deaf
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Bruno Managing Director Studio 05
The Nelson Mandela Foundation unveiled a two-year programme to honour its founder; Nelson Mandela Madiba would have turned 100 years old in 2018. Under the theme "Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018 Be the Legacy", the foundations hopes that the values of integrity, respect, service, transformation and transparency to be the pillars of society.
To discuss this further we are joined in our studio by:
• Sahm Venter (IN STUDIO)Senior Researcher Nelson Mandela Foundation
• Dr Brown Maaba (IN STUDIO)Author/Historian
• Dr Albino Jopela (TELEPHONIC)Head of Programmes African Heritage Fund
According to media reports medics in Syria say a child has died and a dozen more are being treated after another suspected chlorine gas attack. At least 23 people were killed on Monday, despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. The UN’s Secretary General Antonio Gutteres was quoted as saying ‘it is high time to stop this hell on earth in Syria’s embattled eastern Ghouta region.
To discuss this further we are joined in our studio by: • Prof Fanie Vermaak, lecturer Department of Ancient Near Eastern Culture • Imitiaz Sooliman Gift of the Givers • Matshidiso Motsoeneng Afro Middle East Centre
The Africa Shared Summit will be back in South Africa this year in two months, incorporating the challenge of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, set up by the United Nations in 2015, into its theme. The summit focuses on the idea of the Shared Value business model which works on the premise that the competitiveness of businesses and the health of the communities they are serving are mutually dependent. The real question that the shared value concept seeks to answer is how does the corporate world capitalise in creating products that take in consideration the social and economic challenges of the communities it aims to serve?
To assist us on this topic we are joined by: • Tiekie Barnard – Position: Founder of the 2018 Africa Shared Value Summit • Cindy Langeveld – Director and co-founder (Shift Social Development)
Distributors of the controversial film Inxeba are considering legal action following the age restriction being moved to 18 years. The film has been taken off circuit after the Film Appeals Board ruled to move the age restriction from 16. The film can now only be found at adult only stores. Is this censorship valid or is it impinging on the rights of filmmakers?
To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by: • Busi Mtabane (National Communicator)of Right2Know • Adze Ugah, filmmaker • Bafana Khumalo, co-founder of Sonke Gender Justice
Today marks the International Mother Language Day, which is an annual observance held on this day to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) first announced this day on 17 November 1999; it was formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 as the International Year of Languages. To discuss the significance of this day and the importance of us as a community to embrace our mother languages in our everyday living we are joined by: To discuss this further we are joined on the line by: Masennya Dikotla, Chief Executive Officer Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy Dr Rakwena Monareng CEO Pan South African Language Board (Panslb)
Thousands of Zimbabweans thronged the Freedom Square in the capital Harare on Monday, to bid farewell to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who died of colon cancer in South Africa last week. The memorial service held in his honor turned out to be a rally - as most of those who attended were clad in the Movement for Democratic Change regalia. Tsvangirai's friends, members of the civil society and various opposition party leaders, gave testimonies, before his body was airlifted to Buhera for burial today. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
• Prof Everisto Benyera, political scientist and works in the politics at UNISA
• Adv. Gabriel Shumba: Zimbabwe Exiles Forum
• Dr Ibbo Mandaza who is a politician and academic
President Cyril Ramaphosa comes into his job with having to address challenges such as state capture, the social grants debacle and fixing the nations’ coffers. He has come out hard against corruption saying that he will hesitate to act against those implicated in any breaking of the law. But how will Ramaphosa overcome these challenges and does this gave hope that the country is moving towards a healthy place again? To discuss this further we are joined in our studio by:
• Prof Bheki Mngomezulu, lecturer of political sciences at the University of the Western Cape
• Dr William Mpofu Political Analyst
• Anabel Bishop Chief Economist Investec
According to media reports more than 19 000 children are thought to have been recruited by all sides since the South Sudan civil war broke out in 2013. The United Nations has released almost 2 000. More than 10% of them have been under age 13.Human rights groups say child recruitment continues, even as South Sudan's government says it has committed to ending the practice. Before we discuss this further let’s listen to this audio... To discuss this further we are joined in our studio by: • Vedasto Nsanzugwanko. UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection in South Sudan • Jonathan Pedneault Emergencies researcher at Human Rights Watch
The presidency has refuted claims that there will be an address made by the president and says media reports that have suggested so are incorrect. President Zuma has been recalled by the National Executive Committee and has reportedly refused to resign.
To discuss this further we are joined in our studio by: • Kumi Naidoo Incoming Secretary General of Amnesty international • Thapelo Tselapedi Political analyst
The South African President Jacob Zuma has been officially served with a recall letter by his party the African National Congress. In a press conference at Luthuli House on Tuesday, ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule confirmed that the party's officials had communicated its national executive committee's (NEC) decision to the president. Magashule also explained that President Zuma had initially agreed with the NEC’c decision but requested a further 3-6 month before his departure. Meanwhile the ANC Parliamentary caucus is set to have an urgent meeting where they will be discussing the very issue. We understand that the office
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Mr Mavuso Msimang ANC Veteran 2. Mr Levy Ndou Political Analyst Tshwane University of Technology 3. Tshepo Ikaneng SABC Radio Presidential Correspondent 4. Mercedes Besent SABC Radio Parliamentary Correspondent
The United Nations has encouraged the world to celebrate the traditional sports that connect us to our cultural heritage, the grassroots sports that anchor us within our communities, and the inspiring stories that challenge gender stereotypes and cover, equally, both men’s and women’s sports events. Now among the objectives of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a public broadcaster is to provide, in its public broadcasting services, radio and television programming that informs, educates and entertains and to be responsive to audience needs, including the needs of the deaf and the blind and account on how to meet those needs. To discuss this further we are joined in our studio by: • Nada Wotshela, Group Executive for Radio at the SABC
Kenyan lawyers will on Thursday hold countrywide demonstrations to protest against the government's disobedience of court orders, the Law Society of Kenya said over the weekend. This follows several instances where the government has defied court orders since the mock swearing in of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the people's president. Meanwhile, over the weekend Odinga told Western envoys based in Kenya to keep off the affairs of the country after 11 diplomats asked him to recognise Uhuru Kenyatta as the duly elected president of the country before dialogue on the country's political crisis can start.
To join us on this…
• Henry Maina – Regional Director for Article 19 in East Africa
• Nixon Tasakana – Radio Presenter
South African political analyst, Susan Booysen, says the stage is set for the exit of Jacob Zuma as South Africa's president. The country woke up to another day of confusion following a week of uncertainty on Zuma's future. Yesterday, speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, announced that the scheduled State of the Nation Address which was set for tomorrow, February the 8th, was postponed till further notice. The postponement comes after the opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, wrote to Mbete requesting that President Zuma not be allowed to deliver the address. There's been speculation on Zuma's departure, but still no major announcement. To unpack more on what this means for South Africa we have : • • Zorah Dawood, Director, Centre for Unity in Diversity
• Emeritus Professor Shadrack Gutto from the University of South Africa (UNISA)
The People’s Tribunal on Economic Crime in South Africa is expected to wrap up its work later today. The South African people’s tribunal on economic crime is the first tribunal of its kind to focus primarily on economic crimes and corruption. The tribunal will examine a range of issues such as apartheid era economic crime, the post-apartheid Arms Deal and state capture. The people’s tribunal is a way that citizens can take action by collecting and discussing evidence that can be used to hold those responsible to account, as many of these crimes contributed to the loss of lives during that time.
To discuss this further we are joined by:
• Alfred Tshabalala Member of organising committee of the tribunal and works with Right2Know
• Stanley Henkeman Executive Director at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
• Marc Davies Engagement editor at Huffington Post
The Annual Mining Indaba is currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa. The indaba has seen mining giants converge at the ICC to discuss pressing issues that are prevalent in the mining sector. The South African minerals minister Mosebenzi Zwane gave a keynote address in an attempt to boost geomapping in the country and the importance of exploration. Meanwhile some analysts say he failed to address was the acrimonious dispute between his department and mining companies in South Africa over the controversial mining charter introduced in June last year.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
Mamokhethi Molopyane Mining analyst
Shirley Webber Managing Principal Coverage Head Natural Resources ABSA Corporate & Investment Banking
Rev Malcolm Damon – Economic Justice Network
South Africa’s Western Cape Province is battling a water shortage that has left residents wondering if there will be water the next day .As Cape Town scrambles for water, the rest of South Africa has been urged to save water as much as they can. The department of water and sanitation said disaster management was administered by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and that funds would be allocated from the department's disaster budget. But, the minister Nomvula Mokonyane has stressed that saving water is an individual’s responsibility.
To discuss this further we are joined by:
• Wandile Nomquphu (in studio)Water Research Commission
• Professor Yongxin Xu (pronounced Yongshin Ju)Professor of Hydrogeology at the University of the Western Cape and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair in Groundwater
• Sputnik Ratau Department of Water and Sanitation
The President of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa who is also South Africa’s Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoen say the role of the Judiciary on the African continent is being now recognised more than ever. He was speaking at the annual CCJA which was held in KZN South Africa. The body was established by the African Union to promote the rule of law and good governance and to further entrench human rights values in Africa. The conference saw judicial practitioners from most African countries come together under one roof.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Retshedisitswe Phooko Constitutional Law Expert University of Limpopo
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Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng Chief Justice South African Judiciary / President of the CCJA
In a recent article published by the Daily Nation Newspaper, the reason African debts have risen is because since the world financial crisis of 2008, there has been a boom in lending to low- and lower-middle-income country governments. It further says that due to global interest rates rising poorer countries are finding it tough to pay back money borrowed from banks.
To discuss this further we are joined by:
• Lesiba Mashapa Company Secretary at the National Credit Regulator
• Prof Ufo-Okeke Uzodike Executive Director, African Heritage Institution in Engu Nigeria
• Winnie Kunene Money coach, children’s money coach, wealth creator
The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) also known as a meeting of the rich and the powerful has been concluded in Davos, Switzerland. The even saw many players in the business world converge under one roof to try and boost world economic growth and investments. This year they met under the theme: “Creating a shared future in a fractured world”
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Patrick Bond Economic Analyst
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Anabel Bishop Chief Economist Investec
The death of internationally acclaimed jazz icon Hugh Masekela will undoubtedly leave a void in the jazz industry. The legendary musician died last week after a long battle with prostate cancer. On the show today we remember Bra Hugh as he was affectionately known… while Bra Hugh’s death has sent shock waves in the music industry his family has encouraged his fans to use this time to celebrate his life as this is what he would have wanted. Memorial services were held for him this past weekend where pictures of Bra Hugh’s various stages in his life were showcased.
To discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
• Peter Tladi a music promoter and founder of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and a close family friend
• Simphiwe Dana is a South African musician
The appointment of a new Eskom board has been widely viewed as a step into the right direction for South Africa. This week we have seen resignations of top executives at Eskom as the parliamentary inquiry into alleged corruption at the power utility resumed. On the show today we discuss the future of Eskom and whether we are likely to see a turn around.
The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) also known as a meeting of the rich and the powerful has begun with a special message from Pope Francis being read out at the opening ceremony. WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab declared the summit open amid the ski-resort receiving record snowfall. Schwab welcomed members from business, politics, academia and media as well as the first timers with a round of applause. This year they meet under the theme: “Creating a shared future in a fractured world”
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dawie Roodt Chief Economist Efficient Group
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Prof Patrick Bond Economic Analyst
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Anabel Bishop Chief Economist Investec
In its latest concern Zimbabwe’s opposition party the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of militarising villages around the country saying they have proof pointing to the fact that thousands of army officers in civilian attire have been deployed into the countryside for the purposes of carrying out clandestine political campaigns on behalf of Zanu-PF. But, Mnangagwa has assured regional leadership that peaceful elections will be held later this year.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Simon Muchemwa Channel Africa Corrospondent
• Dr Ibbo Mandaza who is a politician and academic
• Jusit Moyo Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
Demonstrators have taken to the streets in a number of Tunisian cities this week, calling for the government to scrap new austerity measures which include a hike in fuel prices and taxes on goods. According to state-run TAP news agency at least one man died in clashes that broke out Monday night between dozens of protesters and security forces in the town of Tebourba, near the capital Tunis. Meanwhile Tunisia's Interior Ministry on Tuesday denied reports that the dead man was run over by a police car and said it was investigating the cause. So far police have arrested 328 people. More protests have been called for, as a new youth movement and opposition lawmakers try to put pressure on the government to overturn the austerity measures. The protests have raised fears of wider unrest in Tunisia, the North African nation which spawned the 2011 Arab Spring movement but has since been seen as a zone of relative stability in a troubled region.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Ibrahim Dean Senior Researcher Afro-Middle East Centre
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Issandr El Amrani Project Director: North Africa Project International Crisis Group
The newly elected ANC leadership has its hands full as they rebuild the party that has shown signs of division in the run up to its December elective conference. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has made his stance against corruption and unity clear. Meanwhile the matter of having two centres of power is yet to be addressed and dealt with. Ramaphosa has admitted that the matter of whether President Jacob Zuma will be removed before his terms ends is a matter that is yet to be discussed and has to be handled with the utmost dignity.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Gabriela Mackay: Research analyst focusing on Politics and Government SA Institute for Race Relations
• Thapelo Tselapedi Political analyst
• Dr Thabisi Hoeane Unisa Dept of Political Sciences
The year 2017 was a very eventful year full of its dramas and headlines. One of the most notable ones was the forced removal of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Now today on the show we look at what are some of the most interesting events and topics one should look at out for. We will look at countries and the African continent as a whole to unpack.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Shadrack Gutto Political Analyst
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Mr Levy Ndou Political Analyst
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Dr William Mpofu Political Analyst
This past Monday Twitter and Facebook were on a rampage against an H&M ad showing a black boy wearing a hoodie sweater with the phrase “Coolest Monkey In the Jungle” written on it. World renowned pop star The Weekend stood against this ad as he expressed on his Twitter account that he will be cutting his association with the international retailer. After this international disapproval to their ad, H&M apologised for the image and removed it from their website; however marketing analysts suggest that the retailer may loss profits due to this mishap. To assist us on this discussion we are joined by:
• Tshepo Sefotlhelo, our Executive Director of Operations
• Chris Moerdyk, marketing advisor and analyst
The position of Striker in the soccer field is one of those that guns for victory and guaranteeing a win for the team. Former soccer star and current President of Liberia George Weah has promised the people of Liberia change in their country and further economic redress. The former Chelsea, AC Milan and Manchester city striker has undertaken a dramatic career shift since hanging up his boots in 2003. The 51-year-old won the first round of the election process with 38.4 percent of the total votes cast - shy of the 50 per cent required to claim an outright victory.
So today on the show we look at this former soccer star and his government.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dennis Kadima Executive Director Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy
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Itumeleng Makgetla Political Analyst Political Analysis South Africa
Time is ticking and government is yet to reveal its funding plan for free higher education as announced by President Jacob Zuma in December. Zuma announced that poor and working class students with a combined annual income of up to R350‚000 will be fully subsidised for their higher education fees. However, last week, the Minister for Higher Education Hlengiwe Mkhize said the Minister of Finance Malusi Gigaba was very much part of the process and had asked government not to probe into the funding details of the new higher education funding policy. Meanwhile the announcement was met with mixed reactions with some arguing that this could put pressure on the already pressurised higher education system while other believe it would bring much needed relief to those who need it.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Sisakhe Ntlabezo – Equal Education Chief of Staff
• Prof Bheki Mngomezulu – Lecturer of Political Sciences at the University of the Western Cape
• Prof Suellen Shay – Dean of Centre for Higher Education Development
In January 2009, the bitcoin network came into existence with the release of the first open source bitcoin client and the issuance of the first bitcoins, with Satoshi Nakamoto mining the first block of bitcoins ever (known as the genesis block), which had a reward of 50 bitcoins. Over the past few years it has gained momentum and has seen a lot of investors. So today we look at Bit coin and define what is really is…
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dawie Roodt Chief Economist Efficient Group
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Kathy Nicolaus Management and Public Sector Consultant Illicit Financial Flows Expert
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Mpho Dagada South African Cryptocurrency Millionaire
Today on African Dialogue we unpack the World Inequality report which positions South Africa as one of the world’s most unequal countries. Put together by the World Inequality lab, the report shows that South Africa’s top 10 percent earners have captured 66 percent of the country’s income. What is staggering about the report is that it shows that income inequality is increasing internationally, however at different speeds. To discus this further we are joined by • Isobel Frye Director at Studies in Poverty and Inequalities Institute • Thembinkosi Dlamini: Taxation, Public Finance and Economic Specialist at Oxfam • Leo Czajka, Researcher of the report
It has been reported that hundreds of people are being auctioned in modern day slave markets in Libya. The country is the main transit hub for refugees and migrants attempting to reach southern Europe by sea. They are coming from countries like Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Sudan and Somalia. Thousands more have lost their lives at sea. The United Nations Refugee Agency has appealed to the rest of the world to help in the rescue efforts underway, but says they have received very little support. The UNHCR aims to vacate 1300 people by end of January next year. To discuss this further we joined by our guests on the line but before we go to them lets listen to this insert. Our producer Ayanda Mkhwanazi spoke to the United Nations Refugee Agency’s spokesperson Cécile Pouilly. She started off by asking her how far they were with evacuation of refugees still trapped in Libya…
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
Viriri Itayi International Organisation for Migration spokesperson
Sara Gon she is a policy fellow at the South African Institute of Race Relations.
Voting for top officials is still underway at the African National Congress' 54th National Elective Conference in Nasrec South of Johannesburg. The voting started last night and went through the night. The ANC will learn of its fate and who will usher it into the new future later in a few hours today. Former African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa stand as the only two candidates vying for ANC presidential seat following their official nominations last night. Other positions to be voted for include that of the Deputy President ,chairperson, Secretary general,Deputy secretary general and Treasurer general and the National Executive Commitee.4776 delegates will participate in the lengthy process to elect their new leaders.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Thapelo Tselapedi Political Analyst (Studio)
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Ronesh Dhawraj Specialist Researcher SABC
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Super Zuma Secretary General ANC KZN
This week it was reported that a pregnant woman died in Pretoria, South Africa, as a result of listeriosis, a food-borne disease. At that stage the Gauteng Health Ministry had confirmed that there were over five hundred cases that were detected this year, and over thirty deaths recorded in the last eleven months. It is still unclear what the source of listeriosis is and there are still investigations that are underway under the auspices of South Africa’s health department.
To help us chat about this, we are joined on the line by:
• Aaron Motsoaledi, Honourable Minister of Health
• Dr Juno Thomas, the Head of Centre for Enteric Diseases of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases
• Ms. Matlou Setati, Executive: Food Safety Initiative, Consumer Goods Council of South Africa.
On Saturday the nation and possibly the rest of the continent will watch as ANC members descend on Nasrec to elect their new leaders. Following the provincial general council process, it is now clear that Cyril Ramaphosa and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma are the two to look out for. However, as the days draw nearer the ANC finds itself in a battle of court cases. Members of the ANC are challenging the party’s provincial elective processes in two provinces. In Mpumalanga, ANC presidential hopeful Mathews Phosa is challenging the validity of the nomination process. The South Gauteng High Court is expected to hear arguments on why the Provincial General Council (PGC) should be nullified. Meanwhile in the Eastern Cape, the High Court sitting in Grahamstown will decide whether to nullify the ANC's provincial elective conference, disgruntled members brought the case saying they're dissatisfied with the election results.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Dr Ivor Sarakinsky (in studio)Academic Director Wits School of Governance
• Professor Tinyiko Maluleke Advisor to the VC and Principal University of PTA
• Levy Ndou Political Science Lecturer at TUT
2017 has been a year full of political turmoil and social uncertainty in the world, with the year starting off with the inauguration of Donald Trump who has been seen as fuelling right wing enthusiasts. Meanwhile Africa experienced a number of elections, a few which were muddled by controversy and others leading a way for new presidents in the midst of historical trend of presidents reigning beyond the limit of their terms.
For more on this series we are joined by:
• Emeritus professor, Shadrack Gutto, • Dr Ina Gouws, University of the Free State • Izaak Khomo, senior journalist at Channel Africa
The Women in Agribusiness Summit which is underway in Durban, South Africa, has been deliberating on efforts to support for the preferential entry and participation for women in gainful and attractive agribusiness opportunities. This conference is designed to build on the outcome of previous conferences in order to facilitate organised entrepreneurship for women in the sector. The New Partnership for Africa's Development - NEPAD - has committed itself to supporting and uplifting women in agribusiness, to sustain food security on the continent and to create about 400 000 million jobs by 2030. The three-day NEPAD Conference for Women in Agribusiness is being held in Durban. The conference aims to create a platform for women in agribusiness to share experiences and to build their capacity on issues around value chains and access to finance and markets. It is also geared to contributing capacity and building supportive systems to support women agro-entrepreneurs. To assist us on this we are joined on the line by: • Edna Kalima, the programme officer, Gender, Climate Change Agriculture Support at NEPAD. • Yolisa Gumede, marketing executive at Cappeny Estates. • Professor Peter Ewang – Consultant.
Recent crime statistics released by the police for 2016/17 indicates that nearly 50 000 sexual offences were recorded by the police, down from 51,000 in 2015/16. Crimes that fall under this category include rape, incest, statutory rape and sexual grooming of children, among others. Violence continues to dominate in our private and public spaces as we have seen in recent past with one of our ministers who was recently convicted after beating up a woman in a popular club.
To discuss this further we are joined in studio by:
• Tlangelani Shilubane UNFPA South Africa Assistant Representative
• Nomathamsanqa Masiko,Advocacy Officer Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation
• Matokgo Makutoane Advocacy Manager Soul City Institute for Social Justice
The Gauteng province of South Africa will play host to one of the most talked about conferences in the year 2017, the ANC 54th Elective Conference. The party has seen the biggest number of candidates running for party president in its history. There are seven presidential hopefuls and amongst them are two front runners, current deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa and former AU Commission Chair Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Provinces are in the process of concluding their nominations meetings in preparation for the elective conference. The conference will see the end of President Zuma as head of the ANC after two terms.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer: Governance and Political Transformation Politics Department University of Free State
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Prof Dirk Kotze Political Analyst UNISA
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Mavuso Msimang ANC Veteran
2017 has been a year full of political turmoil and social uncertainty in the world, with the year starting off with the inauguration of Donald Trump who has been seen as fuelling right wing enthusiasts. Meanwhile Africa experienced a number of elections, a few which were muddled by controversy and others leading a way for new presidents in the midst of historical trend of presidents reigning beyond the limit of their terms. To discuss the big stories of the year by:
• Charlie Khumalo - Executive Producer Portuguese service
• Jenine Coetzee- Executive Producer English service
• Mike Arareng- Executive Producer Kiswahili
The 1st of December every year marks World Aids Day. This day is meant to raise awareness and encourage the fight against the scourge of HIV/Aids in the world. UNAIDS together with the South African Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motswaledi has launched a report in Cape Town, South Africa, the report looks at the latest estimates of the number of people living with HIV who have access to the life-saving antiretroviral therapy globally as well as in South Africa the country with the largest Aids epidemic in the world. In 2016 alone South Africa saw about 270 000 new infections and almost 110 000 AIDS related deaths.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr Lungile Bhengu Baloyi Chairperson of the Board Aids Foundation South Africa
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Dr Adrian Puren Acting Executive Director (National Institute of Communicable Diseases)
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Ntimbwe Mpamba Person with HIV Longest person living with HIV in Africa (34 years)
Recently Wits Journalism hosted the tenth Global Investigative Journalism Conference which brought together journalists and media practitioners from the continent to discuss the role of the genre of journalism on the African continent. Investigative journalism faces various challenges such as political intimidation, access to information and financial support.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Anton Harber, Adjunct Professor of Journalism at Wits University, • • Kate Wilkinson, senior researcher at Africa Check • • Sam Sole, senior investigative journalist and Managing Partner at AmaBhungane
The 12th annual review of the situation of the country’s children is published by the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town. The report focuses on many key areas such as promoting caring relationships so that children can thrive; improving nutrition as stunting remains high in South Africa over the past 20 years, affecting 27% of children under five. It also highlights that children’s exposure to abuse, neglect and other forms of violence increases the risk of mental health problems and contributes to the cycle of violence.
To discuss this further we are joined by:
• Lucy Jamieson: Senior researcher at Children Institute and lead editor for this year’s SA Child’s Gauge
• Gugu Xaba: Programme Director Save the Children South Africa
• Mayke Huibregts: Chief of Child Protection and Social Policy at UNICEF South Africa
The world has responded with horror at images of migrant slaves auctions in Libya, which were exposed by a CNN investigation. The struggling United Nations backed Libyan government has asked for assistance from global partners to assist with illegal violations against immigrants. A demonstration by hundreds of marchers part of the 'Collective against Slavery and Concentration Camps in Libya' took place on Saturday outside the Libyan embassy in Paris, France.
To assist us on this: • Itayi VIRIRI (Head, Online Communications: International Organization for Migration) • • Ottilia Maunganidze (is an international criminal law expert, legal analyst and strategist working on promoting a peaceful and prosperous Africa at the Institute for Security Studies, ISS) • • Dewa Mavhinga, the Southern Africa Director with the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch
Incoming Zimbabwe's President Emerson Mnangagwa, has pledged to work with the people to revive the economy. Mnangagwa, was speaking at the ZANU PF headquarters in the capital Harare yesterday, few hours after his arrival from neighbouring South Africa. He will be sworn in as the country's interim president on Friday. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
• Simon Muchenwa Zimbabwe correspondent
• Tawanda Makombo Research Analyst at South African Institute of Race Relations
• Dr Obert Mpofu : ZANU-PF Secretary of Finance and Chair of working committee of that led to transition
South Africa through the Department of Transport is hosting Botswana and Namibia today*, to strengthen relations and improve cross border transactions and Customs Operations along the Trans Kalahari Corridor. The Corridor, which was jointly developed in the 1990's, was formed with the objective to contribute and promote trade within the three states through transport efficiency by simplifying and harmonizing the requirements and controls that govern the movement of goods and persons to reduce transportation costs and transit times. To tell us more we have
• Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat Executive Director – Leslie Mpofu. • • Philip Taaibosch of the South African National Taxi Council. • • South African MEC for Community Safety and Transport – Mpho Motlabane
The African continent is facing a challenge of its leaders holding on to power and refusing to let go even when their presidential terms have elapsed. Some African leaders have, however, literally been chased out of office either via armed conflict or by some amount of diplomatic pressure. West Africa seems to be leading when it comes to its leaders being pushed out of office. Some of the notable examples are Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia (21 years in power), Muammar Gaddafi of Libya (42 years in power), Omar Bongo of Gabon (42 years in power), Lansana Conte of Guinea (24 years in power) and Joao Bernardo Vieira of Guinea-Bissau (31 years in power). And now recently we know of the attempt by the Zimbabwean people to oust Robert Mugabe who has been president for 37 years. So today we ask why do they want to hold on to power for so long.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
- Dr Everisto Benyera Lecturer Political Sciences Department UNISA
- Prof Kwandiwe Kondlo Lecturer Politics and International Relations Department University of Johannesburg
- Dr Martin Rupiya Political Analyst Institute of African Renaissance
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1 in 3 (35%) women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. As the official launch of the 16 days of nonviolence against women and children campaign draws nearer various non-governmental organisations have taken a stand to help women who are still trapped in violence, abuse and conflict areas to speak up. The South African Congress of Nonprofit organisation or Sacono is leading a campaign called raising the voice of one billion women and children. To discuss this further we are joined by: • President of the South African Congress of Nonprofit organisations(sacono) Phyllis Malope. • Commissioner at the commission for Gender Equality Nomasonto Mazibuko.
• Founder of TWIST (transforming women in social transition)Nozuko Jafta (In studio)
Zimbabwe is once again making headlines around the world. This time the army has held the 93 year old President Robert Mugabe under house arrest. The elderly statesman has been confined to his residence for the past two days and is said to be fine, this was revealed by South African President Jacob Zuma who says he had a telephonic conversation with the 93 year old leader. On Thursday after the military seized power in what it dubbed a targeted operation against “criminals” in the entourage of President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled the southern African nation for almost four decades. It is however unclear where the first lady Grace Mugabe is who has been controversial in the media recently, in a bit to succeed her husband as head of Zanu PF and Government. It was not clear whether the apparent military coup would bring a formal end to the 93-year-old Mugabe’s rule.
To help us talk about the life O.R Tambo we are joined on the line by: 1. Dr Ibbo Mandaza Political Analyst 2. Simon Muchemwa Channel Africa Correspondent 3. David Coltart Former: Zimbabwean Cabinet Minister
About a week ago outgoing Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said democracy in the West African country was under threat, after the Supreme Court ordered the elections commission to fully examine allegations levelled by Charles Brumskine, who finished third in last month’s first round poll. A successful vote would be Liberia’s first democratic transfer of power in more than seven decades. 1. Itumeleng Makgetla Political Analyst 2. Cholo Brooks C.E.O and Publisher: ggnliberia.com 3. Emeritus Professor Shadrack Gutto
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) there are currently over 199 million women living with diabetes. This total is projected to increase to 313 million by 2040. Two out of every five women with diabetes are of reproductive age, accounting for over 60 million women worldwide. Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths per year.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
Dr Ahmed Reja:Chair International Diabetes Federation: Africa Region (Addis Ababa)
Charmaine Moyo: Diabetes nurse and educator: Centre for diabetes excellence
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has fired his vice Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, after he accused Mnangagwa of fanning factionalism in Zanu-PF and plotting to overthrow the 93-year-old ruling party leader. This came just a day after the first lady reportedly declared that the under fire vice president should be gone from both the government and Zanu-PF before the congress. This move has been seen by some as clearing the way for President Mugabe’s wife Grace Mugabe to succeed him.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr William Mpofu Political Analyst
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Simon Muchengwa Channel Africa: Correspondent ,
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Dr Webster Zombara Senior Project Leader for the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation
An article written earlier this year by IRIN NEWS suggests that the presence of foreign military on African soil is a symptom of the fragility of African states, and the power of external interests. The long and inglorious history of intervention runs from colonial and post-colonial struggles, through to the Cold War, and up to the present day. It further says that the twin hot spots are Sahel and the Horn of Africa. To discuss this further we are joined by: • Dr. Ndubuisi Christian Ani is a Researcher Peace and Security Research Programme Institute for Security Studies, Addis Ababa • Obi Anyadike Editor-at-Large IRINnews • Helmoed Heitman, Militiary and Defence analyst
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe called for his country to see the return of the death penalty, which is part of the statute book in the country. To discuss the death penalty we are joined by: • Institute of Race Relations Policy Fellow John Kane-Berman • Executive Director at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation Stan Henkeman
A warning has been issued by the World Food Programme about the deepening crisis in the DRC’s Kasai region. It’s estimated that about 3.2 million people are food insecure and as many as 250 000 children could starve in the next few months if food doesn’t reach them quickly. The Kasai region accounts for 40% of the DRC’s 7.7 million severely food insecure. Many humanitarian organisations have been out there on the ground bringing different forms of aid but an appeal has been made by WFP for assistance to be wider. To assist us on this we are joined on the line by: • Rein Paulsen, Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in DRC
• Augustin Majiku, Career Manager for Field Staff, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa (in studio)
• Claude Jibidar World Food Programme DRC Country Director
National Treasury has been given a week, to evaluate the capability of the South African Post Office (Sapo) to take over the payment of social grants in the country, this as negotiations between Sapo and the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) deadlocked last night. Yesterday, parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) and its portfolio committee on social development insisted that National Treasury intervene to resolve the impasse. SAPO and SASSA were sent packing, with an order to come up with an agreement to ensure everything is in place for the grants pay-outs next year. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Zorah Dawood,Director of the Centre for Unity in Diversity
• Professor Keith Breckenrigde is the Deputy Director at the Wits Institute for social and economic research also known as Wiser. (in studio)
• Themba Godi (SCOPA chairperson)
South Africa's High Court last week ruled that parents can no longer use the defence of 'reasonable chastisement' for smacking their children. Judge Raylene Keightley ruled that parents who believe in corporal punishment cannot put their religious beliefs above the interests of their children. Any form of hitting has been banned in the country's schools. The South African Schools Act states that "No person may administer corporal punishment at a school to a learner." Contravene this and you may be charged with assault. The situation was however different at home. While the criminal law labelled smacking a child, whether yours or someone else's, as assault, a parent could plead the special defence of moderate or reasonable chastisement if taken to court. The ruling largely received praise but some interest groups argued that judgment does not consider this distinction between assault and "reasonable and measured discipline" out of love. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Dr. Shaheda Omar, Director of Clinical Services at the Teddy Bear Clinic
• Cornelius Williams, UNICEF’s Global Head of Child protection (STUDIO)
• Michael Swain, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR For South Africa,
Due to violent protests which took place in flashpoint opposition areas, Kenya's election board is expected today to decide whether to reschedule a vote. It was also expected that the counting of ballot papers will be completed last week Thursday for the presidential re-run, however the results were paused due to voting in 25 constituencies in four western counties was blocked. It still remains unclear how the vote will be rescheduled, as the current vote count shows Uhuru Kenyatta as the victor in these controversial elections.
• Aldrin Sampear, SABC reporter • Nixon Katembo, Channel Africa reporter
President Jaboc Zuma has once again reshuffled his cabinet. To date this is cabinet reshuffle number 12. In March this year he fired former minister of Finance Pravin Gordan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, making that move his 126th change to his national executive. So far Zuma has made over 62 changes to ministerial positions, and just above 63 deputy ministerial positions, deeming it the biggest changes to have been in seen in South Africa. The recent reshuffle has seen Higher Education Minister and South African Communist Party Secretary General Blade Ndzimande being axed. Minister of Energy Mamoloko Kubayi was removed and replaced with States Security Minister David Mahlobo. Now today on the show we really look at the necessity of all these reshuffles…. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Mcebisi Ndletyana Pan African Institute University of Johannesburg
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Prof Dirk Kotze Political Sciences Department University of South Africa (UNISA)
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Richard Jurgens Editor: Africa in Fact Journal Good Governance Africa
In the latest action to stop homosexuality in Africa, last week two South Africans were held and interrogated by Tanzanian police in the capital Dar-es-Salaam for allegedly promoting homosexuality. They are yet to be charged. News reports state that the two were part of a group of 12 men, including a Ugandan and 9 Tanzanians who were arrested at a hotel. The East African country is not the only one to impose harsh laws against the LGBT group. In Uganda homosexual activity between men or women is punishable by life imprisonment, and in Sudan offenders can face as many as hundred lashes to life imprisonment. Are there real risks with being gay or should governments just allow people to choose how they want to live their lives?
To discuss this further we are joined by:
• Neela Ghoshal :Researcher in the LGBT Rights division at Human Rights Watch.
• Juliet Mphande : Communications and Media Advocacy Manager (Amsher)
• Liza Lombard: Volunteer at Doctors for Life International and a former homosexual.
The United Nations was officially created when a UN charter was ratified on October 24 1945. United Nations Day is devoted to making known to people of the world the aims and achievements of the organisation. The UN consists of other bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO); the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and many more. But has it made real progress in advancing and building the African continent? We have seen many instances when the UN has deployed peace keeping missions in countries where war is rife but is that how far it should go and does this body have a future in Africa?
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Prof Bheki Mngomezulu He is a Professor with the University of the Western Cape in the department of political sciences.
• Stephen Buchanan- Clarke He is an Independent researcher at Good Governance Africa.
• Professor Anthoni Van Nieuwkerk from the Wits School of Governance
Demonstrations have taken place in the Somali capital Mogadishu following the huge bomb blast that is now thought to have killed more than 300 people. Hundreds other were injured and many people are still missing after the blast at one of the city's busiest junctions. It now appears likely to have been carried out by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab. The truck bomb exploded next to a fuel truck, increasing the number of people killed and injured.
To help us with this this we are joined by:
• Ahmed Soliman, Research Associate in the Horn of Africa programme at Chatham House,
• Jazmine Opperman, Director Southern Africa Operations at Terrorism, Research & Analysis Consortium
Today South Africa’s Jacob Zuma is unveiling a statue of struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo to honour his centenary celebration this month. The life-size statue will be stationed at the OR Tambo International Airport, which was renamed from Johannesburg International Airport in honour of 89th birthday. On a different occasion, yesterday the Nelson Mandela Foundation launched Mandela’s second memoir, Dare Not Linger which documents the ex-president’s years in office. With South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, attached to historical figures such as a O.R Tambo and Nelson Mandelas, what legacy of leadership has been left for the political party. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, a political analyst with the University of Pretoria. • Gwen Ngwenya COO of South African Institute of Race Relations.
According to the annual Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index, Johannesburg was the most popular destination city in Africa in 2016 with the city having welcomed 4.57 million international overnight visitors in 2016 - an impressive 24 percent increase in the previous year's 3.69 million visitors. Johannesburg was followed by Cape Town which rose from third place in 2015 to become the second most popular African destination city in 2016 with 1.52 million visitors.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Research Director at the World Travel and Tourism Council, Rochelle Turner
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Simba Mandinyenya, Head of research and information management Retosa.
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Laura Vercueil from Joburg tourism.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation around 220 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were hungry/undernourished in 2014 to 2016, the highest prevalence of any region in the world. Sub-Saharan Africa was the area with the second largest number of hungry people, as Asia had 512 million, principally due to the much larger population. Although the prevalence of undernourishment in sub-Saharan Africa has declined according to FAO, it has seen the least progress where more than one in four people remain undernourished. Meanwhile the Food Aid Foundation estimates that 66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone. With a rapidly growing population, Africa is faced with a huge challenge to feed its nation. How do we do this and how do we begin to empower Africans to grow their own food so that it is affordable and sustainable. To help us unpack this and more we are joined in studio by: Dr Naude Malan: Senior Lecturer at the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg. (studio) Gerry Bourke: Regional Communications Officer at the United Nations World Food Progamme. Professor Julian May: Director of the Department of Science and Technology - National Research Foundation at the Centre of Excellence in Food Security and UNESCO Chair in African Food Systems at the University of the Western Cape.
The Pan African Parliament opened on Monday and tomorrow the annual women’s conference will start until Friday. The conference will zoom in on challenges facing women on the African continent. Some of the areas that have been put on the spotlight by PAP to be discussed include female genital mutilation and how we get men on board in getting rid of some of these practices. For more on this and other related matters we are now joined on the line by…
Dr Bernadette Lahae who is the Fourth Vice President of the Pan African Parliament
Itumeleng Komanyane who is the Regional Programmes Manager at Sonke Gender Justice who are co-organisers of the conference
Agnes Odhiambo who is a senior researcher in the women’s rights programme at the Humans Rights Watch
The world’s first elected black female president and Africa’s first elected female head of state Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s eleven year term in office has come to an end. Today Liberians take to the poll to find a suitable and able replacement to take the office of president. This election has seen 25 presidential hopeful raise hands in availability to steer the ship. Amongst the 25 is also the Vice-President Joseph Boakai. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Itumeleng Makgetla {STUDIO} Political Analyst (Concentrating on West Africa)
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Cholo Brooks C.E.O and Publisher: ggnliberia.com
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Dennis Kadima Executive Director Electoral Institute of Sustainable Democracy in Africa
The third annual Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum conference promises to ignite fundamental changes in Africa’s socio-economic landscape. The conference convenes under the theme: “Equity, impact and inclusive growth towards agenda 2030 and a sustainable African future” With its sight firmly on the emancipation and economic empowerment of women who have historically been side-lined and disregarded in society, the forum seeks to give them a voice of reason. The event will see many women from the entire entrepreneurship ecosystem including business experts, stakeholders and policy makers come together to talk about ways on how to uplift women in business. The event will also some women be awarded for their sterling work they have done. The award ceremony will have about 7 categories and many finalists.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Irene Ochem (organiser) Founder & CEO African Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum : CEO of the Tanzania
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Jacqueline Mkindi Horticultural Association (TAHA)
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Vanessa Mounger Director of Gender and Civil Society at the African Development Bank
Africa is faced with many challenges such as unemployment, poverty, disease, lack of education and corruption – these are a combination of problems caused by social and political inequality. Governments have reiterated their commitment to changing the status quo, but, some may argue, that transformation is happening at a snail’s pace. In some countries we have seen a wave of social and political activism, people rising and demanding that their voices be heard. In Zimbabwe for instance Pastor Evan Mawarire remains on trial for allegedly trying to subvert President Robert Mugabe's government, he continues to challenge Mugabe on the country’s economic crisis. And here at home movements like SaveSA have taken the country by storm protesting against state capture and corruption and Fess Must Fall. To discuss these further and other related matters we are joined in studio by….
David Kode, who leads CIVICUS' Campaigns and Advocacy division. (Studio Guest)
Christopher Rutledge who is the Natural Resources Manager for ActionAid South Africa.
Mark Heywood: Executive Director at section 27
Martha Shumba who is the Chairperson of Organisation of African Youth:
Ugandan members of parliament were caught up in a brawl last week exchanging punches, kicks and throwing objects at each other during a debate focusing on the removal of the presidential age limit. Last week Wednesday, more than twenty MPs and lawmakers were thrown out of the parliament’s chambers for opposing the proposed constitutional change which would see the long-running Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni stays in power after the age of 75. According to parliament’s communications officer Chris Obore, the motion had passed after MPs were ejected; with only a month now left for the bill to be submitted to a first reading in the House. To assist us on this we have on the line: • Paul Mulindwa, the senior project officer at the Centre for Conflict resolution • Jamie Hitchen, is Policy Researcher at the Africa Research Institute (ARI) • Michael Arereng, Channel Africa Swahili executive producer
Tourism is a booming industry with countries namely South Africa and those in the SADC region making large profits from it. It is also a source of life for many families whose lives are sustained by tourists. However, crime like any other social ill has the potential to crush this industry as well as many people’s dreams. One case in mind is the recent robbery of 36 Dutch tourists who were from OR Tambo International Airport on the way to their accommodation. They were held up, robbed of all their belongings including cell phones, passports and luggage. The Dutch ambassador to South Africa, Marisa Gerards, was quoted as saying the tourists had booked an organised trip instead of striking out on their own because they had safety worries. South Africa is popular among Dutch tourists, according to Stats SA, the Netherlands ranked ninth on the list of countries of tourists visiting South Africa in mid-2017. To discuss this further and other related matter we are joined in studio by….
Thembi Kunene-Msimang: Executive Marketing and Communications at Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa or Retosa:
DG of South Africa’s Department of Tourism: Mr Victor Tharage:
Mmatsatsi Ramawela: Chief Executive Officer at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa:
Southern African Criminologist Shaka Yesufu:
The third annual Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum conference promises to ignite fundamental changes in Africa’s socio-economic landscape. The conference convenes under the theme: “Equity, impact and inclusive growth towards agenda 2030 and a sustainable African future” With its sight firmly on the emancipation and economic empowerment of women who have historically been side-lined and disregarded in society, the forum seeks to give them a voice of reason. The event will see many women from the entire entrepreneurship ecosystem including business experts, stakeholders and policy makers come together to talk about ways on how to uplift women in business. The event will also some women be awarded for their sterling work they have done. The award ceremony will have about 7 categories and many finalists.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Irene Ochem (organiser) Founder & CEO African Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum
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Shannon Smuts (Growth Accelerator program participant) Owner Pure Good Foods
Joao Lourenco was inaugurated as president of Angola yesterday, at a ceremony in Luanda. He succeeded Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who had been running Angola for 38 years. Lourenco read an oath at the ceremony, and took power, after the ruling MPLA party won last month's election. Outgoing President Dos Santos was at the ceremony, but is reportedly in poor health. The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, MPLA, has governed since Angola's hard-fought independence from Portugal, in 1975. The party won 61% of the vote in August, although this was a sharp drop in support from the previous election in 2012. Dos Santos is to remain MPLA party chief and new laws limit the unfettered presidential power he enjoys. To chat about this and other related matters we are joined on the line by:
Dr Justin Pearce: Research Fellow: Department of Politics and International Studies: University of Cambridge
Charlie Khumalo: Executive Producer: Portuguese Service: Channel Africa Dr Alex Vines OBE. Research Director: Area Studies and International Law; Head, Africa Programme at CIVICUS
Heritage
Last week Tuesday a non-profit organisation, Right2Know, marched to the doorsteps of major telecommucations companies in South Africa demanding for the reduction for the cost of data and airtime. The organisation coordinated a picket at the MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom premises as the debate of the cost of data has been a major talking point in the country. This week, the Annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa is taking place for the first time in South Africa and issues of the importance of the access to the internet on the continent will be discussed at this gathering.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
Comrade Biko Mutsaurwa is R2K Communication Right's Organiser Abongile Mashele is Acting Chief Operations Officer at the Films and Publications Board Anri van der Spuy Research ICT Africa but also an independent specialist on Internet governance at UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Dr Brian Armstrong, is adjuct professor at the graduate school of business at Wits
Africa’s heritage has to be preserved! Scholars suggest that the origins of human kind started in Africa. In South Africa September is celebrated as a heritage month and It recognizes aspects of South African culture which are both tangible and intangible. Things like creative expressions such as music and performances, our historical inheritance, language, the food we eat as well as the popular memory. South Africa is also home to eight of the 981 World Heritage Sites which are recognized by the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization as places of outstanding cultural and historical importance. And they are: • Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape in Limpopo • Robben Island in the Western Cape • Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng • the Cape Floral Region in both the Western and Eastern Cape • Vredefort Dome in the Free State • uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park • Isimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu- Natal • Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the Northern Cape. • The sites offer a diversity and abundance of cultural and natural values that encapsulate the value systems of the country. • Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr Julien Benoit Post-Doctoral Fellow Evolutionary Studies Institute WITS University
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Hazel Botha Head of Conservation The South African Institute for Heritage Sciences
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Souayibou Varissou: {STUDIO} Head of Partnership African World Heritage Fund
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Prof Ciraj Rassol Lecturer Department of History University of Western Cape
A group of scholars and experts contested this past weekend in an article in the City Press newspaper against making English the only language of record in South Africa’s high courts. According to a Sunday Times report the heads of courts had decided to make English the only official language of record in South African courts. However, there are those who argue that this could breach provisions in the South African constitution which elevate the use of African languages.
