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Francois Retief
On #TheBusinessBrief today, we discussed the review of South Africa's National Minimum Wage for 2027 and why workers, employers and businesses are being urged to have their say.
Listen to the full conversation as we unpack how the annual wage adjustment process works, what could drive the next increase, and what a higher minimum wage could mean for employees, employers and the broader economy. Mark as Listened
Singapore has some of the harshest drug laws in the world and the government. Trafficking illegal narcotics can result in decades in prison and even a death sentence. But do they really deter drug crimes?The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide, one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world.For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast. Mark as Listened
Back in 2015, BBC World Service launched the first BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, to raise the profile of the women’s game but also highlight key issues within the sport. Ten years ago, the current Champions League winners Barcelona and the Women’s Super League in England still weren’t professional, the Women’s World Cup was about to kick off in Canada using artificial pitches, much to the dismay of players and coaches – something which has never been repeated! To mark an historic 10th year of the award, past winners including Norway’s Ada Hegerberg, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala and England’s Lucy Bronze reflect on winning the trophy. Along with previous nominees, they discuss key moments in the last decade and the challenges still ahead for the women’s game. Mark as Listened
Billy and Susan's life changed when they spotted a starving otter. Now, Molly is part of the family and a film has been made about their story. Also, the invention giving people with disabilities greater freedom. Mark as Listened
More than two weeks after the floods that swept through the Valencia region of Spain, the streets are still being cleared of mud and debris. More than 220 people are known to have died but many more have lost their homes and businesses. In our conversations, a family shares their experience of searching for their father and we hear how a mother is struggling to come to terms with the events she witnessed. Meanwhile, recriminations are flying over who is to blame. Officials are facing criticism for failing to issue a weather warning to people’s phones in time, and for the slow mobilisation in the aftermath of the disaster. Three volunteers who have been helping with the rescue effort share their frustrations with the government response. Mark as Listened
At the age of 34, Donna Mulhearn – a committed Christian - had grown disillusioned with her career as a journalist and political adviser. When she heard someone on the radio seeking volunteers to serve as human shields in Iraq, Donna - already opposed to the war and a staunch advocate of non-violent action - immediately knew what she had to do. Despite the objections of concerned family and friends, she travelled to Baghdad to join hundreds of other volunteers from around the world. But all too soon things got complicated. The Iraqi authorities had their own ideas about where the human shields should be deployed – and then Donna, along with other volunteers, witnessed scenes of carnage. Despite all this, Mike Wooldridge, asks, does she feel with hindsight that she did the right thing? Mark as Listened
A Brazilian judge says a foiled suicide bomber wanted to blow up the country's Supreme Court. Also: the hundreds of miners hiding in a South African mine, and the dead British soldiers - identified after 70 years. Mark as Listened
The Israeli authorities have caused massive and deliberate forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, in what amounts to a war crime, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. Mark as Listened
Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the horrifying story of 200 illegal miners who have been trapped underground for 2 months in Stilfontein. They also discuss a case of covering up corruption in Gauteng. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
You can spend hours in an airport and never learn anything about the people around you. But follow the chaplains of London Heathrow, and you might start to see things - and people - differently. Headed up by Reverend Ruth Bottoms, a team of 20 multi-faith chaplains offer sanctuary and support to passengers and staff in the unpredictable environment of a mega airport. Counselling nervous fliers, responding to crises, leading daily masses in Heathrow’s own chapel - these chaplains respond to whatever comes their way.Jude Shapiro spends a week with the chaplains and those they encounter to see what happens when faith, flight and the stresses of Europe’s busiest airport combine.With thanks to the Heathrow Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and Heathrow Airport.Presenter/producer: Jude Shapiro
Executive producer: Jack Howson
Sound engineer: Arlie Adlington
A Peanut and Crumb production for BBC World Service Mark as Listened
Republicans secure total control of US congress after winning the House of Representatives. Also: climate impact of jet condensation trails and the kidults rediscovering the joy of toys. Mark as Listened
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the growing water crisis in Johannesburg, food poisoning fears and MK defending the Guptas. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
13.11.24 Pt 2 - Gareth and Kuhle “Kooks” Sonkosi talk about how South African’s love specials. The guys are joined by Epstein survivor Juliette Bryant for her riveting tell all Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Iran’s supreme leader tells a crowd in Tehran that the October 7th massacre was a 'legitimate act'. Also: EU hits China with EV sales tariffs, world's first ovarian cancer vaccine and Google Search's AI makeover. Mark as Listened
04.10.24 Pt 2 - Gareth and Ben are joined by South African icon Ruda Landman for a chat about major life changes and how to deal with them in a positive way. The team also look back on Carte Blanche. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Oil prices rose after Joe Biden said he was discussing possible Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure. Also: the sequel to the asteroid which killed off dinosaurs, and the 31-year treasure hunt for the Golden Owl. Mark as Listened
Peter Adamski seemed to have it all. At 19, he had met Kathy, the love of his life and the woman he would marry. In his 20s, he landed a prestigious job with the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, jetting around the world in first class for business meetings. He had a healthy baby boy, John, his wealth soared into the millions, and he owned three houses. He was living the American dream. But everything changed when he and Kathy received the news from a doctor: "Kathy, you have early-onset Alzheimer’s." The future they had envisioned together was abruptly replaced by the prospect of a long, painful farewell. After Kathy’s passing, Peter felt as though he had lost all sense of meaning - until one night, he felt a profound call from God. At 65, he became a Catholic priest, and he believes his life has never been more fulfilling. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss the horrifying number of South Africans on Social grants. They also discuss the latest polling from the SRF on people’s attitude to the GNU. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the latest polling from the Social Research Foundation (SRF) which shows EFF support down to 6%. They also discuss the jeering of former Tshwane Mayor Cilliers brink by municipal employees and the slow processing of land claims 23 years later. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Israel's military says a team commander has died in the fighting, a day after it announced its invasion. Also: we ask how Israel will respond to Iran's missile attack, and reaction from the US vice-president debate. Mark as Listened
02.10.2024 Pt 2 - Gareth and Mash unpack the origin of surnames and geography. Interior and Furniture designer Justin van Bread joins the team to chat about his new project, Cape Craft School. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Cyber-attacks have crippled businesses and institutions, drained public money and compromised individuals. So, in 2024, what are the biggest cyber threats to businesses and individuals? And what are the top risk mitigation strategies to consider? In this episode, Jeremy Maggs and guests, Investec’s head of information security and governance in South Africa, Noma Hlazo, and her UK counterpart Tash van den Heever, the latest trends and how to keep yourself and your business safe from attacks.
Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business.
Podcast key moments:
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – Are cyber-attacks increasing in South Africa?
02:08 – What are the top cyber security threats in South Africa in 2024?
03:15 – What are the common types of cybersecurity threats globally?
04:10 – How are deepfakes impacting businesses?
04:57 – What’s driving the steep increase in cyber-attacks?
05:35 – Are regulatory frameworks and IT systems in the financial industry keeping up with the rapid evolution of cyber-attacks?
07:26 – What are the most pressing cybersecurity threats that businesses need to be guarding against?
08:35 – How should businesses counter cybersecurity risks?
10:01 – How are individuals being targeted by cyber criminals?
11:06 – How should individuals protect themselves from cyber criminals?
12:06 – What are the biggest cybersecurity trends of 2024? And how are they changing the industry?
14:06 – What new or emerging technology do you think will strengthen cybersecurity systems in the next few years?
Read more on www.investec.com/now Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
Israel says 180 missiles were fired from Iran, most of which were intercepted. Also: Mexico's first female president Claudia Sheinbaum has been sworn in. Mark as Listened
In May, riots broke out in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia - a group of islands in the South Pacific. Protesters were calling for independence from the European nation that has ruled the archipelago for more than a century and a half. Amid the violence came an unusual claim - that Azerbaijan, a seemingly disconnected nation thousands of miles from both Paris and the Pacific Ocean - was stoking the violence online. BBC Trending asks if there is any truth to the claim. And if so, what might Azerbaijan be hoping to achieve? Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer, and Marius Roodt discuss how important fixing South Africa’s cities is to fixing South Africa. They also talk about a horrific massacre near the town of Lusikisiki. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Everything Counts is a podcast series dedicated to exploring the ins and outs of personal finance. Hosted by 702's Motheo Khoaripe, each episode brings together financial experts to tackle crucial topics like saving, debt management, investing, and smart financial habits. The goal is to empower listeners with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial wellness.
In this episode, we explore the newly implemented two-pot retirement system in South Africa. Our expert guests, financial advisor Kate Robson, consumer finance expert Nicolette Mashile, and Siphithi Sibego from SARS, unravel the complexities surrounding retirement savings. They discuss the implications of withdrawals, the importance of long-term savings, and the role of tax considerations.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or just beginning to save, this episode offers crucial insights to empower your financial journey.
Key moments:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Why was the two-pot retirement system introduced?
03:30 What is the two-pot retirement system?
05:30 What is the conversation around the two-pot retirement system?
08:45 SARS and the two-pot retirement system
10:45 Tax implications of withdrawing from your savings pot
15:30 Hidden fees in withdrawals from your savings pot
18:20 Case study: Nkosi’s story
24:00 Understanding your own personal finance
26:00 Importance of a financial adviser
27:00 Understanding retirement savings Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
The Israeli military says troops are carrying out raids on villages in southern Lebanon, while further air strikes hit Beirut. Also: hundreds unaccounted for in the US in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen. Mark as Listened
Panama is one of the wettest countries in the world. It also has a world famous shipping canal which earns it billions of dollars a year. With big money and high rainfall combined, it should be straightforward to meet the water needs of its four million plus people.But hundreds of thousands of Panamanians don’t have access to piped water. With a growing population and a drought, last year the Canal Authority reduced the number of ships passing through by a third, losing it and the country hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. The Authority says this was done to protect drinking water for the 2.5 million people who rely on the same water supply the Canal uses to work its massive locks. With uncertainty over the impact of climate change, Panamanians are asking whether there’ll be enough fresh water to satisfy the enormous demand from the canal’s locks with the basic need to have regular access to clean water. Jane Chambers travels to Panama to meet the people involved in the struggles for access to water. Mark as Listened
Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, says the group is ready if Israel invades Lebanon. Also: Marine Le Pen on trial accused of embezzling European parliamentary funds, and UK ends coal power after 142 years. Mark as Listened
In this week’s episode, Investec Wealth & Investment Chris Holdsworth discusses the Chinese stimulus announcements, the trajectory of core PCE in the US and what it means for interest rates outlook in US, and the three key drivers of consumption in Q4 in South Africa. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
30.09.24 Pt 2 - George Mienie joins the team to chat the psychology behind males bonding which leads to what a plural of men would be called. Leigh-Ann shares how your DNA could be up for sale, and Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Ian Rankin has been called “the king of crime fiction”. His Inspector Rebus books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, translated into 37 languages. And yet, as he embarks on writing the next in his series, he reveals that “sitting down and actually writing the books is hard… and it's not getting any easier.” Where does he begin and where might the series end? Recorded across Scotland over several months, we follow Ian Rankin as he gets his next novel into shape. Mark as Listened
Lebanon's health ministry has said more than 50 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Sunday. Also: early results in Austria's general election indicate the far-right Freedom Party is heading for a victory. Mark as Listened
Your weekly bonus episode of The Global Story. When OceanGate's Titan submersible went missing last June, it sparked a monumental rescue mission which captured the attention of the world. After days of searching, authorities concluded that the vessel had suffered a catastrophic implosion, and that all five passengers died almost instantly. For the past two weeks, the US Coast Guard has been hearing testimonies from former employees and industry experts, to try to identify what went wrong. On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC's science editor, Rebecca Morelle, to discuss the most revealing evidence, and consider whether the tragic event could have been avoided. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide, one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world.For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast.We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.comYou can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly
Sound engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Mark as Listened
The Iranian-backed group Hezbollah has described its leader Hassan Nasrallah as a martyr and vowed to continue its battle against Israel. An Israeli Defence Forces spokesman said his death made the world "a safer place". Mark as Listened
On October 1st, Claudia Sheinbaum will take office and become Mexico's first female president. What will her presidency look like? With Laura García from BBC Mundo and Luis Fajardo from BBC Monitoring. Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Alice Gioia.(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.) Mark as Listened
At the One Young World summit in Canada, we meet leaders and innovators from around the world including a 22-year-old MP, a woman using AI to tackle cyberbullying, and the founder of a fashion brand praised by Beyoncé. Mark as Listened
The escalating conflict between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel is being described as one of the most intense in recent times. The current fighting has been taking place since October last year with the start of the conflict in Gaza. There have been hundreds of deaths in the past couple of weeks, thousands of injuries and tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes. In our conversations, we talk with two doctors in Beirut who treated victims of the exploding pagers and walkie-talkies that targeted Hezbollah operatives. We also bring together people in southern Lebanon, including Zaahra who is reluctant to leave her home despite bombardment by Israeli forces. “It’s our land, it’s where we grew up,” she tells host Luke Jones. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Terence Corrigan and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the confusing aftermath of the removal of Cilliers Brink as the mayor of Tshwane. They also chat about an ANC motion to rename Sandton Drive in Johannesburg, and they discuss John Hlophe’s temporary removal from the JSC. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Gareth updates Alan Ford on his progress with his vegetable garden. Author, director and writer David Fleminger joins the team to chat about transforming Johannesburg and its communities. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Given the lack of global ESG standardisation and its politicisation, how should investors approach responsible investing and measure its impact? Investec Wealth & Investment International has launched a comprehensive guidebook on the topic. In the latest episode of the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast, Jeremy Maggs speaks to the authors, Boipelo Rabothata, ESG Specialist and Co-Fund Manager of the Investec Global Sustainable Equity Fund and Maxine Gray, Business Strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment International.
Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business.
Read more on www.investec.com/now Mark as Listened · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs · Investec Focus Radio SA
Marius Roodt and Nicholas Lorimer discuss comments by the Health Minister that attacks on the National Health Insurance are a 'swart gevaar' tactic. They also discuss the latest GDP figures. Lastly, they chat about the state elections in Germany. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
In this episode of Everything Counts, we dive into the essential considerations when buying property in South Africa.
Join Motheo Khoaripe as he hosts Keshni July, Lending Product Owner at Investec, and Tsholofelo Mokoma, Property Practitioner at Re/max Horizon. Together, they unpack the step-by-step process, from getting pre-approved to closing the deal on your dream home.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer, upgrading from your current home, or downscaling, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Don't miss out on expert guidance that will make your property-buying journey smoother and more successful!
Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction to the Episode: What to consider when buying property
00:55 Why pre-approval is Important for homebuyers
02:45 Choosing the right property practitioner
03:35 Additional costs to budget for when buying property
05:20 Understanding affordability and setting realistic expectations
07:00 The impact of interest rates on property purchases
09:00 Preparing for property investment at different life stages
13:00 Step-by-step guide to making an offer and closing the deal
16:00. The importance of home inspections
18:00 Final steps: transfer, bond registration and moving In Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
Pressure mounts on the Israeli prime minister, following the killing of six hostages. Also: the Mayor of Paris provokes protests saying she wants the Olympic rings to stay on the Eiffel Tower forever; and how to hold a fashion show in a war zone. Mark as Listened
Hundreds of thousands strike in Israel to pressurise PM Netanyahu to secure a hostage release deal with Hamas. Also: Analysis of Germany's regional elections, and how boys are flooded with violent social media content. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Terence Corrigan, Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh. They discuss a tweet from ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula that claims the ANC is neither a capitalist or socialist party. They also discuss the failure of so many land reform projects and political party funding. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
US growth has been strong, in contrast with the rest of the world. Chief Investment Strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment looks at reasons to expect a sizeable downward revision to US GDP at some point. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
Germany's AfD becomes first far-right party to win state election since Nazi era. Also: the mysterious death of the 'Russian spy whale', and the South African beauty queen crowned Miss Nigeria after a nationality row. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris and Terence Corrigan. They discuss the ongoing discussions inside the ANC trying to understand its defeat in the 2024 election. They also discuss getting the economy on track. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
This week Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment, looks at data from across the world, interest rates expectations in the US, and the latest China economic data. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
19.08.24 Pt 2 - If you could go back in time to a certain era, when would you go to? George Mienie joins the show to chat US Election, the free market and time travel. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Artist Ad Minoliti lives and works in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires. They are known for their vibrant, geometric designs and the colours in their artworks often leap from the canvas onto the walls and floors of the gallery space. Nature and the environment are an important part of their work and Ad surrounds themselves with wildlife, from growing plants to encourage butterflies and bees at their home, to helping to cultivate green spaces in Buenos Aires. Ad is creating an installation for Un Été au Havre, A Summer in Le Havre festival in northern France and wants their artwork to be enjoyed not only by people, but be beneficial for nature as well. The BBC's Andrea Kidd joins them in their studio as they design their piece called Hôtel des Oiseaux, a bird hotel that will be a welcoming space for the birds. Mark as Listened
This is a Bonus episode from The Global Story - Is Twitch too big to fail?The world's largest live-streaming platform, Twitch, faces an uncertain future. Media reports suggest that parent company Amazon has become frustrated by its failure to make profit, and rumours are swirling of a third round of layoffs within a year. But does its loyal audience of 240 million active monthly users make it too big to fail? On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by BBC tech reporter Tom Gerken, and the BBC's former gaming correspondent Steffan Powell. They examine what makes Twitch unique, and discuss whether the platform is under threat from its rivals.
This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Jonny Baker. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.The Global Story brings you one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world. Insights you can trust, from the BBC World Service. For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast. Mark as Listened
Venezuela's opposition leader has urged supporters to continue protesting against President Maduro. Also: the UN nuclear watchdog's safety warning about Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant, and why sunlight is good for you. Mark as Listened
Meet the newlyweds with a twist; 87-year old Bev says it was love at first sight when 89-year-old Mark moved into the same care home as her. Also, the Olympic marathon runner who is celebrating coming last. Presenter: Oliver Conway. Music composed by Iona Hampson. Mark as Listened
India's ancient caste system can result in controversy and discrimination in the country. But a new trend has sprung up of young women flaunting their caste on social media. Our Delhi correspondent Divya Arya has met some of these women, to try and find out why they are so keen to express 'caste pride'. Plus BBC Mundo's Laura García meets the residents of a Parisian retirement home who have found their own way of embracing the Olympic spirit.
Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Alice Gioia. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.) Mark as Listened
Health officials have confirmed the first polio case in Gaza for 25 years. The UN wants the vaccination of 600,000 children. Also: Kamala Harris unveils her economic plan, and fantasy football's threat to mental health. Mark as Listened
International condemnation followed the elections in Venezuela at the end of July that saw President Maduro declared the winner for a third consecutive term. Those who oppose him have been protesting. There has been violence, many injuries and hundreds arrested and detained. We bring together Venezuelans inside the country and those aboard. You can hear the pride and hope that people have for their country, but also their underlying fears. We hear from a family that is spread across the world. The mother explains why she is the only one remaining in the country. Although she misses her family, her love for her country and its people make her reluctant to leave. However, she reveals how she has a ladder from a window in her home in case she needs to make a quick escape. Mark as Listened
Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Thailand's youngest ever prime minister. Also: Anger grows after Israeli settlers torch West Bank village, and the WHO warns wealthy countries against stockpiling Mpox vaccines. Mark as Listened
Marius Roodt, Hermann Pretorius, and Michael Morris discuss co-operation between GOOD and the DA in the Western Cape and whether this is an indication of the realignment of South African politics. They also talk about Floyd Shivambu's departure from the EFF and resistance to the NHI. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Despite some opposition from within their own faith communities, Muti’ah and Angelica are on a mission to teach other Muslim women how to have healthy and safe sex lives.Geeta Pendse meets them both and finds out how to deliver sex education that is both useful and appropriate for their students.Presenter: Geeta Pendse
Producer: Linda Walker
Series producer: Rajeev Gupta
Production co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno Mark as Listened
The first case of a deadly Mpox variant has been found outside Africa. Sweden has reported a case of someone who was infected in Africa where there is a major outbreak of the Mpox Clade 1 variant. The World Health Organisation says it expects more infections will be found in Europe in the coming days. Also: five people are charged over the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, and Washington condemns Russia for sending a ballerina to jail for donating to a US-funded pro-Ukraine charity. Mark as Listened
Sara Gon and John Endres discuss the possible ramifications of Floyd Shivambu, Julius Malema’s 2IC resigning from the EFF to go over to MK; and big business’s reiteration of cooperation with the government on infrastructure, Eskom and crime but will not agree to a health compact over the NHI. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Scientists are alarmed at the high fatality rate and rapid spread of a new mpox variant in parts of Africa. Also: more delays for astronauts stuck in space as Nasa ponders return, and a TV weather presenter in Australia speaks out about an on-air panic attack. Mark as Listened
Marius Roodt and Makone Maja discuss the vacancy for Johannesburg Mayor and whether the ANC receive the requisite support to snag the position. They discuss rising unemployment with emphasis on the extended definition of unemployment and the wasted youth potential. They close on their campaign against apartheid era racial classification laws. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Thailand's Constitutional Court dismisses Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin for breach of ethics. Also: Thousands of corpses traded in China funeral scandal, Melbourne joins Paris in outlawing e-scooters, and neighbours turn on each other in Portofino air con crackdown. Mark as Listened
07.08.24 Pt 2 - Gareth and Jack get into Joburg’s mayoral mess, and the missing MK MPs. Garreth van Vuuren and Dr Pepe Marais join to talk about empowering business leaders and teams to find their purpose through the Conscious Leadership Journey. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
07.08.24 Pt 1 - Gareth and Jack get into the origins of swear words. Plus… getting into the minds of serial killers, as the team is joined by Brin Hodgskiss and Nicole Engelbrecht. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Fears of a US recession have sent all major stock markets tumbling after US jobs market data came in lower than expected for the month of July. In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, host Jeremy Maggs asks Investec Chief Economist Annabel Bishop whether the Federal Reserve has left it too late to begin cutting interest rates. They also look at what this all means for the Rand.
Key podcast moments:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - What's behind the global rout in stock markets?
02:56 - Chances of the Fed declaring an emergency interest rate cut in response to market turmoil
03:47 - Impact of stock market rout on the Rand
05:24 - Investec's latest inflation outlook for South Africa
07:21 - South Africa's GDP outlook
09:56 - Positive news for SA consumers
11:30 - Impact of the two-pot retirement system on consumers
12:57 - Impact of the two-pot retirement system on the economy
14:39 - Positive sentiment from foreign investors for SA bonds and equities
16:51 - Is the private sector going to start investing more in their operations?
18:56 - Gold market update
20:30 - Closing remarks
Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business.
Read more on www.investec.com/now Mark as Listened · Learn more · Investec Focus Radio SA
Sara Gon and Nicholas Lorimer discuss a document which details Eskom's planned massive tariff hikes over the next three years. They also discuss the revolution in Bangladesh and the fuss over a Miss South Africa contestant. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Kamala Harris has named the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, to be her vice-presidential running mate. Also: Bangladesh's president dissolves parliament, clearing the way for the formation of a new government, disturbing evidence of torture of Palestinians in Israeli jails, and the Algerian winner of Africa's first Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Mark as Listened
In this episode, Motheo Khoaripe dives deep into the financial dynamics that can make or break a relationship. Joined by financial consumer journalist, Maya Fisher-French and seasoned Investec financial advisor, Kgomotso Motloung, they explore how couples can navigate the often challenging conversations around money, financial planning, and shared goals.
RelationshipGoals #MoneyMatters #FinancialPlanning
Tags: Relationships, Money Management, Financial Planning, Couples Finance, Podcast, Investec, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building
Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 How different financial values and goals can impact a relationship
02:38 Tips to identify the financial habits of a partner early in a relationship
03:59 What about your partner’s finances should you know upfront
06:46 The significance of marital regimes and their financial implications
10:06 Planning for unexpected life events like disability or retirement
12:19 Strategies for saving for children’s education without compromising other financial goals
18:15 Why it is important to consistently review your financial plans
19:02 The value of having a financial adviser: when you have extra cash/bonus/salary increase
20:03 Planning for death
22:33 Don’t be nervous about approaching a financial adviser
23:44 What are the warning signs that indicate you are not consulting the right financial adviser?
This episode is a must-listen for couples at any stage in their relationship, offering actionable guidance to strengthen their financial partnership while navigating the complexities of shared finances.
Everything Counts is a bi-weekly podcast series that focuses on money and financial wellness. Hosted by 702's Motheo Khoaripe, each episode tackles various aspects of personal finance, including saving, spending, investing, pitfalls to avoid and tricks to succeed. The podcast aims to provide valuable information and expert guidance to help you improve your financial well-being. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
Weeks of increasingly violent unrest forced the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. She's fled to India, ending a run of 15 years in power. Also: the UN says nine of its staff members in Gaza may have been involved in the October 7th attack on Israel last year, and a 15 year old teenager has become Britain's youngest ever Chess Grandmaster. Mark as Listened
The Italian town of Monfalcone on the Adriatic coast has an ethnic make-up unique to the country. Of a population of just over thirty thousand, more than six thousand are from Bangladesh. They’ve come to help construct huge cruise ships, providing labour to do the type of manual jobs which Italians no longer want to do.For years, they worshipped at two Islamic centres in the town. Then, in November, the town’s far right mayor, Anna Maria Cisint, tried to effectively ban collective prayer there, along with stopping cricket - the Bangladeshi national sport - from being played within the town.She says she is defending Christian values. Her critics say she is building walls rather than bridges. For Assignment, Sofia Bettiza travels to Italy to discover how the country is dealing with the increasing numbers of legal migrants coming to work in a country which needs their labour. Mark as Listened
Marius Roodt and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the expulsion of Jacob Zuma from the ANC, months after he started the MK party. They also discuss Namibian politics and the Venezuelan election. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Dozens of people remain trapped as heavy rains hamper rescue efforts in the in the southern state of Kerala. Also: the men's triathlon event is postponed in the Paris Olympics after water tests on Tuesday showed the Seine wasn't clean enough for the swimming race, and what effect is the demise of the landline in favour of the mobile having on our brains and behaviour? Mark as Listened
The demonstrators in Caracas say the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's re-election was fraudulent. He has accused his opponents of trying to stage a coup. Also: the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is jeered by crowds on a visit to the scene of a deadly rocket strike in the Golan Heights, and a man's late graduation after a parrot sparks a rent row. Mark as Listened
In a special edition of HARDtalk Stephen Sackur looks back at some of the guests who have risked their personal freedom to disclose secret information. What motivates these whistleblowers?This is a bonus episode from HARDtalk, a show that brings you in-depth, hard-hitting interviews with newsworthy personalities. For more episodes search for HARDtalk wherever your get your BBC podcasts. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon and Michael Morris. They discuss the president's attempt to defend the public procurement bill. The ongoing discussions inside the ANC, MK and EFF and the problems with the 2022 census. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Even with the positive surprise for both GDP and core PCE in the US, the market is pricing in a cut by the Federal Reserve in September, says Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist for Investec Wealth & Investment. In this episode, he also looks at global currency moves and the latest South African inflation print. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
There are fears that a major Israeli reprisal against the Lebanese group, Hezbollah, could ignite a regional war. Hezbollah has denied carrying out the strike in Majdal Shams. Also: Venezuelans vote in election challenging Maduro's grip on power, and the Irish author Edna O'Brien dies aged 93. Mark as Listened
Dr Willard Wigan MBE creates the smallest handmade sculptures in the world. He uses high powered microscopes and custom-made tools formed from shards of diamond, hypodermic needles, and paintbrushes made from eyelashes. Willard’s talent and determination propelled him to international acclaim. His work sells for six-figure sums, and he has exhibited internationally. However, his path to success has been far from easy. As a schoolboy, he struggled with reading and writing due to unrecognised autism, his teachers dismissed him, and he endured routine bullying and racism. Willard's latest sculpture, a tribute to Charles Darwin, is crafted on the end of a pencil – a canvas rich in symbolism. Mark as Listened
This is a bonus episode from The Global Story - taking a look at a much-debated slogan, and a journey through the land that it refers to; from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean sea. Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas last year, the cry “From the River to the Sea” has been heard more and more as a pro-Palestinian slogan. But what river? What sea? And what exactly does the phrase mean? It is the subject of intense controversy.
BBC Current Affairs journalist Tim Whewell joins our presenter Lucy Hockings to discuss his journey from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, across a tiny stretch of land - that is perhaps the most argued-over in the world.
The Global Story brings you one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world. Insights you can trust, from the BBC World Service. For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast. Mark as Listened
The Israel Defense Forces said a rocket fired by the Lebanese Hezbollah group fell on the Druze town of Majdal Shams - a claim denied by the movement. Also: Trump courts crypto industry votes, and why is hip-hop playing an increasingly prominent role in world music? Mark as Listened
In countries like Somalia and Iran, where women are largely expected to present themselves with modesty, what role can make-up play? Bella Hassan of BBC Focus on Africa is from Somalia and Mina Joshaghani of BBC Persian is from Iran. They tell us about how make-up functions in a conservative society.
(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich) Mark as Listened
With the Paris Olympics underway, we hear about Beacon -- the therapy dog that's helped the USA Gymnastics team cope with the pressure and stress of competitive sport. His handler and owner, Tracey, tells us his friendly face and intuitive nature make him perfect for the job -- and that some of the gymnasts even talk to him.Also: the first horse rider from the Arab world to qualify for Olympic equestrian eventing tells us it's a huge honour to represent the region's history.How a new type of IVF is helping protect the future of threatened southern white Rhinos.A woman who travelled solo across Africa on a motorcycle says the three month journey made her feel alive.We're in Denmark to learn about a project that helps people with mental health issues - by prescribing a course of museum visits, concerts and other cultural activities.And we find out about the Olympic couples competing in the city of love.Our weekly collection of happy stories and positive news from around the world.Presenter: Jannat Jalil. Music composed by Iona Hampson. Mark as Listened
In spectacular style, bridges and riverbanks were used as catwalks, stages and grandstands, with performances Lady Gaga in French and the French-Malian singer, Aya Nakamura. The culmination of the show included Celine Dion standing on an illuminated Eiffel Tower. Also: Bangladesh police detain protest leaders at a hospital, and a Scottish peat bog gets UNESCO world heritage status. Mark as Listened
Could a woman of colour be the next president of the United States? That is what much of America has been asking this week and it is at the heart of our conversations. Race remains a major political and social issue in the US and there is plenty of discussion about Ms Harris’s background as a black and Asian-American woman. We bring together three black women Democratic party supporters: Kay in New York, Ashley in Oklahoma City and Keosha in Washington DC. With President Biden standing down, we get their reaction to the new choice for Democratic candidate in November’s elections. Mark as Listened
On a busy street in Los Angeles a group of people in yellow vests are holding a ladder against a lamppost. Up the ladder, 34-year-old Evan Clark is ripping down a sign that is nailed to the post. It reads “Jesus: The way, the truth, the life”. These are members of the Atheist Street Pirates, local activists who track and remove religious signs affixed to public property. This group say that there are laws that forbid the erection of religious messages on public property. Nastaran Tavakoli-Far travels to Los Angeles and joins the Atheist Street Pirates out on a hunt for religious signs. Mark as Listened
President Nicholas Maduro has asked voters to support him to secure peace and stability, a week after saying there would be a "bloodbath" if he lost. The opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, leads most opinion polls but there are fears the vote won't be fair. Also: Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met President Biden to discuss efforts towards a ceasefire-for-hostages deal in Gaza, and why Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance, is no friend of the Hollywood star, Jennifer Aniston. Mark as Listened
Barack Obama has reportedly joined other senior Democrats in urging Mr Biden to consider his position. The 81-year-old president has suspended campaigning while he recovers from Covid. Also: thousands of rare bird eggs have been seized in Australia, and the American comedian Bob Newhart has died at 94. Mark as Listened
In Tbilisi, Georgia, a radical experiment in interfaith relations is taking place. The Peace Project is one of the world’s first to bring a mosque, synagogue, church, and other places of worship together under one roof. Sounds of Muslim prayer, Shabbat services, and Georgian hymns fill the air as worshippers from different faiths mingle and break bread in the communal Hall of Abraham. The project is the brainchild of Malkhaz Songulashvili, a maverick Bishop of Georgia’s Evangelical-Baptist Church, and is attracting attention from religious leaders around the world. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer, and Makone Maja discuss what they hope to see in the president's opening of parliament address . They also chat about tensions between the ANC and IFP in KZN and MK's poor performance in by-elections. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Members of the European Parliament backed her at a vote in Strasbourg on Thursday. She will now serve another five years at the helm of the EU. Also: The team set up to represent the world's refugees at the Paris Olympics, a step in the right direction for gay rights in South Korea -- and how getting a bit fatter round the middle is slowing down the Earth's rotation. Mark as Listened
The White House says the US president is experiencing 'mild symptoms' after testing positive during a campaign trip to Las Vegas. The news comes as top Democrat Adam Schiff called on Mr Biden to 'pass the torch'. The California congressman is the most prominent Democrat yet to publicly call for the president to step aside. Also: the Caribbean island of Carriacou struggles to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, and the skeleton of a stegosaurus sells at auction for more than 44 million dollars - a record amount for a dinosaur. Mark as Listened
Police in Kenya suspect he is behind the gruesome murders of at least nine women. Their bodies were found in a former quarry used as a rubbish dump near Nairobi. Under interrogation the suspect has admitted killing 42 women. Also: Republicans arrive for their national convention in Milwaukee where Donald Trump will be confirmed as the Republican presidential candidate after the assassination attempt on him. We also hear from a photographer who captured the image of the bullet that hit Mr Trump's ear at the rally in Pennsylvania. And, chaos and violence at the Copa America final in Miami, and a new cheaper malaria vaccine is rolled out in Africa Mark as Listened
Chris Holdsworth, Investec Wealth & Investment's Chief Investment Strategist says he won't be surprised if the MPC cuts interest rates at their meeting this week. He also discusses the probability of Trump winning elections and looks at what's happening to global, US and Chinese inflation. Mark as Listened · Listen to earlier episodes · Investec Focus Radio SA
15.07.24 Pt 2 - Leigh-Ann shares the new trend of beer tans, and some tips on how to send secret messages on your iPhone… or use it to eavesdrop. Prof Szabo joins the team for a discussion on the state of mental health in SA. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Inspired by a story told to her by an Indigenous elder, Taipei-based artist Anchi Lin, also known by her Atayal name Ciwas Tahos, is working on a new multi-media installation. Anchi has dedicated her research and creative work to exploring the Indigenous space of Temahahoi, a place where queer, gender non-conforming people lived and could communicate with bees, who were also their protection from approaching intruders. Combining new technology, handmade ceramics and traditional bee chasing skills, Anchi Lin celebrates her Indigenous culture and identity in her work. Mark as Listened
Neighbours cannot believe the quiet young man they knew opened fire on Donald Trump. President Biden has promised a swift investigation into the attempted assassination. Also: how young protestors in Kenya are successfully challenging the relationship between Christian leaders and politicians, and tributes are paid to the American broadcaster and sex-therapist, Doctor Ruth, who has died aged 96. Mark as Listened
When listener Sophia decided to donate a kidney to a stranger through a domino transplant scheme, her teenage daughter Katie objected. But years later, Katie decided to do the same - inspired by the chain of goodness her mother started, and the joy of meeting organ recipients at the transplant games.
Also: Big Ocean - the first K-pop band whose members all have hearing impairments. As the Paris Olympics approach, we look back at the amazing story of two athletes who chose to share gold in Tokyo. Wild horses return to Kazakhstan for the first time in over two hundred years, thanks to a zoo breeding programme. The innovative system helping grow crops in arid regions with less water. And the children who got to perform at London's famous Royal Opera House.Our weekly collection of happy stories and positive news from around the world. Mark as Listened
Hundreds of thousands of men are currently fighting for Ukraine, and the army needs yet more soldiers. We speak to three BBC Ukrainian colleagues about the way this is changing the country, and how it's viewed by Ukrainians. Daria Taradai and Ilona Hromliuk join us from Kyiv, and Anastasiya Zanuda joins us from Warsaw. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich) Mark as Listened
President Joe Biden's re-election campaign is under intense scrutiny amid questions over his age. Also: children killed in Nigeria school collapse, and the first British post box with the King Charles III cypher. Mark as Listened
People in both the UK and France have voted for change in snap elections, sending a signal that they are unhappy with many aspects of their lives. To get a sense of why people voted the way they did, host James Reynolds takes a mini tour of towns and cities across the UK. In Bradford, a city in the north of England, he meets Anna who wanted equal opportunities and voters in the town of Worthing on England’s south coast, which has just elected its first ever Labour MP. Pam and Mike tell us about the challenges they have experienced since Brexit, when Britain left the European Union. We also visit a café and shop in the port town of Dover, and we end our journey, across the English Channel in France. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with John Endres, Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan. They discuss the continuing chaos in the MK party as Zuma un-fires the secretary-general. They also discuss the committee chairs in parliament, and they chat about the VBS bank scandal. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
12.07.24 Pt 2 - Simphiwe gets into black vs white slang. Ben reveals a list of the best TV shows of all time. And Caleb Swanepoel shares his amazing life-changing story of surviving a shark attack. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
The BBC's Rahila Bano, explains why her family decided to break with the Muslim tradition of a congregational prayer reading for her mother after she passed away. Instead she decided to concentrate on one of the five pillars of Islam - to give alms or charity and on her mother's wishes to focus on those who are poor and in need. Rahila spoke to her sister about it for the first time since her mum’s death. She also spoke to a friend who lost her mother about why she decided to organise a prayer gathering in her mother's memory and to an Islamic scholar who says “khatams” are not really part of Islam Mark as Listened
The US president, Joe Biden, who is under intense scrutiny amid concerns over his age, held a high-stakes news conference in Washington. Also: the Israeli defence minister has called for a state inquiry into what led to the Hamas attacks of October the seventh last year, and are you an early bird or a night owl? Mark as Listened
Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the continued deterioration of the ANC and EFF alliance in the Gauteng metros. They also discuss the inquest into the Life Esidimeni disaster and BEE in the healthcare industry. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Beijing denies it is prolonging Russia's war in Ukraine describing them as smears. Also; a Russian human rights activist compares the country's judicial system to Nazi Germany, and a pair of astronauts stuck in space look on the bright side. Mark as Listened
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the revelation by new Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson that the department was robbed of R300 million over the last 10 years. They also discuss the new Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau and U.S.-South African relations. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
10.07.24 Pt 1 - No more freebies for sport superfans… Gareth and Jack get into some politics, Elon Musk living his best life, and failing upwards in the USA. Plus, a stinky planet - and some travel news on The Window Seat. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Ukraine is high on the agenda at the three-day summit. In his opening remarks, President Biden pledged more air defence systems for Kyiv. Meanwhile Democratic party politicians have held meetings over concerns about Mr Biden's fitness for re-election. Also in this podcast, a Russian court issues an arrest warrant for opposition figure Yulia Navalnya, the trial of actor Alex Baldwin begins in New Mexico, and how Denmark is encouraging tourists to go green. Mark as Listened
UN to discuss Russia's bombardment of children's hospital. School students in South Korea to receive suicide prevention education. Officials investigate China tanker cooking oil scandal. We report on Australia's strict visa rules regarding disabilities. And human rights groups warn of increased attacks against gays in Ghana. Mark as Listened
Everything Counts is a new bi-weekly podcast series that focuses on money and financial wellness. Hosted by 702's Motheo Khoaripe, each episode tackles various aspects of personal finance, including saving, spending, investing, pitfalls to avoid and tricks to succeed. The podcast aims to provide valuable information and expert guidance to help you improve your financial well-being.
July is National Savings Month! It is the perfect opportunity to assess your saving and investing strategies, set goals, and take steps toward building a secure financial foundation. Whether you are just starting your savings journey or looking to enhance your existing investments, saving and investing your money is always a good idea.
