The best of POWER Talk: Recent Episodes
POWER Talk
POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by political scientist Lukhona Mnguni. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mnguni also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.
Thousands of e-hailing drivers remain under pressure as permit backlogs, vehicle impoundments and ongoing compliance requirements continue to disrupt their livelihoods. We get the latest update on efforts to resolve the licensing crisis and what it means for drivers and commuters.
Lesiba Mpya, Spokesperson for the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport unpacks it all with Mondli Makhanya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new non-surgical treatment is offering hope to people living with osteoarthritis by providing long-lasting pain relief and potentially delaying the need for knee replacement surgery. We examine how the treatment works and who stands to benefit with Angus Mulder, Commercial Director and Founder of Anstem Medical.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa is calling for the nationalisation of food production and the fuel sector, arguing that monopolies are driving up the cost of living. We discuss the union’s proposal and whether it could help ease pressure on struggling households with GIWUSA President Mametlwe Sebei
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Environmental groups have raised concerns over the approval of a major Equinix data centre development in Cape Town, citing its impact on water, electricity and the environment. We speak to the Legal Resources Centre about the legal and environmental issues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lobby group Free SA is calling for the deadline for public submissions on proposed firearm training regulations to be extended, arguing that more South Africans should have an opportunity to participate. We unpack the concerns and what they could mean for firearm owners and prospective applicants with Free SA Spokesperson Gideon Joubert.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vice President for Africa (and former Marketing and Communications Director) at Milkor, Daniel du Plessis, argues that the private sector has a critical role to play in strengthening border security and migration management. He joins us to unpack his proposal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IEC's General Manager of Electoral Matters, James Aphane, says every registered political party and independent candidate is required to commit formally to the electoral code of conduct before participating in an election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Scorpions spokesperson Sipho Ngwema argues that the institution’s credibility should not rise or fall with the actions of individuals. He joins us to explain why IDAC’s test is not the Scorpions’ fate.
The Electoral Commission is tightening the rules ahead of future elections, with political parties set to face penalties for failing to comply with key electoral laws. We speak to the IEC about what is changing, who will be affected, and why compliance is becoming increasingly important.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitutional Court is now the next battleground in the ATM’s challenge to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry after a split court judgment. We unpack the legal and political implications of this landmark case with political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu and Legal analyst Melusi Xulu
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Relations between South Africa and Ghana have come under strain following recent diplomatic tensions. We speak to Dr Kingsley Makhubele about what’s behind the rift, what it means for bilateral relations, and whether diplomacy can ease the growing tensions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniel du Plessis, from the SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association - Finance and Funding joins POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya at the SA industry Lekgotla to talk about the work of the AMDIA and their expectations of the two day Lekgotla
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colonel Keitumetse Dirkse, Senior Staff Officer Joint In-service Procurement and Disposal speaks to POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya on the purpose of the SANDGF Industry Lekgotla held in Pretoria from the 20th - 21st July 2026
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The public protector has found systematic failures in Gauteng's oversight of spaza shops. POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya speaks to the Gauteng Provincial government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga on reaction to the report.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) journey remains central to transforming the economy, but questions persist about whether it is creating meaningful participation or benefiting only a few. We speak to business leader, financier and corporate executive Malose Kekana about the state of economic transformation, inclusive growth, black industrialisation, investment and what needs to change to build a more competitive and equitable economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As South Africa marks Mandela Month, we speak to Verne Harris of the Nelson Mandela Foundation about Madiba’s enduring legacy, the importance of preserving his memory, and what his life continues to teach the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After years—and for some, decades—of waiting, former mineworkers are finally receiving compensation for occupational injuries and diseases such as silicosis. We speak to the Eastern Cape Department of Employment and Labour’s Acting Chief Director, along with former South African Miners Association president Jabu Xaba, about why many waited so long—and why some never lived to receive their benefits.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Equal Education has welcomed the DBE circular protecting foreign national learners and reinforcing their right to basic education. We speak to Yolisa Piliso, who helped draft the circular, about what it means for schools and learners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has South Africa’s standing on the continent changed? Journalist Quanita Hunter joins us to discuss her latest article examining Ghana’s evolving attitude towards South Africa, what is driving the shift in perceptions, and what it says about the country’s influence, diplomacy and relationships across Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Manufacturing is widely regarded as one of the biggest drivers of economic growth, job creation and industrial development. Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuisen joins us following the opening of the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba to discuss government’s plans to strengthen local manufacturing, attract investment, expand exports and accelerate Africa’s reindustrialisation through increased “Made in Africa” production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City of Cape Town has welcomed the findings of a Public Protector report into complaints relating to housing, basic services and public health facilities, saying the investigation recognises the work already undertaken by the municipality while also directing National Treasury and the Department of Human Settlements to address broader systemic challenges. We speak to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, about the findings, service delivery improvements and what residents can expect going forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Director-General in the Presidency and veteran anti-apartheid activist Frank Chikane has officially entered the race to become Johannesburg’s next mayor. We explore what his candidacy could mean for coalition politics, governance and the future leadership of South Africa’s largest metro with Political commentator Rebone Tau.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The spotlight turns to Investigation Directorate Against Corruption head Advocate Andrea Johnson as She fell ill before she could take a stand at Madlanga Commission this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grammy award winner and National Order of Ikhamanga recipient, Wouter Basson speaks to Mondli Makhanya on Music, Identity and Taking South African Sound to the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Beyond the glamour of the Miss South Africa competition is a finalist whose life has been dedicated to changing lives. Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo is not simply competing for a crown—she is using one of the country’s biggest platforms to spotlight the often-overlooked realities of adolescent parents.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prof Daniel Meyer Professor in the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) speaks to POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya on how Broad-Based BEE At A Crossroad: Time For Reform, With A Focus On The Youth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why South Africans can trust the Constitutional Court’s NHI ruling — whichever way it goes. POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya speaks to Mark Heywood, health, human rights and social justice activist.In early May this year South Africa’s Constitutional Court became the battleground for one of the most consequential disputes over health legislation since democracy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Political influence is increasingly being viewed as a commodity, with access to decision-makers, lobbying, and patronage networks shaping policy and public procurement. Political analyst Tebogo Khaas unpacks how influence is bought, sold and leveraged, and what this means for governance, accountability and democracy in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions General Secretary Zweli Nzima Vavi argues that migrants are being unfairly blamed for South Africa’s deepening economic and social challenges. Instead, he says the country should confront corruption, unemployment, deindustrialisation, weak governance and employers who exploit undocumented workers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American attorney and Director of Impact Litigation at Mississippi Center for Justice ,Rob McDuff who is advocating for Black American farmers joins us to discuss allegations that Black farmers in the United States receive less government support than White South African farmers. The conversation examines the legal claims, agricultural funding policies and the broader debate around equity and reparations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With persistent reports of sexual offences involving minors, Litha Labantu examines whether communities have become desensitised to statutory rape. The discussion explores cultural attitudes, legal protections, reporting challenges and what more needs to be done to safeguard children.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled another Cabinet reshuffle, bringing back former minister Dina Pule to the national executive while promoting several senior members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a move that reflects the evolving balance of power within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). POLITICAL Analyst Goodenough Mashego unpacks the story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Within days, the country has witnessed the resignation of KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona, the dismissal of senior SAPS official Rachel Matjeng, and explosive allegations by an uMkhonto weSizwe Party Member of Parliament that Major-General Shadrack Sibiya Khan offered him R10 million in an alleged bribery attempt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A high delegation of Anti Xenophopic NGO’s Met with President Ramaphosa and Justice Minister on Friday. They are concerned about June 30 and want government to be proactive beyond the 30th of June. Evan Abrahams joins Mondli in studio to unpack Siyafana Sonke's concerns.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sebang Motlhabi, SALGA Chairperson of Public Transport and Roads say municipalities are not ready to execute phase 2 of Aarto.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Families and survivors of Apartheid crimes oppose former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki's appeal bid against TRC cases inquiry. Jessie Waldman gives us an update on the matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Power Talk's Mondli Makhanya speaks to Nokulunga Dube about her journey into engineering, the future of electrification and sustainability, and why creating more opportunities for women in technical fields is essential for the industry’s growth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has moved up 4 spots to 60th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. The report credits gains in government efficiency, energy infrastructure, and anti-corruption efforts. Chief Economist at Productivity SA Dr says the climb shows reform is working - but long-term competitiveness depends on fixing jobs, education, and infrastructure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legal expert in Technology Social Media Lerato Ntwampe says South Africans must learn to be more Cautious and assertive on social media.,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Rebecca Hanlin, Professor of Innovation and Sustainable development at the SARChI Chair in Transformative Innovation at the University of Johannesburg. Talks to Mondli about her work.She oversees their PhD and master's programmes on Innovation and development and is a science, technology and innovation policy researcher specializing in healthcare and renewable energy innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande says the dialogue takes place against the backdrop of significant economic, social and technological changes that are reshaping South Africa's development landscape.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kenya is attempting to implement a Shirika plan, a national strategy that seeks to transform refugee management from a humanitarian challenge into a developmental opportunity. POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya speaks to Edwin Muteenyoka, migration scholar and post doctoral researcher at the Arnold Bergstraesser institute in Germany.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has institutions built “for youth”. But 32.7% unemployment says otherwise. Mondli asks the hard question: are these bodies serving young people, or just serving themselves? We take your calls. What has a youth institution actually done for you?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oil, trade, global prices — it all runs through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports say Iran and the US have an initial deal to end hostilities and reopen the waterway. But can it hold? Dr Kingsley Makhubela joins Mondli to unpack what a deal means for SA’s fuel price, inflation, and global risk. The ceasefire might be step one… the hard part comes next.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
History in your change. From today, 16 June 2026, SARB puts 4 new commemorative coins into circulation. The R2 “Youth of 1976” coin leads the series under the theme Education. It marks 50 years since Soweto, 125 years of Charlotte Maxeke, and 30 years of our Constitution. Legal tender at face value — so you’ll see them in tills, taxis, ATMs. A legacy you can spend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mondli Makhanya speaks to young parliamentarians Karabo Khakhau, DA MP & Ndumiso Mvula, ATM MP Youth Day, but are youth actually in the room where decisions are made? Mondli Makhanya sits down with two of parliament’s youngest voices — DA’s Karabo Khakhau and ATM’s Ndumiso Mvula. We ask: does having young MPs change the laws, the debates, the budget? Or is it just window dressing? Your voice on Youth Day
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ibrahim’s friend and former Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan pays tribute to the SA Icon. He tells Mondli Makhanya that Abdulah was many things to many people.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Ramatsemela Masango is one of South Africa’s leading nuclear engineers and business executives. From starting her career at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station to earning a PhD in Nuclear Engineering in the United States, she has built an impressive career spanning energy, science, technology, nuclear regulation and business leadership.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ibrahim’s friend and former Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan pays tribute to the SA Icon. He tells Mondli Makhanya that Abdulah was many things to many people.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach, Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance tells Power Talk’s Mondli Makhanya that, the real prosecutorial independence means no more handouts from the Department of Justice. With high-profile cases in court and public trust on the line, can an independent budget make the NPA stronger — or is this just politics
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Government’s rolling out new housing projects and handing over title deeds in Gauteng. The promise? Beat the backlog. The reality?
Families are still waiting.
We unpack what’s changing on the ground with Tasneem Motara Guteng MEC for Human Settlements.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The songstress is billed to perform at the Gauteng Soul & Jazz Concert tonight at SunBet Arena in Tshwane. She’s promising a night of love, laughter, and loads of fun for fans who need it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With growing pressure on borders, services, and jobs, neighbouring countries and international partners are raising concerns. Nothando Phuthi says thatunless SA finds balance between control and diplomacy, the dispute couldstrain regional ties and trade at a time the country can’t afford it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business leaders are warning that Johannesburg is too big to fail, because the city drives the economy, pays the taxes, and sets investor confidence. Martin Kingston tells Mondli Makhanya that, with service delivery collapsing and crime rising, fixing Joburg is now a national survival issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lenacapavir — the twice-a-year injection shown to give near 100% protection — has landed in South Africa. Health officials call it a gamechanger, especially for young people and high-risk groups who struggle with daily pills. Nichola Lutchman from Gauteng health department says Gauteng is all set and ready.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prof Noor Nieftagodien-south African Research Chair in Local Histories, and Oupa Ngwenya, activist and Journalist speak to Mondli Makhanya. They emphasis the need for us to use history to correct the future.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we are joined by one of the most consequential ministers in the Cabinet — because if there is one promise this democracy made to its people on day one, it was a roof. A house. A place to call your own. Thirty-plus years later, that promise is still being kept for some, still being broken for others, and still being argued about in every township, every informal settlement, and every gap-market neighbourhood from Khayelitsha to Soshanguve.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Demarcation Board Chair Thabo Manyoni and IEC General Manager For Electoral matters James Aphane Speak to Mondli about some of the work that goes into preparing for an election It might sound technical, but it’s simple: the lines drawn around your ward decide who your councillor is, and the address on your registration decides where you vote for them. Get either one wrong, or your voice in local government gets lost.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inheritance fraud is a growing concern in South Africa, targeting both deceased estates and beneficiaries via scams or forged documents. Common schemes include fraudulent Letters of Executorship (LOE), identity theft, and fake inheritance notifications via SMS/email demanding "fees" to release funds. The Master’s Office is frequently exploited, and scams often target retirement funds and life policies.Helen Du Toit, member of the Association for Savings and Investment South urges the public to be more vigilant)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has dissolved the Council of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) with immediate effect, citing the body’s failure to resolve a long-running labour dispute and concerns over governance issues. Guests: Adrian Galley, Vice Chair of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) and Dr Lance Nawa, National Writers Association of South Africa representative react to the disbandment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Public perception of migrants shifts a lot by country, period, and whether you’re talking about refugees, labor migrants, or undocumented migrants. But a few patterns show up consistently in survey data and public discourse. Dr Steven Gordon spoke to Mondli about some of the concerning issues regarding the treatment of Foreign nationals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legal President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking the 2022 Section 89 independent panel report on Phala Phala to judicial review. The review is separate from Parliament’s impeachment inquiry. Under the ConCourt ruling, the inquiry proceeds unless a court sets aside the Section 89 report. If the High Court finds the panel report flawed, it could be set aside and the basis for impeachment would fall away. One of the respondents in the court case is the ATM. The ATM was the first political party to push for accountability and answers in this matter.Vuyo Zungula ATM tells us why they want the President to account on this matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The betrayal of promises is the famous report that came out in 2017 and that helped galvanise opposition to South Africa’s ‘silent coup’. It has been called one of the most important examples of how academic research can shape the public debate anywhere in the world. Prof Ivor Chipkin, Project Researcher of Betrayal of the promises 2017 report shares his insights with Mondli Makhanya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fronting does not only happen at ownership level or within company structures, sometimes it also arises from how B-BBEE certificates are assessed, quantified, interpreted, and ultimately issued.This places the spotlight on the verification industry, an industry that plays a critical role in ensuring that B-BBEE compliance gives a true and credible picture of transformation in the South African economy.B-BBEE transformation Executive and founder of Transformation lead Gcina Mahlaba shares her insights on the importance of ethics and integrity as well as how B_BBEE assessments are conducted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Kgafela oa Magogodi shares his views, his journey and love of arts and literature with Power Talk's Mondli Makhanya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prof Nimarla Gopal, Crime analyst talks to Mondli Makhanya about the need of such a panel to fast track arrests of criminals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apa Pooe, Secretary General of PAC and Menzi Maseko, Revolutionary Pan Africanist weigh in their thoughts on the importance of Africa Day. Menzi is concerned about the shift from Pan Africanism to Nationalism
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Helen Suzman Foundation is back in court, this time over who sits on the body that chooses our judges. HSF has filed an application in the Western Cape High Court asking it to force Parliament to consider whether EFF leader Julius Malema is still fit to serve on the Judicial Service Commission.Jason Whyte -Helen Suzman foundation Lawyer tells Mondli that the concern about Malema’s conduct, is about the precedent it sets for who sits on bodies that oversee the judiciary
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The state’s case against Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni fell apart in unprecedented fashion when prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba didn’t turn up. A lot more has since happened, some people suspect bribery, some say incompetence. The NPA plans to re_enrol the caseWhat does all of this mean for the NPA and our courts. Legal expert Melusi Xaba helps us with some of the questions we have.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IDAC has dismissed rumours of a J50 warrant arrest issued against Lieutenant Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mondli Makhanya is in conversation with crime experts Thabang Bogopa and IRS Forensic Investigator, Chad Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City of Tshwane is calling for urgent action against suspended officials who are draining the city’s finances while sitting at home. More than R30 million a year is being paid to staff who aren’t working, with most of the cost tied to senior managers facing disciplinary cases.
Forum For SA National Leader Tebogo Mashilompane weighs in. He says the bill is unsustainable and is pushing for faster hearings and tighter controls to stop ratepayers’ money being wasted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Jacquline Weyer , Acting Deputy Director for the National Institute for Communicable Diseases speaks to Mondli.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s political moment is defined by fragility, contradiction and an unmistakable sense of transition. President Cyril Ramaphosa remains at the centre of power, yet his authority is increasingly shaped as much by survival as by vision. Professor Mccebisi Ndletyana, professor of political studies at the University of Johannesburg shares his insights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Contrary to popular belief, municipalities are not underfunded. In 2010, collective municipal revenue was about R154-billion. By 2024 this figure had ballooned to R517-billion, representing an average annual increase of 9%.As of May 2026, South Africa's municipal landscape is in a state of deep crisis, with 63% of municipalities deemed to be in financial distress, largely driven by a systemic reliance on "cost-recovery" models that clash with high local unemployment rates Siyabulela Mama, member of Zabalaza for Socialism and a member of the Amandla! magazine’s editorial collective shares his views with Power Talk’s Mondi Makhanya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, who tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday says, the Department of Correctional Services will continue pursuing its self-sufficiency model in the face of R683.4 million budget reductions over the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After 30 years with only Transnet Freight Rail running trains, SA now has 12 operators on the network.
That’s real competition in rail for the first time.
Mesela Nhlapo, CEO for Railroad Association and Andrew Thorburn, CEO of Galison, a freight Wagon Manufacturer and underground mining equipment manufacturer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The BCA was formed in May 2005 specifically because black conveyancers were locked out of the conveyancing industry after apartheid. Right now, their fight is 3 things:
Access to government conveyancing work. The problem: Before 2020, government conveyancing work went directly to black firms through the Office of the State Attorney and provincial departments. That changed when it got centralised. BCA President Pumla Mnwango shares her concerns
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Controversial Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan and Gauteng Hawks head Ebrahim Kadwa have been arrested and, along with their sidelined national police commissioner boss, Fannie Masemola, are among 15 high-ranking cops scheduled to appear in Gauteng courts this week. There is a vacuum in leadership but all the events unfolding are a concern when it comes to fighting crime. Former commissioner of the Western Cape Dr Lennit Max and Tebogo Khaas of Public interest SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) calls on the public to actively participate in the process of redefining the next phase of local governance by submitting inputs into the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government. This call follows the publishing of the draft document for public comment by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, on 7 May 2026, giving stakeholders three-weeks, until 28 May, to submit their views. Salga Spokesperson Motaletale Modiba spoke to Power Talk about some of the proposals that Salga has submitted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is now official…the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has announced a further 2% reduction in member contribution increases for this year, effective from July 1, 2026. GEMS Principal Officer, Dr Stan Moloabi says the decision upholds GEMS’ founding mandate of providing public service employees with equitable access to affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality healthcare benefits’ ,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has sounded the alarm regarding what it characterizes as a blatant misuse of public funds, highlighting a staggering financial drain on the state. Recent data released by the Commission reveals that the South African government spends approximately R800 million annually on salaries for public servants who are currently under suspension. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Lebogang Ramafoko - Executive Director at Corruption Watch, Michael Bagraim - Labour Expert and Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya- Public Service Commission.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rapid evolution of technology has brought about a parallel increase in the risks associated with large-scale data collection. If these vulnerabilities are not addressed with a sense of urgency, the resulting fallout could lead to severe reputational damage for major organizations. More alarmingly, it poses an even greater threat to ordinary citizens, whose sensitive personal information is becoming increasingly distributed and stored across a wide variety of digital platforms. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Muvhango Livhusha – Vice President Information System Audit and Control Association (Isaca) South Africa Chapter
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week marked a significant milestone for the pan-African reparations movement as the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF), the Université Populaire Africaine en Suisse (UPAF), and the Ligue Panafricaine–UMOJA (LP-U) concluded the Geneva Forum on Reparative Justice & Colonial Accountability. The event culminated in two major developments: the formal launch of the PPF-D Justice Taskforce and the unanimous adoption of the Geneva Declaration on Reparative Justice. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Princess Yanney - Secretariat of the Pan African Progressive Front (PPF), as Head of their Public Affairs Directorate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thirty years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the production, offers a searing reflection on South Africa’s ongoing struggle for justice, accountability, and meaningful change. Having toured internationally to critical acclaim in London, Los Angeles, Germany and Singapore, Commission Continua continues to resonate globally as a bold interrogation of bureaucracy, memory, and the politics of documentation. Award winning storyteller and theatre production producer Tony Miyambo joins Mondli Makhanya on Power talk to discuss his thought provoking production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ngcobo panel in 2022 found Ramaphosa had a prima facie case to answer for serious misconduct and possible constitutional violations over the burglary cover-up. Parliament, with an ANC majority, voted it down in December 2022 without a full inquiry. EFF and ATM argued that’ the process is irrational — once a panel finds a case to answer, Parliament must investigate. Parliament says it has discretion and ConCourt can’t interfere with separation of powers. The concourt agrees. Ithas ruled that parliament erred in Phala Phala matter. Legal analyst Melusi Xulu, Political analyst, Sandile Swana and ATM leader react on the verdict.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite the chronic water shortages plaguing various regions of the country, South African municipalities have failed to utilize a staggering R1 billion in Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grants (RBIG) over the past five years. This significant sum was ultimately returned to the National Treasury, a revelation made by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Lerato Phasha - Portfolio Head for Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth at South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African employers are facing a mounting wave of legal risk due to the intersection of established laws and recently gazetted regulations. According to Workforce Healthcare, a prominent provider of occupational health and wellness services, the gap between statutory requirements and current corporate practices has reached a critical point. With an extensive network of 101 clinics and nine mobile medical units, the organization is actively sounding the alarm on the potential consequences for businesses that fail to align their operations with the evolving legal landscape. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Dr. Robin George – Senior Occupational Medicine Practitioner and National Operations Manager Workforce Healthcare.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Black Business Council (BBC) has formally declared its unwavering support for the Legal Sector Code, standing in solidarity with a broad coalition of legal and governmental bodies. This collective defense, recently tested in court, underscores a unified commitment to transforming the legal landscape in South Africa. By aligning with these organizations, the BBC reinforces its dedication to ensuring that the legal profession reflects the country's demographic reality and promotes equitable participation. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Kganki Matabane - Black Business Council CEO.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the second time in less than a year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has issued a stern warning to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, declaring the City’s budget unfunded and the municipality in a state of severe financial distress. In a letter dated 24 April 2026, the Minister ordered an immediate halt to the implementation of a massive wage deal with municipal workers, demanding a clear explanation of how such an agreement could possibly be financed given the City’s current trajectory. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Lebogang Ndawo Regional Deputy Chairperson of South African Municipal Workers (SAMWU).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fronting has evolved significantly since the early days of democracy. In the 1990s and early 2000s, it often took the form of "window dressing," where black employees were given impressive titles but no actual authority. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Tshediso Matona BEE Commissioner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s e-commerce landscape has transitioned into a pivotal new era. According to the South Africa Cross-Border E-commerce Market Outlook 2025—a collaborative report by Mustang Pay and the South African International Ecommerce Association (SAIEA)—the industry's primary catalysts have shifted. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Zandile Nzalo Founder and CEO of Zanenza.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria was filled to capacity on Monday as the nation’s preeminent legal experts gathered to debate the merits of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Legal Sector Code (LSC). Despite the intense public interest and the presence of high-profile legal teams prepared to argue both for and against the code, formal proceedings were delayed. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Francis Mvundlela Black Lawyers Association President.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amnesty International South Africa has issued a firm call to the government, demanding tangible progress on the promises of dignity and equality first established during the transition to democracy in 1994. In a statement marking Freedom Day, the human rights organization reflected on the persistent service delivery failures that continue to plague the country’s most impoverished areas, noting that the vision of a truly free society remains unfulfilled for many. Mondli Makhanya with Genevieve Quintal Amnesty International SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In an ironic turn of events, the Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for South Africa was formally withdrawn on Sunday, April 26, 2026, by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi. The withdrawal followed a scandal involving what has been termed a "fictitious AI policy framework," where it was discovered that the document cited academic sources and journal articles that do not exist. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Prof Stella Bvuma, Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems at UJ.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has officially began exploring the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into the national power grid. By issuing a formal Expression of Interest (EOI), Necsa is inviting private sector players to provide critical data on the technical specifications and logistical feasibility of deploying these portable units locally. This move signals a strategic shift toward diversifying South Africa’s energy mix with flexible, next-generation nuclear technology. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Professor Vally Padayachee, power and energy expert and a former executive manager of Eskom and a former senior executive of City Power Jhb.
.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has expressed growing concern regarding security vulnerabilities and smuggling risks at OR Tambo International Airport following a series of high-profile, back-to-back drug arrests. According to national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, these recent incidents are a direct result of intensified operations aimed at dismantling sophisticated international trafficking networks that use the airport as a primary transit hub. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Andy Mashaile - Security Strategist and SAPS Spokesperson Lt Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Ownership Share Schemes, particularly Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and Broad-Based Schemes, are designed to move beyond "narrow-based" empowerment toward a model that distributes equity to workers and communities. While the policy faces ongoing debate regarding its macro-economic impact, several specific positive outputs have emerged from well-structured ownership schemes. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Duma Gqubule Independent Economist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Freedom Day in South Africa is the annual celebration of the country's first non-racial democratic elections held on April 27, 1994. This historic event marked the formal end of over three centuries of colonialism, segregation, and white minority rule under the apartheid system. Before this date, the majority of South Africans were denied basic human rights and the ability to participate in the governance of their own country. The 1994 election was the culmination of decades of struggle, international pressure, and intense negotiations between liberation movements and the sitting government. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Author Prof Eddy Maloka, Sine Soxunjwa, Member of the Unemployed People’s movement and Steering Committee member for the National Dialogue, Ntsika Dapo - Is a master’s candidate and Activist (in philosophy) at Stellenbosch University and Kyle Haselsteiner an Activist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The role of music during the South African apartheid era was so profound that it was frequently described as a "weapon of struggle." Music served as a primary vehicle for communication, a psychological tool for endurance, and a global megaphone that turned international sentiment against the regime. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Sipho Hotstix Mabuse – Singer, song writer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. This decision follows Masemola’s appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court, where he faces charges for allegedly contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). In a televised address to the nation on Thursday, the President emphasized that the gravity of the allegations necessitated this move. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Major-General Jeremy Vearey and Willem Els Senior Training Coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mondli Makhanya spoke to the Deputy President Paul Mashatile on his plans to fix the "water-shedding" crisis and empower township entrepreneurs through reformed B-BBEE, to fight unemployment and to scrutinize the GNU’s stability and youth skill initiatives while exploring the ANC’s radical decision to allow non-member candidate nominations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African event management company, founded by Neo Moela and Katlego Malatji thrives in offering tailor-made event management, brand and marketing management. The successful business offers unique experiences that are in touch with audience reception of musical culture. HomeComing Events is a fully black-owned company that specializes in event organization, consultancy, activations, lifestyle solutions and sponsorship. They also provide corporate event services including catering and bar provision.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ms Priscillah Mabelane has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector with broad international leadership experience and a solid corporate track record of successfully leading and transforming large businesses in both the United Kingdom and South Africa. She is our guest for the leadership dialogue today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, change is a constant, and organizations must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Effective change management is crucial for driving this transformation, ensuring that businesses not only survive but thrive during periods of change. Bongi Gwala is in conversation withACMP Board of Directors Past President Amanda Schmoldt and CCMPTM (United States) and CEO Deshini Newman (United Kingdom).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In light of the recent surge of food contamination and food poisoning cases in Spaza shops, today’s masterclass will shine a light on safe food processing and safe packaging, with Tetrapack. Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company working closely with customers and suppliers to provide safe food.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Nonceba Mhlauli, deputy minister in the presidency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in over 160 countries. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. As we look to drawing more awareness to the chronic disease, there are still some health-related issues still unknown to people on how to live a healthy life and managing diet while with diabetes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s gaming industry is a R7.3 billion industry. The country’s gaming industry is expected to continue to grow, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a growing youth population with a keen gaming interest — 47% of gamers are aged 14 to 28 years. On the other hand, Esports is a form of competition using video games, typically organised as multiplayer contests between professional players, either individually or in teams. Today’s culture corner will zone in on this industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s Innovation Wednesday, we take a look at an innovation technology solution that Tuberculosis screening through the use of artificial intelligence. The screening system drastically improves accuracy and reduces costs. About 29% of all TB-positive cases are missed or are false negatives, which lead to patients returning to their families and communities untreated, spreading the disease even further.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has substantial renewable energy resources (solar and wind) and is advancing in sectors like hydrogen technology but there isn’t enough development of green talent to run these new renewable projects. Globally, there’s a shortage of people with the expertise and skills needed to drive the transition towards a green economy – known as green talent. The pool of green talent needs to be doubled by 2050 if the world is to move away from fossil fuels. In South Africa, despite efforts, there are still gaps in green talent training. These are delaying the transition away from coal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Institute of Taxation says the current beer tax policy may do more harm than good to the economy and consumers. This follows after a recent report commissioned by SAB and undertaken by Oxford Economics Africa found that existing excise duties on beer are far above the levels stipulated in the country’s excise policy, hitting the beer industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eskom has backed down from its threat to interrupt electricity supply to Johannesburg following intervention by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Both parties reached an agreement to resolve the dispute, with an independent technician set to review the billing discrepancies, while City Power committed to settling its outstanding current debt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Municipalities across the country are grappling with revenue collection. For example, Gauteng's municipalities are faced with an outstanding debt owed to them over R132 billion, with households alone accounting for R99.3 billion. Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue, the province's municipalities are struggling to recover funds from a wide range of debtors, including households, commercial entities, and even organs of state.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 2024 election year is the biggest in history with about 65 countries having headed to the polls, almost half of the world’s population. From Taiwan's general election in January to the U.S. presidential race now in November. In some countries, there are concerns about the resilience of democracy itself as political discourse has polarized or been warped by disinformation. Many of this year's elections have not been free and fair - or their results have been disputed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we wrap up Sunday news headlines, Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Thando Maeko, BusinessLIVE reporter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cecilia Veronica "CeCe" Peniston born September 6, 1969) is an American singer and former beauty queen. In the early 1990s, she achieved notable success with five number-one hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Her signature song, "Finally," peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 2 on the UK Top 75.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the healthcare landscape constantly evolving, understanding the dynamics behind medical scheme benefits and premium adjustments is more important than ever. As consumers prepare for 2025 medical schemes benefit changes, factors such as rising healthcare costs, medical advancements, and industry inflation are shaping how medical schemes operate. Lerato Mbele spoke to Charlton Murove, Head of research at the Board of Healthcare Funders and, Mondi Govuzela, senior manager of the Council for Medical Schemes Benefits Management.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The murder of alleged underworld boss Mark Lifman has raised security fears for the defence team in the Wainstein murder trial in which Lifman was accused number one, alongside alleged Sexy Boys gang boss Jerome ‘Donkie’ Booysen. Mark Lifman was assassinated Sunday in the parking lot of the Garden Route Mall in George. The 57-year-old man from Fresnaye along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town, has been clouded by controversy and regularly made headlines across the country. His links to the underworld were also no secret. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Chad Thomas, organized crime investigator from IRS Forensic Investigations and, Dr Chris De Kock, crime analyst and former Head of the Crime Information Analysis Centre, SAPS.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge, we talk to Precious the Planner who is one of Southern Africa’s top sought after Luxury Wedding Planner & Event Designer with over 12yrs as an entrepreneur and 8yrs experience in Corporate. Precious is the Founder & CEO of Precious Celebrations a renowned planning, designing and production boutique agency specializing in luxury weddings, bespoke celebrations, brand experiences and gifting from planning, designing and production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. He is just the second president in US history to win a second non-consecutive term in office after being defeated – the first was Grover Cleveland in 1892. Four years after leaving the White House, Donald Trump is set to move back in, after millions of Americans voted to give him a second chance. Lerato Mbele spoke to Elvis Mugari, Pan African Researcher and Political Analyst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin Lennett is a seasoned South African businessman, renowned for his leadership at the helm of The Crazy Store, one of Southern Africa’s most beloved discount variety retailers. Having spent over a decade with the company, Lennett has played a key role in transforming the business into a national powerhouse, with a reputation for exceptional customer service, a wide-ranging product selection, and unbeatable value. He is our leadership dialogue guest today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2017, a group of passionate engineers, designers, and innovators came together with a shared mission: to bridge the gap between Deaf communities and the world around them. This collaboration led to the creation of Senso, a groundbreaking wearable device designed to help individuals with hearing loss stay connected to their environment in a non-intrusive and accessible way.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
History of African Church UniformsChurch uniforms are a sacred part of religious identity in South Africa and across the continent. In several churches across Southern Africa, members are recognizably identified by their uniforms. In South Africa, these are most notably Zionist churches, Apostolic churches, Pentecostal churches, as well as African sects of traditional churches such as the United Methodist Church. It is believed that most church uniforms from these churches have been influenced by military uniforms. In this week’s Culture Corner, we discuss the history and influences of African church uniforms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are going head-to-head in a race that remains too close to call. Harris and Trump have made their final appeals to voters in key battleground states, stressing that the stakes of the November 5 vote could not be higher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds of illegal miners have been arrested following underground food and water supply cuts. The zama zamas who surfaced at Orkney over the weekend are the small fish in the big pond of criminality. At least 565 illegal miners were arrested. The arrests were the latest made under Operation Vala Umgodi, which seeks to disrupt illegal mining at a time when companies such as Sibanye-Stillwater have recorded a spike in such activities, including direct attacks on mine operations and infrastructure against the backdrop of record gold prices.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed judges to the special tribunal, which has a statutory mandate to recover public funds siphoned from the fiscus through corruption, fraud and illicit money flows, following its effective collapse. The Special Tribunal is one of the most effective weapons in the government’s anti-corruption arsenal, and its collapse has been a major setback for the SIU, as it has been unable to take new matters to the Tribunal. Bongi Gwala spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, law researcher and advocacy officer from Judges Matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nedlac and parliament are currently at odds over the new vaping and tobacco products bill that presents ‘strict’ laws. In a meeting last week, concerns were raised from business and labour extent to which the health department engaged with the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) on the Bill before submitting it to parliament. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health has resolved to proceed with processing the widely-debated Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Bongi Gwala was in conversation with Zanele Mthembu, campaign lead tobacco-free kids country for South Africa and convenor of protect our next.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The coalition government of KwaZulu-Natal, often referred to as the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), is currently stable, according to the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) in the province. This statement was made during a press conference held in Durban on Monday. Bongi Gwala engaged with Bheki Mtolo, KZN provincial secretary and Prof. Musa Xulu, political heritage analyst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As inflation and living costs continue to escalate, young South Africans are actively exploring innovative avenues to achieve financial independence while managing their existing financial responsibilities. One increasingly appealing option is teaching online, which allows individuals to share their knowledge and skills in various subjects, from English and mathematics to science and technology. Bongi Gwala spoke to Mudiwa Gavaza, tech expert.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Debt is an important source of financing for development, but it needs to be sustainable. African debt has been growing significantly over the past decade. The African Development Bank Group estimates that Africa’s total external debt, which stood at $1.12 trillion in 2022, had risen to $1.152 trillion by end-2023. With global interest rates at their highest level for 40 years and as multiple bond debt securities issued by African countries reach maturity, there is no shortage of challenges in 2024. Africa will pay out $163 billion just to service debts in 2024, up sharply from $61 billion in 2010. The growing burden of debt repayments has the potential to threaten achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals on the continent, particularly in health, education and infrastructure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Dr. Tk Pooe, Wits School of Governance lecturer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 60th US presidential election will decide the 47th president – widely held to be the most powerful job in the world – and 50th vice-president. The candidates and their supporters are describing it as the most important election of their lifetimes with democracy and the American way of life are at stake. Record amounts of money have been raised and spent on campaign ads and ground games. Media coverage in print, on TV, online and on podcasts has never been more intense – or more polarized.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa's love for house music flourished in the early ’90s as the Apartheid era ended, pushed primarily by DJs in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. Now, it's a focal point, filled with local styles and stars. Vinny Da Vinci and DJ Christos are South African DJs who are known for their electrifying performances and contributions to the South African house music scene.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Hindu people celebrate Diwali, it ignites interest of its importance for Indian people. Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the Hindu “Festival of Lights,” is one of India's most widely celebrated holidays. It overlaps with other harvest rituals and festivals. The dates for the holiday vary each year as they follow the lunar calendar. Diwali originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. The annual festival, which expands to the Indian diaspora,is usually observed for five days or even as short as one day, depending on where a person lives or how the person celebrates.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s taxi industry in most prevalent parts such as Gauteng and Durban are on strike. Minibus taxis, which are the most accessible and frequently used mode of transport for most South Africans, are estimated to transport 15 million passengers daily. Currently, long-distance taxi drivers in Durban are on strike for the 5th day following the impounding of most of their taxis on permit issues. The strike has been ongoing for days now, leaving commuters stranded.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge, we talk to the founder of AfroBotanics, Ntombenhle Khathwane who leads the African premium cosmetics brand specializing in African hair products made with natural ingredients. After starting the business in 2011, AfroBotanics has grown significantly as an award-winning brand which now offers over 37 different products across 1000 stores in Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Naimibia and Zambia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pam Golding Properties, founded in 1976, is one of the largest real estate groups in South Africa, with over 300 offices in sub-Saharan Africa and overseas. Pam Golding's son, Andrew Golding, is currently the company's CEO, he is our guest in today’s leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the midst of a punishing drought and a massive drop in diamond revenue, up to 1 million eligible voters in Botswana headed to the polls in a tense general election on Wednesday. Africa’s longest-serving democracy is considered one of the continent’s most stable countries, having peacefully transitioned power in all elections since independence from Britain in the 1960s. However, there are fears this time that there might be post-election violence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the country awaits the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement by finance minister Enoch Godongwana, there is cautious optimism around the country’s economic trajectory.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The principles of inclusivity often clash with the realities faced by people living with disabilities. Mobility remains a challenge for people living with disabilities, especially those who are wheelchair-bound. As part of the solution to improving mobility, The Wheelchair Doctor found innovative ways to enhance mobility through manufacturing stair-friendly off-road transportation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The success of African athletes across multiple sports in the last decade has shone a spotlight on the potential of the continent for excellence. The commercial case is also clear.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Gautrain Management Agency CEO - Tshepo Kgobe, Practice Head of Network Industries at DNA Economics & development economist - Dr Matthew Townshend, and Transport Economist, specializing since 1988 in Transportation and Public Transport Operations - Lourens Swanepoel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The international Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries each October, to raise awareness about the disease. Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors resulting from abnormal growth of breast cells.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Political analyst Jackie Shandu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commonwealth has selected Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s foreign minister, as its new Secretary-General, marking a significant moment in the 56-nation bloc headed by Britain’s King Charles. Her appointment comes amid growing discussions about reparations for slavery and colonialism, issues that resonate deeply within member states, many of which have historical
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know? The Companies Tribunal was established to provide an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective means of resolving disputes and making certain administrative decisions related to the Companies Act in SA.