To assist us on this we have on the line:
• Zakeera Docrat, master’s student in African languages at Rhodes University
• Cerneels Lourens, director at Lourens Attorney
• Alana Bailey, deputy chief executive at Afriforum
World leaders have gathered in New York for the start of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. Emphasising ‘peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet’, the 193 member states will be meeting until the 25th of this month. On Saturday, over 500 high school learners from across South Africa participated in the annual South African Institute of International Affairs Johannesburg Model United Nations Conference, to discuss many of the same issues facing the General Assembly. In what is the largest event of its kind in Southern Africa, outstanding bright young minds spent the day negotiating and debating key global issues such as Cyber Security, Migration, Water and Famine Crisis. Joining us here in our studio are some of the bright minds that attended from the Sandringham High School in Johannesburg, and have won the Best Delegation Gold Award. The students are:
Stin Mulunda,
Abigail Sokoni
Nokwanda Dube
Siwaphine Madubela SAII Intern and Organiser of the Conference
President Jacob Zuma lawyer Kemp J Kemp has on Thursday admitted that the decision to withdraw 783 charges against his client was irrational. Kemp admitted this at the Supreme Court of Appeal, but he, however, said Zuma requested to make new representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The North Gauteng High Court had ruled in April 2016 that the 2009 decision to withdraw criminal charges against Zuma was irrational. In a staggering about-turn on Thursday, President Zuma has asked for a new opportunity to make representations to the National Prosecuting Authority on the hundreds of corruption charges that have haunted him for years. Now, president Zuma wants the current NPA head, to make a new decision on the 783 corruption charges hanging over his head. To make sense of this and other related matters we are joined on the line by:
- Andre Thomas- Hausen: Public, Constitutional and International Law Expert: University of South Africa
- Mathews Phosa: A South African Attorney and Politician.
Politically motivated violence has reportedly flared up in Zimbabwe in recent months, as the southern African nation gears up for presidential polls in 2018, a report says. According to Bloomberg, a rights group, The Zimbabwe Peace Projects, claimed that at least 745 people were attacked in August alone, up from 435 in July. The group alleged that about 94% of the attacks were carried out by the ruling Zanu-PF party, and the country's security forces. To help us unpack this violence ahead of the 2018 polls, we are joined on the line by:
Clement Ncube: Chairperson of the Zimbabwe association – The Alliance of Mosi-0a-unya( AMOT )
Simbarashe Herbert Stanley Makoni : A Zimbabwean politician and was a candidate for the March 2008 presidential election against incumbent Robert Mugabe. He was Minister of Finance and Economic Development in President Robert Mugabe's cabinet from 2000 to 2002.
Juset Moyo: Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
Today South Africans celebrate the life of Steve Biko as the 12th of September commemorates his death under the hands of apartheid government. Steve Biko is known for his views against racism in South Africa and his philosophy which was inspired by Black Consciousness. As a leader of the South African Students Organisation he expressed his strong pro-black views through the Frank Talk publication which became problematic for the apartheid regime because it affirmed blackness. Today South Africa's president Jacob Zuma will be commemorating Biko by visiting the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre where the social and political activist died.
We are now joined by: • Zithulele Cindi, AZAPO secretary general
• Professor Wally Serote, Writer, Poet, Anti-apartheid cultural activist
Over the past few weeks, hundreds of people have taken to the streets of Togo, calling for the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe. These demonstrations have been taking place across the country since August. Opposition leaders had been hoping to force the government to initiate reforms. In 1992, former president Gnassingbe Eyadema, actually did introduce a new law which limited the presidential term to two electoral periods. He however rescinded it 10 years later, in order to stay in power until his death in 2005 when he was succeeded by his son. Last week, the cabinet passed a draft bill which would amend the constitution and introduce presidential term limits. But the opposition is buying none of it, accusing the government of not acting in good faith. To look at this and other related isues, we are joined on the line by:
Liesl Louw-Vaudran: Senior Research Consultant |Peace and Security Research Programme: Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria
Mathias Hounkpe: Senior Researcher: Open Society Initiative For West
Steven Gruzd: Senior Researcher: South African Institute of International Affairs
The Southern African Development Community ICT Ministerial meeting in Balito in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal enters its second day today.The South African Government through the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services and Department of Communications are hosting the gathering of SADC ICT Ministers responsible for Communications, ICT and Postal services from the Region, as well as its representatives of private sectors, ICT Industry players and other relevant stakeholders. For more on this we are joined by: • Moss Gondwe, General Manager of Public Sector at the Liquid Telecom
• Robert Nkuna, Deputy General of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Office
• Phera Ramoeli, the acting director for Infrastructure at SADC Secretariat
It has been announced by the Kenya’s Electoral Commission that the country will hold fresh presidential election on October 17. The commission also confirmed that the ballot will have Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga will be on the list, along with the running mates. This comes as the Supreme Court in the country overturned the results of Kenyatta as President in last month’s poll. Odinga deemed the decision of the court as the first one in history of African democratisation.
To look at this decision and its consequences we are joined on the line by: • James Shimanyula, Channel Africa Nairobi Correspondent
• Sekou Toure Otondi, Political Science and Public Administration expert at the University of Nairobi
Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was recently in South Africa for a three-day visit, during which attended a question session addressed by President Jacob Zuma in Parliament on Thursday. During his stay, the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, called for South Africa to end its quiet diplomacy on Hichilema’s arrest. In other news, Recently, Riek Machar, the ex-vice-president of South Sudan, has been reported as a “de facto prisoner” in a farmhouse outside of Johannesburg and restricted from political activity. Clearly, from this we see from this that South Africa plays a huge in political interventions on the continent.
Today, we look at the current role that South Africa in diplomatic issues.
To help us on this we are joined by:
• Mr Roland Henwood, lecturer in political science at the University of Pretoria
• Prof, Shadrack Gutto, from Unisa
TOP STORIES ON AFRICA MIDDAY AT THIS HOUR
** Former Lesotho Deputy Prime Minister - Mothejoa Metsing has fled the country..........
** Cameroon authorities has arrested several cable television distributors...................
** and.............................. Kenya has almost reached the African Union's target of investment in Research and Development in both higher learning institutions and other agencies................
** in business news ...................All South African exports of poultry products have been halted due to the recent Avian Flu outbreak...........
** and in sports...............South Africa's Bafana Bafana looking for a favourable result against Cape Verde in their 2018 World Cup qualifier ..........
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The issue of peace and security in Africa took centre stage last week at the African Leadership forum in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg. The two-day sitting was convened by the former Presidents of South Africa and Tanzania, Thabo Mbeki and Benjamin Mkapa. Former Heads of State from Nigeria, Tunisia, Malawi and Somalia led the robust debate. A key concern that was raised is how Africa continues to fail to resolve conflicts in countries which have been destabilized by either civil war, terrorism or regime change. To assist us on this we are joined by:
• PROF ANTHONI VAN NIUWKERK, from the WITS SCHOOL OF GOVERNANCE • PROF MAMMO MUCHIE, FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCE AT THE TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Statistician General Dr Pali Lehohla has released the South African Poverty statistics which painted a bleak picture. Poverty amongst the black majority remains high. More South Africans are slumping back into poverty as previous gains have been being reversed since 2011. The “Anaemic” economic growth, stubbornly high unemployment rate and educational failures are according to Statistics South Africa’s “Poverty trends in South Africa major contributors to this. For policy-makers and government this diagnostic report raises deeply worrying questions about the continued pursuit of policies that fail to bring about change. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Thembinkosi Dlamini Taxation, Public Finance and Economic Specialist Oxfam 2. Prof Theo van der Merwe Economics Department of Economics UNISA 3. Dr Pali Lehohla Statistician General Statistics South Africa
Angolans have gone to the polls today, in what has been marked as a historical election which sees the end of the presidential reign of President Eduardo dos Santos. Dos Santos, the leader of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola has decided to go on retirement after 38 years in power in a the country that has had many economic challenges during his rule. Today on our programme, we are looking at how the elections are going today and get a feeling of the importance of today for Angolans.
joining us is :
• Phil Nelo, Channel Africa correspondent based in Luanda
• Alcides Sakala, political analyst
• David Matshine, Amnesty International’s Researcher for Southern Africa,
Should all archives that tell the African story during the apartheid era be open to the public? Is this going to be rubbing salt on unhealed raw wounds or could this be a way of healing them. The History Workshop at South Africa’s Wits University celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and the Wits Historical Papers Research Archive, together with SECTION 27 and Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), will be hosting a colloquium on apartheid era archives and public record keeping in a post-apartheid state this week. Currently there is an ongoing inquest into the death of struggle icon Ahmed Timol. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Omar Badsha Chief Executive Officer S.A History Online
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Dr Brown Maaba Historian/Author
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Verne Harris Director: Archives and Dialogue Nelson Mandela Foundation
South African opposition party, the Democratic Alliance says it will call for an inquiry into how Grace Mugabe was able to leave the country when she was clearly an identified suspect in a criminal charge. The party says it specially need clarity on whether she had VIP protection assigned to her and if so, whether the SAPS therefore took her to her plane. Zimbabwe's first lady flew home from South Africa yesterday ending a week of confusion over her whereabouts, after she allegedly assaulted a model. The Department of International Relations at the weekend issued a statement confirming that Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane had indeed given Mugabe diplomatic immunity. To help us discuss this and zoom into Diplomatic Immunity as our subject, we are joined on the line by:
Willie Spies: Legal Spokesperson for AfriForum:
Zakhele Mbele: Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Police
Professor Vim De Villiers: Criminal and Law of Evidence Department at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, will preside over the launch of the African Regional Centre of the BRICS New Development Bank this morning. He will be joined by the President of the BRICS Development Bank, Kundapur Vaman Kamath, cabinet ministers, banks executives and other dignitaries. BRICS countries signed the Agreement establishing the New Development Bank at the Sixth BRICS Summit in July 2014 in Brazil, and the Seventh BRICS Summit marked the entry into force of the Agreement on the New Development Bank. The bank’s headquarters were officially opened in Shanghai, China last year. The first of its kind, the launch of the African Regional Centre will showcase the bank’s service offering, highlighting the Bank’s potential role in the area of infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging and developing countries. To discuss this milestone we are joined on the line by: Dr Petrus De Kock: Research Manager: Brand South Africa Mr Lumkile Mondi: Senior Lecturer at the School of Economics and Business Science of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg Dr Igbal Surve: Executive Chairperson: Sekunjalo and Chairman of the BRICS Business Council Chapter in Africa
The economic well-being of the African continent is dependent on the speeding up of infrastructural development. Regional and continental integration through transport corridors and the implementation of regional strategies for transportation and energy needs are pillars to ensuring greater development. Next week international delegates will converge on the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the sixth annual Infrastructure Africa Business Forum.The event is aimed at initiating joint actions by both Public and Private enterprises across Africa. To tell us more we have:
Nelisiwe Magubane, Chairperson of Matleng Energy and former South African Director General of Energy,
Nigel Gwynne-Evans Chief Director for Industrial Development at the South African Department of Trade and Industry:
South Africa has accepted the of Chairpersonship of the SADeC Council of Ministers, in Pretoria . The baton was handed over by outgoing Chairperson of the Council, Prince Hlangusemphi Dlamini, who is the Minister of Economic Planning and Development of Swaziland, to South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. To tell us more about the 37th SADeC Council of Ministers meeting in Pretoria we have:
Claysen Monyela – Head of Public Dipolmacy at South Africa’s Department for International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO)
Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax – Executive Secretary of the Sothern African Development Community SADC.
Sporadic protests have erupted in parts of Kenya, particularly in areas that strongholds of opposition leader Raila Odinga. Unconfirmed reports say several people have died but acting interior minister Dr. Fred Matiang'i is adamant that nobody has been killed and no live ammunitions have been use don protestors. The situation remains tense in the East African after the incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta retained his seat as head of state. To help give us an analysis of the situation we have : Sarah Kimani – SABC news Correspondent based in Nairobi Kenya
Kenya opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has rejected provisional results claiming that Kenya’s IT system was hacked in order to manipulate Tuesday's election results. Meanwhile the electoral commission has denied opposition claims. Chief electoral officer Ezra Chiloba has told reporters in a press conference that the systems were not compromised at any point. Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta has taken a strong lead as votes are counted after Tuesday's election. Figures show that with 95.3% % of results in he has 55% of the vote against 44% for his rival, Raila Odinga. However, the opposition coalition has rejected the partial results, saying election officials have not produced documents to prove their validity. The electoral commission is urging people to wait calmly for full results. To look at this we are now joined on the line by:
Abdullahi Halakhe, A Researcher with Amnesty International’s East Africa office in Nairobi
South Africa marks Women's Day on the 9th of August this year . The day commemorates the more than twenty thousand women who marched against the pass laws during the Apartheid regime in 1956. Under the theme "the Year of OR Tambo: Women united in moving South Africa forward'' celebrations took place around the country with the min one being in Kimberley. In this edition of African Dialogue we take a special look at African Women and the roles they are playing in business, and the problems they face. To help us look at the issues we have :
Zandi Nakabinde – a past Winner of the South African Young Achiever of the Year.
Joyce Akama – A Senegalese Hairdresser now working in South Africa.
Stella Kilonzo A Businesswoman in Kenya.
Boki Khalessele - A Businesswomen from Botswana
State Owned Enterprises are supposed to be the pride of any nation in a functioning democracy. There has been a decline of proper and effective management of SOE’s in South Africa costing the SA government millions of rands to keep them afloat. Entities like the SABC and SAA have found themselves requesting for government guarantees as a result of overspending. On the other hand the minister of finance Malusi Gigaba has been under increasing pressure to steer South Africa's economy away from further credit ratings downgrade.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Mr Themba Godi Chairperson Standing Committee of Public Account (SCOPA)
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Ms Cheryl Carolous ANC Veteran Politician & Trustee of the Constitutional Court
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Prof William Gumede Director Programme for the Management of Public Enterprises Wits School of Governance
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Joachim Vermooten Aviation Economist
Paul Kagame has won a third term as president of Rwanda with an overwhelming 98 percent of votes from Friday’s election. Kagame received 6.6 million votes while the two opposition candidates received only 80, 000. The exceedingly impressive win of a fresh seven-year term has been seen as symbolising the transforming Rwanda from its history of a genocide to a society with a transforming economy.
To help us on this:
• Simon Allison, the Mail and Guardian Africa editor
• Dirk Kotze, African political analyst
The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union is advising white South African farmers to agree to a deal to share land with the black majority. He says this should be done to avoid suffering the same fate as their Zimbabwean counterparts. You’ll recall white Zimbawean farmers were violently evicted from their properties as a result of the controversial land reform program in that country. The union's President, Peter Steyl, says it would be better if white South African farmers gave away a little bit of their land now, than risk losing everything later. Land redistribution is a burning political issue in South Africa and has divided the ruling African National Congress - ahead of a December conference where President Jacob Zuma's successor as party leader will be chosen.
To discuss this emotive issue, we are joined on the line by: Prof. Andries du Toit: Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies Director: Theo de Jagger: President of World Farmers Organisation Willem van Jaarsveld: A Farmer, Agri Economist and CEO Agri Limpopo Vuyo Mahlati – President of The African farmers' association of South Africa
The second Southern African Development Community’s Industrial Week enters its second day this morning. It was launched in August 2015 on the margins of the SADC Heads of State Summit in Botswana and has since established a secretariat that resides at the New Partnership For African Development Business Foundation. The theme of the Week is Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains. The Strategy and Roadmap of this Industrialisation Week, sets out three potential growth paths, namely agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and downstream processing value chains. We today in our outside facility here in Sunninghill, west of Johannesburg, we are joined by:
Mapolao Rosmary Mokoena of the Southern African Development Community Secretariat (Botswana)
Dr Monanne Monanne – also from the SADC Secretariat.
Mohan Vivekanandan – Group Executive of the Strategic Department of the Development Bank of Southern Africa
Charl Harding Business Development Manger at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa
Botswana yesterday confirmed it will allow the Dalai Lama to visit next month as "a foreign dignitary" in the face of China's fierce opposition to the Tibetan spiritual leader. Beijing views the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist campaigning for Tibetan independence and consistently condemns foreign governments who welcome him. Botswana Foreign Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi told lawmakers that the visit was "purely private" but added that the Dalai Lama would be granted the status of a foreign dignitary. She did not confirm a government announcement last week that he would meet President Ian Khama, which prompted a stern response from Beijing. China is a key investor across Africa. To help us chat about this, we are joined on the line by: • Ngodup Dorjee: Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Africa • Shadrack Gutto, Director for the Centre for African Renaissance Studies at the University of South Africa
Last week, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural‚ Religious and Linguistic Communities released its final report on the commercialisation of religion and abuse of people’s belief systems saying that religious organisations and practitioners should be regulated. Amongst its other regulations was that they should also be licenced. The report comes after there were media reports which documented pastors in parts of South Africa were allegedly feeding their congregants snakes, rats, human hair and in some cases there were those who were instructed to drink petrol in order to receive miracles.
In its findings‚ the commission found that the laws in place were not protective of people. • Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) CEO Edward Mafatso
• Director: South African Pagan Rights Alliance Damon Leff
• Executive Director of FOR SA Michael Swain,An organisation standing for several catholic divisionsE
South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir has declared a state of emergency in part of the country’s north-west. Reasons for the decree have not been made available. The state of emergency is expected to last for three months. The conflict in South Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than two million since 2013. The last state of emergency was in 2014 in Unity State in the north and Jonglei in the east, as rebels fought government forces. Tensions continue between both sides as heavy fighting has also escalated in the east of the country. To help us unpack this, we are joined on the line by:
• His Excellency Ambassador Natana: South Sudan Ambassador to South Africa
• Jok Madut Jok, executive director of the Sudd Institute
• Kwezi Mnqibisa, researcher at ACCORD.
Last month, the African National Congress (ANC)’s National Chairperson and the speaker of South Africa’s National Legislature Baleka Mbete says that ANC MPS will toe the “party line”. Mbete says this weeks before the debate of the vote of no confidence in the countries President Jacob Zuma which will take place on the 8th of August. Baleka highlights this as ANC Mp Dr Makhosi Khoza called for secret ballot while recently axed finance minister Pravin Gordhan have publicly called for the removal of Zuma. However, recently members of the ANC’s NEC have threatened that MP's who vote against the president will be disciplined.
To assist us on this:
• Mr Levy Ndou Lecturer: Political Science Tshwane University of Technology
• Dr Thabisi Hoeane Head of Department: Political Science University of South Africa (UNISA)
• Mr Isaac Kgomo Journalist Channel Africa
The power of social media was first noticeable as a social push back tool during the Arab spring Uprisings against Hosni Mubarak’s 30 year old reign, as it was used to express solidarity for public demonstration in Cairo and Alexandria. Thereafter we have seen that social media has become an alternative tool in various social movements in various countries on the African continent, for example in South Africa twitter and Facebook played a huge role during the fees must fall campaigns student movement and even recently in countries such as Kenya and The Gambia social media has become central in information dissemination in elections campaign.
Today to help us on this topic we are joined by:
• Yavi Mudarai, social media analyst/trends expert
• Dr Musawenknosi Ndlovu, senior lecturer at Media Studies of the University of Cape Town
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
It's Mandela Day today and the Nelson Mandela Foundation is asking everyone to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. This year's theme is around "taking action against poverty". Channel Africa is marking the day with a variety of activities such as painting and cleaning at the Yeoville Community School in Johannesburg in South Africa. In this special edition of African Dialogue Benjamin Moshatama and Zondani Sakala spoke to the following people:
Mamolefe Segakweng – Channel Africa’s Marketing Manager
Principal of Yeoville Community Primary School Martha Mente
Dr Claire Nicholson – from the sponsoring company Move it moving matters – an Intermediate Physical Education organization
A University of Johannesburg Journalism Student – Lebogeng.
Two school students at Yeoville Community School – Thanda and Cashalam
This year is a big one for elections on the African continent. 2017 has already seen The Gambia removing Yahyah Jammeh who has been president for more twenty years, mainly due to the strong regional support; however other countries are due to hold elections. A country, like Angola, with long-sitting presidents Eduardo Dos Santos will be holding elections and there has already been criticism on the political and social conditions before the elections. Kenya is another country which will hold elections in a few weeks and already international watchdogs have criticised the treatment of journalists and an open media environment in the country.
To assist us to look at the topic we are joined by:
• Mr Miguel de Brito , the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy; Country Director Mozambique • • Ongama Mtimka, lecturer in political studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, • • Prof Shadrack Gutto, Constitutional law expert and political analyst with the University of South Africa
The youth unemployment rate in Africa has been evolving up and down in recent years with a declining trend in sub-Saharan Africa and the highest ever in North Africa, according to the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth 2015. The new report outlines priorities to address youth employment challenge including levels of education in Africa that are comparatively low creating a considerable skills gap among youth at working age. In sub-Saharan Africa, three in five young workers (61.4 per cent) do not have the level of education expected to make them productive on the job, the report notes. Meanwhile tourism remains a key driver of South Africa’s national economy and contributes to job creation. The tourism industry is a major contributor to the South African economy and employment of citizens. The sector contributes about 9% to the country’s gross domestic product. So now we ask can the sector be the answer to Africa’s unemployment challenge.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Ms Thokozile Xasa Minister Department of Tourism (Joining us from the U.S.A)
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Unathi Sonwabile Henama Lecturer: Department of Tourism Management Tshwane University of Technology
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Thiofhi Ravele Business Development Manager Fair Trade in Tourism
Political tensions in Zambia is seen as one of Africa's more stable and functional democracies, have been on the rise since the arrest of main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on treason charges, who narrowly lost to Edgar Lungu in a bruising election last year. Meanwhile the Zambian parliament has approved a 90-day state of emergency decreed by President Edgar Lungu in a move critics say is an effort to tighten his grip on power. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote on Tuesday, leaving only the 85 members of the president's majority party to pass the measure.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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H.E Mr Emmanuel Mwamba High Commissioner Republic of Zambia
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Dr E Banyera Lecturer: Political Science UNISA
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Phakamile Hlubi National Spokesperson National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA)
An agreement to fully implement the Paris Climate Change Accord and partnership with Africa are some of the key issues that were agreed on at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Despite the US not in full support, it has agreed to work with others to reduce gas emissions. Leaders also agreed to recognise free trade and fight certain forms of protectionism .In the 14 page G20 Leaders' Declaration released at the end of the two-day meeting, the G20 leaders have also agreed to work with African leaders to foster inclusive growth and create jobs for rural youth and women. They have launched the Africa Partnership Leaders pledging to work with African countries to help realise the objectives of Agenda 2063 and its Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa. To help us dissect these outcomes and other related matters, we are joined on the line by:
Siphokazi Mthathi: OxfamSA Executive Director
Dawie Roodts : Chief Economist with Efficiency Group.
South Africa’s governing African National Congress’s previous four policy conferences have given a very good indication of what the policy resolutions will be at the national conferences that follow. While decisions at the national policy conference were not binding, and subject to approval by the December national elective conference‚ factional divides prevented firm outcomes on many issues of contention such as land without compensation, white monopoly capital, and the suggestion that going forward, the loser of the party’s presidential race, be an automatic deputy president. To look at what really transpired at the ANC Policy Conference, we are now joined on the line by:
Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo: SACP - National spokesperson -
Moeletsi Mbeki: A political economist:
It was certain yesterday at the end of the African National Congress’ national policy that the ruling party of South Africa will forge on with its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute. This announcement was highlighted yesterday by the ANC; a day before the International Criminal Court will decide today whether South Africa violated their rules by failing to arrst Sudan’s President Omar Al’ Bashir. In February, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that government's decision was unconstitutional and invalid.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Ms Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, the executive director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre • Lewis Mudge, HRW researcher • Dumile Matheza, SABC journalist who has been looking at the ICC
After its summit which ended yesterday, the African Union wants to, among others, send a mission to calm growing tensions between Eritrea and Djibouti. But the donor-dependent body needs external support to roll out its 2017 plans. This is one of the resolutions that came out of the end of a two-day summit of African Heads of States and governments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The leaders also discussed urgent reforms that will enable the body to steer away from foreign dependence in order to fund its projects. Is against this backdrop that Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe presenting a 1 million dollar donation to the body in a push for self-sufficiency. About 60 per cent of the African Union's budget comes from foreign donors, including the European Union, World Bank and non-member countries. The African Union has a 2017 budget of 782 million dollars. To discuss this we are joined on the line by: His Excellency Radhi Bachir: Ambassador of the Saharawi Republic: His Excellency Phillip Jada: South Sudan Ambassador to South Africa:
Five of South Africa’s neighbours have been forced to ban all poultry imports from South Africa after a devastating outbreak of Avian Influenza. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia have all banned certain poultry products. The South African government has introduced a raft of conditions on the trading of live chickens in an effort to contain an outbreak of avian influenza after an outbreak on two farms in Mpumalanga‚ where eggs were destroyed and about 260 000 chickens culled last week.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Kevin Lovelle CEO South African Poultry Association
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Dr Lia Rotherham Researcher Agricultural Research Council
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Dr Botlhe Modisane Chief Director: Animal Production and Health Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The ANC 5th policy conference is currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. 3500 ANC members and delegates have gathered at the centre to discuss new policies or those that need to be changed. The conference was opened on Friday by President Jacob Zuma who addressed the crowd highlighting issues ranging from factionalism within the ANC and once again addressed opposition parties continuously challenging the ruling party via the courts. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Selinah Ntobong, Channel Africa reporter • Dr Ina Gouws, Senior Lecturer political analyst and lecturer of Political Studies and Governance at the University of Free State Thulani Mpangane, Thulani holds an Honours degree in Industrial Psychology and is currently completing his Master’s in Industrial Psychology.
It is unarguable that while African women have long been regarded as the backbone of African societies, by and large gender parity is still a lofty dream across the continent. Many champions of women’s rights say the battle is far from won. At the January heads of state summit, the AU decided to add its weight to the fighting gender inequity cause, declaring 2015 as the “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063.” It is the first time the AU has done so since its formation over a decade ago. While African women have made considerable gains in the political, economic and social development of the continent, they are still widely marginalised within the corridors of power and when applying for jobs; and continue to face social exclusion, from education to their inability to own land or inherit property. • Vumile Msweli, Life and Business Coach • Lulama Nare, Gender Equality Commissioner
Last month an elite network of big philanthropic givers, The Giving Pledge, announced that it has gained new members to advance their causes, many which are initiatives taking place on the African continent. However despite the reality of philanthropic projects supported by billionaires from abroad there is a new growing trend of community-based projects that are now born from the grassroots levels and are paving a new ways of philanthropy geared at solutions for local challenges. To assist us to unpack today’s topic: • Shelagh Gastrow, director of GastrowBloch Philanthropies • Jenny Hodgson, Executive Director at Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) • Melvin Chibole, the Kenya Community Development Foundation Communications and Knowledge Management Manager
Rwanda has made a remarkable economic and social recovery from the devastating 1994 genocide. The country is now politically stable with well-functioning institutions, rule of law and zero tolerance for corruption. It has an 8% average year-on-year GDP growth, stable inflation and exchange rate. Rwanda is now the most competitive place to do business in East Africa and 3rd in Africa. The country’s development board continues to collaborate with various institutions in Rwanda to improve its economic competitiveness as well as create a favourable environment for businesses. To unpack this miraculous economic recovery, we are joined on the line by: • Victor Kgomo-eshwana: An African business expert • Jeggan Grey Johnson: The Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project, which is supported by the Africa Foundations of the Open Society • Steven Gruzd, Head of the successor programme on Governance and the APRM at the South African Institute of International Affairs.
It is a historic fact that the national borders imposed on the African continent by colonialism have forced ethnic group to co-exist within certain territories and to compete for resources. In the current post-colonial context for more than four decades countries such as Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, amongst many others, have experienced conflicts which are characterised by ethnic and racial divisions.
To help us on this:
• Paul Mulindwa, senior project officer at the Centre for Conflict Resolution
• Professor Sylvester Maphosa, Chief Research Specialist at Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) programme of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). :
• Advocate Sabelo Sibanda Founder: The School of African Awareness and Ama-Africa-Aqotho
It was in July 2003 when the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption was adopted in Maputo to fight against corruption in governments and prevent illicit financial flows on the African continent. However ever since, little progress is achieved to eradicate financial crime on African countries. It is estimated that the continent loses an estimated 50 million dollars a year to illicit financial flows. South Africa has lost more than one-point-five-trillion-rand in illicit financial flows over a period of ten years. This is according to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance Yunus Carrim who has welcomed the gazetting of the Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act. The legislation seeks to curb financial crime including money laundering and scrutinise suspicious banking transaction. To help us analyse the situation we have
• Leanne Govinsamy – Head of Legal and investigations at Corruption Watch
• Jeggan Grey Johnson, Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa
War, violence and persecution worldwide are causing more people than ever to be forcibly displaced, according to a report published today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The agency’s new Global Trends report, which is the organization’s major annual survey of the state of displacement, says that at the end of 2016 there were 65.6 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, some 300 thousand more than a year earlier. This total represents an enormous number of people needing protection worldwide. This adds up to an immense human cost of war and persecution globally: 65.6 million means that on average, one in every 113 people worldwide is today someone who is displaced, a population bigger than that of the world’s 21st most populous country, the United Kingdom. To help us discuss this emotive issue we are joined on the line by:
Markku Aikomus: UNHCR Regional Representation for Southern Africa in Pretoria,
Roshan Dadoo: Director: Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) :
Jasmine Opperman : Africa Director : The Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium.
James Chapman: Senior Refugee Attorney at the Refugee Rights Clinic, University of Cape Town:
The SADC community has officially congratulated the Kingdom of Lesotho for the peaceful inauguration and handover of power to the Prime Minister Tom Thabane. The inauguration comes after the coalition government collapsed under the stewardship of Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili who had to disband parliament. This marked the second coalition government to have failed. Prime Minister Tom Thabane of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) was removed two years after he took the high office. The Coalition government was marred by political violence and security compromise. To talk to some of the nominees who will be at the SAMA’s we have in studio by: 1. Tlohang Letsie Senior Lecturer political and Administrative Studies University of Lesotho 2. Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer Political Studies and Governance University of Free State
Friday, 16 June 2017, is a day on which we remember the power of the younger generation. We celebrate the brave students who defended their right to equal education, and we commemorate those who lost their lives in the struggle to make South Africa a better place for all and generations to come. The need for developing young leaders is more important than ever not only in South Africa, but across the African continent. Africa cannot rely on previous models of leadership development for today's youth. For Africa to overcome the crises of leadership and governance in the continent, those on whom the burden of leadership will fall in the future must fully comprehend their responsibilities, duties and obligation. Youth leadership and development is not just about technical knowledge and competence, but is about courage, practicing good judgment, emotional intelligence, empathy and passion. To discuss this issue we are joined on the line by:
• Rufaro Modimu: Chief Executive Officer of Enke (Make Your Mark)) • Ms Lebohang Pheko: Senior Research Fellow at NGO/think-tank, the Trade Collective. • Omar Badsha : South African History Online
In many countries, a healthy political opposition is seen as crucial to keep governments in check and to provide the electorate with a possible future alternative. But in other parts of the African continent joining an opposition party or being a leader of one, means human rights abuses, torture, incarceration and even death. The treason trial of Hakainde Hichilema, the detained President of Zambia’s largest opposition party, the United Party for National Development comes to mind. He’s facing treason charges, and treason is a non-bail able offence in Zambia, with a minimum jail term of 15 years and a maximum sentence of the death penalty. In Uganda opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in and out of court, for challenging the current president, Yuweri Museveni in last year’s elections. Opposition leaders in Zimbabwe are not also sparred from harassment and even threatened with violence. This morning we look at this worrying political TREND. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
Dr Samuel Oloruntoba: Senior Lecturer: International Political Economy Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, University of South Africa
Dennis Bloem: Congress of the People Spokesperson:
Dr Jessie Kabwila: Chairperson of the Women Caucus in the Malawi Parliament
In many countries, a healthy political opposition is seen as crucial to keep governments in check and to provide the electorate with a possible future alternative. But in other parts of the African continent joining an opposition party or being a leader of one, means human rights abuses, torture, incarceration and even death. The treason trial of Hakainde Hichilema, the detained President of Zambia’s largest opposition party, the United Party for National Development comes to mind. He’s facing treason charges, and treason is a non-bail able offence in Zambia, with a minimum jail term of 15 years and a maximum sentence of the death penalty. In Uganda opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in and out of court, for challenging the current president, Yuweri Museveni in last year’s elections. Opposition leaders in Zimbabwe are not also sparred from harassment and even threatened with violence. This morning we look at this worrying political TREND. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by: Dr Samuel Oloruntoba: Senior Lecturer: International Political Economy Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, University of South Africa Dennis Bloem: Congress of the People Spokesperson: Dr Jessie Kabwila: Chairperson of the Women Caucus in the Malawi Parliament
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting Islamist groups, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world. The coordinated move dramatically escalated a dispute over Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamic movement, and added accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional rival Iran. Announcing the closure of transport ties with Qatar, the three Gulf states gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries. Qatar was also expelled from a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. To make sense of all this, we are joined on the line by: Naeem Jeena: Executive Director of the Afro-Middle East Centre Zeenat Adam: An independent International Strategist
British Prime Minister Theresa May's office says talks were still ongoing with the Democratic Unionist Party on seeking its support for a Conservative government after earlier saying an outline agreement had been reached. Meanwhile, Former Ulster Unionist Party leader Lord Empey warned Theresa May that she should get feedback from her MPs before entering into an arrangement with the DUP.
To assist us on this:
• Prof Jo Anise van Wyk, political science at UNISA
• Asmita Pashotam, researcher of economic diplomacy SAIIA
• Jamie Martin, former special adviser to British government ministers including Theresa May.
The Mo Ibrahim foundation says the future of Africa depends on the ability to meet the expectations of its young people. In a continent where the average age of leaders is at 65 years, in the year 2050 Africa will be home to over 452 million people who are under the age 25. The current leadership of African countries seem to be ailing, frail and sick, some of them not so much in touch with the needs of the youth demographic. Why is Africa so saddled with leaders who ought to be enjoying their retirement in peace and quiet, instead of in the unforgiving political corridors, campaign trails and taxing political brinkmanship that challenge even the youngest leaders? If the average age of the continent is 19.5, why is the average age of leadership 65? To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Dr Sydney Mufamadi Director School of Leadership University of Johannesburg 2. Thami Ntenteni Head: Communications Thabo Mbeki Foundation 3. Richard Jurgens Editor: Africa in Fact Journal : Good Governance Africa 4. Dr Samuel Oloruntoba Senior Lecturer International Political Economy Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute University of South Africa
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA) are currently experiencing slow economic growth and are facing political instabilities. Hence, both critics and supporters of the economic grouping are starting to question the survival of Brics’ progress and economic strength. The group’s economic giant, China, has also received criticism for its agenda as it has been pushing Pakistan, Laos and many Central Asia countries to agreeing to high interest projects that will deepen these countries’ debt. South Africa and Brazil have been pointed out for their corruption and political instability hence weakening investment confidence. The question we ask today is: Can Brics survive despite the current global economic environment? • Arina Muresan, researcher from the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD • Cyril Prinsloo researcher from South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) STUDIO • Dr Jaya Josie from the BRICS Research Centre, (HSRC).
The first step towards building a more secure internet in Africa has been taken by the Internet Society and the African Union Commission, which have unveiled a new set of Internet Infrastructure Security Guidelines for Africa during the African Internet Summit last week. The guidelines will help Africa create a more secure internet infrastructure, and are set to change the way African Union States approach cyber security preparedness. The guidelines, the first of their kind in Africa, were developed by a multi-stakeholder group of African and global internet infrastructure security experts, and are the first step towards building a more secure internet in Africa. To help discuss this milestone, we are joined on the line by: Dawit Bekele: Internet Society Regional Bureau Director for Africa Arthur Goldstuck: Managing Director of World Wide Worx Dr Peter Tobin, Chief Executive Officer management consulting practice Peter Tobin Consultancy: Dr Aleksandar Valjarevic : Cyber Security Expert from LawTrust in Pretoria South Africa:
The South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum in association with the Department of Small Business Development are hosting the Gauteng Township Business Economy Week (GTEB Week 2017) & Funding Convention taking place in Soweto from the 01-04th June 2017. The Gauteng Township Economy Business Week & Funding Convention is a four-day, premium township business development programme, with a funding and mentorship convention, as well as a township business showcase, where entrepreneurs from various townships of Gauteng will be exposed to various tools, enterprise development institutions, SMME practitioners, business and government funding agencies, private investors and venture capitalists available to support their businesses and innovations. To tell more about the topics discussed we have: Yogavelli Namibiar, Director of Enterprise Development Council of South Africa. Nigel Adriaanse , Chief Executive Officer the EDCSA Emmanuel Mdhluli, Chief Operations Officer of Shanduka Black Umbrellas
A new report claims that authorities in Kenya have committed a range of abuses against journalists in the lead up of August elections in the country. Human Rights Watch, alongside Article 19 Eastern Africa, released a report titled ‘Not worth the Risk’: Threats to Free Expression Ahead of Kenya’s 2017 Elections,”. The report documents abuses by government officials, police, county governors, and other government officials against the media. According to the report, the journalists that experience these abuses are those who report on sensitive issues.
Before we get into the report, let us look at the campaigning with SABC correspondent Sarah Kimani.
• Sarah Kimani. Correspondent in Kenya
• Otsieno Namwaya, Human rights watch researcher • Henry the Regional Director at ARTICLE 19 *Jovial Rantao, Chairperson of the African Editors Forum
The African Union was launched in the year 2002 with the aim of replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was founded by the Africa’s founding fathers; the likes of Kwame Krumah and Haillie Sellasse with a Pan-African vision in mind. The original OAU was created to ensure greater unity and assert independence for African countries after the decolonisation project was achieved on the continent. However, the OAU was disbanded in 2002, with former South African President Thabo Mbeki being the last chairperson of the organisation, and was replaced by the African Union. The AU is a continental body with up to 55 member states which has become focused on economic integration and peace and stability on the continent. To look at the transformation of this organisation we are now joined by: • Professor Itumeleng Mosala : Ex- President of Azanian People's Organisation. • Professor Dirk Kotze: Lecturer at the School of Political Science at Unisa • Manusha Pillai, Director: Stakeholder Relations & Communications at Human Sciences
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the SA Council of Churches’ belief that the country is on the brink of becoming a mafia state is worrying. Last week, the SACC’s "unburdening panel" released findings that indicated a powerful elite linked to President Jacob Zuma was "systematically siphoning state assets". The panel consisted of clergy who heard confessions and received information about allegations of state capture. Ramaphosa has again called for a judicial inquiry into state capture. Former public protector Thuli Madonsela recommended in her State of Capture report, released last yea, that a judicial inquiry should be established to look into claims that Zuma’s friends, the Guptas, had undue influence over his decisions, including his appointment of ministers. Again last week, a damning report called Betrayal of the Promise: How South Africa is Being Stolen was released by the State Capacity Research Project. The report says it is now clear that while the ideological focus of the ANC is ‘radical economic transformation’, in practice Jacob Zuma’s presidency is aimed at repurposing state institutions to consolidate the Zuma-centred power elite. To look at these reports we are joined on the line by:
Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa: President of the South African Council of Churches and presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa:
David Lewis: Corruption Watch’s executive director:
Sikhulekile Duma :Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, Stellenbosch University
The first Shared Value Summit kick starting today in Johannesburg, South Africa is the first on the African continent with the aim of raising awareness and advocating for the success of the strategic implementation of the Shared Value business model. The Shared Value Initiative was launched by consulting firm FSG and Prof. Michael Porter in 2012. The inaugural 2017 Africa Shared Value Summit is modelled on the successful Shared Value Leadership Summit held annually in New York. Shared value is a management strategy in which companies find business opportunities in social problems. To unpack this conference we are now joined by:
Akiva Beebe: Centre of Creative Leadership.
Sazini Mojapelo: Group Head of Corporate Citizenship for Barclays/ABSA Africa
Dr Sara Saeed Khurram : The health corporation – Sehat Katani (Pakistan)
The African Forest Forum is currently underway in Entebbe Uganda, where a regional workshop is underway aiming to share knowledge and experiences on issues related to climate change in African forestry. The African Forest Forum is an association which brings together experts and individuals who are committed to the sustainable management and conservation of Africa’s forest and tree resources.
To look at this we are now joined by:
• Prof. Godwin Kowero, the Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum, is a Tanzanian professor of forest economics and policy analysis.
• Marie-Louise Avana- Tientcheu is the Director of Studies and Lecturers Affairs, University of Dschang- Cameroun/ Coordinator of the International Master curricula in Agroforestry/ Department of Forestry/Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences/
• Dr Marfa Chipeta, FAO Director of Policy Assistance
The killing of women at the hands of their partners in South Africa has seen a phenomenal increase. The recent killing of Karabo Mokoena, a part-time business student, has highlighted not only the killing of women by those who are supposed to love them, but the brutality of it. According to the Medical Research Council, femicide, the murder of a woman by an intimate partner, is one of the leading causes of the death of women in South Africa. Is there distinct psychological traits in men who murder their partners and children? To answer this we are joined on the line by:
Bukelwa Moerane: Victim of Violence:
Nondumiso Nsiadanda: Tshwaranang Legal Advisory Centre: ) (# Sixteen days of Activism)
Bambi Stewart: South Africa’s executive director at Amnesty International:
Itumezeng Moloko: Council Manager with the Gender Organisation POWER
Today is International Museums Day. This day has been celebrated since 1977 as a way to raise awareness of the importance of museums around the world. The theme for the acknowledgement of this day for 2017 is Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums. Museums are defined as a non-profit, permanent institution which is used to serve society to conserve, research and exhibit the heritage of communities and the environment. However, in a digital age where information is just a mobile phone away, do people still have interest walking in the four walls of museums to explore heritage and conservation.
Nigeria is in a grip of the worst meningitis outbreak in the country. Identified as meningitis C, the country is battling to curb the disease. The death toll from this epidemic has passed 1 thousand as a vaccination program struggles to keep up with demand. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection of the surrounding fluid. Now, we are told that the epidemic has spread to Liberia. According to media reports, the disease has spread to 23 of the country’s 36 states but does appear to be slowing down. In 1996 alone, Meningitis killed more than 11 thousand people in Nigeria.
To help us discuss this epidemic we are joined on the line by:
• Dr Anne von Gottberg: Clinical Microbiologist: Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis: National Institute for Communicable Diseases
• Dr Mary Stephen: The WHO Disease Control and Prevention advisor, World Health Organisation
• Dr Benjamin Kagina: Research Officer and Vaccinologist: Vaccines For Africa Initiative unit, Department: Public Health & Family Medicine University of Cape Town.
June 3, 2017 will mark the third time in five years that Lesotho has held a general election. The election comes on the heels of Democratic Congress (DC) Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili losing a no-confidence motion in March in Parliament. His unwieldy seven-party coalition degenerated into infighting less than two years after taking office. This is the second coalition failure in three years. In 2014, All-Basotho Convention (ABC) Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s five-party coalition crumbled only two years after taking office. The rapid disintegration of two successive coalition governments and continued political violence at the highest levels of politics and security have tarnished the hope seen at the time. Tumelo Zulu our reporter talked to Lesotho Minister of Trade Joshua Sethipa who is also a candidate for the Congress for Democracy and this is how it went:
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Monyane Moleleki Leader and Candidate:Alliance of Democrats
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Dr Makase Nyaphisi Commissioner IEC Lesotho
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Prof Frances Makoa Retired politics Lecturer University of Lesotho
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Joshua Sethipa Minister Trade Kingdom of Lesotho
Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has given the technical team tasked with responding to housing protests, two weeks to verify the housing list database in the south of Johannesburg. The Minister, together with Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Paul Mashatile and Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba, met yesterday (sunday) in Soweto with the leadership of communities such as Eldorado Park, Ennerdale, Freedom Park and Kliptown about their housing concerns. These communities engaged in human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has given the technical team tasked with responding to housing protests, two weeks to verify the housing list database in the south of Johannesburg. These communities engaged in week-long violent protests, demanding houses and other services.
Wisani Makhubele has more....
We are now joined by:
• Dr Herbert Maserumule, social and political commentator
• Linah Nkuna, is a PhD candidate at the University of Johannesburg and a researcher at the university's Research Chair for Social Change
The newest relative to human beings, Homo Naledi, discovered two years ago in Africa's richest site of fossil hominin site ,in the Cradle of Humankind west of Johannesburg, South Africa, is believed to have been alive between two-hundred-and-thirty-six and three-hundred-and-thirty-five-thousand years ago. This is the finding of a group of scientists who have been scrapping for more evidence, where Naledi was discovered to corroborate their theories of human evolution. The dicovery - according to the scientists - suggests that Naledi likely lived alongside homo sapiens or first humans in Africa. It further adds onto the story of one of the greatest fossil discoveries of the past half century and of what it might mean for our understanding of human evolution.