In this episode Motheo is joined by Thabiso Masiela, co-head of My Investments at Investec and René Grobler, Head of Investec Cash Investments, to discuss this important topic.
Skip ahead
00:00 Introduction
01:41 When did you start saving? Personal stories about money
03:29 What is the difference between saving and investing?
05:53 How do savings and investment strategies change as you progress through different life stages?
09:14 What percentage of a windfall should go to savings and investments?
11:26 Investing and saving strategies?
15:47 How do you structure a financial plan to balance saving and enjoying your money?
17:42 How do you stay disciplined in saving and investing for the long term?
20:21 Tactics to make sure you keep your money working for you
22:18 How do you weather financial uncertainties and avoid panic in saving and investing journey?
24:15 Top tips for successful saving and investing?
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Investec is an authorised FSP. Terms and conditions apply. Mark as Listened · Investec My Investments · Full article · Investec Focus Radio · SmartRate Plus 15-Day Notice Account | Investec
In a new exhibition Wendy breaks conventions, painting on walls and installing herself in the gallery, becoming part of the art. Wendy Sharpe is an multi-award winning Australian artist working on a new exhibition Spellbound for the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. In this exhibition she breaks all the rules, by painting directly onto walls, hanging works upside down or touching and installing not only her studio in this museum, but also herself, as she paints a mural directly on the wall in front of the public. Regina Botros joins her as she works towards this immersive, labyrinth-like exhibition, where the lines between art and artist are blurred. Mark as Listened
Among the targets of Russia's latest barrage of missiles is a children's hospital in Kyiv. The city's mayor, Vitaliy Klitschko, called it genocide. Also, the tricky business of forming a government after the inconclusive election in France, and how rule changes in artistic swimming could make the sport more exciting. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show discusses the United Kingdom's 2024 general election, the winners, the losers, and what It suggests about the UK's future. With Nicholas Lorimer, Hermann Pretorius and Edward Polsue. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
In this week's episode, Investec Wealth & Investment Chief Investment Strategist Chris looks at elections in the US, disappointing data out of the country which suggests that growth expectations might be a little bit too high and some encouraging data out of South Africa. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
01.07.24 Pt 2 - Alan Ford joins the show, fresh from his trip to London. Leigh-Ann shares some advice about vitamins. Plus… fetishes, gay spaces, musicals, drag, Taylor Swift, tipping and more! Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Script writer Baek Mi-kyoung has pioneered female narratives on Korean television, putting women front and centre of acclaimed dramas like Mine and The Lady in Dignity. Seven years ago, her K-drama Strong Girl Bong-soon was a huge success. Audiences fell in love with this rom-com about a cute girl with supernatural strength. / Next, Baek wanted to create an all-action multigenerational female superhero series. But would the budget match her ambitions? Vibeke Venema meets her as the series, Strong Girl Nam-soon, is going to air - and the all-important TV ratings are coming in. Mark as Listened
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is something millions of people look forward to as an immensely spiritual experience. A main pillar of Islam, Muslims try to do it at least once in their lives, if they are physically and financially able. Saudi Arabia says 1.8 million people took part in Hajj this year. It coincided with a heatwave where temperatures reached more than 50C. Some 1,300 people died, many of those due to the intense heat. Three Muslims - from Kenya, the United States and Saudi Arabia – share their experiences of Hajj, including spiritual enlightenment, overcrowding, bereavement and sexual harassment. Mark as Listened
After president Joe Biden's faltering performance in the TV debate with Donald Trump there are calls to replace him. Also, Iranians are voting to elect a new president to replace Ebrahim Raisi who was killed last month in a helicopter crash, and why radioactive rhino horns help conservation efforts. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the GNU negotiations, how Ramaphosa is desperately trying to project strength within the ANC and how the DA doesn't want to look like a bunch of quitters. They also discuss Biden's disastrous debate performance in the first US presidential debate of 2024. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
28.05.24 Pt 2 - Gareth checks in on ‘Prisoner’ Charlene. Ozempic is causing shit in the Hamptons. Simphiwe shares some illegal baby names… and what day of the week are you? Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Joe Biden and Donald Trump will be using the stage at the CNN debate in Atlanta to try and convince voters to back them in November. Also: Palestinians flee Gaza City's Shejaiya area amid heavy bombardment, and Elon Musk's SpaceX hired to destroy International Space Station. Mark as Listened
Roma photographer Artúr Čonka joins the annual Romani pilgrimage to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the south of France. Thousands of Romani from across western Europe gather in the small town in Provence each year to honour their patron saint, Sara-la-Kâli, who represents motherly love, is a protector of the oppressed, and is even said to help couples conceive. It is Artúr's first time on the pilgrimage and is keen to uncover the legends behind this enigmatic saint and what she represents to the Romani community today. The streets are packed with musicians playing rumba, flamenco and manouche jazz. Artúr meets writer and scrap metal dealer Kerensa Smith, film-maker and journalist Jake Bowers and Dutch pilgrim Kali Van Esch who has been coming every year since she was a baby. Mark as Listened
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the ongoing discussions over the Government of national unity. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Everything Counts is a new bi-weekly podcast series that focuses on money and financial wellness. Hosted by 702's Motheo Khoaripe, each episode tackles various aspects of personal finance, including saving, spending, investing, pitfalls to avoid and tricks to succeed. The podcast aims to provide valuable information and expert guidance to help you improve your financial well-being.
In this episode leading financial consumer journalist, Maya Fisher-French and seasoned Investec financial advisor, Kgomotso Motloung are back and they dive deep into the world of debt management, offering invaluable insights and practical tips to help you pay off debt and start saving for a brighter financial future.
Don't miss out on this episode packed with real-life examples. Whether you're a young professional or a seasoned investor, this podcast will equip you with the knowledge and tools to manage your debt effectively and pave the way toward financial freedom. Tune in now and take the first step towards a brighter financial future!
Skip ahead
00:00 Introduction
01:03 What is debt?
02:37 Defining wants vs needs
04:39 The importance of an emergency fund
06:26 Getting yourself out of debt
08:39 How do you deal with extra money while you are in debt?
09:49 The importance of negotiating better interest rates
11:47 Personal loans
14:40 What you qualify for vs what you can afford
17:09 How credit scores work
20:38 The pros and cons of debt consolidation
23:30 Paying off debt vs saving
25:38 What is a survival budget and how does it work?
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The head of the UN children's agency says Sudan is one of the worst places in the world for children. Also: France's Macron warns of civil war if extremists win snap polls, and Spanish nuns are excommunicated for rebelling against Vatican over property deal. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the latest developments with regards to government of national unity. They also discuss racial breakdown of the voting habits of South Africans and how the DA's campaigns don't seem to work as they would like. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
In this week's episode, Investec Wealth & Investment Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth discusses some disappointing data coming out of the US, concerning data out of China and reason for optimism when it comes to SA Inc. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
24.06.24 Pt 2 - George Mienie joins the team for a conversation about people being equally unequal, the spending habits of Millennials and Gen Zs, and South Africans being the happiest employees in the world. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Hanna Harris is Helsinki’s chief design officer and the second person in the job since the role was created in 2016. But why does a city need a chief design officer? And, what can design do to boost wellbeing? Erika Benke joins Hanna as she searches for new pioneering opportunities that have the potential to change people’s lives. They visit a vast decommissioned power plant, inviting local people to share their views on how to give an industrial facility that has served its purpose, a new lease of life. They also go to an old playground that is about to be transformed into a new themed playground where children can learn about computing, algorithms and AI. As Hanna travels a cross the city, we hear her plotting, planning and exploring ideas and infecting others with her passion for design. Mark as Listened
After a lull in activities, in 2024 the Islamic State Group claimed to be behind several major attacks, showing the world they have not gone away. Among them was the storming by gunmen of a Moscow concert hall. Ten years after the Islamist extremists declared the establishment of a caliphate, our Jihadist Media Monitoring Team considers the current capabilities and ambitions of the group that once ruled over a large territory in Iraq and Syria. Producer: Kriszta Satori
Presenter: Krassi Twigg Mark as Listened
Everything Counts is a new bi-weekly podcast series that focuses on money and financial wellness. Hosted by 702's Motheo Khoaripe, each episode tackles various aspects of personal finance, including saving, spending, investing, pitfalls to avoid and tricks to succeed. The podcast aims to provide valuable information and expert guidance to help listeners improve their financial well-being.
In this episode, we dive into budgeting and discuss how to manage your money better. Our expert guests, seasoned Investec financial advisor Kgomotso Motlaung and leading financial consumer journalist Maya Fisher-French, share their insights on budgeting and offer practical tips to help you take control of your finances.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your budgeting skills, this episode will provide the guidance you need to achieve your financial goals. Tune in now and start making every penny count!
Skip ahead
00: 00 Introduction
01:12 Maya’s budgeting story
03:12 Why is budgeting important to your financial wellness?
04:11 What are the characteristics of a good budget?
07:27 How important is discipline?
09:56 How important is having conversations with your family about your budget?
13:46 What portion of your income must you set aside to save?
15:49 How does your life stage determine your budget?
17:52 How can budgeting tools assist you?
18:47 How do you put aside money to splurge?
22:07 How do you make sure you keep to your budget?
24:11 What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when drawing up a budget? Mark as Listened · Full article · Investec Focus · Investec Focus Radio SA
The UN proposal sets out conditions for a "complete ceasefire" in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Also: Aircraft carrying Malawi vice-president goes missing, and two-in-one flu and Covid jab passes advanced trial. Mark as Listened
Ursula von der Leyen says the result comes with great responsibility for the parties on the political centre. The reactions in France following a surprise parliamentary election. Plus analysis on why voters have backed far right parties in such large numbers. Also: the BBC speaks to the widow of the IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi about the persecution of Yazidis in Iraq, and the South African photographer who's won international acclaim for challenging discrimination. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Terence Corrigan, Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer.
They discuss the emerging details of a potential coalition deal between the ANC-DA and IFP. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Released in 2017, the video game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice saw players take control of dark-age warrior Senua as she battled to rescue the soul of her dead lover from the Norse underworld. The action-adventure game from British studio Ninja Theory won awards for its gameplay, acting and storytelling, as well as plaudits for its nuanced and well-researched depiction of psychosis. German actor Melina Juergens was awarded a Bafta for her performance as the titular character. Now studio head Dominic Matthews and his team are working on the sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Nathan Jones joins Dominic, Melina and the rest of the team in Cambridge as they tell this next chapter of their story. Mark as Listened
10.06.24 Pt 2 - From shark attacks to deadly hikes… life is short. People are swapping their smartphones for ‘dumbphones’. Clinical psychologist, Nisha Rodgerson joins to discuss neurodiversity, building resilience, and happiness in the workplace. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
10.06.24 Pt 1 - Leigh-Ann has a new nickname. AI takes on Rock, Paper, Scissors. Why does Gareth hate the Comrades Marathon? Plus… more useful advice from Dr Hanan. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
In this week's episode, Investec Wealth & Investment Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth unpacks at the latest global PMI print and what it means for the global growth, US employment, European Central Bank interest rates cut and South Africa’s latest GDP reading. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
The French president Emmanuel Macron has called elections on 30 June and 7 July, after exit polls show his party is set to be trounced by National Rally in the European elections. Also: Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz quits the emergency government, and tributes are paid to the popular TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley who was found dead on the Greek island of Symi. Mark as Listened
The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, attracted no fewer than two million pilgrims in 2023. But this pilgrim boom has an environmental downside: climate scientists are warning that the five-day Hajj alone, with its bargain flights, hotels, catering and local transport, produces over 1.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, roughly the amount New York City emits every two weeks. Yet the Saudi government has plans to go much bigger still: by 2030, they want 30 million pilgrims a year to take part in the Hajj and Umrah. Zubeida Malik asks what the Saudi authorities, local groups and campaigners, religious scholars and the pilgrims themselves can do to reduce the environmental footprint of one of the largest religious gatherings on the planet. Mark as Listened
The high representative of the EU, Josep Borrell, said that reports of -- what he called -- "another massacre of civilians" were appalling. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than two hundred Palestinians were killed in the Israeli raid, to rescue the four hostages. Also: President Biden says France remains America's best friend, after a wide-ranging discussion with his French counterpart in the Élysée palace, and tributes are paid to the Nasa "Earthrise" astronaut William Anders who has died in a plane crash aged 90. Mark as Listened
Christian nearly drowned while swimming in the sea in Italy as a child. He returned to the beach with his wife and child - only to find that Yuri, the man who saved his life, was still there. The two men tell us about their emotional reunion and the profound effect the experience has had on them.
Also: The New York couple who found a safe full of cash, and get to keep it, thanks to the increasingly popular hobby of magnet fishing.
We speak to Yazzy Chamberlain and her grandad John, whose duets of classic songs have earned them millions of online viewers -- including Coldplay.
How the powers of nature are being used to help solve water shortages in Mexico City by cleaning polluted rivers.
The skull of a giant prehistoric bird known as the demon duck has been found in Australia.
And don't waste a moment - the final message from Rob Burrow, rugby league star and Motor Neurone Disease campaigner.Our weekly collection of happy news and positive stories from around the world. Mark as Listened
President Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, have been meeting in Paris, a day after they both attended commemorations of the Second World War D-Day landings. Mr Biden apologised for delays to the delivery of military aid, caused by some Republicans in Congress, but stressed that the US would not walk away from Ukraine. Also: the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologises for skipping the main D-Day commemoration event in Normandy; and workers at the tech giant Samsung go on strike for the first time. Mark as Listened
07.05.24 Pt 2 - Simphiwe reveals the first $100 billion woman. Water sommelier, Candice Jansen joins the team for a tasting session, and to school the team on this essential natural resource. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Hundreds brave Arizona heat to see Donald Trump in his first campaign event since his New York hush-money trial conviction. Also in this Podcast: The UN says 35 children have been killed in an attack in central Sudan, World leaders mark D-Day's 80th anniversary, and how wild fish are becoming hooked on methamphetamine and other hardcore drugs.The Global News Podcast brings you the best analysis from BBC correspondents in London and around the world. Mark as Listened
'Spiritual but not religious’ is the fastest growing faith category amongst Gen Z and Millennials around the world. However, in Nigeria, where most people identify as either Christian or Muslim, questioning doctrine or exploring alternative beliefs is still often seen as taboo. Kamsy and Ore were both raised in evangelical Christian households, but began questioning their faith in their early 20s. Separately, they began reading about other belief systems, such as Judaism, Buddhism and traditional African religions, and posting their thoughts and experiences on social media. Neither were prepared for the backlash they received. When the two of them finally connected, they bonded over how lonely their ‘deconstruction’ journeys had been. So they created a WhatsApp group for others like them. Today, The Table defines itself as a community for the irreligious yet spiritual, and aims to provide a space for connection and discussion free from the dogma. Mark as Listened
Why is football such a universal language? Three BBC World Service journalists and football fans - Matias Zibell Garcia, Pooria Jafereh and Njoroge Muigai – explain what the game mean to their audiences in Argentina, Iran and Kenya, and look ahead at the summer season. Plus, Tamara Ebiwei from BBC Pidgin on why Nigerian players have to learn a new national anthem.Produced by Alice Gioia and Caroline Ferguson. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich) Mark as Listened
President Biden uses speech in Northern France to liken Ukraine's struggle against Russia to the fight to defeat Nazi Germany in the Second World War. We bring you the best reportage and analysis from BBC correspondents in London and around the world. Also in this podcast: Nepal says it has removed eleven tonnes of rubbish from popular Himalayan climbing routes during this year's clean-up campaign, and a week after Donald Trump was convicted of falsifying business records, the former president has had some good news from the courts - a more serious criminal case against him in the state of Georgia has been paused. Mark as Listened
05.06.24 Pt 2 - Would you go into space for a day if given the opportunity? Gareth and Jack get into a rant about identity. Mike Muller from SARZA joins to talk about the volunteering search and rescue work they do. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
05.06.24 Pt 1 - Gareth and Jack get into coalitions, the grilling of Dr Fauci, and Kanye West being sued. Plus, a new mental health initiative in Soweto. Mark as Listened · The Real Network
Andy Riley is an Emmy-winning scriptwriter and a million-selling author and cartoonist published in more than 20 countries, notably with the Bunny Suicides book series. Antonia Quirke follows him as he begins to write and draw the third book in his graphic novel series for children. The series is called Action Dude. That's the name of the main character, too; he lives for danger, he lives for excitement, he lives with his Mum because he's eight years old. Antonia also follows Andy as he performs a semi-improvised, hour-long stand up show with live drawing. Mark as Listened
The Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said any deal that resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza before Hamas was destroyed would be a victory for terrorism. Also: Boeing's first crewed Starliner launch delayed again over computer issues, and the life-saving Heimlich manoeuvre is fifty years old. Mark as Listened
To combat over-working culture, South Koreans have taken part in the annual 'space-out' competition, where they must simply sit still and do absolutely nothing for 90 minutes. But, they must not fall asleep. Also: meet the podcasters hoping to promote friendship between Morocco and Algeria, a hungry sea lion who hitched a ride with some rowers in Los Angeles, a potentially groundbreaking new treatment which could help restore movements to paralysed people, and the power of vibrations harnessed in sound therapy.Our weekly collection of happy news and positive stories from around the world Mark as Listened
How many soldiers are fighting - and dying - for Russia in Ukraine? Who are they, and what do their stories tell us about Russia's frontline tactics? We'll ask Olga Ivshina, who has been monitoring Russian losses in Ukraine from day one. Plus, Anne McAlpine from BBC Alba dives into the history of Gaelic proverbs. Produced by Alice Gioia and Caroline Ferguson.(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich) Mark as Listened
The plan would begin with a six-week ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israel Defence Forces from populated areas of Gaza. Also: Donald Trump to appeal what he called "rigged" conviction, and a rare fern has the largest genome of any organism on earth - fifty times more DNA than humans. Mark as Listened
Anna Holligan spends time with Dutch Muslim Nora Akachar, whose world was turned upside down with the traditional progressive country voted for right-wing politician Geert Wilders. Nora is left questioning her identity and what it means for her to be Muslim in the Netherlands today. Mark as Listened
The jury at Donald Trump's hush-money trial in New York found him guilty on all 34 counts. Mr Trump said the case was "rigged" and the real verdict would come in the presidential election in November. President Biden said it shows no one is above the law. He said Mr Trump continued to pose a great threat to democracy, and accused him of running what he called an increasingly unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution. But the Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, called the verdict "a shameful day for America." Mark as Listened
Officials say the country is likely to experience longer and more intense heatwaves this year. Also: A senior Israeli official says he expects the fighting to continue in Gaza for at least the rest of the year; how North Korea is menacing its southern neighbour with balloons filled with rubbish; and as voters in South Africa go to the polls - President Cyril Ramaphosa believes support for his party is solid. Plus, the Nigerian criminals using nude photos to extort money from young people around the world. Mark as Listened
Everything Counts is a new bi-weekly podcast series that focuses on money and financial wellness. Hosted by 702's Motheo Khoaripe, each episode tackles various aspects of personal finance, including saving, spending, investing, pitfalls to avoid and tricks to succeed. The podcast aims to provide valuable information and expert guidance to help listeners improve their financial well-being.
This podcast is perfect for individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in managing their money more effectively and achieving their financial goals. Whether you're a recent graduate or someone looking to improve their financial situation, Everything Counts offers practical tips and insights to help you take control of your finances and secure your future wealth.
In this episode, Motheo speaks to leading financial consumer journalist Maya Fisher French, and seasoned financial advisor from Investec, Kgomotso Motloung, about what financial wellness really is and what you need to do to obtain it.
Skip ahead
00:00 Introduction
01:38 What is financial wellness?
03:35 Maya talks about her career move from stockbroker to journalist and how that impacted how she looks at money
05:32 Where do I start?
06:35 How do I approach a financial advisor?
09:18 Money personalities and their impact on my finances?
10:49 How do I structure my financial plan?
14:33 Why shouldn't I be ashamed about asking for help when it comes to my finances?
17:13 How do I calculate my net asset value?
18:01 Plan for when things go wrong
19:14 Where should I get advice from?
20:26 How should my budget work?
21:38 What habits will help me get my finances in order?
23:22 How do I think about insurance? Mark as Listened · Financial wellness insights · Private Banking for you · Investec Focus Radio SA
The air strike targeted leaders of Hamas but killed dozens of Palestinians instead. The UN Security council has called an emergency meeting to discuss the incident, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres describing the situation in southern Gaza as "a horror that had to stop". Also on the podcast: a series of explosions have hit the Russian-held city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, China bans a famous influencer from social media for boasting about his wealth, and why people flock from around the world to chase a wheel of cheese down a hill. Mark as Listened
The global perfume industry is worth billions. Some luxury brands sell for hundreds of dollars a bottle. But BBC Eye Investigations has discovered that, when the sun goes down in Egypt, there is a hidden human cost to this industry. In the summer of 2023, the BBC visited four different locations in Egypt’s main jasmine-growing area, Al Gharbia, and found children - some as young as five - working at night to pick the jasmine that was supplied to some of the world’s leading perfume brands through factories in Egypt. The UN’s Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery tells the BBC what it’s uncovered ‘may constitute the worst form of child labour’. We hear the story of one family who say they have no choice but to take their children into the jasmine fields to work, in order to earn enough money to live. Reporter: Natasha Cox
Producers: Ahmed El Shamy and Louise Hidalgo
Editors: Rebecca Henschke and Rosie Garthwaite
Sound engineer: Neil Churchill + James Beard Mark as Listened
President Zelensky denounced the deadly airstrike on the crowded DIY superstore as an act of Russian madness. Also: massive fire at games arcade in India, and the Disney composer Richard Sherman dies aged 95. Mark as Listened
The rise of China is a defining challenge for the West. How far should it co-operate, compete or confront Beijing? And were Western countries slow to respond to China’s growing assertiveness? The BBC’s Security Correspondent, Gordon Corera, delves into the worlds of espionage, surveillance, technology, the theft of commercial secrets, free speech at universities and political interference to explore the points of friction. In this documentary, he speaks to spy chiefs, former prime ministers and dissidents as well as those on the frontline of this Shadow War. Mark as Listened
Live Nation - which promotes concerts, owns venues and sells tickets through its Ticketmaster platform - currently controls around eighty percent of major entertainment ticket sales in the US. Also: the French president speaks of an "unprecedented insurrection movement" in New Caledonia, and do you get frustrated when your name is auto-corrected online? Mark as Listened
Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the ANC’s promise to implement a Basic Income Grant within 2 years of winning the 2024 election.
They also discuss the seemingly imminent collapse of Joburg’s electricity supply. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The world of esports is a wide and varied domain which has captured audiences around the world. OJ Borg explores how Denmark is leading the way in embracing the sport. Speaking to star players, schools that have embraced it in their curriculum and the fans pushing it forward, OJ investigates Denmark’s esports revolution. Mark as Listened
The British Prime Minister sets July 4th as voting day. Also, reaction from Palestinians and Israelis to the decision of Spain, Ireland and Norway to recognise Palestine as a state; and Colombia bids farewell to its most famous Vallenato musician. Mark as Listened
Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the wounding of a young girl in an alleged shootout between EFF and ANC supporters in Limpopo. They also discuss the ANC blaming unemployment on population growth and talk of Eskom nuclear reactors. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
22.05.24 Pt 1 - Jack shares some ideas about crime, which leads to a death penalty debate. Prof. David Block joins the team to uncover some mysteries of the universe. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
This year, South Africa is set to become the tenth-largest solar market in the world. In 2023 R17.5 Billion rands of solar panels were imported into this country. In the latest episode of The Current podcast series, we’re talking all things solar PV – from market dynamics to how much it costs and whether it makes commercial sense for you to install it for your business or your home. Listen to Investec’s Melanie Humphries, Bernard Geldenhuys, and SAPVIA’s De Wet Taljaard, as they enlighten us on SA’s solar boom.
00:00: Intro
01:56: Meet the guests
02:24: Overview of solar in SA and its domination
03:36: 86% of all solar is residential or rooftop
04:24: Large-scale solar PV projects
05:03: SA in comparison to other country's solar adoption
06:20: The impact of residential solar's boom on the national grid
07:16: The cost implications of installing solar
09:46: Homeowners installing solar for commercial value
11:55: Equitable access to solar power
13:55: Local manufacturing of solar lagging behind
14:49: REIPP Programme attracting substantial FDI
15:19: Feeding excess energy back into the grid
17:32: Transmission is the biggest hurdle for large-scale solar
18:50: What is wheeling and why is it important for IPPs?
21:19: Top considerations when installing rooftop solar
22:28: Maintenance of solar equipment
23:10: Loadshedding and solar's relationship is changing
24:17: SMMEs benefit from solar
25:24: What are the risks to SA's solar boom?
28:28 Closing comments and some practical advice Mark as Listened · Investec's Sustainable Solutions in solar · Investec Focus Radio SA
Seven people were seriously injured during the incident on Singapore Airlines flight from London. Also: Sixteen of the world’s largest AI firms have agreed on new safety guidelines, and schools are closed in northern India as the authorities deal with an intense heatwave. Mark as Listened
A court in Greece has abandoned the trial of nine Egyptian men accused of causing the worst migrant shipwreck in the Mediterranean for a decade. Judges ruled they did not have jurisdiction to hear the case because the vessel sank in international waters. Also: OpenAI earns the wrath of Scarlett Johansson -- and one of Japan's most popular photo spots is blocked to obscure views of Mount Fuji. Mark as Listened
Tehran announces five days of national mourning. Also: hours after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, China warns the self-governing island that independence is a dead end; and the UN human rights chief says he's deeply alarmed by the destruction of one of the main towns in Myanmar's Rakhine State and the expulsion of its Rohingya population. Mark as Listened
30.04.24 Pt 1 - Gareth and Jack discuss the kind of discipline that kids need at a young age, the shocking lyrics in music today, and how to choose the perfect password Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Nicholas Lorimer and Sara Gon discuss the incredible revelation that the giant Kusile power plant is currently producing no electricity. They also discuss a conflict of interest in Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s latest advisor appointment. They also chat about the Union’s outrage at government “austerity”. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
In this episode, our experts discuss the surge in fuel prices and the impact of oil market volatility on South Africans. Find out what's driving the increase and the potential implications for our economy. Mark as Listened · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs · Investec Focus Radio SA
Two dams and four bridges collapsed near the Libyan city of Derna when Storm Daniel struck on Sunday. Also: US House of Representatives to open Biden impeachment inquiry, and stolen Van Gogh painting handed to art sleuth in Ikea bag. Mark as Listened
Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes India’s new parliament as a reflection of the “aspirations and dreams” of all Indians. But the huge triangular structure that sits next to its colonial-era predecessor is controversial: some opposition parties boycotted its inauguration. From Delhi, Shalu Yadav reports on a story that is about cost, architecture and urban design, but also power, democracy and India’s future. Mark as Listened
Hermann and John discuss the question of bucks and where they end up stopping. The Treasury warns that bucks are running out and labour leaders are not happy. When it comes to accountability and where the buck must stop, Chapter 9 entities are coming under scrutiny as Busi Mkhwebane is kicked out of office. Finally, the chat turns to why symbolism and unity matter as President Ramaphosa offers military ceremony and honours for the funeral of Mangosuthu Buthelezi Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Kim Jong Un travelled to Russia on an armoured train. It's not clear where the meeting will take place. Also: Deadly floods in Libya, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent launch an emergency appeal after the earthquake in Morocco. Mark as Listened
12.09.23 Pt 2 - Gareth is taken aback by Elon Musk's child's name, Techno Mechanicus, affectionately known as Tau. The team is delighted to hear about a new beach resort coming to South Africa. And Jaco Voigt from Unbundled joins the team to discuss scams. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Bakh'abantu fell into the rabbit hole of TLC, and is utterly disappointed by how terrible reality TV is! When was the last time South Africa built an incredible monument or university? Gareth vents about old people, sparking the team's search for good old men. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Rescuers have been using their bare hands as desperate search efforts in Morocco continue for survivors of Friday's earthquake. Ukraine claims to have retaken Black Sea drilling rigs, and Dolly the Sheep creator Ian Wilmut dies aged 79. Mark as Listened
11.09.23 Pt 1 - To no surprise, the team is delighted about the Springboks’ win, but Gareth still has an issue with their away kit. The weekend sports recap is presented by Leigh-Ann and ChatGPT… and it's another open Q&A with renowned psychologist, Dr Hanan Bushkin. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Melanie Humphries (head of Investec Sustainable Solutions) has an in-depth discussion on the ongoing energy crisis with expert, Chris Yelland. Where do we stand and what does the future look like? How can you reduce your reliance on the grid? What are the options and hazards? Mark as Listened · www.investec.com
Luis Rubiales resigns for kissing Spain's team captain Jenni Hermoso after they won the Women's World Cup. Also: Morocco faces a race against time to save survivors in earthquake rubble, and the magical sounds of a primeval European forest. Mark as Listened
Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh is one of Ireland's leading screen costume designers - working on such productions as The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Jimmy's Hall and the recent, multi award-winning The Banshees of Inisherin. For many years she has also been compiling a collection of iconic items seen on the Irish screen. Eimer has been involved in the photographing of each item to museum standard, allowing the entire collection to be available online for anybody across the world to access, free. We follow Eimer as she oversees the meticulous photographing of her applauded and distinctive knitwear for the Banshees of Inisherin. Mark as Listened
Science journalist Sue Nelson shares her personal journey to better understand a condition that affects millions worldwide. Inside her autistic inner world is a cacophony of brain chatter, anxiety and sensory issues - recreated within a 360 degree soundscape - that impact her life and interactions with others. Sue, who discovered she had autism last year aged 60, meets other autistic people, researchers and clinicians to try to make sense of her late diagnosis. Those who offer their own stories and experiences include Canadian actor Mickey Rowe, the first autistic actor to play the autistic lead character in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime; award-winning science writer Dr Camilla Pang; and former teacher Pete Wharmby, who left the profession to write about his condition to help others. Mark as Listened
Entire villages have been flattened, and families are trapped under the rubble. Also: G20 leaders have come under fire for issuing a watered-down and ambiguous statement on the war in Ukraine. Kyiv said the text was nothing to be proud of, and after days evading capture, Britain's most wanted man is back in custody. Mark as Listened
Africa causes little damage to the climate but tends to feel the brunt of changing weather patterns. That was the debate in recent days as Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, hosted Africa’s first-ever climate summit. More than a dozen African leaders discussed the continent's increasing exposure to climate change and what that means for the environment, food supply and the economy. They also wanted to get their case together ahead of the next big climate conference, COP 28, which will be held in Dubai at the end of the year. We went around the continent to bring together some of those who are affected by climate change. We hear from farmers, environmental journalists and climate activists, with guests from Liberia, Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi and Kenya. Mark as Listened
In It's first 'global stocktake' the organisation warns that radical change is needed, quickly. Also: Newly released documents in the US show that a grand jury in the state of Georgia recommended many more indictments, including that of Senator Lindsey Graham, and, Ezra Collective, become the first jazz band to win the prestigious Mercury music award. Mark as Listened
The worst downpour in 140 years shut schools and offices, and left streets under water. Also: The UK's massive manhunt for the terror suspect who escaped prison strapped under a lorry, and what it's like to go on a night out in wartime Ukraine. Mark as Listened
But the NATO chief acknowledged that at 100 metres a day, it was painfully slow. Also: Dozens are killed in an attack by Islamist militants in north-eastern Mali, and Freddie Mercury's piano sells for two million dollars at auction. Mark as Listened
They've done it without using sperm, eggs or a womb. Also: The US promises another billion dollars' worth of assistance for Ukraine - including depleted uranium ammunition for battle tanks, and the Rolling Stones unveil their first new album in 18 years. Mark as Listened
It comes as two studies show that this year is likely to be the hottest in human history with alarming consequences. Also: The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is on a surprise trip to Ukraine, and the plague of bedbugs that's taken hold in France. Mark as Listened
Hear the marvellous sounds of Europe's last primeval forest, Białoweiza, in an immersive experience rich with all kinds of bird song and animal sounds, including that of the rare European bison. They're recorded by Polish field recordist Izabela Dłużyk.
Izabela is unusual as a young woman recordist, in a profession dominated by men - all the more so because has been blind from birth. She developed a special sensitivity to birdsong ever since her family gave her a tape recorder at the age of 12, and she at once turned its microphone towards the sky. She identifies species entirely though her ears, with an extraordinarily detailed depth of field.
Hearing the forest through Izabela’s acute ears, we venture into her world as well as that of the wilderness she loves. Recorded on location in Białoweiza, we also hear night and dawn recordings that bring all sorts of surprises to the microphone.
Produced by Monica Whitlock. Mixed by Neil Churchill Mark as Listened
06.09.23 Pt 2 - US-based Tim Urban has been writing stick-figure-illustrated posts on his blog Wait But Why since 2013. He has a creative and unique way of seeing the world, and all its issues, and he chats to Gareth about his first book, simply called What’s our Problem? Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Enrique Tarrio was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and obstructing official proceedings at a Washington court last May. Also: The Spanish women's football coach is sacked amid continuing scandal over controversial kiss, and conservationists to free 2,000 rhinos from a farm in South Africa. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and John Endres discuss the creation of a new SOE, the President's response to the Lady R scandal and the collapsing electricity network in Joburg. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
n the early hours of 14th June, a heavily overcrowded, rusty fishing trawler carrying as many as 750 migrants capsized off the coast of Greece. The passengers - men, women and children from countries including Pakistan, Egypt and Syria - were fleeing conflict and poverty, hoping to start safer and more prosperous lives in Europe.
After its engine broke down, the boat drifted for several hours while desperate passengers made distress calls and waited for rescue. Only 104 people survived the sinking. More than 600 may have drowned, making this one of the deadliest disasters in Europe’s ongoing migration crisis.
For Assignment, Nick Beake travels to Greece to meet survivors of the sinking, who are now living in a refugee camp outside Athens. He hears how they endured a four-day voyage, during which several passengers died due to a lack of food, water and ventilation on board. Brutal smugglers forced them to board the dangerous boat, and confiscated water bottles and life jackets to make room for extra passengers.
Many of the survivors have accused the Greek coastguard of causing the sinking by attempting to tow the heavily overloaded vessel. Greek authorities have denied these claims. Nick meets a Greek activist who volunteers for an emergency hotline that received distress calls from passengers on the ship. She explains that the June 14th disaster is not the first time the Greek coastguard has come under scrutiny, and it has previously been accused of using aggressive and illegal tactics to deter migration.
Presented by Nick Beake
Producer: Viv Jones
Studio mix: Graham Puddifoot
Series Editor: Penny Murphy Mark as Listened
The Kenyan president has opened Africa's first climate summit, urging fellow leaders to focus on solutions rather than who's to blame for global warming. Also: Ukraine's Defence Minister confirms he is leaving his post, and we hear from dogs performing with an orchestra in Denmark. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon, and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the launch of the ANC's election campaign, the country's rapidly worsening financial state, and the number of government properties that have been hijacked. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
04.09.23 Pt 2 - Leigh-Ann has a mouthful for the SABC after being bombarded by TV licence bills, Bakh’abantu warns of a solar flare happening today, and Gareth expresses his hate for gender reveal gatherings - and how they’re a menace to society. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Nicholas Lorimer, and Makone Maja discuss the horrific fire in Johannesburg. They also chat about how people are being ripped off by municipalities and the new body cams for Cape town police. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Sara Gon and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the ongoing strike in the city of Tshwane, the massive drop off in the number of people using rail services, and the huge cost of NHI on the South African fiscus. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Military officers have placed President Ali Bongo under house arrest. Also: overnight drone and missile attacks on targets in both Russia and Ukraine, and Hurricane Idalia makes landfall in Florida. Mark as Listened
Have we really turned the corner when it comes to inflation, and will the Reserve Bank continue to keep interest rates on ice? Find out in the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday with Investec Economist Lara Hodes. Mark as Listened · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the positive comments Mbalula made about the recent elections in Zimbabwe. They also discuss the changing attitudes to nuclear power and the state of the SANDF. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
At our latest In conversation event, titled, Sustainable living – Empowering solutions, Chris Yelland (energy expert), Prof Anthony Turton (water expert), Maya Fisher-French (award-winning financial journalist) and Pierre Lundberg (water expert) shared their thoughts on our current water and energy situation. Mark as Listened
Russian officials say Yevgeny Prigozhin has been confirmed dead after genetic analysis of bodies found in Wednesday's plane crash. Also: Zimbabwean opposition leader has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of carrying out a coup after official results showed the president won the recent election, and an Austrian town protests against mass tourism. Mark as Listened
The French national team are known throughout the sporting world as "les bleus" because of their iconic kits, which echo the blue of the French national flag.
French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif, in collaboration with the French Rugby Federation, have been creating and developing a new kit for the national squad ahead of France hosting the Rugby World Cup in September and October 2023.
Rosa Johnston-Flint talks to some of the creatives behind the design and manufacture of this new kit, and goes to Le Coq Sportif's factory in Romilly-sur-Seine, a small town not far from Paris, to watch the first shirt being made with fabric especially created in France.
Rugby is a rough contact sport, so how do you make a jersey that can withstand tackles while being as light as something worn by a cyclist and looking elegant under the spotlight of a home world cup?
Presenter/producer: Rosa Johnston-Flint
Executive producer: Andrea Kidd Mark as Listened
In a defiant speech, Luis Rubiales claimed an unsolicited kiss he gave a player after her world cup triumph, was consensual. Also: Donald Trump becomes the first former or serving US president to have his mugshot taken, and the latest manifestation of 'Swiftonomics' - what impact is Taylor Swift expected to have on the economies of the cities her one-hundred date world-tour is taking in? Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Gerbrandt van Heerden, and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the sentencing of 6 men accused of involvement in the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, they also discuss the plan for city power in Joburg to buy power from some independent power producers, they also chat about the massive gas finds in Mpumalanga Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
25.08.23 Pt 2 - Gareth reports on the impounding of illegal Bajaj vehicles on the road due to the absence of taxi licenses. Ben expresses frustration over a recent judge's ruling in a case involving a man who killed his fiancée. Anele Zondo joins the discussion to talk about "The Perfect Picture." Also, don't miss Borge's live report from the Festival of Motoring. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Baptist minister Dr Martin Luther King Jr delivered his "I have a dream" speech on 28 August 1963 to crowds of over 250,000 in Washington DC as part of the Great March, which called for jobs and freedom for African Americans. It helped spur the passage of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964. On the 60th anniversary of this legendary speech, Emmy award-winning journalist Sherri Jackson meets speakers from differing religious backgrounds and experiences to talk about how they have been influenced by Dr King's words. They discuss the details of his vision, and the role of faith in securing social justice and in anti-racism protest today.
Produced by Nina Robinson
Series producer: Rajeev Gupta
Production coordinator: Mica Nepomuceno Mark as Listened
Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the planned expansion of BRICS, a KZN municipality helping its customers to steal electricity, and the role of community police forums.
IRR Growth Strategy webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjFAeqi9HiU
Read the full report here: https://irr.org.za/reports/occasional-reports/irr-growth-strategy Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Speculation mounts after Wagner mercenary boss is presumed dead. Also: Japan begins pumping more than a million tonnes of treated radioactive water into the Pacific ocean and a sound on the island of Ireland that hasn't been heard for 200 years. Mark as Listened
In 2020 Belize was broke. Again. This small, climate-vulnerable, Central American nation is home to the western hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. And it was about to default on a debt of over half a billion dollars. Enter an American NGO... The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the world’s largest conservation charity. TNC made an offer to the government of Belize: it would help restructure the debt, if Belize would channel the savings made into its precious coastal resources. In 2021, the deal became reality – creditors were paid off, and investors found for the new, so-called ‘blue bond.’ Belize’s debt shrank by 12% overnight. A win-win, right?