Lerato Mble is in conversation with the Deputy Chairperson of the Companies Tribunal, Minah Tong-Mongalo about the work they do.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lebani Sirenje, also known as Rasta The Artist, is a Zimbabwean-born painter who lives in South Africa . He is known for his controversial paintings, particularly those of dead celebrities and prominent South Africans. Some of his famous works include portraits of Nelson Mandela, Mama Winnie Mandela, Robert Mugabe, and many more. Despite criticism, Rasta continues to pursue his passion for art.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Motorcycle enthusiast, Masaule rides solar-powered motorcycle, Roam Air from Nairobi to Stellenbosch. Masaule developed the electric motorbike since he started working for green transportation solutions company, Roam 5 years ago. Masaule developed Roam air from concept design to mass manufacturing. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Masaule Thor Kituyi, Motorcycle Enthusiast & Product Owner of Roam Air Motorcyle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Africa loses up to £4.2bn yearly in inflated interest payments on sovereign debt due to persistent negative stereotypes that dominate international media coverage of the continent, according to a new report by Africa No Filter and Africa Practice. The report suggests that media portrayals, especially during elections when global coverage is heightened, focus disproportionately on conflict, corruption, poverty, disease and poor leadership, widening disparities between perceived and actual risks of investing in the continent, and creating a monolithic view of Africa. Lerato Mbele speaks to Abimbola Ogundairo, Advocacy and Campaigns Lead, Africa No Filter
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge, we continue where we left off last week in asking, what does it take to financially sustain a business? As we applaud numerous entrepreneurs as they tell their success stories, we hardly ever tell unsuccessful stories. Navigating the unpredictable business environment, we discuss how business owners can protect their businesses from collapse and how to bounce back from hard financial periods. Lerato Mbele speaks to Ashley Seckel, commercial attorney at SmitSew Attorneys and Conveyancers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Infrastructure development plays a key role in ensuring fast economic growth and alleviating poverty in South Africa. South Africa has a good core infrastructure network such as a transport system, power, communications network, sewage and water. However, while there is a good core network, previously disadvantaged areas and rural areas don’t have the same adequate infrastructure as developed communities due to high social inequality. And that’s why in this Leadership Dialogue we are in conversation with SAICE CEO to discuss the state of infrastructure in SA, and the need to develop it further
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recently, the Eastern Cape government has activated its disaster management teams to assist communities impacted by heavy rains in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Hundreds of families have been displaced due to the flooding, and unfortunately, one person has lost their life. Just last week, The Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) dispatched Aquatic Rescue Unit teams to Soweto to help distressed motorists trapped in water along the flooded Klipspruit Valley Road. So, in this conversation, we ask, is South Africa well equipped for disaster management? Lerato Mbele speaks to Raeesa Soomar, Director & town planner of Somaar and Co Professional Town Planners and, Prof. Hope Magidimisha Chipungu from the department of town and regional planning from UKZN.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, the Khoisan people, made of the Khoikhoi and San, were prevented from practicing their culture and speaking their local language during the colonial period and apartheid regime. After apartheid, the San people’s language almost went extinct except for about 20 people who could speak it fluently1. Shortly after, all the local fluent speakers in Nluu died except one woman. Now, 88-year old Ouma Katrina Esau is the only Nluu speaking person and is going to great lengths to preserve the language. So how do we preserve languages? Nhlanhla Sehume is joined by Peter Lor, Research Associate, Department of Information Science, University of Pretoria.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a landscape marked by economic challenges and staggering unemployment rates, South Africa stands at a crossroads. The vision of a 24-hour economy has been championed by various political leaders, including former president Jacob Zuma, who posited that such an initiative could significantly reduce unemployment. Inadequate infrastructure and dysfunctional public transport services are examples people often refer to when talking about the need to improve national productivity in an economy like South Africa’s. Nhlanhla Sehume is joined by Thokozile Madonko, political economy researcher at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits and, Dr Gumani Tshimomola, head of research in parliament for the EFF.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The escalating number of kidnappings in South Africa has reached unprecedented levels, with recent incidents shedding light on the dire reality faced by citizens. According to Statistics SA (StatsSA), more than 16 000 kidnappings are recorded annually in South Africa. Shockingly, 85% of these victims are women and children. In South Africa, cases of child abduction have been of topic, raising child safety concerns and further heightening worry among parents. Nhlanhla Sehume spoke to Andy Mashaile, security strategist and former Interpol ambassador.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s innovation, we talk to innovators Masego and Matlhogonolo, behind the Twin X Innovation. The two, innovated portable digital x-ray glasses that enables quicker conduction of x-ray scans on the spot. The innovation was inspired after a teammate was injured, the two wished there was a portable x-ray device that can be used to take x-ray scans on the spot. Through that inspiration, they then developed their first digital x-ray glasses innovation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A recent poll by the Social Research Foundation showed Gayton Mckenzie is the 3rd most popular, favored politician after Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa. The now minister of Sports, Arts and Culture who is a leader of the Patriotic Alliance assumed office in July as part of the GNU formations. His popularity has struck many since he has not had much time in office as minister but is already a popular politician. How do we gauge popularity in this regard? Lerato Mbele is joined by Thebe Ikalafeng, brand specialist and founder of Brand Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unrest has erupted in Mozambique ahead of the announcement of final election results expected to keep the ruling party in power. Police in Mozambique fired tear gas at the country’s leading opposition politician and supporters as he spoke with reporters Monday, forcing them to run for cover. The nation remains on edge following a disputed election and the slaying of two prominent opposition figures. Lerato Mbele speaks to Prof. Adrian Nuvunga, Director: Mozambique Centre for Democracy and Development and Adv. Sipho Mantula , Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at UNISA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The KwaZulu-Natal education department paid almost R40 million to ex-teachers despite high teacher unemployment. The case has now raises alarm of ghost workers being able to financially benefit from government institutions and other organizations. In 2022, About 1,159 “employees” vanished from the payroll system of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) in a single day when the parastatal launched Operation Ziveze to crack down on ghost workers. This raises questions of why do we continue to see ghost workers in government institution and how does this level of crime/corruption go unseen? Lerato Mbele is joined by Calvin Rafadi, Forensic and Crime expert.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After two businesses belonging to black people were burnt down, a racial war is currently brewing within the community of Schoemansville in Hartbeespoort where Afrikaans-speaking people are accused of attempting to drive out black people who were setting up businesses there. Speculation was rife that the businesses were burnt due to racial tensions, where white businesses are allegedly resistant to sharing the space with black business owners. Police are currently investigating arson after 9 houses in the Kosmos suburb were burnt down. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Papi Mothibi, chairperson of the Black Management Forum for the Hartebeespoort-Madibeng branch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the BRICS Annual summit kicks off, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that part of the country’s priorities is ensuring that new BRICS members are fully integrated. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined Brics as new full members which is a strong indication of the growing authority of the association and its role in international affairs. With its packed agenda and new initiatives, Russia's Brics Chairmanship has set the stage for a memorable and impactful summit in Kazan. Lerato Mbele speaks toInga Koryagina, Associate Professor, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alarming cases of food poisoning have raised concerns around food safety as multiple cases affecting children have been reported. About 74 matriculants were hospitalized for food poisoning last week after having a meal at a school, 6 children died in Soweto after consuming snacks from a local spaza shops and, 25 pupils were hospitalized for suspected food poisoning. Last month, the Gauteng department reported 207 cases of food poisoning since February, with 10 deaths. Lerato Mbele speaks to Matlou Setati, Executive for Food Safety & Sustainability Initiative, Consumer Goods Council of South Africa, Prudence Moilwa, Head of Complaints & Investigations, National Consumer Commission and Christina Moumakwe, Deputy Director for Environmental Health Services, Gauteng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's diary, Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Prof. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, Director for Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pentecostal pastors often lead lives that are as controversial as they are charismatic, drawing both devoted followers and sharp critics. Lerato Mbele was joined by Rev. Peter Storey, former president of the Methodist Church and South African Council of Churches as well as Dr. Buhle Mpofu, senior lecturer at UP at the department of practical theology and mission studies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Millions of people across southern Africa are facing the worst food crisis in decades, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that its ability to provide relief risks being stymied by funding shortfalls. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Tomson Phiri, regional communications officer, UN World Food Programme.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, yesterday stated that he is still considering the case of Justice Minister, Thembi Simelane during his Question & Answer session in the National Assembly. Lerato Mbele spoke to Musa Mdunge, Political analyst and lecturer at University of Dundee, UK.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Bombela Operating Company CEO Nthabiseng Kubheka.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A different twist to this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge, what does it take to financially sustain a business? As we applaud numerous entrepreneurs as they tell their success stories, we hardly ever tell unsuccessful stories. Navigating the unpredictable business environment, we discuss how business owners can protect their businesses from collapse and how to bounce back from hard financial periods.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following a lengthy investigative and consulting process, SA Rugby intend to go into an equity deal with American investment firm, Ackerley Sports Group, to help secure the rugby body’s financial and commercial future. Sgwili Gumede provides analysis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Traffic jams can turn a simple commute into a daily endurance test that would challenge the patience of drivers. Rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure and a surge in vehicle ownership are the main contributors of traffic congestion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Broadcasting Cooperation has been in decline for years, characterized by financial instability, allegations of corruption, and its inability to keep up with new technology. William Bird, Director, Media Monitoring Africa speaks to us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hammanskraal In the past weeks concerns about the quality of water in the Leeukraal Dam has prompted the City of Tshwane to temporarily shut down the Temba water treatment plant, which supplies water to Hammanskraal and surrounding areas. This after the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment plant started discharging untreated effluent into the Apies River, which feeds the Leeukraal Dam, according to the City. So, some of the Hammanskraal residents haven’t had water for over 3 weeks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, general secretary Solly Mapaila said the SACP, a tripartite alliance partner of the ANC and Cosatu, was invited to attend the ANC-hosted event at Luthuli House in Johannesburg yesterday. The party has voiced disapproval of the DA's inclusion in the GNU governing bloc, saying it believed the EFF's political ideologies aligned better with those of the ANC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Delicacies are food items that people find pleasing to eat but are considered rare or luxurious. Countries across the world have their very own delicacies that are often common rand some, not so common.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Obami is a dynamic South African tech company revolutionizing the way organizations manage content and learning experiences for their stakeholders. Obami has empowered over 750 organizations and reached more than 1 million learners across Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 45% of South Africa’s population are dependent on state grants. In their 2023/24 annual report, the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) revealed that it pays grants to 28 million South Africans. In turn, the National Treasury’s 2024 Budget Review shows that 7.4 million individuals in South Africa pay income tax.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two first-year computer science students at Stellenbosch University have dedicated their efforts to identifying vulnerabilities in both government and private-sector systems. They approach this task with a strong commitment to legality, utilizing only publicly available internet resources, such as the backends of various government portals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As crime intensifies, the threat of public safety remains a huge concern as the proliferation of illegal firearms exacerbates. Last year, former minister of police Bheki Cele revealed that guns were the weapon of choice related to crime and murder according to crime statistics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Billions have been spent on reducing the size of South Africa's armed forces, yet while the number of personnel is decreasing, employment costs are rising.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with Political analyst – Jackie Shandu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s spotlight, we talk to legendary singer and songwriter as we delve deeper into his musical career that spans through generations and how he has shaped Sout Africa’s Jazz scene.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Revenue Services has issued a stern crypto warning concerned that taxpayers are not declaring crypto assets and trades on their tax returns. The revenue service said in a statement on Wednesday that there was “phenomenal” growth in the use of various digital currencies, mostly crypto assets. Morio Sanyane speaks to Edward Kieswetter, South African Revenue Services commissioner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with Melusi Xulu, Managing Director of Donda Attorneys.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today’s Leadership Dialogue, we are in conversation with the Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prof Tshilidzi Marwala. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his distinguished career in academia and global policymaking. With a deep commitment to education, technology, and innovative leadership, he has significantly influenced the discourse on the role of leaders in addressing the pressing challenges facing South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of Entrepreneurial Edge, we shine a spotlight on Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, a dynamic leader and visionary in the South African advertising landscape. As the Group CEO of M&N Brands and co-founder of Avatar, Zibusiso has not only redefined the role of creativity in business but has also championed transformation within the industry. Morio Sanyane is in conversation with Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, co-founder of Avatar and chairman of M&N Brands.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last year, a parliament delegation traveled to the United Kingdom for a study tour to benchmark the possibility of setting up a presidential oversight committee and to investigate whether there would be merit in parliament establishing such a body. The study tour was initiated by the assembly’s rules committee after yet another request from opposition parties and a recommendation by the Zondo commission that parliament should establish a portfolio committee that will hold the president to account. A year later, there has not been any update or developments to the efforts made. Morio Sanyane spoke to Mmusi Maimane, chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committe of Appropriations and, Veronica Mente, National Chairperson of the EFF.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's exploration of the culture corner, we discuss distinction between religiousness and cultism is a nuanced and often contentious subject, deeply rooted in the complexities of belief systems and human behavior. While both involve organized practices and shared beliefs, religiousness is generally characterized by established traditions, community support, and a focus on personal spiritual growth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GoMetro has launched South Africa’s first electric taxi model, eKamva and has hit the road. The launch comes as efforts of electrifying the country’s public transport sector increase. GoMetro said that the 15-seater eKamva has a range of more than 200km between charges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An education-focused non-profit company called Khensani’s Collection has come up with a way to cater to children in Diepsloot, particularly, by building a school using 2L plastic bottles that are filled with non-recyclable plastic – otherwise known as ecobricks. Diana Musara is the CEO of Khensani’s Collection who joins us now to explain this innovation and how it works.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City of Tshwane has temporarily shut down the Temba water treatment plant, which supplies water to Hammanskraal and surrounding areas following concerns about the quality of water in the Leeukraal Dam. The plant is the same one that made headlines after a deadly cholera outbreak that killed over 20 people in Hammanskraal. As citizens bear the brunt of the current water crisis, roaming tankers will provide water to residents until the situation normalizes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know you can participate in government’s decision-making? Not only during elections but on an ongoing basis. South Africa is a participatory democracy and where legislation is passed without facilitating public participation, especially by those members of the public most affected, the law is invalid. Public participation in government is very important and necessary to make sure that you can influence decisions made by government that will impact on your life. Lerato Mbele spoke to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s new Two-Pot Retirement System came into effect on 1 September 2024 and many South Africans are grappling with understanding how the new system works and its impact on their retirement plans.
The campaign “Let’s Talk Two-Pot” aims to educate audiences about the importance of saving and investing with a specific focus on the Two-Pot Retirement System to enhance listeners’ understanding of retirement planning.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Thulisile Nkomo, certified financial planner from the Financial Planning Institute of SA and, Janet Nel, programme manager for ASISA Foundation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The MK Party’s parliamentary leader, Dr. John Hlophe has resigned from the Judicial Service Commission after he was interdicted from taking part in the JSC. Hlophe’s resignation comes on the day the JSC commences with interviews to fill 27 vacancies across the country. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr. Sam Kom, governance expert and Dr. Sysman Motloung, Lecturer and Analyst from NWU.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matric pupils across the country are 13 days away from their official final exams. In a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, the department has indicated that they are ready to administer the final National Senior Certificate examinations for the 2024 matric learners. Lerato Mbele spoke to Elijah Mhlanga, Basic Education Department spokesperson and, Solly Poo, deputy principal of Hofmeyr High School.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
History has shown that only through strong institutions can a solid foundation for nation-building be established. Building effective institutions for Black people is essential for addressing historical injustices and fostering socio-economic development. As we navigate the complexities of a post-colonial and post-apartheid world, the importance of creating robust organizations and frameworks that empower Black communities cannot be overstated. Lerato Mbele is joined by CEO & Founder of Sifiso Learning Group – Sizwe Nxasana, Executive in development economics, and development finance - Dr Thembi Xaba, Black Business Council Vice President – Linda Maqoma and University of Zululand Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology - Dr Pedro Mzileni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's Across the Globe, Atlanta Phambili, (“forward” in Zulu) is a subnational diplomacy initiative that serves as a gateway for U.S-South Africa partnership and is designed to foster common understanding, grow shared prosperity, and facilitate mutually beneficial knowledge exchange. Lerato Mbele speaks to Leslie Marbury, USAID Mission Director and Atlanta Phambili champion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's diary, Lerato is in conversation with Khaya Sithole, chartered accountant and independent analyst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s spotlight, we talk to actress Xolile Tshabalala on her exceptional achievements in the acting industry and how she continues to polish her craft.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Citizens across various townships bear the brunt of illegal connections as load reduction intensifies. Townships in Tshwane like Mamelodi, Soshanguve and in parts of Ekurhuleni says the load reduction they experience is exactly what loadshedding was.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato and Phetola Makhetha recently shared the heartbreaking news about their newborn's serious health condition. The couple has been navigating this challenging experience since the arrival of their baby girl. Unfortunately, shortly after her arrival, she was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder that affects multiple systems in the body and can lead to developmental delays.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A passionate entrepreneur and devoted parent, Mondli Magwaza co-founded Black African Organics in 2016 alongside Ndo Magwaza, the couple, married for 11 years, started their Black African Organics business in the spare bedroom of their apartment, fueled by their commitment to quality and sustainability.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s Leadership dialogue, we talk to Stavros Nicolaou, the iAspen Pharmacare Group’s Senior Executive responsible for Strategic Trade Development. Previously he was CEO of Aspen’s Export Business. Aspen is Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer and a now world leader in Anaesthetics and injectable anti-coagulants.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A World War III has said to have been triggered as war in the middle east spirals out of control. Following Iran’s missile attack on Israel, the attack is said to present global security threats. Iran fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, 2024, amplifying tensions in the Middle East that are increasingly marked by “escalation after escalation,” as United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres put it. However, to what extent do these conflicts constitute to a ”world war”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is joined by Anthony Turton, Water Expert and the department of water and sanitation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prof. Patrick Bond, Sociology Department Professor, UJ and Thembisa Fakude, Senior Researcher & Director, Africa Asia Dialogues speak to Lerato Mbele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mathematician & Founder Of Geleza Tech - Mothupi Kgopa talks to us about his innovative calculator.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City of Joburg is proposing to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, continuing the trend of renaming key roads in the city. The proposal comes a year after another key road, William Nicole Drive, was renamed Winnie Mandela Drive on September 23, 2023.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AI is going to change everything. For some, that’s an exciting prospect. For others, it’s terrifying. However you feel about AI, there’s no escaping it, whether you’re in a global metropolis or a farmer in rural KwaZulu-Natal. But can we refine it to come up with African solutions for Africans?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Born on September 26th in1936, the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela known as “mother of the nation” , remains an icon in South Africa’s political history. Considered a hero, she survived threats, imprisonment, arrest, harassment, 491 days in solitary confinement and two trials. Winnie was an anti-apartheid activist in her own right, in addition to being married to icon and South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with the acting chief executive of the Nelson Mandela foundation, Prof. Verne Harris, commissar of the EFF, Mbali Dlamini, art historian, Percy Mabandu and, entrepreneur and founder of FNB Art Joburg, Mandla Sibeko.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gold prices have risen over 30% in 2024, consistently reaching new highs as demand for the metal grows amid global economic uncertainty. However, South Africa's mining industry is struggling to take full advantage of this surge due to longstanding structural issues, the unreliable electricity supply, illegal mining, theft and other crime and heightened input costs were significant constraints on production. Let’s find out more in this conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation we find out what the modus operandi of drug mules are and what else we need to know about the bigger drug operations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Thulisile Nkomo – Certified Financial Planner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The department of social development highlighted that in South Africa, older persons are faced with numerous challenges including gender-based violence and femicide. We pay a special focus on this view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Managing Director, iusprudentia specialist counsel – Benedict Phiri shares his analysis with Lerato Mbele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Political Analyst - Letlhogonolo Mosuwe joins Lerato Mbele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we take a look at the best travel destinations and options people can look out for as Spring/Summer season kicks in and, for families planning December holidays with their loved ones. Lerato Mbele speaks to Percy Koji, founder of Travel with Confidence, Wendy Schulze, CEO of Thompsons for Travel and Yandiswa Mtenjane, travel advisor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Poaching at KZN flagship rhino reserve has dropped significantly following an emergency rhino dehorning programme. On average, 26 rhinos were killed each month last year at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. The killings have dropped to single-digit figures after an emergency dehorning programme. Across the country, rhino poaching dipped in the first quarter of the year after the government started the dehorning programme in April. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Musa Mntambo, spokesperson of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hunt is still on for a woman kidnapped on the way to a resort along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. Thirty-nine-year-old Cape Town resident Alize van der Merve was taken on her way to the Umngazi Resort in Port ST John’s in the Eastern Cape on Friday afternoon. This isn’t the first incident to occur in the area. Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism has expressed its deep concern about escalating incidents of criminality against tourists.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Exklusiv, a luxury company based in Sandton, offers a wide range of automotive services, including Paint Protection Film (PPF), wrapping, paint correction, stance adjustments, customizations, restorations, and leather repairs. They also provide high-quality vehicle parts and accessories, like forged and split wheels, to elevate the driving experience for car enthusiasts. Lerato Mbele talks to founder of Exklusiv, Jiggy Thakor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On 17 August, Lucia Ndlovu, 35, and Maria Makgato, 47, were killed while collecting expired food at the Onvervaght pig farm in Polokwane. In another case, a six-year-old boy was walking with his mum in the Lutzville area, Western Cape when a farmer allegedly ran over him with his vehicle. It's alleged the 70-year-old madala drove straight into the young boy on Friday, 20 September for allegedly taking oranges from his farm. In this conversation, we discuss whether crimes committed in farms often go unpunished because of factors such as the remoteness of the farm. Lerato Mbele talks to Willie Clack, Rural criminology, Livestock theft & farm crimes Researcher at UNISA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The AMEC grew out of the Free African Society (FAS) which Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others established in Philadelphia in 1787. When officials at St. George’s MEC pulled blacks off their knees while praying, FAS members discovered just how far American Methodists would go to enforce racial discrimination against African Americans. Hence, these members of St. George’s made plans to transform their mutual aid society into an African congregation. Lerato Mbele spoke to Rev. Dr Mannini Mahloko of the AME church.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has released Eskom's contentious multi-year revenue application through 2028, allowing public submissions until November 1. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Prof. Prathaban Moodley, General Manager at SANEDI.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many countries across the world still battle tobacco addiction. The WHO reports that there are 1.25 billion adult tobacco users in the world. In South Africa, 29.4% of the population are tobacco users. A popular alternative to alleviating tobacco addiction is nicotine replacement products that people can use with cut down on their addiction and the urge of wanting to smoke. Products such as nicotine orals and patches are used to help people quit smoking. Lerato Mbele spoke to Udo Kieslich, director of Pouch World and, Sharon Nyatsanza, deputy director of National Council Against Smoking.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gabon’s former President Ali Bongo has announced his withdrawal from politics. In a letter to the Gabonese people, Bongo confirmed his withdrawal from political life and called for the release of his wife, Sylvia, and son, Noureddin, who are detained on corruption charges. Ali Bongo is the son of Omar Bongo who was president of Gabon. In Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso appointed his son Denis-Christel as a cabinet minister - a move that has revived media speculation that he has a dynastic succession in mind. In this conversation we will be discussing why African leaders are obsessed with creating dynasties within democracies. Lerato Mbele spoke to Advocate Sipho Mantula.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the meetings kick off, world leaders are converging to tackle global challenges such as climate change, inequality, war, poverty and instability that continue to confront most countries. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the UNGA tomorrow in New York and is leading the South African delegation to the meetings under the theme “Unity in diversity for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere.” Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Thembisa Fakude, Senior Researcher and Director at Africa Asia Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, the rich tapestry of cultures is beautifully illustrated through the many cultures that we have. In today’s Masterclass, we take a look at the Venda, Zulu, and Indian communities, each contributing unique traditions and histories to the nation's identity. Together, these cultures create a dynamic interplay of heritage that highlights both their distinctiveness and their interconnectedness, fostering a shared sense of identity in the rich mosaic of South African society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For over two years, the Mogale City Local Municipality in western Gauteng has been discharging tens of thousands of liters of raw sewage into local rivers daily. In places where the river is inaccessible, the municipality has excavated a large open pit in a residential zone to dispose of raw effluent adjacent to the N14 highway. This has also led to significant pollution in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, harming tourism in the region. The municipality’s sewage reticulation infrastructure has collapsed. Lerato Mbele spoke to Paleoanthropologist & Wits University Curator of Fossil and Rock Collections, Dr. Bernhard Zipfel
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the much-anticipated rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank last week, some relief is expected for food prices in the country. However, the agricultural sector still battles food production challenges. Lerato Mbele spoke to Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist, FNB.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following multiple cases of non-compliance and exploitative hiring processes by restaurants across Gauteng, it has raised concerns around labor practices not only in the restaurant sector but the hospitality sector in general. The sector is often guilty of breaching labor laws such as hiring of illegal foreigners, unfair wages, extreme working conditions and even exploitation. Lerato Mbele spoke to Aggy Moiloa, inspector-general of the department of employment and labour, Kate Shuttleworth, founder & director of Marvellous Maids and Michael Bagraim, Labour Lawyer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former President Ian Khama of Botswana made a surprise return to his home country after nearly three years of self-imposed exile in South Africa. His arrival coincides with the lead-up to the upcoming general elections scheduled for October. Upon returning, Khama unexpectedly appeared in court to address charges related to unlawful possession of firearms, which had resulted in an arrest warrant issued against him in December 2022.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's diary, Lerato Mbele is in conversation with political analyst, Jackie Shandu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s spotlight, we talk to South Africa’s kwaito music group, Trompies, which was formed in 1995 and popularly known for their colourful costumes and pantsula/sbujwa streetwise dance moves. Trompies rose to fame in the country’s pop and kwaito music and has contributed greatly to the Kwaito music genre and the music industry as a whole.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the 2022/23 District Health Barometer, 365 teens who give birth in South Africa every day Of that daily number of births, 10 are to girls who are not even 15 years old yet. Moreover, many young moms in South Africa also have HIV (close to one in five in women between 15 and 24 who recently had a baby, data from the Human Sciences Research Council shows).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Eswatini government has taken a decision to redesign how the public will be informed about government business and issues of national importance. This comes after a senior journalist had a verbal showdown with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini on Friday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with Molebogeng Diseko, Operational Call Centre Manager, Registered Counsellor, Reality Wellness Group.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with the university of Venda’s executive leader Professor Ndanduleni Nthambeleni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with Professor Maeyane S. Moeng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC - Basikopo Makamu and Programme Officer at Nkuzi Development Association, a land rights support organization - Molatelo Mohale
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world has seen great breakthroughs and inventions that have become game-changers, but the inventors do not always get the credit. There are about 10 or even more, women inventions that were credited to men, according to Chattaonooga Women’s Leadership Institute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we celebrate Heritage month, heritage sites are symbolic and important places that carry the historical stories of South African cultures. Some heritage sites in the province of Gauteng are said to be falling apart, with the province directing about 9.2 million towards improving heritage sites
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we explore the new innovation in dentistry with Founder and Chief Dentist at Every Smile Dentistry - Dr. ZsaZsanov Zungu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Saving & understanding the Two-Pot Retirement System
Saving is the act of delaying immediate spending until you accumulate enough to spend on something more worthwhile in the future.
Savings enable you to reach your goals. For us to save, the first step is to look at your budget, track your income and expenses, to prioritise your expenses regarding your needs and control your spending. This means you decide before you spend, how much you are going to save. One of the things that can keep you disciplined and motivated in saving is when you have a goal in mind, and you know that you are saving towards that goal. For example, if you know that you are saving towards tertiary registration fees, a deposit for a house or a car, towards buying an appliance such as a TV or for a holiday at the end of the year, you know exactly what the purpose of your saving is, and this can motivate you. You can work out how much that goal is, work out how long you want to save for and realistically calculate how much you will put into savings each month for that specific goal
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Thulisile Nkomo – Certified Financial Planner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What constitutes a class action lawsuit? Tiger Brands is facing pressure to urgently settle a multibillion-rand listeriosis class action suit from over 1 000 victims, with the Catholic Church entering the fray. In the US, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $6.4billion to settle lawsuits in the United States that accused the pharmaceutical giant of deceiving customers about the safety of its talcum-based powder products.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s masterclass, we talk about the valuation of African stories through culture and preserving the creative economy. In doing this, the Africa Culture Group uses culture as a lever of integration to enable regional and economic activity within Africa and across the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the world sees improved ways of being digitally connected, digital fraud is increasingly evolving and finding its way to people through online scams.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States of America said it is preparing a large aid package for Ukraine in the coming week to allow Ukraine to use western-supplied, long-range missiles for strikes in Russia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (Bela Bill) into law, but announced he would be suspending the implementation of two specific clauses in the bill for a three-month consultation period. In this week’s view of the nation, we get an understanding of what the issues of contention are.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Itumeleng Mafisa, Politics Reporter at The Citizen speaks to Lerato Mbele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s spotlight, we talk to comedian and movie actor, David Kau. Popularly known for his one-man shows called Blacks Only and The Rainbow Nation, Kau is one of South Africa’s best stand-up comedians.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Often called the institutions of knowledge, libraries play a pivotal role in providing books that carry ancient information on various topics and are the hub of the acceleration of education. However, Johannesburg’s central library has been shut down for over 3 years for refurbishment. There is no clear date for it to re-open so far. The closure has removed a vital facility for inner-city students and children who rely on it. Lerato Mbele speaks to Charlie Molepo, president of the Libraries and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, the regulator revealed several companies that fail to submit their annual Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) as required by law. To deal with high levels of non-compliance - the Information Regulator says it will approach Parliament to grant it more enforcement powers. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s leadership dialogue, we talk to Mncedisi Ndlovu who is the co-founder and chairman of Mncedisi Ndlovu and Sedumedi Attorneys, one of South Africa’s leading black-owned law firms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grace Gras Empire Luxury Fragrances, a network marketing company that produces and manufactures home & personal care luxury fragrances, is a company that exists to create employment, fight poverty and contribute to health and wellness. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with founder, Lerato Promise Dhlamini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), most township businesses are small, unprofitable and focused on local markets, rather than producing goods and services that can be sold more widely, create good jobs and generate higher incomes. While black people may run car washes, beer halls, spaza shops and food outlets, these ventures often offer low-profit margins and limited opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Simon Brown, Investment analyst and Dr. Justin Visagie, Senior Researcher at HSRC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s culture corner, we talk about the history and culture of praise poetry. For South African nations, praise poetry is a popular indigenous oral tradition for paying tribute or homage to leaders such as kings and chiefs. The oral tradition has been used to conserve the history, values and experiences of different cultural groups. In Setswana, praise poetry is called Maboko and in Zulu, called Izibongo. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with legendary praise poet, Zolani Mkiva and, VendaBoy poet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Cape Town, a bullet is fired approximately every 47 minutes across a 10km² area known for intense gang violence. This area includes Nyanga, Hanover Park, Manenberg, and Lavender Hill, where ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system, has been implemented. Between January and August, ShotSpotter recorded over 7,400 rounds fired in more than 2,650 incidents. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Ralph Clark, CEO of Sound Thinking.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Little hope for an Israel-Hamas truce as the war between the two enters its 12th month. Hamas, whose October 7 attack on Israel sparked the war, is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal but, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that troops must remain on a key strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border. The recent strike targeted a tent camp in Gaza and included intense bombing with witnesses saying people were thrown in the air. Lerato Mbele speaks to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Researcher and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues and, Ofer Neiman, member of "Boycott from Within- Israeli Citizens for Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The property market in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence recently, with a significant factor being the return of South African expatriates. This recovery, which began showing promising signs at the start of 2024, has accelerated notably since the elections, with tangible progress becoming evident by mid-year. Lerato Mbele speaks to Rory O'Hagan, CEO of Luxury Division at Chas Everitt International Property Group.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) believes the Constitutional Court is best placed to interpret a section of the constitution and clarify whether the commission has the power to issue binding directives. Lerato Mbele speaks to Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi, full-time commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is the only African country in the top 40 global agricultural exporters with an export value of $13.2bn in 2023. SA is ranked the 32nd largest agricultural exporter in the world. However, to boost agricultural exports to new frontiers and maintain access to existing markets, SA needs to prioritize crop and livestock breeding. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Paul Makube, senior agriculture economist at FNB.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Retirement and the Two-Port Retirement System
South Africa’s new Two-Pot Retirement System came into effect on 1 September 2024 and many South Africans are grappling with understanding how the new system works and its impact on their retirement plans.
To help South Africans to understand the new system the ASISA Foundation is running a 4-Week, educational radio campaign. This campaign will engage audiences in discussions and activities to help them learn about the new system.