To talk to us about the significance of the Cradle of Humankind… • Dr Robin Drennan, Director of Research Development at the Wits University
• Michael Worsnip is the Managing Director at Maropeng
Chibok girls released in Nigeria
At last, following a harrowing manner in which they were forcibly taken or abducted as some analysts would say, about 84 missing Chibok girls have been finally released. That is three years after being kept captive against their will by the militant Islamic Boko Haram group from a school in Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria. According to the Nigerian government, the girls were released after extensive negotiations with the militant Islamic group. A total of 276 girls were kidnapped by this militant group on the 14th of April 2014. About 21 0f these girls, managed to escape from capture in October the same year. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of 200 other missing girls remains a mystery. To help us understand this and make sense out of it, we are now joined on the line by:
Dan Shemang: Deputy Director of News Voice of Nigeria:
Mausi E. Segun: Senior Nigeria Researcher: Human Rights Watch:
Esther Ikubaje: Campaigner at Amnesty International Nigeria office:
Citizenship education in established democracies is challenged by declining youth participation in democracy. Youth disenchantment and disengagement in democracy is primarily evident in formal political behavior, especially through voting, declining membership of political parties, assisting at elections, contacting politicians, and the like. If citizenship education is to play a major role in addressing these concerns it will need to review the impact it is making on young people in schools. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Siphokazi Pangele Young Activist (Right 2 Know) 2. Naftali Malatji Young Businessman Diepsloot Youth Project 3. Josias Masango Member: Youth Parliament of South Africa
The SAMA’s are seen by many around the continent as one of the biggest events in the music industry. This year event organisers say they have seen a lot of entries by artists and record labels, in total about 700 entries. The music industry submitted entries over a three-month period starting from 01 November 2016 until 31 January 2017. After a stringent vetting process that involved officials from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) and record company representatives, these potential nominees have been handed over to panels of independent experts drawn from radio, TV, newspapers, blogs and the recording industry for the judging process to begin. In April the SAMA’s will reveal the five nominees in each category as voted for by the panel of judges and verified by independent auditors. The 23rd instalment of the SAMA’s is going to be held in Sun City in the North-West Province of South Africa.
To talk to some of the nominees who will be at the SAMA’s we have in studio by: 1. The Soil: Buhlebendalo Mda (Soul Sister) Luphindo Ngxanga (Master-P) Ntsika Fana Ngxanga (Fana-Tastic) 2. Locnville: Brian Chaplin Andrew Chaplin
What is to be done with the quality of leadership on the continent - this was the basic question facing panelists at a discussion at the World Economic Forum for Africa taking place in Durban, South Africa. While panelists agreed on the need for greater investments in agriculture, education and entrepreneurship to lift the wellbeing of the continent's people - there was sceptism as to whether those charged with the task are up to it. To talk about leadership and other topics discussed at the Forum we have:
Kevin Gallagher. Head of Financial and Risk, Africa, Thomson Reuters
Lindiwe Mazibuko Public Speaker and Former South African Opposition Parliamentarian
Ade Ayeyemi has been the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transnational Incorporate
Mamadou Biteye Managing Director, Africa Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation
Hundreds of delegates are attending the two-day World Economic Forum on Africa, which has just stared in Durban South Africa. African heads of state, global captains of industry and commerce and civil society leaders are set to listen to speakers in the International Convention Centre. South African President Jacob Zuma earlier welcomed delegates, saying WEF Africa comes at an opportune time, when the world economy is beginning to pick up. He's expressed hope that the forum will discuss infrastructure development in Africa. To tell us more, we have :
Naledi Pandor is the Minister of Science and Technology in South Africa.
Sheha Sha Managing Director of Thompson Reuters Africa
Austin Okere is the Founder CWG Plc, the largest Systems Integration Company in Sub-Saharan Africa & Entrepreneur in Residence at Columbia Business School
The 27th of April marked the day South Africa held its first free democratic elections 23 years ago. Before then students around - country marched against the forced use of the Afrikaans language as a medium in schools. They demanded to use their own languages. Now 23 years later, Dr Hleze Kunju a doctoral graduate wrote hisl thesis in his home language of IsiXhosa. This has been declared a breakthrough in the educational system of the country and presents the hope towards decolonising and transforming the education system. To help is discuss this breakthrough we have:
Dr Heleze Kunju – Author of the IsiXhosa Thesis at Rhodes University
Dr Kim Wallmach – Director : language Centre at Stellenbosch University
There is a tendency now prevalent in South Africa’s political discourse to run to the Constitutional Court to arbitrate on issues that are mainly of a legal and political nature and not constitutional as such. Now, South Africa's top court has said it would consider whether a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma should be taken by secret ballot, as pressure mounted on him to resign after a controversial cabinet reshuffle. A motion of no confidence in the president was scheduled to take place on April 18. However, the motion has been postponed until the Constitutional Court makes its finding. A motion of no confidence is a statement or vote that a person or persons in a position of responsibility is no longer deemed fit to hold that position. To make sense of this, we are joined on the line by:
Paul Hoffman: Director Institute of Accountability of Southern Africa:
Omar Bacher: Chief Executive Officer of the South Africa History
Prof. Shadrack Gutto Constitutional expert:
In The Republic of Rwanda a staggering 85-90% of advertising revenue comes from the public sector. Whereas in Kenya, it’s estimated that 30% of newspaper revenue comes from government advertising. In 2013, the government spent 40 million Kenya Shillengs in two weeks just to publish congratulatory messages for the new President Uhuru Kenyatta. It’s difficult not to characterize the withdrawal of state advertising from commercial media as punitive. Without this revenue stream newspapers are likely to fold. Worse still, efforts to withdraw government advertising from commercial media can be interpreted as a worrying way to undermine the freedom of expression. Starving news media of revenue is a means of indirect state control. This has been the case in countries such as Serbia, Hungary, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr George Ogola Senior Lecturer: Journalism University of Lancashire (UK)
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Prof Franz Kruger Director: Wits Radio Academy University of Witwatersrand
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Thandi Smith Head of Policy Unit Media Monitoring Africa
The new mantra of South Africa’s ruling party, the ANC, has become “radical economic transformation”. Just this past weekend the country’s president Jacob Zuma likened the term to holy talk. Zuma was speaking at the University of Zululand in Dlangezwa, in the north of the province of Kwazulu Natal. Zuma continued to define this term as “fundamental change in the structure, system, institutions, patterns of ownership, management and control of the economy in favour of all South Africans, in particular the poor and the working class”. However the term gained its popularity via the young opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters. To assist us on this matter we are joined by:
• Alex Mashilo, spokesperson of the SACP
• Professor Noor Nieftagodien, head of history workshop school of social sciences at the University of Witwatersrand
• Lebohang Pheko, Lebohang Pheko is Executive Director at NGO/think-tank, the Trade Collective
British Prime Minister Theresa May has called for an early general election for June the 8th to seek a strong mandate as she negotiates Britain's exit from the European Union. She said she needed to strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union by shoring up support for her Brexit plan. Under Britain's Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, elections are held every five years, but the prime minister can call a snap election if two-thirds of MPs vote for it. At present, May's governing Conservatives have 330 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons. To look at this new development and current negotiations for divorce from the European Union, we are joined on the line by:
Ronald Henwood: Political Analyst based at the University of Pretoria
Daryl Glaser : Associate Professor of Politics BASED AT THE University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Professor Gerhard Erasmus: Associate at Tralc Trade Law Centre based in Cape Town, South Africa. (Tralac is a capacity-building organisation developing trade-related capacity in east and southern Africa.)
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States was looking at ways to pressure NorthKorea over its nuclear programme as North Korean state media warned the Americans of a "super-mighty preemptive strike" and said don't "mess with us". U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hard line with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has rebuffed admonitions from sole major ally China and proceeded with nuclear and missile programmes in defiance of U.N. Security Council sanctions. Donald Trump recently tweeted that he has 'exposed the total failure' of Obama's foreign policy. Since the beginning of his presidency Donald Trump’s administration has taken strong views on the foreign on security, fighting terrorists abroad and strengthening border defenses and immigration controls to expanding the US military might. To look at this: • Prof, John H. Stanfield, II. Prof Stanfield is a Distinguished Research Fellow in Democracy, Governance, and Service Delivery (DGSD) programme of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). • Sithembile Mbete is a lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, where she lecturers international relations and South African politics.
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has another issue to fight as Zambia treason charges were filed against him last week Monday, for allegedly obstructing President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade on a main road. According to police, on Saturday President Edgar Lungu had passed through Mongu – 500km west of the capital, Lusaka, and his motorcade was obstructed because Hichilema’s convoy refused to give way. Zambia treason is a non bailable offense which means the person charged with such act cannot apply for bail, with a minimum jail term of 15 years and a maximum sentence of the death penalty. To make sense out of all this, we are joined on the line by:
Gary Van Staden: Senior Political Analyst:
Arthur Sikopo: Channel Africa News Correspondent based in Lusaka, Zambia.
The legalisation of marijuana is one step closer to being realised, with the Department of Health forging ahead with plans to recognise it as a prescription drug rather than a banned substance. The Medicines Control Council (MCC) told Members of the South African Parliament it has made progress in its investigation into the medicinal use of cannabis. Excluding the legalization of recreational marijuana, the Medical Innovation Bill is now open for public comment after a letter was released from the Medical Control Council, South Africa’s medical regulatory agency that uses a variety of pharmacy and academic experts to evaluate the manufacture, distribution, sale, and marketing of medicines initially laid down by the Medicines and Related Substances Act, (Act 101 of 1965). To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Hon Kenneth Meshoe President African Christian Democratic Party 2. Brother ZEB Public Relations Officer House of Judah (Rastafarian Community) 3. Jeremy Acton Leader: Dagga Party 4. Casey Kooiman Director of Hezekiel House Rehab Director.
Government has said that shale gas could be the answer to the country's energy challenges as coal-fired power stations are battling to meet the rising demand for electricity. Industry and environmental analysts have opposed the process of fracking, arguing it has the potential to poison the Karoo's underground water supply. Fracking involves digging wells up to 4km, before pumping in water and chemicals to crack the shale rock and release the gas. In 2012 the government lifted an 18-month moratorium on hydraulic fracturing to weigh the environmental and economic implications of the process. Shell has shown interest in the exploration and has expressed concern at the lack of progress in the project. It said it planned to spend $200-million for the first exploration phase of six wells if granted a licence to drill.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Godfrey Oliphant Deputy Minister Department of Mineral Resources
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Julius Kleynhans Portfolio Director: Water and Environment Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA)
Years after the official end of large-scale wars, the Great Lakes Region continues to struggle with the peaceful transfer of political power. Burundi has been suffering from simmering conflict since 2015, when President Pierre Nkurunziza seized a third term, despite arguments by the opposition that his bid was in violation of both the constitution, and the Arusha Peace Agreement. What ensued was the most serious episode of political violence since the end of the civil war, resulting in even the militarization of the state, and further restrictions on political space. To help us discuss the current political climate in Burundi we are joined on the line by: Dr Kingsley Makhubela: CEO Brand South Africa and has a doctorate in Conflict Resolution.
Last week, South Africa’s constitutional court declared that rhino horns could be traded legally. This comes after the court dismissed an appeal by the country’s department of environmental affairs to keep a ban on rhino horn trade. South Africa’s Private Rhino Owners’ Association with other plaintiffs has been embarking on a five year court battle ban, which first came into force in 2009. To assist us on this we are joined by: • Pelham Jones, association's chairman • Kim Daribeira, frm Outraged South African Citizens Against Rhino Poaching (OSCAP)
South Africa will once again pay homage to one of its struggle heroes, former South African Communist Party General Secretary and Mkhonto We Siwe commander, Thembisile Chris Hani. Dubbed as one of the most outstanding militants of the armed struggle, Hani was gunned down on 10 April 1993 outside his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg. Polish immigrant, Janusz Walus, shot Hani in the head just as he stepped out of his car. The assassination, at the hands of apartheid oppressors, was part of a plot by the far-right in South Africa to derail the negotiations to end the racial regime, with late convicted killer, Clive Derby-Lewis, at the helm. Walus and Derby-Lewis were both sentenced to death for the murder, but the sentence was later changed to life imprisonment when the death penalty was abolished when the new Constitution was adopted in 1995. To help us discuss this historical occasion we are joined on the line by:
Mbhazima Shilowa: A South African politician and served as Premier of Gauteng province while a and is a Co-Founder of the Congress of the People and previously served as Deputy President of COPE.
Professor Andre Duwenhage , a political analyst
Nationwide protest action is expected tomorrow in South Africa; in opposition to President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle. Civil society and opposition political parties are said to be holding various protest rallies in the country. However, politically motivated protests are not new in South Africa. On social media there have been polarised responses on tomorrow’s organised protests, with questions of their effectiveness and to whose interests are these protests.
To help us on this topic:
• Gwen Ngwenya, COO from the South African Institute of Race Relations • • Kenneth Lukuko, senior Project Leader for Community Healing from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Political unrest and uncertainty about the future have grown in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following the Catholic bishops’ withdrawal from mediation talks aimed to resolve national political tensions. The bishops’ conference helped negotiate a Dec. 31 2016 agreement that aimed to avoid political crisis through securing a 2017 election that would choose the successor of Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila.
To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
• Charles Nyuykonge, The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes • Jean-Willy Tshitenga, Congolese Community of South Africa • Dr Juliene Kanku Katombe, Africa Diaspora Forum
It has finally happened! Ratings Agency Standards & Poor’s has downgraded South Africa to Junk status. The downgrade comes just after South African President Jacob Zuma reshuffled his cabinet sacking the Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas. The cabinet reshuffle saw former minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba redeployed to National Treasury as Finance Minister. Zuma received widespread criticism by opposition parties and civil rights organisations. Although the downgrade has also been widely questioned by many academics some are dubbing it as “Dubious”. Hours after the downgrade, also ratings agency Moody’s confirmed that it would also be placing the country on review for a downgrade. Junk status has a number of dire consequences for both the country, and its people. It affects future investment, currency, interest rates, and employment, among other things
• Patrick Bond: A political and economic analyst:
• Lullu Krugel, Chief economist at the group KPMG
• Mkuseli Jack, Save South Africa convenor
South African President Jacob Zuma sacked his popular finance minister late Thursday as part of a larger cabinet reshuffle which could deepen divisions within the ruling ANC party and spook investors. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who has clashed with Zuma for months over graft and public spending, was replaced by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, a relatively unknown figure with little finance experience. Zuma also made changes at 10 of the country's 35 ministries, including energy, police and tourism. Some of the ministers are newcomers, while others were moved to new portfolios. To look at these developments we are joined on the line by:
Levy Ndou: Politics and Public Policy Lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology:
Andre Devenage: Director for the Institute Research at the University of the North West
Dr Somadoda Fikeni: Independent Political Analyst
Dr Theo Venter: Political and Policy analyst: University of the North West.
Are there new and resourceful ways of peacebuilding and reconciliation for governments? This is the question which will be explored by the Centre of the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) tomorrow in a seminar called Innovations and Peacebuilding. Partnering up with the Royal Ministry of New York and Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the centre will facilitate a conversation on ways for international organisations, governments and NGO’s how to better manage conflict and facilitate peacekeeping and reconciliation efforts. To assist us on this topic: • Masana Ndinga, Research Manager at CSVR • Yolande Bouka, Independent Researcher • Adane Ghebremeskel Tekie, activist also representing GIZ SADC.
East Africa is currently experiencing the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years. It is predicted that the entire south of Somalia will face famine within the next two months. Other countries in the Horn of Africa are being severely affected by drought. Successive seasons of failed rains, combined with increasing food prices, conflict and limited humanitarian access, have resulted in food and water shortages, acute malnutrition and mass displacement throughout the region. The lack of rain has also contributed to massive livestock deaths undermining the livelihoods of those who depend on them for economic and food security. To help us look at this worrying scenario, we are joined on the line by:
Challiss McDonough: Senior Regional Spokeswoman, World Food Programme (WFP), Nairobi, Kenya:
Susannah Price: Chief of Communication, UNICEF Somalia
Dr. Patrick Mbugua: Somalia Researcher: Amnesty International Regional Office for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes based in Nairobi, Kenya
The United States and The United Kingdom recently implemented new security measures by banning electronic devices from passenger cabins of flights coming from North Africa and Middle East. These measures come after African attendees were denied visas into the United States as they tried to attend the annual African trade summit in California. These international security measures come as efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity. However, recently the Westminster attack in the United Kingdom was another unfortunate example that terrorism can come from within rather than outside a country. To assist us: • Jasmine Opperman, the Africa Director of terrorism research and analysis consortium. • Ryan Cummings, Director of Signal Risk. • Naeem Geen, Executive Director of Afro-Middle East Centre,
The South African Department of Home Affairs last week hosted a two-day National Conference on International Migration at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg where it revealed its White Paper. Minister Malusi Gigaba identified the development of a new international migration policy as one of his top priorities during his term of office. This policy review seeks to lay a solid policy foundation for South Africa to manage international migration securely and effectively in line with the National Development Plan. The conference was attended by Ministers of Home Affairs from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland; ambassadors; as well as international experts and practitioners invited to share international experience on the management of international migration.
To help us discuss this topic, we are joined on the line by:
• Mr Craig Smith Specialist and practitioner on Immigration Craig Smith and Associates
• Leon Issacson Managing Director Global Migration
Gambian coalition parties which united last year to deliver the first new president in 22 years are unlikely to run together for legislative elections next month. The coalition figure voiced frustration that the infighting was likely to embolden the party of former president Yahya Jammeh, who ruled the country with an iron fist for two decades until leaving for exile in January. Barrow's cabinet is made up of the heads of the seven parties and single independent candidate who formed the coalition, and he had barely finished putting his government together before the disagreements began. To help us navigate these stormy waters, we are joined on the line by: Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project which is supported by the Africa Foundations of the Open Society Foundations in Kampala
Ephraim Charlie Khumalo: Channel Africa Portuguese Service’s Senior Producer:
Ebrima Sall: The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa based in Dakar Senegal:
The South African Department of Home Affairs last week hosted a two-day National Conference on International Migration at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Minister Malusi Gigaba identified the development of a new international migration policy as one of his top priorities during his term of office. This policy review seeks to lay a solid policy foundation for South Africa to manage international migration securely and effectively, in line with the National Development Plan. The conference was attended by Ministers of Home Affairs from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland; ambassadors; as well as international experts and practitioners invited to share international experience on the management of international migration.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Mkhuseli Apleni Director General Department of Home Affairs South Africa
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Tumelo Raboletsi Director Department of Home Affairs Kingdom of Lesotho
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H.E Emmanuel Mwamba High Commissioner Republic of Zambia
The delegates at the African Economic Platform will today debate the competitiveness of the African business. Yesterday business called on leaders across the continent to create a conducive climate for business. As the conference comes to an end, delegates will adopt resolutions on how to fast track economic development in Africa. Challenges such as intergration, free movement of goods and people are some of the issues they will have to find solutions to. Yesterday, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe rebuked big economies on the continent for dragging their feet in resolving the problem of free trade. To help us find out more about the discussions we have:
*** Dr Chris Karubi : Honorary Consul for Mauritius in Kenya and a member of the AU Foundation
*** Dr Namane Magau: A Board member of South Africa’s Nuclear Technology Board, and former Business Women Association President.
*** Dr Anthony Maruping : AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs.
***Vuyani Jarana: Chief Officer for VODACOM Business
African heads of state, captains of industry and academics have gathered in Port Louis, Mauritius to reflect on how to accelerate the continents economic transformation through collaboration, cooperation and joint ownership of Africa’s continental goals. The African Economic Platform has brought together African leadership from different spheres of society to reflect on how to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation through collaboration, cooperation and joint ownership of Africa’s continental goals. To tell us more about the AEP, we have:
• Mauritius Foreign Minister : Honourable Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo
• Ambassador Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission
• African Union Federation Council member, Dr Luísa Diogo is the former prime minister of Mozambique
• SABC Foreign Desk Editor, Sophie Mokoena
Lesotho’s King Letsie III has set June 3 as the date for the general election after Parliament was dissolved. Lesotho’s Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili said there was deepening political uncertainty in the southern Africa kingdom. Mosisili said the Democratic Congress (DC) who lost a no-confidence vote in parliament early this month has headed a coalition government since the ouster of former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s All Basotho Congress (ABC) two years ago. Meanwhile the law makers voted in favor of replacing Mosisili with Monyane Moleleki whose Alliance of Democrats party split from the Democratic Congress last year. Mosisili has been in power for the last two years and has seen his support base weaken as the ruling coalition was dogged by infighting and the resignation of several cabinet ministers.
To help us talk more about this we are joined on the line by:
Prof Frances Makoa Retired politics Lecturer University of Lesotho
Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer Political Studies and Governance University of Free State
Nthakoana Ngatene SABC Correspondent
Rights to land and resources are at the centre of the most pressing development issues: Land rights in many parts of the country are conflicted, and the land rights and human rights of the poor are regularly undermined. And as we get closer to the African National Congress’ Policy Conference, individual populist pronouncements are gathering momentum around the issue of land redistribution. For an example, KwaZulu-Natal ANC chairperson, Sihle Zikalala, has called on white landowners to apologise for taking land from African farmers, saying refusing to do so would set the country on the path to self- destruction. To help us unpack land redistribution in South Africa, we are joined on the line by: Dr Somadoda Fikeni: Independent Political Analyst: Professor Ruth Hall: Associate Professor from the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at the University of the Western Cape. Armand Greyling : Afribusiness law and policy analyst Glenn Farred: Programme Manager with AFRA.
The African Peer Review Mechanism believes the continent needs better policies for better implementation for democratic order. APRM Chief Executive Officer Professor Eddy Maloka says Africa is making great strides in applying democratic changes but more still needs to be done. This comes after APRM held its 14th anniversary, accompanied by discussions in evaluating its impact and effectiveness in Fourways, Johannesburg on Thursday last week. Former President Thabo Mbeki, is one APRM's founding members, was part of the dialogue. APRM is a self-monitoring tool that is voluntarily agreed to by the New Partnership for Africa's Development member-states and the African Union. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
Prof Eddy Maloka, Chief Executive Officer of the African Peer Review Mechanism:
Steven Gruzd: Head of the Governance and APRM and Foreign Policy Programme at the South African Institute of International Relations based in Johannesburg:
The second Africa for Africa Women's Conference ends today in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The meeting’s theme was: "Women Cooperatives and SMME's at the centre of Local Economic Development" the event pulled together women from different countries on the African continent. Endorsed by the South African Department of Tourism and International Relations and Corporation, the main aim was to focus on areas of Tourism, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Financial Solutions. Now to tell us more about the conference LIVE from P.E we are joined on the line by:
Zikhona Voyi: Co-owner of the clothing company Visions Becoming
Wandisiwe Nondlazi, Enterprise Development Manager at the South African group the Uitenhage Despatch Development Initiative.
Nigest Haile : Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for the Acceleration of Women Empowerment in Ethiopia.
The conference convener Ms Bea Hackula
The second Africa for Africa Women's Conference is set to get underway tomorrow in Port Elizabeth, South Africa under the theme: "Women Cooperatives and SMME's at the centre of Local Economic Development" the event pulls together women from different countries in the African continent. Endorsed by the South African Department of Tourism and International Relations and Corporation. It aims to focus on areas of Tourism, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Financial Solutions. Now to talk to us more about the conference LIVE from P.E we are joined on the line by: South African Deputy Minister of Tourism – Tokozile Xasa The conference convener Ms Bea Hackula. Almas Jiwani. President of UN Women Canada National. Betsey Einges from the International Labour Organisation – Women Enterprises
Recently the World Health Organisation , WHO, published its first ever list of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens”—a catalogue of 12 families of bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. The list—which is divided into 3 categories according to urgency of the need for new antibiotics: critical, high and medium priority—was drawn up in a bid to guide and promote research and development (R&D) of new antibiotics. Lasy week witnessed a global debate on the report. In this special edition of African dialogue we bring that debate : The speakers being • Dr Marie-Paule KIENY, Assistant Director-General, Health Systems & Innovation, WHO • Dr Nicola MAGRINI, Scientist, Innovation, Access & Use of Essential Medicines, WHO • Dr Carmem PESSOA DA SILVA, Coordinator a.i., Antimicrobial Resistance, WHO And that’s where we end this edition of African Dialogue, Join us again tommorw when we will bring you live coverage from the Africa to Africa Women’s conference taking place in Port Elizabeth in South Africa
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation this year did not give out their prize for the Ibrahim Prize for the Achievement in African Leadership. The Foundation stated that previous candidates since the prize was launched have set a high bar, highlighting that no head of state on the continent was chosen for prize in 2016. Since being launched in 2006, the Ibrahim Prize has been awarded four times. The previous Laureates are President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia (2014), President Pedro Pires of Cabo Verde (2011), President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008), and President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007). Nelson Mandela was the inaugural Honorary Laureate in 2007. This has brought forth the question does Africa have a leadership vacuum?
To assist us on this subject:
• Dr Everisto Benyera, Lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of South • • Professor Shadrack Gutto: Professor and Editor at the Institute for African Renaissance Studies.
Tomorrow the United Nations will acknowledge the World Wildlife Day, which is a remembrance of the day of the signature of the Convention of International Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as CITES. Some parts of the environmental industry refer to the day as Wangari Maathai Day since the African Union used the day to recognise the environmental activist. To honour the work of the environmental community we spoke to: • Matome Kapa, attorney at the Centre of Environmental Rights • Stephen Wetmore, Sustainability, partnerships and innovations head of the World Wide Fund • Desmond D’sa, executive director of South Durban Community Environmental Alliance • Makome Lekalakala, branch coordinator for Earthlife Africa.
In order to ensure the survival of the pygmies in the Central African Republic a new intervention project has been launched in Pretoria, South Africa. Pioneered by the African Women in Leadership Organisation South Africa, the project will embark on training more than 15000 pygmies in different regions of the CAR. Pygmies are an African people found in the Central African Forest belt who are identifiable by their short height and the cultural characteristic of being hunter gatherers. The current challenges for the survival of pygmies is urban encroachment, deforestation and modernisation. To help us unpack the procedures to be followed on such a sensitive matter, we are joined on the line by: • Izak Khomo, Channel Africa correspondent. • Thoko Moyo, Vice President of African Women in Leadership Organisation (In Studio).
A decision by South Africa to withdraw from the International Criminal Court is unconstitutional. That’s according to the country's High Court. The ICC, which launched in July 2002 and has 124 member states, is the first legal body with permanent international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. South Africa notified the United Nations of its intent to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the 1998 treaty establishing the Hague-based court, last October. The withdrawal would take this October. High Court Judge Phineas Mojapelo on Wednesday ordered the government to withdraw the notice to quit the ICC. To help us unpack the procedures to be followed on such a sensitive matter, we are joined on the line by:
Ottilia Anna Maunganidze: Head of Special Projects: Office of the Executive Director: Institute for Security Studies,
Netsanet Belay: Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for Africa:
Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh: Executive Director:Southern Africa Litigation Centre:
Xenophobia once again reared its ugly tail in Pretoria, South Africa. Angry local residents shutdown the Pretoria CBD, as they marched against foreign nationals accusing them of paddling drugs into the country. The march started in Attrageville West of Pretoria then it proceeded to the city centre where shops belonging to foreign nationals were targeted and looted. What was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration soon turned into a warzone as foreign nationals also took to the streets in retaliation of the gross violation. Police had to use stun grenades and rubber bullets to control the altercation between the two groups.
To talk to us about this we are joined by:
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Clifton Manene: South African Protest Organiser
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Katembo Tasakana: Channel Africa Reporter and academic studying migration
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Trevor Ngwane : United Front Chairperson (Foreign support group)
According to a UN Development Programme report, potential 'water wars' are likely in areas where rivers and lakes are shared by more than one country. The possible flashpoints are the Nile, Niger, Volta and Zambezi basins. A case in point, Malawi and its northern neighbour Tanzania have agreed to revive talks to resolve a long-running border dispute. The two east African neighbours are at odds over the ownership of Lake Malawi, which straddles both countries with Tanzania claiming the top half of Africa's third largest freshwater lake, a claim contested by Malawi.
To help us unpack this we are now joined on the line by:
• George Mhango: Channel Africa News Correspondent in Blantyre, Malawi • • Lewis Chiwalo: An economic and good governance commentator based in Malawi.
• Dr Martin R. Rupiya, Executive Director, The African Public Policy & Research Institute
The much anticipated 2018 presidential election in Zimbabwe would be another titanic contest between popular opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe according to political analysts. This after former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s political fortunes having taken a severe battering as her fledgling Zimbabwe People First party implodes following her trusted allies having been booted out of the party last week. On their part, political analysts say the ructions currently ravaging Mujuru’s party, means that her chances of contesting against Mugabe in 2018 has now taken a serious dent. To look at the political landscape in Zimbabwe this morning, we are joined on the line by:
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Dr Ibbo Mandaza Political Analyst (Zimbabwe)
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Professor Sabelo Ndlovu Political Analyst UNISA
The right to reparation is a well-established principle of international law. Reparation is a principle of law that has existed for centuries, referring to the obligation of a wrongdoing party to redress the damage caused to the injured party. Under international law, reparation must, as far as possible, wipe out all the consequences of the illegal act and re-establish the situation which would, in all probability, have existed if that act had not been committed. To help us deal with this complex issue we are joined on the line by:
Mallett Giyose is chairman of Jubilee South Africa
Zola Valashiya: Campaign Manager at Corruption Watch and Founder of Debate Africa
The Mining Indaba took place last week in Cape Town and brought together mining experts from twenty five African countries to discuss good governance and sustainable practices in the sector. The key themes this year of the indaba were collaboration and inclusiveness. Despite the optimistic theme there main criticism was how mining doesn’t benefit African communities.
To assist us on this subject we are joined by: • Ross Harvey, South African Institute of International Affairs • Thembinkosi Dlamini, OxfamSA • Rev Damon, Economic Justice Network,
A national uproar has been sparked in South Africa after at least 94 patients with mental health disabilities died after being moved by the government from mainstream hospitals to unlicensed health facilities. Last week the country’s health ombudsman released a report which detailed that the facilities that the patients were moved to were overcrowded and were selected in a “hurried implementation process”. This has brought questions around ethics in mental health.
To assist us on this subject we are joined by: Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health In South Africa, Dr Herman Raath, Specialist Clinical Psychologist at Windhoek, Namibia, Prof Keymantri Moodley Bio-Ethicist of Head: Centre of Medical ethics and law faculty at the University of Stellenbosch: School of medicine Dr Chris Verster, Psychiatrist and lecturer at University of Stellenbosch: School of Medicine.
Trade has been an essential part of the African markets. But materialisation and globalisation including opening local markets to the international markets is becoming a problem for most African countries. And there is the African Growth and Opportunity Act which was signed into law in the year 2000. The act offers tangible incentives of African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets. With challenges facing the continent, how is Africa responding to industries becoming obsolete contributing to joblessness and inequality? To unpack the topic we are joined by:
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Cyril Prinsloo Researcher SAIIA Economic Diplomacy Programme
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Kholofelo Maponya Shareholder Day Break farms
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Tinashe Kapuya Head: Industrial Trade and Investment Intelligence Agricultural Business Chambers
The African Union Commission is under transition with the appointment of the newly elected chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chad’s foreign minister. With the exit of the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma the continental body will also replace its chair. The new African Union chair will be Guinean President Alpha Conde who replaces Chadian President Idris Debby. In this change the new African Union Commission head would have about three months to set up his cabinet.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined by:
• Prof. Kealeboga Maphunye political analyst • Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Channel Africa reporter
Three prominent Research and development Agencies, the African Academy of Sciences, the South African Medical Research Council, and the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa in partnership with the New Partnership for Africa's Development, have formed an intra – African collaboration in an effort to fund, conduct and facilitate research projects in the area of maternal, neonatal and child health.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
• Zoleka Ngcete: Project Manager: South African Medical Research Council • Evelyn Gitau : Programme Manager: African Academy of Science
The departure of The Gambia’s former President Yahya Jammeh from Banjul 12 days ago, brings to an end a remarkable confrontation between the autocrat and other leaders of West Africa, the African Union, and the United Nations. It also offers important lessons for those seeking to advance the cause of democracy and the rule of law on the continent more generally. As a result, this is a victory for the people of The Gambia, the forces of democracy, and Adama Barrow, who defeated Jammeh in a December 1st national election.
To discuss the challenges and opportunities for his new administration,, we are joined on the line by:
• Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project
• Fatou Jagne: West Africa Regional Director Of Human Rights Organisation called Article 19 based in Dakar
In the introduction of the Hate Crimes Bill to the public, South African Justice Minister Michael Masutha explained that, “A hate crime is committed if a person commits any recognised offence that is a common law or statutory offence... and the commission of that offence is motivated by unlawful bias, prejudice or intolerance. The Bill goes further in criminalising hate speech, which it defines as the intentional communication or advocacy of hatred towards a person or group with the aim of inciting violence or harm. The communication of ‘contempt or ridicule’ over public online platforms is also outlined as a crime. Although the Bill claims to provide for the prevention of hate crimes and hate speech, as well as reporting on the implementation, its application and administration as an integrated approach from government is unclear.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
• Tshego Phala Lawyer at Webber Wentzel
• Jabulani Chen-Perriera CEO of Iranti-Org
• Giet khoza Pastor/CEO RHEMA Bible Church
Intro: The search engine Google released a report yesterday stating that they have cracked down on over three hundred websites last year and two hundred of those are no longer allowed to use Google ads. This comes after social media platforms such as Facebook received negative criticism of failing to minimize false news stories during last year’s US presidential election last year. The biggest fake news scandal making headlines on the continent is over allegations that the ANC conducted a covert operation aimed at discrediting opposition parties ahead of the 2016 Local Government Election. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: • Anim Van Wyk, editor at Africa Check. • Dr Musawenkosi Ndlovu, senior lecturer of media studies at the University of Cape Town • Yavi Mudarai, social media trends expert
Urgent repairs to avert the collapse of the gigantic, power-generating Kariba Dam between Zimbabwe and Zambia will begin this year after the two neighbours signed 294 Million dollars in deals with international investors on Friday. The overhaul project of the world's largest man-made dam will fix deformities and cracks in walls that were discovered in a series of assessments. Those threaten to cause the massive structure to collapse. an eventuality that would carry unimaginable humanitarian and environmental consequences if water in the 181 billion cubic metre capacity reservoir were freed by a massive breach. To chat to us about this massive project, we are joined on the line by
Chris Harold: Vice President of the South African Institute of Civil Engineering
Sputnik Ratau: South Africa’s Water Affairs and Sanitation Spokesperson
African leaders will next week meet to chart the continent's development agenda, including the appointment of a new leadership team for the African Union Secretariat, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 28th Ordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State and Government is set for 30 to 31 January in Addis Ababa. According to the draft agenda, one of the key issues for discussion is the appointment of a new leadership at the AU Commission to steer deeper integration in Africa. More from Liesl Louw-Vaudran, Africa analyst and consultant at the Institute for Security Studies…
To help us on looking at the year ahead:
• Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project)
• Professor Shadrack Gutto, political analyst
Property mogul and multimillionaire Donald Trump has officially taken the residence in the White House. The world watched in anticipation as Trump became the 45th President of the United States. Trump's swearing-in ceremony was attended by ex-Presidents, prominent politicians and Trump's family. In a highly nationalistic inauguration speech, he warned that American wealth had been “ripped from homes and redistributed across the world” and that now was the time to put "America first". But not all shared his happy moment as thousands of people took part in anti-Trump protests in Washington DC and across America. In the capital, protesters clashed with police, set a limousine on fire and damaged property.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Chelsea Markowitz, Visiting Researcher at the Institute of international relations
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Tom Wheeler Former Ambassador to Washington
According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, Angolan refugees have until the 20th January 2017 to apply for permanent residence or be deported back to their home country. This comes after a court order made by the Western Cape High Court after a lengthy litigation process dating back to 2013 when the Department of Home Affairs announced it was revoking refugee statuses as Angola was now no longer a war zone. The department said the circumstances that recognised Angolans as refugees no longer existed; therefore, SA no longer had an obligation to protect them. As of that they automatically became, the Angolan refugees were given two years to work and study in SA while preparing to go back home. When their cessation permits were no longer valid they automatically became illegal immigrant To help us talk more about this we are joined on the line by: 1. Leon Issacson Managing Director Global Migration 2. Pieter Britz Managing Director Forum of Immigration Practitioners of South Africa (FIPSA) 3. Manuel Panzo: President of the Congress of Students in the Angolan Refugee Community in South Africa
A record 3 thousand leaders from government, business and civil society are set to gather for the 47th World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. They attending a meeting that seeks to address critical leadership challenges. Under the theme "Responsive and Responsible Leadership", the meeting will focus on four leadership challenges for 2017 – re-imagining global cooperation, revitalising the global economy, reforming capitalism and preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To look at this gathering we are now joined on the line by? Atul Padalkar: From a company called BizFarm (We Grow Entrepreneurs) Morafe Tabane: SABC Economics Reporter: Ayabonga Cawe: An Economic Justice Programme Manager at Oxfam:
South Africa's minister of education openly admitted that the country's schools are in a state of crisis. She says if 25% of students she will have sleepless nights. Statistics say some 213,000 children failed their end of school examination for the academic year ending last month, out of a total of nearly 800,000. Furthermore According to Stellenbosch University's Professor Servaas van der Berg says out of the 1.2 million seven-year-olds who enrolled in Grade 1 in 2002; slightly less than half went on to pass their school-leaving exam, the matric, 11 years later. Now in the recent past there has been a lot of challenges where about 17 000 learners had not been place in schools for the beginning of the academic year.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Mungwena Maluleke SADTU Secretary General
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Prof Karin Brodie Wits School of Education Head of School
After 8 years of his presidency as the first African American president of the United States, Barak Obama ended his leadership with an urgent and fearful warning about the state of American democracy. In his final speech to the American people Obama gave what many feel was a thinly veiled slight to the divisive rhetoric of Donald Trump's election campaign, which included attacks on Muslims, the disabled, women and immigrants. Brushing away tears with a handkerchief, Obama paid tribute to the sacrifices made by his wife, and by his daughters, who were young girls when they entered the big white home on Pennsylvania Avenue and leave as young women. To chat to us about what his legacy will be, we are joined on the line by:
CHELSEA MARKOWITZ: A researcher with the Institute of International Relations:
PROF JOHN STEAMLAU: Wits International Relations Faculty:
TOM WHEELER: Former South African Ambassador to Washington, The United States:
The presidents of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia were scheduled to visit Gambian President Yahya Jammeh today in a second attempt to press him to hand over power, but that has been postponed to Friday. Jammeh, in power since a 1994 coup, lost a December first 2016 election to businessman Adama Barrow, but the authoritarian leader has contested the results in a move condemned at home and abroad. An ECOWAS delegation led by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited Gambia in December but failed to persuade Jammeh to step down. The West African bloc has since said it would take all necessary steps to uphold the result of the election and had put troops on standby. To help us understand what’ going on in the Gambia we are joined on the line by:
Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project which is supported by the Africa Foundations of the Open Society Foundations.
Brian T. Neubert: Director of the United States Department of Regional Media Hub here in Johannesburg
Peter Nkanga: Committee to Protect Journalists from West Africa Representative
South African tourism has improved tremendously over the last year with a 26.6 percent increase in tourism revenue as it becomes attractive for European travelers looking for high tides and sunny escapes from an otherwise wintery home. The sunny weather has not only become appealing for European tourists but also for Indians wanting to experience everything South African tourism has to offer. Official data from South African Tourism Board shows South Africans enjoy their local tourism with a figure of 570,944, followed by Europe with a total of visitors from Austria, Greece, Switzerland and others with 105,035. This further proves Africa is still a destination of choice for many.
To help us talk more about this we are joined on the line by:
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Sisa Ntshona CEOTourism South Africa
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Kwakye Donkor Director: Marketing and Communication RETOSA
The African National Congress, South Africa’s ruling party celebrated its one hundred and fifth birthday in Johannesburg yesterday. The celebration was in a form of the January Statement, delivered by the president of the ANC, President Jacob Zima, wherein the party does a self-introspection. Yesterday’s celebrations were held at the iconic Orlando Stadium, which was built in 1959, but then demolished to make way for a new stadium at the cost of 280 million rand. According to the ANC Head of Organisation for the celebrations, Fikile Mbalula the January 8 Statement is about what they need to do to renew their vows to the people of South Africa. To discuss what transpired yesterday, we are joined on the line by:
Professor Suzan Booysen: Wits University School of Governance Professor:
Dr Theo Venter: University of the North West:
Zakhele Ndlovu: Politics Lecturer: Kwa-Zulu Natal University:
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The year 2016 marked the culmination of a decline of liberation politics in South Africa. But not only was South Africa on the spotlight, but the rest of the African continent has a share fare of the good and the bad. In South Africa Liberal politics of petty bourgeois class contestation over political power and control of economic resources assumed the centre stage. The fight over the control of the National Treasury; squabbles over “state capture”; and the serialised motions of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma to resign as president are some of the hallmarks that manifest the consolidation of liberal democracy. In Africa South Sudan became number one in the list of countries that had a fair share of turbulence and uncertainty, then came political upheavals in the Gambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
To help us on looking at the year ahead:
• Izak Khomo, senior reporter at Channel Africa
• Charlie Khumalo, executive producer for Portuguese service
• Sophie Mokoema, acting political editor at SABC radio news
The year 2016 was a busy year for news. The year was filled by events from drought to Ebola, from elections to many country leaders trying to retain power. Countries like Syria, South Sudan and Libya made the headlines as was the massive migration problem for Europe. Britain said goodbye to the European Union while South Africa and other countries said goodbye to the International Criminal Court and one of the major stories was the amazing Presidential win in the United States by Donald Trump. In this edition of African Dialogue we take a look back at some of these stories that we covered:
The Director General of the South African Department of Home Affairs Mkhuseli Apleni has met with his Lesotho counterpart Borenahabokhete Sekonyela in a bid to rally Lesotho nationals living in South African to apply for the Lesotho Special Permits. In their deliberations they mentioned that all Lesotho nationals living in South Africa illegally have until the 31 December 2016 to pay for the Lesotho Special Permit or face deportation. Application centres have opened up at six Lesotho border posts to receive the applications. Applications made this year will be received and the supporting documents can be submitted in the year 2017 by the end of March. To further explain the significance of this initiative we are joined on the line by:
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Richard Stoltz Chief Director South African Department of Home Affairs
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Tumelo Raboletsi Director Lesotho Department of Home Affairs
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Jiten Vyas Chief Operations Officer VFS Global
Africa is losing more than 50 billion every year in illicit financial outflows as governments and multinational companies engage in fraudulent schemes aimed at avoiding tax payments to some of the world’s poorest countries, impeding development projects and denying poor people access to crucial services. According to a report released by the African Union’s high-level panel on illicit financial flows and the United Nations economic commission for Africa Illegal transfers from African countries have tripled since 2001, when20 billion dollars was siphoned off. The report was praised by civil society groups as the first African initiative to address illicit outflows from the continent. To help us discuss this matter, we are joined by:
Kathy Nicolaou: Management and Public sector consultant, Advisor, Part-time lecturer, Illicit financial flows expert for SA and Africa.
Dawie Roodt: Director and Chief Economist of Efficient Group
Keith Engel: Chief Executive Officer: The SA Institute of Tax Professionals
Gambia's ruling party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction says the current head of state Yahya Jammeh is to contest in court, the election victory handed to opposition candidate Adama Barrow. In a shock rejection of his defeat at the polls, Jammeh cited in a speech broadcast late Friday last week in which he mentioned "unacceptable errors" by election authorities. He was referring to a readjustment of the votes counted in the December 1 presidential election. Jammeh's swift concession of defeat on December 2 had stunned observers and led to celebrations in the country. To help us unpack this we are joined by:
Ephraim Khumalo: Channel Africa’s Portuguese Service Executive Producer Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project which is supported by the Africa Foundations of the Open Society Foundations. Ousman Yabo: Executive Director of The Association of Non-Governmental organisation (TANGO) in Gambia
It's been 22 years since the birth of democracy but South Africa is still struggling to reconcile the injustices of the past. This year, the country experienced several racist outbursts on social media, fuelling tensions and causing people to question if enough has been done to address racial issues. • Dr Marjorie Jobson: National Director: Khulekani Support Group, Khulumani Support Group in South Africa transforming Apartheid victims into active citizens through truth and memory healing, reparations, and reconciliation • Stan Henkeman, Executive Director for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.
The South African Department of Home Affairs launched the Mkhaya Migrants Awards in 2015 to promote the building of a united, democratic and prosperous society where citizens, residents and migrants live together in peace and harmony. The awards are an enabler of tolerance, social cohesion and integration. They are a cultural expression of the national resolve to create communities wherein citizens and migrants work together for peace and friendship. Some of the categories include Sports, Arts and Culture, Business, Civil Society/NGO, OR Tambo and Most Integrated Community. To tell us more we have:
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Morakabe “RAKS” Seakhoa, Managing Director Writer Associate
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Braam Hanekom Adjudicator Mkhaya Awards
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Siphiwe Segodi: Winner of the Most Integrated Community
The 16 Days of non-violence against women and children has in most cases only solicited comment around the challenges women are facing and pushing the plight of children in the backburner. In most societies as we observe the 16 days of non-violence against women and children, family units having been broken down, and children are left with one or no parents. In most cases, poverty on families has seen an increase in drug and alcohol use. This directly affects children with regards to physical and sexual abuse. Parents who are struggling, who have been abused themselves, or those who are simply trying to express their anger take it out on their children.
To help us discuss the challenges children are facing as we observe the 16 days of Activism, we are now joined on the line by:
Dr. Celia Hsiao (Save the Children South Africa Research Manager)
Sinah Moruane, UNICEF SOUTH AFRICA child protection specialist
Dr Shaheda Omar, director of clinical services at the Teddy Bear Clinic
Lynne Caywood, the director of childline Gauteng
INTRO: South Africans are reflecting on the death of former President Nelson Mandela who died on the 5th of December in 2013. Mandela had undergone treatment for a recurring lung infection at a heart hospital in Pretoria. Local and international media camped outside the hospital until the very last day. Mandela's body lay in state at the Union Buildings for three days giving citizens an opportunity to pay their last respects.
To look at Mandela’s legacy we spoke to:
• Tlou Theophilus Cholo, an anti-apartheid veteran.
• Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
• Vuyo Lutseke, media and communication officer at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust.