But as Linda Pressly finds on a trip to Belize for Assignment, the ‘blue bond’ hasn’t been universally welcomed. There are concerns about an international NGO having influence in a poor nation, and arguments about which Belizean marine organisations have benefitted from the new investment. And there is one unresolved question: what does the ‘blue bond’ agreement mean for the potential future exploration of offshore oil in Belizean waters?
Presenter/producer: Linda Pressly
Sound engineer: Neil Churchill
Editor: Penny Murphy
(Photo: Replanting corals to restore Belize’s barrier reef is critical work in an era of climate emergency. Credit: Fragments of Hope) Mark as Listened
Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a jet which crashed in Russia killing everyone on board. Also, Donald Trump's former lawyer is booked on conspiracy charges, graphic evidence from Andrew Tate’s court case in Romania and fans say The Rolling Stones have announced a new album in a surprising way. Mark as Listened
Scientists hope to deploy a rover on the lunar surface to send images and data back to Earth. Also: Zimbabweans vote in a crucial presidential election, and a rare baby giraffe is born with no spots. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Marius Roodt discuss comments made by The chairperson of the China Africa Development Fund which encouraged SA to relax BEE requirements to end loadshedding. They also discuss the Zimbabwe elections. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
23.08.23 Pt 2 - Louis Carver is in the studio for a quick catch-up and to tell us about her new tour around South Africa. Gareth and the team cover everything from Derek Watts to some of Louise’s latest business ventures and what she likes to listen to in her downtime. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Neurodivergent students learn, think, and process information differently than their neurotypical peers. Because of this, they often face unique challenges in the school setting. Students may struggle with executive functioning skills, typical social and communication skills and have sensory processing difficulties. As a result, they may be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and many other mental health crises - resulting in a difficult education in which they won't receive the grades or social experience that they could achieve. This programme uses the Østerskov Efterskole school in Denmark as a case study to determine whether their revolutionary LARP (Live Action Role Play) teaching techniques could aid the education of every neurodiverse pupil. Mark as Listened
Human Rights Watch says hundreds of people have been gunned down by security forces. Also: the British serial killer nurse who murdered at least seven babies has been sentenced to life in prison, and we learn about a refurbished ship using wind power to carry cargo. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon, and Terence Corrigan. They discuss comments made by President Ramaphosa at the 40th-anniversary event of the UDF. They also discuss the SARB's Phala Phala report and The Health Professions Council of South Africa's flouting of a Competition Commission ruling. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
World famous violinist Nicola Benedetti starts her new job as Director of the Edinburgh International Festival. Anna Bailey follows her as she enters unchartered territory, commissioning new works and running an organisation. Nicola talks through her decisions for her first programme, which features over 2000 artists from 48 countries. And Anna follows the progress of some of those artists as they begin rehearsals in the Scottish capital. Mark as Listened
The storm has made landfall on Mexico's Pacific coast and is heading for the south-western US. Also: why Russia's first moon mission in nearly fifty years has ended in failure, and how cats and dogs are helping war-ravaged Ukrainians. Mark as Listened
Madagascar is experiencing its worst famine for over 30 years. With successive years of drought, this began in the country’s deep south but as successive cyclones hit Madagascar in 2022 and 2023, people in the south-east are now also suffering from food insecurity. The United Nations has described this as the “world’s first climate-induced famine”. But some climate scientists claim there is little evidence suggesting global warming is the primary cause. Journalist Raissa Iousouff travels to the south of Madagascar in search of answers and meets many of the local people and communities who are fighting to survive. Mark as Listened
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, Jordan Hogg and his campaign to get more disabled people working in the film and TV industry, the Ukrainian soldier who became a ballet star after losing both legs in the war, and the surfers rescued after 36 hours adrift off Indonesia. Mark as Listened
It is the deadliest wildfire in the United States in more than a century. On the Hawaiian island of Maui, block after block of the seaside town of Lahaina lies in ruins. Only the twisted wreckage of buildings and charred vegetation remain among the ashes. More than 100 people have been killed. Host James Reynolds speaks to Ella, who lost her family home in the fires and with two volunteers, Uilani and Alison. Mark as Listened
The leaders of the three countries agreed to expand military and economic ties, and condemned China's actions in the South China Sea at a historic summit. Also: a nurse found guilty of murdering babies in her care has become Britain's most prolific child serial killer in modern times, and why Iceland's prime minister writes crime novels in her spare time. Mark as Listened
The BBC has been told that fourteen hundred people have died of starvation in Ethiopia's Tigray region since international food aid was suspended. Also: Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow's business district, and Italian cheesemakers use technology to stop counterfeit cheese. Mark as Listened
After the horrific role played by the German military in the Holocaust, arguably the last place you would expect to find a Jew would be in the German Armed Forces. And yet it is estimated that today there are around 300 practising Jewish military personnel, and since 2021 they have had their own chaplain, the first chief rabbi – and the first non-Christian - in nearly 90 years. With the help of serving personnel and the head of the military rabbinate, Shelly Kupferberg explores what it means to be Jewish in today’s German armed forces. Shelly also hears from Michael Fürst, the very first Jew to sign up after World War Two, who is now the president of the association of Jewish communities of Lower Saxony. Mark as Listened
Georgia officials say the names and addresses of jurors have been shared online, after they voted to indict former President Donald Trump. Also: Britain invites Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to visit, outraging human rights groups. And the musician Nile Rodgers accuses a far-right political party in Switzerland of stealing his hit song "We Are Family". Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Gerbrandt van Heerden discuss the desperate state of the South African middle class and what this means for our politics and economics. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans are fleeing their country, looking for work in the West, especially in the United Kingdom.
Last year Zimbabwe was the third largest source of foreign workers for the UK, behind India and Nigeria, and ahead of the Philippines and Pakistan, which have much larger populations.
A popular social media post reads: “the Zimbabwean dream is to leave Zimbabwe.”
Many of those leaving their country are highly qualified. They’re taking jobs in the British care sector, where there is a huge shortage of workers. They send much of what they earn back to their families in Zimbabwe. For those back home it’s often the only way to survive in a country with hyper-inflation.
Zimbabwe is about to go to the polls but few expect things to change. The economy is in dire straits and the opposition hasn’t been allowed to campaign freely. Some activists have been imprisoned or even killed. The ruling ZANU PF party, which has been in power since independence in 1980, shows little sign of losing control.
Earlier this year the UK gave Zimbabwean teachers “Qualified Teacher” status, allowing them to work long-term in the UK. Zimbabwean parents fear their children’s teachers will be the next to leave.
Zimbabwe’s latest skills exodus could break the country’s healthcare and education systems, which are already crumbling after decades of under-investment and corruption. For Assignment, Charlotte Ashton hears from Zimbabweans who’ve left, Zimbabweans who want to leave and Zimbabweans who say they can only dream of leaving.
Presenter: Charlotte Ashton
Producer: John Murphy
(Image: A well-used five US dollar note in Zimbabwe. Credit: KB Mpofu) Mark as Listened
Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer discusss the comments made by Bheki Cele on the assault by VIP officers filmed on the N1, they also chat about the huge infrastructure backlog and the court ruling allowing pharmacists to prescribe ARVs. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
16.08.23 Pt 2 - Gareth sits down with Vusi Thembekwayo, an accomplished businessman and outspoken leader. Together, they tackle South African politics and the effects that businesses are suffering in the country’s current state. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
With the economic headwinds of sticky inflation and persistently high interest rates, an underwhelming Chinese rebound and a weakening US dollar – how do the next few months look for investors? Our Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth, gives his analysis in the latest episode of the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast. Mark as Listened · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs · Investec Focus Radio SA
In the 15 years that Jordan Hogg has been a TV director, he has never worked with another disabled director. Whilst 18% of the population has a disability, this is not represented in many industries, but Jordan is attempting to change this in TV and Film. Jordan, who has cerebral palsy, speaks to those who are challenging and changing the industry from within. Alongside him is TV Producer (and close friend) Jules Hussey. They speak to Academy award-winning actors James Martin and Rachel Shenton, hear the impact their award wins have had on the communities they were representing and discuss the changes that they believe have the biggest positive effects on inclusivity in Film and TV. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss bizarre out of touch comments made by the ANC secretary general, they also discuss the unemployment rate and the anonymity of MPs. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Journalist Ellie House is bisexual. But before she had even realised that, it felt like big tech had already worked it out, with sites like Netflix and TikTok regularly recommending her LGBTQ content. Years later, Ellie goes on a quest to understand how the powerful recommendations systems that big tech companies use really work. She reconstructs her digital fingerprint, and hears from LGBTQ people around the world who are conflicted about the risks and rewards of being queer online. Mark as Listened
The leaders of last month's coup say Mohamed Bazoum will be tried for high treason. Also, a colourful far-right candidate wins a primary election in Argentina, and fan letters written by Beatle George Harrison's mother go up for auction. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Chris Hattingh, Nicholas Lorimer, and Sara Gon. They discuss the chaos surrounding various Eskom projects, the high pay of municipal workers, and business stepping up to get involved. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
14.08.23 Pt 2 - Which town in SA has the fattest people? Leigh-Ann reports a scam on a stripped Polo, and Kobus Olivier joins the show to talk about escaping the war in Ukraine with his dogs. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Fashion designers and brother and sister duo, Christopher and Tammy Kane have been trendsetters in the fashion world since 2006. They’ve dressed celebrities and world leaders, blending a playful, sexy aesthetic with working-class realism. Now they're launching a brand-new club night in London, the More Joy Disco. But how does their upbringing in a small Scottish village inform the glitz and glamour of their event? And why is joy such a motivating factor for the pair? Mark as Listened
Appeals for federal help as hundreds still unaccounted for. Also: Russia FIRES warning shots at ship in the Black Sea for the first time since Moscow pulled out of a deal allowing safe passage through it, and a Belgian university launches a Taylor Swift inspired course. Mark as Listened
Humans are returning to the moon for the first time in over 50 years. The multi-national mission is called Artemis and involves the most powerful rocket and capable spacecraft ever built, a space station in lunar orbit, and a permanent moon-base on the surface. At a special event at the Royal Geographical Society in London, Dr Kevin Fong speaks to three of the world-leading engineers who are making this possible: Howard Hu, Orion programme manager at Nasa, Sara Pastor, chief engineer at the ESA Ihab Gateway, Libby Jackson, head of exploration at the UK Space Agency. Mark as Listened
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, Afraa, the newborn rescued from the debris of Syria’s earthquake, is a symbol of hope, the mother and daughter who won the lottery to travel to space, and the dog who surfed to victory at the world championships. Mark as Listened
A new season of the Saudi Pro League is underway, now featuring some of the biggest names in football. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, among many others, have all signed-up to play in the country. It has shaken up the transfer window but it is not without its controversy. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who signed for a Saudi club for example, was a vocal advocate of LGBTQ+ rights. But in Saudi Arabia, sexual activity with people of the same sex is illegal and can be punishable by death. Henderson’s rainbow armbands have been edited to grey in recent promotional videos. Host James Reynolds hears from three international football fans, Cassie, Alex and Evan. Mark as Listened
The prosecutor, David Weiss, who brought criminal charges against Hunter Biden will get additional powers. Also: Ukraine sacks army conscription officials for taking bribes, and California approves driverless taxi expansion in San Francisco. Mark as Listened
Authorities say ‘Zeng’ was influenced by trips to the opera with a CIA agent. Also: South Africa's former president, Jacob Zuma is released from prison after one hour, and the Pokemon World Championships begins in Japan for the first time. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, and Terence Corrigan. They discuss the end of the Cape Town taxi strike and what it means for SA. They also chat about the release of Zuma from prison after one hour and lastly, they discuss the article by Tony Leon about deals with the devil. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
11.08.23 Pt 2 - Musk vs Zuck is moving forward, but whose side are you on, and what should the stakes be? The team discuss whether they’d rather communicate with animals or be fluent in any language. And Nomvelo Makhanya joins the show to tell us about her role in ‘The Perfect Picture’. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
The Rev Malcolm Rogers has been in charge of the most extraordinary church. St Andrews looks like an ordinary British Victorian church, but amazingly it’s just ten minutes from the heart of power in Russia, the Kremlin. His flock includes local Russian people but also many English speaking ex-pats and members of Moscow's international community. This would have been an unusual posting at any time, but he’s been there during a remarkable period. It included the diplomatic dispute over the Salisbury poisonings, the Football World Cup staged in Russia, the Covid Pandemic and now the war in Ukraine. It has put him in a sensitive situation at times, but it has also helped him to understand how the world is seen through Russian eyes. Mark as Listened
There's been an increase in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region. Also: West African leaders say dialogue with the leaders of the coup in Niger will be the 'bedrock' of their approach to the crisis, and there’s a state of emergency in Ecuador as a presidential candidate is assassinated weeks before polls open. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer, and Chris Hattingh discuss the new distribution SOE which still lists Andre de Ruyter as director. They also chat about BEE requirements for complexes and the Eskom of water. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
10.08.23 Pt 2 - Gareth and Phumi are joined by Anthea Jeffery to discuss the ANC’s determination to turn South Africa into a socialist society. Gareth also catches up with Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on the taxi strike. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Tens of thousands of Russian criminals – murders, rapists, robbers – were recruited from prisons by the mercenary group, Wagner, to fight in Ukraine. Now, after six months on the battlefield, the survivors have returned home, with official pardons. Many served only a fraction of their original sentences. And now, they're officially treated as heroes - protected by a new law which criminalises discreditation of anyone who fights on the Russian side in the war.
Already, some returnees are reported to have committed further serious crimes. One has confessed to the brutal axe-murder of his 85-year-old former landlady. In another case, an ex-convict believed to have served with Wagner has been charged with masterminding the killing of two children's entertainers, one of them a 19-year-old woman who was training to be a teacher. The murders in southern Russia provoked an outpouring of anger and grief, with thousands signing a petition demanding that the alleged ringleader - who denies any guilt - should get a life sentence if he is eventually convicted. But they know any punishment will probably be less severe, because the criminal records of former Wagner mercenaries have been wiped. They start their lives again from a clean slate, and if they re-offend, no previous convictions can be considered.
Reporter Arseny Sokolov talks to the mother of the murdered entertainer, to campaigners for prison reform - and to an ex-convict who fought for Wagner - to investigate what threat the returned mercenaries pose in their home towns and villages - and to assess the damage "legal nihilism" is doing to Russian society.
Producer: Tim Whewell
Editor: Penny Murphy
(Image: A poster showing Wagner Group servicemen with a slogan reading “Join the winning team” in St. Petersburg, Russia, 24 June 2023. Credit: Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Hermann Pretorius, Nicholas Lorimer, and Gerbrandt van Heerden. They discuss the ongoing taxi strike in Cape Town. They also discuss the massive tax loss as a result of loadshedding. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Marius Roodt, and Michael Morris. They discuss the column by Adriaan Basson about a possible ANC-DA grand coalition. They also discuss the failure of the Free electricity program. They end with a discussion of Indian politics and the restoration of Rahul Gandhi to parliament. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Starting a private practice can be overwhelming, but with the right support and knowledge, you can confidently make informed decisions. In this interview, Nirvashni Rajkumar, a Senior Financial Advisor at Investec Life, sketches out some of the financial essentials you need to consider.
Discover how to mitigate risks, protect your income, and safeguard your practice through effective risk cover strategies. Learn about essential aspects such as life cover, disability cover, and income protection, tailored specifically to your profession.
SKIP TO KEY TOPICS
00:04 What type of risks do financial planners help clients mitigate against?
2:52 Where do medical practioners who are thinking of starting their private medical practice begin?
4:15 What are the common mistakes made by medical professionals when it comes to retirement?
6:40 Final thoughts for medical professionals. Mark as Listened · The importance of financial planning · Investec Focus Radio SA
Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris discuss a column by Peter Bruce on the need to abandon the “Patel-Ramaphosa songbook.” They also chat about SARS and the EFF and lastly, they discuss the methane explosion in Joburg. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
02.08.23 Pt 2 - Paul Slabolepszy chats to Gareth about his incredible career as a writer and actor… as well as the new version of ‘Saturday Night at the Palace’, that’s currently playing at the theatre. Find out the true meaning of legacy and Paul’s inspiration behind his life’s work. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Fourteen-year-old Sri Nihal Tammana is on a mission to prevent billions of batteries going to landfill. After watching devastating fires cause by discarded lithium-ion batteries, the kind of batteries found in most modern consumer electronics, he decided to set up a not--for-profit organisation called Recycle my Battery. They have set up recycle points in shops and local businesses, evangelised about the importance of recycling batteries in schools and local temples and have partnered with the largest non-profit battery recycling company in north America, Call2Recycle. Mark as Listened
Russia blames Ukraine after the same building is struck twice within a matter of days. Also: Myanmar's ruling junta pardons deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi for some offences, though she will remain in detention, and there's backlash in Japan over the promotion of the film Oppenheimer. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Michael Morris, Nicholas Lorimer, and Marius Roodt. They discuss Malema's choice of song at the EFF's birthday rally. They also discuss the growing alignment between the DA and IFP and the brewing conflict in West Africa. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
01.08.23 Pt 2 - Bakh’abantu wants to put away the politics and ask the hot question… Barbie or Oppenheimer? K.F. expresses his frustration with movies highlighting heroism within evil. Ronen Aires joins the show to discuss his concept of ‘Chooseday’. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
At least forty-five people killed and over one hundred injured. Also: Chinese authorities are accused of pressuring Uyghur's to spy on human rights campaigners, and not one but two supermoons to appear in August. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Chris Hattingh, and Terence Corrigan. They discuss the EFF's 10th-year anniversary they also chat about lawlessness and Nersa holding up Eskom reform. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Author of several plays, television dramas, works of non-fiction, letters to the BBC about the pitiful decline in standards of literature and grammar, and master of the abusive email – Ed Reardon is back.
Ed is still living in his superb, stylish capsule urban living unit (i.e., small office conversion), and conducting his part-time relationship with Maggie. However, the means to finance a decent living as always eludes him. His agent, Ping, is not forthcoming with any major offers of work but his nemesis and best friend, Jaz, is keen for Ed to ghost-write his new memoir, ‘I, Jaz’.
Ed would rather focus on trying to secure a spot on local radio and is busy ‘self-taping’ his audition piece berating the art of ‘Storytelling’, which proves a little difficult as his daughter, Eli, has decided she is going to pursue a new career as a ‘Storyteller’ and asks Ed to support her.
And with Pearl having gone to join the silver workforce as a store detective, Ed has a new student in his University of the 3rd Age writing class which allows him the opportunity to introduce a superior command of the narrative art to a new audience in the form of his classic ‘Tenko’ episode.
The series is dedicated to Andrew Nickolds, who sadly passed away mid-way through writing the series.
The regular cast this series are joined by Ellen Thomas and Sally Grace along with guests Robert Powell, Helen Monks, Rachel Atkins and Joe Thomas.
Ed Reardon - Christopher Douglas
Ping - Barunka O’Shaughnessy
Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson
Eli - Lisa Coleman
Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead
Olive - Sally Grace
Winnie - Ellen Thomas
Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas
Produced by Dawn Ellis
Production Co-ordinator Katie Baum
Sound Jon Calver Mark as Listened
The crime writer Agatha Christie remains the best-selling novelist of all time even though her death was almost 50 years ago. Her fictional detective Hercule Poirot has attained legendary status, so for a modern novelist to breathe new life into the character is a considerable challenge. However, the English psychological crime author Sophie Hannah has been doing just that. In 2014 she wrote her first novel using Poirot as the central character and we follow her in 2018 as she prepares her third Poirot novel for publication, entitled The Mystery of Three Quarters. Felicity Finch next catches up with Sophie as her fifth Poirot novel, Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night, is due to be published. Mark as Listened
Other EU countries, the African Union, and the US threaten to impose sanctions. Also: The eldest son of Colombia's president has been arrested on suspicion of money-laundering, and the latest census of tigers in India has found a substantial rise in the population. Mark as Listened
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, the deal to get Colombian coffee growers and bears living in harmony, the power of sound in restoring Australian coral reefs, and how sending a fax can win you a fortune in Taiwan. Mark as Listened
The Women’s World Cup is underway and global attention is once again on women in sport. Host James Reynolds brings together Preeti Singh, a national and international basketball player for India, lawyer and former England netball player Eboni Usoro-Brown and Jennifer Jones, one of Canada’s most successful female curlers. They compare notes on the progress in their respective professions. We also get into the challenges for a sports woman after having children. Jamaica footballer Cheyna Matthews is currently playing in the World Cup and adds her thoughts. Mark as Listened
Donald Trump says there's nothing in the US constitution to stop him from running for the White House again. Also: Washington warns Niger its security cooperation with the West African state is at risk after Wednesday's military coup, and the new research that suggests our imagination does not deteriorate with age. Mark as Listened
The three charges relate to his alleged mishandling of classified files after he left the White House. Also: Military general declares himself leader of Niger following the coup, and we hear from the man who brought a worm back to life after 46,000 years. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Hermann Pretorius, Nicholas Lorimer, and Michael Morris. They discuss the power vacuum that Ramaphosa is apparently leaving in the ANC. They also chat about the 3 bodies found in City Power substations in Joburg and they discuss the strange things going on in the EFF. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The army is backing troops who toppled the country's president. Also: Vladimir Putin offers thousands of tonnes of free grain to Africa, and the favourites slip up at the Women's World Cup. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Chris Hattingh discuss the letter by 115 CEOs promising to work towards building SA, they also chat about Low-cost medical aid options and NHI and they discuss a weird tweet from the EFF. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
27.07.23 Pt 2 - Bakh’abantu joins the Burning Platform panel after Monday’s rant about South Africa becoming a Banana Republic. The team discuss Julius Malema’s EFF 10-year anniversary speech, as well as the antics of the SABC. Blessings Ramoba, President and CEO at the Mining Forum of South Africa, joins in to discuss illegal mining and the state of mining in South Africa. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
The battle to keep the peace between people and elephants in northern Botswana.
The earth’s largest land mammal, the elephant, is an endangered species. Poaching, habitat loss and disease have decimated elephant populations. But not in Botswana, which has the world’s biggest population of elephants. In the north of the country, in the area around the remarkable Okavango Delta (the world’s largest inland delta), elephant numbers are growing and they outnumber people. This can pose serious problems for the human population, particularly local subsistence farmers. A crop raid by elephants can destroy a family’s annual food supply overnight. Elephants also pose a risk to life in their daily commute between their feeding grounds and their water sources.
John Murphy travels to the top of the Okavango Delta, to see what efforts are being made to keep both people and elephants safe, and to persuade locals that these giant animals are an asset not a liability. He also explores threats from further afield to this green jewel in the desert, the Okavango Delta, which animals and people alike depend on.
Presenter: John Murphy
Producer: Charlotte Ashton
Studio Mix: Rod Farquhar
Editor: Penny Murphy
(Image: Elephant wading in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Credit: Brytta/Getty) Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Sara Gon discuss an investigation into a Pakistani gangster which suggests that its easier than one would think to get away with murder in South Africa. They also chat about the case of a person who called in sick to go to an EFF protest and the Employment Equity draft regulations. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Hermann Pretorius, and Sara Gon. They discuss comments made about BEE by Reuel Khoza at the recent Black Management forum. They also discuss the explosion which tore up Bree Street in Joburg, and a mine employing former Zama Zamas. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Investec Head of Tax & Fiduciary Rene van Zyl shares insights and strategies to help medical professionals navigate the complex world of finance and taxation and manage their money more effectively.
Learn about the key elements involved in establishing a long-term financial plan as a doctor in private practice, and how to adapt it as your career progresses, while getting to grips with how to approach estate planning, tax compliance and wealth preservation.
If you're a medical professional in private practice looking to take control of your finances, protect your assets, and optimise your wealth, this video is for you. Empower yourself with the knowledge and insights to build a secure financial future. Mark as Listened · Tackling tax for your future-ready medical practice · Investec Focus Radio SA
The Popular Party falls short of forming a majority, however, after a poor performance by its far-right allies. Also: Last-ditch talks are held in Israel ahead of a parliamentary vote on controversial judicial reforms that have caused months of widespread protests. And Netflix releases its first original African animation series, Supa Team 4. Mark as Listened
The government says changes are needed to curb overreach by judges and courts. Also: Thousands are evacuated from beaches on the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires destroy hotels, and a new museum in Italy celebrates Enrico Caruso, one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Mark as Listened
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, a "breakthrough" drug that could slow down Alzheimer's, and the men remaking trees. Plus, solving a puzzle that stumped mathematicians for over 50 years. Mark as Listened
Millions of people around the world have been living under heat advisories due to record hot temperatures. The exceptional heat is being felt across Europe, the US, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Host James Reynolds hears from three farmers in South Africa, Nigeria and the UK about how they are having to adapt their work and methods due to the extreme conditions. We hear from three doctors in India, France and Australia about the warning signs of heatstroke and the cases they are having to treat due to exposure to the sun. Mark as Listened
The New York crooner was 96. He was described by Frank Sinatra as the best in the business. Also: Ukraine's President Zelenksy dismisses his ambassador to Britain as President Putin declares Ukraine's counter-offensive ineffective, and an unexpected discovery in an underwater volcano in the Pacific. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris, and Terence Corrigan. They discuss an opinion piece by Yonela Diko about the DA's push for the devolution of powers to the Western Cape. They also talk about all the theft at Eskom. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Today's Daily Friend Show with Hermann Pretorius, Marius Roodt, and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the poor performance of the GOOD party in by-elections in George. They also chat about the changing attitude of senior business leaders to the ANC and the ANC's increasing shift toward populist politics. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Pita Limjaroenrat was suspended from parliament and forced to leave the chamber. Also: the head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service says it has recruited a number of Russians and has appealed for more to defect, and archaeologists in Pompeii make new discoveries. Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius discuss the government's new draft water use regulations and their racial quotas. They also discuss the comments on NHI from the private sector. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
19.07.23 Pt 2 - Darrel Bristow-Bovey has written a book about Shackleton's Endurance expedition… which is a good excuse for him to join Gareth for a long overdue catch-up chat about what he’s been up to, the stories our fathers tell us, the definition of success, and the house he’s building in Greece. Mark as Listened
High cost of living, unemployment and debt are just some of the difficulties South Africans are facing that greatly impact their ability to save or invest. This National Savings Month, Investec experts Rene Grobler and Ebeth van Heerden unpack the differences between savings and investment and share practical ways to improve your financial health. It’s a must-listen for those starting out on their wealth creation journey. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus Radio SA
Figures from earlier this year suggest cremation figures increased. Also: one of Ukraine's senior military commanders admits his frustration at the speed of the counter-offensive, and McDonald's have questions to answer after workers here in Britain claim harassment. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Makone Maja, and, Marius Roodt. They chat about the state of SA's fiscus, the potential for our tourism industry to shine, and the upcoming by-elections. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
For centuries, Kew Gardens was the flash point for a lesser known British imperial project – the collection of plants from colonised nations for political and commercial gain. Author and journalist Rosie Kinchen finds out about the work Kew is doing today to examine this, and looks into how the institution is supporting botanical science and conservation around the globe. Rosie speaks to curatorial and scientific staff at Kew, as well as taking a wider view on the role of plants in colonial history. Mark as Listened
Moscow says two people were killed in the attack on Kerch bridge. Also: the Kremlin says a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea has ended because the conditions have not been met, and local temperature records are broken in southern Europe as heatwave continues. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Terence Corrigan, and Chris Hattingh. They discuss the court ruling which should send Zuma back to jail, except that he has suddenly gone to Russia. They also discuss the ANC's likely vote share and take a closer look at Maimane's Build One SA (BOSA) platform. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
17.07.23 Pt 2 - Gareth finds another reason to slate modern dating options, with a new fact about Tinder. Which bosses make the worst bullies? Marion Scher chats to the team about her new book, Big Bully. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Jonathan Pie (Tom Walker) is roped in last minute to host BBC radio's most popular phone-in show. Basically there's no one else available. Out of his depth and up to his neck in it, Pie manages to just about hold it together. He muses on the state of the BBC and in one breath is singing its praises and in the next he tears into it with his usual gusto.
Jonathan Pie ..... Tom Walker
Jules ..... Lucy Pearman
Sam ..... Aqib Khan
Roger ..... Nick Revell
Agent ..... Daniel Abelson
Voiceovers ..... Bob Sinfield and Rob Curling
Callers ... .Daniel Abelson, Adam Byron, Bryony Corrigan.
Writer ..... Tom Walker
Script Editor ..... Nick Revell
Producers ..... Alison Vernon-Smith and Julian Mayers
Production Coordinator ..... Ellie Dobing
Original music composed by Jason Read
Additional music Leighton James House
A Yada-Yada Audio Production. Mark as Listened
Acclaimed and award-winning Shakespearean, Gregory Doran, has directed every play in Shakespeare’s First Folio except Cymbeline. For him it’s one of Shakespeare’s most complex creations and he will be directing it for the first time as his swansong, as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s artistic director emeritus. From the start of the production’s rehearsal period until its first performance, we follow Gregory and his team as they get to grips with a play criticised and celebrated for its genre-busting, location-hopping, multiple plotlines, topped by the appearance of the god Jupiter descending from the heavens on an eagle. Mark as Listened
The Spanish 20-year-old beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final on Centre Court. Also: Italians told to stay indoors as Europe braces for another heatwave and the singer and fashion icon Jane Birkin has died, aged 76. Mark as Listened
The Euros 2022 saw the Lionesses finally ‘bring it home’ - the excitement and crowd numbers showed there was a huge demand for women’s football. Ahead of the Women’s 2023 World Cup this documentary explores whether opportunities for women have changed. What is the state of play for women’s football around the globe? Mark as Listened
From widescale heatwaves to floods and wildfires. Also: History is made at Wimbledon as the unseeded Czech player Marketa Vondrousova wins the women's singles final beating Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in straight sets, and the strange case of the woman who went to bed with her normal English accent one day and then woke up with a Welsh accent the next. Mark as Listened
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, the portable incubator saving lives in Ukraine, a tale of heroics on the streets of Taiwan. And, how putty might help to preserve Australia's coral reefs. Mark as Listened
Prices almost everywhere are going up, which means most of us have less money to spend. At the heart of it is inflation, the rate at which prices are rising. It means paying higher costs for everything, from food to transport, clothes to power, and less on life’s luxuries.
Host James Reynolds has been bringing people around the world together to share their experiences of inflation. Three people living in cities in Asia, Africa and Europe describe their struggles to buy food and pay the rent.
We also speak to business owners, in Argentina, Senegal and Zimbabwe, including two who run restaurants. They give us an insight into how they stay solvent and share some advice on spending. They say that even when times are tough, people still want to go out to socialise with friends and family.
And two students, in Poland and Lebanon, tell us know they have taken on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Mark as Listened
A new report from the UN children's agency UNICEF estimates nearly three hundred children have died trying to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa to Europe. Also: Guinness world records has advice for people in Nigeria who want to get their names on the list and the Indian space agency has launched its latest mission to land on the moon. Mark as Listened
The UN has been told of 87 bodies discovered in the grave in Darfur, with evidence they'd been killed by paramilitary forces. Also: Thailand's opposition leader has lost a parliamentary vote to confirm him as prime minister despite his recent election victory, and a deadly heatwave sweeps across southern Europe. Mark as Listened
13.07.23 Pt 2 - Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan get into government sex scandals, voter apathy, the mining economy, and how one should react to blue light brigades. Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
Kaaps is a language widely spoken in the bleak townships of Cape Town, South Africa. It’s often denigrated as a lesser form of Afrikaans – the language that was used as a tool of white supremacy during the apartheid era. Spoken predominately by working class people on the Cape Flats, Kaaps is associated with negative stereotypes – its speakers denigrated as uneducated, "ghetto" layabouts involved in gang culture.
But a new, burgeoning movement led by hip-hop artists, academics, writers and film makers is actively changing that perception. They want to reclaim Afrikaaps to restore the linguistic, cultural and racial dignity of a formerly disenfranchised people. The writer Lindsay Johns travels to Cape Town to meet the activists determined to assert the worth and pride of the people who speak Afrikaaps.
Presenter: Lindsay Johns
Producers: Audrey Brown and Tim Mansel
Mixed by Neil Churchill
Production coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross
Series Editor: Penny Murphy
(Image: Children in Lavender Hill, a township on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, South Africa. Credit: Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images) Mark as Listened
Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan discuss the report that 300 councilors in KZN can't read or write. They also chat about the latest political party. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Today's Daily Friend Show with Michael Morris, Genevieve Labuschange, and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the latest incidents of truck burning on the N3 and N4 highways. They also chat about the fight over who gets to keep the municipal cars in a KZN municipality and Paul Mashatile's play for power. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg says President Erdogan will drop opposition to Sweden becoming the alliance's 32nd member. Also: family says Palestinian teenager shot dead in Jenin was unarmed, and a transparent mouse could improve cancer drug tests. Mark as Listened
Mr Putin's spokesman said Mr Prigozhin stressed loyalty to the president. Also: President Biden has held talks with the British Prime Minister Sunak in London ahead of Tuesday's NATO summit; and astronomers discover a scorching hot distant planet where the clouds rain liquid metal. Mark as Listened
Steven Macarounas is the founder of the Business Money Life Institute and programme director for the South African Health Business Academy. With over 37 years of experience working alongside healthcare professionals, he is passionate about helping doctors prioritise their own lives alongside their professional responsibilities.
By providing education and resources on building successful practices, managing finances, and developing personal lives, these institutions aim to empower doctors to create a better balance and improve their overall quality of life.
In this interview, he unpacks his work in more detail and describes how it is intrinsically intertwined with the development of the future-ready private practice. Mark as Listened · Transforming medical practices: addressing the lives of doctors and patients · Investec Focus Radio SA
Stand-up comedian Maisie Adam presents her stand-up special where she discusses her love of football and her experience of the women’s game ahead of the Women's World Cup 2023.
For Maisie, football has always been there, even when all the signs have been screaming that this wasn’t a sport for her. At school, where the girls curriculum neglected football in favour of the skirt-adorning Hockey and Netball. In the park, where boys wouldn’t pass to girls “because they’ll lose the ball”. And in adult life, where the local sports centre advertises Men's 5-a-side, and women's Yoga.
But It’s a game where all you need is players and a ball. That’s it. Well, we have women. We have footballs. Time to pass the ball, lads.
In this first episode of the series, Maisie looks back on where it all began when she was a kid. She discusses what it was like being the 'girl' football fan, how her school didn't offer any opportunities for girls to play, and when she started to realise that ultimately football was an absolute sausage fest.
Written by and starring Maisie Adam
Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Co-ordinators: Caroline Barlow and Dan Marchini
Sound editor: David Thomas
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4. Mark as Listened
The US president Joe Biden said the current Israeli government has "some of the most extreme" members he's ever seen. He accused the Palestinian Authority of creating a "vacuum for extremism" in the region. Also: BBC contacts police over presenter allegations, and K-pop megastars BTS release keenly awaited memoir. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Chris Hattingh, Nicholas Lorimer, and Gerbrandt van Heerden. They discuss the DA's forthcoming Provincial Powers Bill, they also chat about COSATU's strike for better living conditions, the lack of dams built across SA, South Africans looking overseas for their children's education, and the launch of Threads. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
05.07.23 Pt 2 - Comedian Costa Carastavrakis joins Gareth and Lebang live in studio with some wild adventures to talk about. New live shows, a new restaurant, and some Grindr activities that never miss a beat. The team also cover some potential solutions to cancel culture. Mark as Listened
Despite the recent respite in loadshedding, in the form of lower stages, Investec equity analysts Herbert Kharivhe and Ross Krige caution against complacency. Find out what stages they’re forecasting for the rest of winter and beyond, in the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday. Mark as Listened · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Marius Roodt, and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the video showing members of the VIP protection unit beating people on the N1 highway. They also discuss the state of opposition politics across the country with reference to the upcoming Moonshot national convention and they discuss the gag order on amaBhungane. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Today's Daily Friend Show with Dr. John Endres, Nicholas Lorimer, and Terence Corrigan. Eskom's new plan to "load limit" electricity supply and the state of load-shedding. They also discuss the threat to mining jobs as a result of the collapsing rail networks and they go over the U.S. supreme court ruling on affirmative action. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
So here we are, the sound of peace settled over Ovamboland, it was the end of 1988.
The South Africans were actually in a much better position than it appeared. Yes, they were losing Namibia, and were going to also lose their vital strategic port of Walvis Bay.
Still, UNITA was left out of the discussion, they would continue to fight against the Angolan MPLA. In 1978 the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution SR 435/78 — and from then on Pretoria led the UN on a merry dance by increasing it’s military involvement in Angola, not decreasing. The United States joined the South Africans in calling for the Cuban withdrawal from the country to be part of any future negotiations. This had eventually led to the dramatic signing on the 22nd December 1988 of the implementation of SR 435/78 with a period of transition set down to begin on April 1st 1989.
Elections would be held in Namibia by November 1989, and by mid-1990 Namibia would be independent. But from earlier, by early August 1988, the South Africans had begun a process of withdrawing its troops from southern Angola.
On 30 August 1988, the last of the South African troops crossed a temporary steel bridge into SWA/Namibia watched by the world's media and the Joint Monitoring Commission, 36 hours early than the planned time.
A convoy of fifty vehicles with around thousand soldiers crossed over singing battle songs.
After officers of the three countries walked across the bridge, the South African sappers begun to dismantle the temporary steel bridge.
There was a prickly round of discussions about the United Nations Transition Assistance Group or UNTAG. The role of the UN was reduced in early 1989 when the Security Council decided to cut the military component of UNTAG from 7500 to 4650. Originally the permanent members wanted to cut this still further, but the non-aligned movement, the Organisation of African Unity, the Namibian Council of Churches and most Nordic countries were opposed to further cuts - they were really worried about the South Africans.
Hundreds of SWAPO guerrillas suddenly began streaming across the border on the 1st April 1989 in large groups of fifty or more. The flood was picked up by elements of the SWATF and police, and alerted the South Africans. Pretoria was stung into action, and shouted foul as the aggrieved party, calling for the UN to deal with what they saw as an obvious attempt by SWAPO to take advantage of their pullout.
UNTAG was enjoying demonstrations and celebrations throughout Namibia, when the Administrator-General told the Special Representative that further armed SWAPO personnel had crossed the border and firefights and contacts were occurring on a broad front throughout the Ovambo area of northern Namibia.
A series of similar reports came in during the first and second indicating military action and casualties on a scale not seen for many years in the Namibian conflict. Mark as Listened
In its original one-to-one incarnation, Paul Merton interviews a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would send to Room 101.
In this final episode of the series, Julian Clary's choices include wild swimmers and Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh.
Additional material John Irwn and Suki Webster
Produced by Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Listened
The British artist, Shezad Dawood is known for his colourful textiles and multimedia artworks, often featuring music and VR to explore issues such as migration, the environment and climate change. His latest exhibition is inspired by the African American composer and musician Yusef Lateef and his 1988 novella Night in the Garden of Love. Join Anna Bailey as she follows Shezad creating his latest commission for the Wiels, Contemporary Art Centre in Brussels, along with his collaborator the American musician and percussionist Adam Rudolph. Mark as Listened
There have been clashes between police and rioters in the southern French city of Marseille. Also: Twitter limits number of tweets users can read per day, and Euclid space telescope is launched to search for the secrets of the dark universe. Mark as Listened
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, 100,000 Sri Lankan monkeys saved from export to China. Also: an Australian man born in a taxi seeks the driver, and the 16-year-old fulfilling a dream by playing Glastonbury. Mark as Listened
Following the Wagner group march on Moscow, we hear from Russians and Belarusians. Mark as Listened
Ex-president Jair Bolsonaro is barred from running for office in Brazil by the top electoral court. Also: France deploys 45,000 police to quell further riots, and unusual rise in child type 1 diabetes after Covid pandemic. Mark as Listened
France has seen a third night of protests spreading outside Paris, to cities including Marseille and Toulouse. More than 800 people have been arrested as the clashes continue. In Paris, shops have been ransacked and cars set on fire despite a heavy police presence.