The campaign “Let’s Talk Two-Pot” aims to educate audiences about the importance of saving and investing with a specific focus on the Two-Pot Retirement System to enhance listeners’ understanding of retirement planning.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Thulisile Nkomo, a Certified Financial Planner from ASISA Foundation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is confronting a profound crisis that permeates nearly every aspect of society. The nation is grappling with a pervasive sense of despair, characterized by widespread disillusionment and visible signs of decay. This sense of brokenness is not confined to the physical environment but extends deeply into the social fabric, reflecting a society that feels fragmented and increasingly unstable. Lerato Mbele spoke to Jamil F. Khan, critical diversity scholar, Laurie Pieters-James, forensic criminologist and Siyabulela Jentile, NOT IN MY NAME President.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just ahead of his big debate with Kamala Harris, former United States President, Donald Trump has called for the 25th Amendment changes amid new questions over his mental state. Trump suggested expanding the 25th Amendment to include the possibility of removing a vice president. Lerato Mbele spoke to Prof. John Stremlau from the WITS and Prof. Patrick Bond from UJ.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's news diary, Lerato Mbele talks to Daily Maverick journalist, Queenin Masuabi for an in-depth discussion of news from the weekend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African actor, Vusi Thanda is well known for his famous role as Tshawe on SABC 1 sitcom Emzini Wezinsizwa with his iconic phrase “as far as I am concerned”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The home of good food and good music, Disoufeng, an African cuisine eatery in Meadowlands has adapted many ways to stay relevant to its market. Disoufeng shares with us their African cuisine menu and what inspires the various dishes on offer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Priceless artworks at Johannesburg Art Gallery are at risk of irreparable damage due to inadequate storage conditions, prompting urgent calls for the City to take action before the upcoming rainy season wreaks havoc on the continent's largest publicly owned art collection.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hlelo Giyose, Chief Investment Officer and Principal, First Avenue Investment Management joins Nhlanhla Sehume to discuss this development.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary, South African Federation of Trade Unions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Local entrepreneur Paul Masilo, 46, has demonstrated that hard work can lead to remarkable achievements with the creation of Freshmo, a mouthwash product he developed without any prior preparation or background in chemical engineering.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pottery plays a significant role in African rituals and ceremonies. It is often used in the preparation and serving of traditional meals during celebrations and religious festivals. The vessels used in these rituals may be adorned with intricate designs, representing cultural symbols and spiritual beliefs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Experts across the world had, over the years, tried to create a digital laser, which they argued would be more efficient, but they all failed until 2013.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to acting CEO Saki Zamxaka about the plans of the Gauteng Growth & Development agency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allen Munoriyarwa, Professor of Journalism at Walter Sisulu University speaks to Lerato Mbele about the banning of X in Brazil and the arraest of Telegram founder.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The brazen use of consultants is an indictment of our municipalities’ failing skills. Limpopo municipalities spent R280M on financial consultants.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of Johannesburg’s oldest townships, Alexandra has been plagued by a housing crisis that has been fueled by overpopulation, inadequate service delivery and illegal dwellings. Residents of Alexandra have protested countless times seeking attention to address the need for improved living conditions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As crime intensifies in the country, Lerato Mbele spoke to KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who is at the forefront of combating crime across the province. Mkhwanazi said the death rate of police officers in the province has gone up and emphasises that the police will do all it takes to protect officers who die on duty and citizens.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amadodana Ase Wesile is an influential gospel group in South Africa. Internationally acclaimed, Amadodana Ase Wesile, was formed in 1985 by the Methodist Church's Young Men's Guild (YMG) of Gauteng's Central District. The founder, Thomas Mokhathi and members of the group joined Lerato Mbele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The uMkhonto weSizwe party has sworn in eight new members which include former SOE heads and seasoned professionals. Party leader, Jacob Zuma said the new members are capable of driving the country towards progressive leadership. Lerato Mbele spoke to Mbhazima Shilowa, former Gauteng premier.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tumelo worked for Denel SOC Ltd, as a Software Engineer where she gained her technical experience. Following that, Tumelo qualified as the first black female patent attorney in South Africa having worked at some of the biggest IP firms in the country. One of the Firms that she worked for, that is, Adams & Adams, she left the Firm at a partnership level.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s leadership dialogue, we host Sibongile (Bongi) Mkhabela, a development practitioner, social worker by profession and an activist by orientation. Ms Mkhabela, a development institution builder, is currently the Executive Director of Barloworld Empowerment Foundation (BWEF), a non- profit organisation that seeks to ignite individual self-belief and unleash resilient and thriving communities through the application of innovative measures through advocacy and story-telling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 24 million people in Africa have diabetes, set to at least double in the next 20years – but only about 15 of what the world pays towards diabetes care is spent in Africa. In South Africa, insulin pens are running low and, Novo Nordisk earlier this year decided to stop supplying the health department due to “capacity limitations”. Lerato Mbele spoke to Imraan Bismilla, Division Head: Pharma at the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology and Khadija Jamaloodien, Chief Director for Affordable Medicines at the National Health Department.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s culture corner, we talk about how multilingualism and code-switching influence personalities and how the two are often used as a form of survival in social settings, including corporate. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr. Koki Kapa, sociolinguist and critical thinking lecturer and Peter Mekgwe, Chairperson of the South African Translators Institute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The concept of AI-generated music refers to the process of creating musical content using artificial intelligence technologies. This nascent field leverages machine learning algorithms and deep learning networks that can analyse vast amounts of musical data, learn patterns, and create original compositions. Lerato Mbele spoke to Arthur Goldstuck, from Worldwide Worx.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Only a fraction of municipalities in SA have received clean audits. Forty-five municipalities improved their audit outcomes since 2020-21, but 36 regressed. Fewer municipalities have disclaimed audit opinions, which is the worst possible audit outcome. Lerato Mbele was joined by Ray van Rooy, Mayor of Bergrivier, Amos Makoae, Chief Financial Officer of Masilonyana Municipality and Mohammed Lorgat, National Programme Director for Municipal Audit Support at SALGA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Victims of Crime report, 2.6 million households in South Africa have experienced burglary in the past 5 years which is an increase of 12% from the previous year. Many resort to private security as means of protection, some buy houses in gated communities to alleviate the vulnerability of burglaries. Lerato Mbele spoke to Mark van Jaarsveld, CEO of Community Active Protection and Clive Maher, CEO of SCP Security.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legitimate businesses suffer substantial losses due to counterfeiting through loss of revenue and profits. That translates into job losses and slower growth, not counting the potential reputational damage when counterfeiters pass off subpar products as the original items. Lerato Mbele spoke to Amana van Wyk, National SAPS Lieutenant Colonel and Michael Lawrence, Executive Director, National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With their two astronauts stuck in space, NASA has decided that the two will return next year February on a SpaceX-crewed Dragon flight on which two seats have been made available. Lerato Mbele is joined by Dr. Lerothodi Leeuw, astrophysicist from UWC as they discuss the benefits of having space programs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The construction of Toyota Tsusho Africa and Ogihara Thailand Corporation's R1.1 billion manufacturing plant at Dube TradePort, north of Durban will be completed in July next year. This investment is happening despite the terrible car sales in South Africa. Lerato Mbele spoke to Hlelo Giyose, Chief Investment Officer and Principal of First Avenue Investment Management and, Oliver Petersen, Executive Director at Thesele Group.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's masterclass, we talk about the profitability of beekeeping in South Africa. The honey industry is characterized by under-production and fewer bee-farmers. Lerato Mbele spoke to Lulu Letlape, owner of BongiBees for more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s view of the nation, we dissect the role of the Unemployment Insurance Fund in the employment sector and what contributes to delayed payouts. UIF, is a short-term relief fund for workers in cases where workers lose their jobs, unable to work due to illness, parental leave, adoption or even maternity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Money has become the lifeblood of American political campaigns. It buys TV ads, hires staff in key states, facilitates travel and secures crucial data to reach targeted voting blocs. How much money a candidate has can determine the longevity of his or her campaign and, while there are limits on how much individuals can donate to a campaign; candidates can spend as much as they raise.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato is in conversation with Political Analyst – Jackie Shandu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Renowned Musician Ishmael Morabe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we continue to celebrate women’s month, this week’s women in ‘unconventional’ jobs profiles a 43-year-old single mother traffic controller from OUTsurance, Innocent Moatse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After resigning from the Economic Freedom Fighters as the deputy president, Floyd Shivambu joined the uMkhonto weSizwe party and has now been announced as the party’s national organizer. Shivambu’s new political role was announced during the MK Party’s media briefing in Sandton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s entrepreneurial edge, we talk to township fire victims who have turned disaster into solar powered solution. Mosebe Enterprise uses recycled materials to create power stations for underserved rural communities in the Western Cape and beyond.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A recent Afrobarometer survey highlights a notable trend in Africa where a significant proportion of young people are more accepting of military leadership compared to their older counterparts. Lerato speaks to UNISA Lecturer of Understanding Political Behaviour and Participation - Prof Everisto Benyera, Governance, Peace and Security Expert - Muneinazvo Kujeke and Researcher with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Nairobi - Dr Nicodemus Minde.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 100 veterinarians leave the country every year to work overseas, while only about 140 qualify a year, according to recent figures from the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Unorthodox Chef Catering - Ceo Phill Khoza and African Culture Academic at UNISA – Jabu Sibanyoni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Employment Relations & Employee Benefits Consultant & Accredited Commercial Mediator – Galeboe Modisapodi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eastern Cape Provincial Spokesperson – Khuselwa Rantie and AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo's spokesperson – Princess Ntando Dalindyebo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Senior lecturer at the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions at the University of South Africa - Dr. Busiswa Ndaba Vatsha.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Children are one of the most powerful investments a government can make. To secure our nation’s future, it is essential that education and ECD are at the top of the political agenda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with immigration law expert Ashraf Essop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has defended police actions in recent shootouts with criminals, asserting that police officers will retaliate when criminals open fire on them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s View of the Nation, we discuss the escalation of municipal debt across the country. In recent news, the Msunduzi Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal cut water and electricity to 23 schools with over R32BN debt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Businesslive Reporter Thando Maeko.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the vast central African nation of Congo, which has had more than 96% of the world’s roughly 17,000 recorded cases of mpox this year — and some 500 deaths from the disease — many of the most vulnerable seem unaware of its existence or the threat that it poses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's spotlight, we sit down with mam' Abigail Kubeka, legendary singer and actress. Her career spans over 67 years and remains the nation's icon. This Saturday, Joburg Theatre is hosting the "Abigail Kubeka Tribute Concert" to honor and celebrate the icon's contributions to the industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s leadership dialogue, we talk to the South African Revenue Services commissioner, Edward Kieswetter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Team SA returned home with 6 medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Gayton Mckenzi said he will investigate how sport federations use budget allocations and sponsorship.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s entrepreneurial edge, we talk to Sibu Mabena, the founder of Duma Collective.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's Culture Corner, we take it back and remember Soweto's iconic Eyethu Cinema, which was greatly known for its premier entertainment for the community of Soweto since the 1970s and 80s. The cinema was one of the first black-owned cinemas in South Africa. Lerato speaks to Batana Vundla, director of Eyethu Republik as they talk about the lifeline of Eyethu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Miss SA pageant has over the weekend crowned its first deaf winner, Mia le Roux. The winner, who lives with a disability, says her win is a win for all because she will be able to help those who are "financially excluded and differently abled". Lerato Mbele discusses the element of representation and how the world is becoming more inclusive with Jabu Zwane, Mindset Development Practitioner, Dr. Jerry Gule, former chairperson of South African Employers for Disability, Jamil F. Khan, Author and Critical Diversity Scholar and Pelela Lamani, diversity and inclusion specialist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Criminal activities in the Eastern Cape have risen as police embark on major operation to combat the crime. The Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay has now begged Treasury for resources to get CCTV footages following high levels of killings, kidnappings and robberies. Bullets also flew at a school prizegiving as gunmen robbed pupils, parents and teachers. For this conversation, Lerato Mbele is joined by Gary van Niekerk, Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's masterclass, we talk to content creator and Youtube couple, Regomoditswe and Modise who are affectionately known as 'RegoDise'. The couple is a social media sensation that focus on inspiring young couples on healthy marriages.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 33rd summer olympics in Paris have officially concluded and South Africa, has walked away with 6 medals. This has improved the country's global competitiveness and excitement from supporters. As the momentum of the olympics still runs, we delve deeper into how we can capitalise on the olympics momentum to further grow sports in the country. Nhlanhla Sehume spoke to Nqobile Ndlovu, director at Cash N Sports.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The uMkhonto weSizwe party is today expected to go head-to-head with the SABC over the use of the GNU term. The party filed urgent papers in July in the High Court accusing the state broadcaster of misleading the public in how they used the term "GNU". Nhlanhla Sehume is joined by Nhlamulo Ndhlela, spokesperson of the MK Party.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant of the former Free State premier, Ace Magashule has appeared in court on fraud and corruption charges related to the R255 million asbestos tender. Cholota has maintained her innocence in court and claims the charges against her are a retaliation. Nhlanhla Sehume spoke to Dr Metjie Makgoba, Lecturer at the University of Limpopo and Legal Practitioner at Majavu Inc, Zola Majavu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's view of the nation, we unpack the city of Joburg's political dynamics as Mayor Gwamanda's party demands a deputy mayor post should he step down. Calls from civic organizations have come in demanding the removal of the city's mayor following concerns of poor service delivery and delayed infrastructure developments. Lerato Mbele speaks to Regional Spokesperson for Joburg of the ANC, Masilo Serekele, Dr. Sysman Motloung who is a Lecturer at NWU and Prof. Boitumelo Senokoane, a professor from UNISA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's view of the nation, we unpack the city of Joburg's political dynamics as Mayor Gwamanda's party demands a deputy mayor post should he step down. Calls from civic organizations have come in demanding the removal of the city's mayor following concerns of poor service delivery and delayed infrastructure developments. Lerato Mbele speaks to Regional Spokesperson for Joburg of the ANC, Masilo Serekele, Dr. Sysman Motloung who is a Lecturer at NWU and Prof. Boitumelo Senokoane, a professor from UNISA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Zimbabwean government has embarked on a major crackdown on opposition activists. This comes as the country prepares to host the SADC summit now in August. This week alone, police have arrested 8 opposition activists from different political parties for illegal gatherings. Human rights defenders are condemning the arrests and alleged torture of Zimbabweans who called for the release of the opposition activists in late June. Lerato Mbele speaks to Spokesperson of the Africa Diaspora Forum, Ngqabutho Mabhena and Journalist, Zenzele Ndebele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's masterclass, Lerato Mbele speaks to the only female Special Task Force member, whose identity we cannot reveal for security purposes for an in-depth discussion of the risks related to her crucial job. We also spoke to Lilo Mthembu who is a private midwife, Sinah Ratlahagane who is a bus driver from the Northwest Transport Investment and Betty Thamana, a taxi driver from the Springs Taxi Association in Ekurhuleni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. Her departure appears to have defused the high tension in Dhaka where more deadly protests were feared on Monday. The army has now announced an interim government and people have celebrated Hasina's departure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eskom's annual double-digit increases in electricity prices have placed an unbearable burden on South African citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet. This means that citizens now have to stretch every penny inside their pockets. Citizens have raised concerns that they buy expensive electricity that only provides few units for their households.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last year, South African women accounted for 40% of the national income. The latest Labour Force survey finds that although women constitute just over half of all working age adults in the country, they have a higher unemployment rate than men with the rate for women closer to 36% compared with around 33% for men.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we look across the world, violent disorder swept across several British cities, injuring police and damaging property in the most widespread rioting in the country for 13 years, following the murder of three young girls in northwest England. Riots involving hundreds of anti-immigration protesters have erupted in towns and cities after false information spread rapidly on social media showing that the suspect in a knife attack at a children's dance class in Southport was a radical Muslim migrant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's diary, we discuss some of the stories from Sunday newspapers. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr. Dikeledi Mokoena, Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics are underway, South Africa secured its first gold medal. Swimmer, Tatjana Smith won the 100m women’s breaststroke at the Olympics, being the first to secure a gold medal for the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago warns that climate change is a growing threat to the country’s financial stability. After President Cyril signed the news Climate Change bill into law, many a hopeful that this could be a new dawn to what had seemed a long battle against global warming.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Television presenter and actor, Lawrence Maleka has captured audiences with his charm and talent. Maleka has starred in the Netflix movie, Lobola Man and has received awards for his acting talent. His style is often referred to as “Kasi chic” enticing you with his charm, charisma, wit and a smile that lets you know it’s going to be okay, and I am glad that you are here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we are chatting to Mzukisi about the journey of building an authentic African fashion brand, the process of monetising the business in the fashion industry, and dealing with the challenges in the industry, particularly as an African inspired brand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President of Amazulu football club, Sandile Zungu believes in inspiring transformation through business empowerment. Zungu’s football club has recently received a financial boost from two new sponsors and has revealed 7 new signings. Zungu currently owns Amandla Mobile and Zungu Investments.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in Iran’s capital, Tehran, according to a statement from the group that runs the besieged and bombarded Gaza Strip, which blamed Israel for his killing. Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed in the early hours of Wednesday after the building where they were staying was struck.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s innovation segment, we are highlighting some of the impactful innovations by South African academics who were funded by taxpayers, through the national research foundation. The national research foundation is also celebrating 25 years of its existence this year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A MyBroadBand research has shown that South Africans want to spend less money on heating up their geysers. The research shows that average households spend 40-50% of their monthly electricity bill on geyser heating. Alternative energy options have been areas to consider to save up money and solar geysers are often first options people consider.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you think woke is a curse or a blessing, you’re likely to share one assumption: woke is left, or far-left, or hard-left. What makes woke positions hard to define is that they’re fuelled by all the emotions traditional to most progressive views: sympathy for the marginalised, indignation at the plight of the oppressed, determination that historical wrongs must be righted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tax efilling season is upon us and this week’s Masterclass offers lessons on things to be aware of when submitting your taxes in Fisk 2024 season.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States has negotiated a truce so humanitarian assistance can be given to more than seven million people, including children, caught in the grip of the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initial cessation of hostilities was for two weeks. It was extended by a further two weeks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African election observers have condemned allegations of a fraudulent electoral process in Venezuela and have declared voting free, fair and transparent. This after media group, Reuters reported fraud allegations in Venezuela’s electoral process. Over 15 South African election observers who are currently in Caracas, are part of a total 910 observers from more than 95 different countries.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Based on the 2011 Census, the population of Johannesburg was thought to be 6 million. But Census 2022 says Johannesburg is 20% smaller than previously thought and on which budgetary estimates for the past 10 years have been calculated.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The provision of transport has remained one of the key challenges confronting the government in the post-apartheid era. This is largely because of the apartheid practices that ensured that the majority of the society was placed in areas which were largely inaccessible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The opening ceremony of this year’s Olympics has left Muslims and Christians offended with calls to boycott the Olympics. Among the skits that were performed during the ceremony, they had representations of Jesus and a 3D hologram of the night watchman riding a horse with the angle of death, offending Christians and Muslims who do not share the same values.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queenin Masuabi, Daily Maverick Journalist is in conversation with Lerato Mbele about this week’s news diary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's spotlight, Lerato Mbele speaks to Tsonga disco, "Shaka Bundu" creator, musician and now politician Papa Penny.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we navigate the dating environment and how to secure good romantic relationships, a popular Youtube show called 'Awkward Dates' created by celebrity content creator, Lasizwe Dambuza has had the youth engaging immensely on social media. On the back of this, we unpack the Dos and Don'ts on first dates and the tools people can use to maintain romantic relationships.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before the formation of the Government of National Unity, President Cyril Ramaphosa had 19 bills he had to sign, which were not signed. Early this year during the national elections period, Ramaphosa "quickly" signed the NHI bill into law which caused stirs between the public and private health sectors. In recent updates, Ramaphosa has signed 3 more bills, Public Procurement, Climate Change and the National Small Enterprises bills.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's Entrepreneurial Edge, Lerato Mbele spoke to the founder and CEO of Delivery Ka Speed, Godiragetse Mogajane. The food delivery service is a ground-breaking business contributing towards township economy growth through which food is delivered for local townships in and around Gauteng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's leadership dialogue, Lerato Mbele spoke to Advocate Andy Mothibi, the Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the run-up to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in Washington DC, all eyes have been on whether South Africa will remain under AGOA. Analysts and politicians believe the country has a good chance to retain its access to US markets. There have been calls for the US to review US-SA relations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to a report by the Centre for Risk Analysis, over R721 billion a year goes to the public sector wage bill. This report highlights that South Africa has the third-highest government wage bill as a share of GDP compared with 20 major global economies. Although South Africa has a much smaller economy, its wage bill as a share of GDP (about 10.5%) towers over economic powerhouses such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's Innovation Wednesday, Lerato Mbele spoke to innovator and entrepreneur, Sandiso Sibiso who is the founder of COOi Studios. COOi is a strategy, design and technology accelerator delivering innovative solutions for large enterprises.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Higher Education has returned as much as R580 million in funds to the national treasury, despite the high number of unfunded students. The funds were allocated for specific purposes and could not be reallocated, according to former Higher Education minister, Blade Nzimande.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miss South Africa finalist, Chidimma Adetshina has faced xenophobic attacks on social media about her eligibility to represent the nation. Adetshina has faced criticism with users questioning her South African identity. The finalist stated in a video that she was born and raised in South Africa, Soweto though admitting that her parents were not South African.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's masterclass we unpack, in detail, the two-pot retirement system which has now become official. Ramaphosa signed the bill into law which resulted from pressure from trade union movements. The two-pot retirement system will allow fund members to withdraw a part of their pension fund savings before retirement.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's across the globe, Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine has reminded European countries about the importance of manpower with many, once again weighing the promises and perils of compulsory military service.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa spoke firmly against dysfunctional municipalities that have even failed to pay salaries. During his Budget Vote speech, Hlabisa highlighted the hurdles faced by local municipalities and said that it is now the job of the 7th administration to turn things around. Calls to restore municipalities are in motion with the ANC among other parties demanding the removal of city mayors of Tshwane and Johannesburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa says the Government of National Unity will expand the basket of essential food items exempt from VAT and identify areas where prices can be reduced. Ramaphosa spoke during the Opening of Parliament last week and hopes this measure will alleviate poverty in the midst of the high cost of living.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's view of the nation, the Gauteng province continues to bear the brunt of little to no water running through taps as a result of Rand Water maintenance processes. The water utility assured citizens about 2months ago that they will have cleaning running water soon. While parts of Johannesburg do without water, Tshwane residents have spent as long as 6months without water. Local councilors in areas like Mamelodi have coupled the reasons with theft, gangsterism and vandalism calling it the "Water Mafia".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's diary, Lerato Mbele was in conversation with BusinessLIVE Reporter, Thando Maeko.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American President, Joe Biden has bowed out of the elections race and endorsed vice-president, Kamala Harris for nomination. This follows as Biden expressed in an official statement that he is now exiting the presidential race. Biden has now succumbed to pressure from party leaders despite his strong stance that he could win against former president, Donald Trump.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Cybersecurity analyst Anthony Boucher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Known for his charismatic and often "dzaddy" roles, has carved out a distinguished career in South African entertainment over more than 25 years. His formal training includes a performance diploma in theatre and a master's degree in drama and acting from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, which he completed in 2000.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Willem Els about SAPS surveillance on social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Young Kenyans last Friday dismissed President William Ruto's decision to sack most of his cabinet, with some warning that they would resume street protests unless he steps down. Ruto has been scrambling to contain the fallout of deadly protests against proposed tax hikes, after last month's peaceful rallies descended into violence and tapped into widespread anger against his government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gauteng’s MEC of Finance, Lebogang Maile has made announcements on plans to have a State Bank for the province. Speaking at the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency in Sandton over the weekend, Maile said his plans are solely to address economic and financial challenges faced by the people of Gauteng and that he seeks to bring back the people’s confidence in the provincial treasury.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is a big season for Stimela. Stimela is celebrating it's 43 year milestone anniversary, but parallel to that, the band is commemorating its own fallen stalwarts. Stimela hasn't released any music in the past 7 years after the passing of one of its founding members, Ray Phiri, and the other leaders of the institution Issac Mnca, Loyd Lelosa, Nana Coyote. It's difficult to deal with a period of mourning one member after the other, and only now have they been able to rise back up again, working tirelessly in the studio to regain the control of the train.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa officially opened parliament for the 7th Administration while the President, Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation. The “OPA”, Opening of Parliament Address took place yesterday evening following the appointment of new cabinet ministers of the Government of National Unity. The opening of parliament remains a significant event for democratic processes since 1994.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IPERFORMX (IPX) is an innovative health and fitness brand that uses its products to help consumers perform optimally and live healthily. Founded by Bandile Radebe, a fitness instructor, IPERFORMX is known for its first of its kind in SA, a peanut butter infused with whey protein and collagen. We speak to IPX in this week's edition of the entrepreneurial edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with politician and former GNU member Jay Naidoo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato is in conversation with Vusi Sibanda and Zenzele Ndebele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Author and scholar Sipho Sithole dives into the fascinating history and cultural richness of Johannesburg's renowned Kwa Mai Mai in his latest book "Maye! Maye!". He joins Lerato Mbele in studio to discuss more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato mbele is in conversation with Bulelwa Mabasa – Head of land reform at Werksmans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The disciplinary hearing of former South African President, Jacob Zuma, is set to resume today, July 17TH. The hearing is as a result of Zuma’s suspension from the African National Congress after he announced he would be voting and campaigning for newly-founded Umkhonto weSizwe party, which is an ANC rival. Zuma was suspended from the ANC in January to undergo disciplinary hearing, which was then postponed to July due to security reasons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Loop is on a mission to digitize the payment system for the taxi industry. The pilot project allows the commuters to pay using their cellphones and can pay using the Tap-to-Phone option or the Chat-to-Pay feature on WhatsApp.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jackie Shandu, Political Analyst speaks to Lerato Mbele about the news stories from the Sunday papers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tshifhiwa Matodzi was the chairperson of VBS Mutual Bank, which collapsed in 2018 after being looted for years. The scam stretched from impoverished rural villages all the way to government circles and defrauded ordinary South Africans. In court last Wednesday, Matodzi pleaded guilty to 33 counts, including corruption, theft, fraud, money laundering, and racketeering.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and CEO of Legends Barber in this week's edition of the entrepreneurial edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to composer, singer, tv show judge, producer and curator, Msaki.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to NUMSA Spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi Majola about the latest developments in the Ford Motor Company strike. Striking members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA are today set to return to work a week after they downed tools in support of their demands for profit sharing. The union negotiated that Ford pay workers R20 000 each as a deadlock-breaking mechanism and to pay these monies as soon as possible following the return of workers to the workplace.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Lehlohonolo Thobela, a South African Weather Service Forecaster and Dr Peter Johnston, a Climate Scientist and Researcher from the University of Cape Town about climate change.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to political analyst Sandile Swana about Bantustan leaders and their legacies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Kedibone Tsiloane, Co-founder of Ramtsilo Manufacturing & Construction about their plastic bricks. The company converts plastic waste into construction bricks that are strong, durable and fire retardant and can be used for the construction of factory and housing units.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dean Macpherson, Minister for Public Works, and Infrastructure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Decision Inc. CEO, Nick Bell about the ethical use of A.I.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to CETA Board Chairperson, Thabo Masombuka and City Press reporter, Abram Mashego about the issue of the CETA CEO who has been accuses of interference in procurement processes. The CEO of the Construction Education and Training Authority, Malusi Shezi has sparked controversy with his plans for an extended overseas trip for his board members. According to documents reviewed by City Press, the government agency has already spent R4 million on flights, car hire, accommodation, and facilitator fees. The training authority is also allegedly intending to give each of the eight board members going on the tour at least R250 000 pocket money for other expenses, over and above the usual board fees.Those challenging the travel plans allege that the junket was initiated by Shezi to appease the board, as he faces allegations of impropriety. Shezi is facing several allegations from the current and former staff, including that he personally interfered with the procurement processes within the entity and has captured the board, which has likewise been accused of failing to hold him to account. The members of the board will also be jetting to Singapore, Indonesia and then Japan between September and November. In the memo obtained by City Press, which was presented on 27 May by Shezi, he wrote that the board needed to attend the study visit abroad to help the Ceta shape its strategy towards skilling the education sector. In this conversation, we speak to the CETA about the reports.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Katherine Gill, a Clinical Research Lead at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation about South Africa and Uganda's clinical trials which have shown that a twice-yearly injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection. The trial tested whether the six-month injection of lenacapavir would provide better protection against HIV infection than two other pre-exposure drugs, both daily pills.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to teachers, Chelsea Bester, a Grade 7 Teacher Mathematics & Science Teacher from Kuils River Primary and Solly Poo, Deputy Principal at Hofmeyr High School about their experiences of working in a classroom in SA schools.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to local government expert, Dr Tim Maake and Dr Reneva Fourie, a Policy Analyst Specialising in Governance, Development and Security ahead of the first cabinet lekgotla under the GNU.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Brooks Spector, Associate Editor at The Daily Maverick & Former U.S. Diplomat about the 2024 U.S. elections. At least five Democratic lawmakers expressed their view on Sunday that President Joe Biden should step down from the US presidential election scheduled for November 5, according to multiple news reports.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political Analyst and Lecturer at the University of Limpopo Dr. Metji Makgoba about stories from the Sunday papers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Otorhinolaryngologist & Educator, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo a doctor specialising in diseases that affect the head, ears, nose, throat as well as neck.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Oscar van Heerden is a senior research fellow for African diplomacy and leadership at the University of Johannesburg about the costs of the South African cabinet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to singer, Pilani Bubu about South African folklore.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Lerato Nage, Chairperson of the Board of the Black Management Forum Investment Company in this week's edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Bontle Tshole, Founder and Director of Baaa Health about her juicing business in this week's edition of the entrepreneurial edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Tamsin Bradley from the University of Portsmouth about the rise of Female Gender Mutilation in Africa. Recent reports indicate that the incidence of FGM is slowly growing, suggesting that locally FGM is actually practised among some Venda, Indian, and Southern Ndebele communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Memphis Morebudi Kaotsane, Founder of the Moonshine Reflective Livestock Spray about his reflective paint for livestock owners, farmers and domestic pets owners. The paint is in the form of a spray designed to make animals visible at night, particularly on roads.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Alexandre Barrière Izard, a Representative of French Citizens in South Africa and Musa Mdunge, Political Analyst & Comparative Politics Seminal Teacher at the University of Dundee about the elections in France.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to William Gumede, an Associate Professor at the School of Governance at Wits & Director of the Democracy Works Foundation about the workings of the GNU Consultations Council.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Tembisa Fakude, a Senior Fellow at the Africa Asia Dialogues about the Iranian Presidential elections.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr John Glen, an Expert Negotiator and Director for the Centre for Customised Executive Development, Cranfield School of Management and Dr Khulu Mbatha, an Author, Diplomat & Former Presidential Advisor (to Kgalema Motlhante and Cyril Ramaphosa) about negotiating. The ability to negotiate effectively can make or break a politician's career. Negotiation is not just about getting what you want; it's about finding common ground and reaching a deal that benefits all parties involved. Negotiation in politics is a complex process that requires skill, patience, and strategic thinking. In this section of the show, we will explore the art of negotiation in business/politics and how it can be applied to achieve success.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to UDM President, Bantu Holomisa about the call for a National Dialogue in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Nomsa Mazwai, the Founder of Funk-It-I-Am-Walking about Soweto's heritage tourism.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to GIWUSA's Mametlwe Sebei about the union's views on SA's political climate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Athari band members, Gabriel Mawande Stuurman and Lundi Nkosi in this week's edition of "In The Spotlight". Athari is an afro jazz and afro soul band with nostalgic experience in the music industry and have been at the vanguard of contemporary afro jazz music in South Africa for many years, and are lauded for leading a resurgence in jazz while incorporating myriad music styles around a jazz framework.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Founder and Former Director of Section 27, Mark Heywood and Brand Management Specialist, Solly Moeng about enhancing civil society participation in South Africa’s development agenda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Kganki Matabane, CEO of the Black Business Council and Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA who give their reactions to the GNU cabinet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Kagiso Pooe, Political Analyst & Lecturer at Wits University about stories that made the news this past weekend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Fees Must Fall Activist, Busi Seabe, Kanakana Mudzanani, Founding President of the SA Youth Economic Council and Collen Malatji President of the ANC Youth League about the youth's role and involvement in the nation's development.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Pascal Hlongwane, Founder & Director of Pascal Interior Designs and Carpentry Services about his business which specialises in high-end interior design and custom cabinetry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Aligned CEO, Dr Lungi Nyathi about the state of palliative care in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the Leader of the South African Black Muslims Conference, Sheik Zaid Langa about the Hajj.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Freelance Journalist and Governance Activist, Phillip Muliisa about the Kenyan tax protests.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to ANC Veteran, Mavuso Msimang. On 25 June 1955, the historic multi-racial convention called The Congress of the People started in Kliptown, near Johannesburg. The proposition for this form of gathering came from Prof. Z.K Matthews at the African National Congress (ANC) Queenstown regional conference in 1953. These organisations set up a Joint Action Committee to coordinate the work of drafting the Freedom Charter, which was adopted by the convention the next day, 26 June 1955. Today marks the 69th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, which formed the basis of the country's constitution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Spokesperson of the MK Party about their joining of the National Assembly and future of the opposition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June in South Africa is observed as Men’s Health Month, whose objective is to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. South Africa yet again faces an upsurge of a national crisis. Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Clinical Psychologist, Mzamo Mbuli and SADAG Spokesperson, Tebogo Ramadiro about men and mental health.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the Head of the SIU, Advocate Andy Mothibi about the organisation's work and the MoU with the University of Stellenbosch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Advocate Sipho Mantula, a researcher at the Thabo Mbeki School of Public & International Affairs about the possibility and screnarios of South Africa reaching a constitutional crisis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Dr Levy Ndou, Political Analyst & Lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology about several political parties abandoning the Progressive Caucus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to fine artist, writer, actress and film director, Mmabatho Mmontsho.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the President of Action SA and AL Jammah-ah, Herman Mashaba and Ganief Hendricks about the role of opposition in Parliament and the work of the Progressive Caucus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speask to Stogie T (Boitumelo Molekane), Rapper Poet & Producer about the evolution of hip hop in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Bonga Maseko, Founder of Splash Coatings Africa. Colour, as minute as it may seem in life, can say a lot about one’s thinking and even affect one’s mental or emotional state. For many, the colours of their homes mean everything, it’s the difference between a dull room and a room that radiates consciousness, efficiency, tranquillity and more. This brings us to today’s entrepreneur Bonga Maseko who is the founder of Splash Coatings Africa, a paint manufacturing company which has stores in Soweto, Midrand, Ga-Runkuwa, and Dawn Park. In addition to selling premium coatings, the paint company also has a payment plan which allows them to paint your home while the bill can be settled within 4 months.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday, 18 June we had a conversation about the recent deployment of police in KZN and spoke to SAPS KZN’s Robert Netshiunda and Political Violence Researcher and Social Justice Advocate, Mary De Haas who reflected on the issue of public violence and political assassinations in the province and shared views on the matter of policing and violence in KZN. Lerato Mbele speaks to the former Minister Cele who replies to the comments made during this conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the formation of a broad coalition government as the "beginning of a new era" on Wednesday as he was sworn in for a second full term. Lawmakers last week voted overwhelmingly to re-elect him after he agreed to form what he called a national unity government with several other parties. In his first term the economy languished, blighted by power cuts, crime remained rife, and unemployment increased to 32.9 percent. In this week’s view of the nation, we look ahead. Lerato Mbele speaks to Xolelwa Kashe-Katiya, Project Leader at the Indlulamithi SA Scenarios Trust , Sandile Swana, a Governance and Political Analyst and Jakkie Cilliers, Chairperson and Head of African Futures & Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as South Africa's president on Friday with the support of once rival parties that have agreed to join his African National Congress (ANC) in a new government of national unity. The ANC - which was forced to share power for the first time in 30 years after losing its majority in last month's vote - still has to work out how to divide up the top cabinet jobs and overcome ideological differences with its new partners. In this conversation, we talk about what should the immediate priorities of the President be after his inauguration as he leads the 7th administration? Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Chris Landsberg, the Sarchi Chair In African Diplomacy & Foreign Policy and Director Of The Centre For African Diplomacy And Leadership at The University Of Johannesburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the masterclass ahead of the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, we talk about what protocol is, and why people often best understand its importance only when it goes wrong; whether shifts in the international order are affecting protocol practices; and how COVID-19 changed the rules for good protocol and some details of what happens during an inauguration. Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Kingsley Makhubela, Director at Risk Recon and Former Chief of State Protocol at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks toColonel Robert Netshiunda, Spokesperson of the KZN SAPS and Mary De Haas, a Political Violence Researcher and Social Justice Advocate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to William Gumede, Executive Chairperson of the Democracy Works Foundation and Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance about the configuration of a new SA Cabinet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Siviwe Gwarube, DA Chief Whip and GNU Negotiator about the DA's principles for the GNU participation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his February 2024 State of the Nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa painted a picture in which the country’s youth – “democracy’s children” – had enormous opportunities for advancement. Research tracing 30 years of youth marginalisation has found that youth in South Africa, who make up 34.3% of the population, have not fared well under democracy. They are the hardest hit by unemployment and the lack of opportunities and show high alienation. In this week's view of the nation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Kristal Duncan-Williams, a Project Lead at Youth Capital, Zama Khanyase, National Spokesperson of the ANC Youth League and Moeketsi Koahela, Chairperson of the National Youth Coalition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to BMJ Mbatha of Incoso Goat Meat. Incoso Goat Meat is a food brand focused on the harvesting, processing, packaging and the supply of quality goat meat into marketable. And oversees the reselling and promotion of goat related meat products for consumers and retailers. Additionally, the brand also educates and promotes the benefits of Chevon and cabrito as the healthiest alternative of red meat. The company joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of the Entrepreneurial Edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume in conversation with Dr Asghar Adelzadeh, co-director of the Economic Modelling Academy about evidence-based coalition government decision making.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Joshua Poho Setipa, Candidate for The Secretary General Position at the Commonwealth and Former Minister Of Trade In Lesotho about the relevance of the organisation and his candidacy campaign.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Makhudu Sefara, Sunday Times Deputy Editor about top stories that made the weekend papers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mary Jane is a South African singer songwriter, making music for the hearts of the world! She does not shy away from conveying emotion through her music and sings with honesty and passion that is very palpable. Mary Jane still may be new to many music listeners, but she is well loved in the music community that appreciates real soulful artists. She joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”. Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with, Singer and Songwriter, Mary Jane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The upcoming seventh democratic Parliament of South Africa is set to feature a broader spectrum of age groups among its representatives, as well as the youngest Member of Parliament (MPs) in South Africa’s democratic history. This comes as female representation shows a slight decrease compared to the previous administration. Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the Executive Director of Institute for Justice And Reconciliation, Professor Cheryl Hendricks,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Civil society organizations have been in existence for ages. They are pressure groups that put the government on their toes regarding good governance, corrupt practices, and implementation of policies, among other vital issues that affect the masses. They are seen by many as the last hope of the ordinary citizen. Nhlanhla Sehume speak to President, Abahlali Base Mjondolo, S'bu Zikode and General Secretary of the National Association of the School Governing Bodies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is the first sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). According to Section 51(1) of the Constitution, the first sitting of the National Assembly must take place at a time and on a date determined by the Chief Justice and within 14 days after the election results have been declared. Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to CEO at Worldwide Institute of Leadership & Lecturer at Wits Business School, Professor Mazwe Majola.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Nandiswa Mxokozeli, Managing Executive at Nedbank Private Wealth who joins us as a guest in this week's edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the Founder of Learn Base, Mokete Ratlabala. Learn Base is an innovative energy efficiency company that develops energy management software and hardware that helps consumers lower how much power they use.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to legal analyst and director of Zikalala Attorneys, Mpumelelo Zikalala about lobola and the law.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the NFP's Canaan Mdletshe and independent political analyst, Thobani Zikalala about the coalition politics of KZN.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Dr. Misheck Mutize, Lead Expert on Credit Rating Agencies at the African Peer Review Mechanism about their rebuke of the recent Fitch rating.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Ras Gareth Prince, Lawyer & Chair of the Cannabis Development Council of South Africa about the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to financial wellness expert Dr Frank Magwegwe from GIBS and Amelia De Milander, Marketing Manager at Debtbusters about SA's cost of living crisis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehumbe speaks to Professor Thuli Madonsela, Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University about the determination of the first seating of Parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Oyama Mabandla, Author & Lawyer about his book, "Soul of a Nation: A Quest For The Rebirth Of South Africa's True Value".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Mazwe Majola from the Worldwide Institute of Leadership and BOSA's Mmusi Maimane about the politics of the Government Of National Unity and power sharing In SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to speaks to Sayan Dey, an Assistant Professor at the Alliance University’s School of Liberal Arts in India. The Indian leader Narendra Modi was sworn in as prime minister on Sunday for a rare third term after nearly two months of voting in the world’s largest democracy. But for the first time, Modi will lead a coalition after his party was humbled in its traditional stronghold of the Hindi-speaking belt of northern India.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend with journalist and art historian, Percy Mabandu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to actor and comedian, Rob Van Vuuren about comedy and politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to political analyst, Prince Mashele about scenarios of a national unity government. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the African National Congress will seek a national unity government, which he said would reflect the will of voters and help move the country forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Actress & Singer, Nokukhanya Dlamini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Kalane Rampai, the Managing Director of Microsoft SA in this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Public Protector of South Africa, Kholeka Gcaleka. The office of the Public Protector this week released a report on the investigations into administrative deficiencies relating to the processing of gender-based violence related matters within the South African criminal justice system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Nobesuthu Ndlovu, Director of Old Mutual SME about Old Mutual SMEgo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume standing in for Lerato Mbele speaks to Mphutlane wa Bofelo, a South African poet, essayist, socio-political theorist and activist about poetry as a tool for social justice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Project Manager and Audiologist at the hearX Group about the work the organisation is doing to address the issue of hearing loss through their different technologies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Chifipa Mhango, Chief Economist at the Don Consultancy Group about the latest GDP data and state of the SA economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Dr Sayan Dey, an Assistant Professor at Alliance University’s School of Liberal Arts and Thembisa Fakude, a Senior Research Fellow & Director at Africa Asia Dialogues about the outcomes of India's elections. The Lok Sabha elections defied exit poll projections with the ruling BJP falling short of the majority mark of 272. However, the National Democratic Alliance, led by BJP, is poised to form the government with Modi getting a third term.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with Moloto Mothapo, Spokesperson of Parliament about the establishment of the Seventh Democratic Parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with City of Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with Cllr Themba Fosi, MMC for Utilities Services about the City of Tshwane budget for 2024/25.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor of African Politics at UNISA, Kealeboga Maphunye and Research Professor at UJ's Humanity Faculty, Steven Friedman about how to form a government after an election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Economist and Social Activist, Bongani Mahlangu about seat allocations after the election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend and speaks to Sunday Times Columnist, Sam Mkokeli
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Cheryl Hendricks, Executive Director at Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, South Africa and Lulu White, a Political Analyst & Founder of the
Elections Management Consulting Agency of Africa about women representation in the 2024 elections.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Nay San Lwin, Co-Founder of the Rohingya Coalition and Dr Fanie Du Toit, Associate at the In Transformation Initiative about Rhohyinga Muslims. Escalating violence in conflict-torn Myanmar’s Rakhine State has forced another 45,000 minority Rohingya to flee, the United Nations warned, amid allegations of beheadings, killings and burnings of property.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Kedibone Phago, Director of the School of Government at the North West University and Director of Reputation First, Tshepo Matseba about party logos and colours and their meanings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Independent Election Analyst, Martin Atkins about what voters should know about voting day and what to do and not to do at one's voting station.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Kealeboga Maphunye, Professor of African Politics at UNISA's Department of Political Science and Jannie Rossouw, Visiting Professor at the Wits School of Business about the sixth administration.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Irvin Barnes, President of the National Freedom Party in this week's edition of Behind The Party Line ahead of the 29 May elections.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political Analyst & Lecturer at the North West University, Sysman Motloung and looks at stories that made the news over the weekend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, who officiated the graduation ceremony of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants who completed the 3- year Artisan Development.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Ignatius Ariyo, Chief Director: Epwp Infrastructore Sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to producer and music executive, Lindelani Mkhize in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to poet, playwright and executive producer of the tv drama, Queen Modjadji, Duma Ndlovu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Asief Mohamed, Chief Investment Officer at Aeon Investment Management and David Van Wyk, a Mining Analyst & Researcher from the Benchmarks Foundation about the BHP-Anglo American bid.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Graduates, Nico Masehla and Pearl Mabogoane and Principal of South West Gauteng TVET College, Joey Monyamane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Seati Moloi, Founder & CEO of Khoi Tech about his tech company from Soweto that offers health-tech solutions through innovative software platforms and related wearable devices.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the ANC's David Mahlobo, the DA’s Kwena Moloto and IFP's Mlungisi Mabaso about their manifestos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the IEC’s Assistant Manager for Civic and Democracy Education, Mmakgabo Ramatlhodi about the three ballot system ahead of next week’s elections.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Lebogang Montjane, the Executive Director of the Independent Schools Association of South Africa and St Marys' Deanne King and Seipati Shiakallis about transformation in South African private schools.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst & Diversity Specialist, Asanda Ngoasheng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Xiluva (from the Tsonga word meaning "flower") is a South African political party launched in March 2023 by former ActionSA Gauteng provincial chairperson, and former Executive Mayor of the Midvaal Local Municipality for the Democratic Alliance, Bongani Baloyi. The party was founded on the principles of ubuntu, multiracialism and family values and aims to attract people between the ages of 18 and 48. The party was officially registered with Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa in July 2023, and Baloyi said that the party intends on contesting the 2024 national and provincial elections. In this week’s edition of “Behind The Party Line”, Lerato Mbele speaks to Bongani Baloyi, the leader of political party Xiluva, for more details on its manifesto and plans for the SA economy and improving service delivery.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela about TVET colleges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Sam Zungu, Deputy Director General for the Department of Higher Edycation and Training about upskilling lecturers at TVET colleges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with actress, choreographer and director, Thembi Nyandeni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Gcotyelwa Jimlongo, Programme Manager at Futurelect about civic education.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Tebogo Legote, Founder of HandMadeByTebogo about about her sustainable fashion and home ware crocheting business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Poppy Khoza in this week's edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Nicholas Crisp, Head of the NHI about the implementation of the NHI.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Michelle Hinrichsen, Advocacy Lead at Open Cities Lab about the "My Candidate SA" platform.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Dr Honours Mukhari, the NHI National Coordinator of the Progressive Professionals Forum, Patricia Kopane, an Action SA Free State Premier Candidate & Former DA MP and Lerato Mthunzi, General Secretary of the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union about the NHI.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speak to Veronica Bhengu from the Sectional Title Scheme about the rights of landlords.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to risk analyst, Dr Kingsley Makhubela and independent historian, Ncamisile Ngubane about Palestine's statehood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerto Mbele speaks to John Jeffery, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development about the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Act.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Jasmine Opperman, Independent Security and Terror Analyst and Piers Pigou, Head of the Southern Africa Programme at the Institute for Security Studies about the insurgency in Mozambique.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Vice President of the Black Business Council in the Built Enviroment, Gregory Mofokeng about SA's construction industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Rise Mzansi, National Leader, Songezo Zibi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend with Dr Mabutho Shangase, a Senior Lecturer at the North West University Department of Political Studies and International Relations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political Analyst, Lulu White about party manifestos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Actress, Businesswoman and Philanthropist, Sorisha Naidoo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Actress and Singer, Shannon Esra about her play "My Left Breast"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, CEO of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in this week's edition of The Leadership Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Florist,Tshego Ratshidi about her flower business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramaokgopa about the Democracy Review Report.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the back of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini taking a third wife, Nomzamo Myeni this past weekend, we talk about opening ourselves up to the evolution of culture. Lerato Mbele speaks to Cultural Expert, Professor Musa Xulu about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the CEO of Abelusi, Samkelo Booi.
Abelusi is a comprehensive agricultural technology platform that strategically integrates a marketplace, livestock management and tracking system, online veterinarian services, and transportation functions to optimize the agricultural ecosystem. This innovative solution addresses critical pain points in the agriculture sector—fostering efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. At its core, Abelusi’s focus is to empower Samkelo Booi, Co-Founder and CEO, Abelusi, 081 596 3769
farmers with data-driven tools and sustainable practices, leading to improved animal health, increased productivity as well as high commerciality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Sactwu’s national industrial policy officer, Etienne Vlok about the local clothing industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Trenton Birch, CEO & Co-Founder of Cheeba Cannabis Academy & the Cheeba Cannabis Consulting about cannabis in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Risk Analyst & Former Diplomat, Dr Kingsley Makhubekla and Senior Research Fellow & Director at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude. Hamas said Monday it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel said the deal did not meet its core demands and it was pushing ahead with an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Still, Israel said it would continue negotiations. The high-stakes diplomatic moves and military brinkmanship left a glimmer of hope alive but only barely for an accord that could bring at least a pause in the 7-month war that has devastated the Gaza Strip.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political and Governance Analyst, Sandile Swana, Visiting Professor at the Wits School of Business, Jannie Rossouw, and Head of Action Society SA, Ian Cameron. The new administration will be composed of a new executive in the form of the newly elected president as head of state. Parliament will elect the president who has the authority to appoint political colleagues to head up departmental portfolios. These appointments collectively make up the cabinet which is responsible for setting overall policy direction.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Doris Picard, Coordinator of MEDP in Rwanda and Immigration Lawyer, Ivon Sampson about the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Rwanda and the UK to establish a migration and economic development partnership. Under the agreement, some people applying for asylum in the UK could be transported to Rwanda to have their asylum application considered in Rwanda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Media Commentator Pearl Matibe and MD of Reputation First, Tshepo Matseba about political communication during an election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Head of Multi Asset Funds at 10X Investments, Christopher Eddy and Economist & Director at First Source Money, Redge Nkosi about the value of South Africa Inc.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Pakes Dikgetsi, Acting National Chairperson of the party about their manifesto ahead of the 29 May elections.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend with Political Analyst, Dr Metjie Makgoba.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Titi Luzipo. Straight from the shores of the prolific temples of India performing at the World Jazz Festival and receiving a dozen of standing ovations in sold out shows, Titi has returned home to usher in a new era that showcases her new music from her forthcoming sophomore album – Love and Freedom.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele o Tshireletso Mokate, the Founder of Camping RetrEat, a delectable camping and feasting experience that blends the best of all the worlds. Mokate was inspired to simplify camping and turn it into a truly relaxing experience.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Lawrence Konyana, a Representative from the National Funeral Directors Association and Pepe Dass, Chairperson of the South African Cemeteries Association about cremations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Eskom Chairperson, Mteto Nyathi about the entity's state of the system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to SEIFSA President, Elias Monage in this week's edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Menzi Maseko, a Creative and Cultural Economy Worker about neighbourliness, the good, bad, and in-between. What is the art of neighbourliness and how do you build communities?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Maurice Crespi, Partner at Schindlers about the firm's introduction of 20 beta AI-trained legal experts. These AI attorneys are trained in various fields of law and are set to revolutionize how legal services are delivered.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Sharon Munyaka, Work Psychologist and Past President of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology Of SA about improving employee wellness in the workplace.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Alex van den Heever from Wits University and Dr Steven Gordon, a Senior Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council about quality-of-life surveys in the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political Analyst, Khanyi Magubane and MD of PR Power House, Lebo Madiba. In the world of politics, the art of effective communication and strategic campaigning can make all the difference between victory and defeat. As the saying goes, “Well begun is half done,” and when it comes to winning Political Campaign elections, a compelling and well-executed campaign launch sets the tone for the entire journey. In the context of the 29 May elections and ongoing political party campaigning, discuss crafting an elections campaign and the associated messaging that goes with campaigns. What goes into a good elections campaign? For an election campaign manager, what informs how a campaign unfolds, strategy decisions, reflect on "tried-and-true tips" and tricks that have helped electoral campaigns make a difference in the long run and maximize their impact on the ground.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Action SA President, Herman Mashaba.