South Africans are reflecting on the death of former President Nelson Mandela who died on the 5th of December in 2013. Mandela had undergone treatment for a recurring lung infection at a heart hospital in Pretoria. Local and international media camped outside the hospital until the very last day. Mandela's body lay in state at the Union Buildings for three days giving citizens an opportunity to pay their last respects.
To look at Mandela’s legacy we spoke to:
• Tlou Theophilus Cholo, an anti-apartheid veteran.
• Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
• Vuyo Lutseke, media and communication officer at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust.
December is the season of big spending by consumers, usually because of the festive season. Christmas and New Year’s Eve compel consumers to spend extra for entertainment and leisure activities during this period. Consumers are drawn by the bling advertising and the retail stores specials to overspend on luxuries in the season. To speak on this we are joined by:
• Prof. Carel Van Aardt, the head of the Household Wealth Research Division, at the Bureau of Market Research
• Nathan Desfontaines, Cyber Security Manager at KPMG
• Rose Molokoane, board member at the Savings Institute
• Lebogang Mototo, associate institute at the Wits Business School
Following the successful outcomes of the 1st Regional Meeting on Tools for the Sustainable Management of Transboundary Aquifers held in July 2015, this meeting is the second in a row of regional meetings on transboundary aquifers in the Southern Africa region. It addresses contemporary issues related to the management of transboundary aquifers in the region, with particular focus on the Stampriet and the Ramotswa transboundary aquifers, shared between, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa; and Botswana and South Africa, respectively. Both projects related to these aquifers (led by UNESCO-IHP and IWMI, respectively) are moving into the second phase, and this meeting will take stock of progress and next steps. It will also provide essential training related to legal and institutional tools and approaches to management of transboundary aquifers.
To help us link up:
• Dr Karen Villholth - Sub-Theme Leader and Principal Researcher, Groundwater and Underground Solutions, at the International Water Management Institute
• Mr Phera Ramoeli - Senior Programme Officer (Water Sector) in the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services – SADC Secretariat
For many African countries, constituting democracy appears to be an elusive process. Several liberation movements that valiantly opposed colonial powers in the name of freedom and democracy have been markedly undemocratic when in power. Political Analyst William Gumede argues that at the heart of this, lies a failure to establish a democratic political culture, with several governments and leaders viewing democracy in its most limited sense of hosting elections. To help us understand why liberation movements in Southern Africa have failed to live to expectations, we are joined by:
Josh Mhambi: Former Zimbabwe African People's Union member in Zimbabwe: (STUDIO GUEST)
Roger Southall: Professor Emeritus in Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand
Omar Badcha: Chief Executive of the South Africa History on line
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is an international awareness-raising campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November to 10 December. The period includes Universal Children’s Day and World AIDS Day. South Africa adopted the campaign in 1998 as one of the intervention strategies towards creating a society free of violence. The campaign continues to raise awareness amongst South Africans about the negative impact of violence against women and children on all members of the community.
To help us talk more about this campaign we are joined on the line…
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Patrick Solomons Director Molosongololo
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Alta McMaster Survivor (RAPE)
South Africa is currently trialling the new HIV vaccine over the period of four years on adults between the ages of 18-35. This early-stage HIV vaccine clinical trial in South Africa has determined that an investigational vaccine regimen is safe and generates comparable immune responses to those reported in a landmark 2009 study showing that a vaccine can protect people from HIV infection. This new study, called HVTN 702, is designed to determine whether the regimen is safe, tolerable and effective at preventing HIV infection among South African adults. All study participants will receive a total of five injections over one year. The volunteers will be randomly assigned to receive either the investigational vaccine regimen or a placebo.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Glenda Gray President South African Medical Research Council
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Prof Lynn Morris Head AIDS Research National Institute of Communicable Diseases
Analysts are saying the only real solution to Syria’s humanitarian catastrophe is an end to the conflict. Unfortunately, that end looks a long way off. The fighting inside Syria continues to erupt and shift, and despite continued attempts at peace, including talks in Moscow and a ceasefire proposal for Aleppo, the warring parties, and the countries with influence to stop them, remain divided. Most analysts are saying if left unchecked, the war may result into a regional struggle. Syria has been in the grip of war since 2011. In the political arena, opposition groups are also deeply divided, with rival alliances battling for supremacy. The most prominent is the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, backed by several Western and Gulf Arab states.
To help us understand and unpack this, we are now joined on the line by: • Prof Fanie Vermaak: Lecturer, Department of Ancient Near Eastern Culture at UNISA • Na’eem Jeenah: Executive Director of the Afro-Middle East Centre • Tom Wheeler: Former Ambassador/ former Research Associate at the South African Institute of International Affairs
There are concerns that the national minimum wage of three-thousand 500 rand a month proposed by Nedlac is too low. It's about a thousand rand less than what labour initially demanded. Parties are now taking the proposal to their constituencies for consideration. The ANC has welcomed the proposal, but called for further engagement between stakeholders. Business chamber Nafcoc say the minimum wage alone is not enough to combat poverty and inequality.
To help us navigate this subject:
• Terry Bell labour analyst
• Free Market Foundation economist and director Jasson Urbach
• FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George
One of the most exceptional moments in South Africa’s history was the adoption of the South African Constitution on 8 May 1996, the occasion on which former President Thabo Mbeki delivered his iconic “I am an African” speech. The document that came as a result of two years of public participation, intense negotiations and significant head butting between political parties remains the foundation on which our democracy rests. Today as we celebrate the 21st anniversary of the South Africa Constitution, we are asking: – Is the SA Constitution an obstacle or a catalyst to Nation Building and Social Cohesion.
Professor Sabelo Ndlovu- Professor and Head of the Archie Mafeje Research Institute at the University of South Africa Prof Dirk Kotzé, Political Analyst Stacy Foster: Lecturer in Humanities at Witwatersrand
The Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa is hosting its 1st Annual Southern Africa Sustainable Tourism Development Forum Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two day conference,which starts today, aims to share sustainable tourism knowledge and best practices used by its Member States and other stakeholders in the tourism industry. To help us discuss some of the topics covered by the event, we have: Simba Mandinyenya – Acting Executive Director of the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) Cecilia Kinutia-Njenga – Head of the United Nations Environmental Programme Office in South Africa (UNEP) Caroline Ungerbock - CEO of the Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme Ronald Verwerk – Marketing Manager at Boundless Southern Africa
The Kingdom of Lesotho is once again under the spotlight, this after a faction in the National Executive Committee of the Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili’s party the Democratic Congress, announced it would be withdrawing from the country’s coalition government. The party has been riddled with factionalism for months with the Deputy Leader Monyane Moleleki allegedly forming coalitions with the opposition parties. At the peak of the faction’s reasons for the withdrawal, they accuse the coalition government of failing to uphold the rule of law. This happens after SADC Facilitator and South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa had a meeting with the country’s opposition leaders over the ongoing peace and stability efforts.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by:
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Prof Frances Makoa Retired politics Lecturer University of Lesotho
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Dr Ina Gouws Senior Lecturer Political Studies and Governance University of Free State
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Nthakoana Ngatene SABC Correspondent
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Kwezi Mngqibisa Political Analyst
The twenty-second session of the Conference of the Parties commonly known as COP22 is currently underway Marrakech, Morocco. Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, meet once a year at high level to discuss how to advance international action to combat climate change. Last year, 195 countries adopted the Paris Agreement on climate change, the world's first universal, legally binding climate deal. The conference in Marrakesh, aims to demonstrate that commitments made in Paris are being implemented, and to act as a catalyst for further action. To help us unpack this, we are joined on the line by: Ms Dominique Doyle who is the Project Coordinator at Earthlife Africa (JHB) Nokuthula Mhene: Food for Life Manager at Climate and Energy AT Green Peace Africa.
November is Disability Month in South Africa, but should be a continental event. Channel Africa joined with other organisations and companies in making a difference. 32 children from the Tumelo Home for the mentally and Physically disabled children in Ivory Park east of Johannesburg, South Africa were surprised to see donations of toys, non perishable foods, disposable nappies and toiletries when they arrived . Channel Africa was there and in a broadcast from the home and spoke to : Dr Moses Thindisa – Founder of the Tumelo Home. Kaiser Kganyago – Spokesperson for the South African Broadcasting Organisation Godfrey Mphatswe – a Mister South Africa of the Year Finalist, and now with the SABC Sello Ramakwela – A Caregiver at the Home Feroza Moosa – from one of the sponsors Premier Hotels Mashabela Galane – A Comedian
Donald Trump is the new American president. He becomes the 45th president of the United States of America, following a bruising, divisive and most robust American election ever. Yet Trump is so far performing better than expected in the US presidential contest. As votes were counted across the United States, the Republican candidate won Ohio, Florida and North Carolina. Trump and his Democrat rival, Hilary Clinton, competing neck and neck to hit 270 electoral votes,Trump ended up wing nearly 290 electoral votes. Reactions have been widespread, To help us analyse what happened, we
Chelsea Markowitz who is now Researcher of the Economic Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs:
Professor John Stremlau from the Department International Relations at Wits University in South Africa,
Gambians are going to the polls in December this year to vote for a president for the fifth time since current leader Yahya Jammeh came to power in a 1994 coup. Over the past 22 years, President Jammeh and the Gambian security forces have used enforced disappearances, torture, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests to suppress dissent and preserve Jammeh’s grip on power. Ahead of this year’s election, the government has repeated these tactics, with a crackdown on opposition parties, particularly the United Democratic Party (UDP), that has all but extinguished hopes for a free and fair election.
To help us unpack this we are now joined in studio and on the line by:
• Charles Khumalo: Channel Africa Portuguese Service Executive Producer: • Jim Wormington, West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch . Jeggan- Grey Johnson: Communications and Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project at the Africa Foundations of the Open Society Foundations.
With the world’s population aged under the age of 30 years, there is no doubt that youth participation is central to policymaking and engage in social development issues. Central to the United Nation’s sustainable development goals is the question, what is the responsibility of the youth population in executing the ambitious global goals. To assist us on this subject we have in our studios:
• Zola Valashiya Youth Co-ordinator Corruption Watch
• Kenneth Diole South Africa Institute for International Affair’s Youth Programme Intern
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has taken a step toward drawing up a new constitution and scrapping a nationality clause which helped drag his West African nation into a decade-long crisis and bedevilled his own initial bids for the presidency. The presidential office, in a statement late on Tuesday, announced the appointment of a 10-member experts panel, including Justice Minister Sansan Kambile along with legal experts and law professors, to draft a new national charter. The new constitution went to a public referendum for approval on Sunday. The Ivorian president pledged during his campaign for re-election last year, to scrap a nationality clause. To help us unpack this we are now joined on the line by:. Dr David Zoummneou; Senior Reseaeher: Institute of Security Studies Dr Richard Iroanya: Thabo Mbeki Africa Leadership Institute
Last week Friday the switch off from the Analogue to digital broadcasting in South Africa. However, the roll out was not in the entire country, this was only first phase of South Africa’s transition towards digital terrestrial television (DTT)in the Northern Cape area. Residents living in the SKA community of Keimoes and Kai Garib in Northern Cape were the first people in South Africa to experience DTT in the country. However, despite the fact that South Africa didn’t make the 2015 deadline there are still challenges, amongst others, such as the tender process by which set-top boxes or decoders to handed out by government to households. To look at the subject, we spoke to Tshidiso Reditabo, from SABC’S technology department.
African countries have debated in the last few years the mandate and role of the International Criminal Years, to a point now we are seeing them formally announcing their intention to withdraw from the international judicial body. South Africa announced last week Friday has started a reversal process of being a member of the International Criminal Court. Joining South Africa has been Burundi and Gambia announcing their intention to withdraw from the ICC. Kenya, Namibia and Uganda are among the countries that have indicated interest in leaving. Are we starting to see the erosion of the International Criminal Court? To assist us we are joined by: • Prof Magnus Killander, Head of Research: Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria • Angela Mudukuti, Southern Africa Litigation Centre, • Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Programme Head (Acting) & Senior Researcher in the Office of the Executive Director at the Institute for Security Studies.
A six-month state of emergency declared by the government of Ethiopia following months of violent anti-government protests is in full swing. The declaration marks a further hardening of the government's position after months of protests in different parts of Ethiopia. The country is facing its biggest anti-government unrest in a decade, from the majority Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups which feel marginalised by a minority-led government. To help us dissect this we are joined on the line by:
• Izak Kgomo: Channel Africa Programme Producer • • Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International's Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, By phone, her direct line at work is
INTRO: The African Union Commission Chair Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma yesterday met with African editors, journalists and press officers in effort to strengthen relations between the African Union and the media. At the helm of her talk she encouraged the media to popularise the AU’s agenda 2063. Themed “The Africa We Want” the meeting also aimed to explore other media related projects such as the AU/African Broadcaster and to identify roles to be played by media and progressive Pan-African media workers.
To further unpack how the meeting went we are joined by:
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Mahlatse Gallens South African National Editors Forum Chairperson
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Jovial Rantau African Editors Forum Chairperson
Today marks the United Nations’ Day which is the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. This day has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.
To help us look into this, we are now joined on the line by:
• Kenneth Diole: The Youth Programme at the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA)
• Sanusha Naidu: Senior Research Associate Institute for Global Dialogue
In the lead-up to the festive season , the governments of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia have embarked on a joint traffic law enforcement operation. Situated at the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, which connects the three countries, traffic inspectors and officials have partnered up in a large scale road block operation. The event is aimed at enhancing security enforcement and thus improving use of the corridor for lawful use. To Tell us more about this we have
Cedric Mwanota Limbo, Director of Transport in Namibian
Katlholo Gabriel Mosimanegape Director of Traffic for Botswana
Mathabatha Mokonyama, Acting Direct or General of South Africa’s Department of Transport
The 8th BRICS Summit is currently underway in India under the theme "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions". The member countries are deliberating on intra-BRICS Cooperation and on global issues such as international conflicts, the fight against terrorism, and reform of global system of governance, notably the democratisation of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods Institutions. The role of developing countries in leading efforts to bolster global growth has come under sharp focus during the summit. Amongst other issues that are being discussed are, global terrorism and climate change. 1. Tom Wheeler Researcher South African Institute of International Affairs
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Dr Peter Karungu Economist
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Cyril Prinsloo Researcher SAIIA
Samora Machel, and 33 members of his delegation, died on 19 October 1986, when the plane that was carrying them back to Maputo from a summit in Zambia crashed on a hillside at Mbuzini, just inside South African territory. Investigations showed that the plane was not following the correct flight path, and there have always been strong suspicions that the apartheid regime used a false navigation beacon to lure the plane away from its correct path. In 1994, after the democratically-elected government took over, an investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC found inconclusive evidence pointing to the apartheid government's involvement in the crash.The Mozambican authorities have never closed the investigation into the cause of the crash. A South African Board of Inquiry set up in 1987 under Judge Cecil Margo proclaimed the crash an accident and blamed the Soviet crew on board. It concluded that the plane had received an incorrect radio link which misdirected it off Maputo..To help us look at the day indepth we have
Acting Director General of South Africa Arts and Culture Department Acting Director-General , Mr Vusithemba Ndima •
South African Journalist Mandla Khosa
Uri Porta – a Journalist from Radio Mozambique
Channel African Executive Producer – Charlie Khumalo who was working in Mozambique at the time of the crash
Former MetroFM DJ and current Touch Central star – Tbo Touch – went to Parliament on Tuesday with Gareth Cliff to present his #Datamustfall campaign to the communications department. He spoke about how the Maslow Hierarchy of needs has changed to put communication at the top; hence the need for the campaign which aims to lessen data costs for South Africans. A research conducted by the IRR last year revealed that South Africans are paying a lot of money for slow connection speeds. In 2015 the broadband download speed in South Africa was 7.0 megabits per second (Mbps). To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Rubben Mohlaloga Acting Chairperson Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) 2. Toby Shapshak Editor of Stuff Magazine in South Africa
It was reported last week that more than 11,000 migrants have been rescued in the Mediterranean by aid groups and the Italian Coast Guard. The head of the International Organisation of Migration, William Lacy Swing, confirmed that there were up to three thousand and five hundred migrant deaths in the Mediterranean, just this year. Swing said that Europe needed to start looking at the situation differently if it wanted to see change. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: • Itayi Viriri, spokesperson of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). • Craig Smith, Specialist Immigration Practitioner • Leon Isaacson, managing director of Global Migration,
The streets of Braamfontein in Johannesburg were a no go area as Wits students took to the streets in protest for free education. A bus was torched and property vandalised. South African Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Ndzimande expressed his concern over the clashes between students and the police. Meanwhile in other universities around the country there has been violence and protests reported. University of Pretoria has since suspended its academic operations. In the university of Stellenbosch police clashed with students the resulted in around six students being detained.
To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined by: 1. Selby Xinwa{STUDIO}Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation Researcher 2. Sibusiso Thwala South African Union of Students Spokesperson
Governance on the continent has marginally improved on the continent, in the past ten years. This is according to the 2016 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Countries. Leading the pack are Liberia and Ivory Coast as the most improved. There are a few surprises on the top spot such as Togo and Zimbabwe, while the Central African Republic, Eritrea, and Madagascar and Libya were the most deteriorated countries on the continent. To assist us on this topic, we were joined by Richard Murray- Acting head, Sif Heide-Ottosen, she is the analyst of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and Yarik Turianskyi is the Programme Manager of SAIIA's Governance and APRM Programme.
University students in South Africa have been protesting for more than a month, demanding for free education in the country’s tertiary institutions. Currently the tension at the University of Witwatersrand, where in the past two weeks there has been violent conflict between police and protesting students. The country’s finance minister Pravin Gordhan said that the government has other priorities to deal with, either than providing free education. Gordhan was in New York for the South Africa Tomorrow Investor Conference. Today on the show we ask the question: Is free education an affordable reality for a developing country, like South Africa?
On the line is:
• Professor Hlonipha Mokoena Associate Professor W i S E R (Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research) University of the Witwatersrand.
• Ihsaan Bassier, Economics at UCT, Honours.
• Reg Rumney, independent consultant and economic researcher,
• Musa Nnwande, spokesperson for the Fees Commission
How is Maritime a part of heritage for African countries, especially since the ocean economy and the shipping industry can be seen through the prism at the Africa’s colonial past? This was the question posed last week Maritime Heritage Project launched hosted at the Ghariep Dam ,in South Africa’s Free State Province. The event hosted by the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority aimed to situated and advance heritage. To explore this theme delegates including two African National Congress anti apartheid veterans were invited to explore the parties Aventura Liberation naval mission. To give us more information about the launch we have :
Commander Fanele Mbali (one of the veterans)
Sobantu Tilayi Acting Chief Executive Officer of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
How is Maritime a part of heritage for African countries, especially since the ocean economy and the shipping industry can be seen through the prism at the Africa’s colonial past? This was the question posed last week Maritime Heritage Project launched hosted at the Ghariep Dam ,in South Africa’s Free State Province. The event hosted by the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority aimed to situated and advance heritage. To explore this theme delegates including two African National Congress anti apartheid veterans were invited to explore the parties Aventura Liberation naval mission. To give us more information about the launch we have : Commander Fanele Mbali (one of the veterans) Sobantu Tilayi Acting Chief Executive Officer of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
Today(04.10.2016), the delegates at CITES Cop17 adopted a resolution which “recommends that all Parties and non-Parties in whose jurisdiction there is a legal domestic market for ivory that is contributing to poaching or illegal trade, take all necessary legislative, regulatory and enforcement measures to close their domestic markets for commercial trade in raw and worked ivory as a matter of urgency. The resolution came on the 2nd last day of one of the biggest CITES meetings taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg South Africa. Currently, 183 governments are members of CITES. This resolution adopted provides a framework for all CITES governments to address their national markets for elephant ivory. To look at some of the resolutions that have been made we are helped by : Mark Jones, and Associate Director at the Born Free Foundation Dr Richard Thomas from TRAFFIC – The Wildlife Trade Monitoring and Co-ordinating organisation Kelvin Alie , Acting Vice President, Animal Welfare and Conservation Programme Director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare
The African Forestry Forum is a pan African non-governmental organisation that brings together individuals who share the quest for and commitment to the sustainable management, use and conservation of the forest and tree resources of Africa. The organisation has generated considerable information on various aspects of forestry and forestry including climate change, green economy, provision of quality tree germplasms , forest and tress pests and diseases, forest governance , and forest certification. As more stakeholders take steps towards developing and implementing forestry compatible development (FCD), the demand for information and knowledge on forestry, and more specifically on forest management, is growing rapidly. To talk to us about this we are joined by: 1. Prof Godwin Kowero Executive Secretary African Forestry Furum (AFF) 2. Dr Mbolo Abada Marie Marguerite Senior Lecturer University Yaounde 3. Humphrey Ngibuini Kenya Delegate
A group of civil society organizations are calling for an independent and impartial international investigation into human rights violations in Ethiopia, including the unlawful killing of peaceful protesters, and a recent spate of arrests of civil society members documenting this crackdown. Concerned organizations worried about the levels of persecution and detention of civil society members in the country include, DefendDefenders (East and Horn of African Human Rights Defenders Project), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia, Amnesty International, the Ethiopia Human Rights Project, Front Line Defenders, and the International Federation for Human Rights. To help us unpack this, we are joined on the line by:
Coletta Wanjohi: Channel Africa News Correspondent based in Addis Ababa
Yared Hailemariam: Executive Director: Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE)
Fisseha Desta : an Ethiopian Researcher based in Kenya.
Annually, international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and to include hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens. The trade is diverse, ranging from live animals and plants to a vast array of wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, wooden musical instruments, timber, tourist curios and medicines. Levels of exploitation of some animal and plant species are high and the trade in them, together with other factors, such as habitat loss, is capable of heavily depleting their populations and even bringing some species close to extinction. Many wildlife species in trade are not endangered, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES COP17 Conference and Exhibition is currently on the go at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg South Africa. Channel Africa is there, and to tell us about the topics being discussed we have: John E Scanlon, Secretary General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Maximiliano Bello, Senior Advisor for the Global Shark Conservation Initiative of the Non Governmental Organisation - PEW Charitable Trusts. Dr Richard Thomas – From The Wildlife Trade Monitory and Co-ordinating Organisation – TRAFFIC. Nicci Wright, from the African Pangolin Working Group
The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) hosts its 17th conference from the 24th September to the 05th October. During the conference the delegates will collectively evaluate progress made since 2013 at the last conference. They will further take more decisions that will be aimed at ending the illicit wildlife trafficking. The conference will also deliberate on matters around bring additional species under the CITES trade controls. African Dialogue will be broadcasting LIVE from the conference in Johannesburg in the coming weeks…
To help us discuss this we are now joined on the line by:
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Kelvin Alie Acting Vice President Animal Welfare and Conservation Programme International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
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Jason Bell Regional Director: Southern Africa – Elephants International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
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Albi Modisa Spokesperson Department of Environmental Affairs
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Juan Carlos Vasquez Chief Legal and Compliance Unit CITES Secretariat
Activists in the Democratic Republic of Congo say at least 17 people have been killed during clashes between police and protesters in the capital, Kinshasa. Anti-government protestors in the Democratic Republic of Congo have blocked roads and burned vehicles in the capital, Kinshasa, after police stopped them from staging a march. The demonstrators are demanding that President Joseph Kabila step down when his mandate ends in December. Riot police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of people who were throwing stones as they tried to march towards parliament.
To help us discuss this we are now joined on the line by: • Richard Iroanya: Peace Building and Conflict Transformation Department at the University of South Africa. • Aditi Lalbahadur: Programme Manager: Foreign Policy at the South African Institute of International Affairs • Jean Noel Ba-Mweze: Channel Africa correspondent in the DRC, Kinshasa • Ben Mpoko: DRC Ambassador to South Africa
Mining experts are saying it is time for the mining companies and mineral resources ministry to issue a pronouncement on the scourge of illegal mining in South Africa. The illegal miners, or Zama-Zamas, have been operating in disused mines for years, and the government apparently has no way of ending this illicit and dangerous enterprise. In the wake of illegal miners being trapped at an abandoned mine in Langlaagte, south of Johannesburg, the Chamber of Mines says illegal mining remains a serious challenge for the industry and South Africa amid rising unemployment and poverty. According to the South African Human Rights Commission there are 8 to 30 thousand illegal miners in South Africa.
To help us discuss this we are now joined on the line by:
• Ross Harvey is a visiting Research Fellow with SAIIA’s Governance of Africa’s Resources Programme in Cape Town.
• Jaco Kok: Environmental Geologist
• Hassan Logart: Bench Marks Foundation
• Thandiwe Matthews, South African Human Rights Commission.
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition is underway at the Air Force Base Waterkloof, in Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa this week with defence technology taking centre stage. The Africa Aerospace and Defence is one of the world’s premier Aerospace and Defence exhibition that holds a prominent position within the Aviation and Defence calendar. This exhibition takes place biannually in September. The first three days of the exhibition are traditionally trade days, followed by two airshow days that are open to the public. Among the highlights of this year’s event was smart bombs, unmanned drones and heat sensor cameras which can be operated from a smartphone. The exhibition,- which is expected to run until September 16, also features an air show expected to take place on the weekend. To help us describe whats happening at the event, we have:
Hennie Smit Manager of Business Development at South Africa’s Arms and Defence company Denel’s Vehicle Systems division
Brigadier General Christian Masuku from the Zimbabwe Defence Industry (ZDI)
Marie Botha Account Manager with the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Today is the opening of the Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa 2017 conference, which is underway in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This is the fourth year that the conference is running and the theme this time around is The Rehabilitation Business Case. This theme will cover issues surrounding ecosystem functions and the rehabilitation of communities. Scientists and practitioners in the agricultural sector are gathered to discuss land issues in Southern Africa.
To help us unpack this, we are now joined on the line from Kimberly; by:
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Raina Hattingh Land Fix Managing Director
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Menzi Khuzwayo Maccaferri Sales Engineer
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Dr Piet Louis Grundling Department of Environmental Affairs Deputy Director: Programme Implementation:Wetlands
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Ian Jones Earth Science Solutions Director
Channel Africa has been reliably told that leader of opposition, Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba will be challenging the Constitutional Court ruling in a court this morning. The Lusaka High Court last week Friday thrown out an application by opposition leader to halt the inauguration ceremony to be held tomorrow. In his ruling, Judge Mwila Chitabo said the court had no jurisdiction to make such a decision. Hichilema and his running mate were seeking the High Court's interpretation of the Constitutional Court's decision to deny them their fundamental right to be heard over their election petition. To help us unpack this we are joined by:
KAMOFISA MANCHIESI INFORMATION AND RESEARCHER WITH MISA ZAMBIA Gary van Staden: Senior Political Analyst at NKC Professor Kealeboga Maphunye: Chair of the forum for Democracy At the University of South Africa
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Democracy is annually held on September 15 to raise public awareness about democracy. Many people and organizations worldwide, including government agencies and non-government organizations, hold various initiatives to promote democracy on the International Day of Democracy. Events and activities include discussions, conferences and press conferences involving keynote speakers, often those who are leaders or educators heavily involved in supporting and endorsing democratic governments and communities. But have we really realised the fruits of democracy? Are those countries that say they are democratic really practice democracy fully fledged?
To help to unpack this global crisis we have on the line:……
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Martin Chungong Secretary General Inter-Parliamentary Union
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Ibrahim Fakir Manager Electoral Institute for Sustainability of Democracy in Africa
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Dr Augustine Mogolowond Director Institute of Democracy for Africa
ANC VERSUS ANC
The #OccupyLuthuliHouse protest was cancelled at the 11th hour following threats of violence and intimidation against its organisers. Organisers said they had expected about 3 thousand ANC supporters to attend the protest, but pleaded with them to stay away because of the strong security detail around the party’s headquarters in central Johannesburg. But why is the ANC fighting amongst itself, and what are the political ramifications of the #OccupyLuthuliHouse protest? Well, to answer some of these questions, we are joined on the line by:
Ben Turok: ANC Veteran:
Levy Ndou: Political Analyst at the Tshwane University of Technology:
Dr Mcebisi Mdletjana: Dr Mcebisi Ndletyana, Professor of Political Science at the University of Johannesburg
The G20 Summit in China’s lakeside city of Hangzhou has come to a close, but for all of the country’s preparations, analysts opine that diplomatic wrangles and unrealised ambitions dominated the proceedings. Global economic leaders stepped up warnings that the populist mood sweeping many developed nations is a threat to trade and growth, calling from the side-lines of the Group of 20 summit for governments and businesses to fight to keep goods flowing across borders. To help us navigate through this we are joined on the line by: Marienne Bouneventure Goldman: Governance Advisor at Oxfam: Patrick Bond: Director for the Centre for Civil Society: (STUDIO GUEST) Ms Asmita Parshotam : Research Specialist at the South African Institute of International Affairs:
On the program today we talk about the "politics of hair" this comes after the debacle around leaners at the Pretoria Girls High School in South Africa who were restricted from attending school with their afro hair.
Commemoration of the African Traditional Medicine Day today coincides with the date, 31 August 2000, on which the ministers of health adopted the relevant resolution at the 50th session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Africa in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Traditional African medicine involves the use of herbal concoctions and traditional rituals to treat a patient. There are two main types of traditional healers in South Africa – the Sangoma and the Inyanga. Sangomas generally, rely on rituals and traditional practices to treat a patient’s ailments while an inyanga uses parts of plants, herbs, and animal parts for therapeutic purposes.. To help us unpack this, we are now joined on the line by Pretty Lukhele – A Traditional Healer. Dr Nhlavana Maselo – President of the SA Traditional Healers Association
Africa continues to grapple for solutions in the Peacekeeping and Logistics sphere. In the quest of creating an objective platform and incisive dialogue, the Intelligence Transfer Centre brought together 400 delegates for a two day meeting in Midrand South Africa entitiled "The 2nd Annual Peacekeeping and Logistics Africa Conference. One of the outcomes of the discussions was that peace begins with politicians through dialogue. To tell us more we have : Lieutenant General Derrick Mbuyiselo Mgwebi, Force Commander of the United Nations Stabalising mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Antonia N'Gabala- Sodonon, Acting Head of the Post Conflict Reconstruction Division and project co-ordinator of Gender, Peace and Stability at the African Union Commission, Patrick Tseko Mahlangu, Chief Instructor of at the Peace Mission Training Centre of the South African Defence Force:
Africa continues to grapple for solutions in the Peacekeeping and Logistics sphere and in the quest of creating and objective platform and incisive dialogue, The Intelligence Transfer Centre is holding the 2nd Annual Peacekeeping and Logistics Africa Conference in Midrand South Africa. This conference, which began today brings together some of the most dynamic minds in the Peacekeeping and Logistics arena, who are expected to deliver thought provoking and hard hitting presentations. Speaker organisations include: United Nations, Kenya Defence Force, East Africa Standby Force, African Union Commission and South African National Defence Force among others. To tell us more we have: Major Chris Buckham, a Canadian with the International Peacekeeping Training Centre . Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, South Sudan’s Ambassador to South Africa Dr Norman Sempijja, a Ugandan Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the Department of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Since the upset in local elections of South Africa's ruling African National Congress party, which saw the ANC lose three major metros to the opposition, namely the capital Pretoria, the host of the parliament - Cape Town, and the Country's main economic hub, Johannesburg, talk of a new era in politics has bee debated. The official Opposition party - the Democratic Alliance Party - did not have an outright win in two of the municipalities so had to rely on coalitions and supporting votes from the second major opposition party the EFF. This has established , for the first time, Minority local governance. How will this affect local government? To help us answer that question we have:
Phephelaphi Dube, Director for the Centre for Constitutional Rights,
Sanusha Naidu, s political and foreign policy analyst,
Ozias Ncube A senior Lecturer at South Africa's Graduate School of Business Leadership
Tomorrow is World International Day. The nineteenth of August has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly, and is dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel. Most humanitarian work is on the African continent, attributed to civil wars, poverty and natural disasters. There has been some criticism to humanitarian work on the continent has been ethnocentrism, which is when one’s societal value is used to judge another’s society. Critics of foreign humanitarian efforts in Africa argue that Western society’s obsession with “saving” Africa bear traces of ethnocentrism. To look at the day we are joined by: • Jens Pedersen - Humanitarian Policy Adviser, Doctors Without Borders(STUDIO GUEST) • Markku Aikomus Senior Regional External Relations Officer UNHCR Regional Office for Southern Africa • Dewa Mavhinga, Senior Africa Researcher,Human Rights Watch,
The office of the Public Protector or Ombudsman as they are called in various African countries like Kenya and Tanzania, has attracted enormous interest over the year like in South Africa, where the Public Protector has been praised and vilified in equal measure. But what is the difference between and a Public Protector? Ombudsman is an official appointed to investigate individuals' complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities and big corporations. Ombudsman mediate settlements and the services of ombudsman are free, on the other hand The Public Protector plays the similar role but strictly confined to any matter reported by citizens in group or individuals. The matter can be against the President of the country or civil servant. To help us understand how the Office of the Public Protector or an Ombudsman works, we are joined on the line by:
David Lewis: Executive Director: Corruption Watch: Lawson Naidoo: Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution: Professor Shadrack Gutto: Professor and Editor at the Institute for African Renaissance Studies.
South Africa still experiences high levels of deaths, injuries and social disability and disruption as a result of violence, despite the political and social transformation since 1994 when it gained its independence. Women and children continue to the most affected by this scourge. The everyday acts of interpersonal violence, episodic outbreaks of collective violence and overt forms of violence produce profound consequences for the country and its people. The conference organisers of the first National Conference on Violence and its Prevention is hosting researchers, activists, peace and development workers, NGOs, students, policy workers and the business community to come up with people centred solutions. To help us unpack what really took place at the summit we are joined on the line by: • Prof Ashley Van Niekerk: Conference Co-Chair • Prof Kopano Ratele: Institute of Social and Health Sciences, UNISA and Medical Research Council. • Rebecca Helman: Institute of Social and Health Sciences, UNISA and Medical Research Council
Former Botswana President, Sir Ketumile Masire, nominated by the London-based Global Leadership Foundation to mediate in the on and off Mozambican Peace Talks, started his mission on Monday last week, to facilitate negotiations to end the low-level war between the armed opposition and the government of President Felipe Nyusi. Two decades after the end of Mozambique’s bloody civil war, and over a year and half after the ruling party, the Mozambique Liberation Front won elections on October 15 two years ago, tensions have been running high with opposition Renamo, who have rejected the results of the elections.
To assist us on this we are joined by:
• Fernando Gonsalves: Mozambican Journalist, a Post-graduate in Social Theory and Cultural Policy from the University of Lisbon.
• Professor Andre Thomashuizen: Director Department of Law at the University of South Africa:
• Ephraim Charlie Khumalo: Senior Journalist and Channel Africa Executive Producer: Portuguese Service:
Sub-Saharan Africa has the fastest population growth projected between now and 2050 and the highest youth population in the world. With struggling economies Africa has to invest in mobilising its youth to participate in their economies and governments on the continent have no choice but to factor the youth population into its social development agenda. With challenges of unemployment, countries such South Africa with almost 50% of unemployed youth and Nigeria’s 13%, there is no doubt that entrepreneurship and innovative employment strategies need to be employed. To assist us on this we are joined by: Catherine Wijnberg is the CEO of Fetola.
Andile Gumbi runs Nyachengos, a video company in Durban, KZN. He recently won R600 000 for best entrepreneur. His mentor has praised his participative approach to the Tholoana programme, his pro-active marketing of his work, and new contracts to shoot some series.
Teboho Nkwanyana runs The Salad Lab in Standerton, Mpumalanga, a business that packages fresh vegetables and salads for caterers and home chefs. He has made great strides with his business since commencing the programme. He is a star participant, fully engaged with working with a mentor, attending workshops, utilising the e-learning platform and other supportive. The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Development programme is a two-year programme offering specialised business mentorship, workshops, e-learning modules, as well as investment readiness support. The focus is on small entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban areas, as well as businesses that support or are owned by youth, women, and people living with disability. Primrose Z.J Bimha Samantha Ndiwalana: Fellow, Association of Allan Gray Fellows:Project Manager, Building Bridges Foundation
Zambia's main opposition leader has accused the government of using repressive laws to restrict his election campaign and said violence by supporters of the ruling Patriotic Front would prevent tomorrow’s polls from being free and fair. However, the African Union observer mission said political parties in Zambia were still able to conduct their campaign activities without major disruption despite some incidences of violence. Zambia holds presidential and parliamentary elections tomorrow. President Edgar Lungu faces a strong challenge from opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema after last year's neck-and-neck race. To help us look into this, we are joined on the line by:
Gary van Staden: Senior Political Analyst at NKC Professor Sitwala Imenda: Science Education at University of Zululand (The question of Barotse Land is still a hot poptato for Zambia;s current authorities. Some people have been arrested for voicing their voices) Rev. Suzanne Matale: General Secretary: The Council of Churches in Zambia
The 2nd Annual Sitting of the Committees of the 4th Parliament Of The Pan African Parliament (PAP), is taking place at the precincts of the PAP located at Gallagher Estate, Midrand in South Africa The committee sitting is touching on a wide range of topics especially the theme of the year which is "2016: African Year of Human Rights with a particular Focus on the Rights of Women". Issues debated among committee members and presentations are being done by invited organisations, which in turn, will be discussed and critiqued by the respective committee sitting. The main purpose of the Annual Conference of Speakers and the Annual Meeting of Secretary-Generals of African Parliaments is to promote a speedy ratification, domestication and implementation of the AU treaties, in particular the new Protocol of the PAP. To tell us more, we’re joined by:
Hon. Dr Bernadette Lahai: 4th Vice President of the Pan African Parliament, and a Parliamentarian from Sierra Leone.
Hon. Abdulrazak Sa'ad Namdas : Parliamentarian from Nigeria
Hon. Cecilia Chazama: Parliamentarian from Malawi
Hon. Stephen Masele : Parliamentarian from Tanzania
South African women in 1956 took stance to stand up against the apartheid government. The theme of that march was called “Wathintaabafaziwathintaimbokoto” (You strike a women you strike a rock). Amongst the women were Sophie De Bruyn, Helen Joseph, Bertha Mashaba and Winnie Mandela. Many of the African women wore traditional dresses, others wore the Congress colours, green, black and gold; Indian women were clothed in white saris. Many women had babies on their backs and some domestic workers brought their white employers' children along with them. Throughout the demonstration the huge crowd displayed a discipline and dignity that was deeply impressive.To help us discuss the issue we have: Dr Jessie Kabwila,A Feminist Politician in the Parliament of Malawi.
South Africa is ranked at 47 out of the 113 countries in this year’s Global Food Security Index (GFSI).The country ranked first among its sub-Saharan African peers and landed in the top ten of upper-middle-income countries, with Malaysia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil and China claiming the top five spots in this category. Meanwhile, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has warned that, millions of farmers throughout the SADeC region need urgent assistance to prepare for the next planting season.
To assist us to look at this issue of food security we have:
• Prabdeep Bajwa, Regional Business Director for DuPont Pioneer Africa • Timo Pakkala, the El Nino Senior Coordinator for Southern Africa for the United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Communities around the African continent have awoken to Hashtag activism in trying to address their political, social and economic concerns. Hashtag activism is described as the act of supporting a cause that is being advocated through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and other networking websites. Although sometimes criticized for its lack of effectiveness and promotion of lazy activism, it is the implementation of social media as a platform to raise awareness on a multitude of issues. But how effective is this activism vis-à-vis party political pressure on a government or an institution like a university? You’ll recall the #Feesmustfall in South Africa, the Arab Spring and now Zimbabweans have turned on the screws on government by starting the #This Flag, that is mobilising for a regime change in that country. To help us navigate through this social media phenomenon, we are joined on the line by: Sibanengi Dube : Zimbabwe Exiles Forum Trust Matsilela: A Zimbabwe journalist based in Johannesburg and is a PHD student researching on the effects of social media at the Johannesburg University Jealousy Mawarire: National Spokesperson, Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF). Ibo Mandaza: Zimbabwean Political Analyst
South Africans have less than ten days before they can go to the polls to elect the municipal representatives of their choice in their voting districts. On August 3, votes will head to the 22 000 voting stations across the country to vote for local councillors and majors for their municipalities. As significant as this vote is, how do local communities hold their government officials accountable after the elections, and how important is public participation in the governance of municipalities? To assist us on this program we are joined by: • David Kode, Senior Policy and Research Officer, CIVICUS • Matshidiso Motsoeneng, who is a Researcher at Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute • Tarisai Mugunyani, attorney from Lawyers for Human Rights
At the weekend, South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar reportedly fired a minister who he said had defected to his long-time rival President Salva Kiir's party. The rift between Machar and Taban Deng Gai has raised the prospect of further turmoil after months of fighting, as members of a faction led by Gai threatened to replace their leader. Two years of civil war that erupted after Kiir sacked Machar as Vice President in 2013, has killed more than 10-thousand people and displaced over 2 million, many of whom fled to neighbouring countries. In a letter to party members and his military commanders late on Friday, Machar said Gai will be relieved of his position as mining minister, and had been expelled from the party. Machar left the capital last week after a new outbreak of clashes, saying he would only return when an international body set up a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiir's. To help us analyse the current situation, we spoke to :
South Sudan's Ambassador to South Africa, Phillip Jada Natana; Daniel Bekele of Human Rights Watch based in Addis Ababa, Professor Fanie Vermark, from the University of South Africa: Mawan Muortat: South Sudanese Political Commentator
The 27th African Union summit wrapped up on Monday, in Kigali, Rwanda, and still had not elected their new chairperson for the union’s commission. So, the current chair Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was asked to stay on until January next year. None of the three candidates contesting the position received the necessary two-thirds majority vote required. Dominating the talks was the political crisis in South Sudan, the African e-passport for heads of state and the self-sufficiency of the African union to fund itself. To look back at the summit we are joining us on the line we have: Adv. Pansy Tlakula: Chairperson & Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa at the African Commission on Human Rights and People’s Rights Professor: Tim Muruthi: Head; Justice and Reconciliation in Africa and Extraordinary Professor of African Studies at the University of the Free State in South Africa. Professor ShadrackGutto: Editor at the Institute for African Renaissance Studies, at UNISA
Zambians are going to the polls on the 11th of next month to elect the President and participate in general elections. The vote is expected to be a close contest between Edgar Lungu from the governing Patriotic Front, and Hakainde Hichilema from the United Party for National Development. However, violence, which is foreign in Zambian politics, has been a spoiler. To help us unpack these elections, we are now joined on the line by: Electoral Commission of Zambia: Chris Akufuna: Rev. Suzanne Matale: General Secretary: The Council of Churches in Zambia Gary van Staden: Senior Political Analyst at NKC
Zambians are going to the polls on the 11th of next month to elect the President and participate in general elections. The vote is expected to be a close contest between Edgar Lungu from the governing Patriotic Front, and Hakainde Hichilema from the United Party for National Development. However, violence, which is foreign in Zambian politics, has been a spoiler. To help us unpack these elections, we are now joined on the line by: Electoral Commission of Zambia: Chris Akufuna: Rev. Suzanne Matale: General Secretary: The Council of Churches in Zambia Gary van Staden: Senior Political Analyst at NKC
Thousands of scientists, health experts, politicians, philanthropists and civil society representatives have gathered at the International AIDS Conference, which started yesterday in Durban, South Africa. The conference, which returns 20 years since it was last hosted in the coastal city, aims to advance knowledge about HIV and to build innovative partnerships to strengthen global response to the epidemic. Yesterday UN General Secretary Ban-Ki Moon called for this year’s gathering to mark the end of the commitment to a new era of a fast tracked response. However yesterday, about five thousand people marched outside the International Convention Centre in Durban, where the conference is being held. The Treatment Action Campaign, as one of the civil organisations involved in the march, highlighted that there was a huge disconnect between promises made and the realities on the ground.
Now joining us on the line we have:
• Professor Helen Rees is Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg,
• Professor Geoffrey Setswe,Deputy Executive Director HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections & TB Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
• AyandaYawa, Treatment Action Campaign General Secretary
Dr Nothemba (Nono) Simelela - Currently the Advisor to the Deputy President on HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections (She was also the Chair of the 7th South African AIDS Conference hosted in Durban June 2015)
July the 18th is International Mandela day when people around the world are asked to spend 67 minutes doing community service. They day is in remembrance of the years spent in prison by anti Apartheid fighter and former South African President Nelson Mandela who was known for his humanity. Channel Africa joined up with Radio 2000 in partnership with Joburg City Parks, Aranda, Nedbank, Iskcon and Venus Security for a project called “67 Minutes of Love”, which saw South Africans spending the day giving love to the homeless and needy in Joubert Park in Johannesburg. Donated blankets and food hampers were handed out, along with teams feeding bread and soup to the homeless. This wall followed the cleaning the park. Channel Africa also had an outside broadcast so we could talk to some of those involved which included :
Mark Puillay : Representative for Gift of the Givers Mandla Khumalo: Representative for Coca Cola Beverages SA Lebogang Maile : MEC for Gauteng Denzil Goldstorne : of thr Berea Community Police Forum Dion Esso : Berea Firefighter Kebokile Mosweu: SABC representative
In collective actions reminiscent of a period nearly a decade ago of political tension and economic collapse in Zimbabwe, citizen activists and labour unions have recently organised a work stay away and a three-day nationwide strike. Frustration over a deepening liquidity crisis has put the 36-year-old government under increasing pressure to address the deteriorating economic situation, which analysts say could push protests to continue if the underlying issues remain unaddressed. To help us unpack what is really happening politically, socially and economically in Zimbabwe, we are now joined in studio and on the line by: Adv. Gabriel Shumba: Zimbabwe Exiles Lovemore Kadenge: President of the Zimbabwe Economics Society. Promise Mkwananzi: Spokesperson for Tajumuka-Sesijikile Campaign in Harare:
Former South African President and Nobel Prize laureate Nelson Mandela has had a lot of literature written about him by various Authors. The late statesman’s life was more of a political than a family man until the last years of his life. Books like “Conversation with myself, Long Walk to Freedom and The Struggle is my life” are some of the books that better depict the life of Mandela. All the authors of Mandela’s life share the common idea that Mandela was a selfless struggle icon with pristine leadership qualities. In 2013 the book “Long walk to freedom” was translated into a film and received international audiences around the world.