Also: Pakistan's prime minister says a $3bn bailout from the IMF will help restore economic stability, and Cambodia's long-term leader threatens to block access to Facebook in the country. Mark as Listened
Buses and trams are halted in parts of Paris and local curfews are imposed. Also: The US Supreme Court rules that race can no longer be a factor in university admissions, and one of the world's most famous authors Isabel Allende speaks to the BBC about life, love and her new novel. Mark as Listened
President Macron calls for calm after crisis meeting. Also: Appeal court judges rule UK Government plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda are unlawful, and find out why Sri Lankans are getting an extended holiday weekend. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Nicholas Lorimer, and Michael Morris. They discuss the incredible impact of violence on South African society. The lack of expenditure on capital budgets across the country's metros and a clash between the Tshwane metro cops and the City of Tshwane. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
What will the advancements of AI, machine learning and ongoing digital innovations mean for clinicians and the medical practice of the future?
For world-renowned physician and thought leader in medico business, financial and lifestyle management Steven Macarounas, the answer is tied to a shift in both patients’ evolving expectations of care as well as a rethink on how doctors run their practice as a business. Mark as Listened · www.investec.com · Investec Focus Radio SA
Janey Godley doesn’t know how long she’s got left, so she’s telling ALL the jokes! This is her extraordinary story. Fearless and unflinching, yet life affirming stand-up at its very best.
In this episode, we hear how Janey became an unlikely teen bride for a shy autistic 16 year-old who dressed like insurance salesman, and how a mixed marriage that seemed doomed before it even began, has lasted for over 43 years. Oh, and there’s that time they met Prince.
With added insight from Janey’s daughter Ashley Storrie, who helps her mum remember the stories of their life together with humour and love.
Relentlessly authentic, she's also had to face up to her own mistakes - taking responsibility and apologising both publicly and onstage, as well as sharing the shame of being ‘cancelled’ and the very dark place that took her to.
Then, just months later, the hand grenade of a cancer diagnosis forced her to start fighting for her life.
Now, after finally admitting that after everything she’s been through in life, maybe she‘s not “fine”, and with a terminal diagnosis, she’s submitted to the ultimate ‘C bomb' for many men and women of her generation - counselling.
And as a result of this insight, she’s more hilarious and compelling onstage than ever.
Janey’s experienced a life of extremes but has come out the other side with rare insight, still able to make light of all its trials and tribulations in her signature dark and uncompromising style.
Recorded live in front of an audience in her hometown, Glasgow.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Listened
This programme contains racially sensitive language and themes that may be upsetting.
Matthew Xia is a theatre director and Olivier award-winning artistic director of the Actors Touring Company. As his alter ego DJ Excalibur, he performed to a global audience of over a billion as one of the headline DJs at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. His latest production is a futuristic hip-hop infused performance, Tambo & Bones, at the Stratford East Theatre in London. Written by the US playwright Dave Harris, this satirical play, which is part distorted clown-show, part absurdist Afro-futuristic lecture with robots, explores the commodification and commercialisation of the traumatic black experiences that have been portrayed on stage over the decades. Felicity Finch follows Matthew, his actors and creative team as they develop the work into a playful, funny and provocative show. Mark as Listened
This is episode 111, in cricket the number is known as Nelson, it’s unlucky for the batting side, and players are expected to stand on one leg as the bowler launches his ball.
It’s perhaps symbolic that we get to episode 111 at precisely the moment that the South Africans agree to peace after 23 years of fighting over South West Africa.
Within a few months the country will officially be known as Namibia, and soon all SADF troops will have been withdrawn.
I was working as a journalist starting in 1987 and had the honour to attend the tripartite signing ceremony in Brazzaville in the Congo, an experience that was strange, weird, otherworldly.
The Cubans, South Africans and Angolans signed the Accord, observed by the Americans and the Russians, afterwards everyone drank vodka and mampoer The Russians brought the Vodka, and threw away the bottle caps, the South Africans brought the Mampoer and did the same.
Chester Crocker had managed the impossible, but as he told people afterwards, the Cubans and the South Africans were like two scorpions in a bottle — both sides circling each other but not prepared to strike the killer blow.
More about this peace in a moment, but first the fallout from the terrible MiG-23 attack on Calueque Dam that killed 11 8SAI troops on 27th June 1988.
We ended last episode hearing how the MiGs had easily overcome the South African anti-aircraft defences, and damaged the Calueque Dam wall, hitting it with six 250 kilogramme bombs.
As the recriminations and finger pointing followed the blowing up of the Buffel near the dam that led to the deaths of so many young South Africans, Commandant Mike Muller of 61 Mech had a challenge.
His tanks and Ratels were stuck on the north side of the Kunene River, the earth ramp that had been built up to the Dam wall to allow the tanks to cross had been destroyed.
But just before midnight on Monday June 27 1988, Muller was ordered to withdraw all his forces from Angola. Commandant Jan Hougaard was also ordered to pull all his 32 Battalion units back to South West.
That was a surprise.
Suddenly, it was over.
This 23 year war that had started in Ovamboland, ended with the announcement that a peace agreement had been signed.
Sixteen days later on an island in New York harbour, South Africa, Angola and Cuba agreed on the terms of peace, with both the Cubans and the South Africans withdrawing troops from the region. Mark as Listened
Fighters from the Russian mercenary group have begun leaving Rostov-on-Don where their mutiny began. President Putin decried Yevgeny Prigozhin's actions as "treason" in a national TV address on Saturday. Mark as Listened
Reports from Russia say Wagner Group fighters are advancing towards Moscow, having taken control of the city of Rostov-on-Don near the border with Ukraine and sites further north in the city of Voronezh. In an address to the Russian people, President Vladimir Putin promised to put down what he called a "mutiny" by forces who had betrayed the country. Mark as Listened
Race against time rescue stories have been among the dominating international headlines in the past couple of weeks. There was the missing sub in the Atlantic and before that the incredible survival of the four children who were stranded for six weeks in the Amazon jungle in Colombia. Host James Reynolds brings together other people who have survived against the odds after being lost in the jungle and at sea. Mark as Listened
A French ship carrying a deep-sea diving robot has reached search area. Also, the US's agency for international development says broken ceasefires in Sudan are preventing aid reaching millions of people, and Barbados calls for reforms to institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF to help climate change. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer and Sara Gon. They discuss a victory for AfriForum in court against the EFF, comments by Eskom's outgoing legal head, the opening of an inquest docket into the death of former minister Joemat-Pettersson and the arrest of a man implicated in crimes by the International Criminal Court. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
“It’s like living in a cemetery.” Jung Seongno lives in a banjiha, or semi-basement apartment in the South Korean capital Seoul. Last August parts of Seoul experienced major flooding. As a result several people, including a family of three, drowned in their banjiha. Seongno dreams of having a place where the sunlight and the wind can come in.
These subterranean dwellings are just one example of a growing wealth divide in Asia’s fourth largest economy. With almost half of the country’s population living in Greater Seoul, the struggle to find affordable housing has become a major political issue. It also contributes to Korea’s worryingly low birth rate. The inability of young people to afford a home of their own means they are not starting families. Many have given up on relationships altogether.
John Murphy reports from Seoul, where owning a home of your own is so important and yet increasingly unattainable.
Produced and presented by John Murphy
Producer in Seoul: Keith Keunhyung Park
Studio mix: Rod Farquhar
Production co-ordinator: Iona Hammond
Series editor: Penny Murphy
(Photo: Park Jongeon, his wife and dog live in this one room in one of Seoul’s poor housing districts. Credit: John Murphy) Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend show with Nicholas Lorimer, Gerbrandt van Heerden, and Terence Corrigan. They discuss the ransacking of some foreign informal traders by a group of "concerned citizens" and the issue of immigration and they discuss the EFF's attacks on the NHI. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
After a prolonged period of high inflation rates across the globe, major price indices are finally showing signs of peaking. This global trend is also reflected in South Africa's current economic landscape. Annabel Bishop, Chief Economist at Investec, talks about what the impact of disinflation will be on interest rates and the ZAR. Mark as Listened · Listen to more episodes of No Ordinary Wednesday · Investec Focus Radio SA
21.06.23 Pt 2 - Simphiwe wraps up the show with the most unattractive names for both men and women, before introducing an interview Gareth recorded with the self-proclaimed ‘King of Social Media’, and an explosive political activist, Howard Sackstein. They cover Howard’s life and career in the political space, and the Jewish anti-apartheid movement. He also talks about his entrepreneurship qualities when starting his various businesses, his love of travel to unique destinations and more. Mark as Listened
Gareth Cliff sits down with Howard Sackstein, a lawyer by training and an entrepreneur by profession, to talk about his life and career in the political space. Howard is the founding member of the Jewish anti-apartheid movement, which actively fought against the apartheid regime. With tons of other accolades such as heading up the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as Executive Director, and non-executive chairperson of the SA Jewish Report newspaper, Howard finds a way to warm our hearts and inspire us with his optimism about SA and his general zest for life! Mark as Listened
The US coastguard says it's expanding its search into deeper waters in North Atlantic. Also: a special report into an international law enforcement effort to dismantle a monkey torture network spanning three continents, and scientists in Australia say a surge in the number of humpback whales spotted during the annual migration could mean whale populations are recovering. Mark as Listened
20.06.23 Pt 2 - Lebang and Gord discuss some of the things they were into as kids, that are still relevant to them today. Gord introduces his new girlfriend Jane, but the audience wants to know if it could be Jane Malatji from CliffCentral. Thokozile Mangwiro joins the show to discuss her new enterprise, and some entrepreneurial tips to get a new business off the ground in 2023 in South Africa. Mark as Listened
There's a horrific and disturbing trade in the torture of Macaque monkeys that are filmed and sold online. Rebecca Henschke follows the trade in these videos from the USA to Indonesia to the UK. Who is making them, who is selling them and who is buying them? Why is it that monkeys being put through unimaginable pain is so attractive that people are willing to pay to watch it? Rebecca confronts the people at the centre of this worldwide trade. Mark as Listened
A major search operation is underway in the North Atlantic. Also: The UN secretary general warns that Sudan is descending into chaos at an unprecedented speed, and has called on the world to act, And could a nap a day help keep brain shrinkage at bay? Mark as Listened
When we left off last episode, the Cubans and Angolans were gearing up to face another invasion by 61 Mech and 4SAI, Operation Excite as it was to become known. But for once, the Cubans had decided that they’d seize the initiative and were about to launch a two pronged assault towards the South Africans from Xangongo.
Just a quick recap, 61 Mech had arrived in the eastern theatre with a tank squadron, four more motorised infantry companies from 32 Battalion, including their anti-tank troop in four Ratel 90s and four more ZT3s, 3 motorised companies from 101 Battalion in Casspirs, one motorised company each from 1 parachute, 202 and 701 Battalions who were in Buffels.
The SADF artillery support was also significant, a battery each of G-5s, G-2s, Valkiri rocket launchers and 120mm mortars. This was task force Zulu under command of Colonel Michael Delport.
The South Africans had built an approach ramp up to Calueque Dam which allowed the Olifants and the Ratels to cross over for the invasion. Ostensibly the plan was to flush out the SAM-6 missile stations which were based around Techipa then hit them with artillery, but also to push the Cubans back from the dam which provided water and power to Ovamboland.
It was a key point in the war.
On the 23 June 1988, reconnaissance units reported a heavy Cuban artillery bombardment ahead of the dust cloud, it appeared an attack force was heading south and was eventually spotted on the 24th by members of 32 Battalion. Reccies also spotted Cuban columns moving southwards from Techipa towards Calueque, with this stop-start advance the technique preferred by the Russians. Bombard, move, dig in, bombard, move, dig in. There appeared to be a two-pronged assault under way.
It was to be a furious battle, one which ended when MiG-23s bombed Calueque Dam, killing 11 8SAI soldiers - the worst single incident for the SADF in the entire 23 year war. Mark as Listened
19.06.23 PT 2 - Leigh-Ann has made an outrageous discovery on the internet about some vintage cookware that could make you a millionaire. Mash shares some sex tips from Cosmo magazine, but it’s not well received. Ingrid Hauger and Shaun Joynt join the show to talk about the upcoming 300th parkrun event. Mark as Listened
Having been each other's best men, Jason Manford and Steve Edge discuss what this ancient and honourable task that dates back centuries, truly entails.
The pair retell one another's stag do's and wedding days including the pressures of delivering a best man speech in front of a room full of comedians along with the moment Steve accidentally set fire to his speech.
They are also joined by Lee, who travelled all the way to Australia to perform his best man duties and whose speech took an unexpected turn when he decided to include a last minute poem. Mark as Listened
Wayne McGregor is a choreographer and director whose future-focused, multi-award-winning works take inspiration from technology, literature and visual art. As resident choreographer for the Royal Ballet since 2006, he has created a catalogue of daring and beautiful dance pieces, pushing the artform in radical new directions. Reporter Eliza Lomas goes backstage at the Royal Opera House, following Wayne as he creates a brand new work. Called ‘untitled: 2023’, the piece developed in collaboration with someone he greatly admires - the late Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera. Mark as Listened
A BBC investigation casts doubt on the Greek coastguard’s account of the hours leading up to the sinking of the migrant shipwreck. Also: The latest on the deadly Uganda school attack as the army hunts for the militants involved, and Finland teaches the rest of the world how to be happy Mark as Listened
Fifty years on from the first mobile phone call, this programme examines how the device has revolutionised the way we lives our lives. It was 1973 when Martin Cooper, a Motorola researcher made the first mobile phone call to his rival at Bell Labs. The prototype weighed 2 kilograms and measured 23 by 13 by 4.5 centimetres. It offered a talk time of just 30 mins and took 10 hours to recharge. Fast forward five decades and checking the phone is the first thing many people do when they wake up in the morning and the last thing they do when they go to bed. How has the mobile phone revolutionised the way we live our lives? Mark as Listened
Attackers linked to the Islamic State group used machetes and burned a dormitory during the attack in Mpondwe. Also: South African president Cyril Ramaphosa tells Vladimir Putin the war in Ukraine must end, and could crocodiles help humans development treatments for resistant fungal infections? Mark as Listened
Hundreds of wildfires are burning across Canada, almost half are classed by officials as ‘out of control’. Their immediate impact is the destruction of homes and businesses, plants and wildlife. But the smoke from those fires is affecting air quality. Maps tracking the spread of the smoke, have shown it covering large parts of Canada, as well as US cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago. We speak to families in Canada and New York who share experiences of the smoke from wildfires in Canada. Plus, mothers from India, Pakistan, and United States discuss the effect of air pollution. Mark as Listened
Age of consent raised from 13 to 16 in Japan. Also: the blood test that can potentially detect 50 cancers, conversion therapy in Switzerland and the new dinosaur species discovered in Britain. Mark as Listened
There’s a debate raging in Switzerland over a potential nationwide ban on so-called conversion therapy. We meet Christians whose lives the procedure has changed forever. They explain how growing up in an Evangelical community, they struggled with their faith and sexuality from a young age – driving them to seek help. So-called conversion therapy has been around for centuries. The controversial practice is used around the world to try to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The issue has become a hot topic in in Switzerland, and the parliamentary process to potentially enact a nationwide ban is underway. Claire Jones meets the Christians working to change the law, and those who are against a legislative ban. Mark as Listened
Hundreds are still missing after one of Europe's worst migrant disasters. Also: NATO members discuss the future of support for Ukraine, and the Highway To Hell that officials want to rename. Mark as Listened
A damning report by British MPs has found that the former prime minister, Boris Johnson, deliberately lied to parliament over gatherings at his official residence during coronavirus lockdowns. Also: strong winds and heavy seas pound the coasts of north-western India and southern Pakistan as a powerful cyclone makes landfall, and scientists find ingredients for life on an icy moon of Saturn. Mark as Listened
Makone Maja, Sara Gon and Terence Corrigan moot the real objectives of the NHI Bill and discuss the comments from public health officials since its passing at the National Assembly. They discuss the IRR's education report which proposes education vouchers as a solution to the public education system and close with news of the rising teenage pregnancies in KwaZulu Natal.
Join the IRR's campaign to #StopNHI: https://irr.org.za/campaigns/stop-nhi.
Read the IRR's latest education report: https://irr.org.za/reports/occasional-reports/overcoming-the-odds-why-school-vouchers-would-benefit-poor-south-africans Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Mike Teke - a man of principle and passion in South African business - sits down with Gareth Cliff to discuss his fascinating life growing up in the townships during the apartheid era, as well as his outlook on life. He explains why relationships built on professionalism and respect are extremely important - as well as keeping a line between people in business and his personal life. Enjoy listening to the journey of a man on a mission to push South Africa forward. Mark as Listened
Series 2, Episode 1 of the sitcom starring Claire Skinner, Mark Steel, Elliot Steel and Ivo Graham. When working-class Tony falls in love with upper middle-class Imogen, their sons are forced to live under the same roof and behave like the brothers neither of them ever wanted. Mark as Listened
We left off last week hearing that the Cuban 50th Division had been moved towards the SWA Border, a clear message to Pretoria that Fidel Castro was no longer going to tolerate the losses that he and FAPLA had endured in southern Angola.
All this as the South Africans, Cubans, Angolans, Americans and Russians were negotiating the future of Namibia.
Time was running out.
And in particular for a small group of men, a platoon if you like, that was going to take the brunt of a MiG bombing raid close to the Calueque Dam, just across the cutline.
‘Sent to deal with this threat was Commandant Jan Hougaard who by how had discovered that the biggest threat seemed to lie around the small town of Techipa around 50kilometers inside Angola. Besides thousands of Cuban soldiers, it had also begun to spout radio antennas and what appeared to be anti-aircraft positions.
Because the South Africans were stretched so thinly, the SADF top brass could only send 500 soldiers for a planned assault on the town, all 32 Battalion men. Then the idea was a second conventional force would be setup and moved to Ruacana for a much larger incursion.
On the 30 May and 1 June, operational instructions for Operation Hilti were released to the officers who’d be planning South Africa’s invasion.
The op was to be enamed Operation Prone later - development of a conventional and counterinsurgency plan for north-west South-West Africa and south-western Angola.
The instructions called for a sub-phase called Operation Excite to regain military control of south-west Angola by August 1988. Mark as Listened
Around 300 children and babies rescued from an orphanage in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. Also: We hear from one of the researchers helping a paralysed man to walk again, and why some people in Japan are relearning how to smile. Mark as Listened
The collision between three trains in the state of Odisha claimed more than 280 lives and left more than 1000 people injured. We bring together a volunteer, Govind Dalai, who was one of the first on the scene and doctors Manoj Kumar Barik and Amrit Pattojoshi. Dr Barik was working in the local hospital on the night the crash happened, and Dr Pattojoshi, a psychiatrist, has been involved in identifying those who lost their lives. They discuss the support they are trying to provide to the families of victims. Also, Shweta in New Delhi and Riddhi in Ambala City, talk about their experiences of Indian railways and their concerns about safety. Mark as Listened
The work of Florida's Baptist Relief responding to climate events like Hurricane Ian and floods in Kentucky - in support of people whose lives have been turned upside down. Mark as Listened
09.06.23 Pt 2 - What has happened to the place that was once considered to be our very own Miami? We catch up with comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane… which leads to Simphiwe having to defend Boksburg - again! Mark as Listened · www.cliffcentral.com
The smoke from the Canadian wildfires has blanketed large areas of eastern North America. Also: children stabbed in French park are in stable condition, and the largest ruby gemstone ever to come to auction sells for millions of dollars. Mark as Listened
In today's show Makone Maja, Sara Gon and John Endres. They discuss a mix of somewhat good news for the country’s economy - GDP growth and a strengthening rand and stocks; as well as reduced loadshedding. They also review South Africa’s economic freedom scores. They end the show with Tembisa Hospital’s infant mortality figures over the last three years. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Geopolitical own goals have pushed the rand to record lows against the dollar. Investec Treasury Economist Tertia Jacobs and Investec Head of Sales and Structuring Obakeng Pitse share their views on the outlook for the ZAR. Mark as Listened · Investec Focus South Africa
This is episode 108, it’s the 23rd June 1988 and the south Africans, Cubans, Angolans, Americans and Russians had gathered in Cairo for negotiations over the future of Namibia
and the Cubans were seething.
American Secretary of State for African Affairs Chester Crocker opened up the meeting by presenting the Cubans and Angolans with Pretoria’s comprehensive proposals.
The South Africans made themselves scarce during the presentation, Defence minister Magnus Malan and Foreign Minister Pik Botha were joined by chief of the Defence Force Jannie Geldenhuys as they headed off to the British Commonwealth War Cemetery at Heliopolis to lay a wreath to the fallen South Africans.
They had flowers from home, so took a bowl of Proteas from the first class lounge of the Boeing 747 that had brought the delegation to Cairo.
Then they headed back to the Hyatt el Salaam hotel, site of the conference. The Cuban delegation led by Jorge Kaspaars Risquet was infuriated by Pretoria’s suggestion that Havana move its soldiers out of southern Angola in seven months.
They were even further incensed by the suggestion that UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi be brought into a transition government within six weeks. Risquet said if this was the case, then the system of apartheid had to be added to the agenda and negotiated at the same time.
Pik Botha, never one to stand back, suggested that Risquet’s own Cuban government be also placed on the agenda for its human right abuses, and Chester Crocker like all good referees, called an early break so that all sides could calm down.
No-one mingled that night. The South Africans were now convinced that their rooms were bugged so they marched off to the bottom of the garden and huddled behind a giant colourful umbrella. Meanwhile, Crocker met with the Russian representative Vladilen Vlasev summoned the Cubans and the Angolans to a late night chat behind their own colourful umbrella in a separate corner of the Cairo Hyatt garden.
Miraculously, the Russian intervention led to the Cubans and Angolans managing to find a few common ideas with the South Africans, although they still differed on virtually every point. Still, the talks hadn’t completely broken down and all sides agreed to take the documents home with them to try and find a way to get a consensus before the next meeting.
Less than a month later, on 4th May, a Cuban company attacked a members of 101 Battalion inside southern Angola. The battalion was reconnoitring territory 50 kilometers inside Angola near the Cunene River and was ambushed by a Cuban platoon.
Lance Corporal Hendrik Jacobus Venter was killed and Private Johan Papenfus was lsited missing. This had hardly happened to the South Africans in 23 years of fighting, things were changing. Papenfus was duly wheeled out in Havana, a prisoner of war, now being treated for serious wounds to his leg. Mark as Listened
In today's Daily Friend Show Marius Roodt, Michael Morris, and Terence Corrigan discuss the scale of the South African jobs crisis. They also talk about new race laws for businesses and criticism by Grwede Mantashe of an index which ranks how easy it is to mine around the world. Mark as Listened · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Information on the latest fighting has not been independently verified, but questions swirl around the possible Ukrainian counter-offensive. Also: more than 180 victims of the Odisha rail disaster in India are yet to be identified, and France attempts to break the record for the largest crowd doing a dictation exam. Mark as Listened
05.06.23 Pt 2 - Leigh-Ann talks about a weird experience someone had while thrift shopping, having found a strange note in an already purchased jacket. Gareth narrows down how many billionaires are in some countries around the world, and what age the average billionaire is in this day and age. Then it’s Markets Mondays with Markets.com. Mark as Listened
Comedian and computer scientist Olga Koch returns for a second series of her comedy and STEM stand up show, joined by her sassy digital assistant ALGO (voiced by Tia Kofi). This episode, Olga and ALGO try to agree on what is, and isn’t, fun.
Written by Olga Koch and Charlie Dinkin
Featuring Tia Kofi
Additional Material From Rajiv Karia, Cody Dahler and Kate Dehnert
Production Co-ordinator Katie Baum
Produced by Benjamin Sutton
A BBC Studios Production Mark as Listened
The Old Oak will be Ken Loach's last feature film and Sharuna Sagar was granted exclusive access behind the scenes of this landmark movie. She joins the 86 year old director on his swansong as he brings together his loyal team for one last time. As with his previous two films, I, Daniel Blake and Sorry We Missed You, Ken returns to the North East of England, to tell the story of Syrian refugees who have been housed in an ex-mining village. With him are his long-standing partners, producer Rebecca O'Brien and writer Paul Laverty, and they reveal the secrets of Loach's success. Mark as Listened
The war in Ukraine dominates the summit of 47 nations in Moldova. Also: Australia's most-decorated living soldier loses a historic defamation case, and the US House of Representatives passes a crucial debt deal. Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend with John Endres, Nicholas Lorimer, and Gerbrandt van Heerden. They discuss the rising level of rage and frustration in the country with governance failure. They also discuss Eskom and why the electricity crisis might be easier to solve than many believe. Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Russia is supplying the Myanmar military with advanced fighter jets and training their pilots how to use them in a war against their own people. More than two years on from the coup, the country’s military is facing a countrywide armed uprising and their troops are struggling to hold ground and recruit foot-soldiers. So, the strategy is turning increasingly to the air with devastating consequences. BBC’s Asia editor Rebecca Henschke follows those fighting back on the ground and in the air. And meets defectors from the airforce who give exclusive insight into the strategy and psychology behind those operating these deadly machines.
(Photo credit: Free Burma Rangers) Mark as Listened
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris, and Sara Gon. They discuss the latest crime stats, an opinion piece about "fearmongering" by Melanie Verwoerd, and a constitutional court ruling about the importance of public participation.
Check out Bitvice https://rebrand.ly/bitvice Mark as Listened · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
31.05.23 Pt 2 - Ryan expresses his frustration after a long drive home yesterday due to load shedding. Mash talks about a new car design that will make it easier for idiots to park, and Congo Chris from the comment section joins the show to talk about Andre the Giant and a cat that survived 3 shipwrecks! Mark as Listened
Jayde Adams and her guest DJ Nick Grimshaw dive into the world of community apps and messageboards.
This week - a fart in a Carlisle supermarket, Grimmy's neighbours turn paparazzi at a time of crisis, and a found treasure of the Templar is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Producer: Cornelius Mendez
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Listened
Operation Hooper had ended in failure for the SADF and back in Pretoria, it was time to reassess the political and military situation.
What had been achieved after 23 years of war - fighting ostensibly to stop SWAPO from seizing control of Namibia but really a war to buffer the apartheid state from the sweeping post-colonial independence movements.
This was no longer possible in 1988 because the Cold War was rapidly coming to an end. The Soviet Union experiment in communism has failed as an experiment, ironically it was failing at precisely the moment that the whites-only lunacy in South Africa was failing.
These two countries, Russia and South Africa, shared a common dawn. It was a moment that was to change both, and to alter world history.
While Russia and South Africa were indulging in this long term military dance across southern Africa, the Americans and the Cubans hadn’t been far away. Perhaps its more accurate to say that both Havana and Washington had been directly involved in these distant wars, both had ideological reasons to send their advisors and troops, their operators and specialists into the region.
Propaganda and hoopla replaced a proper analysis. On the Cuban and Angolan side, they trumpeted what they called a great victory at Cuito Cuanavale. The only problem was there was never a battle of Cuito Cuanavale. It wasn’t like Stalingrad, fighting in the streets. But it was like the Battle of Moscow in the Second World War. There the Germans never reached the city, fighting for months outside the western edges, never defeating the Russians. The battles around Cuito Cuanavale were a bit like this.
Now that the fighting had subsided, both sides licked their wounds. Behind the scenes, however, diplomacy was the real game. The soviet Union’s deputy Foreign Minister Anatoly Adamishin had been meeting both Cuban and Angolan leaders and pressurising them to talk peace. The USSR was bankrupt and could no longer send men and weapons to their satellite states. Mark as Listened
Claim made to the BBC by one of Ukraine's most senior security officials. Also: Turkey holds its first ever presidential run-off election, with Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeking to extend his rule into a third decade in the face of a strong challenge from Kemal Kilicdaroglu and, Iraq announces a seventeen-billion dollar road and rail building project to link Europe and the Gulf. Mark as Listened
The exact cause is unknown, but the mental health condition ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects millions of lives around the world. Symptoms include hyperactive behaviour and maintaining concentration. To understand its effect a little more, we brought people together who are living with it. Two mothers in Kenya and the UK share their experiences of bringing up children with the condition. Host James Reynolds also hears from two couples living with ADHD in Nigeria and the United States, and rapper Jude MI Abaga. Mark as Listened
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the first face to face talks between representatives from the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces are taking place. We hear from Renk in South Sudan, a small town civilians have fled to. Also: The United Nations has called on the Taliban to stop public stoning, flogging and executions, and the BBC unveils a new way of broadcasting. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Marius Roodt, Nicholas Lorimer, and Michael Morris. They discuss the court ruling that says that load-shedding must be suspended at various government institutions, they also chat about SA's media landscape and the upcoming Turkish election. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
08.05.23 Pt 2 - Gareth finds out about Joburg’s new mayor and expresses his frustration. The team discuss a beached whale that washed up on the shore in England, and how one can move such a creature without destroying it. Anthea Gardner joins the team for a general catch-up and some money talk. Mark as Done
In this second series, blind stand-up comedian Jamie Macdonald playfully deconstructs some of the pre-conceptions of his disability, challenges stereotypes and takes a hilarious trip down memory lane to see how far things have come.
He tells his side of the Have I Got News for You story that needlessly outraged half of social media, and he shows that, even in hospital, the best of intentions can be misguided.
Written by Jamie MacDonald
Script guidance from Laura Lexx
Produced by Julia Sutherland
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
In recent years, dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians, has made Los Angeles his home. The city is rich with art, fashion and intriguing social structures, all of which are key sources of inspiration for Kevin’s novels. Los Angeles has become his living and breathing studio, and going out into the city is a huge part of his creative process. In the first of several ‘deep dives’ into the LA life that sustains Kevin creatively, we attend the opening of a new show (featuring the work of artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby) at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Gardens, out in Pasadena, where the old money families of LA live. Mark as Done
Last episode we heard about the failed first battle of the Tumpo Triangle, officially known as Tumpo one which took place on February 25th 1988.
You know that things aren’t going well when battles are numbered, and there would be three attempts at overrunning FAPLA in its defensive positions east of the Cuito River, outside Cuito Cuanavale.
Still, some good news had filtered in a few days after the audacious attack on SWAPO facilities in Lubango. This was a town that lies nearly 300 kilometers north of the cutline, in the Angolan highlands, a jump off point for FAPLA as it sent its soldiers into the fighting in the south east, along the South West African border.
A bomb had exploded at Oshikati First National Bank in Ovamboland on the 19th February, killing 20 people, wounding six. The South Africans wanted revenge, and decided to target SWAPOS training base at Lubango. Planning for the raid began immediately after the blast, and continued all the way through until the next morning, led by Colonel John Church of the SA Air Force.
The Mirages were refuelled while the men were briefed, and at 08h00 they took off from Ondangwa, heading north west towards Lubango. Major Norman Minne led this attack flying F1AZ 218. It had the most accurate navigation system, errors were less than a mile at way points.
As they flew low level from the southeast, the compact warning receiver or CRWS began picking up signals from the Soviet Barlock search radar - they had been spotted. Minne descended lower and lower, only a few feet off the deck by this stage, but his navigation system was spot on so he folded his map confident he’d find the target.
Back on the eastern front, outside Cuito Cuanavale, Colonel Pat McLoughlin had decided to launch the next assault on the Tumpo Triangle at night.
Unlike the first attempt to take Tumpo, this time 61 Mech’s Mike Muller planned to use the northern route through the Chambinga high Ground, then down the tricky Heartbreak hill steep drop into the Anhara Lipanda - and then to charge directly at FAPLA positions.
The night of February 29th was chosen, with the battle set to continue into Tuesday 1st March if necessary. While the final plans were being checked and double checked, on the other side of the River, the Cubans had sent combat engineers to re-mine the route in the north, and these men ran into a reconnaissance patrol - either it was the South Africans or UNITA. The SADF didn’t report this anywhere, so it was probably UNITA.
Their patrol apparently turned and fled into the darkness, and FAPLA engineers laid another 150 mines - there were now 15 000 in total across this part of eastern Cuito Cuanavale. But now the Angolans were almost certain the next attack was going to come from the north East. The SADF did not know that the Angolans knew with almost 100 certainty the direction of the next South African attack. Mark as Done
The monarch was crowned in Westminster Abbey in London. We mark the historic moment and discuss the changing attitudes towards the king who is also head of state in several countries around the world. Mark as Done
The fighting between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces started around three weeks ago. Since then, the UN estimates that more than a 100,000 people have fled the country and more than a third of a million have been displaced within Sudan. Host James Reynolds hears from some of those who have been forced to flee their country. Mark as Done
Close to 20 million people are likely to have died during the last three years. Also: A wealthy Nigerian politician is jailed for plotting to steal the kidney of a man he trafficked to Britain, and why the Vatican is worried about the number of people who say they're communing with the Virgin Mary. Mark as Done
Eight people died and fourteen injured during the attack in a village south of Belgrade. Also, the leader of Russia's Wagner Group says he'll withdraw his troops from the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in a row over ammunition, and thousands of people flee Sudan as efforts to broker peace talks continue. Mark as Done
According to the national census, the number of British people who say they follow Shamanism as a religion has risen twelvefold in the space of 10 years. While the numbers are still low – at around 8,000 followers - the increase has put pressure on those who have followed the practice for years. The BBC’s Amber Haque visits a British shaman to find out what Shamanism is, what it means to her and her circle of believers and why they think it should be taken seriously. Mark as Done
The US President issues an executive order threatening sanctions. Also: Four members of the far-right Proud Boys militia have been convicted of seditious conspiracy in relation to the storming of the US Capitol building, and football team Napoli end a 33 year title drought by winning Italy's Serie A. Mark as Done
UN aid chief says Sudan generals unwilling to end conflict. Martin Griffiths said the determination of the generals to keep fighting risked turning the war into a global tragedy. Also: Ukraine's President Zelensky tells the International Criminal Court he believes it will soon prosecute President Putin, and scientists get their hands on human DNA from 20,000 years ago. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Chris Hattingh, Nicholas Lorimer, and Terence Corrigan. They chat about the ANC's intentions to serve Andre De Ruyter with court papers in Germany for defamation. They also chat about an Eskom clerk going to jail for 10 years for corruption, the hidden wealth of the Mugabe family, and the failure of SA's e-visa system. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Thousands of Kenyan villagers are being given free cash as part of a huge trial being run by an American non-profit, GiveDirectly.
Why? Some aid organisations believe that simply giving people money is one of the most effective ways to tackle extreme poverty and boost development. After all, they argue, local people themselves know best how to use the funds to improve their lives. But does it work? Is it really a long term solution? In 2018, the BBC visited a Kenyan village whose residents received money at the start of the trial. Five years on, the BBC’s Mary Harper returns to see what’s changed.
Photo: Woman frying fish in village in western Kenya (BBC)
Reporter: Mary Harper
Producer: Alex Last
Studio Manager: Graham Puddifoot
Series Editor: Penny Murphy
Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross
With special thanks to Fred Ooko Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon, and Michael Morris. They discuss the collapse of the Joburg council meeting to elect a new mayor of Joburg. They also chat about comments made about the arts by Naledi Pandor and the furious reaction they provoked and lastly, they discuss the case of an ANC councillor awaiting trial for murder but still being paid. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The rival parties say they will observe the truce from Thursday. Also: humans imitating birds in Belgium and England, and turning people's thoughts into written text with the help of AI. Mark as Done
More than 100,000 people have fled since fighting began in Sudan in April. Also: Palestinian hunger striker dies in Israeli prison, and Hollywood film and TV writers go out on strike. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend show with Nicholas Lorimer, Makone Maja, and Terence Corrigan. They chat about the outrageous claim that load-shedding is, in fact, the fault of the private sector for "not investing enough", they also discuss the attacks on Andre de Ruyter and the corruption at Eskom and lastly they discuss the developing crisis in Sudan as the country spirals towards civil war. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Charles III waited a very long time to become King. Since his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969, he filled his life with activity, pursuing deeply held passions and causes – on the environment, farming, architecture, charities to help young people and projects to improve understanding between religious groups. We speak to the people who know him best, to explain the ideas and values which motivated him for so many decades. We discover how his many eclectic projects are rooted in his spiritual beliefs about the essential harmony of the universe and his reverence for the natural world. Mark as Done
02.05.23 Pt 2 - Gareth and Lebang discuss some pictures regarding what is being taught in the school system about gender. The comment section won’t stop talking about the King’s Coronation… including the menu that was just released. And which washed-up old bands do you want to see play live in South Africa? Mark as Done
Protesters expressed anger at pension reforms. Also: The UN warns Sudan is facing a humanitarian catastrophe as fighting continues, and the man widely considered the "godfather of AI" quits Google and warns of danger ahead. Mark as Done
First Republic is the third US bank to collapse in the last two months. Also: aid agencies warn of an escalating humanitarian disaster in Sudan, and how artificial intelligence can help detect early-stage lung cancer. Mark as Done
It was D-Day for the next attack across the open ground east of the Tumpo Triangle, just outside Cuito Cuanavale in southern Angola. The town was now regarded as a moral prerequisite rather than strategic necessity, Luanda’s position here was no surrender, while in Pretoria, the political leadership knew that they could not take the town.
This would have prompted an escalation which the National Party could not afford at this moment in their history. The South African economy was weakening, and the public support for this long war in Angola had ebbed significantly.
As you’ve heard, the Cubans and Angolans with the Russian advisors were dug in and ready to the east of Cuito Cuanavale, dozens of tanks, thousands of men, covered by Su-22 and MiG fighter jets and ground support aircraft, M-46 heavy artillery ranged and ready, the terrifying Zu-23 anti-aircraft guns horizontal, ready to pound the Ratels.
Mike Muller’s 61 Mech was going to launch itself into this flatland on 25th February 1988, a direct assault on a heavily fortified position with fewer men. Not what the military handbook says - as we all know. If you do not have the element of surprise, then you need 3 to 1 odds in your favour, however poorly trained you believe the other side may be.
The Angolans by now were not as poorly trained as the SADF liked to think. FAPLA been fighting the South Africans since 1975 and had learned a great deal over the past 13 years.
As you’ve heard, the Cubans and Angolans with the Russian advisors were dug in and ready to the east of Cuito Cuanavale, dozens of tanks, thousands of men, covered by Su-22 and MiG fighter jets and ground support aircraft, M-46 heavy artillery ranged and ready, the terrifying Zu-23 anti-aircraft guns horizontal, ready to pound the Ratels.
Mike Muller’s 61 Mech was going to launch itself into this flatland on 25th February 1988, a direct assault on a heavily fortified position with fewer men. Not what the military handbook says - as we all know. If you do not have the element of surprise, then you need 3 to 1 odds in your favour, however poorly trained you believe the other side may be. Mark as Done
Dawn French and Edward Rowe star in a new sketch show with a Cornish flavour. Park the clichés and open your eyes to the reality of this wondrous funny and feral land.
Visit Rick Stein's Cornwall (he's got planning permission for it), meet LJ and Jess, the low energy Gen-Z receptionists at the Royal Hotel, and find out just how important shanty singers are to the Cornish economy.
Recorded in front of an audience at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance, Wosson Cornwall? is a sketch show celebrating everything that makes real contemporary Cornwall a culturally rich and funny place - its people, its history and its modern way of life.
This is the first episode in a four part series with an entirely Cornish cast and writing team.
The cast includes Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley / French and Saunders), Edward Rowe (star of Bafta-winning film BAIT and HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon), Tamsyn Kelly (ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show, BBC New Comedian of the Year Award finalist 2021), Joanna Neary (Channel 4 sitcom Man Down and Gary Oldman film The Darkest Hour), Anna Keirle (award-winning Cornish stand-up, actress and writer) and award-winning actor Ciaran Clarke.