ActionSA was formed in August 2020 by the former Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, to change the direction of South Africa by providing a credible alternative to a broken political system that has failed South Africans for many years since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy. The party’s foundations are grounded in The People’s Dialogue, a 9-month public engagement process which solicited the views of 2.4 million South Africans about the future of their country. Their focus is on Action that moves South Africa forward Herman Mashaba, President, ActionSA
from an era of broken promises, corruption and failed government. And believe that citizens have an opportunity to turn around the decay in our country and restore the country to a path of prosperity by removing the ruling party at the ballot box on the 29th of May and that their pragmatic policies will help achieve true freedom in the country by creating millions of new jobs, expanding social grants, restoring the rule of law and securing the country’s borders.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Professor Dirk Kotze, Political Analyst & Lecturer at UNISA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Polygraph testing as a means to quantify evidence, suspicious and to assist in clarifying disputes and allegations in criminal, personal and corporate matters is prevalent in various industries and spaces in the country. Today we interrogate what lie detector tests are, how they work, which aspects of our mind, and body inform polygraph testing. We also take this conversation further by looking into whether the use of polygraph testing in the workplace is efficient to creating a good working environment. Polygraph Instructor and Director at the SA Polygraph Academy Clifton Coetzee joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) predicts that South Africa's national and provincial elections on May 29th will be the most fiercely contested since the country embraced democracy in 1994. Recent surveys suggest a potential shift in power, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) facing challenges in maintaining its national majority and control over key provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This election season also sees the emergence of several new political parties actively engaging in campaigns. Moreover, the ISS acknowledges that disruptions during election periods are not uncommon in South Africa. To address potential challenges, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise announced the establishment of a task team focused on combating election-related crimes. This includes proactive measures to tackle offenses such as electoral fraud, corruption, and the defacement or removal of campaign materials. Modise's remarks were made during a media briefing in Pretoria, emphasising the government's readiness to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. In this conversation we take a look at what electoral fraud entails and how far the state has gone to ensure it does not occur in this election. Independent Electoral Analyst Michael Atkins and Senior Training Coordinator at the Institute of Security Studies Willem Els.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bongani Baloyi's Xiluva has aligned with Jacob Zuma's MK Party in advocating for the replacement of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land with a system akin to apartheid's "parliamentary supremacy." This stance contrasts with constitutional supremacy, a concept often juxtaposed with parliamentary sovereignty. In parliamentary sovereignty, the legislature holds ultimate law-making authority without limitations on its ability to create or repeal laws, a model akin to the UK's Westminster system and apartheid-era South Africa. According to the University of Cape Town, the crux of the distinction lies in where the highest authority for law-making resides: with the legislature in parliamentary sovereignty or with the constitution in constitutional supremacy. It's crucial to note that constitutional supremacy doesn't preclude Parliament from amending the Constitution. Rather, it mandates that all legislative actions and behaviour align with constitutional principles, even when amending the Constitution. This conversation delves into these differences and explores what adopting parliamentary supremacy would mean within South Africa's contemporary political framework. Legal Analyst and Managing Director of Zikalala Attorneys Mpumelelo Zikalala along with Attorney and Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg’s Law Clinic Elton Hart join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
England has the highest rates of alcohol consumption among school children, according to a study of more than 40 countries by the World Health Organization. The survey, published late last week found more than half of 13-year-olds have drunk alcohol in England as have a third of all 11-year-olds, prompting child health advocates to call for more measures to protect teenagers. The global health experts said that across the UK, 13- and 15-year-old girls were more likely to be drinking, smoking and vaping than boys of the same age. Alcohol abuse causes 3mn deaths a year globally, according to the WHO, and excessive consumption is a leading cause of death and physical and mental disability in young people. In this conversation we talk about the survey and how underage alcohol consumption in the world is a public health threat with Political Analyst & Comparative Politics Seminal Teacher at the University of Dundee Musa Mdunge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the comedian, actor, choreographer and dancer best known for his role as Shampoo in the feature film Taxi Ride and its spin-off series of the same name. Having worked at the 2002 world summit as a presidential tour guide, he later graduated as a dancer and choreographer from South Africa's top contemporary dance school, Johannesburg Dance Foundation, while working as a dancer and comedian part-time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political Analyst & Lecturer at the North West University, Sysman Motloung about democracy in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Author & Former Minister of Intelligence, Ronnie Kasrils and Actress Erika Breytenbach-Marais about his book "“The Unlikely Secret Agent: The Eleanor Kasrils Story” which has been adapted into a play.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Lesweu Rampa, the Managing and Operations Director of Intervent-Universal, a ventilation and cooling solutions company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Dr Linda Ncube–Nkomo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Joel Bregman from My Vote counts about their positions on proposals to strengthen coalition government in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with the CEO of the Independent Development Trust, Tebogo Malaka.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is talking with the Production Manager of Limpopo Jewellery, Siphelele Manqele about his journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For over three decades and nicknamed “The Boxing Mecca” of South Africa, the boxing culture of East London/Mdantsane has produced no less than 20 world champions and more than 50 national champions. This achievement even by global standards is phenomenal. In 1994 East London became part of the province of the Eastern Cape. In 2000, East London became part of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, consisting of King William's Town, Bhisho, and Mdantsane, and is the seat of the Metro. In this week’s Culture Corner, we talk about the boxing phenomenon in East London. Nhlanhla Sehume is conversing with South African Former Professional, Vuyani Bungu and a Boxing SA Steering Committee member, Xolile Dike.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Public Works & Infrastructure is celebrating 20 years of the existence of the Expanded Public Works Programme this year. The EPWP is a national, government-driven initiative which was launched in 2004 to promote the creation of work opportunities that contribute towards the reduction of unemployment and alleviation of poverty in the country. The programme is implemented within four sectors, namely: Infrastructure, Non-State, Social and Environment & Culture. Nhlanhla Sehume in conversation with Deputy Minister, Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, Bernice Swart.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaksto Associate at Tshaya Mashabela Attorneys, Bontle Chokoe about copyright. Copyright is a set of exclusive legal rights given to the author or creator of an original work – that includes the right to copy, distribute, adapt, perform and display the work in public. Today marks World Book and Copyright Day, an annual event held on 23 April to raise awareness of the importance of books, reading, and copyright around the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speakstoAndrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth. The latest African Wealth Report for 2024 shows that South Africa has continued to bleed millionaires, with 400 wealthy individuals calling it quits on the country or losing their millionaire status in 2023, adding to the thousands lost over the last decade and shows that South Africa had 37,400 high-net-worth individuals at the end of 2023.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Project Manager for Climate Justice at the Rosa Luxemburg, Dr Ronald Ngama and DDG for Chemicals and Waste Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mamogala Musekene about World Earth Day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Drug Use and Policy Expert, Shaun Shelly and Addiction Counsellor at Crossroads Recovery Centre, Fanela Mandewo about the rise of heroin use in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Lesego Van Niekerk, Choreographer and Director about the Joburg Moves dance season.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the actor Saint Seseli about his career. Saint first appeared on television alongside Hlomla Dandala in 1987 in the 26-episode educational show Moving On Again. He has since had starring, recurring and guest roles in numerous television shows including How To Ruin Christmas, Home Affairs, Zero Tolerance, Soul City, Backstage, eKasi: Our Stories, Jacob's Cross, Task Force, Sokhulu & Partners, Roer Jou Voete, isiBaya, High Rollers, Entabeni, Ashes to Ashes, Ihawu, My Perfect Family, Skeem Saam and The Queen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Prof Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Professor Of Climate Change, Food Systems And Health At The London School Of Hygiene And Tropical Medicine about cloud seeding in the UAE.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend with Political Analyst, Thobani Zikalala.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Selebogo Molefe, Managing Director of The Biz Plug and Bulelani Balabala, Founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance about the township economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the President of the Forum 4 Service Delivery, Dr Mbahare Kekana. The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) is South African civic political movement founded in 2015 to tackle grassroot issues such as water, sanitation, housing, immigration laws, electoral reform, education and children going to school without shoes. The party registered to contest the 2016 and 2021 South African municipal elections in five provinces: North West, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo. The party amassed 31 Council Seats in 2016 and subsequently 39 Council Seats in 2021.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Cllr Cilliers Brink, delivers his inaugural State of the Capital Address (SoCA) Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Tshwane MMC for Community Safety, Grandi Theunissen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Mineral Resources & energy is looking into revamping its licensing regime to make it easy for artisanal mining to operate legally in the industry. It hopes the legalisation will discourage dangerous illegal mining, which costs the economy up to R70bn a year, Lerato Mbele is in conversation with MINING ANALYST & RESEARCHER AT BENCHMARKS FOUNDATION, DAVID VAN WYK and Spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, Makhosonke Buthelezi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the financial sustainability of South Africa’s eight metropolitan councils has improved slightly, their average score from Ratings Afrika is a mere 43 out of 100, which the agency says is concerning. The Midvaal Municipality in Gauteng and Mossel Bay Municipality in the Western Cape have been identified as the most financially sustainable municipalities in South Africa by governance rating agency, Ratings Afrika. This was revealed in its recently published Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI), which gauges the financial sustainability of the 104 largest local municipalities plus 8 metros in South Africa, Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Principal at Ratings Afrika, Charl Kocks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Cllr Cilliers Brink, deliver his inaugural State of the Capital Address (SoCA) Lerato Mbele is conversation with Tshwane MMC for Utilities and Regional Operations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Cllr Cilliers Brink delivered his inaugural State of the Capital Address (SoCA), Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Tshwane MMC for Finance, Jacqui It's.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Clinical Lead at Unu Health Dr Phathokuhle Zondiabout their innovative approach to healthcare. The health tech platform uses a 50-second face scan for users to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and heart rate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Sociologist, Nombulelo Shange and Founder of AfroBotanics, Ntombenhle Khathwane and delves into the world of hairstyles and what these reveal about individuals, where they're from, what they value, and the stories their hair choices tell about their journeys.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Political Analyst & Comparative Politics Seminal Teacher at the University of Dundee, Musa Mdunge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Michael Markovitz, Head of The GIBS Media Leadership Think Tank about building sustainable media businesses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Terry Pratchett once remarked, "Horses typically don't walk backward voluntarily, as they believe what they can't see doesn't exist." Similarly, W.C. Fields quipped, "Horse sense is what keeps a horse from betting on people." The history of horseracing in South Africa spans centuries and is rich with iconic moments, such as Jockey John Winter's inaugural victory at Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg in 1885. This history intertwines with the cultural fabric of South Africa, once symbolising wealth and prestige as affluent landowners hosted grand races on their estates. Today, horseracing in South Africa boasts world-class tracks like Durbanville Racetrack and premier events like The Sun Met, the continent's largest horseracing spectacle. On our masterclass today, we aim to explore the financial benefits of horse ownership, delving into what it takes to enter this world, sustain a horse's well-being, and leverage it for financial gain as an alternative form of investing. CEO of 4Racing Fundi Sithebe joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday marked the 28th Anniversary of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a crucial milestone in the country's journey toward upholding human rights and fostering democracy. The TRC's core mission was to uncover truths about severe human rights violations spanning from March 1960 to May 1994. Through over 2,500 hearings, it allowed individuals to seek amnesty and listened to around 21,000 victims, with 2,000 bravely sharing their stories in public sessions. Operating under the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the TRC's recommendations are still being put into action. This includes compensating victims, creating appropriate memorials, offering medical support, aiding affected communities, and providing educational bursaries to descendants of apartheid-era victims. A crucial part of this effort involves locating and repatriating the remains of victims from the apartheid era, ensuring they are returned to their families. Deputy Director of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development's TRC Unit Thapelo Mokushane joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Botswana's president has voiced concern over Germany's proposal to tighten restrictions on importing hunting trophies, hinting at sending 20,000 elephants to Germany. President Mokgweetsi Masisi explained that Botswana's conservation efforts has led to a significant increase in elephant numbers, causing challenges like property damage and conflicts with locals due to limited space. While Botswana has previously donated elephants to Angola and offered more to Mozambique to manage the population, some argue that culling can be traumatic for elephants and may lead to increased aggression, posing risks to humans. Today's masterclass delves into Botswana's conservation strategies and their impacts on the elephant population. Director of Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks Moemi Batshabang and Director of WeWild Africa Dereck Milburn join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Basic Education says it will “step up” the piloting of the new General Education & Training Certificate (GETC) it plans to fully launch in 2025. The department’s annual performance plan for 2024/25 outlined the progress being made in transforming the school system into a new ‘three-stream’ model and laid out the next steps for the plan in the year ahead. The GEC is a standardised qualification being piloted in South Africa for learners completing grade 9, which will give any school leavers some type of “currency” they can use to either find a job or pursue a different stream of schooling. The pilot initially launched in a few schools in 2022 and ramped up in 2023. While the department has previously stressed that it is not an “exit” qualification – and should not be used to encourage learners to leave education and training – the performance plan specifically refers to it as one of two exit points in schooling. In this conversation, we get more clarity about the new General Education Certificate. Chief Director for Curriculum Policy Implementation at the Department of Basic Education Dr Moses Simelane joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng this past Tuesday held a media briefing where she said that the National Treasury had approved and budgeted R1.844 billion for the effects of disasters in various areas, for the fiscal year 2023-24. The provinces that the minister mentioned were the Western Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Nkadimeng said that the money has been given to support immediate infrastructure repairs, reconstruction and rehabilitation, with a focus on ensuring affected communities access to clean, reliable water and other essential facilities. She further stated that, when the allocation was approved, the National Treasury provided R372 million from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant for flood intervention efforts in 36 municipalities last month for 199 projects. Additionally, the Minister tabled a Bill that will limit motions of no confidence in the mayors to prevent instability in municipalities. Gauteng metros and other municipalities in the country have faced unstable coalitions in the last few years. Nkadimeng said the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill will prevent the speed in which motions of no confidence in the mayors are tabled in councils. This will allow for more stability in the running of municipalities and the delivery of services. The bill said motions of no confidence have been abused in municipalities. It proposes that a motion can only be tabled once a year and there must be sufficient grounds for it to be approved. In this conversation, we talk about the governance of municipalities in the country with Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anele Mda is an independent candidate running for office in Gauteng, one of ten independents entering the polls. Initially, 16 submissions were made to the IEC after the candidate registration closed last month, with only 10 candidates making it to the final lists. According to the commission, six independents are contesting provincial legislature seats, while five are vying for seats in the National Assembly. In 2011, Anele Mda received recognition from former President Obama as one of the Emerging African Young Leaders in Public Office, highlighting her growing influence and dedication to positive change. With over 20 years of experience, including 16 in senior roles, she has established herself as a leader in promoting workplace diversity, inclusion, and transformation. Mda who previously was an ANC member and then COPE MP and joins us today as independent candidate to share her vision for the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the long weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Public Policy Specialist at the Wits School of Governance Dr TK Pooe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition hosted the country’s 2nd Presidential Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference on 20 March 2024 under the theme “Black Industrialists - Catalysts for Jobs and Economic Growth” held in partnership with Industrial Development Corporation, National Empowerment Fund and Export Credit Insurance Corporation. In 2022, the government gave a report card on its black industrialist programme, which was launched in 2015 to help historically disadvantaged individuals to participate in the economy and ownership of industries. Over the last eight years, according to government figures, about 900 black industrialist businesses have been given R44-billion in funding under the programme. The money came from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, state-owned development finance institutions and other agencies. These businesses have reportedly created and supported 70,000 jobs. The value of the funding swells to R55-billion over an extended 12-year period, when including other government initiatives that are aimed at supporting black-owned and black-managed businesses. In this conversation, we speak to the Department of Trade, Competition & industry and reflect on the work and success of the DTCI’s Black Industrialists programme and the Presidential Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference which included an awards ceremony to recognise business excellence and honour enterprises that promote innovation, job creation and sound business ethics. Winner of the Black Industrialist Innovation Award Queen Ndlovu and Beneficiary Terrence Pokane Leluma along with Acting DG in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Malebo Mabitje-Thompson join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Benny Masekwameng, a MasterChef SA and Ultimate Braaimaster Judge, began his culinary journey at around 7 years old in Alexandra, helping his mother with her catering business. Cooking became not just a skill but a lifeline for his family, serving as their main source of income. During the political turbulence of the 90s, the Masekwameng family had to leave their home. Benny found refuge at the Sankopano Centre from 1991 to 1995, while his family was housed separately. After completing his studies at Northview High School, he pursued his culinary passion at Natal Technikon, now the Durban University of Technology, focusing on catering management. Following his graduation, Benny landed a trainee position at the Hilton Hotel in Durban, quickly rising to become a breakfast chef by 1999. His journey was marked by personal loss, including his father's passing in 2006. Despite these challenges, Benny's culinary adventures took him around the globe, from London to Dubai, shaping his expertise. His culinary prowess has graced the tables of world leaders like Fidel Castro and Muammar Gaddafi, as well as celebrities such as Beyoncé and Jay Z. Benny Masekwameng joins us today as our special guest, ready to share his insights and experiences in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thandiswa Mazwai stands as one of the most influential musicians in post-apartheid South Africa, with a career spanning nearly three decades dedicated to championing Kwaito, a vibrant dance music genre. On April 1st, Thandiswa captured headlines with her highly anticipated Tiny Desk performance, captivating audiences with her opening track "Nizalwa Ngobani?" and concluding with the soulful "Lahl'umlenze." Today, she once again graces the spotlight with the release of her latest single, 'Kulungile,' a precursor to her upcoming album 'Sankofa,' scheduled for release on May 10th. Collaborating with pianist Dr Nduduzo Makhathini, 'Kulungile' delivers a poignant message of resilience, urging listeners to overcome past wounds and discover inner peace. The song's title, translating to 'it is well' in isiXhosa, serves as a powerful reflection of Mazwai’s personal journey, resonating with the universal truth that pain subsides and healing is possible. Today, she joins us to delve deeper into the inspiration behind 'Kulungile' and her upcoming album, 'Sankofa.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The HPCSA is conducting a disciplinary hearing into a doctor who falsely claimed that COVID vaccines were a deliberate mass poisoning designed to kill people. The disciplinary hearing against “anti-vax” doctor Shankara Chetty got underway in Durban this week, after changes to the charge sheet were made. This comes after Chetty asked that the charges be dismissed or revised - or he would approach the high court for relief. The charges are based on allegations by Francois Venter, a medical professor at Wits University who was at the forefront of Covid research in South Africa. He said Chetty was practicing “pseudo-science” at the height of the pandemic, with Chetty claiming that vaccines made no sense. Chetty’s argument, in the main, focusses on his right to freedom of expression and claims that expressing a view is not a violation of the ethical guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). His lawyers argued that the charges should have been dropped. Instead, the disciplinary committee ordered that they be amended. In this conversation, we speak about medical ethics, the misalignment of medical practice and personal belief and importance of medical being prepared to set aside their religious and other personal beliefs if these compromise the care of patients. President of the African Medical Association and Former President of the Health Professions Council of South Africa Dr. Kgosi Letlape joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Franchising is seen as a promising avenue for growth in South Africa. The sector encompasses various segments, with fast food and restaurants, retailing, and building office and home services leading the pack. Evaluating the top franchises often comes down to metrics like outlet numbers and group sales, especially for publicly listed companies. Data from the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) in 2018 indicates a positive trajectory in the sector's performance. In 2019, Cash Converters had 85 franchisee-operated stores across Southern Africa, with plans for further expansion. These stores vary in size, averaging around 450 square meters, with some larger ones nearing 1,000 square meters. This network supports nearly 1,500 employees who handle roughly three million transactions annually. As new outlets open and existing stores grow, this figure is expected to increase. Wenzel Mashele, the franchisee of Cash Converters' Anderson Street branch, is here to share insights into the journey of franchise ownership and the ongoing efforts required to sustain it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An eminent African Entrepreneur, Investor and Philanthropist, Collen Mashawana is the current Executive Chairman of Afribiz Invest and is responsible for creating continental business opportunities of advancement across the infrastructure space, with a particular reference to sectors critical to Africa’s economic development. Collen has served as a Board Member and an Executive of a number of local and international companies in the field of Information Technology, Construction and Mining. An entrepreneur at heart, he is also Chairman and Founder of the Collen Mashawana Foundation which is a Non-Profit Organization that focuses on addressing the issue of housing, youth unemployment and education in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ongoing conflict between Nanduwe and WATA in Soweto has disrupted transportation services since Monday. Lesiba Mpya, spokesperson for Gauteng's Transport Department, noted the feud has lasted since 2013, resulting in fatalities and route closures. To address the escalating tensions, meetings were held, and plans were made to close affected taxi ranks and routes. Police impounded nearly 50 taxis last week, leading WATA to stage a three-day stay away, leaving commuters stranded in parts of Soweto and Johannesburg Central. Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Transport Lesiba Mpya joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Political debate is widespread in society. Whether we are aware of it or not, most of us are said to be, at a very simple level, political philosophers. In democratic societies, citizens are expected to have opinions on a wide range of issues that either directly as individuals or collectively as citizens affect their lives. Even at a simple, unsophisticated level we have views on the ‘correct’ form of government, freedom, equality and equal rights, the ‘proper’ role of government in society, how ‘democratic’ one’s own political system is, the right levels of public spending, and so on. How we think about these, and many other subjects will be influenced by the kinds of ideological beliefs we carry around in our heads, the product of our social conditioning, our life experiences and our reflections on them, the nation we live in, our educational level and our social class. In this conversation, we attempt to clarify ideas about ideology – what it is, how it is transmitted, how useful it is in making sense of society. We also examine its relevance to recent modern history both in South Africa and in other parts of the world. And analyse the situation in contemporary Africa and consider whether it can be reasonably asserted that there is an ideological consensus in the continent or whether we are now ‘beyond ideology’. Political Analyst Omry Makgoale along with Anthropologist and Sociologist Dr Alex Asakitikpi join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's not uncommon to hear frustrations about water utility bills across the country, as discrepancies often arise. With utility expenses continually climbing, it's crucial to monitor water consumption closely. Doing so not only prevents hefty bills but also helps in identifying leaks, averting water shortages, and efficiently managing our precious resources. SmartView Technology has introduced an innovative solution: the smart water meter. This device enables remote real-time data collection of water usage, eliminating the need for manual readings, even in large estates or office complexes. Joining us now is Charnte Marthinus, the visionary Innovator and CEO of SmartView Technology. As an alumnus of the Technology Innovation Agency and the esteemed recipient of the 2024 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Award, Charnte will enlighten us further on this innovation. CEO of Smart-view Technology Keenan George joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extreme weather conditions are expected to continue across South Africa’s south and eastern coasts until Wednesday. A cut-off low weather system has moved across South Africa, leaving in its wake heavy rain, strong winds and damaged infrastructure. On Monday, the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued several warnings of more severe weather. An Orange Level 9 warning of disruptive rain that could result in flooding was issued by Saws for much of the Western Cape, alongside a Level 6 warning for the central part of the province. A warning was also issued of strong waves exacerbated by strong winds that will result in difficulty in navigating seas, particularly between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay. An Orange Level 6 warning of severe thunderstorms was issued for the eastern parts of Northern Cape, central parts of North West, central Free State and the northwestern parts of Eastern Cape. Damage to infrastructure, closure of bridges and some traffic disruptions were expected. Climate experts are urging governments in Southern Africa to be more proactive in mitigating severe weather. The Western Cape experienced disruptive weather conditions damaging infrastructure, including weather station equipment. In this conversation, in the context of climate change in SA, we talk about the impact of remaining unprepared for disasters. And what measures does the government need to put in place? Professor of Climate Change, Food Systems and Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s municipal government elections in 2021 produced a number of largely unstable local government coalitions. There’s now a strong possibility that the next government that’s formed at national level may be a coalition too. This would be the first since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Elections due in 2024 will test the extent of the declining dominance of the governing African National Congress. Indeed, some polls suggest the party could fail to secure the 50% of the vote required to form a government. With no other party tipped to meet the threshhold, there might have to be a coalition instead. Can South Africans expect a national coalition to be stable? The turbulence in coalitions seen in 2021-2022 suggests not. The disintegration and reconstitution of municipal coalitions in the past year indicate that many parties are using them as a political battleground between elections. The result is lack of attention to actually governing cities and providing municipal services. In this conversation, we talk about how national coalitions made & what scenarios are await SA if ANC doesn’t win a simple majority in the May 29 elections? Governance and Political Analyst Sandile Swana joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding a Gaza hostage deal amidst dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The recent IDF recovery of Elad Katzir's body from Hamas abduction in October intensified the protests. With 129 hostages still missing, tensions are high. Meanwhile, Iran vows retaliation against Israeli strikes in Syria targeting Hezbollah's supply network. The recent attack killed senior IRGC leaders. The US is on high alert for potential Iranian retaliation in the region. These events prompt our conversation on the ongoing revolt against Netanyahu's leadership. Senior Research Fellow and Director at the Africa Asia Dialogues Thembisa Fakude joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Due to budget cuts, the Department of Basic Education has slashed the number of bursaries it will be awarding to student teachers in this financial year, which ends in March 2025, by 2 300 - from 12 000 to 9 700. According to the department's annual performance plan, funding for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme will be reduced by R397.9 million over the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) because of Cabinet-approved reductions. The scheme provides financial assistance to students registered for the Bachelor of Education (B Ed) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) who are specialising in priority subject areas, such as inclusive education, maths, coding, robotics, and science and technology. The scheme, which has been allocated R4 billion over the MTEF, is aimed at addressing critical educator shortages in scarce skills areas. According to the document, the target for the number of bursaries on offer for the following two financial years, 2025/26 and 2026/27, is 10 000 and 10 300 respectively. Professor at the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Labby Ramrathan joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is meeting to interview prospective judges. With the interviews only lasting for three days, it is a shorter sitting than usual, but as important as ever. The positions to be filled include three lengthy vacancies: one each in the Constitutional Court and the Electoral Court, and the position of head of the Land Court. The interviews take place against the backdrop of litigation over the JSC’s handling of the last round of interviews. Of the five candidates shortlisted for the Constitutional Court post, two are judges, two are practising advocates and, for the first time in 25 years, a law professor is on the shortlist. Both Judges Tati Makgoka and Ashton Schippers are senior justices of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with a string of judgments to their name. Advocate Alan Dodson SC spent five years serving as a judge of the land claims court before going back to practice. In October 2023, the JSC interviewed candidates for four vacancies in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). Controversially, the JSC only recommended the appointment of two candidates, leaving the remaining two vacancies open and thereby overlooking highly regarded candidates. After Freedom Under Law (FUL) brought a legal challenge to the process, the JSC agreed to fill the remaining two vacancies, and is due to hold interviews to do so in May. With only 13 candidates to be interviewed for four vacancies at various superior courts, including the Constitutional Court, this JSC sitting will be the least productive JSC since the Covid-19 pandemic. But it would be wrong to write it off as there are still many reasons why it’s vitally important to pay attention to the JSC this week. Coordinator at Judge Matters Alison Tilley joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The number of people unable to meet their minimum food consumption needs in South Africa is expected to marginally decline to just under one in two by 2025, according to the World Data Lab. The firm, which conducted research for Shoprite Holdings Ltd.’s 2023 food index, estimates that 49% of South Africans will be food insecure in two years’ time, down from 52% at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.The Western Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape provinces are expected to show the biggest progress in addressing hunger. Africa’s largest grocer commissioned the research to draw attention to food insecurity and get South Africans involved in rolling back hunger and poverty. Up to 20 million South Africans are severely food insecure, with millions of children going to sleep hungry. About 27% of our children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition, stunting and wasting. Every year, seven to 10 million tonnes of edible food is wasted, equivalent to 30 billion meals. South African landfills emit up to 450 million kilogrammes of methane gas annually because of the wasted food and organic material going to landfill. In this conversation, we talk about South Africa’s hunger crisis and interventions geared towards fixing this. Managing Director at Foodforward SA Andy du Plessis and CEO of SA Harvest Alan Browde join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abantu Batho Congress is a South African political party founded by entrepreneur Philani 'PG' Mavundla. It positions itself as an Afrocentric, Pan-Africanist, and womanist revolutionary movement. In January 2021, Mandisa Mashego, former Economic Freedom Fighters Gauteng leader, joined the party. The party participated in the 2021 South African municipal elections, focusing on Durban and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. During the municipal elections, the party secured 25 seats, with 23 in Kwazulu-Natal and two in Limpopo. Last August, Mavundla shared news of the newly appointed members who will be part of the party's national executive committee (NEC). Among these appointments were Bonginkosi Nxusa, the former National Freedom Party (NFP) Mayor of the eDumbe local municipality, and Jackie Shandu, who have taken up senior roles within the ABC party in anticipation of the elections. The party recently launched its manifesto and its president joins us to tell us about the party’s stance ahead of 29 May.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the long weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst and Lecturer at North West University (NWU), Sysman Motloung.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Internationally awarded South African designer Lukhanyo Mdingi’s eponymous label has always been a vessel in which design acts as an instrument. Through this vessel, a comprehensive record can be kept that is both contemporary and historical, of human ingenuity in South Africa and Africa at large. Since being a joint winner of the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which led to showcases on the official calendar of Paris Men's Fashion Week, the label has steadily used the spirit of time and consideration to cultivate its unique point of view at its own pace. This led to the label garnering the attention of the AMIRI Prize committee which proceeded to it becoming its recent winner for 2023. He collaborates with local artisans in the region to offer playful ready-to-wear looks for men and women filled with colour, intricately woven knits, and dynamic silhouettes. His pieces have graced the runways of New York Fashion Week, the British Fashion Council International Showcase, South African Men’s Fashion Week as well as the Pitti Immagine Uomo: Generation Africa stage. In this conversation, we talk to Lukhanyo about sustainable fashion, the business of fashion and his latest exhibition The Provenance Part II which is currently staged at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Fashion Designer Lukhanyo Mdingi join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Centre for the Less Good Idea is currently hosting the first iteration of Collations, inviting a gathering of writers and performers in the realms of theatre to explore and expand upon the medium of the radio play by staging a series of Visual Radio Plays for a live audience. Following The Centre’s key methodologies of collaborative making, free-spirited engagement with materials, and allowing oneself to be led by image, sound and impulse, this series of original short-form radio plays will be mounted for the stage, using live foley and performance. Conceptualised and led by Neo Muyanga, On Air: Visual Radio Plays form part of the first iteration of Collations – a short, focused series of performance-based events around a central theme, method or point of interest. A second iteration of Collations is planned to take place in October 2024, inviting new filmmakers into the process and extending the exploration to the medium of silent films. Among the artists and writers who’ve been invited into the Visual Radio Plays project are award-winning poet and performer Koleka Putuma, acclaimed theatremaker Andrew Buckland, theatre-maker and performance artist Qondiswa James, and writer and researcher Stacy Hardy. Composer, Installation Artist and Curator at Visual Radio Plays.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Moliere famously remarked that comedy's role is to enlighten while entertaining”; “to correct people by amusing them. Nonto R has become a notable figure in Zulu comedy and made a splash into English comedy back in early 2018 when she clinched the top spot at ‘Kill Or Die,’ a platform for emerging comedian. In 2023, Nonto R claimed the prestigious Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Award, winning both the Breakthrough Act of the Year Award and The Joe Mafela Award. On the other hand, Dillan Oliphant is known for his deadpan one-liners, a style that has propelled him from a newcomer to a national sensation in just a few years. His talent and dedication were acknowledged with the Newcomer of the Year Award at the Annual SA Comic’s Choice Awards in 2012. He also secured a coveted spot in 'Trevor Noah’s – That’s Racist,' South Africa’s highest-grossing comedy tour to date. Both Nonto R and Dillan Oliphant join us today as our special guests in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Someone once shared the golden rule of decorating: Surround yourself with what brings you joy. The way an event is styled can profoundly impact the entire experience, shaping the mood and ambiance of any occasion. It's not just about aesthetics; event decor plays a crucial role in making a lasting first impression and upholding your company or brand's reputation, which greatly influences how others perceive you. Enter Klassic Occasions, a bespoke wedding and events consultancy based in Gauteng, South Africa. Their approach is defined by a creative flair, originality, exquisite panache, and impeccable execution of artistic vision in crafting elite events. Andile Masinga, the Co-Founder and Director of Klassic Occasions, is understood to possess an extraordinary eye for art, glamour, design, and boundless imagination. Her expertise has led to the successful planning and coordination of events ranging from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. She joins us on this week Entrepreneurial Edge to tell us more about the company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Corruption Watch yesterday released its 12th annual corruption report, titled Changing the Landscape, just a few months ahead of one of the most critical turning points in the country’s post-democratic history. Presented during an election year, this report bears stark witness to the path South Africa finds itself on after 30 years of democracy, and the reality of the multiple crises that threaten the fulfilment of the state’s electoral and constitutional mandate. Poor leadership and lack of accountability has eroded public trust and confidence in the state’s capacity to deliver on the promise of an equal and just society, as impunity for those implicated in wrongdoing continues. More than 12 years since its inception, CW has received over 46 900 complaints of alleged corruption, which have provided valuable insight and have helped to shape many of the organisation’s interventions and activities. This is an average of 11 reports per day from every part of South Africa, from ordinary people brave enough to expose corruption and the abuse of power. In 2023 the organisation received 2 110 reports, and as in the previous year, largely focused on wrongdoing and malfeasance in the mining sector (38%). Most of these reports resulted from the CW team’s specific interventions in mining communities experiencing the brunt of the effects of corruption. Similarly, the second highest number of complaints received was in the policing sector (23%), followed by business at 16%, basic education at 12%, and state-owned entities at 11%. These figures speak to government’s failure to provide basic services and rights such as efficient policing, safety and security, employment, and education. In this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogue, we speak to the organization about the country’s corruption emergency and the work it is doing to address this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The code of ethics set by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa emphasises selflessness, integrity, objectivity, openness, honesty, and leadership among its members. According to its website, selflessness requires decisions to prioritise public interest over personal gain. Integrity ensures members avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their roles. Objectivity mandates decisions be based on merit and constitutional imperatives. Openness promotes transparency in parliamentary proceedings. Honesty requires disclosure of private interests related to public duties and resolution of conflicts in the public's interest. Leadership calls for promoting ethical conduct within the parliamentary community. Despite these guidelines, events in recent times have raised concern about the enforcement of the code and the ability of parliament to hold members accountable, prompting our discussion today about the reality of ethical governance within what is supposed to be the custodian of South Africa’s Constitution. Professor at the Wits School of Governance Professor Kwandiwe Kondlo joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Approximately fourteen million residents across four provinces and multiple cities, including Johannesburg, rely on Rand Water for their drinking water. However, they now face the looming threat of escalating water shortages and disruptions in supply. According to reports, Rand Water, the largest water utility in Africa, is grappling with a twofold challenge. Firstly, its aging infrastructure is struggling to meet the increasing demand for potable water. Secondly, the utility is depleting its water reserves as urban demand surpasses the capacity of the Integrated Vaal River System, its primary water source. Officials have cautioned customers that until late 2027, when Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is anticipated to be completed, they should brace for "water supply challenges." These sobering insights into Rand Water's precarious water situation are outlined in the company's corporate business plan spanning from July 2023 to June 2028. This revelation comes at a time when Johannesburg is confronting one of its most severe water crises in memory. Director-General at the Department of Water and Sanitation Dr Sean Phillips and Professor at the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of the Free State Anthony Turton join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with the young professionals who are part of the DPWI Young Professionals Programme, Professional Architect, Inam Kula and Candidate Architect, Oliver Brown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just a few days before his election as president of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye spent time in prison amidst the country's political unrest. However, his victory in the first round of voting is said to have energised the population, especially the youth, with his promises of radical change. Faye, a former tax inspector, aims to lead Senegal towards economic independence and away from colonial remnants like the CFA franc currency. He plans to overhaul the government, tackle corruption, and increase transparency. At 44, he is understood to connect well with the youth due to his traditional upbringing and strong Islamic values. His main rival, Amadou Ba, conceded defeat as Faye's message of change resonated more with voters. Faye's win is historic, marking the first time an opposition candidate wins in the first round since Senegal's independence in 1960. Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs Advocate Sipho Mantula joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The real estate scene in Soweto, Johannesburg, has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Property values have doubled during this period, positioning Soweto as one of the city's fastest-growing areas. This growth is primarily fueled by a surge in demand, particularly from young, first-time buyers entering the market. Recent market data highlights a robust real estate environment in Soweto, with over 2,000 transactions amounting to R1.1 billion recorded in the past year alone. The availability of diverse property types, ranging from freestanding homes to estates, caters to a wide range of buyer preferences. This upward trajectory in Soweto's real estate market invites further exploration which we will be delving into on today’s masterclass with Broker Owner at Re/Max Ebeneezer Mohau Motaung.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
@mbele_lnb is in conversation with the young professionals who are part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's Young Professionals programme, Professional Architect, Inam Kula and Candidate Architect, Oliver Brown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you heard about the Young Professionals Programme by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure? @mbele_lnb is in conversation with Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala to elaborate on the importance of programme. Zikalala expounds on the departments role and how you can get involved in the Young Professionals Programme.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the long weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Tshegofatso Mashabela, EFF Tshwane Secretary about the party's ideals and promises ahead of the May elections in this week's edition of Behind The Party Line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Herbie Tsoaeli, fondly referred to as "Malume," is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his prowess as a bassist, composer, and arranger. Born in 1963, he is a self-taught virtuoso whose talent has been pivotal in shaping and preserving South Africa's jazz legacy. Collaborating with luminaries such as Winston Mankunku-Ngozi, Tete Mbambisa, Louis Moholo-Moholo, and Abdullah Ibrahim, Tsoaeli has not only contributed to establishing the country's jazz tradition but also ensuring its continuous evolution. Over the past years, Tsoaeli's ensembles have taken center stage at renowned festivals like the Cape Town Jazz Festival, the Berlin Jazz Festival, the Jazz and Classical Encounters Festival Volume Four in November 2022, held in Stellenbosch, and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in September 2023. His music transcends boundaries, offering a nuanced and heartfelt expression of the black community's experiences and musical heritage. He joins us as our special guest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SANDF's mandate encompasses several key areas including defending against aggression, promoting security and supporting South Africans. In anticipation of the upcoming Randshow, the SANDF will unveil its cutting-edge military equipment showcased at the event as part of the Know your Defence Force Campaign. Exhibits from the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy, and SA Military Health Service will demonstrate their capabilities indoors and outdoors. Visitors to the Randshow will witness the SANDF's prowess firsthand through planned capability demonstrations at NASREC, running throughout the exhibition spanning the Easter Weekend. Lieutenant Colonel Marumo Machete and Acting Director Defence Corporate Communications Colonel Selinah Rawslin join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is facing a motion of no confidence due to corruption allegations, including claims of accepting bribes during her time as defence minister. The motion was proposed by DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube and is supported by Mapisa-Nqakula’s deputy Lechesa Tsenoli. The specifics of the allegations will be detailed in the motion placed on the parliamentary order paper. This is the second time Mapisa-Nqakula has faced such a motion since becoming speaker in 2021. It's crucial to understand the grounds for impeachment and the potential consequences if the motion succeeds.
Attorney and Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg Law Clinic Elton Hart joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're just 64 days away from South Africa's national election on May 29. This time around, voters will be dealing with three different coloured ballot papers instead of the usual two. Each paper signifies a distinct aspect of their vote: the national ballot for the National Assembly, a regional ballot also for the National Assembly and lastly, a provincial ballot for the Provincial Legislature. In terms of the numbers, a staggering 27.72 million people have registered to vote in the 2024 general elections, marking a significant increase of nearly one million from the 2019 elections. Additionally, there are 23,292 voting stations across the country. Yet, as we approach this critical juncture, lingering questions persist regarding the impartiality of the voting process and the Independent Electoral Commission's ability to guarantee a fair election. Independent Electoral Analyst Michael Atkins joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demands an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages as the United States abstains from the vote. The remaining 14 council members voted in favour of the resolution, which was proposed by the 10 elected members of the council. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, and also demands the release of all hostages seized in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7. The US had repeatedly blocked Security Council resolutions that put pressure on Israel but has increasingly shown frustration with its ally as civilian casualties mount and the UN warns of impending famine in Gaza. Speaking after the vote, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield blamed Hamas for the delay in passing a ceasefire resolution. Senior Research Fellow at the Africa-Asia Dialogue Thembisa Fakude and Associate Editor at The Daily Maverick and Retired American Diplomat Brooks Spector join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Parliamentary Monitoring Group, attendance by members of parliament in the National Assembly's portfolio committees declined significantly during the first session of 2024 compared to the previous year. Their analysis of 32 committees showed that 18 had worse attendance, 12 improved, and two stayed the same. While plenary sessions get more attention, committees are where important work like drafting laws and holding the executive accountable happens. MPs have various responsibilities, including making laws, discussing policies, representing constituents, and overseeing budgets.