But today our focus a little different, we want to focus on those individuals that have earned the fruits of the youth of 76’. To do so we are joined on the line by:
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Mac Maharaj Mandela’s friend and Robben island prisoner
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Mike Nicol Author
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Sophie Mokoena SABC Foreign Editor
The East African Community has been cited as the most integrated region in Africa. This is according to the Africa Regional Integration Index report which was launched at the beginning of April in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is the first initiative to be developed to measure the progress on regional integration in the continent. Africa has spent much of the past decade investing in physical infrastructure, but it must not forget the development of human capital, the report urges. Investing in education, particularly in science and technology, will bring about great gains for the citizens of the continent.
To assist us on this topic we are now joined by:
• Kudzanayi Bangure - Manager at the NBF's Africa Infrastructure Desk and he will focus on Africa's integration specifically focusing on integration through transport corridors. • Lesley Wentworth, She is the head of an initiative focused on SADC's integration and industrialisation call the Southern Africa Business Forum (SABF). • Tralac researcher, William Mwanza
South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius spent his first week in prison after he was sentenced to 6 years in jail by High Court Judge Thokozile Masipa for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. In handing out the verdict the judge said she found compelling and substantial circumstances that persuaded her to deviate from the minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. Following the sentence the Para olympian said he would not appeal the six year sentence.
To talk to us about this we are joined by:
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Karin Van Eck Legal Expert
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Ulrich Roux Defence and Litigation Lawyer BDK Attorneys
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
According to a new study, the US middle class is disappearing". According to the Pew Research Centre, the middle-income families no longer made up the majority in America.A study has revealed that households are increasingly cutting back on living expenses as they grapple with their stressful financial positions. This is one of the findings from the 2016 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor, released today, which tracks the shifts in the financial attitudes and behaviour of South Africa's working metropolitan population.
To discuss this we are joined by:
• Asmita Parshotam,Researcher: Economic DiplomacySouth African Institute of International Affairs,
The Annual Southern African Transport Conference and Exhibition is currently underway in South Africa’s capital Pretoria under the theme – “Transport: A catalyst for socio-economic growth and development opportunities to improve the quality of life”. The SACT was started in 1982 with the need to transfer knowledge and build capacity within the transport sector. The conference brings together key role players in the transport sector such as Engineers, Academics, Manufacturers, Government officials and policy makers in transport. The South African Transport Minister Dipuo Peters in opening the conference highlighted that efficient transport systemsprovide socio-economic opportunities and benefits that result in positive multiplier effects such as a better accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments.
To talk to us about this we are joined by: Conf
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Professor James Maina Chairperson: SATC Organising Committee
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Mr Pieter van Niekerk Member of ATC Company Directors
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Professor Alex Visser : Director of the Organising Committee of the Conference
Local government in all its facets may at first seem very complicated and confusing, but it is only when the roles and functions of local governance are explained and simplified, that the electorate can make informed decisions. Local government elections will be taking place on the 3rd of August, and it is particularly important that the electorate understand the intricacies of these elections and how they differ from Provincial and National Elections. Today we will be focusing on the functions and responsibilities of all spheres of local government including and to help us unpack this important sphere of governance, we are joined on the line by:
Guests:
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Tinyiko Maluleke Political Analyst Unisa
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Sanusha Naidoo Political Analyst
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Levy Ndou Political Analyst
In recent months people have been talking about the term “BLESSER”. The term allegedly originated when several young women posted pictures of themselves shopping overseas, driving expensive cars or wearing expensive clothing.These women would then be blessed on social media. The phenomenon has gone viral, with many young women looking for older men to sponsor their expensive lifestyles. But the men, some of whom are married, may be blessing more than one woman. So in drawing to a close “Youth Month” we want to discuss this phenomenon and find out what really is the mind-set of a blesser and blessee.
To talk to us about this we are joined by:
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Ms Thato Chidarikire : Department of Health Director: HIV Prevention
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Professor Cheryl-Ann Potgieter: Deputy Vice Chancellor University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
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Mr Dumisani Rebombo : Sonke Gender Justice Manager: One Man Can campaign
Britain is to be excluded from a meeting of European Union leaders later, the first this has happened for more than 40 years. The other 27 EU member states are holding formal talks over the implications of last week's British vote to leave the bloc. Meanwhile, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, Jeremy Corbyn looks certain to face a challenge after refusing to stand down, despite an overwhelming vote of no confidence by his MP's.
We spoke to:
• Cyril Prinsloo, Researcher under the Economic Diplomacy Programme,
• Professor Geoffry Heald, Wits Business School
Just slightly less than six weeks ahead of the 2016 Local government elections, the ANC is to battling on many fronts to contain the fallout from a deep political crisis. The party is deeply divided and in its weakest state ever. It is not only struggling to contain the wider social, economic and political crisis, but it is also forced to fight to manage the internal factional battles which are threatening to tear it apart. To look at these new developments as we keep tabs on the Local Government Elections we are joined on the line by:
Dr Somadoda Fikeni Independent Political Analyst ZANELE NENE: A Researcher at the Institutional Audit Directorate a former Political Science lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal MOSOTHO MOEPYA: Chief Electoral Officer wit the IEC
The narrative of Africa rising has one that has been challenged in the last year, as global commodity demand and lower oil prices have altered expectations for the continent. In this climate, there also political challenges that African countries face, which at times deter investment and attraction from the rest of the world. Today we ask the question, is the African rising narrative still a reality for the continent.
We speak to:
• Theo Sibiya - Partner at A.T. Kearney and keynote speaker • Prof Rwelamila - Professor of Project Management and Project Procurement Systems (Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership) • Brand South Africa’s GM for Communications, Ms Manusha Pillai
Today we are marking Public Service Day. Empowering women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities. The public service sector is a key partner in efforts to advance gender equality and empower women.
To look at this topic we are joined on the line by:
• Dr Jessie Kabwila: Member of Parliament: Chair Women Caucus: Parliament of Malawi
• Tiseki Kasambala: Deputy Executive Director: Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa
• Sharon Mmaphala Mokubedi: Masters student in Bio Techonology at the University of Johannesburg
The United Kingdom will go to the polls tomorrow for a referendum, known as Brexit, which will decide if it stays or leaves the European Union. Twenty-eight European countries are members of the EU, a group that traces its roots back to the days after World War II. The idea was to use the organization to promote trade but it's turned into something much larger. As much as this will have implication or the European Union, analysts also suggest that if the vote is in favour for the UK to leave the EU, it will have consequences for Africa.
To look at this topic we are joined on the line by:
• Asmita Parshotam, Researcher: Economic Diplomacy at the South African Institute of International Affairs,
• Professor Gilbert Khadiagala,Professor of International Relations and Head of Department at Wits University.
Despite a near worldwide ban on the sale of elephant ivory, tens of thousands of African and Asian elephants continue to be slaughtered every year for their tusks. Every year, tens of thousands of elephants are brutally killed for their ivory. Between 2008 and 2013, the estimated death toll ranged between 30 thousand and 50 elephants per year. Despite all this, there are several countries that want to sell their ivory stocks and those that are opposing the lifting of a ban on ivory trade. Furthermore South Africa is going to be hosting the 17th meeting of its Conference of the Parties in Johannesburg To help us discuss this sensitive issue, we are now joined on the line by:
Pelham Jones: Chairman of South Africa’s Private Rhino Owners Association.
Ian Michler : A member of the Conservation Action Trust and Journalist
Dr Colman O Criodain, WWF Wildlife Trade Analyst
June in South Africa has been dubbed Youth Month; following the Soweto uprising that took place in 1976 where score of young students were gunned down by the regime at the time. These young students were marching against the use of Afrikaans as a medium in schools. Amongst the many were people like the world renowned Hector Petersen. Now in the spirit of youth month a Youth Parliament was formulated, that is where young people can sit and debate issues of national importance and further make recommendations to the National Assembly. Kids aged between 11 and 17 are selected to be members of the house, and special attention and preference also has been emphasized on kids with disabilities.
So to talk more about the work of the Youth Parliament we are joined on the line by members of the Youth Parliament:
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Josias Masango Mpumalanga Ambassador
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WangaMulaudzi Limpopo Ambassador
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Vuyisela Mboxela South African Youth Council Member for the Youth Parliament
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Tsietsi Mokhele Project Officer – Youth Leadership Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
According to international law statelessness is the lack of nationality, or the absence of a recognized link between an individual and any state. A stateless person is someone who is not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its law; he or she has no citizenship or nationality. Some stateless persons are also refugees. However, not all refugees are stateless, and many persons who are stateless have never crossed an international border. To help us discuss these disturbing phenomena we are now joined on the line by: Leon Isaacson: Managing Director: Global Migration SA: Reg Immigration Practitioner Wayne Ncube: Attorney Litigation Unit at the South African Lawyers For Human
The South African government announced the local elections will be held on August 3 this year. However a case in the country’s Constitutional Court underway today could change this. The Court is expected to deliver a judgement on the case of addresses of voters. Last month parliament was told that the Electoral Commission of South Africa did not have addresses of around 46% of more than 26 million people registered to vote. Other concerning issues in the build-up of the election have been violent protests, political killings and a struggling economy.
To look at this topic we are joined on the line by:
• Gary Pienaar, Research Manager of the Democracy, Governance & Service Delivery Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council, • Steven Gruzd, head of governance and African Peer Review MechanismProgramme, South African Institute of International Affairs • Ebrahim Fakir, the Manager of the Political Parties and Parliamentary Programme at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA)
The newly reconciled leaders of South Sudan have called for a South Africa-style truth and reconciliation commission to heal the scars of a gruesome war in the world's youngest nation. President SalvaKiir and the newly appointed vice-president, Riek Machar, foe, said in a joint they were committed to ensuring that South Sudan never again went through a civil war. The two leaders said the truth and reconciliation commission would have sweeping powers and be able to investigate everybody from "the poorest farmer to the most powerful politician".
To look at this positive development we are joined on the line by:
• HlengiweMkhize: TRC Reparations Committee
• Professor Leon Wessels: South African Human Rights Commission
A survey by anti-slavery campaign group Walk Free says nearly 4.5 million people worldwide, as slaves. The group's Global Slavery Index says India has the most slaves overall and Mauritania has the highest percentage. Walk Free Foundation says it found evidence of slavery in 167 countries it surveyed. The report defines slaves as people subject to forced labour, debt bondage, trafficking, sexual exploitation for money and forced or servile marriage. The report says Africa and Asia face the biggest challenges in eradicating slavery, while the practice is least prevalent in Europe. To discuss this we are joined on the line by:
Annelize Theunissen: The National Freedom Network
Richard Ots: International Organisation for Migration
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Republic of Guinea Ebola-free today. This came forty-two days had passed since the Ebola virus was tested negative. Although Ebola has been confirmed to be contained experts cannot verify that it has been eliminated. This is not the first time the WHO has been announced being free of transmission last December. The original chain of transmission of the virus began in December 2013 and spanned across neighbouring countries including Sierra Leone and Liberia, killing more than 11,000 people.
To look at the success story Africa’s response to Ebola we are joined by:
• Dr Adinoyi Adeiza, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies health and care coordinator for Africa
• Dr. Djoudalbaye Benjamin, a Senior Health Officer, the Head of Mission, African Union Support To Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA)
Mohamed Abdelaziz, the leader of the Western Sahara independence movement Polisario Front who died of lung cancer on Tuesday, was buried on Saturday in the disputed territory. The 68-year-old Abdelaziz spent more than 40 years fighting for independence for the territory, and was buried in part of the Western Sahara not controlled by Morocco. Local Sahrawi people are campaigning for the right to self-determination, but Morocco considers the territory to be part of the kingdom and insists its sovereignty cannot be challenged.. What impact will the death of Abdelaziz have on the Polisario Front? To answer this question we are joined on the line by: J.J.Cornish: Specialist on African Affairs and Radio Journalist Ibrahim Dean: Researcher: The Afro-Middle East Centre based in Johannesburg, South Africa: Dr Olivia Lwabukuna: Research Specialist at the Institute Of South Africa, a research unit of the Human Sciences Research Council
Mohamed Abdelaziz, the leader of the Western Sahara independence movement Polisario Front who died of lung cancer on Tuesday, was buried on Saturday in the disputed territory. The 68-year-old Abdelaziz spent more than 40 years fighting for independence for the territory, and was buried in part of the Western Sahara not controlled by Morocco. Local Sahrawi people are campaigning for the right to self-determination, but Morocco considers the territory to be part of the kingdom and insists its sovereignty cannot be challenged.. What impact will the death of Abdelaziz have on the Polisario Front? To answer this question we are joined on the line by:
J.J.Cornish: Specialist on African Affairs and Radio Journalist Ibrahim Dean: Researcher: The Afro-Middle East Centre based in Johannesburg, South Africa: Dr Olivia Lwabukuna: Research Specialist at the Institute Of South Africa, a research unit of the Human Sciences Research Council
June is celebrated as Youth Month in South Africa, with a specific focus on 16 June, which is also known as Youth Day. Youth Month pays tribute to the school pupils who lost their lives during the 16 June 1976 uprising in Soweto. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Soweto uprisings. The theme for Youth Month is: “Youth Moving South Africa Forward”. On 16 June 1976, more than 15 000 students gathered at Orlando West Secondary School with the intention of participating in a peaceful march to the nearby Orlando Stadium. The demonstration had been planned in protest against the use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction at schools.
To help us unpack the topic we spoke to:
• Mampe Ntsedi Project specialist at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
• Omar Badsha Chief Executive Officer at the S.A History
For the past three decades, poor African nations have been used as the dumping sites for hazardous toxic waste materials from developed countries. Primarily the international community are out to reduce the costs of disposing or recycling the by-products of their industries. E-waste is routinely exported by developed countries to developing ones often in violation of the international law. To help us interrogate this we are joined on the line by: • Rico Euripidou: An Environmental health campaigner at Groundwork • Howard Bulkin : Managing Director: The Waste Trade Company • Desmond d’ Sa: Spokesperson for the South Durban Environmental Alliance • Mark Gordon; The Deputy Director General : Chemicals and Waste Management
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
South Africa has been dubbed the protest capital of the world, with one of the highest rates of public protests in the world. Recently, this has been evident in the service delivery protests in Vuwani. The events began in the Limpopo province, where more than twenty schools were burned by citizens and Hamaanskraal, where protesting against land evictions took place, where two red ants’ members were killed. These events were nothing new to South Africa, as it was reported that there 540 protests in the province of Gauteng between 1 April and 10 May 2013.
Speaking to presenter Benjamin Moshatama was:
• Lizette Lancaster Manager: Crime and Justice Information Hub part of the Governance, Crime and Justice department at the Institute for Security Studies • Nomfundo Mogapi, Executive Director OF Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation • Levy Ndou, Political analyst at the Tshwane University of Technology
The verdict of the former dictator of Chad, Hissène Habré, is scheduled today in the Extraordinary African Chambers of the Court of Senegal. The trial is historic for many reasons. It will be the first in which the court of one state prosecutes the former ruler of another for alleged human rights crimes. Habré, who was in power from June 1982 to December 1990, stands accused, among other things, of committing numerous crimes against humanity and war crimes against his political opponents.
To look at the trial, presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to:
• Dr Marie Gibert: South African Institute of International Affairs • Allan Ngari: Institute of Security Studies In South Africa
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Next month, the fifth Infrastructure Africa Business Forum will be held in South Africa. The Forum will involve delegates from government, the infrastructure industry and developmental agencies to discuss how to accelerate the business of infrastructure on the continent.
• Nigel Gwynne-Evans Chief Director: African Industrial Development in South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry • Duncan Bonnett Director: Africa House, a partner at specialist Africa-focused consulting firm, Africa House
The 6th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference got underway yesterday at the University of South Africa campus in Pretoria. The theme is: The Knowledge, Spiritual and Struggle Heritage for Re-imagining Innovative Africa”. According to the organizers, the conference aims to debunk the negative narrative that Africans have made no substantial contribution to science, knowledge, history and civilisation.
To assist us on this subject we are joined by :
• Baba Buntu: Executive Director Ebukhosini Solutions
• Prof Mammo MuchIe: Research Chair in Innovation Studies: Faculty of Economics and Finance: Tshwane University of Technology
• Dr Palesa Sekhejane : Research Specialist :DEPARTMENT: African Institute of South Africa
The World Health Organisation has released data that shows that more than 1 billion people live in countries that do not monitor the air they breathe. This is a cause for concern as outdoor air pollution kills up to 3.3 million people each year and the trend is not changing. According to analysis poverty is connected to air pollution in countries, as of the world’s poorest 50 countries by GDP per capita, 35 are not monitoring air in any of their cities.
To assist us on this subject we are joined by :
• Prof Eugene Cairncross (a chemical engineer who has lots of experience in issues of air quality)
• Robyn Hugo, Attorney and Programme Head: Pollution & Climate Change Centre for Environmental Rights
• Dr Rebecca Garland,Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Professor Harold Annergarn An air pollution expert based in Cape Town
After months of speculation, mudslinging and debate, the embattled Brazilian President's fate is now in the hands of her country's Senate, which is scheduled to vote on whether impeachment proceedings against her should begin. If a simple majority votes for the motion, Dilma Rousseff will be forced to leave the country's presidential palace for 180 days and face an impeachment trial. It's not looking good for the once-popular Brazilian leader, who now faces allegations that she broke budget laws. To help us discuss this matter we are now joined on the line by:
• Tom Wheeler Research associate at the South African Institute for International Affairs • Andre Thomas-Haussen: Political Science and Law Expert at the University of South Africa
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) is hosting an international conference and exhibition on water. Established in the 1950’s, the WISA conference has grown to become the largest of its kind in Southern Africa, detailing issues inherently faced by the area’s population. The event attracts around 2 thousand delegates, from the water sector of Southern Africa, as well as international delegates from countries such as the Netherlands, Danish, Germany, China and Australia, including engineers, municipalities, water industry stakeholders and the like. This year, organisers expect this number to grow exponentially, as the need for water solutions grows.
To help us unpack this conference with a theme” The Ultimate Constraints”, we are joined on the line by:
• Dr Valerie Naidoo – Board Chair of the Water Institute of Southern Africa : Board Chair • Dr Mark O’Donohue – CEO of the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence.
South Africa’s public broadcaster said last week at least 90% of music played at the SABC’s 18 radio stations will from Thursday comprise of local music in a bid to prioritise homegrown content.SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that this came after consultations with local music. This was celebrated by many on social media but there were those who questioned the move, asking questions about whether the industry would be able to maintain such a mandate.
To look at this question we are joined by:
• Nomvuyiso Batyi, counsellor from ICASA
• Raymond Louw from the Media Institute of Southern Africa
Africa’s positive economic outlook is under pressure mainly due to adverse changes in the global economy, and is expected to remain just below 5 per cent this year. As many countries in the region improve their investment climate and undertake macroeconomic policy reforms, foreign direct investment flows are expected to continue to grow, although at a slower pace. This is one of the pertinent issues that came under the spotlight during preliminary sessions of the World Economic Forum being held in Kigali, Rwanda. It is the 3rd time that the African continent hosts a summit of this magnitude. The first was held in Nigeria, then South Africa and now Rwanda. The theme of this is “Connecting Africa’s Resources through Digital Transformation,”. To help us understand the issues to be discussed from today until Sunday, we are joined on the line by: Sylvanus Karamera: Channel Africa: Correspondent based in Kigali, Rwanda: Paul Boynton: Chief Executive Officer: Alternative Investments from Old Mutual: Pieter Laubsher: Chief Economist: Bureau for Economic Research: Amanda Fitchen : Department of Economics at the Univrsity of South Africa:
The 14th conference of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) got underway in Cape Town, in a first for the continent. The conference has seen around 900 delegates from 72 countries participating on the event. Delegates heard yesterday that South Africa’s nuclear procurement process is on track. But the announcement came with reminders of the 2011 Fukushima disaster and calls to ensure that preventative measures take centre stage.
To chat to us about this we are now joined on the line by:
Shane Malepa: Managing Director of Malepa Holdings
Renate Czarwinskiuuy: German and President of the conference: She is also Head of Section, Safety and Security of sources.
How do you ensure that there is openness between governments, communities and civil society? That is the big question that is being adressed at the Open Government Partnership conference (OGP), which was held last week at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference, hosted in Africa Month, brings together delegates from across the continent and the world to discuss how to create open governments for Africa's sustainable development. To discuss the gathering we are now joined by...... : 1. Dr Bishop Thabile Mnisi Msibi President Restoration MSCARE
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Ms Qinisile Delwa Chief Director Department of Public Service and Administration
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Ms Casandra Makhubela Secretary General South African Congress of Non-Profit Organisation
Hundreds of exhibitors from across Africa are showcasing what they have to offer in their tourism sectors at the Tourism Indaba in Durban. Some countries that are thriving in tourism such as Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Kenya are in attendance. South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom says when tourism succeeds, Africa will succeed. He says African countries need to take advantage of their authentic and meaningful experiences to help grow tourism on the continent for the benefit of its people. He was speaking during the official opening of INDABA; the annual tourism trade show organized by South Africa Tourism, taking place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The Indaba ends on Monday.
To help us unpack what really took place at the summit we are joined on the line by:
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KwakeDonkor Marketing Director RETOSA (Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa)
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Michael Mabuyakhulu MEC Economic Development and Environmental Affairs
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KgomotsoPooe Founder Soweto Outdoor Adventures
The second ordinary session of the Fourth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament that officially commenced on Tuesday and will run the 13th May. One of the most significant changes for Parliament was the establishment of an entirely new House of Parliament, the National Council of Provinces, to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government. During the term of the 3rd Parliament the demand on members of Parliament to engage in oversight activities and participate in international organisations, events and forums increased. And this morning we will be looking at what we can expect from the 4th Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, and to help us discuss this is: Hon. Dr Bernadette Lahai: 4th Vice President of Pan-African Parliament (from Sierra Leone) Hon. Jacqueline Muhongayire – MP from Rwanda Hon. Hashim Osman – MP from Sudan
Social media has offered international broadcasters unprecedented chances to reach out to more audiences abroad and also new target groups, like young people and women. They create new research tools for journalists as well as provide alternative information sources to news agencies and the possibility to explore new programming formats. But there are still challenges facing this sharing of information. An example of a challenge for International Broadcasters is still restrictions on the free exchange of information. But on the whole social media are playing an increasingly important role especially in the coverage of events and developments in crisis regions. An example is how the Arab spring unfolded. To help us understand how social media has transformed radio broadcasting internationally, as we celebrate Channel Africa’s 5oth anniversary, we are joined on the line by: Mathata Tsedu: Adjunct Professor of Journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand Isaac Khomo: Channel Africa’s Senior News Journalist Yavi Madurai: A social media expert from Black Box Theory
The world was acknowledging World Austism Awareness month, with the United Nations General Assembly declaring April 2 as International World Awareness Day. Austism is a lifelong developmental disability, which is developed in the first three years of life.Austism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
To assist us on this matter we are joined by: • Vicky Lamb, Autism South Africa'sNational Education Facilitator,
• Akil Seema, Academy Manager of the Star Academy
The United States blamed South Sudan's government for the latest hold-up in efforts to end its civil war, but warned both sides the world will not tolerate backsliding. Rebel leader Riek Machar had been due to fly to Juba from Ethiopia on Saturday to join a transitional government, but President Salva Kiir's government blocked his flight. He was again to show up for a peace meeting on Monday, but that also failed to materialise. This marks the third time this week that plans for Machar to return have been frustrated by one side or the other. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on today to discuss the crisis and that both sides could face additional international sanctions. To discuss this matter further we are joined on the line by:
His Excellency Philip Jada Natana: Sudan Ambassador to South Africa Professor Fanie Vermaak: Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of South Africa Nyagoah Tut: Amnesty International campaigner in South Sudan based in Nairobi Kenya
The latest draft of South Africa’s Mining Charter demands a perpetual minimum 26% black ownership per mining right. The country’s mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane announced that consultation on the draft mining charter may be extended beyond 30 days if it is required. Local reports indicate that the mining industry has been divided on the matter, especially on the stipulation of the percentage of mining rights being in black hands. To assist us on this matter we are joined by:
• Ross Harvey, Senior Researcher Programme: Governance of Africa's Resources Programme of South African Institute of International Affairs
• Prof Brian Kantor, an economic advisor
• Robert Krause, researcher of Environmental Justice department at the Centre for Applied for Legal Studies at the University of Wits.
In the recent past we have been hearing about Pyramid Schemes and specifically one called MMM. We have seen news headlines saying the scheme had collapsed.Currently the MMM investment scheme is under investigation by the Hawks after it collapsed in Russia. The group has applied to the High Court in Pretoria for clarity on whether the donation based network is considered a Ponzi or pyramid scheme. To help us answer some of those questions we are joined by:
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Trevor Hattingh Spokesperson National Consumer Commission
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Gerald Mwandiambira Chief Executive Officer South African Savings Institute
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David Kop Head: Advocacy and Consumer Affairs Financial Planning Institute
Eskom is the first South African company to receive a major financial boost of 2.6 billion from the first set of loans approved by the New Development Bank. The new multilateral lender set up by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in February, has approved 11.7 billion rand for renewable energy projects in four of its member countries. The bank said South Africa’s loan would be used to build transmission lines to shift 670MW of electricity and to generate 500MW of renewable energy generation by independent power producers. The loans will run for 12 to 20 years, and more plans are at various stages of consideration in the Development Bank’s pipeline, including loans to Russia. To help us unpack this we are joined in studio by:
PATRICK BOND: A political and economic analyst CYRIL PRINSLOO: Researcher on the Economic Diplomacy Programme at the Institute for International Affairs:
The East African Community has been cited as the most integrated region in Africa. This is according to the Africa Regional Integration Index report which was launched at the beginning of April in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is the first initiative to be developed to measure the progress on regional integration in the continent. Africa has spent much of the past decade investing in physical infrastructure, but it must not forget the development of human capital, the report urges. Investing in education, particularly in science and technology, will bring about great gains for the citizens of the continent. To assist us on this topic we are now joined by:
• Kudzanayi Bangure - Manager at the NBF's Africa Infrastructure Desk and he will focus on Africa's integration specifically focusing on integration through transport corridors.
• Lesley Wentworth, She is the head of an initiative focused on SADC's integration and industrialisation call the Southern Africa Business Forum (SABF). •
And Tralac researcher, William Mwanza
Friday 15th of April this year marked 20 years of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The TRC was a court-like body assembled in South Africa after the end of Apartheid. Anybody who felt they had been a victim of violence could come forward and be heard at the TRC. Perpetrators of violence could also give testimony and request amnesty from prosecution. The hearings made international news and many sessions were broadcast on national television. The TRC was a crucial component of the transition to full and free democracy in South Africa and, despite some flaws, is generally regarded as very successful. The TRC was set up in terms of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No 34 of 1995, and was based in Cape Town. To help us look at this Commission, its success and failures, we are joined by:
• Dr Marjorie Jobson: National Director: Khulekani Support Group • Catharine Kennedy: Director: The South African History Archive • Advocate Dumisa Ntsebenza: One of the 17 TRC Commissioners
Tax experts from Africa and around the world are discussing the Taxation of Extractive Industries in Johannesburg, South Africa. The three day meeting which concludes today aims at providing an overview of the challenges facing the continent's tax systems in cross border exports in the extractive industry, including transfer pricing and natural resource contracts.The Forum on taxis also looking at the need to improve on the capacity, skill base, and address specific regional challenges faced by tax administrators. To look at the role of the African revenue authorities in ensuring that more revenue is mobilised to enable African governments meet their obligations, we are now joined on the line by:
Mr Logan Wort: Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum. Mr Happias Kuzvinzwa: Commissioner for Domestic Taxes at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority And Mr Boubaca Bocoum: Lead Mining Specialist from the World Bank.
The death toll from yellow fever outbreak in Angola has risen to 225, with an estimated 1,600cases now recorded, Angola’s Health Minister Luis Sambo said after meeting with World Health Organization officials that the disease had spread to 16 of the country’s 18 provinces. The virus has since spread to some other countries like DRC, Zambia and Namibia.
To help us understand what really yellow fever is we have a panel of experts:
- Dr Jacqueline Weyer National Institute of Communicable Diseases
- Tarik Jasarevic World Health Organisation
- Dr Tabeh Freeman Public Health Specialist
- Dr Albie de frey Director Travel Doctors
The Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARDpaved the way and set the tone on how the country’s agricultural industry can address some of the challenges affecting the SA from an agricultural and economic stand point.As South Africa struggles to deal with rising food prices, the ripple effects of the worst drought to hit the country in 20 years and issues of water shortage, leaders and agricultural experts from around the world gathered in South African shores for the GCARD conference in Johannesburg at the Birchwood Hotel between the 5th and the 8th of April 2016.
To help us unpack what really took place at the summit we are joined on the line by: Mr Juan Lunas Restrepo Ibiza Chairperson CFAR Dr Robin Buruchara Pan African Bean Research Alliance Jimmy Smith Director General International Live Stock Research Institute
The motion to impeach South African President Jacob Zuma has failed.Results from the votes, suggested that those who voted for were 143, 233 against and no one abstained.Following the outcome of the votes, opposition parties, particularly those from the EFF, accused the ANC MPs of being sellouts, while others shouted “you are traitors”.The debate calling for Zuma’s removal in Parliament on Tuesday was concluded just after 6pm.This follows lengthy debates from opposition and ANC MPs.There was a rowdy start to the debate when EFF chief whip, Floyd Shivhambu called for Speaker of Parliament; BalekaMbete to recuse herself, pointing out that the Constitutional Court had found that the National Assembly had violated the Constitution.Other opposition MPs from the DA, Cope, ACDP and UDM also supported the calls for Mbete to excuse herself from the proceedings. To help us unpack and discuss this further we are joined on the line by: 1. Sanusha Naidu Academic and Research Specialist Institute for Global Dialogue 2. Levi Ndou Political Analyst Tshwane University of Technology 3. Sara Gon Policy fellow Institute of Race Relations
South African Members of Parliament are back to begin the second session of parliament after a two weeks' break. But a lot has happened in the meantime. The Constitutional Court has found that parliament had failed to carry out its duty to hold the executive to account regarding the Nkandla matter. So their first and only sitting for this week will include a debate on whether to remove the president from office. The Constitutional Court handed down judgment in the Nkandla case last week. It ruled that President Jacob Zuma has 45 days to pay back the money used on his private Nkandla home. The final figure will be determined by the National Treasury. In another development, on Friday night last week, President Jacob Zuma conceded that many matters could have been handled differently in the scandal over the estimated 246 million rand of taxpayer cash being spent on his Nkandla homestead‚ and apologised for the “frustration and confusion” this had caused. To help us discuss this we are joined on the line by:
Levy Ndou Political Science at Tswane University of Technology. Ben Turok Former ANC Member of Parliament.South African Members of Parliament are back to begin the second session of parliament after a two weeks' break. But a lot has happened in the meantime. The Constitutional Court has found that parliament had failed to carry out its duty to hold the executive to account regarding the Nkandla matter. So their first and only sitting for this week will include a debate on whether to remove the president from office. The Constitutional Court handed down judgment in the Nkandla case last week. It ruled that President Jacob Zuma has 45 days to pay back the money used on his private Nkandla home. The final figure will be determined by the National Treasury. In another development, on Friday night last week, President Jacob Zuma conceded that many matters could have been handled differently in the scandal over the estimated 246 million rand of taxpayer cash being spent on his Nkandla homestead‚ and apologised for the “frustration and confusion” this had caused. To help us discuss this we are joined on the line by:
Levy Ndou Political Science at Tswane University of Technology. Ben Turok Former ANC Member of Parliament. Marinus Vikkers Constitutional Expert .
Marinus Vikkers Constitutional Expert .
Fifteen years ago, in October 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted the historic resolution 1325 (2000), drawing attention to the differential impact of armed conflict on women, their exclusion from conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building, and the inextricable links between gender equality and international peace and security. Since its adoption, insecurity and conflict has continued in all parts of the world, and in recent years, it is taking on new and increasingly challenging forms. It is against this backdrop that the Gender, Peace and Security Workshop and UN Women Report Launch held on Thursday last week. To chat to us more about this event we are joined on the line by: GUESTS Molly Dlamini: Manager of External Stakeholder Relations (SALO) Loveness Nyakujarah: Specialist on Women, Peace and Security (UN Women) Anne Githuku-Shongwe who is the Representative for UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office (which means she is the head of office). Showers Mawowa Research Development Co-Ordinator (SALO)
More than 500 delegates including Senior Government officials, top private sector leaders and key players of non-governmental organisations have met to deliberate on how all the country’s social partners can work together to accelerate the supply of skills specifically in critical sectors and raise South Africa’s economic growth in order to reduce the three social ills of unemployment, poverty and inequality. South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the gathering and called for the expansion of South Africa’s skills base to ensure that people benefit from the country’s natural resources, create more jobs and boost the ailing economy.
To help us unpack what really took place at the summit we are joined on the line by:
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Mr Ravi Naidoo Member of the Council
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Mr SobantuTilayi Representative of the Implementation Agency
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Mr David Mabusela Chief Director: Artisan Development - DHET
With the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Brussels, the international community is starting to ask questions regarding security and the topic of counter terrorism is now becoming central in the conversation how to deal with terrorist groups. Pakistan has reported to have detained more than 200 people for questioning since the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 72 people in Lahore. Menawhile after Brussels terrorism attacks, French President Francois Hollande said that 3,000 additional people have been hired by private security firms to ensure safety at the European Championship soccer tournament in June. To assist us on this subject: • Jasmine Opperman, the Africa Director of terrorism research and analysis consortium • Ryan Cummings, Director of Signal Risk, • Naeem Geena, Executive Director of Afro-Middle East Centre,
President Obama visited Cuba for a historic three-day visit last week, becoming the first sitting US president to visit the island in 88 years. He has held meetings with Cuban President Raúl Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana. While diplomatic ties have been restored between the two countries, many issues remain unsolved. The 54-year-old US trade embargo on Cuba remains in place. The United States has also refused to give up control of its Navy base and military prison at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba. To help us unpack this historic visit, we are now joined on the line by:
Brook Spector: Associate Editor and US Foreign Policy Expert at the Daily Maverick
Rob Miller Director : Cuba Solidarity Campaign based in London
The 17th of March 2016 saw the Fossil Fuel Foundation in South Africa hosting an “Independent Power Generation One day Conference” at the Glenhove Conference Centre in Rosebank Johannesburg. On the agenda the Independent Power Production discussed coal and the IPP programme. South Africa’s coal mining industry is on the decline and yet one day conferences are still being held by the Fossil Fuel Foundation together with government and individuals with vested interests in coal and energy to discuss the future of a sector that over the last three years has shed up to 47,000 jobs. With 60% of the country’s deposits located in Witbank, which has the dirtiest air in the world, Mpumalanga will still be home to Kusile the world’s largest coal mine, burning 17million tons of coal a year. In addition South Africa’s carbon emissions will increase by another 10%, ensuring the country’s spot as one of the world’s highest contributor to climate change. That’s the question being asked by a group called 350Africa which wants to see more renewable energy taking the place of coal produced energy. To help us debate the issue, we have :
Professor Rosemary Falcon from the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Rob Jefferry Managing Director and Senior Economist at Econometrix Amir Bagheri from 350Africa a Break free Campaigner Parbu Pathanjali A Greenpeace Climate and Energy Camaigner
The African National Congress National Executive Committee met over the week-end over a controversy engulfing the government, that one top official said is threatening to turn South Africa into a “mafia state.” For an example, Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, is engaged in a public spat with the police over their investigation into the national tax agency, a probe president Jacob Zuma has backed. And just recently, the Deputy of Finance, two former ministers, a former ANC MP, dropped bombshells saying they were offered cabinet posts by the powerful Gupta family. To look at the outcomes of the ANC National Executive Council over the week-end, we are joined on the line by: Dr Somadoda Fikeni: Independent Political Analyst Yavi Madurai: Social Media Analyst
Chief Economist at Pan African Investment and Research, Dr Iraj Abedian says Moody’s will not downgrade South Africa’s economy to junk status. Following Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's charm offensive in London, Boston and New York, ratings agency Moody's is in SA to assess whether the country is able to tackle its economic challenges. The finance ministry undertook a road show last week, trying to convince international investors that a further downgrade would not be in the country's favor. Dr Abedian says if the country’s economy is to be downgraded, it is going to affect everyone, particularly the poor and the middle class. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
• Azwimpheleli Langalanga: Research Associate: Economic Diplomacy Program: South African Institute of International Affairs
• Gerhard van Onselen: Economic Researcher: Solidarity Movement
• Azar Jammine, Chief Economist at Econometrix
Wednesday the 16th of March saw the 2nd and final day of the IT Leaders Africa Summit taking place at Vodacom World near Johannesburg in South Africa. The two-day event offers meeting place for IT and business leaders to discuss the latest and greatest in key insights, technologies and trends, and ensure that all walk away with hands-on knowledge of the world around them. To help us find out more about the event, we have :
Thomas Nel Sale Director for the Sub Saharan Region for Commspace
Abdul Baba CIO for Skynet
Caun Kloppers CIO for Samancor Chrome Limited
Former South African President has been writing a series of open letters explaining and detailing some of the decisions he has made during his tenure as state President. In his letters Mbeki talks about a vast range of issues that include the plot that led to his dismissal as the president. In recent days he has also written on and about his stance on HIV/Aids and his policy. He however has received a lot of criticism from the health community and some saying his has no remorse for all the lives lost during his presidency. To assist us on this subject: Prof Tinyiko Maluleke Political Analyst Dr Somadoda Fikeni Political Analyst
Former South African President has been writing a series of open letters explaining and detailing some of the decisions he has made during his tenure as state President. In his letters Mbeki talks about a vast range of issues that include the plot that led to his dismissal as the president. In recent days he has also written on and about his stance on HIV/Aids and his policy. He however has received a lot of criticism from the health community and some saying his has no remorse for all the lives lost during his presidency. To assist us on this subject:
Prof Tinyiko Maluleke Political Analyst
Dr Somadoda Fikeni Political Analyst
South African President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday last week announced that as part of efforts to strengthen relations with key trading partner Nigeria, he and his counterpart, Muhammadi Buhari, have decided to elevate the Bi-National Commission between the two countries to the level of Heads of State. Zuma was on a two-day state visit to Nigeria and was being accompanied by various ministers, as well as a business delegation. Zuma said both countries were committed to creating an enabling environment to ease the manner of doing business and added that he and Buhari had also exchanged views on the current regional political, economic and security situation. To help us unpack his visit to Nigeria, we are now joined on the line by:
Jason Osuafor: Former President Nigeria Union Africa:
Emeka Johnson: Africa Diaspora Forum:
Faith Mabera: Researcher at the Institute of Global Dialogue:
Thousands of herds of livestock have been lost across the continent as a result of the on-going dry spell. Agricultural communities are still struggling to stay afloat as severe drought led to record livestock and crop losses. Agricultural experts warn that food prices are set to rise substantially as low local production will soon struggle to meet demands. The price of meat has shot up while the brand of the drought is felt by the farmers at the ground level.
To help to unpack this global crisis we have on the line:……
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Gerhard Skitter CEO National Red Meat Producers Organisation
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Thabi Nkosi Senior Economist Agri-SA
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James Jenkinson Chairman South African Pork Producers Organisation
The Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the Republic of South Africa, the National Youth Development Agency, of South Africa and the University of South Africa, are holding the Second Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work. The Conference will address a range of issues critical to the enhancement of the profession, with papers from academics, practitioners and, importantly, young people, who are the receivers of youth work services. Plenary speakers will include leading figures in the youth work community. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
KATHERINE ELLIS: Director, Youth Division, at The Commonwealth Secretariat Mr YERSHEN PILLAY: Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency PROFESSOR VERONICA McKAY: Dean of the College of Education at the University of South Africa
Today is International Women’s Day. The UN has declared that the theme this year is “Planet 50-50 by 2030, Step It Up for Gender Equality”. With the theme this year, the focus will look at fast tracking the momentum of the implementation of the new sustainable goals. The focus this year will be not only look at equality for women, but also will look at how to empower young girls in areas such as inclusive and quality education and protection of their rights. To assist us on this day we have: • Loveness Nyakujarah, A representative with United Nations Women
• Director of the Women’s Legal Centre, Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker • Seynabou Tall, the regional gender and Gender based violence adviser United National Population Fund for East and Southern Africa Regional • Dr Janet Rodgers, Africa Diaspora Forum Women’s League
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a disease linked to the Zika Virus as a global public health emergency. Zika is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. The World Health Organization declaring a health emergency means that its 194 member states must now work together to investigate the cause of the problem. This is fourth emergency to be declared since the system was established in 2005. African Dialogue’s Benjamin Moshatama spoke Professor Lucille Bloomberg, National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ Deputy-Director, Head of Division, and Head of Travel Health, Dr Sarah Barber, World Health Organisation representative based in South Africa and Dr Thomas Nyirenda: South-South Networking and Capacity Development Manager at the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership.
South Africa has been experiencing disappointing economic growth last year, with an economy which only expanded 0.6 percent in the final quarter. In the last few weeks, Credit rating agenneis have said the country is at risk of a downgrade into a credit rating of junk status. The rand nevertheless rose 1 percent against the dollar, tracking other emerging market currencies higher as uncertainty over the pace of further U.S. interest rate hikes tempers the dollar's momentum.
To assist us on this subject:
SPII Director Isobel Frye studio. She is currently heading the Decent Living Level Project at the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute.
Annabel Bishop, Chief Economist at Investec,
Washington is proposing $200 million in new military spending for North and West Africa. Both the United States and France, which has 3,500 troops in the region, intend to boost support to regional security body Group of Five Sahel. It is speculated the United States and Senegal had agreed a new accord granting rights to establish a base in case of an emergency.
To assist us on this subject:
Ebrahim Deen, Researcher (Afro-Middle East Centre)
Dr Sylvester Bongani Maphosa, Chief Research Specialist: Governance and Security programme.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Resumption of armed hostilities between Mozambican government forces and Renamo in the Tete province erupted two weeks ago, displacing hundreds, some of whom fled to Malawi’s Mwazana district. The clashes erupted not long after Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi encouraged Renamo militants to lay down their arms to be reintegrated into Mozambican society, as well as into the Mozambican military or reserves. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
• Egidio Guilherme Vaz Raposo Researcher based in Maputo: • • Martin Mlelemba, journalist in Malawi,
Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo are urging the UN Security Council to take action against Rwanda, which they accuse of recruiting refugees to oust the Bujumbura government. Rwanda has repeatedly denied claims that it was arming Burundian refugees in a bid to overthrown President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose re-election has plunged his country in turmoil. Channel Africa presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Yolande Bouka: Senior Research Associate: Conflict Prevention And Risk Analysis: Institute for Security Studies and Channel Africa journalist Isaak Khomo.
The South African mining sector cut 47,000 jobs between 2012 and early 2015 as the industry grappled with soaring costs and low commodity prices. Mining costs had increased by an average 20% a year for the past five years and electricity was the core component in those cost increases. At prevailing prices, about 80% of the platinum industry was loss-making, while in coal and iron ore about half of production was under water. The presenter spoke to Ross Harvey senior researcher of South African Institute of International Affair, spokesperson from the Chamber of Mines Charmane Russell and Oxfam’s Ronald Wesso.
Uganda's electoral commission has declared incumbent President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the country's 2016 elections. Museveni won with 60.7% of the votes while his closest competitor, opposition leader Kizza Besigye, had 35.3. Museveni has been in office since his rebel group seized power in 1986. Our panel today included” Toni Singoro: Channel Africa News Correspondent based in Kampala, Uganda, Emeka Johnson head of communication from the African Diaspora Forum, Maria Burnett, senior Human Rights Watch Researcher based in Kampala and Israel Mkhize who is a political commentator on African issues.
The United Nations' (UN) International Mother Language Day annually celebrates language diversity and variety worldwide on February 21. It also remembers events such as the killing of four students on February 21, 1952, because they campaigned to officially use their mother language, Bengali, in Bangladesh. So today we look at whether there is still space for mother language in this forever changing world, be it professionally or socially. African Dialogue’s Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Dr Thabo Ditsele senior lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Applied Languages, Ms Ntsiki Mazwai a Poet & Activist and Carrien Bloem, the project coordinator at Afri-Forum.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The Africa Energy Indaba is a continental event which brings together global and regional energy industry experts on the continent together to discuss on how opportunities in the industry can be unlocked. The eighth annual event focuses on the energy sector in a difficult environment in the economy where there is a sharp decline in the demand of mineral commodities, mines are closing down and a shortage of electricity. The Africa Energy Indaba should present alternatives on how the continent can survive the current challenges to steer the industry forward. Journalist Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Scott Brodsky, a partner at energy law firm Macfarlanes and Paul Runge, the Managing Director of MANAGING Africa Project Access.
February 13 was World Radio Day, which celebrates radio as a way of educating people, providing information, and promoting freedom of expression across cultures. Each year the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrates World Radio Day by planning activities with broadcasters, organizations and communities around the world. This year their theme is “Radio in times of emergency and disaster”. Radio has played a significant role in terms of emergency and disaster. In keeping with the our Channel Africa 50 year celebration we are joined by our very own senior reporters who have been covering a number of war zones and emergency situations; Ephraim “Bra Charlie” Khumalo and Jenine Coetzer.