Written by James Henry, Morwenna Banks, Catherine Beazley, Max Davis, Jane Harvey, Tamsyn Kelly, Jo Neary, and Alex Smith.
Script Editor: James Henry
Music: The Jolly Strumpets
Production Co-ordinator: Tamara Shilham
Sound Design: David Thomas
Produced by Simon Nicholls
A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
The acclaimed British theatre director, Tinuke Craig embarks on her opera debut at the English National Opera with Blue, a tale of police violence in America and its impact on a New York family. The opera has been composed by the Tony award-winning Jeanine Tesori, with a libretto by Tazewell Thompson. Anna Bailey follows Tinuke and her operatic collaborators as she embarks on a challenging new chapter in her career. Mark as Done
Warring sides agree to extend the current truce in Sudan even as the fighting continues. Also: Pope Benedict urges Hungarians to "open doors" to migrants, and Ding Liren has become China's first male world chess champion. Mark as Done
Sudan's army says it is launching a large scale attack on the capital, Khartoum, in an effort to recapture areas held by the rival Rapid Support Forces. Also: drone attack behind massive fire at Crimea fuel depot, and Freya the walrus is immortalised in a bronze statue in Oslo fjord. Mark as Done
People from all over the globe remember their meetings with King Charles III over the years. They include Dr Joe McInnes who took the former Prince for a dive beneath the ice of the North West passage in 1975, holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, Joseph Hammond who met the King when he visited a military cemetery in Ghana and former pop singer and Spice Girl Mel B who remembers several hilarious encounters with the King including one involving the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. Mark as Done
The RSF paramilitary general Hemedti says his fighters don't want to destroy Sudan. Also: India's police to register case against wrestling chief, and US regulators approve first human oral pill derived from human waste. Mark as Done
Fentanyl is a potentially deadly synthetic opioid. The other month, a drug enforcement official in the country described it as the single deadliest drug threat the US has encountered. It’s been around since the 1960s and small doses are used safely every day by medics for pain relief. But as an illegal drug, Fentanyl is blamed for more than 70,000 deaths in the US every year. We bring together two parents who lost children to the drug. George Gerchow in Colorado tells us that one of the hardest aspects is dealing with the stigma and lack of support from the community. Mark as Done
The South Africans were attacking FAPLA’s 59 Brigade, but had run into an ambush - Cubans operating Soviet tanks had laid up waiting for 4SAI to cut across their hull down positions.
These were the T55s of the 3rd Battalion — the commanders and the gunners were Cuban, while the drivers were Angolan. As the SADF had found out earlier on the 14th February 1988, Cubans were also operating as spotters.
Mike Muller of 61 Mech was now trying to capture a Cuban, but the last he’d seen had been shot down right in front of him, while trying to surrender, by UNITA troops who’s blood was up.
When we left off last, it was afternoon - and the SADF had just won a victory over 59 Brigade and 3rd Battalion - the Angolans and their Cuban allies were in full retreat towards the Tumpo Triangle, that y junction in the road south east of Cuito Cuanavale, and just north of the Tumpo River.
This retreat was a rout in many ways, with FAPLA officers only managing to halt the retreating 59th Brigade 120 kilometers north east of Cuito Cuanavale. 21 and 25 Brigades were also pulling back along with the 3rd tank Battalion.
They left behind 14 destroyed T55s, eight armoured cars, one BM-21 Stalin Organ, one mobile radar guided SAM13 missile system, and seven ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns.
400 FAPLA were dead, hundreds more wounded so far on the battle on Valentines’ Day.
Meanwhile, what was called a sideshow had been underway far to the north west of this battle ground.
To coincide with the big attack by 4SAI and 61 Mech against 59 Brigade on Sunday 14 February 1988, Deon Ferreira wanted 32 Battalion to strike the Menongue Airbase.
This was to hamper the Angolans as they dispatched their attack helicopters and ground support MiGs - and the plans had been under way since the 6th February .
It may have been a sideshow, but it was extremely daring - a one-off event in the entire Border War in terms of its conventional style plan. The idea was to launch from a small stream called the Cuma, which was 20 kilometers south east of Menongue.
One Friday 19th February, four Mirage F1AZs took off from Grootfontein in Northern SWA, their target was a FAPLA convoy expected to pass through Cuartir, 40 kilometers east of Menongue.
The last plane out that day was flown by Major Ed Every, known to all at the base as Never Ready because he often forgot things - like his gloves, maps, or flight documents - but on this day he forgot nothing. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend with Nicholas Lorimer, Marius Roodt, and Michael Morris. They discuss the blocking of Starlink in South Africa due to BEE regulations. They also chat about the number of millionaires in Johannesburg and the lack of urgency from Ramaphosa on investigating corruption at Eskom. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The increasing demands on human capital in an interconnected and hyper-competitive world are largely reflected in the expectations that have been placed on students and young professionals today. In the fifth episode of Investec Life’s Reimagine Mental Health podcast series, we unpack how young professionals are managing their mental health and work to succeed. We are joined by Sicelo Joja, Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer of Investec Private Bank, Dr Tshepile Tlali, interim Chairperson of the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa and the interim vice-Chairperson of the South African Registrars Association and Chantelle Oosthuizen is the Executive Director for Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET). Mark as Done
Record numbers are fleeing the island in the wake of a brutal economic crisis – perhaps one in twenty five Sri Lankans left last year alone. Some 300,000 went for contracted positions, mostly in the Gulf. But hundreds of thousands of others took less official routes. Many of them get scammed, some even lose their lives, as illegal migrants in what looks like a web of corruption and organised crime.
Ed Butler speaks to some of those who are involved in this industry, who’ve taken this perilous option, and asks why aren’t more Sri Lankans, and even the government, speaking out more loudly about what some see as a national tragedy?
Produced and presented by Ed Butler
Production coordinator Helena Warwick Cross
Series editor Penny Murphy
(Photo by Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images) Mark as Done
Smoke was seen over the area of the army headquarters in the centre of Khartoum. Also: US Supreme Court delays abortion pill access decision, and could music increase our love of food? Mark as Done
Fierce fighting continues in the Sudanese capital following a collapsed ceasefire. Also: Is Russia spying in the North Sea? And, we hear from Ukraine's Eurovision Song Contest hopefuls Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Terence Corrigan, Marius Roodt, and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the launch of a new political party, Rise Mzansi. They also chat about the electoral amendment bill and its consequences for our elections and lastly, they discuss the uncovering of a terror finance network that has nodes in Jo'burg. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Dr John Laband is a Professor Emeritus of History at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada. He has authored, co-authored and edited over 20 books on warfare and military culture in Africa, specialising in the Zulu kingdom and in 19th-century colonial conflicts in southern Africa. He speaks to Gareth about his latest book, where he explores the strategies of both the Trekkers and the Zulu Empire run by Shaka Zulu. Mark as Done
The US broadcaster will pay the voting machine company nearly $790 million after airing false claims about Donald Trump's election defeat. Also: Gunfire shatters an agreed ceasefire in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, and a full T-Rex skeleton sells at auction. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Makone Maja, Chris Hattingh, and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the enormous amount of money spent on Eskom since load-shedding began by government. They discuss the ANC suggesting a coalition with the DA, the importance of AGOA for South Africa, and the new SABC board. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Ellie Taylor welcomes you to "Safe Space", a place where anyone can offload their controversial opinions without fear of judgment.
This week she wants to abolish the Internet, arguing that the online world isn't real and as a society we're far too reliant on it. Joining Ellie to help prove her point is regular sidekick Robin Morgan.
With special guest: Author, Filmmaker and Co-Host of MTV's Catfish UK, Oobah Butler. Oobah's best known for creating The Shed at Dulwich, a fictional restaurant which in 2017 became the top-rated venue in London on TripAdvisor, despite having never served a dish. He chats to Ellie about how he used the Internet to create his fictional restaurant and why he thinks people are too ready to trust what they read online.
Written by and starring Ellie Taylor and Robin Morgan.
Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Sound editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios production for Radio 4 Mark as Done
It’s the second week of January 1988 and FAPLAs 21st, 59th and 25th Brigades had taken up the front line in what was to be a three layered defenses ahead of the Tumpo Triangle, where two roads joined just north of the Tumpo River.
That was aeast of Cuito Cuanavale.
Behind these three Brigades, 16th and 66th hunkered down in expectation of an SADF follow up attack which had started ended on the 14th January. The third Angolan line of defence was just west of the Cuito River, manned by the 13th Brigade joined by a Cuban battalion. By now FAPLA was communicating by fixed telephone line, going back to an earlier technology which made it much more difficult for the South Africans to intercept their messages.
From the beginning of January 1988 to the end of March, the SADF was going to make six frontal attacks on these well-entrenched FAPLA positions and now the Generals in Pretoria were almost literally breathing down the necks of the tactical commanders.
61 Mech, 4SAI and UNITA had been repulsed after taking ground, the South African troops disgusted as they watched the land they’d fought to seize being retaken by Angolan units around the Chambinga High Ground.
The haphazard nature of the SADF’s attack - part of Operation Hooper - was caused by the territory and by a confused series of orders. I recently attended talks at Voortrekkehoogte by high ranking generals of this period, they defended their decisions and made some pointed comments about false information, but I’m afraid to say that the facts speak for themselves. Let’s go over a few of these and consider for yourself what was going on in these final days of South Africa’s Border War.
After the attack on 21 Brigade some of the Recce observation teams were moved to positions between the Cuito and Cuanavale Rivers, well behind enemy lines, north of Cuito Cuanavale. From here, the observers could see the airfield and the Cuito Bridge. The main danger for these specialists were the crocodiles, the Cuanavale River teemed with them, but after some scouring of the banks, one team led by Justin Vermaak spotted two Makoros, or canoes made from a hollowed tree trunk, and crossed over after dark.
They were prepping for the next major assault which SADF HQ had indicated was supposed to take place by end January, but ended up starting almost a month after their first assault on 21st Brigade. One of the strategic weaknesses plaguing the SADF now was the slow response and planning, logistics was a big problem here hundreds of kilometers away from their bases at Rundu and Oshikati.
Eventually Vermaak and his OP team found an excellent spot behind some of FAPLAs brigades, and watched 21 Brigade reorganised, digging their trenches in the same area that 4SAI had freed only a few days before.
The Recces were also in a good spot to warn their 20 Brigade HQ back in Rundu when they spotted MiGs, being behind enemy lines. That would buy the South Africans a couple of minutes. They were also being warned 200km further west, teams of Recces under Johnny de Gouveia and Buks van den Burg were watching Menongue airport spotting the MiGs and choppers taking off heading towards Cuito Cuanavale.
Pretoria was dithering. They eventually decided on January 25th that the rearming and new plans were ready and the nest target was not 21 Brigade, it was 59th.
61 Mech lieutenant Clive Holt explained how they all knew that 59 Brigade was the key to the FAPLA defences.
FAPLAs 3 Tank Battalion was waiting in support, so this was not going to be easy. Because 59th Brigade was FAPLAs strongest, the aim was to hit them until they collapsed, then 21 and 25 Brigades would fall back towards the town - hopefully without much fight left. Mark as Done
Civilans told to stay inside as gunfire and explosions rocked the capital, Khartoum, during clashes between two rival factions of the military. Also: Germany switches off its last three nuclear power stations, though Germans are divided about whether it is the right decision, and revealed -- some of the stars performing at a special concert to mark the coronation of King Charles. Mark as Done
In the Persian gulf, a powerful storm appears to sink an oil tanker, prompting a dramatic Royal Navy rescue. But six weeks later, the same tanker causes a scandal when it drifts onto a luxury Bollywood beach in India - like a ghost. Environment journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor delve into the unsolved mystery, investigating allegations of murky goings-on. Mark as Done
14.04.23 Pt 2 - Do you think there is such a thing as good looking feet? Simphiwe asks the team if they would pay money for someone to cuddle them for 90 minutes. George Mienie joins to discuss an email sent in from a listener, and also describes his week-long technology cleanse. Mark as Done
Gareth Cliff and Simon Sebag Montefiore finally meet in person for another history geek out session. They delve into the process of writing about historical people and events, ancient empires, and modern wars. Plus, some fantastical fun as they imagine travelling back in time to some bygone eras. Mark as Done
The attack targeted an area of resistance to the military government. Survivors say armed forces dropped a bomb on a village in the region of Sagaing, before firing on those below from a helicopter. Also: The UN faces an 'appalling choice' on whether to continue operations in Afghanistan, and the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean. Mark as Done
D-Day for the renewed attack on FAPLA’s 21 Brigade was reset from January 5th to January 13th 1988 - a Friday, for those who suffered from triskaidekaphobia - a fear of Friday the 13th, it merely served to increase their worries.
4 SAI was now being led by Commandant Jan Malan who replaced Leon Marais, 61 Mech was under temporary command of Koos Liebenberg who’d relieved Mike Muller who had headed home for a six week break to move his home from Pretoria to Tsumeb.
UNITAs 3rd Regular Battalion was under command of former Portuguese army’s General Demostenes Chilingutila - who was the rebel movements Chief of Staff and had decided to come and get more directly involved.
4 SAI and UNITA were going in from the east of the Cuatir River source, using the Chambinga High Ground while 61 Mech would squeeze through between 21 Brigade and 59 Brigades, then take up position on the heavily forested hillside.
As you’ll hear, this became known as 61 Koppie and is one of those hills that appears to be a merely pimple on the landscape but one that turns into a major strategic position. The Koppie protruted just west of the Chambinga high ground, east of the Cuanavale River.
The koppie was 3 kilometers south of 21 Brigade’s perimeter and north of the Dala River source, it was hemmed on three sides by rivers, and to the East lay the Chambinga thickets on the high ground. There are many small rivers that rise around the high ground east or south of Cuito and the Dala was one of these.
The landscape was going to feature as a kind of 3rd force in the upcoming battles, as had happened previously in the SADFs attempts at dislodging FAPLA from East of the Cuanavale and Chambinga rivers.
4SAI began it approach just after midday on the 13th, after the Mobile Rocket Launchers and G5s had softened up the two outposts - more than 300 rounds were pumped towards these FAPLA troops who numbered around 800. The SA artillery continued with 81mm and 120mm mortars, as the SA Air Force flew in, their incendiary bombs setting fire to the forest around FAPLAs position. Mark as Done
His comments were made during an interview with US broadcaster NBC. Also: A gunman kills four people in a bank shooting in Kentucky, new research suggests social inequalities could lead to water shortages, and Super Mario Bros movie breaks box office records. Mark as Done
Container ships are the monsters of the seas - the very biggest are almost half a kilometre long and piled high with up to 20,000 huge boxes. At any one time, there are tens of thousands of these floating cities on the move, many unable even to dock at local ports. It’s our relentless demand for more and cheaper stuff that drives the industry. We meet the British salvage man who’s making millions from the boxes that get left behind, lost or abandoned - yet another example of how invisible the world of shipping is, even though the whole planet depends on it.
Image: Jake Slinn, founder of JS Global, at Felixstowe docks Mark as Done
Alexander Lukashenko says his country needs security guarantees from its ally, Russia, that it would defend its territory as if it were Moscow's own. Also: China says its military drills around Taiwan have ended successfully; and making dog-walking pay - lots! Mark as Done
Strength can look like a lot of things and, in this first episode of the stand-up series exploring women's weightlifting, comedian Jessica Fostekew starts at the most dirty, functional end of things - strongwoman.
It's where weightlifting meets theatre. You might have seen on the telly at Christmas, the one with Geoff Capes running around with a fridge on his little finger or giving an entire train a tow with his body.
Jess talks to four-times Britain's Strongest Woman Andrea Thompson and multiple world-record holder Mayyah Blair to get their take on strength, aesthetic and why the strongest women in the world still have to work part-time. And she tells us about the time she pulled an actual bus.
Lets face it, she goes on and on about it.
Written and Performed by Jessica Fostekew
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
Executive Producer: Victoria Lloyd
Sound Recordist: David Thomas
A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
The long-running war has left tens of thousands dead. Also: Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials after World War Two, has died aged 103, and the number of wild tigers in India has almost doubled over the past 20 years. Mark as Done
Hundreds of pupils have gone to hospital, continuing the mysterious months-long phenomenon. Also: a personalised cancer jab is being developed, and a US judge suspends the approval of a widely-used abortion pill. Mark as Done
Our new weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, educating girls in Afghanistan, the Finish octogenarian mastering Taekwondo, and dogs enjoying art in Greece.
Presented by Andrew Peach. Music produced by Iona Hampson. Mark as Done
Israeli police say a car rammed into people near the beach. Also: controversy over Nike's partnership with the US trans influencer, Dylan Mulvaney, and the FBI apologises for bursting into a hotel room - and arresting the wrong man. Mark as Done
Funerals have been taking place for victims of the latest mass shooting in the United States. Six people – including three children aged 9 – were killed in the attack at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.
Official data suggests guns are the leading cause of death for American children and teens - even more than car accidents. Researchers have recorded more than 130 mass shootings across the US so far this year. Their data suggests incidents have gone up significantly in recent years. The term “mass shooting” is generally understood to be incidents in which four or more people have been injured or killed.
Meanwhile, the debate about gun violence in the US continues to be highly polarised.
In this edition, we bring together those directly affected, who share the impact it has had on their lives.
Abede Dasilva and Max Schachter discuss dealing with the aftermath of a shooting. Abede’s brother Akilah was killed in 2018 at a Waffle House restaurant, also in Tennessee. Max’s son, Alex, was one of 17 victims murdered in the Parkland School shooting in Florida in the same year. We also talk to Jennifer Hubbard, whose six-year-old daughter Catherine was murdered by a lone gunman at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.
Two mothers also tell us how they talk to their children about gun violence, and students in Tennessee send us messages about their protests against gun violence. Mark as Done
The raids follow rocket salvos towards Israel. Also: A mother and daughter reunion in South Korea, Northern Ireland marks 25 years of peace, and new evidence that people were taking mind-altering drugs in Spain three thousand years ago. Mark as Done
Mexico has become the most dangerous country in the world to be a Catholic priest. In the past 15 years, 50 were killed in narco-related violence. And the young men who enter the priesthood in the region of western Mexico known as Tierra Caliente, meaning "hot land", are at particular risk. They will have to work in drug cartel-controlled communities, may have gang leaders or members in their congregations, and will struggle with the ethical and theological dilemmas of publicly condemning these men’s actions at the risk of being murdered for speaking out. Even baptisms or delivering communion or receiving donations can prove extremely threatening: to refuse them any of the most sacred rituals of the Church is to defy the cartels. And few live to tell the tale, having refused to bend to the cartels’ demands.
The BBC’s Mexico correspondent, Will Grant, travels to Tierra Caliente to meet a group of seminarians. In recent years, their director was attacked and almost killed. Members of a drug cartel entered their seminary, dragged off one of their colleagues and murdered him in the surrounding countryside. And the grave to one of their instructors is nestled by the chapel. All reminders, if any were needed, that these young men are about to join the world’s most dangerous priesthood. How are they prepared? Do they appreciate just what they are letting themselves in for? And how will they tackle the thorny ethical and spiritual questions which lie ahead as priests? Mark as Done
In today’s TDF Show Marius Roodt, Gerbrandt van Heerden, and Chris Hattingh discuss the government’s reversal on a decision to give Eskom an exemption around declaring irregular spending. They also talk about a health crisis in the Eastern Cape and an attack on gay rights in Uganda. Mark as Done · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Nato’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said it was a historic day. Finland applied to join the alliance in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Also: New York braces for Donald Trump’s court appearance, and a new era for the electronic band Daft Punk. Mark as Done
Today’s show guest-hosts Makone Maja, Sara Gon and Martin Van Staden discuss the legality of the unprecedented indictment of former US President Donald Trump, the reasons provided by Treasury for exempting Eskom from disclosing irregular, wasteful and fruitless expenditure as well as the small increase new income taxpayers in 2022.
Check out our sponsor Bitvice: https://api.bitvice.io/t/24 Mark as Done · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Motoring expert Marius Roberts shares how to be smart about buying a car that best suits your needs. Discover his top tips.
SKIP TO KEY TOPICS
00:02:29 Why driving distance is important
00:02:51 Factoring in your regular driving conditions
00:03:08 What size car do you need?
00:03:39 New vs used car
00:05:29 What research do you need to do before making the final car purchase?
00:06:18 Road safety tips Mark as Done · Real Torque with Marius Roberts
Shipping has long been one of the most opaque of global industries. Now many operations in the oil sector, which accounts for nearly a third of all seaborne trade, have become still more secretive, following the West's imposition of sanctions on Russian oil. A new "dark fleet" of ageing tankers with obscure ownership, flying flags of convenience, has been formed to avoid the sanctions - and there has been a big increase in risky ship-to-ship transfers at sea, which make it easier to disguise the oil's origin.
The Laconian Gulf in southern Greece is a major hub for such transfers, and locals now fear any accident could cause major environmental damage in an area which depends on tourism and fishing. Tim Whewell witnesses the operations close-up - and talks to campaigners who believe the influence of powerful shipowners makes local authorities turn a blind eye to possible dangers. Who is responsible for policing the operations of ships in international waters? And where is the oil going? The war in Ukraine has led to a major reshuffling of trade flows, as Asia becomes an ever more more bigger market for Russian crude.
Presenter: Tim Whewell
Producer: Monica Whitlock
(Photo: The vessel Merope anchored in the bay of Ceuta after having carried out oil transfer operations in international waters off the coast of Ceuta, 14 March, 2023. Credit: Antonio Sempere/Europa Press/Getty Images) Mark as Done
The poet Nikita Gill has written several volumes of poetry, and enjoys engaging poetically with her audience using social media. Her work often explores Greek myths, and her latest project is a series of four books, each one focusing on a single goddess. For this episode of In the Studio, we join her as she starts with Hekate, often called the goddess of witchcraft, and about whom little is known, other than that she was brought up in the underworld by Styx.
Nikita describes Hekate as a dark anti-feminine goddess and a protest against what is expected of women, which is what appealed to her. But how do you go about creating a life for someone who is so mysterious? And as Nikita will also be illustrating her work, how will she decide how to visually portray her?
Follow Nikita across several months as she works towards completing her first draft of this exciting new work.
Presented and produced by Rebecca Armstrong for the BBC World Service Mark as Done
Investigators have detained 26-year-old Darya Trepova in connection with the bombing that killed Vladlen Tatarsky in St Petersburg on Sunday. Also: the survivors of an English suicide bombing launch landmark legal action against the conspiracy theorist who claimed it was faked, and we hear from the man who made the first mobile phone call 50 years ago. Mark as Done
Sara Gon, Michael Morris and Terence Corrigan discuss the DA's weekend conference, Eskom being allowed not to report irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure for the next 3 years, and the murder of well-known journalist Jeremy Gordin in a home invasion.
Check out our sponsor Bitvice: https://api.bitvice.io/t/24 Mark as Done · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Chris McCausland asks a panel of comedians to live in an audio only world, deciphering brainteaser sound cues for points and pride whilst trying not to muck about too much along the way.
In this episode, contestants try to figure out what on earth is being advertised on the TV, guess what famous objects or locations children are trying to describe, and work out the age of women based solely on the sound of their voice.
The competing comedians are Rhys James and Donna Preston, taking on Alasdair Beckett-King and Ria Lina.
Producer: Sasha Bobak
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Sound editor: Jerry Peal
Theme music ‘Colour me Groovy’ by The Rich Morton Sound
Recorded at the Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green Mark as Done
We’re approaching the date of Operation Hooper, but first a bit of bad news for the SADF regarding disease. The heavy rains through November and December of 1987 had created a perfect breeding ground for the flies and mosquitoes that carried hepatitis and malaria.
This was impacting the morale let alone the operational capacity of the army. The replacement troopies were on their way by the 19th November but they had to receive additional training on the border before they were let loose on FAPLA.
FAPLA too was rearming itself, and new recruits were also arriving at 21 Brigade and other units stationed around Cuito Cuanavale. There was a real expectation building on both sides that something significant was going to happen over the next few months.
This kind of war couldn’t continue, it had mutated from a low intensity guerrilla war ostensibly fought though Ovamboland to a conventional war fought exclusively in southern Angola.
The troops arriving to replace die the national servicemen had no idea what they were in for. This was an old trick of the SADF, most of these men only realised they were going into Angola once they were inside the country. The law stated that they had to volunteer to fight outside the country, but the SADF top brass had got around this by asking if the men were prepared to volunteer once they had crossed the border.
Had these troops not "volunteered", they would have left their brothers to fight with fewer hands. So it was a contorted and rather malicious psychological trick these blokes played on the minds of these youngsters - most of them 18 or 19 years old.
AS the SADF prepared for Operation Hooper, the SA Air Force was testing a new top secret weapon system on the Buccaneer S Mk 50, known as the H2, built by Kentron, a subsidiary of Armscor.
It was a 460 kilogram pre-fragmented, folding winged glide-bomb, controlled by a TV link between the bomb and the aircraft.
It was a simple form of missile, with a guidance unit in its nose with its own power generator, driven by a small impeller at the back of the bomb. An impeller is something like the rotating component of a centrifugal pump. A comms pod was carried under the opposite wing of the Buccaneer which setup the TV link - and the weapon could controlled after launch by its parent aircraft. Mark as Done
Tens of thousands protest despite postponement of controversial reforms. Also: A leading Ukrainian Orthodox cleric has appeared in court on suspicion of supporting the Russian invasion, and why the role-playing game dungeons and dragons could be a good form of therapy. Mark as Done
Our new weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, how an amateur digger in Australia hit the jackpot, the boy who spent three years camping out for charity, and could the secret to happiness lie in our sweat?
Presented by Andrew Peach. Music produced by Iona Hampson. Mark as Done
It’s illegal in around 30 countries in Africa to be in a same-sex relationship and recently there’s been political debate in places such as Uganda and Ghana around stricter laws. We’ve also reported on the BBC in the past few months about violence against LGBT people in Kenya and Egypt, for example. The proposed new law in Uganda is awaiting the president’s assent, and if approved, it may see people who identify as gay, lesbian or queer imprisoned for life. We’ve spent the past few weeks making contact with some of those who are affected. Mark as Done
Mass casualty event declared with hundreds reported injured. Also: Two thousand Ugandan troops have moved into the Democratic Republic of Congo to take up peacekeeping duty in the eastern part of the country, and Lolita the killer whale set for freedom after more than 50 years in captivity. Mark as Done
His lawyer says he is upset and angry, but not worried. Also: we hear from Bucha one year after its liberation from Russian occupation, and do plants talk back to us? Mark as Done
Gwen was brought up as a strict evangelical Christian. She was taught that women needed to control the way they dressed and acted to control the behaviour of men. When she was sexually abused, she believed it was her fault. But when she first stepped into a nudist community, she felt free. She was naked, with other naked people, and her nakedness was not making other people molest her. She learnt that her body was not something she had to hide. The BBC’s Josie Le Vay visits Gwen at her home in a nudist community in Florida, USA. Mark as Done
He is the first former US president to face criminal charges, over alleged hush money paid to a porn star. Finland will become the thirty-first member state of NATO, after the Turkish parliament voted to back its application to join the alliance, and the lengths being gone to to get 2 Chinese pandas in a Danish zoo to mate. Mark as Done
The controversial far right former president returns after his self-imposed exile. Also; concerns after a Wall Street Journal reporter is arrested in Russia, King Charles becomes the first British monarch to address the German parliament, and why moths are crucial in pollinating plants. Mark as Done
How has Finland survived so long as an independent European country, up close to Russia, its aggressive neighbour? Over the decades it’s learnt to live with both the Soviet Union and then post-communist Russia next door and to benefit from the cross-border trade it offered. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed attitudes in Finland, seen most clearly in its decision to join Nato.
In this edition of Assignment, we report from the border towns of Lappeenranta and Imatra – which have gained economically from Russians crossing into Finland as tourists, for trade, to buy property and simply to go shopping. Now Russian tourist visas have been banned by the Finnish Government and the local mayor says the region is losing a million euros every day.
The country’s army has male conscription, defence spending is at NATO levels and Finland’s cities have underground shelters to protect its population.
Caroline Bayley looks at Finland’s relationship with Russia – past and present – and asks what’s next for these uneasy neighbours.
Producer/presenter Caroline Bayley
Editor Penny Murphy
Studio Engineer Rod Farquhar
Production co-ordinator Helena Warwick-Cross
(Photo: Almost deserted border post on Finland’s border with Russia. Credit: Caroline Bayley) Mark as Done
Steph McGovern asks some seriously funny minds to offer definitive answers to the great questions of our age. Or not.
Welcome to the world's most devious game of Would You Rather? With guests Zoe Lyons and Dane Baptiste.
Host: Steph McGovern
Guests: Zoe Lyons and Dane Baptiste
Devised and written by Jon Harvey & Joseph Morpurgo
With additional material from Laura Major
Researcher: Leah Marks
Recorded and mixed by Jerry Peal
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producers: Ed Morrish and Polly Thomas
A Naked production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
When we left off last episode it was the end of Operation Moduler, and Cuban Leader Fidel Castro had begun to consider a negotiated solution to the Namibian and Angolan war.
There was a side-show planned before the next major op in Angola. The SADF top brass had finally decided to try and cut off the logistics route west of Cuito Cuanavale through to Menongue.
This was also a period in the war where the generals began to get more and more involved in the tactical decisions.
Some of the upcoming battles were going to involve the SADF forces creeping ahead, similar to the fighting in World War One. FAPLA had not folded and run, commanders on the ground said that the enemy had often fought with a degree of determination that drew grudging respect from the South Africans.
It’s time to consider Jan Hougaard’s Marauders and an approach that perhaps in hindsight, was about two months too late but better late than never.
The commandant had been sent back to Rundu in late October to put together a secret mission to head west of Cuito Cuanavale, where the road runs east west but the rivers run north south.
That means there’s quite a few points that are strategic because they’re bridges or drifts, at least five places where a motivated and well structured team of saboteurs or attackers could cause mayhem. Convoys of vehicles were arriving in Cuito virtually daily, some with 300 or more trucks, tankers and support machines, bringing supplies and equipment. Each convoy that made the trip safely from Menongue 200 km to the west was greeted by cheers, and each was a knife in the back of the SADF morale.
He had to begin destabilising FAPLAs routes by early December, so he turned to 120 men from 101 Battalion made up of soldiers from Ovamboland. The mobile rocket Launcher battery was shifted from Hartslief to Hougaard. He scouted around Fort Buffalo, 32 Battalion’s headquarters, and managed to pull together a special support company with 81mm mortars, jeep mounted 106 mm anti-tank guns and Milan anti-tank missiles.
The Angolans had been forced to recruit more troops and rush them south, many had not been trained properly and the calibre of fighting man on FAPLAs side had dropped.
But offsetting this was a far cleverer approach to fighting the South Africans. FAPLA had already shown some steel in previous confrontations, they had deployed their mechanised units in a more mobile fashion, moving them around the battlefield. The Cubans and Russian advisors were more hands on as well. Mark as Done
Israel's parliament has passed a law limiting how a prime minister can be removed from office. The Israeli opposition says the legislation is aimed at protecting the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu who is facing corruption charges. We hear the view of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Also: A Nigerian senator and his wife have been convicted of trafficking a man to harvest a kidney for their daughter, and the good and the bad news about drinking coffee. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Makone Maja, and Sara Gon. They discuss the defeat in the constitutional court of the EFF preventing them from calling for land invasions. They also discuss the IMF's reduced growth outlook and comments by the new electricity minister.
Check out our sponsor Bitvice: https://api.bitvice.io/t/24 Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is destroying lives all over the United States. Manufactured illegally and at a huge profit by drug cartels in Mexico, it’s smuggled across the border into southern California and Arizona. The director at one entry point on the border acknowledges that they’re looking for needles in a haystack. And she says that they drug organisations have more money than they do.
In the second of a two-part series, Assignment crosses into the US from Mexico to run a rule over the devastation this lethal drug has left in its wake in San Diego County.
Presenter / producer: Linda Pressly
Producer: Tim Mansel
(Photo: The wall between the US and Mexico from the Mexican side. The city of San Diego is in the distance. Credit: Tim Mansel). Mark as Done
Overconsumption and climate change threaten future supplies. Also: Volodymr Zelensky visits Ukrainian troops near the embattled town of Bakhmut, Boris Johnson fights for his political life -- and everything you need to know about 3D cheesecake. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris, and Marius Roodt. They discuss the strange news that PRASA is suddenly buying a large amount of ammunition. They also discuss the aftermath of the EFF's "national shutdown" and the French moving to raise their retirement age.
Check out our sponsor Bitvice: https://api.bitvice.io/t/24 Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
We’re wrapping up Operation Moduler this episode and throwing forward to the next assault on Cuito Cuanavale which was to fixate the South African political leadership at a time when the Cold War was melting away.
This was to have a direct effect on the satellite wars such as those in Angola.
Assessing this stage of the conflict it all appeared to be in South Africa’s favour - on the surface.
Combat Groups Alpha, Bravo and Charlie had fought running battles against FAPLAs 21/25 Brigade, 66 Brigade and 59th Brigade for weeks pushing them back to close to where they’d started the own Operation October. Instead of overcoming UNITA at Mavinga and taking their HQ at Jumba, FAPLA had been defeated.
Between July and 18th November 1987 FAPLA had lost 1 059 dead, more than 2000 wounded, 61 tanks were blown up along with 84 armoured cars and 20 artillery pieces.
Some have suggested that if 4SAI and the tank squadron of 12 Olifants from the start of Moduler, they would have overrun the Angolans with ease. That is I’m afraid, an incorrect assessment for two main reasons.
The first was the SA Air Force did not control the air war. The Angolans did. And anyone who understands modern warfare knows that those who control the air, particularly these days of missiles and drones, controls the battle.
Russia has failed to take complete control of the airspace over Ukraine since their invasion in February 2022 - and has paid the price for that failure. Unlike the UN and American force that overran Iraq in Desert Storm after decimating and completely destroying the Iraqi air Force and bludeoning it’s anti-aircraft system into dust. The war was lost from then on for Saddam Hussein whatever his Revolutionary Guard thought.
Secondly, the SADF was attacking entrenched defensive positions without the advantage of the element of surprise and numerically weaker. Tactical college interns at military school will tell you that’s not a blueprint for success.
Even if 4SAI and the tanks had arrived earlier, they would still have had to face MiGs that were spending more time over the ground forces than the Mirages. Perhaps the SADF would have managed to overcome FAPLAs 21 and 25 Brigade, but then they would face four more Brigades. Two east of Cuito and two others in reserve. And if you check the facts, 59 Brigade fought well and in fact, deflected an Olifant attack on the days before 16th November 1987.
By now Cuba's Fidel Castro had lost over 10 000 and some say closer to 20 000 troops as casualties of this never ending war across the Atlantic from his small island nation.
Initially, he had supported the war, sending his men and women in to fight. It’s not well known, but Cuban women for example made up most of the anti-aircraft battery crews around some of the towns of Angola.
He began to think about negotiating a solution rather than fighting to the death against the SADF, and sent his diplomats to the United Nations along with Angolan MPLA officials to contact the South African mission in New York. Castro was wanting out of Angola. Mark as Done
The case focuses on alleged hush money paid on Mr Trump's behalf to a former porn star. Also: Russia and Ukraine agree to extend grain deal, and the hunt for olive thieves in Spain. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Chris Hattingh, Nicholas Lorimer, and Gerbrandt van Heerden. They discuss regulatory changes and plans being advanced by minister Patel with regard to electricity generation. They also discuss the state of the mining industry, the incoherence of South Africa's foreign policy, and the upcoming DA leadership conference. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
How is the current global economic climate shaping investment trends? And what is the outlook for the rest of the year? Our award-winning Investec World Axis fund managers share their insights on the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday podcast. Mark as Done · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
It’s cold and it's grey out there right now, so time to start planning your holiday... welcome to Shaun's mini travel guides, to warm you up before Series 2. In this guide Shaun shares some seriously fab festivals, from Burning Man to the world's biggest food fight.
Your Place Or Mine is the travel podcast that isn’t going anywhere - not until guests can convince Shaun Keaveny it’s worth getting off the sofa for. Each week a familiar face will try to persuade Shaun and resident geographer, historian and comedian Iszi Lawrence that jetting off to their favourite destination is worth the hassle.
Your Place or Mine is a BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Producers: Becca Bryers and Hannah Hufford Mark as Done
FAPLAs 21 and 25 Brigades were manoeuvring around the western edge of the 1370 meter high Viposto high ground which lay south of the Hube and Chambinga Rivers before dawn on the 16th November 1987- and those rivers flowed in an almost direct east to west direction.
That meant the Angolan Brigades were now squeezed between the high ground and the river, heading towards the Hube’s source. Their plan was to circle around the east side of the source, then head back westerly along the right bank of the river, eventually reaching the strategic Chambinga River bridge - and then escaping back towards Cuito Cuanavale.
At 06h00 the 21 and 25 Brigades were refuelling before the next quick push for the headwaters of the Hube, with the Russian advisors team leader Lieutenant colonel Anatoly Artiomenko standing on the top of his troop carrier.
The SADF’s Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Battle groups were thundering north, trying to cut them off on the east side - the right - of the Viposto high ground. During the night of the 15th, SADF Recces and spotters were on the move ahead of the advancing Battle Groups and despite the Angolans determination to co-ordinate their next moves, the next few hours were going to be grim.
And Battle Group Charlie wasn’t hard to spot - FAPLA recon teams heard them miles away because the commander Leon Marais had decided to breach a large minefield using the Ploffadder explosives - fired from a rocket they landed on the minefield in a long strand, detonating loudly and also detonating mines.
They did not always work and this time, they worked well enough to signal Charlie’s presence to advancing FAPLA Brigades. Because both sides had driven into the same area at night, the South Africans had further compounded their own lack of quick quiet action by firing mortar shell illuminating flares before dawn.
They gave their positions away in both cases long before FAPLA actually spotted their forward Ratels and Buffels. The South Africans were also traveling very slowly as the commanders fretted about the exact location of the minefields, even despite having maps they’d seized in the attacks on the 16 Brigade two weeks earlier.
Lieutenant Koos Breytenbach was the SADF forward artillery observer at strategic Bridge and he became known as the Murderer of the Chambinga after what happened next. He was extremely accurate in his distance measurements and timing, bringing down constant G-5 shells, rockets and 120mm mortars on the Angolans crossing the bridge. Mark as Done
The huge sea rescue operation comes nearly two weeks after a deadly shipwreck involving migrants off the Italian coast. Also: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is cleared of wrongdoing by anti-corruption authorities, and renewed calls to tighten Germany’s gun laws after a deadly shooting in Hamburg. Mark as Done
Our new weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, sharing the things about your home country that make you happy, NASA's new head of science on how her dad gave her a love of space, and how bees can not only solve puzzles, but teach each other how to do it.
Presented by Andrew Peach. Music produced by Iona Hampson. Mark as Done
They broke ties in 2016 and have taken different sides in wars in Yemen and Syria. Also: The US sees its first major bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis,
and Donald Trump has been invited to testify to a grand jury over the Stormy Daniels case. Mark as Done
It caps a consolidation of power that has made him China's most dominant leader in generations. Also: rare and deadly Cyclone Freddy is expected to hit Mozambique for a second time, and scientists create the first detailed map of how an insect's brain is wired. Mark as Done
It includes big spending plans, worth more than six trillion dollars, with the focus on social programmes. Also: Italy's prime minister announces tough new penalties for people smugglers, after a cabinet meeting on the coast where dozens of migrants drowned last month, and the UK reveals its entrant for the Eurovision song contest. Mark as Done
Rafael Grossi's remarks came after more Russian shelling of the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine. Also: Tens of thousands of Israelis have been staging mass protests against proposed judicial reforms, and we look back at the life of Chaim Topol who's died aged 87. Mark as Done
09.03.23 Pt 2 - Ivo Vegter talks about his positive belief of an inefficient government, and how Cyril Ramaphosa is a complete disgrace in regard to his cabinet reshuffle. Kanthan Pillay lets loose on the usual suspects in the cabinet, and also weighs in on the debate of the Republican breach of the US Capitol. Phumi is disgusted with the fact that we had to wait on Parliament for the reshuffle, quoting Mandela… “Never keep your audience waiting!” Mark as Done
Ireland’s housing estates continue to ring to the sound of horses with patches of grass used for grazing and garages as stables. Horses used to be an integral part of cities across Europe until the middle of the 20th century. But in Ireland, no matter how hard the authorities have tried to dissuade residents from keeping horses, the tradition survives.