Founder of the Democracy Works Foundation and Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance William Gumede joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many people view the idea of a spirit animal as a fascinating aspect of anthropology. However, in recent times, the appeal of having a totem—an animal, bird, reptile, fish, or insect that one feels connected to—has gained popularity in various social circles. According to Sibusiso Mohadi, a teacher from Nelspruit, South Africa, "There is a belief that totem animals protect the tribe during challenging times, fostering unity and dignity while maintaining a sense of consciousness and kinship. Totem animals are seen as the foundation of their respective tribes' lives." Individuals who share the same totem consider each other family, creating a network of social support that extends beyond blood ties. This cultural practice is what provides travellers or strangers with social backing wherever they may journey in Africa—through the tradition of totems. This leads us to our discussion in this week's culture corner.
Professor of African Languages at the University of the KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Sihawukele Ngubane joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In July 2023, Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan announced a shake-up of the Transnet board after constraints on the railways and ports resulted in South Africa missing out on billions of rand in revenue. On the 11-member board, nine new appointments were made including a new chair, Andile Sangqu, previously the vice-president of the Minerals Council and a former member of the Anglo American and Tongaat executive boards. In October, the board created a turnaround plan that it believes could help arrest the state-owned transport group’s decline, help it return to profitability by 2025 and make its rail and port operations reliable for SA’s economy. In December 2023, the National Treasury issued Transnet with an immediate R47 billion guarantee facility against which the entity is able to drawdown an initial amount of R22.8 billion to deal with immediate liquidity matters such as settling maturity debt. Transnet had a R7 billion debt repayment in November 2023 and R10 billion due by the end of March 2024. Its turnaround plan required R47 billion funding and for the Treasury to take over R61 billion of its debt. Its latest financials showed it made a loss of R5.7 billion, with R1 billion in debt service costs per month. Inefficiencies at the SOE have cost the economy billions, especially the mining industry, which relies on its infrastructure to export commodities as well as other industries including agriculture. The SA Association of Freight Forwarders said the failures at the SOE cost the domestic economy nearly R1 billion per day. This credit facility forms part of a guaranteed framework agreement between Godongwana’s department, Transnet and the department of public enterprises. In this conversation, we talk about and get an update on the turnaround of Transnet with its Board Chairperson Andile Sangqu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Singer, Producer and Label Executive Swazi Dlamini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Drawing inspiration from Njabulo Ndebele's acclaimed novel, The Cry of Winnie Mandela brings to life a poignant narrative centered around four women navigating the challenges of absence and waiting in the shadows of their men. With a blend of heartfelt emotion and subtle wit, the theatrical adaptation intricately intertwines their personal journeys, revealing the profound complexities of their experiences. Through intimate conversations, the characters expose the depths of longing and uncertainty that define this period of their lives, resonating with the enduring legacy of Winnie Mandela. At its core, the play explores the universal theme of waiting, inviting audiences to reflect on the historical struggles of women while finding relevance in their own contemporary realities. Cast members Rami Chuene who plays Mannete, Nambitha Mpumlwana who plays Winnie Mandela and Director MoMo Matsunyane join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently announced an Amendment to the National and Provincial Party Elections Broadcasts and Political Advertisements Regulations in preparation for the upcoming national and provincial elections scheduled for May 29th. This amendment comes after a consultation process with stakeholders, which commenced in October 2023 with the release of Draft Regulations for public review, followed by provincial workshops and public hearings. The regulations will cover the election period and apply to broadcasting service licensees (BSL), as well as how political parties and independent candidates can advertise their campaigns in the forthcoming national and provincial elections. Chairperson of the Committee leading the Elections Regulations at ICASA Councillor Nompucuko Nontombana joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Mapudi Bapela-Mahlare, Founder of Goddess Lifestyle Living in this week's edition of House of a Goddess.
House of a Goddess was founded by a Cloud Technologist Specialist, very innovative stemming from an ever-evolving cloud technology background. Very passionate & experienced interior stylists’ enthusiast who fully channeled her creative streak by focusing on investing in her growth trajectory of her business Goddess Lifestyle Living, Furniture Manufacturing & Renovations Empire, after Mapudi was subsequently retrenched at the heightened peak of 2020 when the Covid 19 pandemic hit in South Africa. Their services include Interior Design, Renovations of Properties, Architecture Design, Wellbeing Design and Furnishing & Furniture Manufacturing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's edition of "Beyond The Party Line", Lerato Mbele speaks to Wouter Wessels, a Member of Parliament & Head Of Elections for the FF Plus.
The Freedom Front was founded during this time under the leadership of Genl Constand Viljoen. Nineteen parties contested the national elections on 27 April 1994, of which only seven-won seats in Parliament. The Freedom Front, only one month old, ended as the fourth largest party, after the ANC, NP and IFP. The most significant occurance during the course of the first political term was the writting of the new South African constitution. The Freedom Front actively participated in Wouter Wessels, Member of Parliament & Head Of Elections
the process and focused on the inclusion of self-determination and group rights. The party is irrevocably committed to the realisation of communities’, in particular the Afrikaner’s, internationally recognised right to self-determination, territorial or otherwise; the maintenance, protection and promotion of their rights and interests, as well as the promotion of the right of self-determination of any other community, bound by a common language and cultural heritage in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the beginning of the year, not a single day has passed without water problems in Johannesburg, with reports indicating a water outage in the city every week this year. Experts warn that the situation is likely to deteriorate further while the City of Johannesburg works on maintaining infrastructure and improving the water supply. Continuous and sporadic water outages in Johannesburg have been ongoing for the past two years due to poor maintenance of infrastructure. Water towers and reservoirs do not have the capacity to accommodate the growing demand. Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager at Watercan and Dr Anthony Turton, a Professor at The Centre For Environmental Management At The University Of The Free State about SA's water issues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's edition of the Diary of the Week, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Kealoboga Aiseng, Deputy Head of Journalism and Media Studies School at Rhodes University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clare Akamanzi, a distinguished Rwandan professional, served as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board from 2017 to 2023. With a background in law, public administration, and diplomacy, she held key roles in trade negotiations and investment promotion. Recognised globally, she was appointed to the WHO Foundation board in 2020. Now, she is leading National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa as CEO since January 2024, recently winning the Forbes Africa Investment Catalyst Award. She joins us in this week's leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, presiding over the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, will on Thursday rule whether the alleged confession statements made by his alleged killers are admissible. The court previously heard Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya and co-accused Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi had confessed to knowing the circumstances of football star Meyiwa's murder in Vosloorus in 2014. However, they alleged they were forced to do so after being beaten by police. In the trial-within-a-trial that started in October last year, the court heard evidence on the admissibility of the confession statements they allegedly made. The defence has submitted the alleged confessions by Sibiya and Ntanzi were not obtained voluntarily and freely. They alleged the accused were tortured and assaulted. Sibiya alleges that torture using plastic bags was used to force him to sign the pre-written confession, which was false as he knew nothing about the footballer's murder. In this conversation, we reflect on the trial within a trial ahead of today’s judgement. Attorney and Director of Zikalala Attorneys Mpumelelo Zikalala joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alex Rantseli, is one half of the dynamic brother band duo, MarcAlex a South African musical group who had a hit with their song "Quick Quick", which went to number 1 on the South African music charts in June 1989. The group is made up of brothers Marc and Alex Rantseli. They won the OKTV Awards for Best Newcomer in 1988 and their song "Heartbreakin' Love" went to number 1 on the 5FM and Radio Metro charts. Boys B Boys followed in 1990, with reworked versions of (some of) the original tunes appearing via ATCO Records and PWL Records that same year on their international and equally eponymous debut. Born in Diepkloof, Soweto, Rantseli’s interest for music started when he was at Olympia High School and when his brother first started playing the piano. In November 2023, his brother Marc Rantseli passed away.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haiti is a vibrant island nation in the Caribbean. With a rich history shaped by African heritage and the struggle for independence, Haiti stands as a testament to resilience. Its culture, a fusion of African, French, and West Indian influences, finds expression through the Creole language in literature, music, and governance. Within Haiti's cultural tapestry lies the mystical realm of Voodoo, steeped in ancient traditions, and the intriguing belief in Zombies. On today’s culture corner, we explore Haiti's dynamic landscape, we unravel its mysteries and complexities, from its resilient people to its ever-evolving political climate. Founder of the Institute of Afrikology and National Social Cohesion Advocate appointed by the Department of Arts & Culture focusing on Advocacy and Indigenous Knowledge Dr Yaa Ashantewaa Archer-Ngidi joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In December 2024, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group reported that the average cost of the Household Food Basket in South Africa rose to R5,238.20, up by R385.03 from December 2022. Gcwalisa, a local retail outlet in Alexandra, is tackling food insecurity with refillable dispensers and a weigh-and-pay model, offering essentials like rice, sugar, and beans for just R5 each. Innovator and Founder Miles Khubeka joins us to discuss this innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says there’s stability at Eskom since the appointment of the new chief executive officer. He attributes this to findings and recommendations from several reports conducted to look into operations at the embattled utility. This includes the VGBE report commissioned by the National Treasury. Dr Ramokgopa says Eskom’s new CEO, Dan Marokane, will offer a comprehensive outline of a revised generation recovery plan that will seek to integrate recommendations arising from various expert reports into the state of the coal power stations. Ramokgopa gave feedback on the government's energy plan earlier this week. We reflect on his 10 focus areas in his Eskom response and look at the VGBE report. Independent Energy Analyst Tshepo Kgadima joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The newly appointed Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni for the first time since his appointment, briefed Members of the Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety on the Province’s Crime Statistics for the 3rd Quarter of the 2023/24 Financial Year. Lieutenant General Mthombeni’s report largely focused on Gauteng’s crime statistics in the period: October to December 2023. He further briefed the Committee on interventions implemented to minimise crime and restore law and order in Eldorado Park, Westbury, Diepsloot and Soshanguve (Jukulyn), progress on interventions employed to curb illegal mining as well as measures and progress made to address carjackings. The province recorded an increase in contact crimes, with figures climbing from 50 039 in 2022 to 51 327 in 2023, marking a rise of 1 288 counts. Contact crimes are those in which the victims are the targets of violence or are in the vicinity of property that criminals target and are subjected to the use of/or threats of violence. Among the 1 288 counts, robbery with aggravating circumstances recorded the highest increase, with 716 reported incidents (13,729 counts in 2022 to 14,445 in 2023), followed by assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm at 481 counts (11,285 in 2022 to 11,766 in 2023). Criminologist and Tshwane University of Technology’s Head of the Department of Safety and Security Management Professor Kholofelo Rakubu and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety Dr Bandile Masuku joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2021, parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs rejected two proposals contained in the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill, which could have seen the introduction of electronic voting in the country. The rejected proposals were contained in clause 14, which suggested that the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) “may prescribe a different voting method” under the 1998 Electoral Act and clause 21 which sought to make a similar amendment to the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act, 2000. The electoral body had intended to use these amendments to progressively introduce e-voting. Electronic voting is voting that uses electronic means to either aid or take care of casting and counting ballots. Election observers keep watch over polls throughout the world. Their job is to support efforts to improve electoral quality and to provide transparency. In African countries, both local citizen and international observers have been deployed regularly since the 1990s. During several recent elections across the continent, however, questions have arisen about the competence and impartiality of observation missions. This has led to concerns about the future of observation, both in Africa and elsewhere. In this week’s edition of the masterclass, we speak about electronic voting and the role of election observers with Executive Chairman of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa Terry Tselane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite South Africa’s deteriorating infrastructure, rolling power cuts, water infrastructure disruptions and deteriorating road networks many South Africans who left the country for greener pastures are returning. This is according to a report in The Times, which said the expats preferred to contend with the country’s harsh conditions and be happy rather than continue to live abroad. The London-based publication said the cost of living in Britain and in Europe, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East had led many South African professionals abroad to reconsider living overseas. Balla Masemola who studied abroad and HR Consultant at REDI Recruitment Simonne Adcock join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in South Africa experienced a 17-hour IT shutdown for urgent maintenance, leading to the implementation of a new customer verification process on its website. This follows a recent data breach exposing personal details of clients and employees, with a ransomware group claiming responsibility. The CIPC acknowledged the seriousness of the breach but noted a wider trend of increased cyber-attacks in South Africa. Advocate Collen Weapond who is responsible for POPIA at the Information Regulator along with Head of Consulting at Armata Cuber Security Richard Frost join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Kingdom is gearing up for its first election in half a decade, ushering in a new era under the reign of King Charles. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds the power to set the election date, a decision which is yet to be announced. Amidst this political anticipation, the UK faces a slew of pressing issues. Economic challenges loom large, characterised by stubbornly high inflation and sluggish growth. Immigration policies and border control capacity also stand under scrutiny. Additionally, the nation's cherished healthcare system, while free, is marred by extensive waiting times for essential services like dental care to cancer treatment. Furthermore, the monarchy itself finds itself under scrutiny, with ongoing debates about its relevance and the frequency of attacks against it. Against this backdrop, it's pertinent to explore the current political landscape in the UK as it approaches the general elections, and to reflect on the role of the monarchy in the year 2024. Political Analyst and Comparative Politics Seminal Teacher at the University of Dundee Musa Mdunge joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with Dr Bandile Masuku, Chairperson Of The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee On Community Safety, Bayanda Radebe, Secretary of Mazibuy’ekasi Spaza Shops and Entrepreneur, Rita Ma-Zwane” Zwane about crime and safety in Gauteng communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Dr Pali Lehohla, Director of the Economic Modelling Academy about the South African economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to POPCRU Spokesperson, Richard Mamabolo and the General Secretary of the South African Policing Union, Tumelo Mogodiseng about police killings in SA and their call for such killings to be declared as treason.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with the Co-founder of Modern Sleep, Pritchard Sibanda. Modern Sleep is a South African bed manufacturing company that prides itself with creating beds that are designed with the needs and preferences of South African sleepers in mind. The company has a wide range of beds to choose from, including luxurious memory foam and adjustable beds that cater to a customer’s individual sleeping preferences. And is dedicated to making the mattress-buying process easy and stress-free, so one wakes up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Timothy Thomas, Country Manager at Epson about the business of printing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Matakanye Matakanya, General Secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies. On Monday, Kobus Wiese, a former rugby player, took to Twitter to share news about an upcoming event at Laerskool Boshoek Primary. The school plans to host a gender swap day on March 8th, where girls will wear boys' uniforms and boys will wear girls' uniforms—presumably tunics. Although the school didn't elaborate on the reason behind this decision in the newsletter, it has stirred up quite a bit of debate and frustration online, with many parents expressing their discontent. While the tradition of "Guyfox" has been celebrated at the end of the year for some time, this particular event has sparked a broader conversation about the shift towards gender neutrality in early education and whether our society is prepared to fully embrace policies that promote inclusivity in schools. In this discussion, we aim to delve deeper into these topics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Andrew Lukhele, Chairperson of the National Stokvel Association of South Africa about the evolution of stokvels in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While for many of us, this year is indeed 2023, it's essential to recognize that our perception of time is not universal. Take, for instance, Ethiopia, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a calendar that follows a completely different rhythm. Just yesterday, on the 12th of September, they celebrated their New Year, but according to their calendar, it's not 2023; it's 2016. This discrepancy is a reminder that timekeeping systems are not set in stone; they reflect the unique history, traditions, and worldview of each society. In this conversation we want to unpack the dictates of time and calendars as well as explore the diverse ways in which people across the world mark the passage of time and how these systems shape their lives, rituals, and celebrations. Cultural Expert Menzi Maseko joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Officials from the Chinese and South African space agencies have formally agreed to collaborate on a lunar-based project which will see the construction of a research base on the moon. To date the Soviet Union, United States and China are the only three countries to have successfully carried out soft landing on the moon. Recently, India landed a spacecraft on the moon’s south pole. In a landscape once dominated by superpowers, South Africa's collaboration with China further heralds a new era of international cooperation in the quest for lunar knowledge, emphasising that the race to space is no longer limited to a select few. In this conversation we want to explore South Africa’s landscape of space technology as well as where we are in terms of our own race to space. Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of the Western Cape, Professor Lerothodi Leeuw joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It has been 46 years since the tragic death of the Black Consciousness Movement leader, Steve Biko. One of the most prominent leaders in the anti-apartheid struggle, he died in police detention on September 12, 1977, and had been imprisoned on charges of terrorism. The South African Minister of Police announced that he died after a seven-day hunger strike. Riots ensued in the aftermath of this statement, and a few students were killed in the protests. Fifteen thousand people showed up to Biko’s funeral, including foreign dignitaries, African diplomats, and about 13 Western diplomats. The governments of Ghana and Lesotho released official statements of outrage. The South African police had underestimated the potential consequences of his death, and a global movement emerged, demanding justice for Biko. Former Robben Island prisoner, ex-president of Azapo and member of the Azanian Veterans League Dr Mosibudi Mangena joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ActionSA was formed in August 2020 by the former Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, to change the direction of South Africa by providing a credible alternative to a broken political system that has failed South Africans for many years since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy. The party’s foundations are grounded in The People’s Dialogue, a 9-month public engagement process which solicited the views of 2.4 million South Africans about the future of their country. Our focus is on Action that moves South Africa forward from an era of broken promises, corruption, and failed government. ActionSA is currently holding its inaugural policy conference in Ekurhuleni as it gears towards the 2024 national elections that are attended by over 600 delegates in attendance and is focusing on 11 key policy proposals. Political Analyst and Lecturer at Wits School of Governance, Sandile Swana joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week is known as “Wills Week” - a reminder of the importance of a topic that may not be the most pleasant to discuss but is undeniably crucial: preparing for the inevitable by creating a will. None of us likes to dwell on the thought of our mortality, but ensuring our affairs are in order can be an act of profound love and responsibility towards our families. In this conversation, we want to explore the significance of making a will, share personal experiences, and discuss practical steps to make the process as smooth as possible. Because while death is inevitable, thoughtful planning can ease the journey for those left behind. Senior Legal Advisor at Sanlam Trust David Thomson joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global leaders announced a multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. The pact comes at a critical time as US President Joe Biden seeks to counter China’s Belt and Road push on global infrastructure by pitching Washington as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries at the G20 grouping. A memorandum of understanding on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, was signed by the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and other G20 partners. IMEC is envisioned to consist of two separate corridors with an east corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, and a northern corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf with Europe, according to the MOU. Along the railway route, participants intend to lay cable for power and data lines, as well as a pipeline for hydrogen derived from renewable energy for use in power generation. Assistant Professor at Alliance University’s School of Liberal Arts Dr Sayan Dey and Distinguished Political Economist and Professor of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg Patrick Bond join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At least 2,681 people have been killed in the Moroccan earthquake and 2,501 have been injured, state-run broadcaster 2M said Monday. Rescuers are still searching through rubble and trying to reach isolated communities after the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco, killing thousands, and leaving more injured or unaccounted for. The quake was the strongest to hit the nation’s centre in more than a century, and its epicentre was not far from popular tourist and economic hub Marrakech. Its impact was felt far and wide, reaching as far north as Casablanca. In this conversation, we get an update about the rescue efforts in Morocco after the earthquake with South African Ambassador to Morocco Ebrahim Edries, Deputy Head of Missions at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco Hechem El Moummy and the Regional Director of the African Muslims Agency Hassan Choonara.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Goolam Ballim, the chief economist and head of research for the Standard Bank Group about the South African economy and public and private sector partnerships.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Gauteng MEC of Finance, Jacob Mamabolo about unlocking resources through partnership between the private and public sectors.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The entitlement to free municipal services In the past, the practice of not paying municipal rates, service charges, and other tariffs originated within the townships during the 1980s. This was, in part, a political tactic aimed at subverting the government and its policy of apartheid-era separate development. It was assumed that this issue would diminish following the political shift to a democratic system. Nevertheless, more than two decades after this transition, the problem of nonpayment for services remains a significant financial burden for municipalities. Lerato Mbele is joined by Phelisa Nkomo, an independent development economist who also chairs the OXFAM Board and community activist, Moeketsi Mohaneng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Nicolas van Wyk, CEO of CIBA which represents CFOs in the country about the collaboration of the private and public sector towards advancing the country's economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Sydney Mufamadi, Former Minister of Safety & Security & Provincial & Local Government, political analyst Dr Metji Makgoba and Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, a Cultural Expert & Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal about Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi was a prominent figure who led the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) for an extended period and also played a pivotal role in South Africa's negotiated 1994 settlement. He evolved into a cabinet minister and statesman in the post-apartheid era and was frequently entrusted with the role of acting president between 1994 and 2004. However, his legacy is marked by complexity and controversy, as he was also closely associated with the apartheid regime's Bantustan system, the violence that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) during the 1980s and early 1990s under his leadership, and his role in bringing the country to the brink of civil war before ultimately deciding to participate in South Africa's inaugural democratic elections in 1994. His enigmatic political career, which continues to divide opinions both at home and abroad, remain a topic of intrigue days after his passing. In this conversation we want to understand what South Africans should make of his death, given the reality of his chequered legacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2013, Cabinet adopted the White Paper for Post School Education and Training (WP-PSET) which sets the vision for the PSET sector. Following the adoption of the White Paper, the Department of Higher Education and Training developed the National Plan for Post School Education and Training (hereafter ‘the Plan’). The development of the Plan was an iterative process culminating to its finalization and approval by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande in 2021. The Plan is an overarching roadmap for the transformation, expansion, and improvement of post schooling human resource development in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thatha, a computer and smartphone manufacturer based in South Africa and incubated by the Innovation Hub was founded in 2018 by Computer Scientist Lesley Ncube from Durban who studied computer science at the Tshwane University of Technology. The firm sells high end smartphones at affordable prices running the best custom android software and has a mission to become a global leader in providing technological services and products. Since their incorporation, Thatha has preserved its culture of providing quality and value to their customers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Tinyiko Maluleke about the National Plan for Post School Education and Training.In 2013, Cabinet adopted the White Paper for Post School Education and Training (WP-PSET) which sets the vision for the PSET sector. Following the adoption of the White Paper, the Department of Higher Education and Training developed the National Plan for Post School Education and Training (hereafter ‘the Plan’). The development of the Plan was an iterative process culminating to its finalization and approval by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande in 2021. The Plan is an overarching roadmap for the transformation, expansion, and improvement of post schooling human resource development in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Lulu Gwagwa was South Africa’s first black town planner in the 1980s, currently the CEO of Lereko Investments, a philanthropist and has filled roles at the highest levels of the public sector and in business. She currently is Chairman of the Barloworld Group and has sat on the boards of Massmart, FirstRand and Sun International. She was appointed in 1993 as one of the twelve commissioners tasked with the delineation and demarcation of the current provincial boundaries and has served as the presidential appointee on the Commission on Provincial Government and as Deputy Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Local Government Transformation. In 2014 she was appointed Deputy Chair of the Eastern Cape Planning Commission to develop the Eastern Cape Development Plan. She holds a BA (Fort Hare); a Masters in Town and Regional Planning (Natal); an MSc – cum laude (LSE); an MPhil (SASA); and a PhD from University College London. Aside from authoring policy papers, she is published in the fields of gender, housing and development management, she mentors young black women through her Traversing Liminality mentorship programme.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Meble speaks toDr Nkosinathi Sishi, Director General, Department of Higher Education and Training about the National Plan For Post School Education and Training. The Plan is an overarching roadmap for the transformation, expansion, and improvement of post schooling human resource development in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last Wednesday, military leaders in Gabon seized power, hours after the announcement of the election results which revealed that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had secured a third term as head of state. According to several analysts in the region, the elections were marred by irregularities. Moreover, the region has seen a rise in coup’s as more countries seek to break away from their colonial French ties. Under Ali Bongo, Gabon has been one of France’s closest allies in Africa with Bongo being described as a loyal supporter of French policies. With the attempted coup at play, after Niger, Mali and more, the reality is that the countries relationships with its former colonial power as well as its French economic and military interests in the wider region hangs in the balance. In this conversation Lerato Mbele takes a look at the relationship between Africa and France in 2023 with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and AU (African Union) Policy Analyst Emmanuel K. Bensah.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the heart of South Africa, amidst the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, a poignant conversation emerges—one that delves into the profound impact of mother and father wounds on the lives of children. In today’s dynamic culture corner, we want to unravel the intricate web of intergenerational trauma, where parents, often unwittingly, perpetuate the scars they bear. Children sometimes find themselves navigating a treacherous path that reflects into adulthood—one where they must not only survive their parents but also confront the echoes of their parents' past. Mothers, shaped by their unhealed wounds, may unconsciously pass on the legacy of pain to their daughters. Fathers, burdened by the scars of their upbringing, may inadvertently impose their unresolved struggles onto their sons. Let’s have a real conversation about the wounds caused by our parents. Senior Psychology Lecturer at Wits University Professor Malose Langa and Parenting Coach Ayanda Tetyana join Nompumelelo Ngubeni for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The term “service delivery” comes up ever so frequently because in South Africa basic services, such as the distribution of water, electricity and sanitation infrastructure, in many municipalities are unreliable. Earlier in the year, it was reported that 32 major service delivery protests were recorded in January alone. According to specialised local government data and intelligence company Municipal IQ, Gauteng saw the most service delivery protests in 2022 (accounting for 27%), followed by KZN (22%) and the Eastern Cape (16%). Meanwhile, in the eThekwini metro residents have embarked on a protest – withholding up to R1.2 million in rates and taxes – citing that despite sharp tariff increases, they continue to receive sub-par services or no services at all. Moreover, residents have taken the metro to court. In this conversation, we want to take a look at the situation in eThekwini as well as how the lack of service delivery has become a norm in many municipalities across the country. Nompumelelo Ngubeni is joined by Local Governance Expert Dr Tim Maake and the Chairperson of the Westville Ratepayers Association (WRA) Asad Gaffar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we prepare for summer, many of us have made time to go to the gym in preparation for beach-ready bodies, others are preparing to explore the world. Well. on our Innovation Wednesday feature today we are exploring the prospect of entrusting all your travel coordination endeavours to a robot. Online travel agency, Travelstart, has launched Africa's first AI Travel Assistant, setting a new industry standard. The tool will enable travellers to create personalised itineraries, receive expert destination advice, and find budget-friendly travel options, all on one seamless platform. It has been said the rapid adoption of generative AI such as ChatGPT has transformed the futuristic idea of integrating generative AI into travel into a tangible and thrilling reality. Linda Balme is the Head of Commercial at Travelstart and joins us now to walk us through what this means for many of us who are planning for a holiday. Linda Balme, Head of Commercial at Travelstart, joins Nompumelelo Ngubeni for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, we spoke about the difference between saving and investing, and how to choose the best option for yourself and your goals. To wrap up our conversations, let’s delve into a guide for those choosing to invest as first-timers with the Product Owner of Savings & Investments, Standard Bank, Thopi Mhloli.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Societies that have emerged from traumatic experiences, such as colonialism, apartheid, and civil war, need just leadership to reduce seeking refuge in victimhood. They also need leadership that has greater self-awareness, more caring, and emphasises forgiveness. Countries that have experienced colonialism, apartheid, and civil war experience trauma not only at the individual level but also mass trauma at a collective level. Mass trauma, such as colonialism and apartheid, and chronic long-standing poverty and unemployment can alter the way the victims make decisions, the leaders and parties they support, and how they vote. In this conversation, we talk about creating social order in high-trauma societies. Human Rights and Social Justice Activist and Editor of Maverick Citizen Mark Heywood joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday (4 September), Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in for a second term as president of Zimbabwe, following a highly contested election last month. Several African leaders including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambique’s President Phillipe Nyusi and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi were in attendance. Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana indicated that invitations were also sent to former liberation movements including Namibia’s South West Africa People’s Organisation, Botswana’s Democratic Party and Angola’s People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola. Rwanda, Tanzania and Nigeria also sent their representatives to the inauguration. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele delves into what the support of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency says about leadership in Africa, against the backdrop of the contested elections as well as the implications it has for not only for the people of Zimbabwe but for the SADC region as a whole. Political Analyst Sandile Swana joins the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
African policymakers have gathered in Kenya to participate in the continent's inaugural climate summit, hosted by Kenya. Kenyan President William Ruto envisions that this summit will offer African solutions to the forthcoming COP28 climate summit in the UAE, where discussions about the global energy future are expected to take center stage. Many analysts believe that the success of this summit, in bringing African leaders together to articulate a shared vision for green development on the continent, will have a ripple effect on other international diplomatic and economic meetings. They have also said that the summit will demonstrate that Africa is not solely a victim of climate change but a region with creative solutions to tackle it. In this discussion, we aim to evaluate the summit's significance and its implications for Africa's development.
Climatologist at the International Water Management Institute, Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the devastating impact of the fire that tore through a hijacked building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, questions have come to the fore about how these buildings actually came about and how severe the housing crisis, not only in the city, but across the country is. As revealed last week, the buildings are not only used as dilapidated centres of drug crimes and other illegal activities, but they are also used as housing – despite not being conducive for shelter. On today’s view of the nation, we delve into the housing crisis in the country through the lens of hijacked buildings. Lerato is joined by Patrick Phophi, Director of Housing at the City of Johannesburg, Angela Rivers, General Manager at Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers Association and Clarence Kwinana, a town planner and MD of Kwinana Town Planners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Lecturer and Political Analyst, Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to actor, director and playwright, Dr John Kani in this week's edition of "In the Spotlight".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This weekend, with spring officially in air, the University of Johannesburg Choir, under the baton of choirmaster Renette Bouwer, present their ground-breaking work The New Covenant at the Linder Auditorium. Poetically devised by Antjie Krog and narrated by poet Lebo Mashile the performance is a grand-scale reflection on our relationship with nature and the planet, delivering a powerful message on climate change.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fifteen years ago, the ANC government made the controversial decision to disband the Scorpions, a corruption-fighting entity. Now, a noteworthy development has emerged in the form of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment (NPA) Bill. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola is aiming to revive the unit's prosecutorial approach through this legislation. This follows the body’s long-list of high-profile cases it has lost including the recent acquittal of former Hawks North West General Jan Mabula who was implicated in the state capture report. In a recent statement, Lamola asserted, "To effectively combat crimes like corruption, it's crucial to adopt a prosecution-led investigation model, drawing inspiration from successful global practices." Meanwhile, there is a sentiment that scrapping the Scorpions fundamentally weakened the country’s ability to fight corruption. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Service Chrispin Phiri joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the pandemic unfolded, it coincided with an expanding digital age which allowed for many of us to tap into various virtual worlds offering the promise of public discourse. However, the paradox of digital connectivity is this, despite the promise of interconnectedness – even remotely – through social platforms, the impact of face-to-face conversations have significantly diminished. Kim Samuel, is an educator, international activist and author who recently published a book called “On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation” which she believes is the next frontier in human rights. This includes the right to belong particularly for women and the elderly. She joins Lerato Mbele to speak about the importance of human connection.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bongani Mdakane is an admitted attorney with over 12 years of experience in the legal fraternity. He holds an LLB from the University of South Africa (UNISA), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He started his legal career at Spoor & Fisher, a leading, Intellectual Property law firm where he served articles and specialised in Trademark and Copyright Law. An ardent music lover, it was Bongani’s long-held wish to merge his legal experience with his love for music. This opportunity came in the form of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) where Bongani served as a Legal Advisor. At SAMRO, Bongani obtained invaluable experience in the music industry, particularly in the context of collective management. Notably, Bongani was part of the team which made written submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on the Copyright Amendment Bill. Eager to continue his work in the music industry, Bongani joined one of the leading independent record labels, Ambitiouz Entertainment as a Legal and Business Affairs Manager. Driven by a need to continue to hone his legal experience in an all-encompassing manner, Bongani founded Mdakane Attorneys in January 2023. Bongani joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as a Special Envoy to South Sudan, is on an Official Visit to the Republic of South Sudan from 28–31 August 2023 where he is meeting with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice Presidents, Ministers, South Sudan elders, and representatives of relevant organisations. The visit is aimed at taking stock of the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R–ARCSS), to monitor preparations for the national elections, to recommit South Africa’s support for the transition in South Sudan and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. A national unified army remains to be formed, and the legislative and constitutional work that would be needed before prospective elections in 2023 has barely begun. The Deputy President’s Spokesperson Vukani Mde joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Justice Tati Makgoka was appointed as a Judge in the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2018, who also serves on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) committee. With a wealth of experience under his robes, Justice Makgoka's contributions extend beyond the precincts of his courtroom. Notably, he has demonstrated his mettle on multiple occasions, having twice assumed the role of an acting judge at the esteemed Supreme Court of Appeal before he was officially appointed. He has also lent his judicial prowess to acting positions at the Labour Appeal Court and the Constitutional Division of the Lesotho High Court. His ascent to the Gauteng High Court bench in 2009 after having cultuivated his legal acumen since practicing as an attorney since 1994. In an ever-evolving legal landscape, Judge Tati Makgoka stands as an exemplar of erudition and versatility, enriching the tapestry of the legal profession with his multifaceted expertise. He joins Lerato Mbele for the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine wearing special glasses with tiny screens that show 3D worlds. When you move your head, the pictures change as if you're there. Sensors in the glasses track your movements, so it feels real. You can even use gloves to touch things. It's like stepping into a different place through your eyes and hands – that’s what virtual reality (VR) is. The rising phenomenon, which typically features in remote gaming instances, is evolving and this time to enhance real life experiences in various spaces including in healthcare for one, where doctors can practice their surgeries with the added benefit of seeing the results of their work in various scenarios. Moreover, it is also understood that virtual reality technology can also be used to simulate/mimic sporting events, where sports players can practice their techniques as if they are playing last weekend’s game or even help people fight their phobias. On today’s innovation feature, we want to unpack how far virtual reality technology can enhance real life experiences across professions in South Africa with Co-Founder and Operations Director at bizAr Reality, Anthony Eva.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joy Denalane was born in Berlin-Schoeneberg as the third of six children to a German Mother and a South African Father. At the age of six the family moved on to Berlin-Kreuzberg, a more racially diverse part of the city, where Joy entered school and spent the greater part of her adolescence. At sixteen, she left home and began focusing on music. The name Denalane is South African and means shining star (in Pedi); it is as if the young teen had no other choice but to muster the courage and follow her predestined path to eventual celebrity. Equipped with a mixture of political awareness, nurtured by an upbringing heavy on education, and self-acquired street smarts, the ambitious teen hit the Berlin music scene, playing with local soul and reggae bands. We speak to her in this edition of the culture corner about her career and upcoming album, WILLPOWER which will be released 6th October 2023 via Four, a selection of liberation anthems exploring life’s central moments: death, birth, endings and beginnings, a record about finding freedom and self-empowerment in letting go. Joy joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday (Tuesday, 29 August), the Constitutional Court jointly heard two cases revolving around the new Electoral Amendment Act which argued that the law places unrealistic obligations on independent candidates, making it difficult for them to compete equally and win a seat in the National Assembly. The two urgent applications were launched by the Independent Candidate Association (ICA) and One South Africa Movement (OSA), respectively. The ICA has indicated that it wants the seat allocation model to be changed while the OSA wants the number of signatures required for candidates to participate in the elections changed to 1 000. Meanwhile, the IEC has said that making these changes are not necessary for several reasons.
Acting Director at the Rivonia Circle Lukhona Mnguni joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Presidency and Treasury have said that Operation Vulindlela's structural reforms have gathered pace in the second quarter of 2023. Operation Vulindlela was set up to unblock economic reforms and give effect to the reconstruction and recovery plan President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in October 2020. The operation's progress report states the target date for completing a passenger rail service devolution policy is March 2024. Over 70% of OV reforms have now either been completed or are on track to be finalised within the next year. A minority of reforms – those in the municipal space and the additional reforms that Operation Vulindlela has taken on in the last year – will run beyond the 2023/2024 fiscal year," reads Operation Vulindlela's progress update for the second quarter of 2023.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Rudi Dicks, the Head of the Project Management Office in the Presidency about the progress made in reforming areas such as energy, logistics, telecommunications, water sectors as well as the visa regime in order to boost economic growth and job creation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There was a time in South Africa when cities were on the up and up. Hillbrow, for one, was known as the place to be – where one would find the best restaurants, the most beautiful buildings with the most iconic landmarks. At present, however, Hillbrow much like many other key nodes in the country has turned to be amongst the most unsafe, unclean and drug-riddled parts of the city centre, which is showing evident signs of urban decay. It is understood that rapid urbanisation, economic disparities, and infrastructural limitations have collectively contributed towards the deterioration of urban areas across the country. On today’s masterclass we want to unpack how we can combat urban decay in the country. Local Governance Specialist Dr Tim Maake joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This past weekend the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) met for its annual policy conference. The PAC, which currently has one seat in parliament, has been known for its messaging around land redistribution, with its President Mzwanele Nyhontso mentioning earlier on in the year that the party aims to restore Africa’s dignity through the revamping of the education system, addressing the housing deficit, ending load shedding and tackling rampant crime in the country. The party was established in 1959 by Robert Sobukwe and was synonymous for its vocation in advocating for political pressure, in Apartheid South Africa, via strikes and boycotts; the most memorable being its sponsoring of a nationwide protest against pass laws – a day we now celebrate as Human Rights Day. In this conversation we want to unpack what the PAC looks like in 2023 as well as assess the outcomes of its policy conference ahead of the 2024 national elections. National Chairman of the PAC Sbusiso Xaba joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we edge closer to the end of August, the BLeisure Africa Forum which promotes inter-intra Africa trade, investment, and tourism, will be hosting its pop-up trade fair. The fair was conceptualised for small businesses across Africa to gain access to various markets while networking amongst each other and promoting their products and services. The event, which is happening from this Thursday 31 August until Saturday 2 September in Mogale city, will host over 20 African countries offering both business and leisure activities suited for entrepreneurs, buyers and families. Dimakatso Malwela is the Director of BLeisure Africa who joins Morio Sanyane to tell us more about the event.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BRICS was created primarily as a trade and economic forum but has now evolved to cover collaborative projects between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa across a host of fields. Encompassing over 40 percent of the world’s population, BRICS members have reached a consensus on the importance of people-to-people exchanges across culture, sports, education, film and youth. In a spirit of openness, inclusiveness, diversity and mutual learning, the bloc's countries have promoted new friendships at all levels of society, while deepening relations and mutual understanding. The impact of people-to-people exchanges can be seen in the various BRICS forums, on cinema screens, on football pitches, and on the streets of member countries as people travel and study within the bloc. Morio Sanyane speaks to Azah Mphago about cultural appreciation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The announced expansion of the five-nation Brics club of emerging economies was described as "historic" by Chinese President Xi Jinping, but it is still not clear how far the countries' common interests stretch. The growth of Brics "will… further strengthen the force for world peace and development" the president said while addressing the leaders gathered at a conference centre in South Africa's commercial hub, Johannesburg. The Brics countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - are often seen as a counterweight to the Western-led world. The six new countries - Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - are set to join in January.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to singer Monique Bingham about her upcoming film.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ipeleng Mkhari is pioneering entrepreneur with over 21 years’ experience in various disciplines including asset management, infrastructure investing, logistics and industrial manufacturing. She established the first black woman-owned CCTV business and co-founder and CEO of Motseng Investment Holdings, a diversified investment holdings group. She has been awarded a number of prestigious awards and is also the former president of the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA). Heading a diversified investment holding company with third-party assets under management worth R20 billion, being an entrepreneur wasn’t always on her radar. She joins Lerato Mbele to share her journey in navigating the space.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday, delays marked voting in Zimbabwe as the Southern African country conducted its second general election since the ouster of longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in a 2017 coup. Twelve presidential candidates were on the ballot, but the main contest is expected to be between the 80-year-old incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as “The Crocodile,” and 45-year-old opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. Mnangagwa, who narrowly beat Chamisa in a disputed election in 2018, is seeking a second and what would be his final five-year term. Chamisa hopes to break the ruling ZANU-PF party’s 43-year hold on power. Zimbabwe has had only two leaders since gaining independence from white minority rule in 1980, and both belonged to the ZANU-PF. A run-off would be held on October 2 if no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the first round. The election will also determine the makeup of the 350-seat parliament and nearly 2,000 local council positions. In this conversation, we – reflect on Zim’s election day, look at prospects for the elections and assess what the elections mean and the role of the Southern Africa region in turning the country around. Executive Director of Good Governance Africa Chris Maroleng joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, Patrice Motsepe underscored the critical imperative to expedite the progress and development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This week, South Africa chaired the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism". Some of the topics that were discussed included, accelerating infrastructure development through government business and private partnerships, the BRICS manufacturing forum, and the ocean economy. In this conversation, we reflect on the BRICS bloc about business. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is the Founding President of the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Kanakana Mudzanani, the Founder of Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil Loyiso Manga and Vice President of the Black Business Council Gregory Mofokeng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Sunday evening President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the much-anticipated BRICS Summit, which is currently underway, and outlined the country’s foreign policy. With over 20 countries having applied to join BRICS, Ramaphosa said the world is becoming increasingly complex and fractured, and further warned that multilateralism was being replaced by the actions of different power blocs. Meanwhile, the formation has frequently asserted itself as a mechanism to reduce the world’s reliance on the US and the dollar as a global reserve currency. In this conversation, we want to unpack what this means as well as how a new world order pioneered by BRICS could translate geopolitically.