The Economic Freedom Fighters might steal yet again steal South African President Jacob Zuma's spotlight when he addresses the country during his State of the Nation Address. The EFF has said it will push for Zuma's impeachment after the Constitutional Court's judgement on the Nkandla saga. Earlier this week the Constitutional court heard the case regarding Zuma's paying back monies spent for non - security upgrades at his private residence of Nkandla in the KwaZulu Natal province. The South African Police Services announced that it has beefed up security in parliament ahead of the SONA, while the National Assembly has announced that there won't be any point of orders during the president's address. Zuma is expected to address issues on the economy and social cohesion among others. The focus on Economic growth will also be necessary to prevent international rating agencies downgrading South Africa's sovereign rating to junk status, to create jobs and to attain all the government's big strategic goals.
To help to unpack this we have on the line: Professor Daryl Glaser Head: Wits Department of Political Studies. Professor Jannie Rossouw, Head of the economic and business sciences school
Intro: The Constitutional court has reserved judgment on the EFF and DA's application that President Zuma be ordered to pay back some of the money spent on Nkandla. The court justices questioned whether they should compel Parliament to hold the president accountable to the Public Protector following her findings in the Nkandla report. Zuma has proposed that the auditor general and national treasury arrange a calculation of how much of the R246m spent on non-security upgrades he should pay back. But public protector Thuli Madonsela said that only she could decide whether to change her conclusions, and until that is done, Zuma had to abide by what she ordered.
To help to unpack this we have on the line:……
• Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, political commentator, • Phephelaphi Dube, legal advisor at the Centre for Constitutional Rights • Constitutional and Public law expert, Marinus Wiechers
The Constitutional court has reserved judgment on the EFF and DA's application that President Zuma be ordered to pay back some of the money spent on Nkandla. The court justices questioned whether they should compel Parliament to hold the president accountable to the Public Protector following her findings in the Nkandla report. Zuma has proposed that the auditor general and national treasury arrange a calculation of how much of the R246m spent on non-security upgrades he should pay back.
But public protector Thuli Madonsela said that only she could decide whether to change her conclusions, and until that is done, Zuma had to abide by what she ordered.
To help to unpack this we have on the line:
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, political commentator, Phephelaphi Dube, legal advisor at the Centre for Constitutional Rights Constitutional and Public law expert, Marinus Wiechers
The 22nd Mining Indaba is currently underway in the mother city Cape Town under the theme, “Investing in Africa”. The event is an annual professional conference dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining interests in Africa and it’s the world’s largest mining investment event. The event offers mining houses and governments to share insight into how the sector can drive investment and capitalise on the opportunities available to Africa’s mining sector.
To help to unpack this global crisis we have on the line:……
- Deputy Minister Godfrey Olophant Deputy Minister Department of Mineral Resources RSA
- Ross Harvey Senior Researcher South African Institute of International Affairs
The Constitutional Court in Zimbawe passed a landmark judgment in which it declared that criminal defamation must be struck off the statutes because it was not a justifiable law in a democratic society.MISA Zimbabwe reiterates that criminal defamation and any other laws that criminalise expression are an affront to freedom of expression and media freedom as protected by the new Constitution, and should be immediately struck off the country’s statutes.
TO help us take this discussion further we are joined on the line by:……
- AdvSabeloSibanda Lawyer in Zimbabwe
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a disease linked to the Zika Virus as a global public health emergency. Zika is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. The World Health Organization declaring a health emergency means that its 194 member states must now work together to investigate the cause of the problem. This is fourth emergency to be declared since the system was established in 2005. African Dialogue’s Benjamin Moshatama spoke Professor Lucille Bloomberg, National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ Deputy-Director, Head of Division, and Head of Travel Health, Dr Sarah Barber, World Health Organisation representative based in South Africa and Dr Thomas Nyirenda: South-South Networking and Capacity Development Manager at the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership.
Social Entrepreneurship seems to be a growing trend in the business sector. Attendees at the Pan African Social Entrepreneurship that was held at the Gordon Institute of Business science that was organised by Mail and Guardian got the opportunity to spend a day with leading thinkers in the social enterprise field. Entrepreneurs were given network opportunities and education on how to be a successful entrepreneur and how to get funding. But today we want to unpack really what really is this phenomenon called Social Entrepreneurship? What exactly happens in it?
To help us answer those questions we are joined by:……
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Kerryn Krige : Senior Programs Manager Gordon Institute of Business Science
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Tendai Mashingaidze Team Leader Muzinda Hub: Zimbabwe
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Andy Hadfield CEO Forgood
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Neil Robinson CEO Relate Bracelets
The African Union has failed this past weekend in its plan to send 5,000 peacekeepers to help restore stability to troubled Burundi. Instead the pan-African bloc said it would send an envoy into the country for more talks, despite failure in previous engagements in order to end the conflict. The United Nations has estimated that over 400 people have died and over 200 000 have fled since last April. The UN has also warned that Burundi risks a repeat of the 1993 – 2006 civil war. African Dialogue presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Dr Webster Zambara, senior project leader at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, Liesl Louw-Vauldran journalist and Africa analyst and Carina Tertsakian Senior Researcher of the Africa division at Human Rights Watch.
South Africa amongst other SADC countries is forced to import maize as drought and soaring temperature levels have destroyed crops. South Africa will need to import about 934 000 tons of yellow maize worth 137 million US dollars from countries like Argentina and Ukraine. The drought has damaged crops in the Free State and North West, which comprised 64% of output in 2014. The local price of white maize has risen 27% in Johannesburg this year and that of yellow maize, used mainly as animal feed, by 13%. Late rains at the end of February were not enough to salvage crops as most had already been pollinated. African Dialogue host Benjamin Moshatama spoke to a panel including Wandile SihloboEconomist Grain-S.A, Ishmael Sunga Chief Executive Officer Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)and Daniel Mclaren, senior Researcher Studies in Poverty and Inequality institute
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
eSports is becoming serious business and is beginning to take off on the continent, with major sponsors who are now starting to take interest in the sport. To show that eSports is growing phenomenon is that there are now more federations and association established to organise the sport, with the latest being the Ghanaian eSports Association. Ghana joins South Africa, Namibia, Egypt and Zimbabwe, who are now part of the international and national eSports federations. We are joined by:
• Colin Webster, General Secretary of Mind Sports South Africa
• Morizane Boyez, teacher, coach and gamer extraordinaire,
The NHI white paper was released by South African health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi last month. It says the NHIwould be a state-administered fund that paid for all health-care. This could lead to the demise of most medical aid schemes.It estimates that R108-billion a year, on top of the existing health budget of about R146-billion, would be needed from 2026.This is based on a projected 2% growth of the economy.According to the Free Market Foundation, the implementation of NHI would drive healthcare workers from the country, and create a huge and expensive new government bureaucracy.
To help to unpack this global crisis we have on the line: 1. Dr Bobby Ramasia Principal Executive Officer Bonitas Medical Aid Fund 2. Sasha Stevenson Attorney Section 27: Public interest law centre 3. JassonUrbach Health Unit Director Free Market Foundation
The United Nations says that the Southern Africa’s drought has left up to 14 millions of people in the region hungry. The UN’S World Food Programme says that the drought caused by the El Nino weather pattern will increase the number of people without food this year, as the situation has been estimated to worsen in the region. The worst affected countries in the region by poor rains have been Malawi, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Lesotho has declared a drought emergency while South Africa have declared five provinces in the country as disaster areas.
To assist us on this subject we have: • David Orr, Communications Officer for Southern Africa at the United Nations World Food Programme in Johannesburg South Africa • Dr Everisto Mapedza: Senior Researcher – Social and Institutional Scientist (International Water Management Institute for Southern Africa- IWMI-SA) • Dr Jonathan Lautze: Senior Researcher (Water Resources Management) (International Water Management Institute for Southern Africa- IWMI-SA)
President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that his administration will make tough decisions in the 2016 fiscal year. He, however, said that this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians. Buhari said this while presenting the 2016 budget to the National Assembly. The president said in spite of the global economic uncertainties, the government must remain steadfast in her commitment to steering Nigeria back to greatness
To help us track where the President and his new cabinet are, we are now joined on the line by:
Martin Rupiya: College of Graduate Studies; Institute for African Renaissance Studies at Unisa. Terna Agor: An Abuja based lawyer with several years of legal practice & engagement in public policy, democracy & democratization: Netsanet Belay: Africa Director, Research and Advocacy Amnesty International
Following reports that ousted former Zanu PF and Vice President of Zimbabwe Joyce Mujuru could be launching her new political party soon, hope has been restored for the disgruntled both in the opposition and ruling Zanu PF. For a long time since her ouster from the ruling party Joice Mujuru has been linked to the People First movement, an opposition born out of the ruling Zanu PF. Those who awaited the launch of the new party learnt that an interim leadership was now in place to spearhead the launch of the new party. Meanwhile Zimbabwean youths say their political involvement and the social media would decide who rules Zimbabwe next after the 2018 polls.
To assist us on this program we are joined by:
• Dr Ibbo Mandaza, politician, academic and businessman who is also the director of a local think-tank Sapes Trust.
• Professor Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatseni, Archie Mafeje Research Institute,
• Dr Webster Zambara,
US President announced that the suspension of duty-free treatment to all AGOA eligible goods in the agriculture sector, extending the deadline for South Africa to comply with US import of poultry and other meats. In a statement released yesterday South Africa’s department of trade and industry saying that the country will abide to the conditions of the African Growth and Opportunity ACT (AGOA), otherwise it will lose on its benefits. Tensions increased between the two countries when South Africa’s main concern was that US meat exports may contain the bacterial disease salmonella. However, the minister of South Africa’s department of trade and industry Rob Davies said the negotiations over the salmonella issue were concluded, meaning that the South African market is now open for 65 000 tonnes of US poultry import. African Dialogue anchor, Benjamin Moshtama spoke to Cyril Prinsloo, researcher of the Economic Diplomacy Programme of the South African Institute of International Affairs, Thabi Nkosi, senior economist of AgriSA and Kolofelo Maponya, CEO OF Daybreaks.
Rwanda President, Paul Kagame has accepted to run for the third term in 2017 in a televised address recently. He has been president since 2000, but he has effectively been in control since his forces marched into the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to end the 1994 genocide. He was originally limited to two terms, but Rwanda has approved changes to the Constitution that would effectively allow Kagame to stay in power until 2034. He can run for another seven-year term in 2017, followed by two five-year terms. To chat about this and other related issues, we are joined on the line by: Yolande Bouka: Senior Research Associate: Conflict Prevention And Risk Analysis: Institute for Security Studies: Dr Check Achu: Research Specialist at the Africa Institute of South Africa, a research program of the Human Sciences Research Council: Munjozi Mutandiri: Indepenndent [Political Analyst: Human Rights Watch:
The unilateral decision by South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir to increase the number of states from ten to twenty-eight has triggered varying reactions from rebel leader, Riek Machar and the country's constitutional and legal experts. Kiir's decision comes at a time when South Sudan is preparing to set up a Government of National Unity at the beginning of February.
To help us discuss this we are now joined on the line by:
James Shimanyula: Channel Africa News Correspondent:
Dr Martin Rupiya: Researcher with the Institute of African Renaissance Studies, University of South Africa
The South African Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into the inflammatory comments on social media by suspended opposition Democratic Alliance member, Penny Sparrow and Standard Bank economist, Chris Hart. The investigation could lead to further legal steps. Sparrow compared black people to monkeys in a Facebook post referring to the state of public beaches after the festive holidays. Hart tweeted “More than 25 years after apartheid ended, the victims are increasing along with a sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities”. The Human Rights Commission says its investigation will also include Justin van Vuuren’s comments calling some people “scum of the earth. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
• Dr Marjorie Jobson: National Director: Khulumani Support Group:
• Tinyiko Maluleke, independent political analyst from the University of Pretoria,
Intro: A report released suggests that the African farmer is a dying breed. The 2015 Africa Agricultural Status Report found that the majority of the continent's food producers average 60 years of age. The report was released during the ongoing Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa [AGRA] conference in Lusaka Zambia. It calls for incentives to attract Africa's growing youth population back to farms. Suggesting that unemployed youth could be the solution to food insecurity, the continent
A new report suggests that the African farmer is a dying breed. The 2015 Africa Agricultural Status Report found that the majority of the continent's food producers average 60 years of age. The report was released during the ongoing Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa [AGRA] conference in Lusaka Zambia.
It calls for incentives to attract Africa's growing youth population back to farms. Suggesting that unemployed youth could be the solution to food insecurity, the continent's biggest challenges. International Fund for Agricultural Development youth co-ordinator, Elizabeth sendiwala:
Today we speak to: • Dr. David S. Ameyaw,the head of Strategy, Monitoring and Evaluation,at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). • Dr Barbara van Koppen, Principal Researcher Poverty, Gender and Water of the Southern Africa Regional Program at the International Water Management Institute. • Gem Argwings-Kodhek, senior agribusiness adviser of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund
Dignity South Africa has welcomed the North Gauteng High Court ruling allowing a Cape Town advocate to commit medically assisted suicide as the first step towards legalising euthanasia in South Africa. Willem Landman, the CEO of the Ethics Institute of South Africa and a member of Dignity SA, said the court order was only confined to the specific case of Robert Stransham-Ford, but would make it much easier for others who wanted to follow in his footsteps.Because parliament has not yet decided to adopt the draft legislation on euthanasia, other dying patients in similar circumstances would still have to approach the court for an order to allow them to commit assisted suicide.Not knowing at the time that Stransham-Ford had died, Landman described Judge Hans Fabricius’ ruling as a huge victory for Stransham-Ford and for Dignity SA, a non-profit organisation which advocates the legalisation of assisted suicide.
Our guests to take this conversation further are:
• Adv Mthunzi Mhaga, Spokesperson of South Africa’s Department of Justice:
• Prof Sylvester Chima, Associate Professor, at the University of Kwazulu Natal, Colleges of Head Sciences:
• Lee Last, Executive Member of Dignity South Africa:
• Arch Bishop Stephen Zondo Founder and leader of the church, Rivers of Living Waters Ministries,
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
In 2013 the United Nations declared that 2016 will be the International Year of Pulses. The hope of the 2016 International Year of Pulses (IYP 2016) is to position pulses as a primary source of protein and other essential nutrients.
• Rose Mutuku is in Kenya and the founder and CEO of Smart Logistics, a supplier of beans, to the manufacturing industry for brewing, milling, and animal feed, as well as to humanitarian food agencies. She can talk about the realities of bean production in her part of the world, as well as what it would mean to small farmers economically if bean production was scaled up across the continent of Africa. +
• Jean Claude Rubyogo is the bean expert who can provide t • he scientific perspective and also talk about the development of bean species across Africa. He is with the Pan African Bean Research Alliance, which is associated with CIAT. He can explain how the climbing bean in Rwanda works, how PABRA has assisted the development of the commodity White Gold Bean in Ethiopia and developed heat resistant beans in various location
South African President Jacob Zuma has announced that "after serious reflection" he has decided to move David van Rooyen from his position after just four days in office and replace him with former finance minister, Pravin Gordhan. Zuma stunned the nation and the financial markets by firing Nhlanhla Nene from the post and replacing him with Van Rooyen. The rand went into freefall, dipping below the 16 rand to the US dollar level and government debt costs skyrocketed. Zuma was placed under massive pressure from business and some in his own party took the unprecedented step of publicly calling for his removal. To unpack this we are joined on the line by: Dr Somadoda Fikeni: Independent Political Analyst: Brett Bowes: Co-Editor of a book titled “Corporate Social Investment in South Africa” Franscois Stofberg: Economist at Efficient Group:
With the long episode of Oscar Pistorious’ trial the question of who has access to the courts and its processes has been a big question. The major questions that have been posed is does wealth give you an advantage in the courts? Does the social status of an individual give them merit in a case in front of the law? In light of this question,; we investigate the fact that do women have adequate access to the courts and the justice system.
Today we speak to:
• Nobukhosi Zulu, Candidate attorney Lawyers for Human Rights
China and Africa will be cementing their economic and political relations over the next two days - with the China Africa Forum underway in Sandton South Africa. As many as 30 heads of states are among the delegates attendin the summit. China has come with plenty of deals to sign - pledging investment to the tune of billions of dollars. The trade relationship has grown rapidly in the past 15 years though largely skewed in China's favour. To help us analyse the situation we have Claysen Monyela, Spokesperson for the South African Department of International Relations. Margaret Mwanakatwe – Minister of Commerce and Trade for Zambia. And Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation for South Sudan
Recently at the United Nations headquarters, their was the promotion of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and identify ways of how the United Nations could support the union consisting of 54 African states. In one of the gatherings last week, the New Partnership for African Development ,NEPAD. was in the spotlight with the recognition that it laid a foundation for the development of critical regional and continental infrastructure.
To assist us to look at the NEPAD Programme we have on the line:
• Estherine Fotabong – Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination Directorate at NEPAD
• Komla Bissi CAADP Adviser, Rural Infrastructure, Trade and Market Access ( The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) was endorsed at the African Union Heads of State Summit as a New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) program in July 2003.)
• Prof. Peter Ewang, Agriculture Extension Economist
In February 2015 the United Nations announced that the organisation expected African defence forces to become more independent and should develop the ability to deliver their own capacity. The UN offered to provide expertise rather than representation. Defence Logistics is paramount these days in light of the on-going armed conflict, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, logistics for security, peace support operations and humanitarian intervention on the African continent. The lightning speed at which conflict in Africa is accelerating places colossal strain upon the supply chain. Visibility and tracking of assets is pivotal to ensuring the right support is in the right place at the right time. Dedicated logistic communications and comprehensive information systems are also a vital part of enhanced logistic support capability. In light of this the Intelligence Transfer Centre is hosting the first annual Mission Logistics and Support Africa Conference, at the Indaba Hotel, just outside Johannesburg, South Africa. To tell us more about the event, we have Sudeera Susaka, Production Manager at the Intelligence Transfer Centre, Martin Ewi , Senior Researcher at the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, Ebrima Ceesay , Chief of Service delivery with UNAMID and Brigadier General Robert Gichangi Kabage, Chief of Systems with the Kenyan Ministry of Defence:
December the 1st, every year, marks World AIDS Day. This year the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) has been mainly focusing on bridging the gaps that have been identified in order to end the pandemic. This includes accelerating efforts for Key Affected Populations (KAPs) - which is those most vulnerable and likely to be exposed to HIV–such as Men who have sex with men (MSM), People who inject drugs (PWID), Transgender people and Sex workers (SWs). According to UNAIDS this will mean bringing together science and human rights based approaches as a global agenda. As a way forward towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UNAIDS says new and innovative approaches are required in order to accelerate efforts and achieve goals more significantly. Detailed in the On the Fast-Track to end AIDS by 2030: Focus on location and population" report, UNAIDS now aims to focuses on the locations, populations and programmes that deliver the greatest impact. According to this report, around 2 million people have become infected with HIV in 2014 and 1.2 million people have died of AIDS-related illnesses in the same period. Though some strides have been attained with over 15 million people living with HIV now accessing antiretrovirals (ARV), which is up from 13.6 million in June 2014. Meanwhile in South Africa, a growing HIV pandemic continues to rise and the need to raise awareness, accelerate progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care remains a critical priority. According to UNAIDS data, 6.8 million people were living with HIV in 2014, compared to the 6.4 million recorded by Human Sciences Research Council's report in 2012. In response to the epidemic and the rate of new infections annually, the National Department of Health has thus implemented various programmes in the fight against HIV/AIDS. To discuss the situation further, we have : Vimbai Mavhereduzi: Member of the I want to know my status, an organization made of Zimbabwe Exiles from South Africa
Professor Glenda Grey: President of the South African Medical Research Council:
Florence Ngubeni-Allen: Global Advocate: Elizabeth Glasser Paediatric Foundation:
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Next week Monday the Climate Change talks in Paris, France. Known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP 21, will be held o achieve a legally binding agreement on climate amongst world leader. The international climate conference will be held from 30 November to 11 December 2015. To unpack what we can expect at the conference we are joined by: • Romy Chavellier, researcher at the environment for governance of Africa’s resources programme, at South African Institute of International Affairs
• Prof Bob Scholes at Systems Ecologist Wits University
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, now only known as the Islamic State can trace its roots back to 2002, when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian who was to gain notoriety in the Iraqi insurgency from 2003 to 2006, founded a Jihadi organization called Tawhid wal-Jihad in the north of Iraq. Zarqawi had been linked with al-Qaeda while in Afghanistan in the late '90s, but was not a member of the group and disagreed with the tactic of focusing on the 'far enemy', the West, as opposed to the 'near enemy', the rulers in the Islamic world. Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Zarqawi's organization grew more active and affiliated itself to al-Qaeda in 2004, becoming al-Qaeda in Iraq. Despite the tactical differences, this made a useful alliance of convenience: Zarqawi's organization gained the recruiting and resourcing benefits of being part of a global and credible jihadi organization, while al-Qaeda gained an affiliate in Iraq, already by that stage the global centre of jihad. This morning we will try and dissect and find out what the Islamic State is and what we can expect from it in the future. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by: Naeem Jeena: Executive Director: Afro Middle East Centre: Helmut Romer Heitman: Defense Analyst based in Pretoria, South Africa.
South Africa is to launch the 16 Days of Nonviolence against Women and Children Campaign tomorrow the 25th of November. This morning however, we will be focusing our attention on the violence between Gay partners in a relationship. Analysts are saying people abuse their partners because they believe they have the right to control the person they’re dating. Maybe they believe that they should be in charge in the relationship. Maybe they think unequal relationships are ideal. Psychologists say abuse is a learned behavior. Sometimes people see it growing up. Other times they learn it from friends or popular culture. No matter where it’s learned, it’s not cool and it’s never justified. Many people experience or witness abuse growing up and decide not to use those negative and hurtful ways of behaving. It’s most important to know that abuse is a choice, and it’s not one that anyone has to make. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by: Jay Matlou: An openly Gay Activist: Mbuyiselo Botha: Sonke Gender Justice; Luckyboy Mkhondwane: Gay activist:
The African Union Commission was honoured this past weekend for its work to end conflicts on the African continent. The commission’s chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, received the 2015 Africa Peace Award in front of up seven hundred delegates who gathered at Durban's International Convention Center, including the United Nations Under-Secretary and Special Advisor on Africa - Maged Abdelaziz, the president of South Africa Jacob Zuma and the human rights advocate, Graca Machel. The award event was organized by the African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, or Accord, and despite the focus being on achieving peace, many speakers emphasized the various challenges of conflict faced on the African continent. African Dialogue presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to ACCORD Executive Director Vasu Gounden and Kwezu Mgqibisa, which is expert on conflict issues at the organization.
French President François Hollande is said to plead with US President Barack Obama next week in Washington to show urgency in the fight against ISIS, also known as the Islamic State. As Paris struggles with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that killed over 120 people last week, Hollande will aim to convince Obama that the world needs to act now and cannot afford a war of attrition that could take a long period. African Dialogue Presenter looks at subject of ISIS, and terrorism and speaks to Dr Lubna Nadvi, (lecturer of Political Science and International Relations from the University of Kwazulu Natal), Prof John Stremlau part of the Wits international relations department and Martin Ewi (senior researcher at the trans-natinoal threats and international crime division at the Institute for Security Studies).
A conference seeking to understand and appreciate the presence of the Indian population in South Africa was held over the week-end in Durban South Africa. The conference with a theme, “Ethnicity, Race and Citizenship: Place of Indians in the New South Africa”, also assessed and took stock of the Indian population’s contributions to the South African way of life as a whole, their troubles and anxieties, not only of the past but also of the present. The conference brought together researchers and academics and engaged in critical discussion on a range of themes and topics that relate to South African Indians. To help us unpack this historical milestone, we are joined on the line by: Professor Emeritus Pratak Kumar: School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics Howard College Campus University of KwaZulu-Natal Professor Shadrack Gutto: The Institute for African Renaissance Studies at the University of South Africa: Dr Lubna Nadvi: School of Political Sciences UKZN
The future of the African continent lies in the hands of young people who are willing to participate in the development of economic growth. The Anzisha Prize Awards is a vehicle that is set to ensure that development. It is an annual African event that seeks to award young entrepreneurs who have developed and implemented innovative solutions to social challenges or started successful businesses within their communities. Twelve finalists from across the African Continent have been shortlisted, with the Grand Winners set to share prizes worth 75-thousand dollars . The Finalists met with their mentors before the awards, and we asked some of them to explain the awards further - we spoke to
Farai Munjoma, Zimbabwe: Co-founder of Shasha Iseminar, providing access to courseware content, past examination questions, solutions and career guidance to students. •Offers school fees contributions to students from revenues earned.
Karidas Tshintsholo, South Africa : Co-founder of Push, Ismokol, a clothing brand that employs six people in the Ekangala township of Pretoria, with significant pent up demand due to savvy marketing techniques.
Blessing Kwomo, Nigeria: Founder of De Rehoboths Therapeutic Studio, which extends home-based health care through tailored family action plans for treating illness and addressing root causes. Empowers families to live healthier within the context of their surroundings.
Chris Kwekowe, Nigeria: Founder of Slatecube, an e-learning platform that allows learners to study ICT-related course work and be certified at their convenience.There are 200 active users on the platform this year.
The political climate in Burundi currently seems to be worsening day-by-day. Some political commentators are saying this has a lot to do with the political marginalization of the opposition by the government and showcases the emergence of violent political banditry. The current standoff between the incumbent party and the opposition, according to analysts, could lead to a major set back for democracy in Burundi. They further say to halt this post electoral authoritarian trend, all parties should resume dialogue within a sustainable framework. Unless the government of Burundi resumes this engagement, the country risks reversing the decade of progress it has enjoyed since its civil war ended in 2005. But what is the actual potential for a civil war in Burundi? To help us unpack this we are joined by: Martin Chungong: Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union:
Carina Tertsakian: Senior Researcher at the Human Rights Watch based in London:
Kwezi Mngqibisi: Manager for Interventions at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes
Four police officers have been arrested in connection with the murder of suspected criminal, Khulekani Mpanza, in Krugersdorp. The footage showed Mpanza being shot in the chest by one of the officers in what has been alleged to be an execution-style killing. Mpanza, who was also armed with a gun that fell from his hand at the time, was killed while fleeing from the police who were responding to a robbery at the hardware store in the area. Just a few years ago we know of Mido Macia who was dragged behind a police van, he later succumbed to his injuries and died. We as the question, just how much force can the police apply? Have they lost the plot?
TO help us take this discussion further we are joined on the line by:……
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Sizamele Cebekhulu President: POPCRU
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Mpho Nkwinika President: South African Policing Union
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Johan Burger Researcher: Institute of Security Studies
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
At the beginning of the month, South Africa’s Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini officially launched this year’s national Disability Rights Awareness Month in Pretoria. The minister highlighted that persons with disabilities enjoy protection against discrimination on the basis of disability. Dlamini said that the right to substantive equality and dignity is enshrined in the country’s Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. African Dialogue Presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Robert Masambo, National Chair of Disabled People South Africa and National Executive Director Antonius Spek, of the South African Council for the Blind.
The South African Literary Awards (SALA) are administered by the wRite associates (R/A Lit Consultants: an events and project management company specialising in the arts, culture and heritage realm, with particular focus on the literary arts), in partnership with the South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC). The awards aim to pay tribute to writers who have "distinguished themselves as groundbreaking producers and creators of literature". The awards recognise a variety of literary forms written in any of the South African official languages.
Today presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Morokabe Raks Seakhoa, the project director of the SA literary Awards, Carol Campbell, the winner at the SALA awards in the first time published author category, Bishop M.T Makobe, winner in poetry in Sepedi language and Zukiswa Wanner who won the K. Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award category.
The conversation of gender is becoming dominant when speaking about Agriculture on the continent of Africa. According to UNWomen, on average women make up about 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries. Currently the second conference for Women in Agribusiness, is underway in Durban, bringing together women in agriculture, food security and agribusiness. Under the theme: Women in entrepreneurial development: A must for the success of the sustainable development goals in Africa, the conference is organised by NEPAD and the Agribusiness Development Agency. We are are crossing over to Durban. Joining us on the other side we are joined by: • Esterine Fotabong – Programmes Implimentation and Co-ordination Director for NEPAD • Bongiwe Njobe - director ZA NAC Consulting and Investment Company • Dr Anna Msowoya - an entrepreneur from MALAWI ( attending conference for the first time.)
The United Nations General Assembly adopted at its 68th session in 2013 a resolution called the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists”. The resolution urged member states to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The 02 November was chosen in commemoration of the two French journalists who were assassinated in Mali. The resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. Then in 2014 the UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova condemned the killing of 87 journalists.
TO help us take this discussion further we are joined on the line by:……
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Bernard Bakunkira - SABC Channel Africa Correspondent
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Mr TshamanoMakhadi - Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Broadcast Journalism Lecturer
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Ms Mahlatse Gallens - SANEF Gauteng Convenor and SABC Journalist
Advancing and empowering more women to lead and revolutionarise politics on the African continent. Cape Verde has the highest number of women occupying ministerial positions in Africa with nearly half of its 17 ministers being female, a new survey prepared by UN Women and the Inter Parliamentary Union shows. South Africa is the next highest ranked country in Africa, with 41.7%, or 15 of its 36 ministers being female. Rwanda has 11 of its 31 ministers as women, ahead of Burundi, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, which all come in among the top 20 positions globally. Africa has seven countries where at least 30% of ministers are women, on a list that counts 30 nations meeting this threshold, suggesting it holds a quarter of the global representation and making it only second to Europe.” – The Conference was held at the Indaba Hotel just outside Johannesburg In South Africa. Channel Africa was there to broadcast live. Our guest were:
The 1st round of guests.
Design Deysel she is a business consultant and organiser of the event
Nokulunga Ntuli is the law expert at the department of political affairs at the African Union
The 2nd round guests
Hon. Dr Bernadette Lanai the vice president of the pan African parliament
Ms Loyiso Lugayeni she is the ANC Youth League Johannesburg regionall secretary
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources has granted three prospecting rights to private companies for seabed mining in the country’s exclusive economic zone. Together, these prospecting areas total approximately 10% of our exclusive economic zone (approximately 150 000 square kilometres). Deep sea mining is a relatively new mineral retrieval process that takes place on the ocean floor. Today on the show we will look this new development in South Africa and look at the environmental and economic implications of sea bed mining.
We are joined by:
• Saul Roux, Legal Campaigner in the Mining Programme: Centre for Environmental • Dr Johann Augustyn, Secretary: South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association
Today the world acknowledges the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. This is a day, now headed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, aims to raise awareness about the importance of audiovisual documents and the importance of archiving. This year’s theme is “Archives at risk: protecting the world's identities".
Today we speak to:
• Sipho Hlope, archivist from Springbok-radio
• Namatama Mate, journalist and archivist from SABC.
• Cecil Nguva-uva – former Southern African Broadcasters Association
• Ilse Assman Chairperson of the Southern African Broadcasting Association’s Audiovisual Committee
Despite of South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma agreeing to no tuition fee increase next year for universities, students have committed to continue protesting this – with a new demand of free education. Last week, students accelerated their #FeesMustFall protest, marching to the Union Building’s in Pretoria, and Parliament in Cape Town, where they clashed with police on both occasions. Now students of the University of Witswatersrand (Wits) are calling for this year’s exams to be postponed indefinitely as they continue with protests. Today on the show we look the implications of the no percent increase and look at the ongoing strike. African Dialogue’s Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Khaya Nkwanyana, the spokesperson Of the department of higher education and training, Kagisho Mamabolo spokesperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)and Luzuko Buku, the South African Student Congress (SASCO)Secretary General.
The vision of achieving a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa entered a new phase on Monday this week, when a large multi-country military exercise kicked off. The Amani Africa Two field training exercise with more than 5,400 troops, police and civilians participating started at the South Africa Army Combat Training Centre in Northern Cape. The exercise finishes on November the 5th and is conducted by the African Union, with the intent of evaluating the state of readiness of the African Standby Force and its Rapid Deployment Capability. The troops are being drilled to be part of the new 25,000-strong multi-national force, which will be mandated to intervene in African countries rocked by genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. It is expected to be fully operational by early next year. The force is made up of five brigades formed by Africa's economic groupings including the Economic Community of West Africa States, East African Community, North African Regional Capability, Economic Community of Central African States, and the Southern African Development Community. Its logistics headquarters will be located in the Cameroon city of Douala after an agreement was signed to that effect last week. To help us investigate the reasoning for the event, we have Kwezi Mngibisa: Manager of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes heading of the Peace and Security Unit, which includes the Training for Peace in Africa Program and the African Civil-Military Co-ordination Programme, Gustavo de Carvalho: Senior Researcher: Conflict Management and Peace building at the Institute for Security Studies, in Pretoria, and Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga: Director: Defense Corporate Communications in South Africa :
African Cities face many challenges which range from service delivery to housing and creating jobs, with the greatest challenge being grassroots communities being involved in local governance. With the increasing rate of urbanization there are many opportunities in the cities on the continent but also there are many challenges because of overpopulation. To focus on these issues next month the AfriCities Summit will host its seventh edition at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa. The theme of the gathering is set to be “Shaping the future of Africa with the people: Africa’s local government contribution to the Africa 2063 Vision”. African Dialogue presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to the secretary general of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA African Cities face many challenges which range from service delivery to housing and creating jobs, with the greatest challenge being grassroots communities being involved in local governance. With the increasing rate of urbanization there are many opportunities in the cities on the continent but also there are many challenges because of overpopulation. To focus on these issues next month the AfriCities Summit will host its seventh edition at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa. The theme of the gathering is set to be “Shaping the future of Africa with the people: Africa’s local government contribution to the Africa 2063 Vision”. African Dialogue presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to the secretary general of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA), Mr Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi and The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Chairperson Mr Thabo Manyoni. ), Mr Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi and The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Chairperson Mr Thabo Manyoni.
Students at the University Of Witwatersrand have been protesting over the proposed increased in tuition fees for next year. The institution has proposed an increase of 10.5%. Gates entering the university have been barricaded preventing both the staff and student s from entering the institution. A high police presence has been maintained at the university to keep calm and order as the students protest. Other universities around South Africa have also joined the march in protest of the high cost of tertiary education. Student organisations have been seen at the fore front of the march, saying the parents are already struggling to cope with the existing fees, and they wouldn’t even begin to cope with the increase.
To help to unpack this global crisis we have on the line:……
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KhayeNkwanyana Spokesperson Department of Higher Education and Training
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NompenduloMkhatshwa SRC President: Wits
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VuyaniPambo Economic Freedom Fighters SRC
The 19th of October sees South Africa commemorating the anniversary of Black Wednesday. It Highlights the occasion which occured 38 years ago when the then South African Government shocked the world by banning a host of newspapers, 19 organisations and scores of apartheid government critics were detained. The banning of the publications - The World and Weekend World on this day in 1977 was a brutal act of censorship the likes of which was not seen again until the imposition of the "State of the Emergency" in the mid 1980's. Today we want to look at the current state of media freedom on the African continent. To Help us we have South African National Editors Forum in Gauteng, Mahlatse Gallens, Leslie Lefkow, A senior Researcher with the international organisation Human Rights Watch, and Tom Rhodes, East African Representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists - CPJ:
The mining industry in Africa, as a whole, and in South Africa in particular, has recently seen many challenges. Ranging from a drop in mineral prices, strikes by miners for better working conditions and better pay to court cases - such as the one in South Africa where lawyers representing 56 miners who claim to have contracted silicosis during work and have issued a class action suit against a group of mines. Global mining and commodities trader Glencore last week announced the closure of its Eland Platinum Mine, resulting in the retrenchment of 818 workers. To help us analyse the situation we have Senior Executive at the South African Chamber of Mines, Dr Elize Strydom and Alan Fine representing mines involved in the silicosis case, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Olifant, and Chief Negotiator in the South African Coal sector at the National Union of Mine Workers, Peter Bailey:
The ANC wants South Africa to begin a process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court because it believes the ICC has lost its direction. That’s according to the party's international relations subcommittee chairperson Obed Bapela. He made this announcement on Sunday during the last day of the 3day National General Council of the ANC. He has further said there were a handful of powerful countries which refused to be members of the international court, yet they still had the power to refer matters to the court.
To help us unpack this development, we are now joined on the line by:
• Fadi El Abdallah: The ICC Spokesperson :
• Dr Martin Revayi Rubiya: A Visiting Researcher with the Institute of African Renaissance Studies at the University of South Africa:
• Courtney Griffths: Charles Taylor’s Lawyer at the ICC
• Netsanet Belay: Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director For Africa
Progress in governance on the African continent has stalled. This is according to the new The Ibrahim Index of African Governance which was launched this week by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The index showed that more than a third of African countries are sliding backwards as far as governance is concerned, with some 21 counties of the 54 states ranked deteriorating in overall governance performance since 2011. To debate the issue we have Elizabeth McGarth, Director of the Ibrahim index, and Sophie Mashipa, Director of Communications at the Foundation:
A new report suggests that the African farmer is a dying breed. The 2015 Africa Agricultural Status Report found that the majority of the continent's food producers average 60 years of age. The report was released during the ongoing Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa [AGRA] conference in Lusaka Zambia. It calls for incentives to attract Africa's growing youth population back to farms. Suggesting that unemployed youth could be the solution to food insecurity, the continent's biggest challenges. Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Dr. David S. Ameyaw,the head of Strategy, Monitoring and Evaluation,at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Dr Barbara van Koppen, Principal Researcher Poverty, Gender and Water of the Southern Africa Regional Program at the International Water Management Institute and Gem Argwings-Kodhek, senior agribusiness adviser of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund.
Today the World commemorates Teachers Day. UNESCO inaugurated 5 October as World Teachers' Day. The Day represents a significant effort to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development across the globe. In many countries, the quality of education is undermined by a deficit of teachers. Added to the challenge of numbers is one of quality: all too often, teachers work without resources or proper training. To hear more about teacher's day and a number of challenges the profession is going through we have Ben Machipi: General Secretary of the Professional Education Union in South Africa, Abdul Wahab Coulibaly; Education Program Specialist with the United Nations, Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization - UNESCO, AND Mary Crompton from the London-based Organisation Teachers Solidarity but first an update from Kenya on the 90 day suspension of that country's teachers strike here's Sarah Kimani on the line from Nairobi:
Tell Everyone" is a campaign aimed at reaching seven billion people and telling them about the 17 Global Goals agreed to at the United Nations Assembly. The campaign is using various media platforms to get the message across, with 60 countries being involved.One of the innovative methods being used is a seven-day pop-upc radio station which will provide listeners with content detailng the Goals for Sustainable Development. To help us look at this multifaceted global media campaign, we have Lisa Henry who is involved in the Global Goals Campaign in Africa, Sibonile Dube , Unilever Communications Director and Martin Davies, Everyone's Africa Co-ordinator:
Burkina Faso's army has taken control of the barracks of an elite force behind a failed coup earlier this month. It's not clear if there were any casualties. The army has urged the population to avoid the Ouaga 2000 district, where the camp is located for security reasons. Interim President, Michel Kafando, and Prime Minister, Yacouba Isaac Zida, were arrested by the elite presidential guard on September 16. General Gilbert Diendere was quick to take power, but he resigned a week later under pressure from the West African regional bloc, Burkina Faso's military and protesting citizens. Kafando, who was formally reinstated last Wednesday, recently issued a decree disbanding the presidential guard. For more on this and what the future holds for the country, we are joined on the line by:
Dr David Zounmenou: A senior researcher in the African Security Analysis Program at the Institute for Security Studies
Dr Richard Obinna Iroanya: Senior Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute
Jemini Pandya: Spokesperson for the Inter Parliamentary Union from Brussels
African countries have not been isolated from the impact of the downturn in global growth. The current financial and economic crisis has affected the drivers of Africa’s recent growth performance. Demand for raw materials and their prices are falling, and capital flows are declining. China’s growth has slowed, and on the African continent growth forecasts have already been drastically revised downwards. Although the immediate impact of the crisis were contained, the medium-term effects are likely to be greater. To discuss the current economic situation on the African continent we are joined by a team of esteemed guests in the name of?
Patrick Bond: Economic Analyst (STUDIO GUEST)
Majakathata Mokoena: Chair and Chief Executive Officer for Mohudi Group
Dr Peter Karungu: Economist
As migrants continue to seek refuge in Europe, governments are still struggling on how to receive them. The latest is that up to seventeen Syrian asylum seekers drowned after a boat sank off Turkey's coast. Many continue to cross the Mediterreanean Sea, some 300 000 migrants and refuges have arrived in Greece so far this year, most of them moving on try try to reach other EU countries. Last week the European Union overrode bitter objections of four of its members establish a plan to relocate 120,000 migrants around the continent.
To assist us to analyse the current situation, we have :
• Tina Ghelli, Senior Regional External Relations Officer UNHCR Regional Representation for Southern Africa • Craig Smith, Specialist Immigration Practitioner • Leon Issacson Managing Director of Global Migration
Africa has currently seen the launch of new low cost airlines such as Fastjet which has recently commenced flights between Dar es Salaam and Harare. Since low cost routes opened in Africa, prices have dropped by around 40%. According to a study by Intervistas passenger number have risen by almost half. However some low cost airlines say in order to protect international state owned airlines governments are blocking competitors.
To assist us on this:
• Richard Bodin is fastjet’s Chief Commercial Officer
• Chris Zweigenthal, Executive Committee Airlines Association of Southern Africa • Guy Leach. Editor of Flight.com, • Earlier on I spoke to Linden Burns Managing Director of Plane Talking...He suggested categories for low cost airlines.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Benin’s President, Thomas Boni Yayi says Burkina Faso will return to civilian rule and an interim government led by the president, Michel Kafando, will be reinstated, reversing a military coup. The announcement followed a third day of unrest as hundreds of protesters burned tyres and erected barricades in the streets of Ouagadougou. Young people wielding sticks and slingshots dragged fences into the streets to block soldiers loyal to Diendéré, who was facing intense diplomatic pressure over Thursday’s coup. At least 10 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in street clashes with soldiers since the coup condemned by the US, France and the UN. Soldiers from the presidential guard stormed into a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and abducted President Kafando and ministers, disrupting a transition period due to end with elections on the 11th of October. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by: Professor Kealeboga Maphunye: the inaugural WIPHOLD-Brigalia Bam Research Professor and Chair in Electoral Democracy in Africa Jemini Pandya Spokesperosn for the Inter-Parliamentary Kwezi Mnqibisa: Manager of ACCORD's Peace and Security Unit (Accord is a South African-based organization involved in Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Preventive Diplomacy throughout the continent of Africa
The Symposium of women in literature that is set to start today in Johannesburg, South Africa will bring together women writers to discuss a range of issues that affect their profession. The theme is "looking back, looking Forward, Turmoil and Transformation- Asserting Women in the World", and the symposium is hosted by the department of arts and culture and arts alive.. The literary symposium will also host a special tribute to the life and work of the late Noble Laureate, Nadine Gordimer and African-American poet Jayne Cortez. To tell us more about the event, we have Roshnie Moonsammy - Festival Director , Kadija Sesay Author of IRKI Nubian for Homeland, and Natalia Molebatsi South African Author of books such as "Sardo Gun" she is also an Editor and Publisher:
For almost half a century, Sub-Saharan Africa has been struggling, in one form or another, with food insecurity. This ongoing condition has been caused by a number of factors including, distribution obstacles, global climate change, a lack of successful local agriculture, and an inability or disinterest to act by local officials. The situation has been further complicated by an inefficient and disorganized international response to the crisis. By far, Southern Africa has borne the brunt of food insecurity with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi the hardest hit. To help us discuss this food insecurity crisis, we are joined on the line by:
Martin Malelembe: Channel Africa Malawi News Correspondent: David Orr: Communications Officer for Southern Africa United Nations World Food Programme Nokutula Mhene:Economic Justice Campaigns Advisor Oxfam South Africa Mr David Phiri - FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Southern Africa
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Democracy is annually held on September 15 to raise public awareness about democracy. Many people and organizations worldwide, including government agencies and non-government organizations, hold various initiatives to promote democracy on the International Day of Democracy. Events and activities include discussions, conferences and press conferences involving keynote speakers, often those who are leaders or educators heavily involved in supporting and endorsing democratic governments and communities. But have we really realised the fruits of democracy? Are those countries that say they are democratic really practice democracy fully fledged?
To help to unpack this global crisis we have on the line:……
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Martin Chungong Secretary General Inter-Parliamentary Union
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Ibrahim Fakir Manager Electoral Institute for Sustainability of Democracy in Africa
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Dr Augustine Mogolowond Director Institute of Democracy for Africa
On the program today we look at the Homo that was found at Maropeng the Cradle of Human kind. The Homo was then named Homo Naledi. It was discovered by a team led Paleoanthropologist Lee Berger of the University of Witwatersrand.
The 9th annual Hotel Investment Conference Africa, fondly known as HICA, is currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa. Organizers of this conference hope the conference will broaden its view of the hospitality sector across sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on who’s behind the deals, growth markets, technology partners and trends driving profitability. It is being hosted under the auspices of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. As the leading hotel investment conference in sub Saharan Africa, HICA assembles the region’s senior hospitality professionals, international hoteliers, investors, developers and top public sector leaders from across the region. To chat to us about this conference, we are now joined in our mobile studio by:
Derek Hannekom SA Minister of Tourism
Mmatsatsi Ramawela – CEO Tourism Business Council SA
Mark Satterfield (COO of Marriott International)
The fourteenth World Forestry Congress is currently underway in Durban, South Africa. This event is the largest gathering for the global forestry community and is hosted for hosted for the first time in Africa. The theme this year is “Forests and People: Investing in a sustainable Future”. This theme aims to look at the diverse challenges faced by people living in forests in different regions. We speak to: • Trevor Abrahams: Secretary General of the 14th World Forestry Congress
• Dr Godwin Kowero, Executive Secretary of the African Forestry Forum
Dr. Aissetou Yaye,Executive Secretary for The African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE) is a network of 136 educational institutions in 35 African countries whose objective is to strengthen the teaching of multi-disciplinary approaches to land management.