Although horses have long been associated with the travelling community, Irish people from all backgrounds have a passion for owning them. For those on lower incomes, that’s often in housing estates and even in city centres. Some horses can be bought for the price of a packet of cigarettes and although there are supposedly strict ownership rules, these are routinely flouted. The authorities are caught between trying to protect animal welfare and respecting a key part of Irish culture.
For Assignment, Katie Flannery travels to Limerick and Dublin to hear about urban horses there.
Produced by Bob Howard.
(Photo by Bob Howard) Mark as Done
The United Nations says Afghanistan is the "most repressive country in the world" for women's rights. Also: Demonstrations continue in Georgia over fears a new law could limit free speech, and the world's first 3D printed space rocket prepares to launch. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend with Nicholas Lorimer, Chris Hattingh and Gerbrandt van Heerden. They chat about the new minister of electricity and the failure of Eskom to improve the performance of its coal power plants. They also chat about the bad economic news, the National Health Insurance Bill and the planned ban on TikTok. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Xi Jinping blames it for trying to 'contain', 'encircle' and 'suppress' his country. Also: Britain sets out legislation designed to stop asylum seekers crossing the English channel on small boats, and the head of Japan's space agency apologises for the failed launch of a new flagship rocket. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Martin van Staden, Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the insolvency of the mayor of Tshwane and his firing. They also chat about the cabinet reshuffling and the bad economic news. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Three years after the official declaration of a pandemic, 65 million people - one in 10 who had Covid-19 - still have symptoms. Some are so ill they are yet to return to work. The Economist’s health editor, Natasha Loder, examines the science behind long Covid and hears about the challenges as researchers try to unravel the cause behind a condition associated with around 200 symptoms. Mark as Done
The city has been under sustained Russian bombardment for months. Also: Turkish opposition parties agree on a single candidate to challenge President Erdogan in elections due in May, and the couple jailed for 4 years in Spain for stealing wine. Mark as Done
UN says millions of people still homeless and living in fear. Also: Elon Musk mocks BBC report about abuse on Twitter, South Korean plan to resolve wartime labour dispute with Japan and Toblerone loses iconic Swiss mountain logo. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Makone Maja and Terence Corrigan. Thye discuss the news that the money stolen from Ramaphosa's farm was not declared to SARS. They also chat about the growing problem of political violence and what is the president taking so long to reshuffle his cabinet. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
We’re into the final phase of Operation Moduler in November 1987, and the SADF was lining up FAPLAs 16 Brigade after giving them a bloody nose on the 9th.
Combat Group Bravo was going to draw FAPLAs attention between the Mianei and Vimpula Rivers, south east of Cuito Cuanavale, but that was a diversion. 59 Brigade was based here, and moving slowly in a northerly direction to support 16 Brigade almost due east of the town.
The are a series of short rivers that rise to the north, east and south of Cuito Cuanavale, most flow west and join the Quito River - and it was along these rivers that most of the next phase of Operation Modular would be fought.
The Recces spotted T54/55 tanks heading towards the source of the Hube River and the South African commander Commandant Deon Ferreira was weighing up neutralising these heavy weapons before continuing with the attack on 16h Brigade.
The South Africans were still not fully aware of what 59 Brigade was doing, although they had a better idea about 16 Brigade.
During the night of the 10th, the SADF pulled of a switcheroo, moving Combat Group Alpha to the south of 16th Brigade, combat Group Charlie was now slightly north.
Early on the morning of the 11th, Combat Group Alpha was in position and began to fire their Ratel 90 guns along with the Ratel 81 mortars towards FAPLA trenches. The G-5s also began to pepper 16 Brigade along with the Multiple Rocket launchers, the Valkiris.
ON the same day, the Angolans were celebrating their independence but as the Russian advisors met with their African colleagues for muted festivities, Mirages flew overhead, and began to bomb the Angolan positions.
“Something quite unimaginable is happening now …” wrote Russian translator Igor Zhdarkin,
“The Angolan troops are almost completely demoralised the brigades are on average at 45 percent strength. For every 10 or 15 shells launched by the enemy the Angolans are able to send only one…”
The SADFs rate of fire was wearing FAPLA down while the Recces and artillery spotters were passing on information constantly and then picked up 59th Brigade’s shifting position.
The Russians reported that the Angolans had spotted what they called “their buffalo” - that was 32 Battalion and the advisors reported that “the Angolans fear the South Africans like fire…”.
As both sides picked up their pieces, an incredible casualty evacuation was about to take place. 32's Piet Van Zyl realised that one of the Battalion’s troops was missing - and was told that the infantryman was last seen lying dead in a FAPLA trench 800m away. Mark as Done
The meeting fails to produce a joint statement, as US and Russia clash over Ukraine. Also: there's growing anger in Greece after the country's worst ever train crash, and Egyptian archaeologists are celebrating the discovery of a hidden tunnel in the Great Pyramid of Giza. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris and Mlondi Mdluli. They chat about the Western Cape's plans to escape loadshedding, the possibility of an electoral threshold, the suspicious suspension of City of Johannesburg officials and the lack of action on the SACB board by president Ramaphosa. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Cancel culture has led to the cancellation of several South African celebrities for various reasons, so it should not be surprising that Gareth Cliff and Unathi Nkayi are on that list.
In our first episode, media personality Unathi has a candid conversation with Gareth in front of a live audience, about everything you've ever wanted to know!
She talks extensively about how she was fired from KayaFM, and how her family encouraged her to sue the station. She also reveals the real reason for the breakdown of her friendship with Somizi, and we get a glimpse of the incredible relationship she has with her father.
This is the podcast where we uncancel culture - #unCancelled. Mark as Done · www.cliffcentral.com
South Africa has been greylisted by global financial crime watchdog the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for not fully complying with international standards around the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. What will this mean for South African businesses and consumers? We unpack the latest developments. Mark as Done · Investec Focus South Africa
John Lloyd and Anna Ptaszynski welcome entrepreneur Bill Liao, actress Miriam Margolyes OBE and comedian Chris McCausland to the first episode of a new series of The Museum of Curiosity. Inspiring questions such as: What is the best record? What would your favourite, long dead, author write about now? And how could a fruit fly save your life?
This series of The Museum of Curiosity has been recorded remotely.
The Museum’s exhibits were catalogued by Mike Turner, Mandy Fenton and Lydia Mizon of QI.
Exec Producer: James Robinson
Producer: Sam Holmes & Leying Lee
Production Co-ordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound: David Thomas
A BBC Studios production. Mark as Done
It’s early morning November 9th 1987 and the SADF was advancing towards FAPLAs 16th Brigade based at the source of the Chambinga River. The Angolan brigade had received orders to shift eastwards, and the units were about to move when the SADF launched their attack. The first sign of the impending assault was an artillery bombardment and SAAF bombing raid on the eve of the assault.
Commandant Deon Ferreira was OC of Task Force 10 as it was known although the main battle plans had been drawn up by Roland de Vries, his 2 IC. It was a plan that was based on the principles of fluid operations, with the South African mobility exploited to the full.
De Vries had also decided that one of the main aims was to destabilise the enemies logistics and communications, disrupting their plans and likely counter attack.
Robbie Hartslief’s Combat Group Bravo unleashed on 59th Brigade to the south, creating a diversion. But when his units overran the position, the south African commander was surprised to find the brigade’s positions were empty, it had already withdrawn north towards the 16th Brigade.
The Angolans counter attacked with tanks, and Bravo retreated, Hartslief’s actions had confused the enemy and he didn’t want to continue a needless fight against FAPLA which was using heavy weapons, including the T54 and 55s.
The Soviet advisors thought they had won a victory and began exchanging congratulations. Little did they know that the main SADF assault was going to take place further north close to the source of the Chambinga River. That’s where Commandant Deon MArais led Combat Group Charlie towards 16th Brigade, although the going was slow, hampered by the thick bush around the river.
By 06h57 on the morning of 9th November, Recces posted near the 16th Brigade radio to say that could hear FAPLAs tank engines start up - moments later a G-5 bombardment hit one of FAPLAs ammunition dumps, which exploded.
Marais’ Charlie Group approached in close formation, with 4 SAIs two mechanised infantry companies of Ratel 20s on both sides in the front, and an armoured car squadron of Ratel 90s as well as a platoon of 32 Battalion troops between them. Piet van Zyl’s company of 32 infantrymen were all black, led by four white officers.
“We moved 30 km west from the lagoon, riding on Ratels,” said van Zyl quoted by author Fred Bridgeland.
“We passed the tank squadron and its support Ratels under the command of major Andre Retief of 4SAI, That man really knew how to look after his troops…”
Retief had brought a refrigerated canteen truck all the way from South Africa, and van Zyl organised a raid on the truck when 4SAI was looking the other way - liberating two cases of ice cold beer.
“Man that was nectar from heaven” said van Zyl.
The Angolans still believed that the SADF was attacking 59 Brigade further south, but that all changed just after 7.30 when 16 Brigade comms reports that South African tanks appeared to be about to overrun their positions. Mark as Done
Health economists estimate that unaddressed mental health conditions (including depression and anxiety) cost our economy an estimated R161 billion per year as a result of lost days of work on account of illness, “presenteeism” (working longer hours), and in extreme cases premature mortality. In this episode we focus on the economic dimensions of mental health in South Africa and the country’s mental health system. Mark as Done · Investec Focus South Africa
On the eve of the anniversary, the UN vote called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and a halt to the fighting. Also: the former US film mogul Harvey Weinstein begs for mercy as he is sentenced for another rape. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Gabriel Crouse and Michael Morris. They discuss the end of Andre De Ruyter's time as CEO of Eskom. The latest budget speech and and the end of the tenure of UCT's vice-chancellor. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify · Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
A year on from the invasion of Ukraine, many Russians now inhabit a parallel world that justifies the conflict. How have they been persuaded to support, or accept, a war against a country they had the closest of personal and historical ties with? Assignment talks to some of the persuaders – a celebrated war correspondent, a top talkshow host, a popular singer and poet, and a volunteer fighter – to understand how Russians’ understanding of the conflict has been forged. What are the memories and fears that have been invoked to convince many that it’s Russia, not Ukraine, that’s fighting for its survival?
(Photo of Russian war reporter Alexander Kots) Mark as Done
The countries - known collectively as the Bucharest Nine - denounced Russia as a significant threat to Nato security in the region. Also: Palestinians killed in Israeli raid in Nablus, and do you want an olive oil latte? Mark as Done
Chris Wyatt is a retired US Army Colonel and Intelligence Operative with a particular interest in South Africa. Chris has spent much of his post-military world making sense of the seismic political, economic and cultural changes in South Africa and has a network of informed and well-placed sources that gives him a perspective most South Africans don’t even have of their own backyard. In this discussion he and Gareth get into the future of the US, South Africa and some of the common themes of the deterioration of both systems under the destructive influence of the left. Mark as Done · www.cliffcentral.com
Colonel Deon Ferreira was putting the final touches together for the next phase of Operation Moduler, in late October 1987. The South Africans had reorganised themselves into three combat groups for the upcoming push against FAPLA north of the Lomba River.
Combat Group Alpha was initially led by Kobus Smit of 61 Mech, but he was about to be rotated out to be replaced by Commandant Mike Muller, it was basically 61 Mech minus a mechanised infantry group,
Combat Group Bravo led by Robbie Hartslief, two motorised infantry companies from 32 Battalion and 101 Battalion each, as well as 32s anti-tank squadron and support company, with a mechanised infantry company seconded from 61 Mech.
Combat Group Charlie was headed up by Leon Marais and comprised of 4SAI infantry, a tank squadron of Olifants, plus a motorised company from 32 Battalion.
Along side these was 20 Artillery regiment under Colonel Jean Lausberg. Sierra Battery retained their G-5 Guns and turned their 120mm mortars over to Romeo battery. So this regiment had two G-5 batteries, one Valkiri MRL Battery, along with a 120mm mortar battery and a troop of G-6s.
That meant there were 3000 South African soldiers in this brigade - and no reinforcements. The artillery was going to be based south east of the Mianei river, which itself is south east of Cuito Cuanavale.
From now on Cuito Cuanavale would be in range, along with its crucial airstrip. But the Angolans had withdrawn their MiGs and attack helicopters from the town, aware that the SADF long-range G-5s and G-6 could strike their expensive machines.
Colonel Ferreira based himself at the tactical HQ near Mavinga leaving Roland de Vries back in Rundu to draw up the main plan for the assault on Cuito Cuanavale. After a day or so, De Vries and Colonel Fred Oelschig and Jean Lausberg flew to Mavinga to discuss the plan with UNITAs Jonas Savimbi.
FAPLAs forces were arraigned in an arc mainly to the south east of Cuito Cuanavale. 16 Brigade was at the source of the Chambinga River - the furthest north of the Angolan brigades, while 66 Brigade was close to the main road bridge over the river. This was one of the key points that the SAAF had been hitting, it was the only route FAPLA Brigades further south could use to escape.
59 Brigade was below the 16th Brigade, while to their west, at the confluence of the Cuito and Mianei Rivers, an infantry battalion of the 66 Brigade was waiting. Nearby was an infantry battalion of the 25th Brigade, at the source of the Mianei River.
Further towards the Cuito River, 21 Brigade based behind the 25th Brigade, and 21 was also arraigned along the Mianei River.
Then the Russians claimed the SADF fired chemical weapons... Mark as Done
World leaders are discussing their next steps at the Munich security conference. Also: The UN announces the largest-ever allocation from its Central Emergency Fund to help Africa tackle what it calls "forgotten crises," and why the language used in Roald Dahl's classic children's books is being reviewed. Mark as Done
Scores of people were killed by jihadists on motorcycles in the Syrian province of Homs. Also: Qatar's Sheikh Jassim and Ineos bid for Manchester United football club, and how difficult is it to be optimistic? Mark as Done
17.02.23 Pt 2 - Comedian Ndumiso Lindi joins us to talk about his new tribute show, #BoysDontCry coming up next week. He engages in conversation regarding AKA’s memorial service taking place today… and did you know the snapping sound from your fingers is not actually from your fingers? Mark as Done
Turkey's foreign minister says Sweden hasn't done enough to stop Kurdish terrorism. Applications to join Nato must be approved by all member countries. Also: The leader of Belarus says his forces will only fight alongside Russia in Ukraine if his country is attacked, and why South Korea is removing women-only parking spaces. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Michael Morris, Alexi Weiss and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the attack on the Tshwane council building by EFF members seeking to "remove" the coalition MMCs. They also chat about the contrast between a localised electricity solutions and the mess at Eskom. They explore the IRR's statement on “maximum value-for-money” procurement and the sabotage of the hopes of the SA men's Hockey team. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Host Ayabonga Cawe, talks to investment experts about what you need to know if you want to trade local and international markets. Mark as Done · Listen to more episodes
No part of the United Kingdom has felt the impact of Brexit more strongly than Northern Ireland. Home to the country's only land border with the European Union, the province is the focus of passionate debate about Britain's future relationship with Europe. Three years on from Brexit, the temporary agreement, the so called “Protocol,” that was designed to ease the UK's exit from the EU but left Northern Ireland in legal and political limbo is coming to an end. And what might replace it is causing uncertainty and unease there. David Baker travels to Northern Ireland and assesses the impact of Brexit. He meets businesses that have benefited from the agreement and want it to stay and others who say it’s been damaging and feel their identities are threatened.
Producer: Jim Frank
(Photo by Stephen Barnes via Getty Images) Mark as Done
Today's Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Makone Maja and John Endres. They discuss the explosive growth of the South African assassination industry, disruptions to education in the Western Cape at the highest and lowest levels and the American presidential candidacy of Nikki Haley. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
The 2023 Investing in Africa Mining Indaba left pundits optimistic about the opportunity the energy transition offers Africa mining in general, especially if the region can get mineral beneficiation right. Mark as Done · Listen to more episodes
A truck convoy used one of two new crossings permitted by the Syrian President Assad to bring in relief. Also: US makes arrests over Haiti leader's assassination, and scientists say they have developed a drug for use in a contraceptive pill for men. Mark as Done
It comes after the broadcast of a documentary critical of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also: The UN welcomes Syria's decision to allow more earthquake aid, and how TikTok sent sales soaring for one American author. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Mlondi Mdluli and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the resignation of Tshwane Mayor, Randall Williams, tensions in the EFF's KZN branches, court battles in Ekurhuleni and layoffs at the South African Post Office. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
The author of several bestselling books, as well as a journalist, scriptwriter, speechwriter and media trainer with more than 30 years experience - Gus Silber has done it all. He joins Gareth to talk about his recent thesis, and some workshops he’s giving about ChatGPT, and how to incorporate AI in your life as a creative... and embrace new technology instead of running away from it. Mark as Done
14.02.23 Pt 2 - Leigh-Ann talks about a new ‘vibrating’ pill that’s on the market, and Gareth doesn’t advise using it as a Valentine’s gift. Journalist, author, scriptwriter, speechwriter and media trainer, Gus Silber joins the show to discuss the art of writing. Is ChatGPT a technology we need to embrace… or be worried about? Mark as Done
The Freedman’s Bank was established in 1865 after the abolition of slavery and the Civil War. The Bank was designed to help newly freed African-Americans in their quest to become financially stable. At its peak, it stretched across huge swathes of America. But what began with huge promise ended in massive failure nine years later, leaving a legacy of distrust in its wake. Szu Ping Chan looks at the history and lessons from the collapse of America's first black bank. Mark as Done
President Joe Biden ordered another object - the fourth in total this month - to be downed on Sunday. Also: Angry scenes inside the Israeli parliament as the government is accused of turning Israel into a dark dictatorship… and did she slay or was she just ok? The internet responds to Rihanna’s Superbowl performance. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Chris Hattingh and Gerbrandt van Heerden. Today's topics include the overwhelming cynical response to the State of the Nation address, the troubles of a potential ANC/EFF coalition and Eskom asking for permission to pollute more so as to keep the lights on. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
At the beginning of October 1987 One Recce moved into the southern Angolan region replacing Five Recce and by the time the SADF top brass had decided the final course of action, a group of 30 Recces flew by C-130 from Durban Air Force base to Rundu
It was at Rundu where a critically important meeting had taken place on the 15th October when Army Chief General Kat Liebenberg had arrived to attend a briefing by staff officers.
They had developed two alternatives. Either prevent FAPLA from withdrawing over the Chambinga River towards Cuito Cuanavale until the SADF reinforcements showed up in early November and destroy them.
Not much chance of that succeeding, the South Africans were too thin on the ground.
Option two was really an extension of option one - the first part of the plan was the same, to trap FAPLA, but then to send 4SAI and the tank squadron west of the Cuito River and take the town of Cuito Cuanavale from the north west.
Outflank FAPLAs Brigades in other words and hit their rear.
The SADF Battle Group would then advance north and destroy the FAPLA Brigades based east of Cuito Cuanavale - the 16th, 59th, 21st and 25th. Liebenberg preferred option two and that was why the Recces were flying in from Durban.
There is an excellent book called “Bush War, the road to Cuito Cuanavale” edited by Gennady Shubin and Andrei Tokarev, all about Soviet Soldiers accounts of the Angolan War. I’m using these accounts in the next few podcasts because they are unfettered diary entries which offset some of the more prosaic commentary by both sides. They were excellent observers of warfare, monitoring the SADF and FAPLA as well as SWAPO. This book is full of illuminating descriptions of what went on in FAPLAs trenches between 1987 and 1989.
So, on the 15th October, some of these Russians had taken up their new positions north east of Cuito alongside FAPLAs 21 Brigade which had been so badly mauled trying to cross the Lomba River bridge. Mark as Done
The comments were made by the United Nations humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths. Also: Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has said a United States military fighter jet, acting on his orders, has shot down a high-altitude airborne object over the northwestern Yukon territory, and we get a rare glimpse inside Iran on the 44th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. Mark as Done
For World Radio Day, we celebrate four vibrant community radio stations on four continents. Northern Malawi’s Rumphi FM supports the Tumbuka tribe while giving young women a space to speak out against early marriage and for education. From Budapest, Radio Dikh broadcasts “about the Roma, but not just for the Roma,” presenting Romany culture in its own distinctive voice. In Nunavik, Northern Quebec, Inuit radio beams Inuktitut music and talk to 14 remote villages, helping to keep an ancient language and threatened tradition alive. And in Myanmar, brave journalists risk their lives to resist the military dictatorship with news and views sent out from portable transmitters, sometimes under fire. Mark as Done
FAPLA had taken a battering at the Battle of the Lomba River on 3rd October 1987 - the SADF had crushed 47 Brigade, and they had also deal 21 Brigade a serious blow earlier as you’ve heard.
Operation Modular had led to a mauling - and the Angolans began withdrawing northwards.
The South Africans had been victorious despite being hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned, the Ratels had somehow defeated the T54s and T55s. The cabinet was delighted back in Pretoria - but now faced a serious question that had not been fully addressed before the Lomba bloodletting.
Now what?
FAPLA was withdrawing but they weren’t defeated. Furthermore, FAPLA’s logistic centre at Cuito Cuanavale was untouched and operating. The bridge the Recces had destroyed was up and running once more.
IT was almost immediately that folks like the chief of the SADF Jannie Geldenhuys knew consolidation of the gains was crucial, along with preventing the enemy from regrouping.
By now, the political leadership had decided that they’d throw everything they could at this invasion into Angola - they’d gone too far to pull back. They’d grabbed a Tiger by the tail, and couldn’t let go.
For the Angolans, it was a bitter defeat, and the end of FAPLAs Operation Saludando a Octobre, Salute to October, their grand offensive of four main Brigades which were supposed to seize Mavinga from UNITA then push on to UNITAS HQ at Jamba - and destroy the rebel movement once and for all.
Not this time.
Russian advisors who were part of the FAPLA Brigades on the Lomba, and based in Cuito, confirmed just how badly the Angolan army had been mauled. Igor Anatoliyevich Zhdarkin was on the ground in Cuito when the battered 21st and 47th Brigades staggered back into the town.
“There on the Lomba, misfortune had befallen them…” he wrote in his journal “…They had been battered with shells from the rapid firing guns of the South Africans.”
On the ground, 20 SA Brigade was joined by 4 SAI Battalion, a fully mechanised unit with extra G-5 batteries, four self propelled G6 guns - although one broke down and most important, a squadron of 13 Olifant tanks.
Because these were to play such a significant role in the upcoming battles, I’ll spend a few minutes talking about their production. Mark as Done
Last year Tudur Owen brought us 'Where on Earth is Anglesey?', a Radio 4 series that introduced us to his homeland, Ynys Môn and hinted at the rather unconventional goings-on there. One such eccentric event is the incredible but true story of how he and his family somewhat unwittingly became the owners of what the News of the World would go on to describe as “The Worst Zoo in Britain”.
Join Tudur for an engrossing caper about a corrupt animal wrangler, a family on the brink and a climactic wallaby chase across the Menai Strait.
All the events in this story are almost true.
Written and performed by Tudur Owen
Script Editor: Gareth Gwynn
Additional voices: Lisa-Jên Brown and Fergus Craig
Sound Engineering and Design by David Thomas
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production Mark as Done
06.02.23 Pt 2 - Gareth is distraught that David Mabuza (we also aren’t sure who he is) has resigned as deputy president, and isn’t sure how the cabinet is going to move forward. What are the requirements for the worst job in South Africa right now? And the ‘Woesrand’ is the latest target in the comments section, as this is where Candice Mama is from. Mark as Done
The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued them in response to a proposal by the head of the judiciary. Also: Pakistan's former president and military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, has died in exile at the age of seventy-nine, and a prominent British family has paid reparations and apologised to Grenada for their historic links with the slave trade. Mark as Done
Cattle are part of Uruguay’s DNA. There are around 4 cows to every one of their tiny 3.5 million population of people and beef is their main export. But how do they compete against their mighty, better known neighbours; Argentina and Brazil? In this week’s Assignment Jane Chambers travels to the country’s lush, green pastures to find out about how they keep their cash cow flourishing. She hears from cattle farmers and other people in the beef industry about how they’re carving out a niche for themselves and future proofing against the threats of climate change. Produced and presented by: Jane Chambers Country Producer: Lucinda Elliot Studio Mix: Rod Farquhar Production coordinator: Iona Hammond and Gemma Ashman Series Editor: Penny Murphy Mark as Done
One of the most crucial periods of the Border War was under way - although military strategists didn’t realise this until a little later.
It was imperative for FAPLA to take Mavinga, this would have pushed the South Africans much further south - and factored into Luanda’s plan along with the Cubans to begin building longer runways for bombers and fighter aircraft to take control of southern Angola.
I’ll get to some of the Russians views as we go - they were aware of this ultimate plan to set up a possible jump off point to invade Ovamboland should this war continue interminably. While Moscows original strategy was to avoid this kind of incursion, by 1987 the Soviet Union was under huge pressure economically and really wanted the War of independence in Namibia to end asap.
FAPLAs 21st Brigade had been stopped twice from crossing the Lomba River, this was very important and had a bearing on the rest of the Battle which lasted almost three months in total.
An entry in 20 SA Brigade’s war diary for the 29th September contains three phases for the upcoming offensive - One that the enemy must be prevented from taking Mavinga, two that the SADF would conduct operations north of the Lomba river - in other words they should chase FAPLAs 4 main brigades, the 21st, 16th, 47 and 59th and third the advance on Cuito Cuanavale.
That order was rescinded on 1st October and 47 Brigade was told to finish building a temporary TMM bridge over the Lomba, then to withdraw to the north and join up with other FAPLA forces. Back at SADF Mavinga HQ, Commandant Deon Ferreira was receiving radio intercept updates - they were listening in to FAPLAs calls.
It so happened that FAPLA using their Russian, Cuban and East German comms experts, had also broken UNITAs code by now and were doing the same.
Early on Saturday 3rd October, Combat Group Alpha began advancing from the east to the west, following the wide Lomba Flood plain.
There were three lines of 61 Mech’s armoured car squadron leading this assault - all from Charlie Squadron with 12 Ratel 90s. Behind them was UNITA in a light infantry screen, and their task was to winkle out enemy units that would be hit by the South African infantry.
After this group passed, then the armoured cars of Alpha company mechanised infantry, supported by 81mm and 60mm mortars. 32 Battalion’s Golf company would mop up after the battle.
To the south, or the left, Combat Group Charlie would shadow Alpha as they headed west, with a force of 61 MEchs Bravo Company, 8 Ratel 90s which were going to focus on the tanks.
They were a reserve force in the main, to cover Alpha Group from a counter attack by 47 Brigade from their main defensive position a few kilometers further south east. Another company of UNITA troops was assigned to track Bravo on their left - shadowing the shadow group so to speak.
The only problem with this plan was 47 Brigade was not where the South Africans thought they were.
Everyone thought the bulk of 47 had remained behind to the south, that they hadn’t moved up to the TMM bridges.
Everyone was wrong. Mark as Done
Technology has opened new doors in mental health support and data collection, broadening access to support and enabling proactive management of mental illness. Katy Katopodis speaks to Behavidence's Dr. Janine Ellenberger, Panda's Allan Sweiden and Hannover Re's Dr. Matthew Procter. Mark as Done · Listen to more episodes in the series
Germany's permission is required, because it built and sold the vehicles originally. But the Polish government has suggested it might ignore this and send the tanks anyway. Also, we head to one of the eastern Ukrainian towns retaken from Russian forces, and Japan's prime minister warns the declining birth rate is putting the future of the country at risk. Mark as Done
We heard last episode how Operation Modular had begun, and how FAPLAs 21st Brigade had been stopped from crossing the Lomba River by Major Hannes Nortmann and his squadron of Ratels using the experimental ZRT3 rockets in early September 1987.
This was happening along a river where the approaches were a mix of tropical grasslands and riverine bush that was almost impenetrable.
Despite a raid by MiGs which bombarded the area shortly afterward the failed ground assault by the 21st Brigade, the SADF had managed to drive back FAPLAs attempt at reaching the south bank of the Lomba.
But a bigger challenge lay west, where FAPLAs 47th Brigade had managed to circumvent the river and the wetlands, and had turned to eastwards face Mavinga, and the SADF.
The date was September 11 1987.
South Africa’s artillery kept up constant fire towards the retreating 21st Brigade and FAPLAs commander could be heard on radio ordering a general withdrawal - along with phrases like annihilation when he referred to his condition of his men.
The SADF artillery had managed to hold up 47 Brigade after they’d wheeled east from their southwards march. FAPLA then sent a vanguard of PT-76 amphibious light tanks forward in a reconnaissance mission, while half a dozen T54/55s hung around between this advance recon party and their brigade headquarters further west.
This was learning on the job stuff - as the battle developed inside this dense bush, Ratels began to out turn the T54/55s. The tactic deployed was jaw dropping - the Ratel would turn past the tanks but too close for proper firing, then turn and attack them from the rear.
The T54/55s rear armour was 20mm thick, whereas it was more like 80mm at the front, that’s almost a meter of iron and the 90mm canon could not penetrate.
FAPLA also began to turn leading to a kind of heavy metal pirouette between these two major tools of war - the Ratel and the T54/55, a kind of terrible battle tango to the death.
Jan Breytenbach called this the dance of death.
The SAAF had conducted their first sortie at 05h45 - opening their air offensive with a combined air strike against 47 Brigade’s presumed position - dropping 100 mark 82 pre-fragmentation devices. These are a hefty 250kg each and were modified American Mark 82 bombs. The casing had been altered to allow larger-diameter ball-bearings to be squeezed in, and these balls could penetrate lightly armoured personnel carriers.
Commandant Johan Rankin led one of these attacks, and he was weary because by now reconnaissance and drone flights had picked out Russian SA6 and SA8 missiles in the area. Despite this, Rankin hurtled in for the vergooi, the far throw technique bomb run, low level, rise to release the ordinance, sink back to low level and the bomb arcs across the sky like deadly sine wave.
After the release, the Mirages would pull a 130 degree bank dropping down to low level to avoid missiles. Rankin duly released his bombs and rolled back towards ground, then heard on his radio that a number of the missiles were heading his way.
IT was only a few days before this operation that the SA Air force pilots were going to receive a clear indication that the Angolan Air Force had changed their modus operandi, they were both hunting each other.
A few days before this assault, SA AF Commandant Carlo Gagiano and Captain Anton van Rensburg had found themselves in a dogfight against two MiGs in their Mirages. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Terence Corrigan, Nicholas Lorimer, and Sholan Booysen. They discuss the plan Afriforum to build its own power stations as well as the president's comments on Eskom's tariff hike. Also they discuss the matric pass rate and the commemoration of the battle of Isandlwana. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Protestors say plans to limit the powers of the Israeli judiciary are a direct attack on democracy. Also: Brazil's army chief sacked after Congress riots, and why are baguettes such an important part of French life? Mark as Done
As the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union swept over vast areas of Ukraine and Belorussia from the summer of 1941, over three million Jews were deliberately targeted for annihilation. Shot, hung, butchered, a million and a half Jewish souls were buried in vast pits in Babi Yar, Rumbula, Mariupol, Minsk, Kyiv and Riga. Many accounts began to flood into the Soviet Union where journalist and writer Ilya Ehrenburg began gathering testimonies of the mass murder. This became The Black Book, a chronicle of the Nazi extermination of Soviet Jews. Historian Catherine Merridale travels to Riga, Latvia and Yad Vashem, where the Black Book was smuggled, to uncover this complex story of loss, silence and rediscovery. Mark as Done
During World War Two, approximately 1.6 million Soviet, Polish and Romanian Jews survived by escaping to Soviet Central Asia and Siberia, avoiding imminent death in ghettos, firing squads and killing centres. Many of them wrote music about these horrors as the Holocaust unfolded. Singer Alice Zawadzski, whose own family found themselves on a similar journey to Central Asia, and historian Anna Shternshis of the University of Toronto, who led the project to bring these songs back to life, travel to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to retrace the journeys of those Jewish refugees who became music composers. Mark as Done
Kyiv's allies are meeting at a US airbase to hash out further military support. Also: A court in Romania extends police detention for the influencer, Andrew Tate, and his brother, and a giant toad weighing more than two and a half kilos has been found in a north Australian rainforest. Mark as Done
As the annual World Economic Forum meetings come to an end, for the South African delegation it was clear that in order to get investors, the country needs to get back on a growth path. Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec Bank UK, shared our key takeaways from the event with Business Maverick’s Tim Cohen. Mark as Done
President Macron's plans raise retirement age from 62 to 64. Also: New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, steps down -- she says because of burnout, and researchers say investing more in carbon capture and storage technologies is vital to limit global warming. Mark as Done
Opportunities abound for emerging markets as developed market companies and countries reassess supply chains in a bid to become more resilient. Speaking from the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Investec SA CEO Richard Wainwright says South Africa needs to grab this opportunity with both hands as this global rebalancing is a once-off event. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon and Makone Maja. They discuss the glut of chickens as a result of loadshedding, the failure of the education system to produce people for the workplace, comments by the health minister on NHI and a possible mistake by City Power in Johannesburg with regards to bill collection. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
In 2018 the town of Paradise in hills of northern California was wiped out by one of the worst wildfires in California's history. The disaster made headlines around the world - regarded as a symbol of the dangers posed by climate change. So what does the future hold for communities like Paradise in a region increasingly threatened by wildfire? Four years on, Alex Last traveled to Paradise to meet the survivors who are rebuilding their town.
Photo: A home burns as the Camp fire tears through Paradise, California on November 8, 2018. (Josh Edelson /AFP via Getty Images)
Reporter and producer: Alex Last
Sound mix: Rod Farquar
Series Editor: Penny Murphy
Production coordinator: Iona Hammond Mark as Done
Ukraine's interior minister is among the dead. The crash happened near a kindergarten in an eastern suburb of Kyiv. Also: The Philippines Nobel prize winner, Maria Ressa, is acquitted in a move hailed as a victory for press freedom, why seals have been attacking humans in South Africa, and international diplomacy in a sauna. Mark as Done
Move over “stakeholder capitalism”. “Polycrisis” is the new buzzword at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, as global risks converge: from economic contraction and rising inflation to supply chain pressures and the Ukraine war. Tim Cohen, Editor of Business Maverick, speaks to Richard Wainwright, CEO of Investec Bank South Africa, and Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec Bank UK, on how world leaders are finding common ground on these critical challenges. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sholan Booysen and Marius Roodt. They discuss the IEB matric pass rate. The drop in China's population. Comments by Ramaphosa on the electricity tariff increase. They also discuss the issue of "unofficial" traffic pointsmen. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Henk Langenhoven, Chief Economist of the Minerals Council of South Africa joins Investec's Treasury Economist and Power & Infrastructure team to discuss the impact of loadshedding on the mining sector and the wider economy. Mark as Done · Learn more
China's population falls for the first time in 60 years. Also Belarussian opposition leader on trial and counting walruses. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon and Chris Hattingh. The discuss the ongoing Eskom crisis and how government is perhaps not fully truthful in its claims to foreign audiences. They also discuss a legal effort to challenge load-shedding in the courts, and they discuss fewer people dying on the roads in 2022. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
There’s growing scientific evidence that many animals are not only conscious but they possess a more profound sense of self. They can learn by experience and make decisions that depend on a sense of the future - in other words they are “sentient” beings with the capacity to feel pain, pleasure and emotions. In the second part of this two-part series, Sue Armstrong reports on the latest scientific research into the minds and consciousness of animals and the ethical implications this has on animal welfare and our relationship with animals. Mark as Done
Growing up surrounded by gangsters and a dysfunctional family, this is the story of Ashley - a tall comedian who loves William Shatner and hates textured fabrics.
Glasgow's nightlife in the early 1980's was still flying the flag for disco, bell bottoms and oversized lapels, and it was outside the local club in Shettleston where Ashley's parents met for the first time, starting the story that led to an unexpected marriage and a family feud that was never resolved.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4
Written by Ashley Storrie
Produced by Julia Sutherland Mark as Done
The first phase of Operation Modular has begun. 32 Battalion, the Recces and UNITA are facing 8 FAPLA Brigades in southern Angola, four of these have advanced towards Mavinga.
As you hear last episode, FAPLas 21 and 47 Brigade of about 3000 men were on their way to the Lomba River, north west of Mavinga.
Chief of the Army Lieutenant General Kat Liebenberg had written in his report before August 1987 that a physical attack on Menongue by the SADF would probably solve the problem of the FAPLA attack. But he also wrote that because of the SA Army’s manpower shortage, this was not feasible.
To buttress Unita then, the initial group of 80 special force soldiers had been deployed along with anti-tank weapons to form tank hunting teams. This largely failed because the Angolans always deployed company’s of men as screens around their precious tanks.
Colonel Jock Harris who was OC of 32 Battalion was writing furious notes about what he called the foolish proposals being adopted by Defence force top brass.
At one minute to midnight on 19th August, the SADF began fighting back with heavier stuff - firing a ripple of 96 Valkiri rockets at the FAPLA forces who were occupying a place called the Catado Woods.
32 Battalion’s Harris had seen enough of this war, along with Jan Breytenbach who was now advising UNITA, to know a full-scale mechanised assault by an enemy when he saw one.
After the slow going of early August, FAPLA suddenly surged and the lead elements reached the Lomba River in early September.
The scene was set for the Operation Modular showdown. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Alex Weiss, Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss comments by government figures about the malevolent forces who are really to blame for loadshedding. They also chat about the problem of vandalism and the first day back to school. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
12.01.23 Pt 2 - JJ Cornish, Leeto Nthoba and Kanthan Pillay join Gareth and Phumi for a power hour of politics. Leeto and Kanthan discuss the deep cuts of the ANC, and debate whether we are better or worse off under the Ramaphosa regime, as opposed to Zuma’s. JJ Cornish discusses Zimbabwe’s record wheat harvest, and a discovery of the ‘Black Curse’ in Somalia. Plus, the team predict what’s to come for 2023 in the US. Mark as Done
Russia's defence ministry and the mercenary Wagner Group give competing versions of events. Also: Uganda says the Ebola epidemic that killed 56 people is over, and the workers in Japan getting a huge pay rise. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Martin van Staden and Chris Hattingh. They chat about the disturbing trend of assassinations at Fort Hare University. They also discuss moving Eskom to the ministry of Energy and the talk about expanding the South African reserve bank's mandate. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
The revelations follow new detailed analysis of satellite imagery by the Washington Post into the low official death rate. Also: Up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers will arrive in the US as early as next week to start training for the Patriot missile system, and the singing bus driver who has become an internet sensation. Mark as Done
Beijing suspends visas for some of its neighbours amid surging coronavirus infections. Also: heavy casualties in Ukraine as both sides resort to fierce trench warfare in the east, and it's finally here! Prince Harry's autobiography goes on sale. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Marius Roodt and Sara Gon. They discuss the mass of by-elections in Northwest in December last year. They also discuss a bad audit report for Tshwane and Panyaza Lesufi's comments on the IEB. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
There is growing scientific evidence that many animals are not only conscious, but possess a more profound sense of self. They can learn by experience and make decisions that depend on a sense of the future - in other words, they are “sentient” beings with the capacity to feel pain, pleasure and emotions. Sue Armstrong reports on the latest scientific research into the minds and consciousness of animals of all sorts, from chimpanzees to birds, bees and cuttlefish. Mark as Done
10.01.23 Pt 2 - Sunil Osman joins the show to chat about some philosophical and esoteric stuff. Are you finding yourself feeling more spiritual in 2023? Gareth reveals how he’s not wasting money this year, and Mash talks about his post December depression… after being ghosted in January! Mark as Done
Thousands of demonstrators ransacked government buildings in the capital on Sunday. Also: Pakistan asks the international community for billions of dollars of support after last year’s devastating floods, and former employees of a Belarusian news website which covered mass protests against the President have gone on trial. Mark as Done
Today the Daily Friend Show returns for another year of news and analysis. Join us as we wrap up the events of December and today. They discuss the ANC elective conference and the alleged attempt on Andre De Ruyter's life. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
09.01.23 Pt 2 - Leigh-Ann found herself in a dangerous situation during December, having to choose what she would want to save from a fire. Eugene and Gareth get into taking accountability for the tragic explosion that happened in Boksburg a couple of weeks ago. And what are you expecting from your 2023? Mark as Done
Room Next Door Man, Michael Spicer, charts his real-life progress to global internet stardom. However, this rags to riches story is still lacking in riches so Michael has accepted a promotion at work and continues to plug away on Twitter.