Independent Foreign Policy Analyst and Executive Director at the Institute for Global Change Dr Philani Mthembu along with the Director of Programmes at Futurelect Dr Sithembile Mbete join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The BRICS countries are understood to share similar challenges such as a lack of food security, access to healthcare and energy as well as the impact of climate change. In September last year, India’s Union Minister of state for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that BRICS countries need to join forces to innovate affordable scientific solutions to resolve the challenges. This, he said, includes cooperation in areas like renewable energy, biotechnology, electric mobility, ICT, AI, robotics, and more. On today’s innovation, we want to look at what revolutionising technology looks like through the lens of locating innovative concepts such as Space X for instance, in each BRICS country.
CEO of Solcon Capital Pramod Venkatesh joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leading up to the summit, many countries have vocalised their interests to join the BRICS formation. In July it was reported that more than 40 countries expressed interest in joining BRICS with 22 formally requesting to join. It has been said that a strategically expanded BRICS would change the global architecture of the world, particularly in economic terms. The current criticism, however, is that the formation is not yet offering anything concrete to justify its anticipated influence on the world and that the current member states need to be selective about who they admit. On today’s Culture Corner, we want to explore what an expanded BRICS would mean particularly for African countries.
Director of the Centre of Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg Professor David Monyae joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parole is a manner of placement whereby an offender, subject to completion of a minimum period of a sentence inside the correctional centre and subject to certain criteria being met, may be allowed to serve a part of his/her sentence in the community. Parolees are closely monitored to ensure they comply with parole conditions. All offenders sentenced to life imprisonment between August 1, 1993, and September 30, 2004, must be considered for parole after serving a minimum 12 years and four months' imprisonment. Those sentenced to life imprisonment after September 30, 2004, cannot be paroled until they have served at least 25 years. These offenders remain on parole until death.
Lerato Mbele speaks about parole in South Africa with the Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Service Singabakho Nxumalo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parole is a manner of placement whereby an offender, subject to completion of a minimum period of a sentence inside the correctional centre and subject to certain criteria being met, may be allowed to serve a part of his/her sentence in the community. Parolees are closely monitored to ensure they comply with parole conditions. All offenders sentenced to life imprisonment between August 1, 1993, and September 30, 2004, must be considered for parole after serving a minimum 12 years and four months' imprisonment. Those sentenced to life imprisonment after September 30, 2004, cannot be paroled until they have served at least 25 years. These offenders remain on parole until death.
Lerato Mbele speaks about parole in South Africa with the Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Service Singabakho Nxumalo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
City Press has reported that a new law could see children, between the ages of 10 and 18 years, who are found guilty of bullying their peers at schools being sentenced to imprisonment. Added to that, school pupils who are the victims of bullying can apply for a protection order against their tormentor without the consent of their parents or guardians. The new law comes amidst growing concerns over the frequency of bullying incidents that have devastating effects for families and communities at large. Analysts have weighed in saying imprisonment may be imposed as a last resort and for the shortest period but with the intention of rehabilitation rather than punishment. Nonetheless many questions emerge including whether learners who are found guilty of bullying and further sentenced to jail time will have to carry a criminal record despite being children themselves and not knowing any better.
Spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education Elijah Mhlanga and Education Policy Analyst Xolani Majola join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Competition Commission, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has been forging ahead with illegal and anti-competitive behaviour, despite its rejection of the council’s application to exempt 10 ethical rules that were found to be in contravention with the Competition Act in 2011. Among the rules deemed unlawful is one which prohibits health care professionals from operating mobile clinics. Nonetheless, policy recommendations made by the Health Market Inquiry (HMI) have still not been implemented, with doctors bearing the brunt of fines of up to R60 000, as allegedly instituted by the HPCSA. Meanwhile, the council’s integrity in terms of its performance, conflicts of interest and political interference have persisted through the years.
Health Economist and Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand Professor Alex van den Heever joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sars has announced that the filing season will run from 7 July to 23 October 2023 for individual taxpayers, while provisional taxpayers (including trusts) will have until 24 January 2023 to file via eFiling or MobiApp. While previously those who were not happy with their auto-assessments had just 40 working days in which to file their returns, this year, auto-assessed taxpayers have until 23 October to file their returns which is a huge relief for many. In this conversation, we unpack these, and other changes made to this year’s tax season and provide advice on how to navigate tax season efficiently. SARS Spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
High-ranking Pakistani officials have criticized the current Taliban government in Afghanistan, claiming it hasn't taken sufficient measures to prevent armed groups from crossing its easily penetrable border. This concern arises in the aftermath of a suicide bombing in Pakistan's Bajaur District, which occurred in July and is believed to be connected to an ISIS faction, resulting in the loss of over 54 lives. General Syed Asim Munir, the head of the Pakistani army, also denounced the "involvement of Afghans" in carrying out attacks on Pakistani land. He deemed this trend as a threat to the overall peace and stability of the region. Moreover, he highlighted that these attacks stemming from Afghan territory deviate from the 2020 Doha Peace Agreement between the Taliban and the United States, in which the Taliban committed to preventing armed groups from using its lands as bases. Senior Research Fellow at Africa-Asia Dialogues Thembisa Fakude joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst and Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. Dr Dikeledi Mokoena.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mommy Club is a reality show that religiously lands on X’s trending topics every Tuesday without fail since it debuted in June. The show follows the lives of five glamorous mom influencers navigating the challenges of parenting – and the cutthroat world of “it moms”. The moms include Mrs Mops, Tshego Manche, HerMajesty, Nunurai and Ratile along with their children and nannies – an element which sets the show apart from many other reality offerings. One key aspect that makes reality TV what it is is the important factor of drama and of course an enticing storyline. Mpumi 'Mrs Mops' Mophatlane and Tshegofatso Manche join Lerato Mbele in the studio while Nunarai Mdarikwa, Happy 'HerMajesty' Simelane and Ratile Mabitsela join the conversation telephonically.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The modelling industry has been known to be exclusive; you must be the right height (at least 5’8’’), the right size (a waist 10 inches smaller than the chest and hips), and of course have the right personality and so much more. Gradually we have seen the global reimagining of what a model is as well as the complete debunking of what a model represents in everyday society. One such person on our local scene is Ponahalo Mojapelo; a supermodel, intercontinental DJ, writer and content creator. Ponahalo has been making waves in the modelling scene while championing the idea of being unapologetic and bold. She has modelled for many reputable brands including for Thebe Magugu in Paris, Maxhosa, Wanda Lephoto, Adidas and more. She joins Lerato Mbele to talk to us about her life story as well as how she has used what many might have thought was an impendent as her superpower.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is changing its marriage law to recognise all types of intimate partnerships – irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, or religious, cultural and other beliefs. The Department of Home Affairs has invited public comment on the Draft Marriage Bill 2022. The bill amends some marriage laws and prescribes what’s required for marriages to be considered valid, forms of registration, and the property consequences of marriage. As the preamble shows, it seeks to promote liberal values of equality, non-discrimination, human dignity and freedom of thought. While it is innovative for bringing all forms of intimate partnerships under one piece of legislation, the bill raises thorny questions. Liberalism – or openness to different behaviour, opinions or new ideas – is a strange beast. It pushes accepted conduct to its limits. Director of the Centre for Legal Integration in Africa, University of the Western Cape Professor Anthony Diala joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women from August 2013 to August 2021. She was sworn into office on 19 August 2013 and brought a wealth of experience and expertise to this position, having devoted her career to issues of human rights, equality and social justice. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka had previously worked in government and civil society, with the private sector, and was actively involved in the struggle to end apartheid in her home country of South Africa. She completed her PhD in education and technology at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. From 2005 to 2008, she served as Deputy President of South Africa, overseeing programmes to combat poverty and bring the advantages of a growing economy to the poor, with a particular focus on women. Before this, she served as Minister of Minerals and Energy from 1999 to 2005 and Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry from 1996 to 1999. She was a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 1996 as part of South Africa’s first democratic government. She joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A contract to the value of R178 million for 17 specialised fire engines, established in hopes of supercharging Johannesburg’s struggling fleet of fire and rescue vehicles, has been rescinded. The 17 engines were supposed to remedy the dire shortage of reliable trucks, a glaring issue for the city which only has about 10 fire trucks to depend on. According to Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink, the contract was scrapped because the bank guarantee did not meet the necessary standards. Meanwhile, the city has been grappling with irregular processes with regard to remedying the lack of emergency trucks since 2015. Moreover, while Gauteng’s Health MEC announced in April that the province would receive over 200 new emergency vehicles, in 2021 Bhekisisa reported that the city only had 40 ambulances that were operational with more than 350 out of commission. In this conversation we want to get a sense of how prepared the city is with regard to emergency response while assessing the gaps that persist. The City of Johannesburg’s Nthatisi Modingoane along with Johannesburg EMS Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The symbolism behind wearing a crown, in general, isn't just about placing a lavish ornament atop one's head; it's a potent symbol of authority, power, and legacy. Last weekend, we witnessed the crowning of Natasha Joubert as Miss South Africa who is the first to wear the newly unveiled Mowana crown. The Mowana crown was designed by Ursula Pule who is the creative director of Nungu Diamonds which was established by her husband Kealeboga Pule in 2013. The company is the manifestation of an accidental encounter between the two that turned into a love story filled with diamonds. Kealeboga and Ursula join Lerato Mbele to walk us through their journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One thing about South Africans is that they love a good spot where one can braai meat and be merry with friends. A place that has easily become this is Kwa Mai Mai in Joburg under a bridge in Jeppestown. It is a marketplace known for selling beautiful Zulu traditional outfits from isicholo (Zulu hat) to amabheshu (a hide flap covering the buttocks) and traditional medicine. Outside of the cultural market structure, you find entrepreneurs who run shisanyama food stalls. The shisanyama areas do not have luxurious furniture or menus and are run in an open space without furniture and yet in spite of all of this, hundreds of people flock to the market on pay days or weekends without fail. Dr Sipho Sithole, is a cultural activist, academic and award-winning music producer, who has done a lot of research on Kwa Mai Mai. He joins us now to speak about its history and significance. Cultural Activist, Academic and Award-Winning Music Producer Dr Sipho Sithole joins Nhlanhla Sehume for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today marks the first instalment of our new feature with Standard Bank where we will be getting expert advice on how we can invest in the hopes and dreams we have for our futures against the backdrop of South Africa’s investment landscape. This is the Money Market Select Feature and its for everyone from all walks in life; including the seasoned investor looking to fine-tune strategies or a newcomer who is eager to make that first investment. Product Owner of Savings & Investments at Standard Bank Thopi Mhloli joins Morio Sanyane to talk about how we can match our investments with our ambitions. Product Owner of Savings & Investments at Standard Bank Thopi Mhloli joins Nhlanhla Sehume for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, the issue of poor school infrastructure continues to run rife, affecting the overall quality of education. According to the Department of Basic Education, over 19 000 schools in the country do not have laboratories while over 17 000 do not have libraries and almost 4 000 continue to rely on basic pit toilets. The reality for many South African learners is that they are forced to attend school in run-down buildings and several other unpleasant circumstances. Well, an education-focused non-profit company called Khensani’s Collection has come up with a way to cater to children in Diepsloot, particularly, by building a school using 2L plastic bottles that are filled with non-recyclable plastic – otherwise known as ecobricks. Diana Musara is the CEO of Khensani’s Collection who joins Nhlanhla Sehume to explain the innovation and how it works.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Military chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet in Ghana on Thursday and Friday to discuss a possible military intervention in Niger, regional military and political sources say. The meeting was called after the bloc’s leaders last week approved the deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger, whose elected president was toppled by the military on July 26. The meeting was originally scheduled for Saturday in Accra but was postponed to this week as ECOWAS continues efforts to negotiate with the Abdourahmane Tchiani-led military government in Niamey. The heads of state of ECOWAS convened in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, last Thursday and reaffirmed the bloc’s preference for a diplomatic outcome. Independent Political Analyst Donald Taladzi joins Nhlanhla Sehume for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hands up if you dream of winning the Lottery? If your hand is up, you’re not alone. In these tough financial times, every South African dreams of hitting the ultimate jackpot. Lavish overseas holidays, financial freedom, charity support and total bliss are what comes to mind when thinking about that kind of money. But remember, this takes careful planning and financial management. It’s not a matter of IF. It's a matter of WHEN. In this edition of the masterclass, we talk about what happens when you win the lotto. Head of Marketing at Ithuba Holdings Michelle Van Trotsenburg joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, on the 6th of August Jamaica commemorated 61 years of Independence where themes of celebrating the diaspora as well as the resilience and achievements of the Jamaican people over the past 60 years were emphasised. Meanwhile 17 years ago, a younger Joan Thomas-Edwards landed in South Africa and established Jamaica’s first high commission in Pretoria as acting high commissioner. During this stint she established a registry for communication systems which also laid the foundation for bilateral engagements and more. Fast-track to the present Joan is back in her role, as Jamaican High Commissioner to South Africa, to lead a mission in building stronger familial, trade, cultural and diplomatic relations between her home country and 18 African nations. She joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that in the coming months, many of the processes underway, as a result of the findings of the State Capture Commission, will be completed and much more progress will be recorded. A significant note in his weekly letter to the nation revealed that R5.4-billion lost to State capture has been traced and returned to the State. This week marks exactly two years since the State Capture Commission held its final public hearing. Over the course of its work, the Commission heard evidence from over 300 witnesses and collected more than 1.7-million pages of documentary evidence. Executive Director of Corruption Watch Karam Singh along with Head of Investigations at OUTA Rudie Heyneke and Exeuctive Director at CASAC Lawson Naidoo join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the Competition Tribunal gave Takatso Consortium the go-ahead to buy 51% of South African Airways (SAA) on condition that it does not cut jobs and that minority shareholders sell their 20% stake in Takatso, the state-owned airline is looking to recruit former pilots, who were retrenched in 2021, as part of expanding its operations. According to Business Day, the airline says it is growing its route network and fleet size and has several A320 first officer positions available. When its business rescue plan was approved in 2019, the airline retained 88 pilots out of about 620 who were on its books. Moreover, while projections, detailed in its business rescue plan, anticipated that by now the airline would be operating almost 30 aircrafts with over 300 pilots on their books, the airline currently has a fleet of about six aircrafts with about 80 pilots. Aviation analyst Guy Leitch joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the taxi strike in the Western Cape over the past two weeks, analysts have come out saying that the real root of the taxi-related violence in the city is due to the “oversupply of minibus taxis relative to the market of available passengers” and that the state at national, provincial and municipal levels has not yet developed strategies to control the industry effectively. This follows the evident misalignment between the taxi operators, the city, and the national transport department. Nonetheless, the question about the oversupply of minibus taxis which results in lower profit margins for operators remains a major concern. In this week’s View of The Nation, we look at the regulation of the taxi industry in South Africa. Santaco Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Phala, Santaco Spokesperson
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Public Policy Specialist at the Wits School of Governance, Dr TK Pooe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There have been a few interesting developments in Zimbabwe as the country prepares to head to the polls on 23 August 2023. In addition to the governing party’s recently launched campaign, are the pictures of South African celebrities wearing Zanu PF colours, as well as disturbing videos of Zanu PF members allegedly threatening citizens to vote for the party citing that they will be monitoring who votes for which party by tracking ballot numbers. Meanwhile, main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says President Mnangagwa has used state institutions including the police and the courts to crack down on critical figures, ban opposition rallies and even prevent candidates from running. Chamisa also says that people are being forced to join Mnangagwa’s rallies if they want to stay safe. Author and Independent Investigative Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the questions frequently asked is “what is African feminism and how is it different from western feminism”. It is a valid question that points to the clarity that people seek in the process of self-discovery, which is what becoming feminist is. In the next half hour, we look into the concept of African Feminism and how it differs from other forms of feminism but also why it is particularly important to our own journey of identity as Africans. Feminist Namhla Black joins Thoriso Maloka for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of eye disorders involving a common form of optic nerve damage that can lead to the loss of sight. In most cases, it is due to fluid build-up in the front part of the eye. The subsequent pressure caused by the fluid gradually damages the optic nerve, a nerve at the back of each eye, which is responsible for sending visual messages to the brain to help you see. Liqid Medical is a South African medical innovation company that has designed a novel ocular implant called the OptiShunt which provides effective pressure control to limit the formation of the fluid and ultimately prevents the irreversible blindness caused by glaucoma. Moreover, it is understood that the implant significantly lessens the complications and costs associated with the traditional devices used to treat glaucoma.
Dr Daemon McClunan is an ophthalmologist who is the lead innovator and founder of Liqid Medical and joins Thoriso Maloka for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In July, the Democratic Alliance (DA) announced that about six political parties would form a so-called “Moonshot Pact” in hopes of unseating the ANC at next year’s general elections. The multiparty pact which includes the DA, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Action SA, Freedom Front Plus, the United Independent Movement and the Spectrum National Party, indicated in a statement that the 2024 elections present an opportunity to elect a new government that “can steer the country out of multiple crises”. Associate professor at Wits University’s School of Governance, Professor William Gumede, was appointed to independently chair the national convention which take place on the 16th and 17th of August. He joins us now to tell us more about the aim of the convention as well as how this coalition government can possibly work in the South African context. Professor William Gumede, Chair of the Multiparty Convention and Associate Professor at Wits University joins Thoriso Maloka for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African guitarist Billy Monama will bring us closer to our past to help us reimagine our future during when he joins a number of legendary South African artists like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Judith Sephuma and Titi Luzipo live on one night only concert called Mayibuye iAfrika: The Freedom Songs, where he will present a musical journey and conversation between two generations of ancestral artists, finally culminating in a reminder of what makes South African music resonate deeply with Africans and the rest of the world. From the choice of venue to scholarly discussions around the music and its celebratory participants, the music dialogue concert aims to be a “re-visioning of heritage music for modern ears. We speak to Billy about his passion for archiving South African music history and why this upcoming project is an important feat for us as a country.
Joining Thoriso Maloka for the conversation is author, educator and guitarist, Billy Monama.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a world of constant change, a company’s board plays an important role in helping move it forward amid rising complexity, innovation and periodic crises while remaining true to its purpose and values. Knowing that the business, operating environments and stakeholder priorities will continually change in subtle or seismic ways, boards must help steer companies in the right direction. Boards can execute this critical responsibility by adopting proven approaches to drive, measure and achieve their own effectiveness to better oversee their companies’ strategic success and drive long-term value. In this week’s edition of the Masterclass, we talk about board effectiveness and what the results of a constructive board member should be.
Chairperson at Strategic African Women in Leadership and Regional Director of Board Academy Africa Seipati Mokhoua joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever wondered why every country doesn’t just use the same currency? Wouldn’t life be easier if we didn’t have to waste time exchanging bills or calculating conversion in our heads when we travel? Well, the majority of countries have their own currency for a reason, and it’s a simple one: most countries have unique economic situations and want to make monetary decisions based on their specific interests and needs. To understand what those decisions are, it’s important to understand why currencies have different values and how these values shift over time.
Economist and Director at First Source Money Redge Nkosi joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In July, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said that the party’s women were set to take control of their leadership and that their priorities should be centred on defending women. He said that too many women in the league relied heavily on political guidance from men and that the league should have a voice of its own. More interestingly though, he said women in the league should not only be popular for the ANC but for standing up for women across all walks of life including women in business and at the helm of tertiary institutions. As we prepare to celebrate Women’s Day tomorrow, there is a helpful question around what South Africa’s agenda for women actually is and how it translates in real life.
Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Independent Political Analyst Khanyi Magubane and Spokesperson for DA’s Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Parliament, Nazley Shariff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last weekend, five people were found dead in Riverlea in what has been believed to have been a shootout between two rival Zama Zama gangs. The following Monday, frustrated residents protested in the area and closed off roads with burning tyres and rocks citing that they have been left in a war zone without any protection. Community activists have since said that Zama Zamas have completely taking over their area with residents living in the crossfire of illegal mining groups for the past two months. This is a sentiment that has been shared across various communities that have been terrorised by Zama Zamas. Its clear that these groups are heavily armed, incredibly dangerous and have more power than the police do. On this week’s view of the nation, we want to understand who the zama zamas are, how they operate as well as unpack what exactly artisanal mining is and whether the idea has legitimised the operations of the Zama Zamas. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Mining Analyst and Researcher at Bench Marks Foundation David van Wyk, Political Activist and Founder of the Right2Know Campaign Dr Dale McKinley and Spokesperson for the National Association of Artisanal Miners Zethu Hlatshwayo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About two weeks ago, Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohammed Bazoum, was detained and removed in a military coup led by members of his presidential guard. This marks the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020. Since then, Niger’s neighbours, which are also being governed under a coup d'état, including Burkina Faso and Mali, have pledged support for Niger. Moreover, in West Africa, there has been a growing wave of anti-French sentiments with some locals accusing the former colonial ruler of interfering in their affairs. Niger further cemented this when it revoked a raft of military cooperation agreements with France last Thursday. This despite 1000 to 1 500 French troops in Niger to help fight an insurgency by groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Meanwhile, ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, has given coup leaders until Sunday to reinstate Bozoum, warning that it could resort to military intervention as a last resort. Senior Research Fellow at the Africa-Asia Dialogue Thembisa Fakude joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst and Lecturer at North West University (NWU), Sysman Motloung.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many of us, the representation of a gay couple on television was first seen on South Africa’s popular soapie, Generations, with the characters Senzo and Jason’s relationship. Behind one of the characters, Jason Malinga, is the artist, actor and television personality, Zolisa Xaluva who has since gone on to reinvent himself in many other memorable roles. Before Generations, Zolisa was cast as Lwazi Mboweni on SABC 1’s drama series Tsha Tsha and also went on to land a role on Rhythm City as HHP’s Manager. In 2008, he appeared on SABC’s mini-series uGugu no Andile as well as in season 2 of the drama series Tshisa. He played Melusi on Mzansi’s Magic drama series Gomora and Mogomotsi Masire on Netflix’s Kings of Joburg. What might not be known to many is that he is also a playwright having been part of several motion pictures. He joins Lerato Mbele as this week’s special guest in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Khongolose Khommanding Khommissars (KKK) written by J Bobs Tshabalala plunges deep into the dark underbelly of South African politics, laying bare the intricate web of political intrigue and corruption that shape our nation. J Bobs Tshabalala’s captivating new South African play pulls the curtain on the lives of pot-bellied men, greedily vying for control of state resources while shamelessly deceiving the impoverished masses with their deceptive speeches. This epic satire examines the overt interactions and sometimes illegal dealings of our contemporary South African political camaraderie – the Comrades, the brown-envelope tenderpreneurs. The play dissects the intentional and intertwined actions of politicians and businessmen, who contribute to our current political and socio-economic chaos that perpetuates a culture of greed and corruption. Through the ingenious use of Comrade-speak; a deceptive language that masks the true intentions of those in power, the play exposes the farcical nature of the socio-economic freedom promised to the masses. Tshireletso Nkoane, the actress playing the character of Tsebo Rapoo, along with playwright Jefferson Tshabalala and assistant director Ketsia Velaphi join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As part of its commitment to accountability and transparency, non-governmental organisation My Vote Counts on Thursday launched an online party funding tracking tool, Whose Vote Counts, which aims to provide voters with information on private political donors and their business interests. Speaking during the launch, My Vote Counts director Minhaj Jeenah explained that the tool covered donations made in-kind, as well as monetary donations worth over R100 000 over the last two financial years. He added that the data included the identity of donors, their businesses and through which channels they funded parties. This did not include gala dinners and dinner tickets. In this conversation, we talk about the tracking tool and political party funding in South Africa. In April 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Political Party Funding Act, which regulates public and private funding of political parties. The Act establishes funds to provide political parties represented in Parliament and legislatures with funding to undertake their work, and it also requires that donations be disclosed by parties and donors to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The spokesperson for My Vote Counts Sheilan Clarke joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Way back way, the magazine business was huge for capturing culture on textured texts and smooth expensive coloured pages. Magazines are a type of literature publication that came to the fore in the 1700s, targeting particular audiences with strategically curated content. Recently, as we have seen one of the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic was that it affected many sectors including the magazine business. However, Iqhawe Magazine, a zine which celebrates and represents Africa’s creative heroes, has reimagined the idea of this offering. The Zine, which was founded by Renaè Mangena and Anastatia Nkhuna in 2019, not only publishes authentic digital content, it also produces audio-visual material for social media and most significantly, when they launch their issues, they curate events during which their featured subjects - including talented creatives from all walks - perform and give a real sense of their work. The founders of Iqhawe Magazine Renaè Mangena and Anastatia Nkhuna join me now to walk us through their entrepreneurial journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Men’s Forum is calling for a united front in dealing with deaths at initiation schools. They have expressed their sadness at the deaths of 17 initiates this winter in the Eastern Cape. Some of the demands they are making is that the names of all boys who died be published, those who are accountable for the deaths be arrested and that the Justice Department and the relevant authorities remove the secrecy around the deaths. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to CONTRALESA secretary general, Prince Zolani Mkiva and talk Adv. Aaron Raletjane, spokesperson of the National Initiation Oversight Committee about whether this call can help in stopping initiate deaths, the role of the community in this practice and how this should be done.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business organisations say that their joint initiative with government on the three priority areas of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption has the potential to lift SA's economic growth by three percentage points. The alternative – that the country's slide continues, and the downward trajectory is not reversed – is too dire to contemplate, so they have stepped in to help government with resources and expertise in the three areas. A year ago, business joined forces with top government officials in the National Energy Crisis Committee to urgently address the electricity supply shortage. Earlier this year, business organisations under Business for SA (B4SA) raised R100 million to fund the energy crisis response. In June, the joint initiative was expanded to put work streams on logistics and crime and corruption in place. We speak to to get a progress report on what the government and business partnership has garnered following their meeting with the President earlier this week. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is the Chairperson of the Business for South Africa Steering Committee, Martin Kingston.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump has been charged with several crimes in connection with his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, in a historic indictment that is deepening the former president’s legal peril. The charges, filed by the special counsel Jack Smith in federal district court in Washington DC on Tuesday, accuse Trump of conspiracies that targeted a “bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nation’s process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of the presidential election” and the January 6th insurrection. In this conversation, we have a conversation about the indictment and reflect on the nature of accountability in America’s two-tiered justice system and why white-collar criminals are so often above the law. Retired American Diplomat and Associate Editor at Daily Maverick, Brooks Spector joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unearthing a true historical site, celebrated by two nations, the South Africans, and the Swazis, for the liberation and bringing into existence the largest democracy on the African continent – after more than 40 years in existence. It has been described as the nerve centre for the operations of the ANC and its armed wing Umkhonto weSizwe in Swaziland and has been paralleled to Liliesleaf Farm, in Rivonia. Number 43, Trelawney Park has been home for the Masilela family, for over forty years, from the time uButhongo arrived in Swaziland in 1965. Many people have argued that the house qualifies for a place in the annals of South Africa’s liberation history. Aware of the temptation of self-praise, the family has been reluctant to accept this idea, let alone internalise it. Over time, however, they have developed a deep appreciation of their history. Masilela Family Representative Joel Masilela joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 50 - 60% of women around the world experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at least once in their lifetime, while 20 - 40% have recurrent episodes. For many in the country, access to basic healthcare is not an easy feat and access to gynaecological care especially does not come cheap. Well, a South African engineer has developed an innovative device called the FlexiGyn, that allows gynaecologists to not only diagnose but to also treat uterine-related challenges without the need for general anaesthesia. According to the University of Cape Town (UCT), the device’s user-friendly design makes it suitable for both doctor’s offices and under-resourced clinics which makes way to address the gaps in medical infrastructure prevalent in several communities. Edmund Wessels is the brain behind the innovation and is a BioMedical Engineer at UCT. He joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through this device.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Power987 Sports Reporter Mmasekepe Matsebane joins Lerato Mbele to give a live update on the Banyana Banyana vs Italy match.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education yesterday considered the draft report on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. The committee has spent the past few months getting public feedback on the bill, which proposes controversial changes to South Africa’s school systems that will have wide-reaching consequences for parents, teachers, and governing bodies alike. Broadly, some of the key amendments that the bill aims to make include making grade R the new compulsory school starting age, as opposed to grade 1, as is currently the case. Criminalising parents who do not ensure their child or children are in school, with fines or jail time up to 12 months. Allowing schools to sell alcohol outside of school hours. The bill has sparked fears among many, with messages circulating that suggest the possible imprisonment of parents and raises questions about the bill’s intention to restrict School Governing Bodies. In this conversation, we talk about the bill and joining Lerato Mbele for this, is the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
POWER Talk open line with Lerato Mbele
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Siphesihle Penny Ndlela Siphesihle Penny Ndlela has been a serial entrepreneur since 1999! A mom of 2 tax-paying citizens! Her first tourism venture in 2012, Soul Traveller Tours, was a member of Thebe Tourism Group, the first group-travel tour operator in South Africa focused on the domestic market. Through her years of travel, Penny felt that there was a gap in the tourism industry for authentic experiences. She wanted to be able to afford everyone the valuable experience of connection, cultural immersion and personal insights that arise out of emotive and soulful interactions while expressing the importance of local travel on the African continent. She has brought her years of entrepreneurial experience and passion for travel into her latest social impact venture Yentas, a travel platform designed for women to discover and share relatable, verified travel recommendations globally. It is her conviction that women should be free to be curious and is an advocate for creating a space for women in travel to feel guided and supported." WeAreYentas is a travel search engine and social media platform for women, another first. Penny joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you remember how you first started learning about money? Setting up a lemonade stand? Selling Girl Scout cookies? Or maybe just watching how your parents dealt with household expenses? Our upbringing plays a big part in shaping our relationship with money "because our kids see and do everything that we do,". In today’s edition of the Masterclass, we talk about financial literacy for kids and how to talk about money as a family. Personal Financial Journalist and Author of Maya on Money: Implement your Money Plan, Maya Fisher-French, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About a month ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela – who at the time was the presiding officer of the much-watched Senzo Meyiwa case. This comes after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recommended his suspension due to delayed judgements. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, a former soccer star who was pulled out of retirement, has since taken over the case, which started from scratch from the 17th of July. This means that almost a year’s worth of testimony from the five witnesses is null and void. Since the commencement of the re-trial there have been sentiments about a different tone to the trial at the helm of Judge Mokgoatlheng. In this conversation we want to understand how a re-trial can change the tone of a case as well as who is who in this case. Legal Analysts Elton Hart from Hart & Associates and Nthabiseng Dubazana from Dubazana Attorneys join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, Parliament published a list of eight candidates who have been shortlisted for the role of Public Protector. The candidates include: Acting Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Advocate Oliver Josie, Magistrate Johannah Ledwaba, Muvhango Lukhaimane, Advocate Lynn Marais, Professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane, Advocate Tommy Ntsewa and Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane. According to Corruption Watch, one of the candidates does not appear to meet the minimum requirements for the position and another is a director of several companies and might face conflicts of interest. In this conversation we want to unpack the criteria for a public protector, the experience required as well as take a look at the list of candidates. Head of Stakeholder Relations & Campaigns at Corruption Watch Kavisha Pillay joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Young people face a myriad of challenges across the African landscape. From high unemployment to various forms of poverty, education inequality, lack of access to mentorship programmes and many other issues hinder the youth from bettering their lives. In this week’s edition of the View of The Nation, we talk about youth and social development & why it’s critical to the SA success story with the CEO of New LoveLife (formerly LoveLife), Patrick Kulati.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week Wednesday, Niger’s democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum was detained and removed in a military coup led by members of his presidential guard. The group of soldiers appeared in a national broadcast saying that they toppled the president because of poor security and further implemented a nationwide curfew. The next day, the Chief of Niger’s army, Abdou Sidikou Issa, released a statement pledging support for the coup which has been said was an action done to avoid a “murderous confrontation that could lead to a bloodbath”. Meanwhile, the President tweeted on Thursday that democracy would prevail. Since then, there have been street protests which have been met with gunfire. It is understood that all this started when a top military official was disgruntled at being removed from his post by the president. Liesl Louw Vaudran is a Senior Advisor at the International Crisis Group and joins us now to unpack what’s going on in Niger.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kabelo Mabalane’s life story is one that became well-known when he was a member of famous Kwaito trio “TKZee”. In the year 2000 he went on to release his debut studio album called “Everybody Watching” which went platinum just a few weeks after its release, selling 100 000 copies. His second studio album “Rebel with a Cause” also went platinum and sold 130 000 copies. The success of the album also saw Kabelo winning a South African Music Award in 2003 and the Kora Award for Best Southern African Male Artist in 2004. His story is not only about music though, its also about running the Comrades Marathon three times, its about co-owning an independent music company called Faith Records, performing at the 2010 Fifa World Cup Opening Ceremony, its also about presenting a multi-sport and lifestyle talk-show. More recently, Kabelo was sworn in as a pastor and has been investing in enriching the spiritual journeys of many. He joins Nhlanhla Sehume as this week’s special guest in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Calvin Ratladi is a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) winning artist (2022) with international acclaim. He works as a freelance producer, director, and actor for the Calvin Ratladi Foundation, the South African Theatre Village and William Kentridge’s Centre for the Less Good Idea, among other institutions. His works focus on issues of identity, body politics, and the rights of people with disabilities. He received the first residency for creative exchange from the Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg and the Teatre Lliure in Barcelona for 2021. He is currently spearheading Johannesburg’s “Gathering in a Better World“ event as a curator for 2023. He currently appears on Shaka iLembe as Goloza. Calvin joins Nhlanhla Sehume for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the fighters prepare to gather at FNB stadium on the July 29, 2023 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Economic Freedom Fighters, we reflect on the 10-year Anniversary of the party and talk about how it has influenced the political discourse of South Africa. Since its inception in 2013, the EFF has become a beacon of hope for the disenfranchised, inspiring a new generation of activists and driving real change across the country. Through the party’s unwavering commitment to its seven cardinal pillars, the reds have witnessed a series of triumphs that have reshaped the political landscape and brought the core issues of economic inequality to the forefront of national discourse.
Political Analyst and Lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology Dr Levy Ndou joins Nhlanhla Sehume for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kganki Matabane is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Black Business Council, the umbrella body of black business in South Africa. With over 25 years of operational and strategy execution experience, including doing business in more than ten countries in the African continent, covering various sectors, Matabane is a highly experienced and seasoned business executive. He is a thought leader on socio-economic issues of national and international significance and importance. He holds a Master’s in Business Leadership, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a B-Tech degree in Cost and Management Accounting. The Black Business Council (BBC) is the over-arching confederation that represents black professional, business associations and chambers. The primary purpose of the BBC is to lobby government on policy related matters and to play an advocacy role where policies are in place in order to accelerate the participation of black business in the mainstream economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In June the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Meslin Tasew said that airlines in Africa need to implement the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market project which hopes to create one market for air transport to make way for significant freedom of air transportation. Tasew says the implementation of the project will result in the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative. Moreover, it has been understood that one of the issues with African airlines is traffic restriction where one needs special permission to fly to other countries. This of course points to the growing need for access connectivity and mobility across Africa. Meanwhile there have been various initiatives to make African air travel safer against industry challenges including rising costs along with inadequate infrastructure and looming skills shortages. Aaron Munetsi is the CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa and joins Nhlanhla Sehume to speak about the current challenges as well as how we can address the issues to unlock air travel and further propel Africa’s competitiveness on the global scale.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is a country that does not run short on its tasteful traditional dishes. While we’ve become accustomed to traditional foods such as bobotie chakalaka and pap biltong - other traditional foods like mopani worms are usually underrated. Moreover it is understood that there is a growing decline in traditional food practices due to the mainstream adoption of western eating practices. According to research over 5 million people in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal alone eat insects as part of their diets. Mopani Queens is a company that was established in 2019 and pioneers ready-to-eat Mopane worm snacks. The snacks are said to “accommodate the modern palate without changing the taste or nutritional benefits of the ingredients which include protein saturated fats carbs and dietary fibre). The snacks much like crisps come in Peri-Peri BBQ Chutney and Salted Flavours. They also have flavoured Mopani Bites. It’s founder Phuti Kabasa joins Nhlanhla Sehume to walk us through the company’s journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Added to the agenda to exclude people of colour from the governing of the country is the foundation that the apartheid government set in separating black people according to the languages and cultures of various ethnic groups. This included the North-Sotho unit the South-Sotho unit the Swazi unit the Tsonga unit the Tswana unit the Xhosa unit and the Zulu unit. Moreover, the administrative authorities of these units were based on the tribal system under which they were expected to develop its own government under the Promotion of Black Self-Government Act. The act further legitimised the radical separation of black ethnic groups from each other. According to Patrick Harries elements of tribalism started coming to the fore in the 1960s when the government’s new divide-and-rule policy generated bitter ethnic conflicts over local resources. At present day the issue of tribalism continues to run rife in South Africa where Nguni tribes are revered, and Sotho-Tswana tribes are abated. In this culture corner we want to unpack this as well as understand the line between celebrating your own culture versus denigrating or othering another. Cultural Experts Menzi Maseko and Ntsako Shivambu join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There has been a worldwide drive towards environmentally friendly products and of course sustainability – thinking about long-term goals and initiatives over short-term gratification. Sawubona Mycelium is a bio-technology company which processes mushrooms to produce a bio-based ingredient deemed more sustainable for the manufacturing of cosmetics food and pharmaceutical products. It does this using old processes of fermentation and advanced biotechnology to achieve the sustainable method. Busisiwe Moloi is the innovator and co-founder of Sawubona Mycelium and joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through the innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The acquisition of 51% of the issued share capital of state-owned South African Airways (SAA) by Takatso Aviation has been conditionally approved by the Competition Tribunal. The tribunal on Tuesday announced that it had approved the transaction subject to conditions involving a moratorium on retrenchments and divestiture of the shareholding by the minority shareholders in the Takatso consortium. If the transaction is finalised, the remaining 49% shareholding in SAA will be retained by the Department of Public Enterprises. In this conversation, we speak about the approval and future of SAA. Spokesperson for Takatso Aviation Thulasizwe Simelane joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By 2050, South African cities – including the likes of Polokwane and Pietermaritzburg – can feature rooftops used either for food production or entertainment such as poetry nights, plays, and pop-up music performances. Down below, life on the streets will be "very different to the first two decades of the 2000s", with walking and cycling displacing cars, and electrical buses and taxis so quiet that "all you hear is people's voices and music". Such is the vision of the 2020 draft National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF) which the government hopes the document will become an apex plan for the development of cities, towns, and other parts of the country, guiding everything from planning permission at municipal level to where new roads are built. The plan is not premised on an economic miracle; it concurs with forecasts that by 2050, 30 million South Africans (40% of a population projected to reach 75 million) will not have a decent standard of living. But with smart planning – and tools such as a massive new land reform programme – South Africa's urban centres can still become places where people are nice to one another, it holds. In this conversation, we talk about the idea of future cities in South Africa with Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Town and Regional Planning Vuyiswa Yeni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When South Africa became a democracy in 1994, a new court – the Constitutional Court - was added to address the principles of constitutional law as well as deal with the fundamental rights entrenched in the Constitution. After the final Constitution was adopted in 1996, the names of the courts also changed i.e. Provincial and Local Divisions of the Supreme Court were renamed “High Courts”. While the composition of the courts did not change, the independence of South Africa’s judiciary has come under scrutiny. According to Civic Academy, “The judiciary is the third branch of the democratic government system.” The judiciary interprets the law, decides disputes and applies the Constitution in the name of the state. The judicial authority of the country is vested in the system of courts, as well as judges and magistrates who sit in these courts”. Most importantly The Judiciary must ensure that there in applying the law, there is equal justice under the law. Legal Analyst and Senior Partner at Hart & Associates Elton Hart joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leungo Education is a training company that specialises in bridging skills and knowledge gaps for companies and individuals. Its (Corporate Social Investment) and social entrepreneurship programme is a mobile learning initiative that shares, create and nurture winning mindsets for success and excellence. We speak to them about their idea of a new schooling model for South Africa. Founder of Leungo Infinite Discovery Thami Magele joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, there have been long-standing sentiments about the country’s industrialisation which primarily include indicators that the country is undergoing a premature process of de-industrialisation. Experts say that the process of de-industrialisation in the country started to take shape in the early 2000s when the contribution of services to the GDP significantly increased when compared to manufacturing. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Statistics South Africa in 2020 reported that the country’s manufacturing production fell by 49.4% compared to 2019. Production in the automotive industry also went down by a whopping 98% while production of basic iron and steel plunged by 65%. Moreover, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has indicated that factors including various industrial policy action plans, infrastructure constraints and the monopoly of pricing on key economic inputs have led to South Africa’s poor manufacturing performance. Against this bleak backdrop is South Africa’s need to re-energise its processes of manufacturing-led industrialisation because of the evident need to create jobs, and upgrade skills in the country, which will subsequently increase wages and generate economic growth and innovation. Rector of the United Nations University Professor Tshilidzi Marwala along with Political Economist Professor Patrick Bond and the Executive Director of the Manufacturing Circle Philippa Rodseth join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Analysts are divided on the prospects of the South African Reserve Bank raising or holding its key repo rate , We speak to Wayne McCurrie FNB Economist and Richard Downing Economist at SACCI.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Mayihlome Tshwete, Head of Communications at Sebenza in this week's edition of the entrepreneurial edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to David van Wyk, Mining Anlayst & Researcher at the Bench Marks Foundation about the impact of mining on the enviroment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nobuhle Mimi Mahlasela is a South African actress and model best known for playing the role of Aggie Ngwenya-Meintjies in the popular serial 7de Laan. She was born on 10 April 1982 in Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto and in 1999 matriculated at Waverley Girls High School in Johannesburg and went on to study drama from Pretoria Technikon, which is currently known as Tshwane University of Technology. She has played the role of Aggie Ngwenya-Meintjies on the popular television serial 7de Laan soapie since 2010 which is the country’s most-watched Afrikaans TV show on local television. She currently appears on UShaka Ilembe as an “Elangeni Elder Aunt” who is Nandi’s supervisor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are coming live today from the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria where the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande has received the first National Tracer Study of Doctoral Graduates in South Africa, also known as the PhD Tracer Study. The study tracks, among other things, the demographic attributes, work experience, career paths and mobility of doctorate holders who graduated from South African universities between 2000 and 2018. It is a national imperative to grow the academic pipeline and specifically to increase the production of PhD graduates in South Africa as a policy priority. Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode, which is broadcast all the way from the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande is receiving the first National Tracer Study of Doctoral Graduates in South Africa, also known as the PhD Tracer Study. The study tracks, among other things, the demographic attributes, work experience, career paths and mobility of doctorate holders who graduated from South African universities between 2000 and 2018. It is a national imperative to grow the academic pipeline and specifically to increase the production of PhD graduates in South Africa as a policy priority. Director of High-End Skills at the Department of Science and Innovation, Bheki Hadebe, along with Research Manager at the Water Research Commission, John Dini, join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has reported critically low stock particularly due to the significantly higher-than-usual demands for blood which have plummeted the Group O reserves particularly. A few days ago, the service indicated that there were only four days’ worth of the B+ blood type as well as 3.7 days’ worth of the O+ blood type. This means that at present, South Africa is running on incredibly lower stocks of blood than last reported. Usually, the blood service maintains blood stock levels of about five days for each blood group to ensure there is a sustained availability for patients in need. While a unit of blood lasts for about 42 days after the donation, at present in South Africa, there are less than 1% active blood donors. Executive of Donor Services and Marketing at the SANBS Siemi Prithvi Raj joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to TimesLive Editor, Makhudu Sefara about public trust and the state of journalism in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Bulelwa Mabasa, Director and Head of the Land Reform, Restitution and Tenure practice at Werksmans Attorneys & Author of 'My Land Obsession” about land tenure and property rights in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, his counterpart at Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni last week discussions with senior officials in the US over the extension of the preferential trade agreement and investments and met with Representative Katherine Tai to strengthen bilateral ties with Washington and push for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Agoa has been of significant value to SA, its impact being seen in our automotive industry which has benefited greatly from preferential access to the giant US market, exporting vehicles and components worth more than R24bn to the US in 2022 alone.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Fezile Dhlamini, CEO of Green Scooter who is passionate about Sustainable Development Goals.