Christina Nkosi, a student at the University of Venda
Latest news from the European Union concerning the refugee problem , is that Germany has urgeed neighbours to do more to ease the crisis. EU officials are debating new migrant quotas, and if countries should be able to buy out of an agreement. Even Britain has relented its strong stance and has agreed to take in 20-thousand Syrian refugees over 5 years. While the political debate goes on, the situation facing the refugees is still bad, Child refugees are threatened with beatings,and possible rape while on the way to Sweden. To help us look at the problem more in-depth, we have Craig Smith, A Specialist Immigration Practitioner, Leon Issacson,Managing Director of Global Migration, Gershon Mosiane Chairperson for the Forum for Immgration Preactitioners of South Africaand Ntokozo Mahangum, Media and Communications Consultant, for the International Organisation for Migration:
Military sources in Uganda and Somalia say at least 37 African Union soldiers have been killed in an Attack by Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia on Tuesday last week. The attack by the Somali terrorist group occurred on a remote African Union base in the town of Janaale. It was the largest loss sustained by the Ugandan contingent of the AU Mission to Somalia, or AMISOM, since 2012.Other Western sources said that as many as 50 AU troops were killed. The 22,000-strong, United Nations-backed AMISOM force consists of troops from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sierra Leone. To help us look at this horrendous act by the Al-Shabaab rebels, we are joined on the line by:
James Shemayula: Channel Africa Correspondent: Kwezi Mngqibisa: Manager: Interventions at ACCORD a South African-based organisation involved in Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Preventive Diplomacy throughout the continent Laetitia Bader, Researcher in the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch and our Somalia expert
Helmoed Heitman: Defence Specialist:
Pre-meetings are taking place around the world as to prepare for the annual Conference of Parties (COP 21) which takes place in Paris, France during December. The COP meetings have been taking place since the Rio Earth Summit took place in 1992, which saw the adoption of the United Nations' Framework on Climate Change. The UNFCCC which came into force on the 21dt of March 1994, now has a near universal membership of 195 parties. This years meeting - known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference - is expected to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change that will aim to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius. To help us look at the preparations more closely we have Patrick Dowling, Education Head at the Wildlife and Environment in South Africa, Melissa Fourie, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Rights, and Dominique Doyle An Energy Policy Officer for Earthlife Africa:
A leading official says South Sudan’s governing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) would make reconciliation, unity and forgiveness a top priority during the transitional period of the government of national unity. Former South Sudanese cabinet affairs minister, Deng Alor Kuol, said the work of the secretary general of the SPLM, Pagan Amum, as chief administrator in the party, would be dedicated to organizing the party. He underscored the recently signed peace agreement and said it should not be read as a reward or return to the status quo, but rather, an opportunity to allow the ruling party to correct itself and accept their actions. We are now joined on the line by a panel of esteemed guests to discuss the latest on South Sudan. We have………………… Ambassador Mr. Philip Jada Natana, Head of Mission of South Sudan Tom Rhodes: Committee to Protect Journalists:
Luka Biong Deng Kuol: Director of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies, University of Juba, Global Fellow at the Peace Research Institute Oslo and Associate Fellow at the Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School
Dr Sylvester B. Maphosa: Chief Research Specialist: Governance & Security program of the Africa Institute of South Africa in the Human Sciences Research Council
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Science IS an industry where women are underrepresented. According to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) just one in five countries has achieved gender parity in sub-saharan Africa, whereby 45% t0 55% of researchers are women. It is also interesting to note that women researchers and scientists are much more likely to work in the academic and government sectors, while men usually work in the private sector where they are offered better salaries and opportunities. Recently South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology recognized women scientists and researchers in the country. Through their South African Women In Science Awards women are encouraged in their involvement and contribution in the science field. To assist us on the topic of World Water week, we will speak to: • Dr Phetiwe Matutu, Chief Director of Human Capital and Science Promotion at the Department of Science and Technology
• Dr Lisa Claire Du Toit, lecturer of pharmaceutical chemistry in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of the Witswatersrand
• Dr Gina Ziervogel, lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science and research fellow in t he African Climate and Development Initiative at the University of Cape Town
The School of Public Leadership at the South African University of Stellenbosch University, in co-operation with the South African Centre for Constitutional Rights and the European Academy's Institute for Studies on Federalism and Regionalism, recently held a 3 day conference on strengthening Constitutional Democracy with a specific focus on provincial and local government. The aim of the conference hosted in the country's mother city of Cape Town was to establish interaction between academics and professionals, to contribute to finding solutions to some of the practical problems faced by societies in multi-sphere systems of government. To help us unpack there issues we spoke to Professor Erwin Schwella and Senior Lecturer Dr Dirk Brand of the University of Stellenbosch, and Phephelaphi Dube, a Legal Officer at the Centre for Constitutional Rights ....
Intro: World Water week started this weekend and ends this Friday, is currently under in Stockholm, Sweden. This gathering will see government officials and those from the NGO world will gather with scientists, thinkers and innovators gathering to speak on issues relating to water. This year’s World Water Week theme is “Water for Development”. It is said that this theme will enable experts at looking at the sustainable development goals.
To assist us on the topic of World Water week, we will speak to: • Dr Matthys Dippenaar, lecturer at the Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology department at the University of Pretoria.
• Dr Thabo Nkambule, a senior lecturer in research Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, College of Science, at the University of South Africa
• Sputnick Ratau, Director in the media liaison at South Africa’s department of Water and Sanitation.
African regional leaders from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, (IGAD), The African Union and the United Nations Security Council have given yet another ultimatum to the warring factions in South Sudan to reach an agreement on outstanding issues and seal a final deal. The 28th extraordinary summit of heads of state and government of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development was last Friday wrapping up in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, after two days of intensive discussions on South Sudan. IGAD, the regional bloc mediating the two South Sudan warring parties has brought President Salva Kiir and his former deputy turned rebel leader, Riek Machar, to face-to-face talks on Thursday and Friday last week. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by: • Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, Head of Mission of South Sudan • Professor Fanie Vermaak: Lecturer at the Department of Semitics at Unisa: • Luka Biong Deng : Director of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies, University of Juba, Global Fellow at the Peace Research Institute Oslo and Associate Fellow at the Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.
The school curriculum in South Africa will officially include the Chinese language of Mandarin from January 2016. This is according to Department of Basic Education. The department says this will be offered as a second elective subject. China is South Africa’s biggest trading partner, and from January 2016, learners in grades 4 to 12 will be able to pick up the Chinese language. In March last year, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, signed an implementation plan between the Ministry of Education in China and the Department of Basic Education, to strengthen education ties at an institutional and policy level. One aspect of the agreement included cultural exchange and the promotion of Mandarin being taught in South African schools. To help us discuss what some see as an emotive subject, we are joined on the line by:
Elijah Mhlanga: Chief Director: Communications Department of Basic Education
Julian Fisher: Managing Director at Africa Integrity Services Limited( The Company provides what it calls the highest quality Intelligence in Africa to support Investors at each stage of their business life cycle
Malose Kutumela: President of the Professional Educators Union:
We had invited a Spokesperson of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, Nomusa Ncimbi, but withdrew at the 11th hour.
The Southern African Development Community's 35th Summit ended in Gaborone Botswana yesterday, and Amnesty International has urged Botswana President, Ian Khama, to use his tenure and leadership position as chairperson of the organization to prioritise finding solutions to the human rights crisis in the region. Amnesty says the most pressing issues President Khama should address, include the ongoing suppression of dissent in Angola and the killing and torture of police and soldiers accused of leading a mutiny in Lesotho. That's following his take over from President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. To look at what the SADC is all about, and to scrutinize the outcomes of the 35th Summit that has just concluded, we are joined on the line by Knox Chitiyo: Associate Fellow at Chatmam House based in London, Muluka Miti-Drummond: Regional Advocacy Director: Southern Africa Litigation Centre, Colleen Lowe Morna : Gender Links Chief Executive Officer, and Dewa Mavhinga: Senior Researcher, Zimbabwe/Southern Africa, Human Rights Watch:
Disabled Women around South Africa still face challenges when it comes to getting employed. Employers are obliged by government to have a fair amount of representation of disabled people, but yet again it seems companies seem to prefer taking male candidates. President Jacob Zuma revealed in September 2011 that a Disability Act is being crafted to deal with enforcement, non-compliance and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The convention covers areas such as accessibility, rehabilitation, participation in political life, equality and non-discrimination of the disabled. To help us talk more about this we are joined on the line by:
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Peo Mokoto Provincial Manager Disabled People South Africa (DPSA)
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KC Makhubele Marketing Executive Quest Staffing Solutions
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Ms Lebogang Manyane Deputy Chairpesron: Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee South African National Council for the Blind
MEDIA FREEDOM IN AFRICA
On the Programme today we talk media freedom! Is the media really free in the African continent? We have seen in the recent past, moves by government to silence the media on issues. In Zimbabwe we know of the disappearing of a Journalist who was abducted by unknown men. In South Africa during the Nkandla visit by the Adhoc committee initially journalist were not allowed to join the committee on the tour to assess the Nkandla upgrades. On the other hand we know that in Zambia some media houses have been blocked on the internet space and can’t be accessed. So are we going towards an era where media will be regulated? To help us analyse the situation we have :
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Steven Friedman Political analyst
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Carol Mohlala Senior Researcher Media Monitors Africa
A high-level policy dialogue which aims to look at agricultural trade in Southern Africa is underway in Johannesburg. The gathering which started yesterday also aims to look at management and investment in the agricultural sector in the region. The gathering called the 2015 Southern Africa Regional Dialogue on Agriculture was organized by UNAIDS and International Water Management Institute. This dialogue brings together a diversity of stakeholders drawn from the entire agricultural value chain covering both the demand and supply side together.
Today we are crossing live to Benoni, at the Birchwood hotel, where our guests are standing by:
• Timothy Semlinga a SADC Researcher in Botswana • CEO OF COMESA, Argent Chula • Winston Makanyane Director of African Relations in South Africa’S Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
53 years ago women from all walks of life made their way to the Union Building in Pretoria to protest against the extension of government regulations to African women concerning the carrying of passes; they were led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams and Rahima Moosa. Therefore South Africa celebrates the month of August as Women's month. And also the declaration of the African Union that saw the year 2015 declared as the year of women empowerment. But women around the world still face numerous challenges, ranging from lack of representation in high senior position in big corporates and government departments. However there are also many challenges women face when it comes to marriage and marriage practices. The challenges are sometimes supported by our very own African culture. We can even go to the bible where Apostle Paul says when he was talking to the Church in Corinth. 1st Corinthians versus 14 to 35 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church" So clearly the challenges are deeper than one can think. To help us analyse the situation we have Professor Tom Sengani Associate Professor in Discourse Analysis, at the University of South Africa, Tsholofelo Sesanga, Community Interventions Manager at the Centre of the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and Advocate Sabelo Sibanda, Founder: The School of African Awareness and Ama-Africa-Aqotho:
53 years ago women from all walks of life made their way to the Union Building in Pretoria to protest against the extension of government regulations to African women concerning the carrying of passes; they were led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams and Rahima Moosa. Therefore South Africa celebrates the month of August as Women's month. And also the declaration of the African Union that saw the year 2015 declared as the year of women empowerment. But women around the world still face numerous challenges, ranging from lack of representation in high senior position in big corporates and government departments. However there are also many challenges women face when it comes to marriage and marriage practices. The challenges are sometimes supported by our very own African culture. We can even go to the bible where Apostle Paul says when he was talking to the Church in Corinth. 1st Corinthians versus 14 to 35 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church" So clearly the challenges are deeper than one can think. To help us analyse the situation we have Professor Tom Sengani Associate Professor in Discourse Analysis, at the University of South Africa, Tsholofelo Sesanga, Community Interventions Manager at the Centre of the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and Advocate Sabelo Sibanda, Founder: The School of African Awareness and Ama-Africa-Aqotho:
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Western Sahara is a disputed territory on the northwest coast of Africa bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria. After Spain withdrew from its former colony of Spanish Sahara in 1976, Morocco annexed the northern two-thirds of Western Sahara and claimed the rest of the territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla war with the Polisario Front contesting Morocco's sovereignty ended in a 1991 cease-fire and the establishment of a UN peacekeeping operation. As part of this effort, the UN sought to offer a choice to the peoples of the Western Sahara between independence, favored by the Polisario Front, or integration into Morocco. A proposed referendum never took place due to lack of agreement on voter eligibility. To help us unpack this we are now joined on the line by:.
Maya Schkolne: Research Associate at the Afro Middle East Centre She is busy writing a book on Western Sahara
Mr Jose Nascimento: A South African human rights lawyer who has been involved in promoting certain causes such as East Timor, Burma, and the Western Sahara. In 1999 he was an international electoral observer for the UN referendum in East Timor and was also an electoral observer during the last South African elections. Many of his cases have been reported in the local and international media and he has received a number of international awards. He is also currently working on a book on the Western Sahara
Ms Sacha Knox: A research specialist in the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) programme of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). She is situated within the Governance and Security Unit where she has been working on the question of the Western Sahara.
Mr Itani Rasalanavho: An international aspects and solidarity officer for the Young Communist League in South Africa, Johannesburg District. He is also coordinator for a newly formed International Solidarity Network and works actively on the Western Sahara
The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is the greatest outreach vehicle for the breastfeeding movement being celebrated in over 120 countries. Officially it is celebrated from 1 - 7 August. Breastfeeding has an important link to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are meant to be achieved in 2015. Although poverty has gone down, 1 in 8 people still go to bed hungry. To assist us on this program: • Jane Pitt, former nurse, midwife and lactation consultant ( • Elizabeth Brierley (pronounced Bryley), Director of Milk Matters, a breast milk bank. • Tshililo Mashamba, gynecologist • Anne Moosa, mother.
The main Greece’s stock index, the Athens, has fallen by 22.87% as trading resumes after a five-week closure. The country's top four lenders were the biggest fallers, all down by 30%. Banks make up about a fifth of the index. Traders had predicted sharp losses as a result of pent-up trading. Earlier last month, the International Monetary Fund and Greece's other creditors, the European Central Bank and European Commission, approved a new 95 billion dollars bailout program for Athens in exchange for painful budget cuts, tax increases and economic reforms. The 11th-hour agreement appeared to avert Greece's potential exit from the Eurozone, and could allow it to make billions of dollars in debt repayments as soon as this month. To assist us on this program,
• Dr Peter Karungu: African Economic Expert: • Elizabeth Sidiropoulos: Chief Executive of the South African Institute of International Relations: • Annabel Bishop: Investec Chief Economist:
And Brooks Spector : Associate Editor at the Daily Maverick and a retired American Diplomat
South Africa’s department of International Relations and Cooperation has launched two institutions that will form part of their foreign policy organs. These two institutions are the South African Council of International Relations and the Association of Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives. Today on our program we will try to dissect these two institutions and analyze their function.
To assist us on this program,
• Mr Aziz Pahad, the former deputy minster of foreign affairs • Dennis George, the General Secretary of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) • Nozipho January-Bardill, Non-Executive Director Anglogold Ashanti Limited
The first Annual Peacekeeping Africa conference draws to a close this morning in Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference is looking at peacekeeping operations and developments on the African Continent, harmonizing civil and military personnel through training to ensure a working relationship. It was officially opened by Martin Kobler, who serves as a Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General Assistance Mission for Iraq. African Union and United Nations Ambassadors also are attending. To discuss this very important topic on the continent, radio presenter and journalist, Benjamin Moshatama.
Charles Adu- Brempong: Course Director (Crisis Information Management &Integrated Civ-Mil Coordination Courses) of KOFI ANNAN INTERNATIONAL PEACE KEEPING TRAINING CENTRE
Livhu Mathoho: Defence Analyst: DEFENCE DECISION SUPPORT INSTITUTE, ADIVISION OF the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR)
Andre Roux, Conflict Management & Peace building Expert
During his first visit to Ethiopia yesterday, United States (US) President Barack Obama met with the country’s Prime Minister, Haelemariam Desalegn. Obama addressed issues that he was expected to by the media and analysts; focusing on security and the threat of the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab in Somalia. Obama, arrived in Kenya on Sunday, where he focused on improving business ties with Africa.
Today, on African Dialogue we look at bilateral relationship between Africa and the United States of America during the presidency of Barack Obama.
To assist us on this topic we have:
• Tom Wheeler, a foreign policy analyst. • J. Brooks Spector, associate editor of Daily Maverick • R. Courtney Priester, Past Chair of the Democrats Abroad South Africa
Burundi’s electoral commission announced this past weekend that Pierre Nkurunziza has won a controversial term as president of Burundi, garnering almost 70% of the vote. The main opposition leader Agathon Rwasa denounced the win and demanded for fresh elections.Rwasa’s name remained on the ballot paper despite boycotting the poll with other three main rivals. International observers, including the US State Department and the European Union have said the elections were not free and fair. Critics said that the government harassed opposition supporters over the past few months, and at least 70 people have been killed in protests since the president announced in April that he was running for a third term.
On this topic we were joined by Benjamin Chemouni from the Department of International Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Bernard Bankukira who is Channel Africa’s Correspondent based in Bujumbura, Burundia and Kwezi Mqcibisa: Coordinator at the South African-Based organization, ACCORD and Amnesty Internatiuonal’s Sarah Jackson. They were speaking to journalist and presenter. Benjamin Moshatama
There has recently been a conversation on the separation of powers. Recently the decision was made by parliament was made to give limited access . There has been criticism from Blade Nzimande, who has recently announced the convening of a summit to discuss the judiciary. Recently, we have heard Thandi Modise, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, is taking up an earlier Western Cape High Court ruling that set aside her ruling she made in Parliament last year against the Economic Freedom Fighters on the Marikana issue. Modise asked in her application to the Constitutional Court that the court should, inter alia, give clarity on the extent to which courts may interfere in decisions of presiding officers in Parliament. Clearly we are seeing a division in terms of separation of powers in the judicial and the system of governance in South Africa.
To help us talk more about this we are joined on the line by:
• Raymond Louw, the Deputy Chairperson of the Media Freedom Committee • • Professor Mtende Mhango, the Deputy Head of Wits School of Law • • Moloto Mothapo, Parliamentary Spokesperson of the South African parliament
South African apartheid human rights lawyer, Advocate George Bizo, s has urged human rights defenders in Swaziland not to resort to violence in seeking transformation. Bizos was part of delegates who attended the welcoming ceremony of two Swazi human rights activists hosted by South Africa's Lawyers for Human Rights in Pretoria recently. Human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and co-activist, Bheki Makhubu were released from prison after serving time for being vocal about human rights violations by the Swazi monarch and his government. Their predicament is not an isloated case, as there are human right activists in several African countries who are also being attacked and silenced. To look at the situation more closely we spoke to one fo the Swazi activists - Thulani Maseko; Dewa Mavhinga - Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch , and Sipho Gumede, former Secratary General of Lawyers for Human Rights in Swaziland: They were speaking to Benjamin Moshatama.
The Brics group of emerging economies has launched its New Development Bank in Shanghai. The bank is backed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, collectively known as Brics countries. The institution will lend money6 to developing countries to help finance infrastructure projects. It is also an alternative to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, although the group says it is not a rival. Today on the program we will be looking at what South African business leaders and business in general could leverage from the Brics Bank. We are joined by: Mr Sandile Zungu, Executive Chairman ZICO Investment Holding and also a Member of the SA Chapter BRICS Business Council. Khathutshelo Ramukumba CEO of NYDA (National Youth Development Agency) Peggy Drotsky – Chief Executive of the South African Chamber of Commerce Soren Ambrose Head of Policy Research and Advocacy at Action Aid in Kenya
Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela's birthday on 18 July, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly. It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world's social injustices when he said that "it is in your hands now". It is more than a celebration of Madiba's life and legacy. It is a global movement to honour his life's work and act to change the world for the better. The elderly statesman once said ""When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity." We also know that our very own station Channel Africa will be doing their bid to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Our team of journalist and producers will be starting up a vegetable garden at the Carl Sithole Centre in Soweto. To tel us about the reason for the day and some events happening we have :
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Mamolefe Segakweng Marketing Manager Channel Africa
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Carmen Nottingham Founder: Fertilis
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Yase Godlo Manager: Outreach and Mandela Day Nelson Mandela Foundation
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ManushaPillai General Manager: Communications Brand South Africa
The government of Burundi has confirmed the new date for presidential elections. Burundians will now go to the polls on the 21st of this month. This was after intervention fron the East Africa Community delegation that was dispatched to Bujumbura early this week. Mediators of the United Nations and the African Union had also requested its suspension. The capital, Bujumbura has been rocked with by weeks of protests following President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid to run for a third term in office. In New York, the United Nations Security Council has welcomed the postponement of the elections and has urged all political parties to reach a agreement on a new electoral timetable. The council has also called for the reinstatement of private media and protection of human rights. To help us unpack this we are joined on the line by:
Bernard Bankukira: Channel Africa Correspondent based in Burundi: Jean-Marie Fardeau: Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch based in France: Martin Chungong: The Inter Parliamentary Union Secretary General Benjamin Chemouni, of the Department of International Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science
This week sees the start of the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa. The event will celebrate its 36th edition and runs from 16 to 26 of July. This years festival will see presentations over 290 screenings of current films from around the world, with strong focus on South African and African cinema. 50 filmmakers from Africa are going to take part. The film indusrty on the continent seem to be dominated by those with the best economies such as Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa. To help us look at the industry more closely we have Toni Monty Head of the Durban Film office at the Durban Filmmart, Naomi Mokhele, Manager of Communications at the National Film and Video Foundation, and Ramadan Suleman , Spokesperson of Rights of Passage - the incubation project featuring 8 young first-time filmakers:
The recent UN statistics reveal that by the year 2040, Africa will have two billion people living on the continent and will a home of two out of five of the young people in the world. This shows that a lot of investment and development needs to be focused on the youth population as a future venture. Yaya Toure, the Ivorian professional footballer, this past Friday wrote an article focusing on youth development in Africa published by the Guardian, partnering up with the Bill Melinda Foundation. Toure say that "young minds must be fed.Girls and boys must have equal access to decent primary and secondary schooling, learning numeracy, literacy and IT skills that we'd all expect for our children. Many are forced to leave school too early - wasting their potential before it has even begun." To look at this subject we have partnered up with the African Leadership Academy:with us we have Sharmi Surianarain: who is currently the Director of Lifelong Engagement at the African Leadership Academy, leading the effort to reconnect ALA graduates to each other, to ALA, and to Africa, and Alexia Paradzai: who was born in Zimbabwe and lived in the small town of Chiredzi for most of her life. Her father works as a freelance hunter and her mother is a house wife. She is currently working on a project she started (AfroFresco) and the hope is to make the arts interesting and relevant to more Zimbabweans. AfroFresco is a platform to introduce more people to Zimbabwean arts using social media and public spaces:
According to a new UN report, titled Generation 2030, there are currently, 1.2 billion people living on the continent, which is five times more than the population in the continent in 1950. The report projects that by the year 2050, Africa’s population will double to 2.4 billion. As much as this population growth can create possibilities for the continent it also poses a huge challenge for African governments to design efficient national and social development planning systems to deal with these populations.
To assist us on this:
• Professor Clifford Odimegwu from the Department of Demography and Population Studies, at the University of Witwatersrand.
• Dr. Richmond Tiemoko, Population and Development Adviser, UNFPA Regional Office, South Africa (speaking to us from New York City)
The BRICS Summit kicks off today, as more delegates started trickling in from yesterday as the South African delegation lead by President Jacob Zuma arrived in Ufa, in Russia. This year’s summit, which will be hosted by the President of the Russian Federation, will go under the theme “BRICS Partnership – a Powerful Factor of Global Development. Held only for two days, the summit will also see the launch of the New Development Bank, which is aimed at minimizing the monopoly of western financial institutions.
To assist us look at this gathering we are joined by:
• Dr Jaya Josie, who is the head of the BRICS research Centre within the Human Sciences Research Council
• Dr Dikshita Padalkar, an expert on economic development from the Padalkar Research Resources
The 34th Southern African Transport Conference supported by the South African Department of Transport and the Transportation Research Board of the United States, kicks off this morning until Thursday at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. The theme of the conference is “Transport: Working together to Deliver”. It’s said to be reflecting the importance of transport in fostering employment and economic growth. The conference will focus on how to optimally engage all stakeholders involved in the transport sector to provide effective and efficient transportation solutions and to improve service delivery in order to better respond as a sector to the needs of all users of our transport systems. To help us unpack some of the key issues to be discussed in the next 4 days, we are joined by:
Professor Wynand Steyn: Southern African Transport Conference Chairperson
Dr Peter Sweatman – Professor at the Transport Research Institute, University of Michigan
Almost three years have passed since 34 men were shot dead on a hillside in Marikana, South Africa, after asking for a living wage. To explain how so many people could be gunned down in broad daylight the inquiry needed to probe the platinum belt. Each of the miners had a name, a family and a story to tell, a past and a future. Two week ago, the findings of Judge Ian Farlam's judicial inquiry into the killings were finally made public. Most of the families missed the start of a speech by South African president, Jacob Zuma, because the government hadn't bothered to give them proper notice that a statement was imminent. Today we look at labour trends in the mining industry, specifically, human rights issues. To help us we have Advocate Johan Kruger: Director of the Centre for Constitutional Rights operating as a unit of the F.W. De Klerk Foundation and Noel Kututwa: Deputy Director at Amnesty International, Southern Africa:
This past Monday, South Africans gathered in the historic surburb of Kliptown gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.. The Freedom Charter which was adopted by the African National Congress (ANC) during the struggle against apartheid and was a document which contained core values and principles which demanded equity and equality for all South Africans. However, during these celebrations many bemoaned that few of the clauses contained in the document have not been fulfilled, in the post-apartheid period experienced by South Africa. Looking at the African context, even after years of decolonisation and after the founding fathers established the Organisation for African Unity which was aimed at promoting unity amongst independent African states and to advance economic development on the continent, we aske the question has Africa realised the aspiration of its founding fathers: Kwame Nkrumah, Emperor Haille Sellaisse and Jomo Kenyatta.
To help us on this topic we are joined by:
• Prof. Sitwala Imenda, Executive Dean of Education, at the University of Kwazulu Natal: • Ibrahim Fakir (Manager of Governance Institutions and Processes at the Electoral Institute for the Sustainability of Democracy in Africa (EISA) Levy Ndou, lecturer of Political Science at the Tshwane University of Technology:
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
“A Freaking Dream” that was the phrase that took precedence at the recent African Dream Summit that took place in Johannesburg South Africa. The aim was to spur The African Dream Movement into action to define and shape “The African Dream that will change the narrative from that of a Dark Continent, to that of prosperity, hope and accomplishment. The Summit aims to use entrepreneurship as a tool to Champion a new mantra of “African Success” through a new vision of “The African Dream”. Attendees had an opportunity to engage with a panel of thought-leaders and like- minded industry leaders in redefining and shaping The African dream to move towards self-healing and positive Brand Africa. The summit provided a game changing dialogue and the inspiration to shape an action-driven sustainable African Dream.
To help us delve into the conversation we are joined by:
Our guests are still on the line to further unpack this issue with us: 1. Rejoice Nxumalo Chairperson: South African Association of Investors
- Jabulani Tsambo (HHP) Rapper/Musician and Pan-Africanist
- Adv Sabelo Sibanda Human Rights and Criminal Law Expert
- Scholastica Sylvan Kimaryo Founder: Kilimanjaro Conscious Leadership Institute
- Sello Maake Ka Ncube Legendary Actor
After days of wrangling to try and have him arrested the Sudanese president, Omar al-Bashir, left South Africa before a court here could decide whether to arrest him. The International Criminal Court has been trying for years, to have al-Bashir apprehended since charging him with the commission of atrocities against civilians in Darfur, which resulted in the deaths of over 300 thousand people. He has flouted the ICC’s arrest warrant since it was issued in 2009, blithely travelling throughout Africa and the Middle East despite a United Nations Security Council resolution that requires all states to co-operate with the ICC. There were some signs that this time, things might be different. As soon as he arrived in Johannesburg, the South African Litigation Centre submitted an urgent request for his arrest, and ICC judge Cano Tarfusseremphasized that there was “no ambiguity or uncertainty” to this obligation – something of which the South African authorities were already well aware. To help us unpack this issue, we are now joined on the line by:
Professor ShadrackGutto: Legal Academic Professor based at the University of South Africa
Angela Mudukuti :Lawyer at The Southern African Litigation Centre
Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International's Research and Advocacy Director
On the program today, we will be looking at the second day of the Sustainability Week currently underway at the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research in the Capital City of Tshwane here in South Africa. To help us carry on our debate about Sustainable cities, we have: Jaisheila Rajput Founder and CEO of Tommorrow Maters Now , developing economic models for sustainability and transforming the way we do business Peter Newman is the Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University, and a speaker at the event Ms Dorah Nteo , Strategic Executive Director - Green Economy – at the Tshwane Executive Mayor’s Office.
Advancing the Green Economy through the sharing of knowledge across disciplines and sectors, and by actively seeking to accelerate the total number of projects undertaken under the heading of sustainability, Sustainability Week In South Africa will once again prove to have a catalytic effect. Where government officials, private sector investors, business operators, professionals, researchers, and NGO’s converge to engage on this critically important, and most fundamental consideration – sustainability. Hosted by the City of Tshwane and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - CSIR – the event and Expo also consists of many delegates from across Africa – who will look at how the continent can improve the Sustainability of its cities. To help us look more closely at some of the discussion points we have :
Llewellyn van Wyk is an expert on the construction sector, with the CSIR Blessing Manale City of Tshwane Spokesperson, Usile Ndlovu – From the Sustainability Energy Forum
Civil Society and unions of South Africa met recently to discuss the electricity shortage in the country, and debated various aspects on the implications of the problem. While many called for the South African electricity public utility, Eskom, to be inclusive in discussions to solving the problem, the ousted Secretary General of the Congress of Trade Unions, Zwelinzima Vavi, called for a mass protest campaign against South Africa’s power crisis. The various stakeholders in civil society gathered at the conference under the theme “Will This Be a Winter Without Power?”
To look at what views came out of the conference we are joined by:
• Ted Blom, Partner of Blom Consulting and Training . (He was at the conference looking at: The roots of the Eskom crisis and the need for a judicial enquiry) • Nombulelo Nyathela, spokesperson from Equal Education. (She delivered a presentation looking at the theme Electricity supply to schools. How outages and inadequate electricity infrastructure affect learning and teaching)
• Lerato Maregele, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg's Programme Officer. (She was speaking on Eskom and Environmental Injustice)
The Emperors Palace in Kempton park near Johannesburg South Africa was recently the host of the NDP Vision 2030 conference. Members of the Presidency, key government dignitaries and private sector leaders were invited to share insights, and engage and discuss the vision for South Africa’s National Dvelopment Plan. The focus was to unpack key aspects around Vision 2030 and how key organisations and individuals can contribute to make it a reality. The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society. To help us look at the topics of discussion we have : Khandani Misibi, Director of Sechaba Medical Solutions Graham Block , Eudcation Analyst at Wits University in Johannesburg . And Nonkululeko Sindane, Director General of South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitution .
The 25th African Union Summit has been underway this week in Johannesburg, and this coming weekend more than fifty African heads of state and government, under the chairmanship of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, to preside over a tough program. The president’s of the continent will meet at the Sandton Convention Centre, and from Sunday to Sunday will embark on the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, to look at various issues ranging from the political crisis in Burundi, the terrorism problem on the continent and Agenda 2063.
To look at the African Union Summit we spoke to:
• Dr Justina Dugbazah is the Anglophone project manager for the Nepad Spanish Fund for African Women ‘s Empowerment • • Liesel Louw-Vaudran, consultant for the Institute for Security Studies • • Dr Abdo Lo, General Manager of Primmum Africa Consulting,
Scientists, medical professionals, researchers, government leaders and those living with HIV/AIDS have gathered in Durban this week to look at ways to further fight against the epidemic. They are meeting at the 7th SA Aids conference which started on Monday. HIV/AIDS is still a challenge in the country, with 18 percent of the world’s HIV positive population. To look at the happenings at the conference we have on the line: • Yogan Pillay is Deputy Director General of South Africa’s health department • Professor Francois Venter is Conference Co chair and Deputy Director of Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI) • Dr Nono Simelela is the Conference Chair
Civil Society and unions of South Africa met last week to discuss the electricity shortage in the country, and debated various aspects on the implications of the problem. While many called for the South African electricity public utility, Eskom, to be inclusive in discussions to solving the problem, the ousted Secretary General of the Congress of Trade Unions, Zwelinzima Vavi, called for a mass protest campaign against South Africa’s power crisis. The various stakeholders in civil society gathered at the conference under the theme “Will This Be a Winter Without Power?”
To look at what views came out of the conference we are joined by:
• Ted Blom, Partner of Blom Consulting and Training . (He was at the conference looking at: The roots of the Eskom crisis and the need for a judicial enquiry) • Nombulelo Nyathela, spokesperson from Equal Education. (She delivered a presentation looking at the theme Electricity supply to schools. How outages and inadequate electricity infrastructure affect learning and teaching) • Lerato Maregele, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg's Programme Officer. (She was speaking on Eskom and Environmental Injustice)
His Majesty Inkosi YamaKhosi Dr Melizwe Dlamini the third, Monarch of the Nhlangwini Dlamini Nation S.A based in La Lucia in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa is calling for the formation of the Forum for African Kings to add impetus into the initiatives that have been started by the South African Government and the African Union.
To help us unpack this we are now joined on the line by:
His Majesty Inkosi YamaKhosi Dr Melizwe Dlamini lll Monarch of the Nhlangwini Dlamini Nation S.A:
Kgoshi Setlamorago Thobejane : President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders.
Professor Lesiba Teffo: Attached to the University of South Africa:
Professor Herbert Vilakazi, Chairperson of the Vilakazi Development Stratergies Organisation
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated last month in what some analysts have hailed as remarkable. His address highlighted points of engagement of the new administration in tackling national issues ranging from security, unemployment to power shortages. On our program this morning, we will be unpacking what the new administration is going to be grappling with going forward. And to help us with that we are now joined on the line by:
Richard Iroana: Political Analyst based at the University of Pretoria
Martin Ewi: Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies based in Pretoria
Dr Oladiran Bello: Programme Head, Governance of Africa’s Resources Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs
The third installment of Transnet Young Entrepreneurs Conference & Expo is just a few days away. The event takes place on the 4 – 5 June 2015 at President Hotel in Bloemfontein. The event is going to host some of the successful entrepreneurs in South Africa. About 30 speakers will grace our stage at the Transnet Young Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo 2015.
Our guests to take this conversation further are:
• Miss Matefo Morakeng - CEO (Chief Events Organisor) M3 Marketing • Dr. Thabo Pitse - "Former Medical Doctor" Business Consultant for the University of the Free State & Entrepreneur. • Neo Masithela. CEO of Kgora investment,
South Africa and other Africa countries have the challenge in diversifying its economies and being driven by large scale projects, ignoring potential in smaller sections of industries. One of the sectors that can be sidelined is junior mining; however international mining economies have created opportunities in its junior sector. The Resources 4 Africa 2015 Junior Indaba, starts today in Johannesburg and will bring together investors, project owners and CEOs in one room to look at global solutions to deal with the global capital crisis which affects the sector. The Junior Indaba will also be looking at how international mining economies have created a thriving junior sector.
Our guests to take this conversation further are:
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Paul Miller Investment Banker at (Mining and Metals) Nedbank Capital
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Ido Lekota Director: Marketing and public Relations Lerama Resources (Junior Mining Company)
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OtsileMatlou Director of Mining ENSAfrica
The Pan African Parliament will soon become a full legislative body as envisioned by the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community relating to PAP. This continental parliament was established in 2004 as a consultative body to the African Union and its founding members said it will given full legislative powers in five year. Most this parliament is being dismissed as a toothless body. But its new president Roger Nkodo Dang from Cameroon says his mission is to lead the transition of the parliament for it to tackle the challenges facing Africa:
The recent devastating news from South Africa’s Environment Minster Edna Molewa was that by the end of April 2015, the number of rhinos lost to poachers nearly reached 400, and half of them where poached at the Kruger National Park. In response to this the South African government is considering selling off its stockpile as an attempt of slowing down rhino poaching in the country. Molewa said a committee of inquiry she had set up was tasked with considering the feasibility of a proposal for the legalisation of a trade in rhino horn at the 17th CITES meeting.
John Hanks, author of the recent book, Operation Lock and the War on Rhino Poaching. He has been a conservationist for the past 30 years probably knows more than most about the rhino issue. He is in favour of legalised trade in rhino horn
Allison Thomson heads up an organisation called Outraged South African Citizens Against Poaching (OSCAP)
Perlham Jones, from the Private Rhino Owners Association.
The African Union Commission (AUC) has deemed 2015 as the “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”. Women in agriculture in Africa, predominantly small-scale farmers form more than 50% of the agricultural activity, producing about 60-70% of the food in the continent. While women provide the majority of the labour in agricultural production, their access and control over productive resources is greatly constrained due to inequalities constructed by patriarchal norms. The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) will be hosting their 11th Partnership Platform (PP) which will focus on addressing these issues, delivering measureable results and impact around areas of commitment and action moving forward.
Today we speak to:
Professor Sihawukele Ngubani, Vice Chairperson for the African Festival (SA)
Geoffrey Raymond, Inventor from the Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology (Tanzania) (Invented a medical machine )
Ernest Boateng: CEO South Africa Entrepreneurship.
Pam Goldstone – Owner of Amdokwe Visions, and represented the youth.
The Human Sciences Research Council together with its partners is holding its 5th African Unity for Renaissance Conference and Africa Day this morning at the Kara Heritage Institute in Pretoria, South Africa. There has been a series of conferences that continued from Friday until today. The African Unity for Renaissance conference have become flagship events of the African Institute of Southern Africa and have over the years been important annual gathering of African scholars to explore and propose ideas for a peaceful and prosperous Africa. To look at this auspicious occasion in Africa’s historical calendar, we are joined in studio here at the Kara Heritage Institute in Pretoria by:
Frank Lekaba – Junior Researcher at the Human Science Research Council (HSRC)
Sandile Mamella – Spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of Arts and Culture
Dr Motole Motsheka - Founder of the Kara Heritage Institute
Dr Berhanykun Andemicael Writer and African International Relations Specialist
South African Singer Simphiwe Dana
Early this month, media organisations around the world called on governments to protect freedom of expression and protection of the media. On World Press Day, the call laid out in a letter organised by Press Freedom organisation PEN International and signed more than twenty of its regional centers. Countries which are weighed down by dictatorship, civil tension and terrorism the voices of journalists are oppressed. Countries like South Africa suffer from a pluralistic media, owned mainly by foreign funders, seems to pose the challenge of a unilateral conversation that seems to be coming out from the media, especially in the newspaper outlets. And grassroots media struggles to tell a different perspective due to lack of funding and little investment. To look at various issues, which reflect Media Transformation in South Africa, we will be speaking to: • The Chairperson, Phelisa Nkomo.
• CEO Dudu Nchoba Mazibuko-
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza made his first public appearance in the capital Bujumbura yesterday. This is after his government experienced an attempted coup last week, which failed after many days of youths protesting. In his appearance President Nkurunziza sent a warning of a threat posed by Al-Shabaab, the Somali islamist group. Burundi has plunged into crisis after Mr Nkurunziza said he has seeking a third term of office. Critics said the move would be unconstitutional, and there have been almost daily protests since Mr Nkurunziza’s announcement, stirring memories of an ethnically driven civil war that ended a decade ago
Now to take a look at this phenomenon we have on the line:
• Bernard Bankukira: Radio News Producer: Radio Isanganiro: • Dr Phil Clarke: Lecturer in Comparative and International Politics: University of London • Carina Tertsakian: Human Rights Watch: Senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch • Yolanda Bouka: Researcher: Institute for Security Studies based in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to latest reports, Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May suggested that economic migrants who have been rescued from the Mediterranean trying to reach to Europe should be returned home. This statement comes after a UK warship rescued up to 450 people from the Mediterranean yesterday. It has been estimated by the United Nations that up to 60 000 people have tried to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa this year. It has also been stated that the deaths of people drowning during these crossings has increased 20 fold from 2014 - with more than 1, 800 migrants estimated to have died.
Now to take a look at this phenomenon we have on the line:
• Tina Ghelli, Senior Regional External Relations Officer from the United Nations Refugee Agency • Joel Millman, the Press Officer at the International Organisation for Migration
International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world on 12 May of each year, to mark the contributions nurses make to society. The day marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is known as the founder of modern nursing. The day has been celebrated since 1965. The theme for this year's Nurses Day is "Nurses: A Force for Change: Care Effective, Cost Effective".
To help us look at the significance of Nurses:
Ms Thandi Manganye (Acting CEO & Registrar for South African Nursing Council
Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa’s First Deputy President, Letsatsi Modise
The organisation Dignity South Africa has welcomed the North Gauteng High Court ruling allowing a Cape Town advocate to commit medically assisted suicide as the first step towards legalising euthanasia in the country. Willem Landman, the CEO of the Ethics Institute of South Africa and a member of Dignity SA, said the court order was only confined to the specific case of Robert Stransham-Ford, but would make it much easier for others who wanted to follow in his footsteps.Because parliament has not yet decided to adopt the draft legislation on euthanasia, other dying patients in similar circumstances would still have to approach the court for an order to allow them to commit assisted suicide.Not knowing at the time that Stransham-Ford had died, Landman described Judge Hans Fabricius' ruling as a huge victory for Stransham-Ford and for Dignity SA, a non-profit organisation which advocates the legalisation of assisted suicide. The debate about legalising Euthinasia has continued to make headlines.
To help us discuss the different views, we have Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, Spokesperson of South Africa's Department of Justice, Professor Sylvester Chima, Associate Professor, at the University of Kwazulu Natal, Colleges of Head Sciences. Lee Last, Executive Member of Dignity South Africa and Arch Bishop Stephen Zondo Founder and leader of the church, Rivers of Living Waters Ministries:
Cape Town, South Africa, will host the global meeting which brings up to five thousand power and utility professionals under one roof. Not only will the delegates come from African countries but it will also enable them to interact with experts from outside the continent. The 15th annual African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa is the largest utilities conference and exhibition which explores business opportunities, and features trade shows, and power exhibition amongst other things.
To help look at what this is all about, we are joined on the line by: • Nicolette Pombo van Zyl: Program Advisor for the Annual African Utility Week and Editor of ESI-Africa, a magazine specializing in the Energy Industry: • Melusi Maposa : Engineer at Accenture Smart Grid Services:
The life and work of Professsor Ali Mazrui was celebrated this week in an event which brought together intellectuals and scholars from across the continent. This included the former first lady of South Africa, Zanele Mbeki, amongst other high profile leaders. The event was organised by South Africa's University of Johannesburg and The Citizen newspaper. The panel included Abdul Bemath, an indexer of Professor Mazrui's work, Professors Gilbert Khadigala and Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni, as well as the globally acclaimed Dr. Adekeye Adebajo. In their speeches, it was not only Ali Mazrui's work that was discussed, but also the strides he made in the field of both African and Islamic studies.
To speak to us on this great African scholar have on the line:
• Abdul Bemath, Editor and Bibliographer, The Mazruina Collection Revisited: Annotated Bibliography of Ali Mazrui, 1962-2003; - Contact
• Professor Sabelo Ndlovu, Professor and Head of the Archie Mafeje Research Institute at the University of South Africa (UNISA). -
• Izak Khomo, journalist, presenter and producer for Channel Africa's Spotlight Africa
The largest healthcare exhibition is currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa, which will attract over seven thousand healthcare professionals. Africa Health is hosting up to five hundred of key players in the health industry internationally from healthcare suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. On the sidelines of the exhibition there will be conference talks which will focus on nursing, human rights and medical law and sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Now crossing live to Africa Health, we have on the line:
• Lisa Stevens, Executive Director of Informal Life Sciences Exhibitions and Organiser of the 2015 Africa Health Exhibition and Congress • Professor Sylvester Chima, the Associate Professor and Head Programme of Bio and Research Ethics and Medical Law, at the College of Head Science at the University of Kwazulu Natal.
A meeting that looked at combating the illegal trade in wild fauna and flora in Congo-Brazzavile last week, made significant progress in the development of the African Common Strategy, which will be finalized and submitted for adoption to the African Union later in the year. International Conference on Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora In Africa also pushed for countries on the continent to take the leading role at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in introducing the Resolution on Wildlife Crime.
Our guests to take this conversation further are:
• Paul Harrison United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Global Advisor on Wild-Life Enforcement
• Pelham Jones Private Rhino Owners Association
• David Newton TRAFFIC Regional Director Traffic East and Southern Africa
African women scientists, thinkers, policy makers and businesswomen met this week to discuss how scientific research and innovation can be used to alleviate poverty and to create economic empowerment on the continent. The delegates met this week in Cape Town at the 5th Gender Summit Africa, aimed at productive conversations on how Africa can realise its full potential in infrastructure, science and other sectors. The summit started on Tuesday and concluding today. Joining us from Cape Town:
• Professor Andre Beraud, researcher at Gendertime Coordination Team. Equal opportunities for women and men in engineering studies and careers in Europe (ECEPIE) • Dr Sonya Smith, Professor & Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering Principal Investigator, HU ADVANCE-IT • Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, Co-Chair, Pan-African Solidarity Education Network (PASEN), International.
27 April commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa. Today, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of our country and its people from a long period of colonialism and White minority domination . Apartheid 'officially' began in South Africa in 1948, but colonialism and oppression of the African majority had plagued South Africa since 1652. After decades of resistance, a stalemate between the Liberation Movement and the Apartheid government was reached in 1988.The African National Congress , South African Communist Party (SACP) , Pan African Congress (PAC) and other organizations were later unbanned on the 2nd of February 1990, and a non-racial constitution was eventually agreed upon and adopted in 1993. On 27 April 1994, the nation finally cast its vote in the first democratic election in the country. The ANC was then voted into power, and Nelson Mandela inaugurated as the President of South Africa. To help us pick the past success and and future challenges we have, Politicat Analyst, Moeletsi Mbeki and Revereand Thami Mvambo, Secretary-General, of the National Inter-faith Council of South Africa
In 2015, 75% of Africa’s population will be below the age of thirty. As a result, it is essential to give media space for these young people so that the society can hear what is important for them. Children’s radio foundation, an organization created in 2006, trains young radio reporters in five African countries. They produce and broadcast radio shows about issues that affect them, on 68 radio stations across Africa and in 25 different languages!