We re-join the story in December 2019 on a family swimming trip that is as damp and disappointing as Michael’s comedy career to date, but the impending general election coverage provides an opportunity for media attention.
Meanwhile, an office workshop led by Conservative-supporting, communications guru Benjamin Cruz (Sanjeev Bhaskar) provides extra stress. Cruz thinks Michael's comedy should be more politically balanced, something the BBC echoes by interrupting the episode to ensure Michael is performing with total impartiality.
To further fuel Michael's anxiety, his wife Roberta wants him to stuff the day job and go on tour - with her as his full-time manager.
Can Michael seize the day while also holding onto the job that pays his mortgage?
Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Jamie Borthwick, Alison Ward, Greig Johnson, Jason Forbes, Peter Curran, and guest starring Sanjeev Bhaskar
Writer: Michael Spicer
Producer: Matt Tiller
A Starstruck and Tillervision Production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
Thousands of demonstrators broke into Brazil's Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace. Also: Kyiv denies Russia claim it killed hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in an attack, and are you ready to pre-order your first flying car? Mark as Done
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or ‘Pele’ as he became known, is thought by most to have been the greatest footballer to grace this planet. He died on 29th December, aged 82.
James Reynolds has been in Santos, Pele’s adopted hometown. He was among the crowds on the streets at the funeral procession, as they celebrated this sporting legend’s life. Mark as Done
Two men were executed in Iran for allegedly killing a security official during ongoing protests. Also: China suspends Weibo accounts of Covid policy critics, and how good was Roman concrete? Mark as Done
Despite losing 13 rounds of voting, the Republican Kevin McCarthy says he will prevail when lawmakers reconvene. Also: Russian forces are accused of opening fire in Ukraine despite Vladimir Putin's proposed truce for Orthodox Christmas, and an old Nazi map sparks a treasure hunt in the Netherlands. Mark as Done
Attacks continue from both sides in eastern Ukraine near the front line city of Bakhmut. Also: the impact of rising temperatures on the world's shrinking glaciers, and the former Italian football star Vialli dies aged 58. Mark as Done
06.01.23 Pt 2 - It’s BBL Season and Mash shares the dangers that come with them. The GCS Takeover Team dive into James’ personal life to find out if he’s on the market. A former Love Island SA contestant joins the show for a quick chat. Mark as Done
Gunfire and burning of cars follow the arrest of Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, the son of the notorious drug trafficker. Also: Ukraine rejects Putin's proposed Orthodox Christmas truce, and more football players on Cameroon's Under-17 team fail age testing. Mark as Done
Thousands of mourners attended the service in St Peter's Square. Also: one of the winners of last year's Nobel Peace Prize goes on trial in Belarus over his involvement in protests, and reports that Prince Harry will claim that he suffered a violent attack at the hands of his brother, Prince William. Mark as Done
A Ukrainian commander leading the city's defence said Russian forces were battling with singular determination even -- as he put it -- the ground was littered with their comrades' bodies. Also: the US House of Representatives has once again failed to elect a Speaker to replace Nancy Pelosi, and, could Pope Francis call it a day as head of the Roman Catholic Church? Mark as Done
There are fears current wave of coronavirus infections may soon reach the countryside. Also: Cuba selects its first national female boxing team, and Denmark goes a year without a bank robbery. Mark as Done
Oritsé Williams became a young carer aged 12, when his mother contracted multiple sclerosis and he had to take responsibility for looking after her and two younger siblings. During his teenage years, he had a dream: to become a singer and make plenty of money so that he could fund research to find a cure for his mum. At least part of that dream came true when Oritsé and his band, JLS, were runners-up in a national talent contest.
But Oritsé never forgot his early years as a young, unpaid carer. He meets the next generation of kids who care – in the UK, Uganda and El Salvador. He learns about the challenges these children and teenagers face, but also hears stories of resilience and hope. Among the children are 13-year-old Amber, who looks after two sick and disabled parents; 15-year-old Jordan, whose care role ties him to the house almost completely; and 13-year-old Gloria from Uganda, who looks after four younger siblings all on her own. Mark as Done
We are traveling with 5 Recce and they are planning to attack the SWAPO base that was discovered by some systematic sleuthing by Koos Stadler and Jose da Costa as you heard last episode.
The base was north of Tethamutete, east of the Cubango River - and from Menongue, heavily armed, a few hundred SWAPO cadres, perhaps as many as 350 were training at what was the Eastern Front HQ.
The troops gathered around for the intelligence briefing by Dave Drew before James Hills explained how the attack would unfold. A mortar platoon and two stopper groups, 51 and 53 Commando were ordered to take up their positions north of the base, led by Koos Stadler. They were to approach the base using the same route that the main force would use early the next day.
A few kilometres from the target, they left the mortar platoon which setup near the track that ran east to west through the base. Commando 53 then moved directly north of the base, ready to confront any SWAPO attempting to escape north as the stopper group.
Stadler headed off west of the target with 51 Commando, also following the track. These two groups formed a significant threat to any SWAPO fleeing in their direction.
Just before first light, a company from 101 Battalion, soldiers from 2 Recce reserves, along with the regimental HQ and 51 Commando would assault the base led by Jose da Costa.
As this attacking force arrived at the river the mortars would open fire.
They took off at dusk, the trucks dropping the troops around 20 km from the target, they covered the remaining ten kilometres on foot and eventually stopped at the east west track.
By 0200 they were at the forming up point, the mortar platoon was ready.
Starting in January of 1987, the SA Intelligence became aware of a major Soviet airlift of heavy weapons and military supplies from Tashkent north of the Black Sea and from Moscow, all the way to Luanda the Angolan Capital. The Soviets were withdrawing this equipment from Afghanistan where they’d been roundly defeated by the Taliban with American backing.
The new equipment arriving in Angola was the latest Russian material, BTR-60 APCs, BRDMS-2 ARVs, BMP-1 IFVs, all were heading south. Heavy transport aircraft were now flying into Menongue daily, carrying food, ammunition, troops. More than 400 trucks were counted traveling back and forth between central Angola and Menongue. Mark as Done
Luis Inacio Lula da Silva told crowds in Brasilia that he aimed to rebuild the country. Also, Ukraine destroys dozens of attack drones launched by Russia, and North Korea marks the New Year with a promise to mass produce tactical nuclear weapons. Mark as Done
While the former US president Donald Trump did pay $1m in taxes in 2018, he didn't pay anything in his last year in the White House. Also: England to require negative Covid test for arrivals from China, and Abba's Chiquitita song raises millions of dollars for UNICEF. Mark as Done
The attack came hours after Moscow rejected Ukraine's suggestion that peace talks could begin in 2023. Also: hundreds protest outside the Israeli parliament as a new government takes office, and should a safety test be required before using the Internet? Mark as Done
Sana Safi returns to the story of two Afghan women judges who have had to go into hiding after the Taliban takeover - and are now preparing to be evacuated for a second time. Through encrypted networks and messages, Sana gets unprecedented access to the secretive operatives trying to get the women and their families out of the country. It is a race against time as they now journey to the point of no return. Mark as Done
As in many countries, obesity in Brazil is a major issue with one in four Brazilians now classified as obese and more than half the population overweight. But rather than focusing just on trying to lower this rate by promoting exercise and healthier ways of eating, campaigners and some city councils are successfully implementing changes, which accept that high rates of obesity are probably here to stay and society should adapt to this. These changes include schools buying bigger chairs and desks, hospitals buying bigger beds and MRI machines and theatres offering wider seats. Brazilian lawyers are starting to make legal challenges, particularly against discrimination in the workplace. Women are holding plus sized beauty contests to celebrate their larger bodies. Schools are hosting discussion clubs where they talk about how body shapes are perceived by their peers and wider society. Even so, campaigners say there is a long way to go for bigger bodies to be culturally accepted in Brazil and overcoming what is known as “gordofobia” – belittling or discriminating against people who are larger than average. Camilla Mota travels to the south-eastern coastal city of Vitoria to meet a plus size influencer and a lawyer campaigning to stop discrimination and trying to make the city more tolerant. She then flies 1500km north to another port city, Recife, where some changes have now taken place. Is this transformation away from the stereo-typical “body beautiful” only skin deep or the shape of things to come across the western world?
Presenter: Camilla Mota
Producer: Bob Howard Mark as Done
It comes after Beijing announced it would scrap covid travel restrictions next month. Also: The head of a right-wing plot to kidnap the governor of the US state of Michigan in 2020 has been sentenced to sixteen years in jail, and why police in Ghana are trying to crack down on what they see as harmful New Year prophecies. Mark as Done
President Tsai announced the plans amid growing tensions with China. Also: Iran's currency plunges to new lows, and the Australian woman running marathons for 150 consecutive days. Mark as Done
The South Korean military scrambled fighter jets to shoot down the drones but failed to hit any. Also: 100 days of political unrest in Iran, and Ukrainian medics have a crash course in treating war injuries by a top British surgeon. Mark as Done
We’ve heard about the 1 Recce and 4 Recce and the covert war throughout this series, and at times, I’ve included the voices or the individual stories where possible.
Unfortunately there is just not enough space and time to include everyone’s personal views or their memories. However, in this episode, I’m going to concentrate on two specific Special Forces members because they epitomize two different aspects of the South Africans who were involved in this 23 year war.
The first instance is one that is chilling and horrific, where MPLA soldiers let their base instincts take over and when they realized they weren’t getting what they wanted, lead to the execution of 7 Medical Battalion corporal, Bruce Fidler (Feed-luh) in September 1985.
The other illuminates the visceral and tractical elements of operating in an African bush scenario behind enemy lines with join Koos Stadler a year later in late 1986 as he collected reconnaissance information as an operator.
First, Bruce Fidler. His story exemplifies courage and has a more recent resonance because the unit he fought in, the 7th Medical Battalion, was involved in the infamous attack on South African paratroopers in the Central African Republic town of Bangui, in 2013.
For those who don’t know this story, just a quick reminder. The SANDF was involved in peacekeeping operations in central Africa – and 200 paratroopers were surrounded in Bangui by at least 3 000 rebels. In a two-day battle, thirteen SANDF parabats died, but remarkably they are thought to have killed up to 800 rebels – all this without artillery, armour or air support. Afterwards, Corporal Mandla Maxwell Ngobese of the 7 Med was awarded the SANDF's Leopard Decorations – and like his predecessor Bruce Fidler, his was a case of extreme courage under fire.
Changing gear and moving forward to where we left off last episode, on 25th October 1986 the whole of 5 Recce had been congregated in Oshivelo training area just north east of Etosha Pan. Having spent time in the bush there myself, it is like any other part of Ovamboland, hot, flat, full of thorn bushes and snakes where the dust hangs in the air at dusk and coats your equipment – jamming automatic rifles and sticking in your throat.
This is just across the red line area, which divides the farmlands to the south – including the triangle of death - from the operational area in the north closer to the cutline. The Recces were training for something called Operation Colosseum which was a planned attack deep into Angola on SWAPO HQ in the Eastenr Front.
I’m using Koos Stadler’s excellent book called Recce, Small Team Missions behind enemy lines as reference along with other source material for this episode. Mark as Done
Ukrainians at home and abroad reflect on the turmoil of the past year as they prepare to mark Christmas. Mark as Done
Former FTX boss Sam Bankman-Fried is accused of defrauding customers and investors of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange. Also: Spain approves transgender bill, and the Glasgow chef credited with inventing chicken tikka masala dies aged 77. Mark as Done
Security forces arrest several women marching in Kabul. Also: Asia's 'El Chapo' drug baron is extradited to Australia; and Bob Dylan reveals his favourite binge-watching shows. Mark as Done
On a visit to Washington, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, thanked the American people for their unwavering support, as the war in Ukraine continues. Also: Israel's most right-wing government agreed under Benjamin Netanyahu, and do you play pickleball? Mark as Done
He's expected to meet President Biden and address Congress. Also, in Afghanistan Taliban guards prevent hundreds of women from entering university campuses and, scientists find the first known example of a mammal being eaten by a dinosaur. Mark as Done
21.12.22 Pt 2 - Gareth speaks to Peter Boghossian - a social commentator and analyst of wokeism, cancel culture, ideology and philosophy. He has become a leading voice in criticising academia, and has written a number of books outlining the mistakes being made at institutions of higher learning. Mark as Done
The move by the Taliban further restricts women's access to education, after they were excluded from secondary schools. Also: China's new Covid death count fuels scepticism, and the art of dunking biscuits. Mark as Done
The 97-year-old German worked for a concentration camp commandant as a teenager. Also: Rescuers continue searching for two dozen sailors from a Thai warship that sank on Sunday, and Argentina’s football team comes home to a hero's welcome following their World Cup win. Mark as Done
Meet the man who makes presidents wait. J Edgar Hoover built and then ran the FBI for almost five decades. He turned it from a bureaucratic backwater into a premier crime fighting and counterintelligence force. In the process, he arguably became America’s most powerful man. He has been dead for 50 years and still his shadow looms over the US. His job was to enforce the law but he would not always be bound by it. Mark as Done
The Democrat-led committee voted unanimously for the justice department to prosecute Mr Trump. Also: EU countries have agreed a cap on the price of natural gas in response to soaring energy bills caused by Russia's war against Ukraine, and how a few seconds of turbulence injured more than thirty plane passengers on a flight to Hawaii. Mark as Done
For 90 years the BBC World Service has been broadcasting in dozens of languages to audiences so huge they are counted in the tens of millions all over the globe. World Service began transmitting on 19 December 1932. It was called the BBC Empire Service, speaking in slow English via crackly short-wave radio to a now-vanished Empire which then ruled a fifth of the globe.
The Second World War saw radio services expand massively, broadcasting in more than 40 languages to listeners hungry for truth and facts they could trust. In every crisis and conflict since, individual voices out of the air have offered news, but also drama, music, education and sometimes hope to their audiences.
In a special 90th anniversary programme, the broadcaster Nick Rankin, who worked for more than 20 years at the BBC, digs into a treasure trove of sound archive and talks to journalists who made and still make the BBC World Service such a remarkable network. Mark as Done
19.12.22. Pt 2 - Football fans Kamo Mbatha and Paulo Dias join Gareth to chat about the Qatar World Cup… the legends of Messi and Mbappe, the spirit of Maradona, that frenetic final game, penalty shootouts, the money, and what to look forward to in 2026. Mark as Done
It’s early 1986 and the SADF had learned a great deal through 1985, particularly what FAPLA were up to. In the time of the Joint Commission you heard about, both sides were actively collecting intelligence about each other - their operating procedure, their weaknesses and their strengths.
After years of strategy and diplomacy, the protagenists in this war had moved firmly from attacking the opponents strategy and diplomacy as the first phase to a new phase where victory apparently lay in only one outcome - destroying the enemy’s army. More material, more heavy weapons, actions and reactions.
Things were becoming more bitter, and the South African government was up against the wall. They had decided to take a few leaves out of the books of dictatorships like General Galtieri’s Argentina and developed death squads and torturers comprised of police and civilians. They were known as the Civil Cooperation Bureau and some would join SADF Special Force Operations from the end of 1985.
As you’re going to hear, the professional soldiers in the Recces and 32 Battalion regarded these civilians and police as amateurs in the art of war.
Particularly as the ANC’s MK were now targeting white civilians for special attention. The PAC were also changing their targets. In October 1985 a chicken farm near Bushbuck Ridge in the eastern Transvaal, today’s Mpumalanga, was attacked by men armed with AK47s. Landmines were being laid by the dozen inside South Africa.
In December a bakkie carrying families was traveling on the Farm Chatsworth, 45 km west of Messina, when it hit a landmine. Six died, four children and two adults, two children and three adults were injured.
A farmer and his wife were shot dead in a night of attacks outside Uitenhague in the Eastern Cape. The PACs armed wing APLA claimed responsibility.
But first, back to the ground war in the western theatre, Angola.
FAPLA supported by the Russians and Cubans, began their annual attack on UNITA in early 1986 and South African special forces were on the ground working with the rebel movement monitoring and sabotaging.
One of the Recces was Koos Stadler, who’s book on Small Team missions behind enemy lines is an exceptional document. It was first published in 2016 and for training and operational insights, it’s first class.
In the western Theatre, 32 Battalion launched Operation Gomma on 18th March 1986, where four reconnaissance teams were sent to gather information about the bridge at Cuito Cuanavale and the surrounding area. Mark as Done
They come as just nine-percent of electorate voted in parliamentary elections. Also: the well known Iranian film actress Taraneh Alidoosti -- who has publicly supported anti-government protests rocking the country -- has been arrested, and a rare glimpse into what's really going on inside Myanmar. Mark as Done
Simon Sebag Montefiore is one of the great history authors of our time. In his most ambitious project yet, he tells the history of the world through the stories of families. In this discussion, Gareth Cliff and him explore the tapestry of human history - from the earliest days, to Russia and the Ukraine. Mark as Done
By January 1986 internal unrest in South Africa that had started in 1984 was in full swing – with the security forces hard pressed to cope. The SA Police were largely responsible for dealing with the ANC and PAC internally, although the SADF was going to get much more involved later.
The unrest would barely calm down before the SADF was involved in a much bigger war in southern Angola, while special ops were increasing against the ANC MK targets in countries other than Angola during this period.
The South African military establishment had drawn clear lines between what they regarded as terror activities and politically motivated unrest that was violent.
This is an important distinction and had a bearing on how they’d conduct some of their external attacks on ANC cadres. Terror was defined by the SADF as actions conducted by infiltrators who committed political murders, lay mines on roads, and blew up substations and other infrastructure.
Unrest was burning down schools and government buildings, barricading streets, large groups of people on streets who’d attack others, sometimes including the terrifying necklace killing technique which was a car tire filled with fuel thrown around the neck of a victim.
IN Ovamboland, SWAPOs armed wing PLAN stepped up attacks on administrative officials. IN March 1986 South African President PW Botha proposed in parliament that Resolution 435 be implemented by August, but wanted the Cubans to withdraw from Angola first. In fact, the opposite was going on as we know.
Back in Angola, Russian general Konstantin Kurochkin who was a veteran of Moscow’s failed push into Afghanistan had instituted his own set of changes. We heard about some last episode, the improved Russian weapon systems, new aircraft, artillery, anti-aircraft and missile systems.
As these built up, the SADF began to focus its attention on FAPLAs logistics and weak points. One of these was the port of Namibe in southern Angola. It lay almost directly due west of the Mavinga and Cuito Cuanavale towns.
So the Recces were ordered to Namibe and Lobito to try and find out what kind of equipment was being collected, and to report back on any possible targets. After a thorough debriefing, it was decided that an attack on Namibe was feasible. There were vessels in the harbour that could be mined, this would kill two birds with one stone. If the Recces could sink a number of these ships, then the quayside would be virtually unusable. They’d also go after the fuel depot.
Eventually, in May 1986, the SADF gave the warning order for Operation Drosdy planning to go ahead. Pretoria had given up on the latest round of negotiations. Mark as Done
A long-held human ambition may soon become reality - human settlements on another planet, or in a floating space station. People could fulfil their hopes and dreams among the stars. David Baker has been discovering what those settlements in space will be like, who will be there and how they will be organised. He has been hearing from the people shaping human life out in the universe, about their extraordinary plans and ambitions. Mark as Done
President Biden welcomes a prisoner swap with Russia involving US basketball star, Brittney Griner, and the arms dealer, Viktor Bout. Also: Iran executes its first demonstrator since the start of protests, and M23 rebels in DR Congo deny they're supported by Rwanda. Mark as Done
In California, cannabis is legal for recreational use and it’s created a multi-billion dollar industry. But who’s been reaping the rewards? For decades people from Black and Latino communities have been disproportionately arrested and imprisoned on cannabis drugs charges – and yet few appeared to benefit from the legal cannabis boom. So to make amends, California has been pioneering a policy to give those targeted in the war on drugs, a chance to share in the new cannabis industry. But is it working? Sharon Hemans has been to the city of Oakland to find out. Photo: Local entrepreneur Julian Nelson at this cannabis delivery store in Oakland.
Presenter: Sharon Hemans
Producer: Alex Last
Sound mix by Neil Churchill
Series editor: Penny Murphy
Production Coordinator: Iona Hammond Mark as Done
A conversation with specialist panellists from the medical and insurance fields, on the role life insurers in the destigmatisation of mental health in South Africa. This extends from how the industry underwrites mental health conditions and to how insurers can support a change in the perceptions surrounding mental health. Mark as Done · READ MORE
Iris Singer is an Austrian filmmaker and activist who has been telling the story of the Holocaust and survivors of the Holocaust - as well as organising events and tours to remind young people of the importance of history, and the most devastating genocides of the 20th century. In this discussion, she tells the story of her own anti-Semitic grandfather, the value of survivor stories, and the contribution young people can make to keeping history alive. Mark as Done
After a turbulent year for the global and local economy, what is the outlook for the new year? In this episode, Jeremy Maggs in conversation with Investec Chief Economist Annabel Bishop reflect on 2022 and what 2023 could bring for the economy. Mark as Done · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
The business is synonymous with the former US president Donald Trump but neither he or his family were on trial. Also: Argentina's Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is found guilty of corruption, and the loneliness of a book signing event. Mark as Done
New law also introduces tougher punishment for blasphemy. Also: China bids farewell to its former leader Jiang Zemin, and the actress Kirsty Alley has died at the age of 71. Mark as Done
06.12.22 Pt 2 - Would you create an OnlyFans account? There's a new reality show that profiles OnlyFans content creators, which the team dives in on. And it’s the final episode of Blind History, featuring Nelson Mandela. Mark as Done
The railways are incredibly important to life in India and have connected the country since the first line opened in 1863. But now, nearly 160 years later, the Indian rail network is about to take the next step in its existence - going electric. In 2017, national rail body Indian Railways announced that 100% of India's rail network would be electrified by the end of 2023 and then achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. With just over a year to go, Bhakti Jain finds out if India can meet its ambitious targets. Mark as Done
The journey to financial wellness is punctuated by sound decision-making in how you spend, save and invest your money as a professional. Fortunately, they aren’t decisions we need to take alone. In this episode of In Conversation, we unpack the role of the financial advisor in planning for your future. Mark as Done ·
Bill Bailey stars as Guy Starling, a middle aged man who, after 45 years, and for reasons quite unknown to him, is suddenly revisited by his imaginary childhood friend, Hennikay.
After closing the biggest deal in the history of Maidstone, Guy’s boss decides to reward him with an adventure-based, corporate team-building day out, which has him running around the woods shooting paint pellets at middle managers.
Not only does Guy have to deal with his scheming, back-stabbing co-workers, desperate to ruin his career and steal his glory, he also has to cope with Hennikay, his imaginary childhood friend who has turned back up in his life and is stubbornly refusing to leave, running riot in the woods with a paint gun.
But as the paint splatters and the deals sour, Guy soon discovers that in the cut-throat world of grown-up business, the only person who he can trust is the 11-year-old boy he invented back in 1976.
Acclaimed comedian (and Strictly Come Dancing champion) Bill Bailey leads a cast which includes Dave Lamb and Elizabeth Carling in this warm, funny look at childhood, adulthood and some of the follies of modern life - where a man with a confused child in his head might just be the sanest person in the room.
Written by David Spicer
Guy ..... Bill Bailey
Tony ..... Dave Lamb
Marika ..... Elizabeth Carling
Kallie ..... Hollie Edwin
Simon ..... Alistair McGowan
Hennikay ..... Max Pattison
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
It’s September 1985, and the SA Air Force and ground forces have already shot down two Russian helicopters and an Antonov transport plane. That was an attempt at slowing down an MPLA ground assault using it’s PLAN troops against UNITA at Mavinga. If you remember, this was the Angolans Operation Second Congress.
On the 29th September, 32 Battalion ground team near Cuito Cuanavale radio’d the SA Air Force operations of a helicopter formation that had just taken off, bound for the battle zone around Mavinga.
This was a mixed formation, two Mi-8/17 transport choppers escorted by Mi-25 gunships. The Impalas were scrambled and headed at low altitude to the targets which were picked up along the Lomba River. The Russian helicopters were flying at 3000 feet AGL, and the Mi-8/17 formation was in a trailing echelon about 1000 meters apart. About a kilometer back, the two Mi-25s were flying in support and were also at 3000 feet.
The first pair of Impalas launched their attack, and then the second with devastating consequences for the chopper pilots and crew. All four were shot down. A third pair of Impalas who were monitoring watched as two MiG-23 fighter jets approached at 200 feel AGL, then swept their wings back, accelerated and climbed out of sight. They preferred to avoid dogfighting the South Africans.
ON first December 1985 operational order number 1/12/85 required 32 Battalion to inflict maximum damage on FAPLA personnel and equipment in the 3rd and 6th military regions by sustained bombardment. Easier said than done.
The main targets were Cuito Caunavale and the airstrip at Menongue. There were also specific instructions to target the FAPLA force as soon as it began moving towards Jamba using the all-important Multiple Rocket Launchers or MRLs. 32 was warned not to let these fall into enemy hands.
Colonel Eddie Viljoen commanded this part of the operation targeting Menongue, both the MRL troop along with Charlie Company, while Captain Daan van der Merwe led an MRL troop and Golf Company as they attacked Cuito Cuanavale. Ten years earlier 32 had deployed around Menongue during operation Savannah, now they were going back.
On the 15 December four MRLs were flown to Rundu from Waterkloof Air Force Base and everything was set to roll on Christmas eve. Mark as Done
Police say it controlled around a third of Europe's cocaine trade. Also: China seeks to end widespread protests against coronavirus restrictions, and why Bob Dylan is having to apologise to his fans. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Mlondi Mdluli, Terence Corrigan and Nicholas Lorimer. The team discusses the major protests in China, an article on diversity written by Terence Corrigan and a statue being removed in Namibia. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
By mid-1985 air traffic between Lubango on the Atlantic coast and Cuito Cuanavale in southern Angola had grown exponentially. Since the railway line running east had been rendered useless by UNITA, the MPLA was relying heavily on transport planes to get their logistics to the front.
Daily flights of the Soviet Antonovs could be seen carrying troops and material to Menongue in support of the MPLA’s war effort. This turned into a veritable flood of planes by late August when the MPLA launched their offensive against UNITA.
As you heard last episode, the Russians and Cubans had tired of being forced into defensive positions by the South Africans and UNITA and had decided to launch a two pronged as part of Operation Second Congress. The initial thrust began to the east into the Cazombo salient, while a second thrust turned south east.
The SA Air Force was then called in to help ferry UNITA troops as well as their own material in something that the South Africans called Operation Magneto. SA Air Force Mobile Air Operations Teams or MOATs were based at Cago Couthino and Cazombo and they guided the Hercules and Pumas in at night. That was to avoid being shot down by the MiGs which operated only during the day.
It was thought that the final phase of the battle for South Africa had begun, at least that’s how the hawks inside cabinet regarded this part of the Border War.
The Recces moved into Angola in support of UNITA and their mission was to shoot down Antonov and other MPLA transport aircraft using captured Russian SA-9 missile systems.
The Angolans were flying aggressive missions daily, resupplying FAPLA on the ground and conducting casevacs. The Mi-25 gunship helicopters, provided flushing fire, air-to-ground support, firing their 57mm rockets at possible UNITA targets, and sometimes, using their cannons.
Watching these flights were the Recces and members of 32 Battalion seconded to UNITA. The SADF was monitoring the Angolan army radio and picked up that many of the helicopter flights were used to ferry the all-important Soviet and Cuban advisors around the battle zones.
The Angolan push called Second Congress now presented an opportunity for some score settling – Pretoria had always regarded the Soviet presence as a perversion, warning the Russians that playing around in South Africa’s back yard would have consquences. Mark as Done
Why would anyone want to pay more tax? Film-maker, activist and multi-millionaire Disney heiress Abigail Disney presents a very personal introduction to the millionaires campaigning against their own wealth. From Morehead, Kentucky to Davos, Switzerland, Washington DC to Orlando, Florida, Abigail tells the story of contemporary wealth inequality, focusing particularly on the United States. What harm is wealth inequality doing to society and democracy and what can be done about it? Mark as Done
Only 25% of technology jobs in South Africa are held by women, and only 13% of graduates with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) qualifications are women. Lillian Barnard, Microsoft SA CEO joined Shabhana Thaver, Investec Specialist Bank CIO for a Focus Talk that centred around how to get more women into tech from the classroom to the boardroom. Mark as Done · Learn more
In the second winter since the Taliban takeover, UN says millions are at risk of famine. Also: China reports highest number of daily coronavirus infections, despite continuing restrictions; and more than 140 people arrested in international police operation targeting scammers. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Michael Morris, Tiego Thotse and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the latest crime figures, the mismanagement of the Joburg government's fleet, the failure to plan for the diesel shortage at Eskom and Ramaphosa's visit to the U.K. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
China’s President Xi Jinping says that Taiwan‘s reunification with the mainland “must and will be fulfilled.” The view from democratic Taiwan is somewhat different. It’s a threat the islanders have been hearing ever since the 1949 Chinese Civil War, when the Government of the Republic of China was forced to relocate to Taiwan allowing the Chinese Communist Party to establish a new Chinese state: the People’s Republic of China. But some sense that the increased rhetoric from China in recent months poses a real and present danger. Taiwanese billionaire Robert Tsao has pledged millions of pounds to train three million ‘civilian warriors’ in three years to defend the island should it be required. But will it come to that? John Murphy is in Taiwan to talk to people there about what they think about the threat from China and whether they’d be prepared to fight to protect what they have. Presenter: John Murphy Producer: Ben Carter Local producer and translator: Joanne Kuo Production Coordinator: Iona Hammond Sound Engineer: James Beard Series Editor: Penny Murphy Mark as Done
Key infrastructure hit, hours after a 2-day old baby was killed in a Zaporizhzhya hospital where his mother survived. We hear about the extent of the damage. Also: In Jerusalem, a teenage boy dies after bus stop bombings - the first such attacks for several years, and we look back at the life of the Dr Feelgood guitarist, Wilko Johnson, who's died aged 75. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sholan Booysen, Sara Gon and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the ANC's statement on bribery of electoral delegates for its December conference. They also discuss the Iranian soccer protest and the Harrismith municipality's woes. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
A landmark deal, some reaffirmations and a failed agreement. In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs in conversation with Investec Global Head of Sustainability Tanya Dos Santos-Ford and Melanie Jansen van Vuuren, Investec Group Sustainability Lead, take an in-depth look at the highs and lows of COP27 and how that affects South Africa. Mark as Done · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Nicholas Lorimer and Marius Roodt. They discuss the DA and IFP working together in Durban to win a by-election against the ANC. They also discuss the parole of Chris Hani's killer. They also chat about Malaysia's elections and the new WITS planetarium. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
22.11.22 Pt 2 - We finally put a face to the name as Rebellious Ruth joins the show and informs us who some of her favourite people in the comment section are. Mash shares some of the greatest scams of all time… and there is a new episode of Blind History. Mark as Done
In the past couple of years, Fifa eased its rules on allowing players with mixed heritage the opportunity to represent a country, even if you have previously played on the international stage for a different one. But what goes into the tough decision of deciding who to represent? And how persuasive can some countries be? We explore the increasingly common issue of players having to decide who they really represent and why. Mark as Done
The 5.6 magnitude quake struck Cianjur town in West Java and was felt a hundred kilometres away in the capital, Jakarta. Also: several European teams at the World Cup in Qatar scrap plans to wear armbands in support of gay rights; and China confirms three people have died in Beijing with Covid - the first fatalities officially connected to the disease in six months. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Terence Corrigan and Tiego Thotse. They discuss The Supreme Court of Appeals Ruling on Zuma, Ramaphosa asking the UK to lift sanctions on ZANU-PF, the Taxi strike in Cape Town, Fracking and a pug on a plane. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
We’re picking up where we left off in Episode 79 with Captain Wynana Du Toit captured, two Recces dead, and six others hiding in a coastal thicket surrounded by FAPLA intent on capturing or killing them.
Operation Argon in 1985 was one part of a two-punch with the plan to send nine operators were heading to oil storage tanks at Cabinda enclave – they’d been dropped off by a submarine but had ended up at the wrong lay-up position.
Their tracks were spotted, then a South African hat was found on the trail and that was the clincher. In the follow up firefight, du Toit had been captured after Corporal van Breda and Liebenberg had been hit and killed.
Two others, Captain Nel and Corporal Hough were wounded and lying alongside four other operators inside the thicket – it was late afternoon on the 21st May 2985.
Desultory fire was aimed at the thicket, but the six survivors did not shoot back. They were running out of ammunition and were waiting for the final assault on their position.
Later during the hurried extraction the submarine was waiting on the surface, an unusual tactic in this particularly dangerous area. By 0400 on the morning of the 23rd the Barracuda’s rendesvouzed with the sub again, with the sub pointing out to sea. That was just in case of attack.
And they were lucky the Captain had ordered this position because moments later, the Stead saw lights of a ship approaching from the south east. His periscope radar detector indicated a vessel was indeed heading their way. Stead wasn’t sure they’d been spotted, but the detector revealed that this ship was steaming directly towards them. Mark as Done
More people are experiencing power cuts, as first snow falls on Kyiv. Also: Iran's rulers crack down on protests in one of the worst nights of violence yet; and months after being scrapped - one of Australia's most successful TV exports gets a reboot. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Tiego Thotse, Nicholas Lorimer, and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the arrest of an alleged saboteur at Eskom, the career of Lindiwe Sisulu and successes in the retail sector.
Check out our sponsor Bitvice: https://api.bitvice.io/t/24 Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
A group of women are taking on China’s communist government after their husbands and fathers were jailed as dissidents. The women never wanted to be campaigners but felt compelled to help their loved ones. In China, the women endured detention, surveillance, social isolation and persecution. They’ve now fled to the United States, where they juggle jobs, bringing up children – and political campaigning. The BBC’s Asia-Pacific editor, Michael Bristow, hears their stories that reveal the dark side of China’s communist regime. Presenter: Michael Bristow Producer: Alex Last Photo: Shi Minglei now in the United States (BBC) Mark as Done
17.11.22 Pt 1 - The team gets into a variety of topics that includes Mariah Carey not officially being the ‘Queen of Christmas’, the FTX implosion, developments in the Senzo Meyiwa case and an expected petrol price increase for December! Mark as Done
The President elect gets a standing ovation as he promises to fight Amazon deforestation. Also: the US ambassador to the UN accuses President Putin of wanting to freeze Ukraine into submission, and Mariah Carey loses her bid to become the only Queen of Christmas in a trademark court case. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sara Gon and Martin van Staden. They discuss the demands by the EFF that Jacques Pauw 's new book be taken off shelves. They also discuss the multitude of disasters befalling Eskom as well as the Land Court Bill.
Check out our sponsor: Bitvice https://api.bitvice.io/t/23 Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Thomas Grant KC is an English barrister, author and polemicist. His latest book on Sir Sydney Kentridge, called The Mandela Brief, is the incredible story of one of Apartheid South Africa’s most infamous trials. In this discussion, he and Gareth Cliff talk about Kentridge, the law, oligarchs, mock trials of the dead and lots more. Mark as Done
It is 2010 and Colombian Colonel Jose Espejo has a problem. Not only is the Farc increasing its kidnapping activity, targeting police and military hostages, but many of the soldiers already in captivity - some kept in barbed-wire cages and held isolation in for over a decade - are losing hope of ever being rescued. Colonel Espejo knew that in order for future missions to succeed, he’d need to warn the captives that help was coming so they could be ready to make a break for it when the army arrived. But how do you get a message across to military hostages without tipping off their captors and placing them in even greater danger? The unexpected solution - hide the message in a pop song with an interlude in morse code that the military hostages could decipher. Mark as Done
Alexei considers the role of the police force, discusses his own involvement in the ‘spy cops’ scandal, draws comparisons between President Assad and a beloved British comedian and details his seven stages of grief post the 2019 general election.
A mixture of stand-up, memoir, and philosophy from behind the counter of an imaginary sandwich bar.
Written and performed by Alexei Sayle.
With original music and lyrics from Tim Sutton.
Produced by Joe Nunnery
A BBC Studios Production Mark as Done
Sirens and text alerts woke people in the north of the country urging them to seek shelter. Also, the UN appeals for aid to control water-borne diseases in Pakistan, and Ukraine makes a breakthrough against Russia in south. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Herman Pretorius and Michael Morris. They discuss the conflict between Gauteng and Tshwane about who spent all the money. They also talk about new smoking regulations as well strange comments from the President. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
An Unexpected Visitor at The Grange. Miles turns his hand to a new BBC 1 game show, guests on the new podcast Jumpers of My Life with Seann Walsh and fights Julia Davis for a major role in a major new movie.
Starring Miles Jupp with Vicki Pepperdine, Julia Davis, Seann Walsh, Jocelyn Jee Essien, Philip Fox, Justin Edwards, Dominique Moore, Andy Zaltzman, Simon Mann and David Gower
Written by Miles Jupp & James Kettle Script edited by Graeme Garden Produced by Victoria Lloyd
A Random Entertainment Production Mark as Done
Operation Askari has ended but not the recriminations. While on the surface the SADF gave off a great deal of positive propaganda, the loss of 21 men and equipment including three Ratels, and the haphazard manner in which the planning had taken place, was a sign that all was not well. The morale of the Citizen Force units was unacceptable said the permanent force officers – and they were right. 61 Mech operation archives have a document which named Battle Group Delta otherwise known as Victor as “the worst battle group in 82 Mechanised Brigade”. The armoured squadron had performed well, but in the eyes of seasoned officers, the rest of the personnel had not. And yet, we also know that the planning for Askari did not follow the comprehensive blueprints of previous ops - battle group Victor had been sent into Cuvelai understrength – sent into a well defended position without superior firepower and without the element of surprise. Pretoria had rushed in where angels feared to tread. Despite the debriefings which were not a happy process for the SADF, there was a silver lining. The Angolans were now in a spot of bother. SWAPOs campaigns into Ovamboland had prompted the SADF invasion, now FAPLAs units needed to recover from the battering they’d taken over the past two months. Cassinga was now the southern point of SWAPO action, and the political commissars were negative about trying to head into Ovamboland for the usual summer invasion. International pressure was also being increased on both the Angolans and the South Africans. By 1984 the American domestic backing for the concept of Constructive Engagement of Pretoria was waning. It is rather ironic then, that at this precise moment, the Angolan government was also pressurizing SWAPO to find a solution. In December 1983 South African Foreign Minister Pik Botha had sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, offering to withdraw all troops from Angola for 30 days. Mark as Done
President Biden said Moscow wouldn't be allowed to get away with seizing its neighbour's territory. Also; the leader of Burkina Faso is overthrown in a military coup, and it's curtains for Trevor Noah who announces his departure from The Daily Show. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sholan Booysen and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss the passage of the expropriation bill through parliament, the ongoing struggle for the city of Joburg and the continuing AIDS denialism of Thabo Mbeki. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
05.09.2022 Pt 1 - Mash is astounded by the ‘glamour’ the SAFTAs had to offer over the weekend. What is the correct webcam etiquette when attending online meetings? Dr Hanan Bushkin joins the team, with Sarah discussing dealing with people who have narcissistic behaviour. Mark as Done · The #GCS
The self-care and mindfulness trend is booming. With the popularity of apps like Calm, Headspace, and Breethe, the well-being meditation genre is ripe for satire. Misguided Meditations is a loving spoof of the popular guided meditation sleep stories.