In recognition of his efforts to build a green business, he won the prestigious Mail & Guardian 2022 "Climate Change Award - in the category of Clean, Renewable Energy Projects." Fezile Dhlamini is committed to building a sustainable future and is working on models to expand his company, Green Scooter, beyond just innovative transportation solutions.
In the years to come, Green Scooter aims to contribute to building Sustainable Cities. Fezile's vision for the future is to provide sustainable solutions that can benefit both people and the environment. Green Scooter, Africa's first all-electric e-hailing platform, is the manufacturer of a unique range of electric scooters designed for commuter and cargo use. The Zbee, a fully electric vehicle on three wheels, is aimed at daily commuters and consumers who want to own an affordable electric vehicle for short- to medium-distance trips.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Diversity is all the ways in which people are unique, both visibly and subliminally. Inclusion is about how we act. It's about recognising, respecting, valuing and leveraging diversity in a way that enhances our perspective or point of view. An inclusive culture is one where people can feel they can bring their whole selves, express ideas openly and participate in society freely. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Julia Makhubela, Founder of 54TWENTYFOUR about diversity and inclusion in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Dr. Nonkululeko Boikhutso, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital about their work towards reducing ENT surgery backlogs in Gauteng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, the South African Post Office (SAPO) officially became the fourth state-owned entity to be placed under business rescue following its provisional liquidation status earlier this year. Werksmans Attorneys notes that business rescue is used to rehabilitate a financially distressed company by allowing the business rescue practitioner to temporarily oversee the company and the management of its affairs, business and property/s. During this period, the business is also temporarily protected from claims from its creditors. Moreover, added to the list of SOEs under business rescue is the country’s embattled airline South African Airways (SAA), which was placed under business rescue in December 2019. Meanwhile, the state broadcaster, the SABC, is “tethering on the brink of financial collapse” to the point that it may apply for business rescue. In March, the broadcaster indicated that it anticipated a loss of R1 billion for the previous financial year due to the impact of load shedding on performance. On this week’s view of the nation, we want to unpack the state of SOEs while taking a look at whether business rescue can indeed change their downward trajectories. Business Rescue Expert and Partner at Webber Wentzel Julian Jones, along with SOE Expert and Executive Director at SE Advisory Dr Bheki Mfeka join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with Independent Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There have been several developments in Zimbabwe ahead of the country’s national elections on the 23rd of August. While 11 candidates are contesting the presidency, in comparison to 23 in 2018; the main two contenders are the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa from the current governing Zanu-PF party and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, from the Citizen’s Coalition for Change (CCC) party. Moreover, it has been said that despite Robert Mugabe’s deposition in 2017, little has changed in the country’s economic landscap and quality of life. The cost-of-living crisis continues to run rife with inflation rising by 86.5% in the last year. Added to that is the reality that businesses are struggling to survive power outages amidst allegations of rampant government corruption. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean ministers have been visiting various countries, including South Africa, to woo investors to put money into the country.
In this conversation we want to get a sense of the events leading up to Zimbabwe’s elections as well as how it is going about boosting investments. Political Analyst Tatenda Maredza along with Investigative Researcher from Channel Africa and Editor of Conserve Zim John Cassim join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celeste Ntuli is without a doubt amongst the funniest comedians in South Africa. Born and raised in Empangeni as the sixth of eight children, she has said that because she had so many siblings, she had to be louder and funnier than everyone else to get attention – a move which has proven fruitful in South Africa’s comedic landscape as well. Surprisingly, Celeste’s first stand-up gig was at a church in 2005, where she secured a professional gig at the Zulu Comedy Show. She is also known for being the first local female comic to record a one-woman show. In 2009, she joined season 2 of SABC 1’s “So You Think You’re Funny” competition. And last year, Celeste took her career international with a sold-out show at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. Since mastering her craft in comedy, she has also acted in soapies including Isibiya and the popular 2018 film “Looking for Love”. She joins Lerato Mbele in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amidst the ongoing debate about the origins of the Amapiano genre, is the reality that African music has undergone frequent changes throughout the centuries – the kind of changes that have brought the whole world to its knees with various TikTok dances shaking up music festivals and uniting the world. Tyler ICU and Tumelo ZA’s hit single “Mnike” for one was the fastest South African track to reach 10 million streams on Spotify – taking it to multi-platform status under three months. As we have seen, the single has become a viral sensation with over 550 000 TikTok creations and has since travelled the world to festivals including Afro Nation. In this conversation, we want to talk about the importance of music in empowering the African continent. Amapiano DJ Goodguy Styles along with Art Historian and Writer Percy Mabandu join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Saturday, South Africa’s national rugby team – the Springboks – pulled out a varied attacking playbook against the Australian Wallabies, beating them by a 31-point lead. This as the team prepares to defend its championship title at the Rugby World Cup set to take place in France from September. All the while a sports broadcasting sensation has been holding down the reportage on rugby. In 2019, she made history when she became the first woman to anchor a Rugby World Cup final on a local channel. She is known as the “first lady of rugby” and her name is Motshidisi Mohono. She joins Lerato Mbele to give us a sense of being in the field ahead of this year’s much-anticipated rugby world cup.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gidon Novick is a well-known aviation entrepreneur who founded South African airline Kulula and more recently also co-founded the country’s newest low-cost airline called Lift. Previously he served as the chief executive officer at Discovery Vitality as well as Comair. He was also one of the people entrusted to get South African Airways back into the sky when he was the chief executive of the Takatso Consortium. Gidon also runs a Venture Capital Company called Lucid Ventures where he manages investment funds. Most recently, Gidon has been venturing into the property sector, particularly in hotels and the retirement housing sector. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BCOM CA from the University of the Witwatersrand. He joins Lerato Mbele in this week’s leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite the economic pressures many South Africans are currently under, one thing that has remained consistent is the persistent appetite for luxury. It has been said by fashion editors that “through the height of the Covid pandemic and our current era of rampant inflation, no matter what happens in the global economy, the rich (and not-so-rich) keep shelling out for luxury goods”. In a similar fashion, a brand that has become well-known for its luxury feel is Galxboy – a streetwear brand understood to have its roots in “the underground and rebellious youth street culture dominating urban areas” in the country. The company, initially called Cheese Boy, was founded in 2008 by Thatiso Dube who has since gone on to open a couple of stores around the country as demand for the company’s products continues to spike. He joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through the brand’s journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitutional Court has ruled that the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act should remain in place, overturning the Pretoria high court judgment that the act was invalid and unconstitutional. The apex court was expected to validate the high court ruling but chief justice Raymond Zondo ruled in favour of the transport minister, who was the respondent in the matter. This means the Aarto Act will not be scrapped, as parliament had the competence to pass it, Zondo said. The AARTO Amendment Act aims to create a safer driving environment for all motorists and pedestrians and to ensure that offences are dealt with fairly. It is administered by the “Road Traffic Infringement Authority” (RTIA), which is a State-Owned Entity funded almost solely by traffic fines. In this conversation, we attempt to try and make some sense of the cumbersome and onerous legislation and how it will affect motorists and what they should know when it comes to them understanding their rights at roadblocks and traffic centres. Department of Transport Spokesperson, Collen Msibi, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday, South Africa’s two-time Olympic Champion, Caster Semenya, won her discrimination case against World Athletic’s testosterone rules that banned her from competing in certain sporting events, such as the 800-metre event, due to her naturally high levels of the hormone. This is without a doubt a big win for the country as well which also demonstrates the importance of supporting queer people because in many ways they are “othered” and ostracised from many communities. On today’s culture corner, we want to unpack the important socialisation processes for parents with queer children and how their doctrines can empower or disempower them from navigating their adult lives. Parenting Coach Ayanda Tetyana and Senior Collaboration Manager at the Global Interfaith Network Pierre Buckley join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Traditionally, containers are used for storage and export needs and in many instances double as movable food stalls and restrooms at huge family events. More recently though, the demand for containers has risen particularly as an alternative form of housing because added to the ability to make them look aesthetically pleasing is the cost-efficiency, flexibility -you can pack your container house and easily migrate with your house - durability and environmentally friendly benefits. Ayla Damon is an architectural technologist and the founder of Poche Architectural Concepts, a company which focuses on conceptualising container home designs using recycled material. Ayla joins Lerato Mbele to talk about this growing trend in South Africa in this week’s instalment of Innovation Wednesdays.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chapter 10 of South Africa’s Constitution says that “one of the basic values underpinning public administration is that a high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained”. However, for many in the country, when thinking about the public sector including facilities such as hospitals and clinics, professional is not the first sentiment that comes to mind. In 2020, the Department of Public Service and Administration issued a document titled “A National implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service” which aims to ensure a responsive, meritocratic, and professional public administration in service of the people. It also detailed that in order for the public sector to be professionalised, public services much be “depoliticised and government departments must be insulated from the politics or political parties”. On today’s Masterclass #LevelUp Series we’re looking at Professionalising the public sector with Dr Botshabelo Maja, DDG of Professional Support Services at The National School of Government and Professor William Gumede, Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Against the backdrop of Twitter’s more-than-frequent changes, is Meta’s new social media platform “Threads”, which launched six days ago and registered 100 million users yesterday. The milestone is said to be a record that is “dramatically faster than ChatGPT” which registered 100 million users only after two months of going live. The launch of the new social media platform comes just after Twitter’s owner, Elon Musk, announced that users will be limited to reading a specific number of tweets per day, depending on whether they are verified or not. Moreover, experts say that Twitter’s website traffic is “tanking” amid signs of users migrating to alternative platforms like Threads. So, what is Threads? Tech Analyst and CEO of World Wide Worx, Arthur Goldstuck, along with Tech Writer at Business Day, Mudiwa Gavaza, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After 10 years of building its capabilities, this week the Information Regulator issued its first infringement notice against the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development after it failed to comply with an enforcement notice requiring it to beef up its cyber security software following a 2021 data breach. The Information Regulator is the body in charge of enforcing the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia), which was signed into law in 2013. On Monday, the Information Regulator issued its first infringement notice when it slapped the department with a R5-million fine. The department was issued an enforcement notice on 9 May, requiring it to renew antivirus licenses that expired in 2020 and to implement disciplinary procedures against those members of staff responsible for renewing the software, among other things. In this conversation, we speak to the Regulator’s Spokesperson, Nomzamo Zondi about the enforcement notice and its mandate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week the KZN MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements, Sipho Nkosi, said the city would negotiate with the construction mafias before law enforcement agencies get involved. This comes after his inspection of a 13-classroom construction project valued at R37.8 million in Umlazi, which has been halted several times by a “gun-wielding presumed construction mafia”. Nkosi's proposition to negotiate with the mafia poses many concerns because not only does it legitimise the mafia but it also to a certain degree runs the risk of costing the country billions of rands as other extortionists find opportunities at this very negotiation table. Moreover, while the construction mafia has been widely reported on, many pockets of mafia-style extortionists have existed. Not so long ago on POWERTalk, one caller mentioned during the Openline that in Cape Town people who live in the townships and work in the city are expected to pay a monthly “protection fee” to make way for their safe passage to and from work for instance. In today’s view of the nation, we want to get into how mafias operate and how they have been legitimized while also unpacking at what stage South Africa will be classified as a mafia state. Senior Training Coordinator at the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) Willem Els along with Vice President of the Black Business Council, Gregory Mofokeng join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week marks the beginning of the process for the US Congress to review the eligibility of countries for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Under the Act, certain African countries gain duty-free access to the US market which is understood to be key in building the exports for these countries. According to Business Leadership South Africa, billions of rands of economic activity in the country along with ten thousands of jobs depend on these exports. However, the recent entanglements South Africa has found itself in, especially with regards to its relationship with Russia, has left its relationship with the United States on uncertain grounds. With the AGOA Review taking form, both South Africa’s eligibility and possibility for a renewal hang in the balance. Post-doctoral Research Fellow at UJ’s Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation Dr Siphumelele Duma joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Strategic Initiatives Editor at The Conversation, Dr Candice Bailey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nandi Madida is a South African singer, actress, model and television presenter, an all-rounded creative at best. Before the “Skhanda Love” hit song she released with KO in 2013, it was a single called “Tonight” by DJ Franky that shot her to fame in 2012, because for many this was the beginning of their acquaintance with her voice. Before all of this though, Nandi has always been a dancer and model since her childhood and even won the Miss Junior RSA title when she was eight years old. She then ventured into acting when she landed her first television job as the host of SABC’s pre-teen entertainment show Bling at the age of 15. She has gone on to MC, host and act at very many shows and platforms. Most recently she played Nala in Beyonce’s visual album and film “Black is King” and she joins Lerato Mbele as this week’s special guest in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite having premiered way back in 1597, Shakespeare’s tragic play of forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet, continues to make waves at present day. This is the famous tale of the doomed romance of two teenagers from feuding families; the Montagues and the Capulets, whose love for each other lead to their demise. Romeo and Juliet is known for its dramatic poetic structure which makes way for the switching between comedy and tragedy to heighten the tension. The play has since seen many adaptations on film, musicals, opera venues and also locally at our very own Joburg Theatre where the play has returned on stage for a season of eight performers. Romeo and Juliet the Ballet, draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s story, is an adaptation by Sergei Prokofiev with choreography based on Nicolas Beriosoff’s original 1969 production. Nicole Ferreira-Dill who plays Juliet and Armando Barros who plays Romeo joins Lerato Mbele to talk about the play.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Water Supplier Rand Water has issued a statement requesting residents in parts of Gauteng to store water in their homes ahead of a planned maintenance project set to take place next Tuesday. Rand Water Spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo joins Lerato Mbele for the update.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Juliet Ehimuan is a respected African technology innovator who recently concluded her 12-year tenure Google Africa where she started as the Director of Google Nigeria and later became Director for West Africa. Juliet is known for shaping the African digital technology landscape and for actually putting Africa on the map – Google Maps that is – where she also localised other Google products including Streetview and Youtube, to meet the needs of the African market. Under her supervision, the Google team across Africa has trained over 6 million people in digital skills, 100 000 developers in in-depth web and mobile development skills and empowered over 200 African startups who have gone to raise over $1 billion. Moreover, Juliet has worked in the technology industry for over 25 years and is known as an instrumental leader in tech advancements and regional growth. She joins Lerato Mbele as this week’s leadership guest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As per the Chinese calendar, 2023 is known as the Year of the Water Rabbit. It is said that the rabbits are quick but gentle creatures and therefore this year is a year when thoughtful actions will be rewarded more than huge risks – it’s about cultivating peace and patience but also about bringing out more of one’s emotions than any other element. And this brings us to today’s entrepreneurial edge where we’ll be taking a look at a rabbit farming company; MPBiz Rabbits which offers a variety of products including a Rabblicious CookBook, a Rabbitry Shop, a Rabbitry Restaurant offering a rabbit grill, grab and go rabbmeals and even rabb biltong. The founder, Daisy Moleka and her daughter Paballo Mokatsane the Rabb Chef, join Lerato Mbele to walk us through their journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite South Africa’s recent peace missions and initiatives, the country has dropped eight places in the global state of peace making, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI). The index, which covers 163 countries (99.7% of the world’s population), uses qualitative indicators, and measures the state of peace in terms of the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict as well as the degree of militarisation in the countries. It shows that South Africa ranked 26 out of 44 Sub-Saharan African countries in terms of its peacefulness – meaning that the country is less peaceful than most African countries. Moreover, the index notes that while the region is less peaceful than the global average in the safety, security and ongoing conflict domains, South Africa ranks 130 out of 163 countries. The country was also ranked in the bottom 20 in terms of the safety and security domain; this is slightly ahead of Ukraine which is currently at war. In this conversation we want to unpack how South Africa has come to operate similarly to a country that is at war with International Relations, Ndzali Mathebula.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Monday evening a video showing members of the South African Police Service’s VIP Protection Unit violently assaulting civilians on the N1 Highway, made its rounds on social media and ultimately sent shockwaves throughout the country. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has since indicated that it was his private security detail and has also said that he does not condone the “unnecessary use of force against unarmed civilians”. While is has also come to the fore that the deputy president was not in any of the cars when the incident happened, a question has emerged here at POWERTalk about what it actually takes to be a bodyguard, this includes the training, the protocol, the relinquishing of one’s role as a policemen and enforcer of the law as well as how the public can identify private security to protect themselves, as well, from potential harm. Intelligence Expert and Founder of TCG Digital Forensics Craig Pedersen joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Historically, for many royal families around the world maintaining the purity of age-old lineages have been their mandates. In fact, it is said that royals have been marrying their own cousins and relatives to strengthen the relationships within the family and to build up stronger alliances for political endeavours. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were first cousins, King George V and Queen Mary (the late Queen Elizabeth II’s grandparents) were second cousins while Queen Elizabeth II herself and Prince Phillip were third cousins. However, when it comes to black families, the mere idea of marrying into one’s family is vehemently frowned upon; it simply is not done. On today’s culture corner, we want to get into how far is far enough to marry into one own’s family. Relationship Coach Dudu Nhlabathi Madonsela and Cultural Expert Menzi Maseko join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the country continues to embrace the idea of clean alternative energy, two military bases have installed biogas stoves/plants as an alternative to coal-fired electricity. This comes after a study commissioned by the South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) revealed that the country has “untapped potential” for biogas energy that can assist in addressing the climate change issue while generating a green economy. This is done through the use of organic waste which is then collected and digested - through micro-digestive technology – and creates biogas which can be used to generate energy. The process also creates beneficial by-products such as soil fertiliser and also addresses the issue of managing waste decomposition, reducing the volume of organic waste sent to landfills and more. Joining Lerato Mbele to talk about this innovation is the Project Manager for Renewable Energy and Cleaner Fossil Fuels at Sanedi, Dr Karen Surridge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is said that political stability in Africa is hard to come by because following very complex histories, politicians in Africa are known for hijacking democratic systems to remain in power indefinitely and even turning countries to democracies only on paper – with existing democratic institutions such as a constitution, courts and legislature while being autocratic in their governance. For many African countries, one thing is clear; political stability is a relatively new concept in a country's governance and actual functioning. On today’s #LevelUp episode we want to explore what political systems are best suited for Africa’s development because it seems that the way democracy is currently understood and applied; is not propelling the continent forward.
Political Analyst & Associate Professor at Unisa Professor Boitumelo Senokoane joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is a constitutional entity which was established to “strengthen constitutional democracy”, premised on the desire for a free and equal society. However, the commission has been plagued with reports of irregularities and allegations of poor governance and maladministration. In 2020, for instance, several civil society organisations including the Human Rights Institute of South Africa, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and Wise4Afrika wrote a letter to its then chairperson raising concerns about its appointment processes. Earlier on this year the commission’s over R6 million legal fees bill was questioned while more recently, a second CEO for the commission left without finishing her five-year term. In this conversation, we want to understand what is happening in the commission and whether the recent changes to the management and issues could in any way hinder it from carrying out its mandate.
Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Gender-Based Violence Research Specialist from the University of Johannesburg, Lisa Vetten.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Added to the many uncertainties emanating from the Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s finding that President Cyril Ramaphosa has no case to answer for his role in the infamous Phala Phala farmgate scandal is the issue of oversight within the presidency. Because while every other government department is subject to consistent parliamentary oversight, the presidency is not. It is currently the only entity that receives a budget from parliament without rigorous scrutiny from a parliament committee. It remains unclear as to why such a committee still does not exist which presents another problem; that of separating the President – the public figure – from his private affairs when there isn’t a body that is actively working to ensuring the line is clear and that every government action and penny is well accounted for. Political Analyst Lukhanyo Vangqa and Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) Lawson Naidoo joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the 16th of June 2023, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi launched the “Nasi’Spani Campaign which he described as a “strategic recruitment drive aimed at addressing unemployment and promoting access to job opportunities available within the Gauteng Provincial Government”. The campaign which saw a Nasi’Spani PDF document being shared on various platforms advertised at least 8000 jobs across all government provincial departments and entities. The posts range from drivers, office admin and groundsmen to managerial and advisory posts. This, as Stats SA reported a 34.3% official unemployment rate in the province, for the first quarter of the 2023 Labour Force Survey. 32 walk-in application centres were then set up to assist members of the public with applying for the available jobs. On this week’s View of the Nation, we want to decipher how this campaign came about as well as where all these jobs come from and whether they will improve the running of municipalities. Spokesperson for the Gauteng Premier Vuyo Mhaga and Local Government Expert Dr Tim Maake join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Climate change in South Africa is presenting itself in very drastic forms. In the past month alone, we have experienced an earthquake/tremor, heavy flooding in coastal regions which have become characteristic of this season and more recently a tornado which ravaged a few homes in KwaZulu-Natal this week. Scientists have, in the recent past, reported that along with many parts of the broader southern African region, the country is projected to become warmer and drier which will apply more pressure on water security and agriculture. The rise in heat waves is anticipated to affect human health and even possibly result in death. Moreover, it is predicted that tropical cyclones are going to become stronger with devastating effects on the northeastern areas of South Africa. In this conversation we want to understand how climate change is presenting and the rate at which it is taking effect along with what we should brace for moving forward. Professor Francois Engelbrecht, Professor of Climatology and Director of the Global Change Institute at Wits, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Four days ago, the Johannesburg High Court ruled that a landlord cannot cut off the electricity and water supply without first getting a court order, even if rent has not been paid. Similarly, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country and led to many not being able to meet their basic needs including securing the rent for their housing, it came to the fore that landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants without a court order. To a certain degree, being a landlord in South Africa is not an optimistic venture as it seems that tenants have more rights than landlords. In this conversation we want to unpack property rental law to better understand the rights that tenants have versus the rights of landlords in the country. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Attorney at Schoeman Inc, Johan de Lange.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aisha Pandor is the co-founder and CEO of Africa’s first online end-to-end platform for booking, managing, and paying for home cleaning services, SweepSouth. Aisha is known as one of the few black woman tech startup CEOs in South Africa and abroad and has since led her company to becoming one of the fastest growing startups in the country. Apart from her fruitful entrepreneurial journey, Aisha is a former scientist with a PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town where she also focused on business administration. Aisha has since been awarded the South African Women in Science award and has also garnered an impressive list of awards for her contribution to African innovation and technology. She joins Lerato Mbele in this week’s instalment of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elmond Khoza is the founder, CEO, and Product Architect of Nkarhi Timepiece. “Nkarhi Timepiece aims to infuse African flair to the watch industry; and tell authentic African stories through luxury timepieces”. Armed with a BSc. Electrical Engineering, Honors Degree from Wits, he is also co-founder and executive chairman of Lamo Solar, a fast-growing engineering, procurement, and construction solar photovoltaic firm. He joins Lerato Mbele in this week’s edition of the Entrepreneurial Edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Mashatile has been South Africa’s 9th Deputy President since March 2023. Since then, he has been in the process of a public rebrand that has been taking place in real time. We have seen Paul kissing babies, making the correct kinds of speeches at public events, and even sitting with high-ranking academics – a move we can easily associate as presidential. The Deputy President’s coming to the fore has also seen him being the subject of investigations – with the most recent being about his “secret luxury life” and alleged links to state capture. Following News24’s article on Paul Mashatile, Rise Mzansi, for one, laid a complaint, against the president in waiting, with the office of the Public Protector asking that he be investigated for a breach of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act. Politics and Policy Lecturer at The Tshwane University of Technology Dr Levy Ndou and Director of Public Interest SA Tebogo Khaas join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is no secret that China has dedicated its time, energy and resources over the years to make it amongst the world’s leading economies. As it stands it is the world’s second largest economy by nominal GDP after the United States and is the world’s largest economy since 2016 when measured by purchasing power parity. It has been said that “the BRICS has already [been proven] to be a force multiplier for Chinese diplomacy and [will] remain so if the country does not push its national interests too hard”. In the BRICS formation, it is understood that China has played an integral role in fuelling progress toward cooperation among BRICS countries. Recently, BRICS members pledged $10 billion to the New Development Bank -which is anticipated to start lending next year - and also to a $100 billion contingency fund to provide temporary assistance to members grappling with global economic pressure. On this week’s episode, we’re taking a look at China’s part in the BRICS formation with Professor David Monyae, Director of the Centre of Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many influences shape the way we live and navigate everyday life. Among other influences from friends, teachers, the media, and pop culture lies the biggest factor: living up to family expectations under the guise of propelling the family “legacy”. This happens in many households where a father, for instance, is a principal at the local school which inevitably leads to society expecting more from the children of that household, one being that you cannot fail a single subject in school. Other examples are seen especially in the set-up where parents are well-known public figures for whatever reason, which also culminates in a society expecting a similar attitude and drive from the children. Realistically, this is not how it usually goes down. Because even as the products of our parents, we recognise our autonomy and independence in character from them. Nonetheless, this pressure of living up to a legacy expectation tends to influence one’s life path and that’s the crux of this week’s culture corner. Sociologist and Anthropologist Dr Alex Asipatiki joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the African Journal of Disability, about 65 million people in the world are amputees. Although there is no data indicating the prevalence of amputation in South Africa, the truth is this: amputee care in the country is too expensive for most to access and afford. The average price of a new prosthetic leg, for example, can cost anything between R20 000 and R50 000. Well, an innovation has come to the fore which uses 3D technology to produce low-cost lightweight prosthetic limbs using recycled material such as plastic water bottles. Joining Lerato Mbele to learn more about this innovation is the innovator herself and founder of Uku’Hamba Prosthetics, Sibongile Mongadi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As power cuts continue, the economy falters, unemployment rises and the currency tumbles, South Africa’s political commentators tend to agree that support for the governing African National Congress (ANC) will fall under 50% in the 2024 national and provincial elections. If the party avoids a defeat, it could lead to a coalition government. It’s only logical to expect that governance failures of this magnitude would send large numbers of dissatisfied voters into the arms of opposition parties. But scholars who have studied South African voter behaviour, warn opposition parties that they cannot count on disillusionment to drive voters towards them. Unless they convince dissatisfied voters that they provide a credible alternative, the ANC may still win a majority of votes come 2024. In this conversation, we talk about the state of democracy and opposition parties in South Africa. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Election Analyst Wayne Sussman, along with Political Analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since his address to a colloquium by the Human Sciences Research Council, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has come under fire after he said Parliament has not acted on the state capture recommendations he tabled when he was chairperson of the commission. Chief Justice Zondo is also reported to have said that if another group of people attempted to capture the state, they would succeed because parliament would again fail to stop them. While the official opposition agreed with the chief justice, the ANC’s Fikile Mbalula says judges are not demigods and should respect the separation of powers because he has concluded his part in the commission. Parliament speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula along with the National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo, have since called for a meeting with Chief Justice Zondo following the remarks. In this conversation we want to get to the bottom of the uproar, whether it is justified and assess the issue of the separation of powers. Alison Tilley, Coordinator of Judges Matter and Political Analyst Khanyi Magubane join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While narratives over the past few decades have painted a wide range of views of Africa—as a child in need of development, a rising economic power, an imminent threat, a tinderbox of terrorism, poverty, forced migration, and disease—the truth is, as always, more nuanced. One thing is certain: Africa's transformation in recent decades has been remarkable. Africa is shaping its destiny and should be referred to as the “African opportunity” instead of a threat. Africa is at the frontline of climate change. According to the Loss and Damage Collaboration – a group working to ensure vulnerable developing countries receive the support they need about climate change losses and damages – some 97% of people affected by extreme events live in developing countries, even though these countries contribute the least to CO2 emissions. At the same time, most countries on the continent are facing financial difficulties. It is in this context, an attempt to address these challenges, through the Summit for a new global financial pact was organized in Paris on June 22 and 23. In this week’s edition of the Masterclass, we talk about repositioning the continent as a superpower in the world. Victor Kgomoeswana, African Affairs Analyst & Author of “Africa Is Open For Business” joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Professor of International Politics at UNISA, Prof Jo-Ansie van Wyk, President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in the past 5 years, created 110 commissions, councils, funds, initiatives, programmes, summits, task forces and war rooms. Two weeks ago, the latest to be launched is the National Logistics Crisis Committee. The institutions include a task force to monitor the impact of load shedding on the agricultural sector, the National Coronavirus Command Council, Operation Vulindlela, the technical task force on lifestyle audits for top government managers and cabinet members, 9 institutions to assist Eskom and 6 institutions for climate change. These institutions boast top executives from the private sector, ex-judges, advisers and individuals outside of government who are appointed as emissaries. In this conversation, we want to unpack the purpose behind these institutions and what they have actually achieved since coming to the fore. Chairperson of the Rivonia Circle Lorato Tshenkeng along with Political Analyst Musa Mdunge join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently facing a potential military coup after Yevgeni Prigozhin, founder and leader of the Wagner Group – a private military contractor which Putin outsourced for the country’s military invasion in Ukraine, threatened to march to Moscow to remove top military generals on Friday. This comes after the group is said to have captured the headquarters of a key army in southern Russia before moving north. It is understood that although he withdrew the threat to march to Moscow on Saturday, the move it still regarded as very bold and “should leave Putin worried about [the] continued exposure through the war in Ukraine”. In this conversation, we want to understand how this conflict has evolved from being a so-called “special operation” to a war and now to possible political instability in Russia. Defense Analyst Helmoed Heitman joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande to reflect on the journey of the institution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s international competitiveness ranking has deteriorated to 61 in 2023 from 60 in 2022. The latest decline in the World competitiveness ranking follows 2 years of underperformance in the rankings since 2021. This is according to the 2023 World Competitiveness Yearbook which was released last week. Additionally, productivity is slowing in advanced economies and the trend has spread to emerging economies. These low productivity levels are making it more difficult for countries and regions to overcome the current mix of social and economic challenges because productivity is needed to create better jobs and the so-called fiscal space to finance social programmes such as pensions and improved health care. The International Labour Organisation’s World Employment and Social Outlook – Trends 2023 report (WESO Trends) released in January 2023, described productivity as “key to addressing today’s multiple crises”, and in this week’s edition of the View of the Nation, we talk about how productivity as a social concept and how South Africa’ productivity can be improved and how its gains can be directed to build a more sustainable and equitable future? Executive Director at the Economic Modelling Academy Dr Pali Lehohla along with the CEO of Productivity South Africa, Mothunye Mothiba join Nhlanhla Sehume for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume is in conversation with the Vice Principal for Research, Post-Grad Studies and Innovation, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Nhlanhla Sehume takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst, Sanusha Naidu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many times, it is easy to overlook the people who are the brains behind many phenomenal productions. Desiree Markgraaff is amongst the highly esteemed showrunners and producers on the list in South Africa. You may not be well-acquainted with her, but her work including on Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Isibaya, Ayeye and more recently Shaka iLembe are not hard to come by. Over and above her achievements in the film industry, Desiree is known for her vocation in nurturing young local and promising talent in the country. She is the partner and CEO of The Bomb Shelter Film Company, a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative in South Africa as well as a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She joins Morio Sanyane to speak about South Africa’s evolving film industry as well as the inspirations behind her drive to tell authentic South African stories.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Western Cape is known for harbouring one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town. However, over and above the beauty lies the harsh reality that many townships in the Western Cape are plagued with gang violence and are even subjected to what has now been called gang extortion syndicates who are known to demand protection fees from local street and business traders to the transportation of workers from their places of work to home who are expected to pay anything between R1000 to R7 500 per month for “protection” or else… The township of Khayelitsha for instance, has been described as an “extortion jungle”. In this conversation, we want to unpack what the city is doing to address the persistent issue of safety in townships with Western Cape Provincial Minister of Community Safety and Police Oversight, Reagan Allen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The creative industry in South Africa is a diverse sector that plays an integral role in contributing and further preserving the country’s cultural identity. According to the South African Cultural Observatory’s 2017 report, over one million (translating to 6.72%) of all jobs in the country are attributed to the cultural economy. Furthermore, it is no secret that the industry has a complex economic environment because it requires demand for creative and cultural outputs which should be in line with what audiences are able to afford and access alongside why the content matters to them. Nonetheless, the sector continues to be an important beacon of several identities in South Africa and in this conversation, we want to get into how we can positively reimagine South Africa’s creative industry. Founding Member of the Creative Congress Movement Tshepo Mashiane joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many of us, the winter season means we want warmth and with that warmth is the awakening of the appetite for all things nice. Whether it is endless cups of hot chocolate or chocolate itself, or even ice cream while sitting in front of the heater. Well, for today’s entrepreneurial edge we are focusing on ice cream, but unlike most ice creams which have dairy products as a primary ingredient, this particular company makes dairy-free ice cream for those who are vegan and for those who have lactose intolerance. The company is called Yococo and was established in 2016 by Sinenhlanhla Ndlela who joins Morio Sanyane to walk us through the journey of the dairy-free ice cream company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mokgokong name is one that is held high in South Africa’s medical space and amongst the most notable is Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong. Professor Ephraim Mokgokong was the first black Vice-Chancellor of the former Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa) when it was founded in 1978, which is now known as the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Medunsa was established to provide medical education to black students, who were restricted from attending most medical schools because of apartheid laws. Professor Mokgokong has since gone on to train many medical doctors and has also received many awards for his contribution to the medical space over the years. In April, he received the presidential Order of Baobab honour in gold, for his impeccable contribution to medical sciences in South Africa. He joins Morio Sanyane for this week’s instalment of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In March, Stats SA reported that marriages in the country are on the decline particularly because of a possible cultural move away from the traditional institution of marriage which favours cohabitating agreements. It also indicated that more people are opting for customary marriages as opposed to civil unions. But what makes a customary marriage legitimate? We’ve heard of customary marriages being denied after the death of one of the parties and some even deny their marriages in hopes of taking on another wife or husband. Well, with today’s new normal where many families are moving away from what they once deemed as a crucial process to acknowledge a wife or husband in a customary marriage, we need to know what makes a customary marriage legitimate. Attorney at PM Attorneys Wisani Shingange and Cultural Expert Khaya Ndwandwe join Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
19 June 2023 marked 110 years since the 1913 Natives Land Act was enacted in the then Union of South Africa. It prohibited natives from owning, leasing, or acquiring land. The Act was repealed in June 1991. The land question was at the heart of the South African national liberation struggle. The 1913 Natives Land Act restricted black people from owning and occupying parts of the country, leading to whites owning about 87% of the land. This reduced the African majority to “pariahs in the land of their birth”, in the 1916 words of Sol Plaatje, the founding secretary general of the African National Congress, now South Africa’s governing party. To reverse this injustice, in 2018 the national assembly acceded to demands from various pressure groups and began the process to amend section 25 of the constitution, which deals with restitution and redress of the dispossessed. Some had argued that the section hindered land expropriation. In this conversation, we reflect on how far the land question has been addressed in democratic South Africa as well as the legacy of the infamous legislation. Joining Morio Sanyane for the conversation is the Head of Land at AgriSA Amy Barclay along with the African Farmers Association of South Africa’s Pitso Sekhoto, and Member of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure Sanele Zondo.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
According to SME South Africa, recycling continues to be a major activity in the country, ranking among one of the most effective recycling industries in the world. In 2022, SME South Africa reported that the country recycles 46% of all plastic, which is higher than most countries, 70% of paper, 72% of metal, and 70% of glass. This bring us to today’s innovation which involves what many can equate to an ATM machine designed to take beverage containers, specifically glass, plastic bottles and aluminium cans, like how you would insert your bank card but instead of withdrawing money, it sends you a text where you can redeem digital rewards that can be spent on groceries at various stores. It is called the Cash4Trash reverse vending machine (RVM) and the innovator behind it, Mary-Ann Mandishona joins Morio Sanyaneto tell us more about it.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
In 1995, a year after South Africa entered a democracy, we hosted our first Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park and won. It is remembered as the country’s first major sporting event since the end of Apartheid. In sociological and political studies, the relationship between sports, nationalism and national identity is an integral issue. Professor of Sport in England, Dr Eric Anderson has argued that the importance of sport in the expression of nationalism is linked to its ability to bring an “imagined community” of a nation to life. This is simply because when a game of note is being played by a country’s respected national team, it doesn’t matter, even if for a moment, the differences on has from the person next to them; what matters most is the unified support towards one mission: a victory. On today’s instalment of the #LevelUp Masterclass Series we’re looking at sports as a facilitator of nationalism and what we need to do to take our national sports to the next level with the President of Netballl South Africa, Cecila Molokwane.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is the preferred destination for various categories of migrants and faces a host of migration-related challenges, including, inter alia: increased prevalence of irregular migration, including women and unaccompanied minors; inadequate migration management policies and border management processes; rising xenophobic sentiments that in some cases turn into actual violence against migrants; high prevalence of communicable diseases such as HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis; and continued brain drain due to the emigration of skilled nationals. The need for enhanced and harmonized migration management policies is therefore a critical priority for the Government of South Africa. In this conversation, we look at what solutions political parties have to offer when it comes to the country’s immigration crisis. ANC Member of Parliament Brandon Pillay along with ACDP Member of NEC and National Training Officer Raymond Tlaeli and COPE Spokesperson Dennis Bloem join Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has experienced load shedding since 2007 when Eskom began its trajectory of failing to meet the country’s electricity demand. Gradually, it has gotten worse over the years with the power utility being known for its inability to keep its aging coal-fired power stations running after years of poor maintenance while also struggling to get new power stations to full operational capacity. In July 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa said there were “deliberate efforts to destabilise power stations”. Various media houses including The Conversation have argued that Eskom has been the target of hybrid warfare operations aimed at destabilising South Africa’s national power generation capacity. The question about whether the country has the security capability to protect its energy infrastructure from threats and risks which would in effect protect the country’s security and economy remains unanswered. On today’s view of the nation, we’re getting into the implications of South Africa’s energy crisis on the country’s security with Executive Director of the South African Energy Forum, Hlathi Madela, and Risk Analyst and Partner at RiskRecon, Dr Kingsley Makhubela.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
India’s part in the BRICS formation is said to be about its push for economic growth through job creation, GDP growth and subsequently alleviating poverty as per the country’s national interest. This can be seen in India’s GDP growth rate which has in the past decade regularly achieved an annual growth rate of between 6% and 7%. As a result, the International Monetary Fund’s 2020 World Economic Outlook ranked the country as the world’s fifth largest economy and it remains in that position till this day. For India, the BRICS forum has evidently served as an alternative global mechanism for promoting economic and social growth during a time when the globe has under significant stress. Associate Professor at the Wits School of Governance Professor William Gumede along with Political Analyst and Founder of Retail Technology Group Deepak Sumani join Morio Sanyane for today’s third episode of the BRICS series on India, ahead of the summit this year.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Sanelisiwe Twisha is a South African musician from Port Elizabeth who is known for her signature patented blue-coloured hairstyle along with her self-titled genre of music the “future of ghetto punk”. She first came into the limelight in the Durban poetry and music scene before her move to Johannesburg where she has since made her mark. Moon’s talent doesn’t come from the air though, as her family is musically gifted, with her brother being a hip hop producer, her mother a jazz singer and her cousins being kwaito dancers. In 2005, she moved to Durban to study fashion at the Linea Fashion Design Academy. At present, her music and contribution to the space has seen her reaching international audiences including playing at festivals in Austin, Texas and Barcelona. She joins Lerato Mbele in the spotlight.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Lebohang Masango earned her Master of Arts degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. She is an awarded author and poet. She is the author of the children’s book, Mpumi’s Feast of Love (David Philip, 2023) which originates with Mpumi’s Magic Beads (David Philip, 2018), which is available in all 11 of South Africa’s official languages. The book has been awarded the 2019 South African Literary Award for Children’s Literature, the 2019 Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award for Best Writer and a 2020 gold Pendoring Advertising Award in the Publication Design – Whole Design category. She has co-authored Grow to Be Great: Awesome African Achievers with Dr Judy Dlamini (Sifiso Publishers, 2020) and Mpumi and Jabu’s Magical Day (David Philip, 2020) with Professor Claudine Storbeck, the Director of the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. Lebohang joins Lerato Mbele to talk to us about the importance of reading and storytelling, and how to make literacy more appealing to young readers while teaching them about the importance of diversity and inclusion.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, albinism is a condition that continues to be deeply misunderstood, despite the work several individuals have put in to educate South Africans about it. Historically people with albinism have been ostracised and subjected to violence and ridicule. In certain areas of the country and continent, people with albinism have been killed for the trade of their body parts used in sacramental medicines. Moreover, their vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by the health concerns associated with their condition. Today, we want to get into the lived experiences of people with albinism, to do away with the unprecedented stigmas and most importantly to learn. Ayanda Mazibuko and Director of the Kasie Albinism Foundation Freeman Wa-Ka Chauke Baloyi join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Ndabezinhle Mkhize is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) who completed an Investment Management Workshop at the Harvard Business School. He became an independent non-executive director of the Fairvest Property Holdings REIT in 2013 and has also been the chairman of IG Markets South Africa. He is an independent non-executive director of Equites Property Fund and is also known for his position as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of South Africa’s second-largest pension fund, the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund. During his time as CIO, he managed assets to the value of R180 billion which had a funding ratio of 145%. Ndabe has been in the financial services industry for about 24 years, and he joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s instalment of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Assembly has approved the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, taking the ANC-led government one step closer to its plans for achieving universal health coverage. While the bill still needs to be considered by the National Council of Provinces, SA’s second house of parliament, is not expected to make material changes to the bill before submitting it to the president in the final round of assent. Opposition parties have slammed the National Assembly’s passing of the contentious National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which paves the way for universal healthcare in South Africa. The DA, EFF, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) are among the parties that have expressed outrage over the passing of this controversial Bill. The bill, which was introduced in Parliament in August 2019, seeks to realise universal health coverage for all, which means that every South African will have a right to access comprehensive healthcare services, free of charge, at accredited health facilities, such as clinics, hospitals, and private health practitioners. Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, Chairperson of the South African Medical Association and Dr Simon Strachan, CEO of the South African Private Practitioners Forum join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Candles are said to be characteristic for having calming properties particularly from the flickering light that changes the ambiance of a room as well as because of the scent the candle emits to relax you. Moreover, it is said that this is the main reason why candles are used during aromatherapy sessions, spas and more. What this speaks to mostly is the ability to change the energy of a room to make it lighter, less anxiety inducing and more light, positive and zen. Bracing Health Wellness is a woman-owned business dedicated to providing luxury wellness products including a range of diffusers, soy candles and room mist spray. Joining Lerato Mbele to talk about the company is its founder, Sizwe Kgariya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The persistent conversation both on and offline about absent fathers and fatherhood in general points to the fact that the presence of fathers in the lives of their children is incredibly important. Like mothers, fathers are pillars in the development of a child’s well-being because they often lay down the rules while providing both emotional and physical stability and security. According to Stats SA’s 2021 General Household Survey, “most children in South Africa live in non-standard family structures with mostly one of their biological parents” with statistics showing that twice as many children (76%) live with their mother compared to those who live with their fathers. Stats SA noted that black children between the ages of 0 – 17 years were the least likely to stay with their biological fathers. Between 74% and 92% of children across four races; white, black, Indian or Asian and coloured, in the country stay with their mothers. On today’s culture corner, we’re taking a look at the metrics of fatherhood in South Africa. CEO at Heartlines Dr Garth Japhet along with Clinical Psychologist Nsamu Moonga and Kgaugelo Habyane from the Manned Up Foundation join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s no secret that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its impact on our planet and our communities can be devastating. As we continue to grapple with this global crisis, it’s important for all industries, including mining, to do their part to mitigate their impact on the environment. Mining is a crucial industry that provides the raw materials for many of the products and technologies we rely on every day. However, the processes involved in mining can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change and other forms of pollution that exacerbate climate change. The South African mining industry is a significant contributor to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report published by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2018, the mining sector was responsible for 6% of South Africa’s total climate change greenhouse gas emissions. On Sunday June 11, Gauteng was hit by an earthquake and experts have said this is likely to be a result of the history of mining in the province. Mining Veteran and Director of Mining at Modern Corporate Solutions, Peter Major, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to anti-poverty NGO The Borgen Project about 30% of South African school girls, about 7 million girls, do not attend school while they are menstruating because they cannot access sanitary products. As a result, the experiences of the girls being teased at school, in addition to the discomfort that comes with not wearing sanitary products, while they are menstruating, simply means that many miss school for about a week or two every month. Looking at this retrospectively, this limited education means that there is a significantly small chance for girls to lift themselves and their communities out of the cycle of poverty – this is the crux of period poverty in South Africa. Well, one innovation born to address this issue are period panties which are long-term absorbent underwear, that can be washed and reused as a solution to sanitary towels and the like. The innovator and founder of South African period underwear company Blushproof Thandi Hartmann together with Medical Anthropologist Lucy Khofi join Lerato Mbele to walk us through period poverty and the innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has never really been affected by jihadist attacks. Its democracy is solid and its economy stable. Yet, it is considered to be a stronghold for the financing of the Islamic State (EI) and other Islamist organizations.