Our guests are students : Simon, Precious and Titosili
Earth Day is honoured around the world on April 22nd, although larger events such as festivals and rallies are often organised for the weekends before or after April 22nd. Many communities also observe Earth Week or Earth Month, organising a series of environmental activities throughout the month of April. During this time people are encouraged to try to save the earth by installing solar panels on their roofs and save energy, to use water sparingly and not to litter. Schools are encouraged to start vegetable gardens and supply locals. Auto-mobile companies are by law required to manufacture low gas emitting cars in a bit to save our planet. To help us discuss the issues surrounding the day we have Makoma Lekalakala Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Programme Officer for Earth-Life, Patrick Dowling, Environmental Education Project Manager with Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), and Penny-Jane Cooke a Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa:
World Immunization Week 2015 will signal a renewed global, regional, and national effort to accelerate action to increase awareness and demand for immunization by communities, and improve vaccination delivery services. This year’s campaign focuses on closing the immunization gap and reaching equity in immunization levels as outlined in the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). The Plan - endorsed by the 194 Member States of the World Health Assembly in May 2012 ― is a framework to prevent millions of deaths by 2020 through universal access to vaccines for people in all communities.
Our guests are still on the line to further unpack this issue with us: 1. DrBongileMabilane UNICEF
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Dr Mark Jit Senior Lecturer in Vaccine Epidemiology London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
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Dr Anne von Gottberg Clinical Microbiologist National Institute for Communicable Diseases
The UN Secretary General says the world must not forget the over 276 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria exactly one year ago. The abductions sparked an international outcry and the launch of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign. According to Amnesty International says the terhe UN Secretary General says the world must not forget the over 276 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria exactly one year ago. The abductions sparked an international outcry and the launch of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign. According to Amnesty International says the terrorist group is responsible for at least 2000 female abductions in 2014 alone - actions the UN Chief has called abhorrent. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports on the statement issued by the UN to mark the anniversary. rorist group is responsible for at least 2000 female abductions in 2014 alone - actions the UN Chief has called abhorrent.
Today on our program we look at this topic we are joined by: • Japheth J Omojuwa: A Nigerian blogger, socio-economic and political commentator, environmental consultant, Social Media expert and mentor • Mbuyiselo Botha is Sonke Gender Justice's Government and Media Relations Manager. • Lindy Khoza, from the South African Women in Dialogue
The KwaZulu-Natal Government and Ethekwini Municipality has condemned attacks and retaliation associated with attacks on foreign nationals in the Durban CBD yesterday. The violence spread from the townships around Durban to the city centre where foreign nationals armed and defended themselves against attacks. Dumisani Shange reports that the city centre resembled a war zone during the clash between foreigners and the locals. Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has dismissed reports that he's apologised to King Goodwill Zwelithini for reprimanding him over the comments he made about foreign nationals. Addressing displaced foreign nationals, Gigaba had said leaders should refrain from using inflammatory language - which some interpreted as a reference to the King. To help us look at the situation in-depth we have : • Mrs Elinor Sisulu, Human Rights Activist and political analyst • Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesperson of South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs • Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, Acting General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches • Mr Mkhululi White, National Coordinator, Protection of Foreign Business and Citizens
For many years, calls to include one of the 54 African states in the United Nations Security Council have been made. Last week, Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe lamented the lack of transformation of the United Nations Security Council. Mugabe who is also the African Union and SADEC chair was speaking after private talks with President Jacob Zuma during his visit to South Africa. He says while the continent continues to propose changes to the veto system, there is still resistance from some of the permanent members. To help us analyse the situation, and the importance of the Security Council at the UN we have • Dr Jakkie Cilliers, the Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies, • Mr Oshupeng Maseng, a lecturer at the University of the North West, in South Africa, and .Candice Moore, Senior researcher at The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) a South Africa-based civil society organisation :
Addressing a recent summit of the Common Market for East and Southern Africa, COMESA, African Development Bank Vice-President Dr. Geraldine Fraser Moleketi noted that industrialisation was a necessity for the transformation of Africa and for inter-regional trade. However, she cautioned delegates in the Tanzanian capital of Addis Ababa cautioned that very little has been done in the Sub-Saharan Africa's quest to industrialise. She urged Africa to use all tools, resources and policy instruments at its disposal to achieve all this. To help us look at this summit and the outcomes we earlier spoke to Dr. Fraser Moleketi herself, and Dr Peter Karunga, an independent economist
The historic election results last week in Nigeria drew worldwide praise and stirred hopes of a democratic domino effect on the rest of the continent. If an incumbent president could step down willingly, and power could be transferred peacefully from one party to another in Nigeria, with its history of military coups and deadly ethnic and religious rivalries, not to mention a raging Islamist insurgency, why wouldn’t the same happen elsewhere? In the last two decades, incumbents have lost elections and peacefully handed over power to the opposition in about 10 other African countries, mostly smaller nations like Senegal, Benin, Zambia and Malawi. To look at this new development and expectations from the rest of the continent, we are joined on the line by: Japheth Omujuwa: Nigeria Blogger Martine Ewi: Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies Deprosa Muchena: Director: Amnesty International Southern Region Richard Ioanya: [Polotica Analyst at the University of Pretoria
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
For much of this week, many roads will heads to religious destinations where anthems of “halleluyahs” will resound the air and many will assume roles as pilgrims this Easter Weekend. Traditional African religions have been heavily influenced by Western faiths and some have been lost due to modernisation. Channel Africa presenter Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Funlayo E. Wood, director of the African and Diasporic Religious Studies Association and Professor Pitika Ntuli, expert in African indigenous knowledge systems.
The World Health Organisation estimates that about eighty percent of African people living on the continent consult traditional healers before visiting their GP. It is also claimed that traditional healers to this day are still regarded as important on the continent as consulting modern health facilities. However, has the modern scientific community realised the significance of traditional methods of healing and therapy?
To look at this question we are joined by:
• Professor Shamy: Healer and Psychic • Dr Norman Mabasa, Chairperson of the National Convention on Dispensing:Doctors • Dr Nhlavana Maseko, President of the Traditional Healer Organization:
The recent airline crash has been the Germanwings Airbus crashes in French Alps with 150 people on board. The Germanwings plane flying from Barcelona to Dusseldorf disappeared off the radar before crashing. The crashes has been of concern internationally, as in the last 14 months that have been a series of high profile air crashes, a worrying number of which remain unresolved. There has also been talk in the public sphere on the safety of travelling using airlines and the competency of pilots. Today on the program we look at aviation safety. To help us look at the weekend’s happenings we have on the line” • J.P Truter, is the deputy CEO of the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa • Mandy Van Der Moelen, chief flight instructor with the South African Flight Training Association • Linden Burns, MD of the magazine Plane Talking
The head of Nigeria's electoral commission said yesterday that the first results could be announced starting today. Attahiru Jega, chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that they hope that they will be able to declare within forty eight hours. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon congratulated Nigeria for holding a "largely peaceful and orderly" ballot this past weekend. However, there were technical problems with new devices to read bio-metric voter identity cards along with the delayed arrival of election material. Jega said that 348 polling stations across the country were affected, including 90 in the financial hub of Lagos in the southwest, including two in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.
To help us look at the weekend's happenings we have on the line:
• Japheth J Omojuwa: A Nigerian blogger, socio-economic and political commentator, environmental consultant, Social Media expert and mentor. • Martin Ewi: Researcher based at the Institute for Security Studies in Johannesburg
The African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development is currently hosting the 11th Partnership Platform of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program in Johannesburg. The theme of this forum is “Walking the Talk”. This is an Africa-led initiative meant to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty. To do this, African governments have agreed to increase public investment in agriculture by a minimum of 10 percent of their national budgets to raise agricultural productivity by at least 6 percent per annum. To help us discuss this we are now joined on the line by:
Asatu Jalou : NEPAD: Head of Programme Development
Dr Nalishebo Meebelo: Deputy Co-ordinator of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
The Unite Nations (UN) Secretary General recently wrote: "To address the many challenges related to water, we must work in a spirit of urgent co-operation, open to new ideas and innovation and prepared to share the solutions that we all need for a sustainable future". He was saying this in an opinion peace on the Saturday Star of the 21 March 2014 dubbed "The World needs to be Water Wise". Statistics suggest 748 million around the world do not have access to clean drinking water, and everyday women around the world spend about 200 hours carrying water, that means on average women in these regions spend about 25% of their day collecting water for their families. In South Africa, 35% of clean drinking water is used for gardening. To help us look at the water situation in Africa, we have Dr Thomas Nkambule from the University of South Africa, Dr Matthys Dippenaar of the University of Pretoria's Geology Department, Melita Steele of Green Peace Africa and Dr Chris Maseki of South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation:
A group of University of Cape Town students in South Africa say they will continue occupying one of the buildings at the institution until management gives them a definite date when the statue of British Colonialist, Cecil John Rhodes, will be removed. The group of around 30 people has been camping out at the Bremner building, since Friday afternoon. They had initially indicated that their sit-in would be for the duration of the weekend. In a campaign, now known as "Rhodes Must Fall", there has been the throwing of faeces at the statue and calls by students at Rhodes University in Grahamstown for a name change. To discuss the situation, we have Chumani Maxwele , a Cape Town student involved in the protest, and Benjamin Fogel a freelance Journalist and former Rhodes Student:
Keith Tabisher – senior education specialist for music for the Western Cape Education department in South Africa. Camillo Lombard – Music Director of the Traning programmes and Principal at the Music Institute. Lynn Hannibal from Heathfield High Schootl from Groote Schuur, Cape Town. South Africa
We continue our live broadcasting at the Second Annual Public-Private Dialogue Forum On Infrastructure Projects to be held in Rosebank, Johannesburg South Africa
Channel Africa will be broadcasting live at the Second Annual Public-Private Dialogue Forum On Infrastructure Projects to be held in Rosebank, Johannesburg South Africa
Six teachers from Africa have been named as some of the most innovative an international prize which has shortlisted only 50 educators in the world The Global Teachers Prize, also reffered to as the Nobel Prize for Teaching, is the largest occasion of its kind which acknowledges teachers who use creative ways of teaching. The teachers from continent slected for the prize come from countries which include Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar. To tell us more, here is Albert Nsengiyyumva, Rwandan Minister in charge of primary and secondary education, and South African Esther Mc Farlane from the Youth Advocacy Group:
Music journalism is quickly becoming a dying art in mainstream media outlets in South Africa, with the country’s newspaper and online news platform shredding away their sections of art, dance, film and live performance reviews. The conversation of new music and reflecting on the past of South African music, has now unfortunately moved on to the peripheries of the blogosphere and independent online world. An unfortunate situation persists in a country rich in the current vibrancy, where new movements of music in jazz, South African hip-hop and cultural variations of music in the country remain under-documented. Bringing back this conversation of relationship between music and the written world is the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, by hosting a public reading and panel discussion led by art journalist, Percy Mabandu. This will take place a few days before the main festival in Cape Town, South Africa. To look at the relationship between the arts and journalism, and where this industry finds itself in contemporary South Africa we earlier speak to:
• Percy Mabandu, art writers and journalist. • Fiona Lloyd, South African journalist • Peter McKenzie - who heads up the photo journalism course - has also confirmed. He can be contacted on
A jawbone of what is described to be from “the first human” has recently been discovered in Ethiopia. The fossil piece is said to be as be around 2.8 million years old, which is four hundred years older than the oldest than time when researchers thought human had first existed. The fossil has been reported to be found by an Ethiopian Archaeological student, and due to this new discovery researchers are saying that this fossil gives the first insight into the most important transitions in human evolution. My colleague, Tumelo Zulu, spoke to the fossil discover Chalachew Seyoum, this morning, to find out more:
To help us make sense of all these big terms and language we have on the line:
Professor Francis Thackeray Wits University Evolutionary Studies Institute
Reinoud Boers Chairman: South African Archaeology Society
Senegal is hosting a three day African Higher Education Summit starting today. The Summit will centre on the theme: “Revitalizing Higher Education for Africa’s Future.” The primary goal of the summit is to develop a common vision and contribute towards the development of an action plan to transform the African higher education sector in the next 50 years. To assist us look at this summit we are joined by:
• Dr. Tendai Murisa - Executive Director: Trust-Africa. • Dr. Nkem Khumba: The Centre of African Studies at the University of Michigan (USA). He is an expert on Science Technology and Mathematics (STEM) issues.
The year 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Considered the most comprehensive blueprint on advancing women's rights, the 1995 Beijing roadmap was adopted by 189 governments. But 20 years on, the commitments made are only partially fulfilled. From today until the 20th of this month, the 59th Commission on the Status of Women review global implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and take stock of where women stand in the world today. But from the political to the economic spheres, progress has been made, but not enough. To help us unpack this subject we are joined on the line by:
• Phindile Dhlamini: Managing Director: The Gracefully Consulting Team • Dr Vuyo Mahlati, President of the International Woman's Forum SA • Commissioner Thoko Mpumlwana:Deputy Director for gender Equality
South Africa's Cape Town International Jazz Festival is billed as one of the largest jazz festival on the African Continent, and the fourth largest in the world. The festival brings a melting pot international artists into the continent for a feast of jazz and urban music. It begins on the 19th of this month and goes on for ten days. However the festival does not only focus on entertaining crowds, but also includes strong development programmes in disadvantage communities. To help us explore the theme - How important is cultural exchange for social development, we have Billy Domingo, co-founder and Festival Director , China Dyira, Project manager of the Intyholo Jazz Development Programme and Craig Sparks, Assistant Manager for Planning of the Festival
The International Telecommunications Union, treaty which was signed in June 2006, stipulated that by June 2015, signatories need to have migrated from analogue to digital broadcasting services. It was signed in Geneva at the conclusion of the ITU's Regional Radio communication Conference and it signaled the development of 'all-digital' terrestrial broadcast services for sound and television. The idea is that by 2015 Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Islamic Republic of Iran, are supposed to have digitized their broadcasting. Digital broadcasting represents a more equitable, just and people-centered Information Society. But the question on everybody’s lips is, how far have the African continent gone in migrating from analogue to digital broadcasting and what are challenges and opportunities. To help us look at this and give us more light on this we are joined by:
To assist us on this we are now joined on the line by: • James Mbugua: Communication Consultant Nairobi, Kenya • Hans-Werner Matthaei: Project Manager Namibia Broadcasting Corporation:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is said to be closing its operations in Namibia, and building its support in South Africa. In recent times South Africa has been scripted as one of the most preferred destination for asylum seekers as well as immigrants. We have also witnessed that due to the current scio-economic situation in South Africa , relations between asylum seekers , refugees and poor South Africans have soured. To help us analyse the situation we have:
Ms Clementine Nkweta -Salami, UNHCR Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Mkhuseli Apleni, Director General of South Africa’s Department of Home Afairs And Beatrix Marais, Acting National Executive Director of Child Welfare in SA
Maputo, Mozambique is currently hosting a two-day international conference on Indigenous Languages, with the aim of promoting Southern African dialects. While colonial languages such as English and Portuguese are normally used as main languages for business and education, but local dialects such as Shona and Zulu have been demoted to home languages. To help us investigate the situation we have Professor Sozinho Matsinhe, Africa, Professor Ekkehard Wolff Who held the position of Chair for African linguistics at Germany's University of Leipzig, Professor Leketi Makalela, Head of the Division of Languages, Literacies at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Professor David Mosoma Deputy Chairperson of the South African based RL Rights Commission:
A decision has been made by the African Union to deploy a multinational joint task force to Nigeria to fight the militant Islamist group Boko Haram. A meeting held in Nigeria earlier this month by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, has confirmed up to 7.500 troops from Nigeria and its four neighboring countries, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger that shall embark on the fight against Nigeria’s terrorist group, but an obstacle to the agreement on funding could delay the force’s deployment. It’s of importance to receive the approval in getting the U.N Security Council’s go ahead for military involvement by other African countries in support of to diminish the Boko Haram. To help us on this story: • Liesl Louw-Vaundran: Independent Journalist and Analyst • Mausi Segun: Human Rights Watch Researcher • Netsanet Belay: Africa Director for Research and Advocacy : Amnesty International • Check Achua, Research Specialist: Peace and Security program of the Africa Institute of South Africa, AISA
The African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA), in collaboration with the South African government, is sending 23 South African health workers to Ebola affected countries. The health workers, including 20 nurses and three paramedics are expected to depart Johannesburg for Sierra Leone on Friday, 20 February 2015. African Union Commissioner of Social Affairs, Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, commended the South African government for sending health workers, saying that the 835 African medical personnel so far deployed by ASEOWA have impacted positively in reducing both new infections and deaths from Ebola. To look at this we are joined on the line by:
Sarah L. Barber: World Health Organization Representative based in Pretoria South AfricaJoe Maila: South Africa Ministry of Health: Spokesperson:
Dr Pappie Majuba: Chief Medical Officer: Right to Care
With the new conversation of regional and continental integration, as a new agenda aspired by the African Union. The conversation includes the idea of an African passport is one that may take centre stage in the near future. With Successes of the East African Community with their own regional passport, for Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. A progressive stance that is hoped will improve industrial and Tourist developments. To help us analyse the possibility of a continental passport, we have Dr Chris Nshimbi, Co-director of GovInn (the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation at the University of Pretoria, and Roshan Dadoo, Regional Advocacy officer for the consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa:
South Africa's Parliament this week insisted that it has enacted legislation which covers the full field of access to information, including private donor information belonging to political parties. This emerged in the Constitutional Court during arguments in an application brought by the My Vote Counts Campaign. They want the Court to compel parliament to enact specific legislation to regulate the disclosure of political parties' private donor information. To analyse the situation in Africa, AFRICA Dialogue's Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Ben Winks, an Associate at the Law Firm Webber and Wentzel, and also a supporter of the My Vote Counts Campaign, and Glen Mpani, Democracy and Governance Programme Manager at the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa
The new way forward for Africa was unpacked recently at the Heads of State African Union summit held in Addis Ababa. Agenda 2063 was adopted as the ambitious political commitment for development of Africa, focusing on regional integration and industrialisation on the continent. To help us explain what the plan actually means, we have Talla Kebe, Acting Head of Knowledge Management,with the New Partnership for African Development - NEPAD - and help collating the BluePrint on the implementation of Agenda 2063, and Professor Alinah Segobye, a lecturer at the South African-based Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute:
Last month , the African Union and China signed a memorandum of understanding that is said to be under the framework of the AU's Agenda 2063, which aims to accelerate development on the continent. For more on this agreement Africa Dialogue's Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Doctor Ross Anthony, Acting Director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University here in South Africa, and Sanusha Naidu, Project Manager of the Emerging Powers project at Fahamu........
This year’s Investing in Mining Indaba is in full swing in Cape Town South Africa. It is featuring an array of globally recognized economic visionaries, mining though leaders and some of Africa’s largest deal-makers. It’s being attended by nearly 7 000 delegates from more 110 counties. To look at some of the real issues to be discussed at this years Indaba we are joined by:
Peter Major: Mining Consultant from Cadiz Corporate Solutions in Cape Town:
Khanyisile Thandiwe Kweyama, Vice Chairperson of the South African Chamber of Mines and CEO of Business Unity South Africa (Busa): Spokesperson-Zingaphi Matanzima
Tigere Chatgutah(Pronounced Chagutha) Pan Africa Campaigner on Development Finance at Oxfam:
This week Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe started his work as the African Union Chair at the organization’s headquarters in Addis Ababa. On Tuesday the controversial African leader was in a meeting with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa executive secretary Dr Carlos Lopez to look at the new agenda of the AU, which is the Agenda 2063 program of action. Despite criticism from civil society in the west against Mugabe leading the AU, the European Union decided to lift a travel ban on Mugabe during his tenure as the new leader of the African Union. Benjamin Moshatama today spoke to Piers Pigou, Crisis Group's Southern Africa Project Director and Dirk Kotze, Professor in Political Sciences at the University of South Africa .
South Africa ranks as number four on a list of countries with the riskiest drinking patterns, making it the number one country on the continent struggling with the problem of bingeing. South African women topped the list of heavy-drinking females in Africa. The WHO reported that 41.2% of South African women were binge drinkers, followed by Burkina Faso (36.8%), Mozambique (32.8%), Nigeria (32.9%) and Zimbabwe (20.3%). In a new research the Medical Research Council, South Africa lost three hundred billion Rands in 2009 as a result of alcohol abuse. Caro Smit: Founder and Director of South Africans Against Drunk Driving, David Fourie, Regional Director of South African National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence and Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use CEO, Dr Osborn Mahanjana
The first large scale Ebola vaccine trial is underway in Liberia, one of the three major countries affected by the virus in West Africa. It is reported that the vaccine will be tested on an estimated thirty thousand people and this comes after successful clinical trials in Britain, the United States, Switzerland and Mali which involved two-hundred healthy volunteers. The outbreak has claimed the lives of more than eight-thousand-five-hundred people, the vast majority in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Channel Africa's Benjamin Moshatama earlier spoke to Dr Thomas Nyirenda; the South-South Networking and Capacity Development Manager at the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, which is based at the Medical Research Council. In the same conversation he also spoke to Dr Margaret Harris, from the World Health Organisation's Ebola Director General's Office. Dr Harris emphasised that the vaccine is still at an experimental stage.
• This week the African Union Heads of States Summit is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and delegates from across the continent meet under theme of 2015 being the “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”. The selection of the theme is contributing that the AU chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is committed to gender issues but there is also a bigger picture of her projections into the future of Africa’s agenda. This will be done through Agenda 2063, a roadmap outlining its priorities for the next fifty years. Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Seychelles, Jean Paul Adam and Joy Phumaphi who is the African Leaders Malaria Alliance Executive Secretary.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
A dialogue for women impacted by the extraction of coal in South Africa and other African countries hosted by WoMin Southern Africa, enters its fourth day Johannesburg, South Africa. With a theme “Women Stand their Ground against Big Coal” the exchange brings together participants from Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The exchange sees to create awareness and educate women about the struggles and challenges they face in the extraction and combustion of coal.
To assist us on this we will be speaking to:
• Samantha Hargreaves- Regional coordinator of WoMin • Nhlanhla Mgomezulu- Co-ordinator- Highveld Environment Justice Network • Susan Chilala-Secretary- Rural Womens Assembly-Zambia
Zambia has extended by-presidential elections into a second day as torrential rain left some polling stations unable to open. Election authorities said voting failed to take place in some remote parts of the country after downpours rendered them inaccessible. Material for more than 140 polling stations and some 1,500 polling officers were to have been airlifted to villages cut off by the rains yesterday. Voters in at least two dozen out of around 6,000 polling stations are expected to cast ballots today.
The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) kicks off today, in Davos Switzerland and will bring together country leaders, and those from business, government, international organizations to discuss the global economy. This year’s theme is said to be “The New Global Context” which will focus on the economic, political, economic and technological changes that the world is experiencing. Before its meeting (WEF) published 14 measures to tackle global economy, which include minimum wages, trade union membership and investment in the public sector. The international confederation, Oxfam, also released a report which puts those gathering at the forum under pressure. The Oxfam report shows that by next year one percent of the world’s population will be wealthier than the other 99%. Also up to debate has been the issue of the effectiveness of the World Economic Forum. To assist us on this we will be speaking to:
• Oxfam in Southern Africa ’s Governance Coordinator, Mthandazo Ndlovu • Vivian A. Atud Economist and partner, at Atud and Associates
The past Saturday marked the 54th anniversary of the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected leader of what is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lumumba's Pan-Africanism and his vision of a united Congo gained him both many admirers and many enemies. Both Belgium and the United States actively sought to have him killed. The CIA ordered his assassination but could not complete the job. Instead, the United States and Belgium covertly funnelled cash and aid to rival politicians who seized power and arrested Lumumba. On January 17, 1961, after being beaten and tortured, Lumumba was shot and killed.
To help us unpack this we have : Dr Check Achu, of the Africa Institute of South Africa programme at the Human Science Research Council - HSRC, Claude Kabemba CEO of the Southern Africa Resource Watch, Professor Sphiwe Sesanti, Associate Professor of Journalism, Media and Philosophy at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province
The UN-Water Annual Zaragoza Conferences starts t oday and will serve as part of the road map for World Water Day 2015, which will focus on “water and sustainable development”. This conference is essential as the post-2015 international agenda for water will be decided at the conference. The conference which is underway in Zaragoza, Spain, will focus on practical tools for implementing the future agenda in water and sanitation. More than 300 participants from United Nations Agencies and programmes, experts, representatives of the business community, governmental and non-governmental organizations will meet at the conference f or discussion.
To assist us on this we are now joined on the line by:
• Shauna Curry is an engineer and the CEO of CAWST, the centre for affordable water and sanitation technology. CAWST is a Canadian-based charity that ha reached 9.3 million people with safe drinking water and basic sanitation in 68 countries. The Organisation focuses on teaching people the knowledge and skills they need to address their water and sanitation needs • Josefina Maestu is from UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC) • George Constantinides, specialist and senior consultant for South Africa’s Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation.
Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and now abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state. Their latest attack being the Baga killings last week ; the figures of a death toll between 150 to 2000 people has been making its rounds in media. The 2015 Baga massacre has been described as a series of mass killings and attacks believed to have been committed and still ongoing in the Nigerian town of Baga and its environs, in the state of Borno, between 3 January and 7 January 2015 by the terrorist organization Boko Haram.
Today on African Dialogue we ask the question: Who is Boko Haram?
To assist us on this we are now joined on the line by:
• Dr Babatunde Fagbayibo, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public, Constitutional and International Law at the University of South Africa • Ben Shemang: Deputy Director of News at The Voice of Nigeria: • Zakari Aliyu, independent journalist in Nigeria,
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) yesterday launched the first National Sex Worker HIV Prevention and Treatment Program in Johannesburg. However government has come out with gun blazing telling a sex workers meeting that legalising the sex trade is out of the question.. To make sense out of this we have Joe Rassouw: The Networking HIV/AIDS Community of South Africa (NACOSA) and Kholi Buthelezi: National Coordinator for Sisonke Sex Worker Movement:
Last week, the satirical magazine in Paris, Charlie Hebdo, was attacked by gunmen. Seventeen people were killed in attacks on a satirical magazine, police officers and a kosher supermarket. - eight of them were journalists. The South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF, has condemned in the strongest terms the murder of staff members of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. SANEF says the attack creates an unnecessary tension between religious freedom and freedom of speech. Meanwhile the Muslim Judicial Council says Freedom of speech is to be respected, but does have limits when it borders on what could be perceived as hate speech. South African cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro says it's the worst attack on journalism, satirists, the press, and all free-thinkers in society that we have seen in recent times. To help us debate the events that happened, we have Zakir Mayet, the Media Review Network South Africa chairman, and Sue Valentine, the Africa Programme Director for the Committee to Protect Journalists:
Since the start of the year , several countries in Southern Africa have been hit by floods. South Africa was the first to be hit by torrential rains. In particular Johannesburg and surrounding areas . Flooded roads and bridges, as well as hail damage meant the Johannesburg Emergency Management services personnel together with Disaster Management officials were on high alert and communities were urged to monitor water levels and move to higher ground when there is a need to do so. Motorist were advised not to try and cross flooded roads and bridges. Zimbabwe also had to deal with flooding as the region confronts the peak of the rainy season, heavy rains hit Zimbabwe.Normally heavy rains would be welcomed, however the weather appears to be harder than usual. Yet a report by Southern Africa's Food Security Alert says the erratic start to the season and increased likelihood of below-average January to March rainfall could affect crop performance. To help us analyse the situation we have Mnikeli Ndabambi, General Manager Operations for the South Africa Weather Service, Dr Mark Tadross, Research Fellow in Climatology at Cape Town University and Dominique Doyle, from Earthlife Africa, Johannesburg:
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an international campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The period includes Universal Children's Day and World AIDS Day. According to Unicef One woman or child in every 833 people is raped in South Africa, which is far above the global average of one in 10,000. However the real level of rape is much higher, as many cases go unreported. Where women are exposed to violence and are unprotected, children are equally at risk . Usually child abuse is often correlated with domestic violence.
To assist us on this topic we speak to:
• Nadi Albino, Chief of Education at UNICEF • Ms Nco Blose, Programme Coordinator of Children’s Rights • Vincentia Dlamini Ngobese Operations Director at the Women & Men Against Child Abuse
The World Social Forum on Migration was created in Brazil in 2005 to provide a platform for democratic debates and create alternative models to existing migration agendas and policies. For the first time in its history, the 6th World Social Forum on migration is being held on the African continent. It seeks to contribute to the global immigration policy framework. It further seeks to strengthen social movements working on human rights and migration in Africa and the rest of the globe. Today on the program we are joined by: Professor Raul Delgado UNESC) Chair of migration, co-ordinator of palestinian Refugee Council Lina Cahuasqui International Director for Migrants, Refugees and displaced people network Dr Etienne Mutabazi Administration Officer for the World Social Forum on Migration
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe told an estimated 12 000 delegates attending the elective congress of the Zanu-PF party yesterday that speculation that he will step down is foolish and idiotic. The 90 year old Mugabe has recently accused his Vice President and one-time heir apparent Joyce Mujuru of plotting to unseat him and was conspiring with the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and the United States. Mujuru has been ejected from the leadership of the Zanu-PF in what some claim has been by way of a three month campaign by first lady Grace Mugabe to remove her from her position as Vice President.
To assist us on this topic we earlier spoke:
• Piers Pigou, who is the International Crisis Group's Southern Africa Project Director
• David Moore, an independent political analyst who has worked at the University of Johannesburg,
Mfundo Mlilo, Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition spokesperson
Simon Muchemwa – CA Zimbabwe Correspondent
Every year from the 25th of November to the 10th of December South Africa and other countries initiated a campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse. There are many activities emphasising the abuse of Women and Children, and most calls are for such a campaign to be continued for 365 days. However few people ignore the fact that men are also abused and raped, and this could be because society has never painted the image of a man being vulnerable and many male victims are embarrassed. To help use try and analyse the situation further, We have Martin Pelders, from Matrix Men, Surviving Rape and Sexual Abuse ,and Mmatshilo Motsei, Author , speaker and life coach in the field of Gender and Gender Violence and Rees Mann Executive Director of SAMOSA (South African Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse):
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
There are discussions that are currently taking place in China regarding the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy building base at Walvis Bay, on the coastal border between Namibia and South Africa in the next ten years. According to reports this will be one of the 18 naval bases built in various regions in Africa and the Chinese government maintains this is to ensure the safety of international maritime routes. The other proposed ports are Lagos in Nigeria, Kenya's Mombasa port and Angola's port of Luanda. To help us analyse the Chinese moves and the reasons for them, we have Helmoed Heitman defence analyst and consultant, Dr Francois Vrey, from the faculty of Military Science at South Africa's University of Stellenbosch, and Tim Walker, Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies.
The international community is today marking the beginning of the 16 days of Activism Against of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. This an international campaign observed from 25 November to 10 December to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence has on women, children and society in general. This year's campaign will be held under the theme "Count Me In. Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward". The campaign will also mark its 16th Anniversary of raising gender based violence, reflect on 20 years of democracy in South Africa, and 60 years of the Women's Charter. To help us unpack this we have Katherine Robinson: Editor: & Communications Manager at the Southern African Non governmental organisation Gender Links, Briggtte Silion Programme Officer Inter Parliamentary Union working a programme to end violence against women and girls, and Moleya Mwanadyanga, Campaign Deputy Director with Amnesty International:
The fight against the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa requires the efforts of all citizens across the world. Of the 6 countries that are battling to contain this disease, Liberia is the worst hit, with nearly 3 thousand deaths recorded. This state of affairs has spurred Marvin Tarawally, a Liberian citizen who graduated from the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, to launch a fund raising campaign to raise funds to support a local organization in Liberia. Through the organizations which he co-founded in his country, the Student Reform Initiative, Marvin hopes to support at least 5 thousand families in protecting themselves from contracting the disease. Marvin Tarawally, and Faith Abidou from the African Leadership Academy and Fatima Shabodien, who is the ActionAid Country Director.
A two-day summit entitled : Global Watch, Say No To Racism-Discrimination in all Sport begins in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday 20th November. The event will host speakers such as Sepp Blatter, President of the world soccer governing body FIFA, Former South African President Thabo Mbeki and many others. The aim being to address the phenomenon internationally, and follows incidents such as the black American tennis players Venus and Serena being referred to as the Williams brothers in Russia, and Soccer player Mario Malotelli being called many racial terms among his own country fans during Italy's World Cup training camp. To help us preview the summit, we have Professor John Samuel, the Strategic Advisor of Global Watch, and South Africa's member of the International Olympic Committee, Sam Ramsamy::
At the end of the G20 Summit this past weekend leaders approved a package of 800 measures which are aimed at helping increase economic output by 2.1% by 2018 if implemented. The G20 leaders acknowledged that the world economy is not growing fast enough and committed to work in partnership to lift growth, boost economic resilience and strengthen global institutions.
Also on the agenda was call by leaders at the two day summit to see effective action on climate change and promised in this regard to reveal new emission reduction targets early next year.
On the line we have:
• Marienne Buenaventura Goldman: Governance Advisor at Oxfam • Wolfe Braude: New Business Development and Stakeholder Manager at the South African Institute of International Affairs • Thulane Shongwe head of multilateral co-operation at the African Tax Administration Forum Mmakgoshi Phetha-Lekhete, deputy director general of International and Regional Economic Policy in South Africa’s department in South Africa’s National Treasury
Between now and the year 2050 Sub-Saharan Africa is the region in the world that has been projected to have the youth population in the world. The region has the fastest population growth; however the reason of region having high numbers of unemployed youth is because of structural issues relating to specific countries. In this climate, the promotion of youth entrepreneurship could be the key to changing this tide, by empowering African youths with the right skills, knowledge and resources to create their own career paths and forge businesses.
Today on the program we look at the importance of youth entrepreneurship on the continent:
• Segun Olagunju. Head of Entrepreneurial Leadership Department at the African Leadership Academy • Dr Vijay Bahadur, the dean of the Institute 4 Success. • Sandile Mthembu, entrepreneur • Alton Jafta, entrepreneur,
There has been good news for tourism in Southern Africa. According to a recently released MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index,the South African cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town are second and third most popular destination cities in Africa, Casablanca in Morocco took top sport. But what makes a city attractive to tourists? To help discuss this: we have Laurice Taitz, Publisher and Editor of the Guide - Johannesburg in Your Pocket Kashi Dongo, Marketing Director with the Regional Tourism Organisation for Southern Africa - RETOSA:
A declaration has been signed at the 2014 Gender, Water and Development Conference, where African ministers were committed to equal access to clean drinking water, reliable sanitation and gender equity within the water sector in Africa. The declaration was signed by members of the African Ministers Council on Water which comprises of over fifty African countries. Led by South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane, ministers made a pledge to position women as the key drivers of the economic development agenda in the water sector.
On the line we have:
• Mariet Verhoef- Cohen. President Women for Water Partnership
• Magdeline Mathiba-Madiba -Head of Gender Unit at the SADC Secretariat
• Pamela Tshwete- Deputy Minister of the South African Department of Water and Sanitation
An event which is described as the Mecca of the world of African literature will take place this week in Johannesburg, bringing together academics, writers, literary scholars and readers of African literature under one roof. The third African Century International African Writers conference will take place between the 7th and 8th of November at Museum Africa in the inner city of Johannesburg. This year the conference will host, amongst other speakers, Samia Yaba Nkrumah; the daughter of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who is the chairperson and leader of The Convention Peoples Party and Executive Director of The Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre. The conference aims to create a platform for Africans to reflect on the contribution of African Writers in the development of the continent.
On the line we have:
• Hon. Samia Yaba Nkrumah: Executive Director The Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre; Chairperson and Leader: Convention Peoples Party • Dr Zagba Oyortey: Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments . Morakabe Seakhoa, Managing Director: wRite associates
This week young people will have the opportunity to experience certain aspects of the parliamentary process and learn more about democracy. At least 80 to 90 youngsters from commonwealth countries are being hosted at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Parliament in South Africa. The youth between the ages 18 to 29 will participate in discussions, mock parliament sessions and tours around the province of the North West. The activities will take place at the Legislature Chamber under the theme; “Deepening the Commonwealth’s Commitment to Democracy and Youth Development”.
To look at the processes in parliament we have on the line: • Michelle Roopnarinr – Trinidad and Tobago • Jahanyab Javaid Aslan – Pakistan • Sibonelo Jere – Zambia • Tebogo Chaane – Spokesperson for the Speaker of the North West Legislature
South Africa’s Water Research Commission is hosting the Gender, Water and Development Conference from today until Friday this week. The conference which is taking place at the East London International Convention Center in the province of Eastern Cape is themed “The Untapped Connection”. The five day conference aims to unpack issues connected to water scarcity as well as gender intervention in the water sector. The conference is hosted in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation of South Africa, African Ministers’ Council On Water (AMCOW), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Women for Water Partnership. To assist us to unpack this subject we are closing live to the East London International Convention Center. There we have: • Barbara Schreiner- Conference Chairperson and Chair of the Water Research Commission Board. • Dhesigen Naidoo - CEO of the Water Research Commission • Sputnik Ratau - Ministerial spokesperson of the Department of Water and Sanitation (SA)
The President of Zambia Michael Sata died on Tuesday in London, United Kingdom. According to British newspaper The Telegraph, Sata died in King Edward VII hospital. He was earlier believed to be receiving treatment at Harley Street Clinic in London. Sata is said to have been suffering from prostate cancer and other ailments. The president missed his country's 50th Independence celebrations on Friday last week. The 77-year old Statesman’s medical condition had kept him away from public life since the opening of Zambian parliament on the18th of September this year.
To help us look at this day: • Dr Neo Simutanyi: Political Scientist and Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue: • Bheki Radebe: Acting Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Co-operation in South Africa • President of the Law Association of Zambia: George Chisanga • Mr James Thornton, The British High Commissioner
The first Africa Conference on Land Grab 2014 is currently underway in Midrand, Johannesburg. The conference brings together speakers and panelists who will be presenting papers and discussions which focus on the challenges and advantages of the sale and the lease of arable land t o powerful individuals and foreign corporate. Over the last three years, seventy million hectares of Africa’s arable land has been either bought or leased to foreign companies. Often these large scale transactions are carried out under the appearance of efforts against food insecurity and creating jobs for African citizen. To look at this conference, Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Dr Blessing Karumbidza, senior research associate at the Durban University of Technology, Elijah Agnew Mbwavi, Director of Regio Development Africa at Regional Development Solutions and Michael O’Brien Oyenka, (Executive Director of Green Peace Africa)
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
It’s all systems go for Zambia’s 50th Independence celebrations taking place today and tomorrow. Celebrations will take place in about 10 various locations in the country. Unfortunately, the incumbent president, Michael Sata will be not attending due to incapacitation. Throngs of Zambians are expected to fill up the venues. To help us look at this day: • Chales Milupi: President of the Opposition for Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) • Professor Sitwala Imenda: Executive Dean of Education Hailing from Zambia and now with University of Ziluland • McDonald Chipenzi, Executive Director Foundation for Democratic Process
Africa Week 2014 was celebrated recently at the United Nations headquarters and was aimed at promoting the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and identify ways of how the United Nations could support the union consisting of 54 African states. In one of the gatherings last week, Sam Kutesa, the current president of the sixty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, put NEPAD in the spotlight saying it Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa laid a foundation for the development of critical regional and continental infrastructure.
To assist to look at the NEPAD Programme we have on the line:
• Estherine Fotabong – Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination Directorate at
• Komla Bissi CAADP Adviser, Rural Infrastructure, Trade and Market Access ( The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) was endorsed at the African Union Heads of State Summit as a New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) program in July 2003.) • Prof. Peter Ewang, Agriculture Extension Economist
This month the Pan African Parliament has been hosting its fifth ordinary session at it's headquarters in Midrand, South Africa. The session, which started last week, is aimed at addressing from the duties and relevance of the Parliament to continental issues such as leadership in Africa. Some of the pressing issues being discussed are the proposal to align committees of PAP with Departments of the African Union, the utilisation of the African Peer Review Mechanism, and finding answers to problems facing African Women and Children.
To help us understand some of the issues being discussed we have Elizabeth Agycman from Ghana who is the Deputy Director of the Women Caucus, Steven Guzd, Head of the Governance and African Peer Review Mechanism Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Advocate Zwelethu Madasa, The Clerk of the Pan African Parliament Jeegen Grey-Johnson an Advocacy officer with the Africa Governance, Monitoring and Advocacy Project at the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa. Joseph Mahndam of Cameroon and Committee Secretary at PAP.
It was reported last week that the whereabouts of former Madagascar president Marc Ravalomanana were unknown after he was seized by police shortly after his surprise return from exile. Later it was reported that Ravalomanana was held under house arrest in Antsiranana (Diego Suerez) in the north of the Indian Ocean Island. After visiting the former president his wife, Lalao, said that he was being held in an undignified condition. Marc Ravalomanana, who was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment with hard labor, slipped back into Madagascar last week Monday, five years after a military coup and two months of violent protests forced him to flee first to Swaziland and then to South Africa.
To help us to look at this story:
• Brian Currin: Former Madagascar President Marc Ramavolomanana’s Legal Representative::
• Busisiwe Khaba: Lecturer, Political Science AND School of Basic Sciences North-West University
• Ms Cecile Bassamo, Senior Programme Officer, Elections and Political Processes at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA)
A gathering starts today which aims to bring innovators, thinkers, and entrepreneurs under one roof to create what is deemed an African led movement of global technological innovation. Speakers at the conference titled My World of Tomorrow, include founder and Director of Google Ideas, Jared Cohen, Obi Emetarom who is the co-founder and CEO of Appzone in Nigeria and Dion Chang, the creative thinker and founder of analysis company Flux trends. The event is billed as a platform from which Africa's next global technological offering may arise.
To give us insight of what is happening at My World of Tomorrow we are joined on the line by: • Vanessa Oliver, Business Connexion Deputy CEO, • Melanie Ramjee, Publicist and Social media enthusiast, • Shaka Sisulu, Media Businessman and Social Media promoter
Mozambicans have started voting today in elections where more than 10 million people are eligible to vote for the president, parliament and provincial assemblies. Up to seventeen thousand polling stations have been set up in this election which has been seen as a test for peace in a country, especially after the Frelimo government recently signed a deal with the opposition party Renamo to end a two-year insurgency. We have various experts on the line, who will give as an indication on the environment and context on today’s elections in Mozambique. To help us to look at the trends on this issue we are joined by:
• Dr Charles Laurie, Head of Africa at risk advisory company Maplecroft, A global consultancy firm of political risks associated with Foreign Affairs • Paul Fauvet: Editor, English Service: Mozambique News Agency (AIM) • Rev Anastacio Chembeze: Local Mediator
Intro: The ninth African Development Forum is currently underway in Marrakech, Morocco and ends on Thursday, the 16th of October 2014. The forum focuses on the theme “Innovative Financing for Africa’s transformation” and the discussions will be related to innovative financing mechanisms on the continent. Various areas that will be covered will include domestic resource mobilization, illicit financial flows, private equity and new forms of partnership.
To help us to look at the trends on this issue we are joined by:
• Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher & Managing Director, IC Publications • Stephen Karingi is Director of Regional Integration and Trade Division at UNECA
According to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance released a few weeks ago, governance in Africa has improved in certain areas between the year 2009 and 2013. The index which was released by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation also highlighted areas of concern such as in the category of the maintenance of safety and rule of law. The Index of African Governance was compiled by combining variables from more than 30 Independent African and global institutions.
To help us to look at the findings in the index we are joined from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation offices in London by:
• Salmana Ahmed and Christina Nelson (Senior Programme Managers)
• Sophie Masipa (Director of Communications at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation)
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The world seems to be fascinated by African culture and design. So why isn’t the fashion industry on the continent blowing Paris out of the map? The issue is however as complex as the patterns of African prints. While there is growing interest in African fashion and African fashion designers based in Europe and North America, designers within Africa are still trying to find a sustainable market locally. Some are thriving, however. The Elle Rising Star Awards to be held in a month’s time will serve as a platform to showcase African fashion in all its glamour and splendor. To help us look at this forthcoming fashion awards, we are joined in studio by:
Giselle Wertheim- Aymes – Publishing Editor ELLE Leading fashion magazine in South Africa
Anisa Mpungwe- Director and Founder Loin Cloth and Ashes clothing label, previous winner of Elle Rising Star Awards and current judge Inés Cuatrecasas- Founder and Director Mille Collines, spanish designer who is producing from Rwanda and Kenya
In the last two months there has been a lot of drama in South Africa’s parliament, including a stream of outbursts during proceedings from the new party, the Economic Freedom Fighters and an attempt of a vote of no confidence in the Parliamentary Speaker Baleka Mbete from opposition parties. Last month Mbete, who is also in the high ranks of ruling party African National Congress, ordered EFF MPs to leave the proceedings after they started chanting “Pay Back the Money” at South African President Jacob Zuma. These recent skirmishes and outbursts have stirred a public debate on the manner in which proceedings should be conducted in parliament.
To help us on today’s discussion we have: • Adv Johan Kruger, Director of the Center for Constitutional Rights • Benjamin Fogel, a journalist in South Africa. He writes about politics.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
Today on the show we focus on Africa’s progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals MDGs) and moving forward post-2015.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.
The programme discusses current issues pertaining to South Africa and the continent as a whole. The talk show hosts various experts on interesting and important issues affecting Africa and the globe.