So breathe in…then breathe out…and enjoy each episode led by our narrator Mina Anwar that will take listeners on a delightfully surreal late-night adventure that descends into a total nightmare cringe-fest. A trip to the enchanted forest might result in someone naked in front of their entire class having forgotten their homework. A midnight dip in the mermaid lagoon might be ruined by an encounter with the cursed starfish of procrastination. Oh, and we couldn't miss Fluffy Bunny Island – whose inhabitants ask hard-hitting questions about your life choices.
Written by Joanne Lau. Starring Mina Anwar. Produced by Gus Beattie. A Gusman production for BBC Radio 4. Mark as Done
By November 1983 the SADF was prepping for the significant operation called Askari, and the Air Force was playing its part. The original plan was for the op to start on the 9th November but political negotiations had led to a postponement to the 9th December. Meanwhile, the SA Air Force had sent up their remotely piloted vehicle or RPV– in Xangongo under Major Jinx Botes. The aim was to monitor the Cahama area initially as part of a sub-Askari operation called Fox . The RPV was code-named Gharra and was trying to detect the location of SA-8 missile systems sent to the South by the Angolans – courtesy of the Russians. It proved a rather hit and miss process, these were early days in the use of what we now know as drones. Time to take a closer look at Operation Askari which was broken into four phases. First, the Special Forces would recce deep into Angola, then the SA Air Force would bomb the Typhoon and Volcano base near Lubango. Phase 2 would see offensive reconnaissance around Cahama, Mulondo and Cuvelai and the SADF estimated this could take as long as two months, starting at least a week after phase 1 had kicked off. The main aim was to cut off SWAPO and FAPLAs communication and logistics lines, and to demoralize the SWAPO sections leading to their withdrawal north. However, the SADF missed a crucial bit of information when assessing their options in phase two – they presumed both FAPLA and SWAPO morale was low, but that was not the case. It was higher than it had been for years. SWAPO’s PLAN armed wing had been withdrawn into Angola for retraining. And These fighters were briefed about the new heavy weapons sent by the Russian sponsors - including T54/55 tanks – as well as the new missile systems. Demoralizing them this time was not going to be as easy as in 1981. Phase three which was to begin after the invasion was to reinforce the gaps supposedly created by Askari west of the Cunene River, through Quiteve, Mupa, Vinticette and then to Ionde. The last phase was to reinforce the empty bases once SWAPO and FAPLA left, and thus stop this year’s incursions into SWA. Mark as Done
If approved, it will replace the current text imposed by the military dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1980. Also, the military leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso join forces to drive jihadists from their countries, and, why rocketing energy bills have threatened the lighting of the iconic Blackpool illuminations. Mark as Done
Consensus is we need more than renewables to reach net zero. So what does SA’s future energy mix look like? Experts from Investec, and the CEO of Nala Renewables shed some light on a hotly debated topic. Mark as Done
A recording for BBC Radio 4's gala show spotlighting the nominees for the 40th Edinburgh Comedy Awards. The prestigious awards recognise a Best Newcomer and a Best Show, and in this gala, hosted by 2010 Best Show winner Russell Kane, we'll pack in as many of the nominees as possible to give listeners around the UK the chance to hear the cream of this year’s Edinburgh crop. The gala was recorded at the Pleasance, one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s iconic comedy venues
Nominated for Best Show are Alfie Brown, Colin Hoult, The Delightful Sausage, Jordan Gray, Josh Pugh, Larry Dean, Lauren Pattison, Liz Kingsman, Seann Walsh & Sam Campbell.
Nominated for Best Newcomer are Amy Gledhill, Emily Wilson, Emmanuel Sonubi, Josh Jones, Lara Ricote, Leo Reich & Vittorio Angelone.
Hosted by Russell Kane Additional Material by Jade Gebbie Production Coordinator - Caroline Barlow Recorded by Sean Kerwin and edited by Chris Maclean Assistant Producer - Sasha Bobak Producer - Gwyn Rhys Davies A BBC Studios Production Mark as Done
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the devastation was on a scale he had never seen before, with tens of millions of people displaced and more destruction likely to come. Also: Angola lays to rest the leader who ended the civil war; and Europe's biggest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival, returns to the streets of London. Mark as Done
By April 1983, SADF intelligence picked up that SWAPO had begun improving its military position in Angola and that their armed wing PLAN had managed a major incursion into Ovamboland. Then things went very quiet and intelligence reports suggested there seemed to be a link between SWAPOs special Unit being withdrawn, the signs of a large incursion into SWA which was to follow in 1984.
At the same time, the SADF Chief of Staff Operations in Pretoria noted that the build-up going on across the border was biggest ever and had ordered a series of counter measures including Operation Meebos which we heard about last episode. While the politicians fretted about the global impact, on the ground top SADF officers were calling for another urgent invasion of Angola. As the discussions raged, it was clear that something needed to be done and that something would lead to one of the most significant actions of the Border War called Operation Askari. This was going to be different from previous conventional ops, because this time FAPLA, the Cubans and SWAPO were going to be respond more aggressively than during previous ops. And the SADF would face two far more serious challenges, the Soviet T54/55 tank and new radar controlled missile systems. The SADF and Jonas Savimbi’s UNITA had planned an operation together to destroy FAPLA headquarters in Cangamba – a small town in central Angola. UNITA’s initial assaults had been repulsed and they asked for assistance in overcoming a strong FAPLA contingent in the town. Unfortunately, there was a big problem following this success. The Angolans called on the Soviets to step up their weapon deliveries including the all-important T54/55s, and the Cubans increased the number of troops in Angola by 5 000 bringing the total number to 25000. Mark as Done
By now, 32 Battalion had setup their HQ at Ongiva airport, a few kilometers outside the town, and 40 kilometers north of the cutline. But the Battalion was going to move their mobile Task force HQ further into Angola to Ionde as you’re going to hear and the signs were all there for what would become a pivotal year in the Border War.
It was during this period that SWAPO would be driven out of much of the area north of the cutline, which would have political ramifications for both SWAPO and the South Africans. This area stretching from the Calueque dam and Xangongo in the west to just south of Cuvelai and Vinticente in the north - then to Ionde in the east was secured by the SADF.
32 Battalion was going to concentrate its operations mainly in the north, around Mupa and Cuvelai. By now, 1 Parachute battalion was also established at Xangongo about 130km north of the cutline. If you recall, there was a friendly fire incident in 1982 where members of 32 Battalion and 1 Parachute clashed so from now on these two specialist units were assigned to specific areas that never overlapped.
Despite controlling Ongiva, SWAPO continued to raid around the town. On December 4th 1982 a SWAPO stick attacked a small village south of Xangongo and killed one civilian, wounding four. Another civilian was shot in Ongiva in another raid by SWAPO, then on the 11th and 12th December two more contacts were reported nearby.
Further to the east, UNITA had taken control of most of southern Angola stretching from the Kavango then almost to the . By January 1983 SWAPO had increased pressure further south, bypassing 32 Battalion and 1 Parachute and swinging around into South West Africa. Fourteen separate SWAPOs PLAN platoons of around 50 men each entered Ovamboland and Kavango by February of 1983 Then on the 4th February a larger battle took place between platoon 3 Alpha company and 40 SWAPO guerillas, at least six enemy were killed and four captured, but 32 sustained four casualties including a bizarre incident where Lance-Corporal Mario Oliviera turned into a living bomb. Ongiva had become a kind of symbol of South Africa’s ability to take control of a foreign country’s territory. At the same time, 32 Battalion’s core officer component was concerned that they were not as effective now that there was such a large volume of SADF around the southern Angolan town. Captain Willem Ratte who commanded 32s Recce wing eventually had enough and wrote a report about this. He had begun to eye Ionde as a possible new base for the specialist battalion and said so in a report entitled Viability study for the mobile task force at 32 Battalion HQ, Ionde. While all of this was going on, the SA Air Force was planning a new weapons platform. A 20mm cannon was installed on a Dakota DC-3. Mark as Done
Darya Dugina died in a car bombing that may have targeted her father, Alexander Dugin. Also: Singapore ends its ban on sex between men, and the possible evidence of a lost Welsh kingdom. Mark as Done
At least 20 people were reportedly killed after al-Shabaab militants took hostages in Mogadishu. Also: a new Zulu king is crowned, and could chewing slowly be the reason for the evolution of humans? Mark as Done
Odesa, legendary Black Sea port city and vital geo-strategic nexus of global trade, is living through Russia's war against Ukraine. Always fiercely independent, both from Moscow and Kiev, its legendary past has given the city a reputation of possibility and promise.
A quarter of a million people have left Odesa. Its beloved holiday beaches are closed and mined, yet life has gradually returned to its performance spaces: concerts, opera, spoken word. Recordings made since the first days of the war interweave with the fabulously rich cultural history of the city.
Founded in 1794 by Catherine the Great as part of her expanding empire of Novo Rossiya, Odesa began as a dusty boom town of enormous opportunity and possibility that connected the chill of Imperial Russia to the warmth of the wider world. In some ways nothing has changed. A port city possessed of a unique argot - 'Odesski Iazyk' (a fusion of Yiddish and Russian); eternal optimism; a wicked sense of humour; more violinists than you can shake a bow at; poets and writers galore; and a gallery of rogues, real and imagined.
Perhaps its most beloved literary son is Isaac Babel. Raised in the Moldovanka- still a place of liminal existence, his Odessa Tales of gangster anti-heroes like Benya Krik are forever interwoven with how Odesites and the wider world imagine the city - beautiful and bad! It is of course only partially true. Film-maker Sergei Eisenstein's Battle Ship Potemkin also put the city on the world map and the first film studios in Russia sprang up there. with its ready supply of sunlight. From foundational boom town days onwards its streets and people could make you rich, or ruin you. In the crumbling days of the Soviet empire it was a place to dream of escape to a world beyond.
Babel and Eisenstein are just two among many who, since the 19th Century have helped created the myth of Old Odessa -poets and writers, musicians and comedians who flourished in what was a largely Jewish city until 1941 and the Nazi invasion of Russia. Legendary violinists ever since David Oistrakh are forged there at the Stolyarsky School, now closed due to war.
Musician Alec Koypt, who grew up in the mean streets of Molodvanka, shipping proprietor Roman Morgenshtern, journalist Vlad Davidson, translator Boris Dralyuk, poets Boris and Lyudmila Kershonsky and others are our contemporary guides as the voices of the past bring forth ... Mark as Done
Police are reported to have rescued dozens of guests and staff from the hotel, which is popular with local politicians. Also, another ISIS militant is sentenced to life in jail in the US, and, the brothers battling to become the next Zulu King. Mark as Done
Xiao Jianhua and his company Tomorrow Holdings were charged with embezzlement and bribery. Also: Australia condemns the likely release of one of the Bali bombers; and two scientific breakthroughs - to increase crop productivity and destroy harmful 'forever chemicals'. Mark as Done
19.08.22 Pt 2 - Gareth chats to Kim Stephens, who recently compiled a book of her seriously laugh-out-loud Facebook posts on observations of middle-class South African behaviour through the various levels of lockdown. George Mienie then joins the show to give us the latest motoring news. Mark as Done
They come as UN chief warns of catastrophe at a nuclear plant where there's fighting. Also; could more legal headaches be mounting for Donald Trump? And, Indian police arrest a gang of fraudsters who had set up an entire fake police station to extort local residents. Mark as Done
Ukraine president calls for UN to ensure security of Zaporizhzhia power plant which is occupied by Russian forces. Also: Israel closes the offices of several top Palestinian human rights organisations saying they're linked to terrorist groups, and why the authorities in Japan want young people in the country to drink more sake, whisky, beer and wine - indeed any alcoholic drink they fancy. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sholan Booysen, Sara Gon and Nicholas Lorimer. The team chats about the strange allegations made by Malema with regards to Arthur Fraser and Thabo Mbeki. They also discuss a Northern Cape hospital sending linen 800 km to be washed, the DA's new chief whip and Turkey and Israel resuming normal relations. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
18.08.22 Pt 2 - Gideon Joubert and Dr Gerard Labuschagne join the show this week to unpack crime and some of the violent trends in South Africa. How common are kidnappings in SA? Are tavern shootings being used by criminal organisations for economic gain? And how can you improve your personal safety? Mark as Done
Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, the former Soviet Republic of Moldova has recently been awarded EU candidate status.
In an echo of what happened in Ukraine, Moldova lost a chunk of its eastern territory to separatists in a short war 30 years ago. The separatists were backed by elements of the Russian army. Since then Transnistria has remained a post-Soviet “frozen conflict.”
In recent months almost 500,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into Moldova – the highest per capita influx to a neighbouring country. Up to 90,000 have remained in Moldova, one of Europe’s poorest countries. The republic’s president has warned that President Putin has his sights set on her country. Tessa Dunlop travels to Moldova to hear what Moldovans think about the war in Ukraine and their country’s future.
Produced by John Murphy
(Image: A Russian armoured vehicle at the border crossing with the breakaway enclave of Transnistria in the village of Firladeni, Republic of Moldova. Credit: BBC/John Murphy) Mark as Done
Trump's most vocal Republican critic, Liz Cheney, says she will do whatever it takes to prevent Donald Trump returning to the White House after being ousted in the Wyoming primary by a Trump endorsed candidate. Also: Australia's former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison defends taking on five extra portfolios during the coronavirus pandemic, and why Jews are leaving Russia for Israel. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Chris Hattingh, Nicholas Lorimer and Hermann Pretorius. The team discusses the blocking of a proposal by the ANC, EFF and ActionSA of a plan to provide power to Tshwane. They also chat about the ANC's organizational crisis and international efforts to rename a disease. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
While global supply chains are showing some signs of stabilising, risks remain. In the latest episode of Investec’s No Ordinary Wednesday podcast, we focus on how SA businesses can weather the storm. Mark as Done · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
For decades, rural children in South Africa have suffered a debilitating condition: an estrangement from learning that causes a lifetime of struggle. One NPO, Good Work Foundation based in Mpumulanga, is providing an antidote. By combining digital learning tools and an appreciation for the realities of rural life, they are successfully reducing the inequalities and inefficiencies of South Africa’s education system. Mark as Done
Uganda, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe congratulate William Ruto who has been declared president - but the opposition leader Raila Odinga rejects the result. Also: A NZ family find human remains in suitcases they bought at auction, and the bid to bring the Tasmanian tiger back from extinction. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris and Marius Roodt. They discuss the planned national strike by COSATU and SAFTU over living costs. They also discuss the issue of tribalism and the demand for property rights. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
The US Attorney General personally ordered the search of Donald Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago. Also; a key agency warns that more than a million people in Somalia have been displaced by drought, and, why the world's number one snooker player thinks the next big star could come from Asia. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sholan Booysen, Marius Roodt and Nicholas Lorimer. The crew discusses the altercation in the Johannesburg city council. They also chat about the cutting off of a village in the Eastern Cape from Eskom and the Kenyan elections. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
The former US President declines answering questions as part of a New York investigation. Also: A nationwide curfew is imposed in Sierra Leone following deadly clashes between police and protesters, and, from the brink of extinction -- why the only giant flightless parrot in the world is making a comeback in New Zealand. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Terence Corrigan and Gabriel Crouse. They discuss the return of EWC into the public debate, as well as the recent visit of U.S. Secretary of State to SA. They also chat about Mogoeng Mogoeng's candidacy for president of SA. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Johann Hari has written an astonishing book about how we’re more distracted than ever, and how everyone (and he does mean EVERYONE) can’t focus. It’s partly obvious - screens, technology, non-stop reels of news, pictures, videos and self-absorbed nonsense… but it’s also much more dangerous. It’s actually making us dumber too. Join Gareth and Johann as they unpack his research, the stories in the book, and some incredible insights in this compelling conversation. Mark as Done
When the president stands accused of drug trafficking, what hope is there? From 2014, for eight years Juan Orlando Hernandez ruled Honduras like his personal fiefdom. A Central American strongman comparable with some of the worst from decades past, under his presidency Honduras began a rapid descent into a so-called “narco-state”. The allegations against his government soon started to mount up: human rights violations, corruption and impunity; accusations of torture and extrajudicial killings by the police and military. And at its heart, the claim by US prosecutors of a multi-million dollar drug smuggling ring, overseen from the presidential palace itself. Just weeks after he left power in January 2022, Juan Orlando Hernandez was arrested and extradited to the US to face drug trafficking charges. American prosecutors allege he used his security forces to protect some drugs shipments and eliminate competitors.
Will Grant, the BBC’s Central America Correspondent, finds out what life was like under the disgraced president and meets some people trying to instil a little hope in a nation which hasn’t had any for a long time. He meets Norma, the mother of Keyla Martinez, who was killed in a police cell. Initially, the police said she had killed herself but hospital reports later proved this wasn’t the case. Now, can Norma Martinez’s campaign for justice bring a sense of hope to those who don’t trust the authorities and have endured years of rampant corruption and police impunity?
Producer: Phoebe Keane Fixer in Honduras: Renato Lacayo Mark as Done
Carolyn Bryant Donham had faced potential charges of kidnapping and manslaughter of the black teenager in 1955. Also: blasts rock Russian airbase in annexed Crimea, and Serena Williams suggests retirement from tennis after US Open. Mark as Done
He described the raid as an attempt by opponents to prevent him running for president again. Also: The UN accuses the army in Myanmar of committing crimes against humanity following last year's coup, and the Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake dies, aged 84. Mark as Done
In homes across the UK, partition is not history but a live issue for its young descendants. Over the course of a year, Kavita Puri follows three people as they piece together parts of their complex family history and try to understand the legacy of partition and what it means to them today. She connects with a young man who goes to the Pakistani village where his Hindu grandfather was saved by Muslims; a woman who has always thought of herself as British Pakistani but a DNA test reveals she also has roots in India; a woman with Pakistani heritage and a man with Indian heritage plan their wedding and realise that their families actually originate from within an hour of each other in the Punjab. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Michael Morris, Sara Gon and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss government efforts to fight the illegal miners on the West Rand. They also chat about women's day, and the Eskom skills shortage. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
We’re back in 1982 after a hiatus covering the seaborne operations and an update from the SA Air Force which had had a busy May as you heard in Episode 64.
Things on the ground in SWA showed that SWAPO was almost fully recovered from the hammering they took during Operation Protea – their own Operation had killed three farmers and 8 security force personnel. 32 Battalion continued to carry out a number of projects – and in particular the long-term Operation Spiderweb hearts and minds initiative in the Kavango which I spoke about last episode. A number of other ops were planned to take place back to back and code named Operation Meebos which had actually started in March, aimed at the area around Xangona-Humbe-Ongiva. The aim of Operation Meebos was to keep FAPLA out of the two main southern Angolan towns Xangongo and Ongiva which had been seized during Operation Protea– in an area the Angolans called the Fifty Military Region. It’s ironic that the biggest loss in the upcoming op was actually caused by a SWAPO team armed with AA guns. Mark as Done
Women’s football is on an incredible high around the world after a month of five international tournaments with record breaking crowds. Those tournaments have delivered new champions, new interest and new hope. The new champions are Papua New Guinea, South Africa and England. Perhaps more predictably there have also been trophies for the USA and Brazil. The success has created a discussion about how this is a significant moment in the development of the game. Stacey Copeland who was in England Under-18s, former England defender Fern Whelan and BBC World Service Digital and Sport Editor, Anna Doble discuss how Euro 2022 can change the course of women’s sports. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Nicholas Lorimer, and Terence Corrigan. They discuss the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) summoning Eswatini's Ambassador to South Africa to seek an explanation for utterances made by its government spokesperson about South Africa. They also chat about Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the most comprehensive package of energy reforms in two decades. But we’ve seen plenty plans in the past that have amounted to no more than words. Will this one be different? In this episode, Investec experts unpack the president’s plan. Mark as Done · No Ordinary Wednesday with Jeremy Maggs
Comedian Tom Mayhew is joined by his mate Sian Davies to talk about cheap dates, love and relationships as Tom’s stand up explores sexuality and feelings among the working class.
Tom Mayhew Is Benefit Scum is an autobiographical stand-up series where the comedian shares stories about his life growing up working class and his time on benefits. The show takes a wry, sideways look at the prejudices that people have towards benefits claimants and turns those assumptions on their head.
Written and Performed by Tom Mayhew Featuring Chris Cantrill and Sian Davies Additional Material – Olivia Phipps Production Coordinator – Katie Baum Producer – Benjamin Sutton A BBC Studios Production. Mark as Done
It’s 1980 and in February Robert Mugabe’s ZANU movement was about to win the first Zimbabwean election - managing to scape a small majority – they won 57 seats out of 100.
Not exactly a landslide then.
In April, Mugabe would officially be declared prime minister and the country would become independent from the United Kingdom.
ON the 1st April, the Southern African Development Coordination Conference was setup with Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe signing up.
South Africa was the noticeable absentee because the main reason for the SADCC was to wean the other southern African states off South Africa’s economy.
Zimbabwe immediately felt the pain – South Africa stopped exporting fertilizer within a few months, then they cancelled a trade agreement with the National Railways of Zimbabwe.
Harare turned to Mozambique, and in particular, the Beira corridor, Zimbabwe began exporting and importing products via this vital route which terminated in Beira. There was also that all important oil pipeline which had been closed through the Bush War which was going to be reopened.
Before all of this started, planning of another type was under way. The Recces and the Rhodesian SAS wanted one more opportunity to attack Robert Mugabe who was living in Maputo. Speaking of time and money – the far eastern area of Ovamboland had experienced some peace and quiet for some time and by 1981 the Kavango farming area of Mangeti was clean – it had avoided the insurgency that had characterized the central region.
That was due to a number of factors, not least was a highly successful hearts and minds campaign launched by Willem Ratte of 32 Battalion’s reconnaissance wing. Always highly situationally aware, Ratte had noticed that SWAPO tended to use the Nkongo route, around 60 kilometers west of Omauni, as their main infiltration path. Mark as Done
With an unemployment rate higher than the national average, the youth of South Africa need an opportunity to turn the tide. The Youth Employment Service (YES), has taken on this crisis alongside industry leaders such as Investec to support our youth better. So, what is the status, and where do we go next? Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with John Endres, Nicholas Lorimer and Alex Weiss. They discuss the likely outcome of the Bulelani Qolani judgement in the Western Cape. They also discuss the Eskom power plan from President Ramaphosa and lastly the story of some Limpopo villagers who took matters into their own hands.
Check out our sponsor: BitVice: https://bit.ly/3zUOLlb Mark as Done
The 2022 Commonwealth Games is being hosted by the UK’s central city of Birmingham - ethnically diverse and where the age profile is younger compared to other British cities. It is home to many people with familial links to commonwealth member countries such as India and the Caribbean. As Birmingham welcomes 4,500 athletes from around the world, Nina Robinson talks to the city’s ‘Hometown Heroes’ - locals who have been recognised for their contribution to sport. Mark as Done
Indigenous children were abused over decades in Catholic- run schools. Also: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's confident grain exports will restart this week and scientists uncover a fossil of the world's earliest animal predator. Mark as Done
WE pick up the seaborne operations story in early 1979, and much of this episode is based on the book Iron Fist from the Sea by ex-Recce Douw Steyn and his navy colleague, Arne Soderlund. By 1979 the writing was on the wall for Rhodesia, if not before. The shock wave that had rattled Salisbury in 1975 as Portugal pulled out of Mozambique weakened the state, after this all it had was South Africa as an ally – and the Nationalist government in Pretoria wanted Ian Smiths’ government to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Bush war. This was so that South Africa’s détente attempts with the rest of Africa would be given a shot in the arm. The reality was post-colonial African government’s wanted nothing to do with Pretoria, except for outliers such as Zambia. It’s president Kenneth Kaunda had held secret talks with the apartheid government, with other countries such as Botswana and Tanzania involved. Up to 1975, 80 percent of Rhodesia’s foreign trade had been exported and imported via Mozambique, now they had to send and receive all goods via Durban. A leftist Mozambique was a haven for Rhodesian guerillas and a barrier to trade. Needless to say, the upcoming attack on the fuel depot in Beira was very much part of Salisbury’s attempt at undermining the FRELIMO government in Maputo. The SADF involvement was a critical balancing act, and was obviously top secret. While Pretoria publicly met and negotiated with some frontline states, behind the scenes they were hard at work blowing up Mozambique’s infrastructure. Mark as Done
Western defence alliance declares Russia a direct threat to its security -- and prepares to welcome new members and boost military readiness. Also: the former Mrs Gates talks about life after Bill, African leaders urge Sudan and Ethiopia to step back from conflict, and scientists studying the bones of an ancient giant kangaroo say it belongs to a previously unknown group of species. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sholan Booysen and Gabriel Crouse. The team discusses the madness of racial quotas, a crazy statement by Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi and the political fortunes of Panyaza Lesufi. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
29.06.22 Pt 2 - Both Simphiwes share the stories behind their name. What’s a really weird fact that makes people say, “Why do you know that?” Mark as Done
The world is on fire and we're all going to die lol.
Recorded in his hometown of Melbourne, Solastalgia is the first Radio 4 stand-up special from award-winning Millennial Australian comedian Tom Ballard. It’s his terrified, emotional and hilarious response to the climate crisis - what it means, how it makes us feel, what if anything we can do about it, and whether any of it is funny.
He’ll even tell you what Solastalgia means.
Tom was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2015 and for the main prize in 2016, and hosted his own daily late-night comedy show for ABC, Tonightly with Tom Ballard. He can be heard regularly on the smash-hit satirical podcast The Bugle, and his work is "unrelenting and uproarious" (Chortle), "brave, biting, ballsy and ultimately, brilliant" (Time Out), "multi-dimensional and multi-layered, adding twist upon twist and full of little parcels of surprises" (Beyond The Joke), and "engaged, conscientious and consistently, archly funny, Ballard is precisely the sort of political commentator the world needs" (The Scotsman).
Written and performed by Tom Ballard
Recorded by Kristina Miltiadou
Post production by Rich Evans
Produced by Ed Morrish
Recorded at Comedy Republic, Narrm/Melbourne – on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
Much of this week’s episode has been culled from a fantastic book called Iron Fist from the Sea, top secrete Seaborne Recce Operations 1978-1988 by Arne Soderlund and Douw Steyn. The South African Navy’s reach in those years included all the way up to Cabinda in northern Angola on the west coast, to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania on the East. These days we’re lucky if the patrols can stretch along our own border let alone further afield, but that’s a topic for another time. The first Seaborne operations carried out by the SADF was in 1972, when it targeted Mozambique resistance movement FRELIMOs training camp in Dar es Salaam, which is over 1500 nauticul miles from Durban, just out of interest. Tanzania’s president Julius Nyerere had offered FRELIMO support and the South Africans responded to a request by the Portuguese government to plan a clandestine operation. This was to support a Tanzanian foreign Minister called Oscar Kambona who’d fallen out of favour with Nyerere. They wanted to destabilise Tanzania and blame the violence on Nyerere, the targets low-value and injuries to citizens would be avoided. Eventually they decided that target would be a high value one – called the port of Dar es Salaam – which means “harbour of peace..”. Mark as Done
24.06.22 Pt 2 - According to Gareth, if you send food back to the kitchen more than twice, you really don’t have a reason to live. Thapelo Mokoena is a SAFTA-winning South African actor and he joins the team to talk about the latest project he is working on, his wine business and a potential campaign that he should run with Gareth. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Gabriel Crouse and Bheki Mahlobo. They discuss the final repeal of the health regulations and the final ending of the lockdown. They also chat about the Zondo commission. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Israel is set to hold it's fifth election in less than four years. Also: allegations of sexual abuse, fraud, and high level corruption at the UN, and an intimate look into the elusive life of barn owls. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Michael Morris, Sholan Booysen and Nicholas Lorimer. They discuss the incredible scale of cable theft across SA's cities. They also talk about the ZEP which allow Zimbabweans to stay in SA legally and the case of some Gauteng cops arrested for kidnapping. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
New film evidence sheds light on the 6 January attack 2021 on Capitol Hill. Also, Ukrainian officials are worried about an epidemic in Mariupol, and the superworms that eat plastic. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Sholan Booysen and Hermann Pretorius. They discuss rumors of an impending national shutdown across the country. They also chat about the ANC's prospects without Ramaphosa and the vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
While legacy may mean different things to different people across the generations, it definitely holds meaning for every individual and family.
Clement Manyathela hosts Aisha Pandor, Terry Pheto, Dr Hanan Bushkin and Melvyn Lubega to discuss this important topic. Mark as Done · Investec One Place™
More than a million Ukrainian civilians from Mariupol and other war-ravaged towns in the east of the country have been transported over the border into the territory of their country’s enemy, Russia. The authorities there have dispersed them into a chain of “temporary accommodation centres” across Russia, some of them thousands of miles from Ukraine. Russia claims it’s rescued the refugees – and says some want to build new lives with Russian citizenship in places as far away as Vladivostok, on the Pacific Ocean. But many of the Ukrainians are trying to avoid or leave the accommodation centres, and get out of Russia – and they’re being helped by a network of volunteers inside and outside the country. Ukraine says many of the “evacuees” have been forcibly deported to Russia against their will – and they’re being subjected to a form of slavery in sealed camps. Tim Whewell talks to refugees in Russia – and others who’ve managed to leave the country – to try to find out what’s really going on. Mark as Done
The foreign minister held talks in Turkey as pressure mounts for Moscow to end its blockade of Ukrainian ports. Also, a notorious Thai policeman is jailed for life for torturing and killing a drug suspect, and scientists have high hopes for a gel that could mend hearts. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Nicholas Lorimer, Michael Morris and Gabriel Crouse. They discuss the looming failure of parliament to meet a court ordered deadline about amending the electoral act. They also discuss the latest GDP figures, the use of gas in Eskom's energy mix and Alan Winde calling for an end to the extraordinary health regulations. Mark as Done
In this episode, host Jeremy Maggs and guests, Investec Equity Analyst Herbert Kharivhe and Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, In this episode, host Jeremy Maggs and guests discuss the impact of the oil price on fuel, electricity and food. Mark as Done
King Philippe seeks to make amends for his country's brutal colonial legacy. His aunt tells us it's long overdue. Also: the World Bank warns that much of the world is heading for recession. And millions of Chinese students grapple with a gruelling three-day university entrance exam. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Terence Corrigan, Nicholas Lorimer, Tiego Thotse. The crew discusses the arrest of the Gupta brothers in the UAE, the abuse of a man at home affairs and the allowing of alcohol sales on school grounds. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Have you ever wondered what life is like at the very top of the North Korean regime? Thae Yong-ho was once the Deputy Ambassador of North Korea to the United Kingdom until he defected with his family in 2016. Yong-Ho gives a first-hand account of how and why he risked everything to escape London's North Korean Embassy for a new life in South Korea. Mark as Done
06.06.22 Pt 2 - Leigh-Ann shares how Mermaiding is a fast-growing sport worldwide, and now South Africa has its own school to teach it! Scammers are back at it as a pensioner was scammed out of R2.3m after being assured her money would double in four days. Rael Demby then joins the show to talk about the dark side of collecting. Mark as Done
Why has such a large swathe of the population started plunging into freezing-cold water, in a country whose climate is pretty obviously ill-suited to wild swimming, or arguably any sort of swimming away from a spa resort?
Jen Brister might seem, at face value, an unlikely candidate to ask. In her critically-acclaimed stand-up she has never been noted for suffering fools – or fads – gladly. Yet amid the bedlam of the past two years, as the mother of young twin boys suddenly finding herself a full-time nurse, teacher and a lot of other jobs she never signed up for, Jen has found refuge in the unlikely setting of the sea off Brighton, where she lives.
Armed with the unusual combination of wetsuit and microphone, she takes us on a personal odyssey in this unique comedy special, which sees her shuttle between the stage and the less familiar performance space of the deep ocean.
In a counterweighted series of stand-up segments and waterbound philosophical passages, Jen tries to piece together what it is about (sometimes dangerously) cold water that has helped reunite her with her sanity. Swimming in the elements promotes mindfulness, enhances our sense of self, and allows us to think our thoughts with a clarity that is often elusive. But what does a comedian do with this enhanced self-awareness?
With her customary sharpness of tongue – admittedly, a little mellowed by all the wholesome exercise – and precision of thought, one of the most exciting comedians in the country finds waves of inspiration both on dry land and in the milieu she has started to regard as a second home.
Actually, maybe a first home if the kids get any noisier.
Written and performed by Jen Brister Produced by Lianne Coop
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
Nigeria has experienced an upsurge in violence in recent months. Also: Officials in Bangladesh say exploding chemical containers have hampered efforts to extinguish a blaze which has killed dozens of people, and Queen Elizabeth has made a surprise appearance at the end of celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee. Mark as Done
Award-winning writer and magazine editor Tina Brown has spent decades chronicling the British royal family. BBC special correspondent Katty Kay meets her. Mark as Done
The World Food Programme says more than eighty million people in East Africa are facing acute food shortages. Also: a number of people killed in train derailment in southern Germany, and UEFA apologises to Liverpool and Real Madrid fans. Mark as Done
The G7 says it will not acknowledge land seized by Russian military action. Also: thousands of pro-life supporters march in the US, and India bans wheat exports with immediate effect. Mark as Done
James Montague, award-winning author of the The Billionaire’s Club, tells the story of how the super-rich bought English football and Chelsea FC became a sanctioned asset. From Putin’s oligarchs to hyper-capitalist Americans and oil-rich Middle Eastern royal families, James explores the concerns, crimes and crises that large waves of cash have brought to the home of the beautiful game. Mark as Done
Award-winning filmmaker Donovan Marsh on what it takes to be a success in Hollywood, the impact of Covid on the local film industry and the gamble Netflix took on "I Am All Girls," a crime-thriller on human trafficking in South Africa. Mark as Done
Stephen Bailey is a lightweight boxer who lost a fight to Conor McGregor, he's an investor with £84 million in the bank, he's Axel Rose's stepfather and if you keep scrolling, he's also a comedian from Manchester.
Stephen is seriously contemplating changing his name in 2022, as he believes being Stephen Bailey is hindering his success - after all, a name change is one of the oldest tricks in showbiz. If the name maketh the man, it's made a lot of Stephen Baileys and the rest of them are always doing something more newsworthy than our Stephen.
This is a bespoke stand-up special about identity, where Stephen will work out whether you can change your whole life, just by changing your name.
Written and performed by Stephen Bailey Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Produced by: Georgia Keating and Hayley Sterling
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4. Mark as Done
The Red Cross team - due to lead a convoy out of the besieged Ukrainian city - had to turn around when conditions became "impossible". Also: UN says Yemen's warring sides agree to two-month ceasefire, and a full human genome sequence is completed for the first time. Mark as Done
As we heard last episode, By 6pm on the 24th August 1981, Battle Group 20 was in control of its objectives, having destroyed at least four tanks and capturing vehicles, guns and ammunition. The fort and water tower, key targets in the town, were eventually reached and taken. The bridge was reached by the combat teams by 17h30 and was immediately prepared with demolition charges by the engineers. It was found later that FAPLA and PLAN officer and their Soviet advisors had hurriedly fled the town while the FAPLA and SWAPO soldiers held their positions and fought furiously. And so the sun had set on a long day’s fighting, but Battle Group 20s rest was going to be interrupted in the early hours of the morning. I was part of that group dug in overlooking the river alongside a road out of Xangongo. Before dawn, we began to hear the sound of tanks approaching, the first sound you hear is the deep bellow of the powerful engine, then the squeaking of the tracks. There were T34’s approaching. Little did we know that there was another incident that took place in the north when a convoy tried to leave Xangongo and drove into Captain Jan Hougaard’s combat team ambushed the troop carriers. Now it was onwards to Ongiva and the commanders once again caucused in the main HQ tent that night. This was going to be another tough nut to crack. The town was defended by two battalions protected by 23mm AA guns, a tank squadron of T34s, as well as an armoured car company with BTR-23s and an artillery battery with both 82m and 76mm field guns. Dippenaars 20 Battle Group was going to spearhead the attack, assaulting from the northwest. He’d then hold the areas taken an allow Serfontein to continue phase two of the attack – swinging past 20 alongside and also striking from the north west. Mark as Done
Ukrainian leader evokes Berlin Wall in address to German Parliament. Also: Ukrainians post videos of captured Russian troops and a baby is born on the frontline. Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Marius Roodt, Chris Hattingh and Nicholas Lorimer. The team chats about news from Koeberg power station, the extension of the state of disaster, America hiking its interest rates and Mbali Ntuli leaving the DA. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
Simon Rich is a one-man comedy phenomenon, described by The Guardian as "the funniest man in America" and with credits including The Simpsons, Pixar movies and Saturday Night Live. He created the hit sitcom Miracle Workers starring Steve Buscemi and Daniel Radcliffe, and his debut movie An American Pickle was released in 2020, starring Seth Rogen.
Now Simon returns to Radio 4 with a third series of his charmingly absurd stories, performed by a top-drawer British cast. Featuring parenting pirates, a baby detective, an unlikely retelling of Beauty And The Beast, and a super monster being promoted into management, this is unlike anything else you’ll hear this year.
Starring Mat Baynton, Ed Eales-White, Kieran Hodgson, Cariad Lloyd, Claire Price and Adjani Salmon Produced by Jon Harvey and Clarissa Maycock Editor: David Thomas Executive Producer: Polly Thomas A Naked production for BBC Radio 4 Mark as Done
Today's Daily Friend Show with Marius Roodt, Michael Morris and Nicholas Lorimer. The crew chats about the SABC's R3.2 billion bailout, the cost of the SONA ceremony and a petition calling for an end to 702's unpatriotic stance. Mark as Done · Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify
10.02.22 Pt 2 - This week the team is joined by energy analyst Chris Yelland, along with conservative social commentator Koketso Resane. They discuss Eskom, the long-term picture of our power supply infrastructure, the second State Capture report and Joe Rogan’s podcast. Mark as Done
Lucy Ash catches up with a warzone bakery comforting people in an east Ukrainian town. She visited in 2017 to tell the story of a small enterprise that was bringing hope to a trapped community living near the frontline. The town of Marinka is in the buffer zone – the ‘grey zone’ - that separates Ukraine from the Dontesk region – now claimed and occupied by Russian backed separatists. For the town’s inhabitants the low-intensity conflict had become an unavoidable part of daily life. But there was one bright spot amidst the gloom – a bakery. It was Ukraine’s first frontline workplace-generating enterprise, and a haven from the politics, propaganda, and violence that had been tearing the town apart. But now, more than four years on, with Russian troops now massing along Ukraine’s eastern border, the threat of all out conflict looms. The bakery’s owner Oleg Tkachenko tells Lucy Ash he hopes there will not be an all out conflict. He fears an invasion could destroy everything that he and his community have built up over the past five years.
(Image: Workers in the bakery in Marinka. Credit: Frederick Paxton) Mark as Done
Schoolgirls demonstrations spread to the rest of the country and beyond. Also: trouble for the Premier League footballer who kicked his cat, and Jamaica's bobsleigh team braves the cold at the Winter Olympics once again Mark as Done