The continent's most developed country was the first to be singled out by the United States, which in 2022 sanctioned South African companies and nationals suspected of facilitating fund transfers for the benefit of the EI, whose main area of conquest Africa has become since the loss of its caliphate between Iraq and Syria in 2019. Senior Training Coordinator for ENACT at the Institute for Security Studies Willem Els joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is commonly known as a set of practices that companies implement to limit their negative impacts or to enhance positive impacts within the communities in which they operate to create a shared value. This can be seen in instances where companies build schools or clinics for the benefit of the community. As of late, with the evident changing climate and general move towards environmentally friendly operations and products, the popularisation of ESG criteria in business operations and strategies shows the growing importance of sustainability in the long run and the responsibility businesses have or should have in protecting the communities they conduct operations in. In this conversation we want to get into the importance of ESG in business as well as the overall benefits ESG targets have for communities. Pitso Kortjaas from the Finance & Banking Department at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr and Ron Stuart, Head of Markets and ESG Lead at KPMG join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Malcolm X once said that “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This pretty much sums up what today’s episode on the #LevelUp Masterclass Series is about; education as the benchmark for innovation. At present, amongst the most valuable companies in the world is Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Meta, Google and Amazon. What is easy to pinpoint about these companies is that they are the leaders of innovation particularly in the world of tech. The top 5 innovative countries in 2023, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), includes Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong and Finland. In 2015, South Africa placed 49th out of 140 countries on WEF’s innovators report, but this placement has been gradually going lower and lower since. As a critical pilar to leverage progress and innovation, on this masterclass #LevelUp series we’re looking at how investments in the right kind of education can propel the country to the next level. Professor Dick Ng'ambi, Programme Head of Educational Technology Programmes at UCT, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is the most important destination country for migrants in Africa. The number of international migrants in South Africa increased from around 2 million in 2010 to over 4 million in 2019 and then dropped to approximately 2.9 million in mid-2020. This amounts to approximately 4.8% of South Africa’s total population. Of these, 43.1% were female, 11.1% were 19 and younger, and 7.1% were 65 and older. Migration to and within South Africa is fluid and diversified even though migrants face a precarious labour market and many forms of discrimination. One of the typical migration routes is the Mozambique-South Africa migration corridor. This is the eighth most traversed of the top twenty migration corridors involving African countries; and it ranks fourth among those between African countries, with approximately 750,000 people migrating to South Africa from Mozambique. Joining Lerato Mbele for this View of the Nation is Department of Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and South African Research Chair in Mobility and the Politics of Difference at the Wits African Centre for Migration & Society, Professor Loren Landau.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BRICS has been making a lot of waves around the world particularly because of the contested relationship South Africa has with Russia, given the current political climate and ICC warrant of arrest for Russian President Vladmir Putin. Not so long ago, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E. Brigety II, raised alarms with his LadyRGate allegations. And now it has been said that “BRICS is evolving from [a] China-Russia Dream to [a] Potential U.S. Nightmare”. At present, the debate around whether the 15th BRICS Summit will be hosted in South Africa or not continues to fester as many believe moving the summit to another country, possibly China, will solve the country’s Putin dilemma. On our BRICS Series today, we’re looking into Russia’s role in the formation along with potential outlooks given the recent developments with the Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Steven Gruzd.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with senior lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Dr Maud Blose.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nimrod Nkosi is a prominent Television presenter and actor from South Africa. He has spent several years of his life hosting and presenting live programs. He has appeared in a series of soap operas and dramas which includes Scandal, Hijack stories and family Secrets to mention but a few. He not only acts, and hosts live shows, but also acts as Master of Ceremony for several high-class events in South Africa. As of this moment, Nimrod is the host of the popular Mzanzi Magic docu-series, “Utatakho” and he joins Lerato Mbele in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to The Atlantic, despite South Africa having one of the most progressive laws in the world, including full constitutional protection against discrimination, the country continues to be morally conservative, hostile, and profoundly violent towards queer people. A survey of more than 2000 LGBTQIA+ people by South African Rights Organisation, Out, found that within a two-year period, 39% had experienced verbal abuse, 20% had been threatened with harm, 17% were chased and followed and almost 10% were physically attacked. The survey indicated that about half of black respondents knew people who had been murdered because of their sexual orientation. Lerato Mbele is joined by the Secretary General of the Embrace Diversity Movement to get into the issues the LGBTQIA+ community continues to experience at present day including new and subtle forms of erasure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like any other country, South African communities are evolving. Given the state of the country, many facets of society seem to be evolving for the worse as crime levels remain strikingly high, to the point where the lives of grocery couriers are at stake – because they too, by virtue of delivering groceries, can be mugged and assaulted, because many people cannot afford groceries. Added to the widespread issues of safety, are the standard electricity and water issues coupled with worsening infrastructure and overall low morale in communities. In this conversation, however, we want to get into emerging societal trends that are foreshadowing the country’s trajectory with trend expert and Founder of Flux Trends, Dion Chang.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feso is a hair renewal product that stimulates dead hair follicles back to life and helps restore scalp tissues damaged by chemicals and traction alopecia. Feso reverses balding and receding hairline, moisturises the scalp, and stops dandruff. It is excellent for skin and hair. When used on hair, Feso loosens curls which are easier to manage. The loosening lasts for a week, a testament to the excellent conditioning effect on hair. As a result of the chemical processing of the hair, most African women have experienced hair loss which seems irreversible; as a Trichologist, cosmetologist, Founder and owner of a thriving chain of hair and beauty salons, Dr Kuda Mupawose decided to find a homegrown solution to the problem. Feso is the result of going back to our African indigenous knowledge systems to solve a problem. She joins Lerato Mbele for this week's instalment of the Entrepreneurial Edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mbali Ntuli has been known as a South African politician and a former member of the Democratic Alliance. During her political endeavours she served as the party’s Provincial Youth Chairperson where she helped the party build its political presence in townships including in KwaMashu and Ntuzuma, in KwaZulu-Natal. She then occupied a seat in the KZN Provincial Legislature where she served as the DA’s Spokesperson for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Before she left the party, she contested for the position of DA Federal Leader. Mbali is currently embarking on her newly launched initiative called the Ground Work Collective (GWC) citing it is her intention to elevate communities by working on the ground. She joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s Leadership Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The role of traditional leaders has come under the spotlight as South Africa’s parliament proposed the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act 3 of 2019 (TKLA) as a mechanism to govern traditional councils based on the governance framework set in the Bantu Act of 1951. Alarm bells on the implementation of this act have been raised by members of communities where traditional leaders operate, this issue has made its way to the highest Court in the land and set the table for two sides of the spectrum. On the one side, the StopTheBantustans Campaign which operates on behalf of the communities, filed an appeal against the passing of TKLA as they have evidence that the flawed public participation process has denied citizens living in rural communities of their rights and state that TKLA gives unbalanced power to traditional leaders. The argument is caused by the belief that TKLA opens avenues for traditional leaders to sign financial contracts with profit seeking companies without being compelled to consult with members of their communities thereby violating their livelihood. On the opposite side are traditional leaders themselves, who are represented by amongst others CONTRALESA, insist that they are responsible custodians who seek to apply TKLA in a manner that is responsible and benefits the communities. Land Activist and National Coordinator for the Stop the Bantustans Campaign Constance Mogale joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2012 Professor Patrick Ngulube wrote: “If language enables human beings to act together, organise themselves into social groups and units and put into effect group decisions, then its demise signals danger for the society in question: in other words, the demise of a language means the end of a culture.” At present the concern around the potential erasure of indigenous languages through the globalization of the English language, remains. Many of our kids hear the language so often that they are not-at-all well acquainted with their own languages. Added to that is the prediction that of an estimated 6,000 languages spoken worldwide, 80% of this diversity could be lost by 2050. So on today’s culture, we’re getting into how we can popularize our South African indigenous languages as an integral component of culture and identity. Professor of African Languages at the University of the KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Capital punishment in South Africa was abolished on 6 June 1995 by the ruling of the Constitutional Court in the case of S v Makwanyane, following a five-year and four-month moratorium since February 1990. The last execution carried out by the South African government was the hanging of Solomon Ngobeni in November 1989. There are a number of parties in South Africa that currently support the return of the death penalty. They are the National Party South Africa, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) , African Covenant, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and the National Conservative Party of South Africa. Spokesperson for the ATM Zama Ntshona joins Morio Sanyane to talk about what would be needed to have a referendum on the death penalty and whether the introduction of this can curb the country’s crime problem.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we are well aware, South Africa is currently undergoing a water crisis. Added to the fact that the country is already water-scarce, is the reality of poorly run wastewater treatment plants, poor water quality standards which have also manifested in the spread of cholera. Well, today’s innovation is centred on bringing clean and safe water to South African communities and this is done, surprisingly, through the use of macadamia nut shells which purify water. The brain behind this innovation is Water Scientist and Founder of Kusini Water & Filters, Murendeni Mafumo who found that because South Africa is amongst the largest producers of macadamia nuts, that locally-sourced nut shells could be used to make water filters. He joins Morio Sanyane to walk us through this innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the 4th of January 2022, the State Capture Commission of Inquiry (the Zondo Commission) submitted to the Presidency and publicly released the first of its three-part report. The report shed light on the far-reaching facts that lay bare the extent of the rot, corruption and capture that have hollowed out the state’s institutions and coffers. The cost of state capture has been felt most severely by the people of South Africa who bear the brunt of the looting. Contemporary state capture has led to deepening levels of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, amongst host of other challenges. The commission laid out a clear agenda for investigation and prosecution by the law enforcement agencies, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and constitutionally mandated oversight structures, such as national parliament, and professional oversight bodies, such as: the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), Legal Practice Council, among others, step up and do their job to ensure that implicated individuals and corporations are held accountable. Joining Morio Sanyane for the conversation is Senior Legal Officer at the Gauteng Legal Practice Council, Kholofelo Masedi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The story of the Queen of Rock n Roll, Tina Turner, speaks volumes in terms of rebuilding self. In her 2021 documentary, Tina revealed that after years of abuse of all kinds at the hands of her ex-husband Ike Turner with whom she had made a name for herself, she fled her marital home with just 36 cents and a Mobil credit card in her wallet. But while she had made her mark with Ike, her full potential was only realised after the marriage where she became an internationally revered star. Her 1984 solo album “Private Dancer” featured several hits including the Grammy-award winning single “What’s Love Got to Do with it”. She continued an upward trajectory with more hit songs, millions of records sold, movie roles, sold-out tours, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Broadway musical about her life and career. She also found love, a love that lasted for the last 40 years of her life. This is the story of starting over and thriving after life knocks you down. For this week’s masterclass, it is only fitting that we learn about how to start over and rebuild yourself to the best possible level and joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Clinical Psychologist Dr Khosi Jiyane and Life Coach Yvette Ratshikopa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was a flagship policy on which the Conservative Party won the last general election. But a little over three years since the then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to “level up” Britain — a pledge to revitalize disadvantaged areas left behind after decades of neglect. Johnson’s rise was driven by his successful campaign to pull Britain out of the European Union. The so-called “levelling up” agenda was designed to turn that into tangible benefits by 2030, especially for the working-class Brexit voters who abandoned the Andrew Cater, CEO at the Centre for Cities opposition Labour party to hand Johnson his party’s biggest majority since the 1980s. In this conversation, we talk about the policy and get an understanding of how levelling up is progressing and analyze socioeconomic metrics across the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies to measure whether the gap has changed—one way or another—since 2019. Joining Morio Sanyane for the conversation is the UK-based Centre for Cities CEO, Andrew Carter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SCENARIOS-based planning is not new to South Africa. In 1994 and again in 2000, the country developed scenarios that set out possible outcomes for the future. These were designed to inform Cabinet Makhotla of where we were heading as a nation, and to stimulate the dialogues needed to face pertinent challenges. Some of these scenarios, such as Memories of the Future, with a Muvhango and Nkalakatha edition, predicted to the date what was boiling in the belly of the monster and what was going to happen in South Africa demonstrating how important and influential scenarios can be as tools of foresight. After 2008, however, scenarios fell away. It was only in 2017, when the Indlulamithi SA Scenarios 2030 project was born, that scenarios were created again. Indlulamithi has developed three scenarios for South Africa: Gwara Gwara (a floundering false dawn), iSbhujwa (an enclave bourgeois nation) and Nayi le Walk (a nation in step with itself). Each one seeks to answer the question of whether social cohesion is attainable by 2030. Xolelwa Kashe-Katiya, Acting Project Director at Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios along with Governance Expert & Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, Dr Harlan Cloete, join Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to a 2020 Household Survey conducted by Stats SA, over 15 million commuters in the country make use of taxis as a mode of transport every day. However, since the popularisation of e-hailing services in South Africa, it has become the norm to hear about severe tensions between taxi owners and e-hailing drivers to the point of violence. Last Thursday, three e-hailing vehicles were burnt while four others were damaged at Maponya Mall, allegedly by taxi operators. This is part of a decade-long issue. There is clearly something that we as commuters and the public in general don’t understand because this happens every year without fail. On this week’s view of the nation, we want to unpack what we don’t understand about the taxi and e-hailing conflict and what needs to be done to address the issues at hand. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Mmatshikidi Phala, National Spokesperson for the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and Chairman for the Public Private Transport Association, Vhatuka Mbelengwa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2001, economist Jim O’Neill coined the formation BRIC representing Brazil, Russia, India and China to bring attention to the economic growth rates in the countries. It is understood that the rapid growth of the countries meant that they shared common interests and challenges. The BRIC group then went on to hold its first leaders’ summit 2009. It was in 2010 when South Africa was invited to join the group, forming what we now know as BRICS. Since then, the BRICS founded the New Development Bank which has played a role in project including in water and transport infrastructure. South Africa, for instance, also borrowed $1 billion in 2020 to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Ahead of the BRICS summit taking place in the country this year, we want to understand BRICS and we’ll do this in the form of a series. And today, we are starting with Brazil. Gustavo de Carvalho, Senior Researcher at South African Institute of International Affairs, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Researcher at the Southern African Liaison Office, Lwazi Somya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rich Fumani Mnisi is a South African fashion designer who rose to fame for giving new expressions to the African story with his designs. The soon-to-be 30-year-old found his passion in fashion design when he was a child after he saw his sister reimagining a jean into a skirt before his eyes. His authentic talent has seen him make men in skirts look appealing. Rich first ventured into the fashion space with a label he named OATH which he presented at the 2015 Design Indaba in Cape Town. He then rebranded his fashion brand as Rich Mnisi which has since made waves both in South Africa and Internationally. Recently he launched his collection called “You are One of One”. He joins Lerato Mbele in the spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many of us, our introduction to roll on, body spray and perfume, was about transcending fully into the world of adolescence because we were introduced to this world via products generally made for adults because there simply weren’t these sorts of products catered specifically to children. Well, on International Children Day as we unpack the wellbeing of children, we thought it would be fitting to have a roll on, body spray and foot powder for kids company called Kool Crew which aims to boost the confidence of boys and girls through sweet and safe scents. It’s founder Mapula Ramothwala joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s entrepreneurial edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Often times when we’re trying to adopt healthy lifestyles and perhaps shed some weight we tend to follow diets that weren’t designed with us in mind, added to that, diets that do not take into consideration one’s blood type. It is understood that if you follow a diet designed for your blood type, your body will digest food more efficiently which means you'll lose weight, have more energy, and help prevent disease. Joining Lerato Mbele to discuss what exactly the blood type diet entails is Moloko Mehlape, a Registered Dietician and Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Five years after ushering in a wave of business optimism that he’d revive an economy hobbled by industrial-scale corruption under his predecessor, executives are running out of patience with the 70-year-old leader. Economic stagnation spawned by record daily power outages, rampant crime, disintegrating infrastructure and foreign policy missteps is leading investors to the exits, with the rand fast approaching a record low of R20/US$. Foreign investors have sold a net US$10.5-billion of South African government bonds this year, adding to $15.9-billion of net sales last year. Non-residents held just 26% of government bonds at the end of April, down from a high of 43% in March 2018, the month after Ramaphosa came to office, national treasury data shows. In this conversation, we speak about what it means when the business loses confidence in a sitting President. Jannie Rossouw, Visiting Professor at the Wits Business School joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apart from being a Broadcaster, Ayabonga Cawe is a seasoned development economist who has vast experience including in policy research of industrial and competition policy, local government, labour markets, and transformation. He also has experience in advisory, media including in print as well as in entrepreneurship. He is a co-founder of the Young Economists for Africa, a youth policy initiative that aims to add a youth perspective on questions of economic policy on the African continent. And recently, he became the youngest person to be appointed as the Chief Commissioner at the International Trade Administration Commission. As we gear up for youth month, it is only fitting that he joins Lerato Mbele for this month’s first leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While International Children’s Day has its origins in the World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children in Geneva dating back to 1925, the protection and welfare of children continues to remain a concern at present day. In South Africa, about two-thirds of children live below the poverty line with many being susceptible to violence, malnutrition and more. According to Unicef South Africa, the vulnerability of children in the country remains high which has been proven to be exacerbated by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. In this conversation we want to take a look at how far South Africa has come in protecting the wellbeing of its children as well as interrogate what exactly we are celebrating. Dr Shaheda Omar, Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Teddy Bear Clinic as well as Carmel Gaillard, Programme Manager of Child Safety and Protection at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele engages with the POWER listeners in today’s edition of the open line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Though seemingly insignificant, colour can have an impact on your overall mood and there is a science to it; the psychology of colour. This is mainly because different colours have distinct meanings, connotations and psychological effects across various cultures. With that being said, the understanding is that cultural differences as well as personal preference can inform how colour affects your behaviour and mood. Generally, colours like red, orange, and yellow are symbolic of feelings of passion, anger and power, while blue, green and purple on the other hand are associated with the opposite, the calm in the storm. On today’s Culture Corner we’re talking about what colour can do to one’s psyche and overall behaviour with Colour and Design Psychology Specialist Karen Haller and Lecturer and Supervisor at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), Welmari Bouwer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The degree of cleanliness of any space often tells the story of the owners or the inhabitants of the area. According to the stats, the world produces about 300 million tonnes of plastic with between 5 and 12 million tonnes of that finding its way into the oceans. Moreover, in 2020 South Africa was ranked as the 11th worst offender in terms of land-based sources of litter entering the sea. However, someone who once called himself an “accidental environmentalist” created a water-cleaning robot after he witnessed two men struggling to catch debris in the ocean from their boat in Cape Town. The robot is called The RanMarine WasteShark and its creator, Richard Hardiman joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through this innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this year, military website Global Firepower published its military strength ranking for 2023 featuring 145 countries, with the ranking utilising more than 60 different factors to determine a given nation’s PowerIndex. The Global Firepower PowerIndex is calculated by focusing on weapon diversity rather than the total number of weapons available to any country to provide a better balance of firepower. The formula also allows smaller, more technologically-advanced nations to compete with larger, lesser-developed powers, and special modifiers – in the form of bonuses and penalties – are applied to further refine the list, which is compiled annually. One such special modifier is a nation’s access to nuclear weapons, and while they are not recognised directly, these nations receive an indirect score bonus. South Africa is ranked as having the 33rd greatest military strength globally – down from 26th in 2022. The country ranks as the 3rd strongest military force in Africa, dropping from 1st in 2022 and is behind Egypt (1st) and Algeria (2nd) on the African continent. In this conversation, we speak about South Africa’s military capacity. Independent Defense Analyst Helmoed Heitman joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is no secret that the country has staggeringly high levels of violence against women. The continued surge in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents in South Africa means we do not have a hold on crime. In March, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela shared crime statistics for October to December 2022, which indicated that rape, murder, attempted murder, and other serious contact crimes had increased in the province by 7.1%. He further noted that Gauteng contributed 27.1% of crime in South Africa during the quarter, with the main driver of the crimes being assault and gender-based violence. In this conversation we want to understand why the country is failing to address GBV with Research Specialist on GBV, Lisa Vetten and Executive Director at Lawyers against Abuse (LvA), Lindsay Henson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two-decades of dominance over the country's politics will continue after a win in Sunday's election. Known for his combative populism and for reshaping the country's laws to consolidate his power, Erdogan now looks ahead to another five-year term and ongoing concerns about the country's direction and democracy. Erdogan won 52.14% of the vote while 47.86% went for his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu, according to Ahmet Yener, the head of Turkey's Supreme Election Council. In this conversation, we talk about Turky’s role in the world stage, and its often changing allyship with the Eastern and Western allies. Ayşegül Kandaş Turkey Ambassador to South Africa joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE) 2022 Infrastructure Report Card, there is currently no reliable database on the lengths and ownerships of roads in the country. The report further reveals that secondary and tertiary roads are undergoing accelerated deterioration, we know, to the point where efficiency and the cost of moving freight on the road are causing various logistical companies severe challenges because the state of the roads compromise driver safety. Added to that is the overloading of roads and poor stormwater management along with the gravel road network which is deemed to be too extensive alongside a constrained budget for the entire road map in the country to be kept in a satisfactory condition. Reginald Demana, CEO of the national road agency Sanral, joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Though overlooked, philanthropy; the art of giving back to the community without expecting anything in return, has the ability to really build a nation. Andrew Cargenie, for one, is considered the most famous philanthropist for building over 2 500 libraries around the world while building several universities along with a charitable trust which still runs even after his death in 1919. With the regressive state of the country where old school pit latrines are replaced with newer versions of pit latrines instead of functional toilets, the question: is where are South African philanthropists to bridge the vivid gaps in the country? In this conversation we want to get into the landscape of philanthropy in the country and joining Lerato Mbele to do so is Dr Keratiloe Mogotsi, Programme Director of the Africa Philanthropy Executive Education at the Wits Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this diary edition, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Sociopolitical Analyst Lukhanyo Vangqa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The idea of Bathu shoes came to Theo Baloyi in 2015 when he realised that Africa had no sneaker brand that authentically tells the African story. Baloyi launched 100 pairs of shoes shortly thereafter to the people in Alexandra, Soweto, Midrand and Thembisa. Since then, Bathu has opened many stores across South Africa. This quick meteoric rise in success is due to Baloyi conceptualising, designing, researching, producing, and doing quality assurance on his products and business. In the present day, Baloyi's innovation and hard work continue to pay off and has seen the brand launch its 34th store at the Diamond Walk in Sandton. This meteoritic rise to success came after Theo quit his 9-to-5 job as an accountant to commit to telling proudly untold township stories and he's since grown from strength to strength. He joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The art scene in South Africa has seen a huge boom, grabbing the eyes and attention of vast global audiences. Moreover, artists in the country are known for their unique interpretations of their environments, political and socio-economic realities, and their cultures. A crucial element of art, in every form, is its ability to make direct and indirect inferences on the realities of the lived experiences of many. In this conversation, we want to learn how to use art to comment on South African realities and join Lerato Mbele to have renowned artists Blessing Ngobeni and Nandipha Mntambo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we continue to grapple with the severe reality of the ongoing cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal which has since claimed the lives of 15 people, the question as to how and why the water crisis in the area has persisted and even evolved to the level of danger it poses to many lives remains. We are seeing the public spat play out between the ANC and the DA and other smaller parties, but this has made us think about the people who are tasked with carrying out the duties that make a city, functional. These are the city managers also known as municipal managers. The understanding is that city managers are not supposed to be politicians. They are rather appointed by the council on a contract basis and serve as the link between the council and the administration. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Local Government Specialist, Dr Tim Maake.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the Covid-19 pandemic became a reality in South Africa, many students who were up until that moment expected to physically attend lectures on the university grounds, were found in a precarious situation. But not for long because an information, communication and technology expert actualised his vision of the Smart Classroom which essentially captures the idea of attending a lecture for your degree wherever you are. We are talking about Dr Stanley Mpofu, chief information officer at the University of the Witwatersrand who long envisioned the idea of remote learning through Smart Classrooms before the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea of smart classrooms has also evolved since its adoption with the latest being that students have their university Wi-Fi available at airports. He joins Lerato Mbele now in this week’s instalment of Innovation Wednesdays. Dr Stanley Mpofu, Chief Information Officer at the University of the Witwatersrand joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is Africa Day and a conversation about the global African Diaspora, which describes the dispersion of Africans or people of African descent into the rest of the world, needs to be had. Because the Atlantic slave trade saw large black West and Central Africans being uprooted and enslaved with the largest populations of the African diaspora being in Brazil, the United States and in Haiti. This violent enslavement would set the tone for many Africans today and in essence, change the idea of being African because this idea is specific to geographical location; the idea of being African is not unanimous across the world. There remains a dilemma for many African people who are forced to forge their own identities throughout the world, in countries that cannot be claimed as their own. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele unpacks the African Diaspora and the fight to forge an African identity throughout the world with Cultural Expert Menzi Maseko and Afrikan Historian, Dr Yaa-Ashantewaa Archer-Ngidi
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Africa, clothing says a lot about a person and that the fabrics you wear go over and beyond how you wear it because the fabric can speak the language of one’s ethnicity, culture, tradition and country. As we continue to celebrate Africa Day today, we want to place the focus on African culture simply captured in colourful and authentic fabrics. Although African prints can form part of intense cultural debates, they are symbolic of African style; bold, loud, and bright. On our entrepreneurial edge this week, Lerato Mbele is joined by the founder of FabroSanz Sandi Mazibuko, to speak about the brand which has set out to put African fabrics and prints onto the global map.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Media is an important tool that can define narratives and influence how the world thinks and works. This is true about the media coverage of African stories and conflict. According to research, a third of all African stories in news outlets on the continent are sourced from foreign news agencies. What this means in the broader scheme of things is that the story of Africa continues to be told through the same lens layered with unhelpful stereotypes through frames of poverty, disease, war & conflict, poor leadership and of course corruption. In this dialogue today, we’re interrogating how media coverage from both African and foreign news agencies influences the perception of Africa. Thembisa Fakude, Senior Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, Director of Media Monitoring Africa, William Bird, and Former BBC News Africa Bureaux Chief and Correspondent Milton Nkosi, join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the show today, we have spoken about the issue with electricity and education to paint a part of the picture of the state of the country. But it is often said that in order to improve a whole product, a multilateral approach is required to address the various facets that make it work as a whole. And as we close the show with a masterclass, we want to talk solutions only and the solutions that will shift the country’s trajectory for the better. So we’re having the experts weigh in with straight-forward remedies/formulas needed to improve the country’s economy, health, crime rate, politics as well as the quality of electoral candidates and the state infrastructure. Experts Duma Gqubele, Russell Resnburg, Ian Cameron and Terry Tselane join Lerato Mbele with their solutions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week a sad reality struck the country when the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) released its 2021 results indicating that about 81% of Grade 4 learners in the country cannot read for meaning. The number sat at 78% in 2016. The stats place South Africa as the country with the worst reading ability in the world. Although researchers noted that 21 of the 32 countries that were part of the study saw a drop in learners being able to understand what the read, this raises a serious issue concerning whether the long-standing reading material is firstly relatable for the learners of today and whether a deeper issue with our curriculum and how it is taught remains unaddressed. Independent Education Specialist Thandi Legwale along with Education Psychologist and Lecturer of the College of Education at Unisa Dr Deliwe Khumalo join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amid the country’s energy crisis is the difficulty to understand the very technical terms associated with it such as South Africa’s energy grid and capacity versus Stage 16 versus blackout and grid collapse. It turns out that many of us had the wrong idea of what a grid collapse in South Africa would actually look like; we have easily equated it with a nationwide blackout entailing simply no electricity supply for a while – and not an entire breakdown of electricity infrastructure to the point of cities burning down due to fires triggered by a severe inconsistency in the national electricity circuit. Joining Lerato Mbele to unpack the state of South Africa’s energy grid is Energy Economist and Expert Lungile Mashele and Head of the University of Stellenbosch’s Centre for Sustainable Transitions Professor Mark Swilling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is a known sentiment that when one hosts a celebration of any kind or attends any kind of special event, that alcohol is a non-negotiable for many. According to statistics, about a third of the South African population consumes alcohol with more than half of those being defined as “binge drinkers” which describes people who have more than five standard drinks in one sitting. Added to that, the statistics particularly in Gauteng point to almost 70% of high-school learners between grades 10 to 12 being binge drinkers. Moreover, alcohol consumption has also been reported to cause between29 000 and 62 000 deaths per year in the country. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Adrie Vermeulen, National Coordinator of the South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence and Thando Pato, Author of On the Rocks: Memoir of a High-Functioning Alcoholic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just over a week ago, on the 11th of May, South Africa and Cuba celebrated 29 years of diplomatic relations. And we have seen the bilateral relationship between the two play out throughout the years. More recently, in 2020 Cuba sent 216 healthcare workers to South Africa to combat the Coronavirus and then South African student doctors were sent to Cuba to further their studies and then 24 Cuban engineers arrived in the country to assist with addressing South Africa’s water crisis in 2021 and in 2022, the government announced that it would donate about R50 million to Cuba to help it address its food security challenges. With all these developments in recent years, we want to take a look at Cuba and South Africa’s bilateral relations in 2023.
Professor David Monyae, Director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg and Cuban Ambassador to South Africa, Enrique Orta Gonzalez join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst and Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University. Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with former Joburg Mayor and DA Politician, Dr Mpho Phalatse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Known for their love of music, siblings Pinky, Zwai, Loyiso, and Phelo have a strong yet often-tested bond. The iconic South African family takes viewers behind the scenes as they try to bury their differences and rebuild their relationship. The family, who needs no introduction as they’ve been filling the music industry for decades, currently share their definition of family with Mzansi through their TV series, with Zwai and Pinky joining us as guests in this week’s edition of, “In the Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is understood that the Winter season not only affects your style, and mood but that it can also change your eating habits. According to Everyday Health, we’re more likely to be hungry – and not so healthy – when the temperature drops because winter can actually trigger biological changes that stimulate hunger and increase cravings for more energy-dense food. We’re talking about the mugs of hot chocolate and bottomless bowls of cheesy pasta. So today, as we feel the winter winds set in, we want to curate a winter cuisine to learn about how to cook traditional winter dishes, differently. Food and Beverages Director at Thathu Restaurant, Xolani Mancotywa, joins Lerato Mbele for the curation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A somewhat shocking turn of events in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial was seen this week when singer Zandile Khumalo-Gumede, a state witness for the case, requested that her testimony be recorded and not broadcasted live, because of her fear of being ridiculed, which would ultimately affect her public perception as a public figure. We saw media lawyers argue for the presence of the media during her testimony, as well as for some form of live broadcast of her testimony. Nonetheless, what came to us is the question of whether the media has the ability to sway the handling and trajectory of court cases and judgements by its presence as well as through its reportage. Joining Lerato Mbele for the break down is Researcher at Judges Matter is Mbekezeli Benjamin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Often times when people seek out romantic relationships and tend to particularly prefer someone who resembles their parent of the opposite sex in personality and physical appearance, it becomes easy to assume that one might be in love with their parent. On today’s culture corner though, we are looking at a psychoanalytic/Freudian theory where a child has a desire for an intimate involvement with the parent of the opposite sex to the point of having a sense of rivalry with the parent of the same sex; this is called the Oedipus complex. Clinical Psychologist David Shiringani joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Research published in 2022 shows that about 8.22 million South African adults, who are reliant on the public healthcare system, have hypertension/high blood pressure. Added to that, hypertension has been noted as the cause of 14 000 heart disease events, 13 300 strokes and 6 100 cases of chronic kidney disease annually in the country. Moreover, hypertension along with hypertension-related events are seen more in women than in men. For many countries, hypertension is known as a silent killer because it rarely shows visible symptoms that warn of a high blood pressure. Dr Vernice Peterson, Cardiovascular Physiologist & Lecturer at the Wits School of Physiology and General Practitioner, Dr Thabo Mnisi join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first case of HIV infection in South Africa was reported in 1982. Since then, the country has experienced an AIDS epidemic in the early 2000s while statistics at present suggest that an estimated 7.7 million people, which translates to 14% of the population, in South Africa are living with HIV with about 45% of all deaths being attributed to the infection. To curb the spread, antiretroviral (ARV) drugs were developed including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the contraction of HIV when taken as prescribed. Well, today’s innovation is about the two-monthly anti-HIV injection called Cabotegravir – CAB-LA for short, which is said to virtually wipe out someone’s chances of contracting HIV. Dr Thato Chidarikire, Acting Chief Director, HIV & AIDS, National Health Department joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Petroleum Industry Association is not anticipating a domestic diesel supply crunch this winter as a result of a spike in generator-related demand, despite ongoing warnings of possible higher levels of loadshedding and the prospect of Eskom, businesses and even some households turning to the fuel in an effort to mitigate the impact of regular power cuts. The series of oil refinery closures in South Africa in the past two years poses an energy supply risk and an unenviable position of being energy dependent. Engine, one of the leading energy companies in the country, closed its Enref refinery, a 120 000 bbl/d in December 2020. Glencore's Astron Energy refinery also shut its production in 2020, a refinery that at its peak processed 100 000bbl/d. The closure of the Shell and BP-owned Refinery Sapref in Durban last year which had a peak capacity of 180 000 bbl/d, a whopping 35% crude refining capacity of the entire country, became the latest blow in the countries refining capacity leaving the country with only one option, to import. In this conversation, we talk about the state of liquid fuel and energy security ahead of winter and anticipated high stages of load shedding. Vusi Xaba, Executive of Trading and Supply at PetroSA, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May is national self-esteem month which gives us the opportunity to really explore the things that tug at our sense of self, the things that make us want to lie in bed the whole day despite knowing one’s potential to be great. And for today’s masterclass, we want to unpack what imposter syndrome is, how it can affect your sense of self and hinder you from fulfilling your vocations because of the internal voice that tells you that you are not good enough, or you don’t know enough to be part of something bigger than yourself, despite this being untrue. Psychologist Dr Nompumelelo Malatji-Angoma joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
E-cigarettes, also known as vaping, have been advertised as a safer option for smokers that can help people quit the habit particularly because they contain less nicotine than tobacco products. Findings from the 2022 Global Adult Tobacco Survey indicate that vaping is a popular trend particularly among people between the ages of 15 and 24 and that the use e-cigarettes is also the highest among this age cohort. Moreover, research by the University of Cape Town revealed that among a study of more than 5 000 high school learners, three out of ten use e-cigarette devices within one hour of waking up, while nearly a quarter cannot get through the school day without vaping. Director of the Teddy Bear Clinic Dr Shaheda Omar along with Pulmonologist and Specialist Physician at Medforum Mediclinc Hospital Dr Becky Kgole join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turkey goes to the polls for a general election on 14 May, just over three months since major earthquakes struck the country. Opinion polls suggest a tight race between the two main contenders - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who's been in power for more than 20 years, and Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who's standing as a unity candidate for six opposition parties. In this conversation, we talk about the Turkish political context and the possible outcome of the presidential elections and joining Lerato Mbele to unpack is Turkish journalist based in Johannesburg Turkman Terzi and Senior Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues Thembisa Fakude.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After Eskom, another one of South Africa’s major impediments to economic growth is the current state of Transnet which runs the country’s ports and rail services for freight. What remains clear is that the country cannot escape the orbit of these failures and unfortunately for us, the country clearly is not raising the finance to invest in upgrading rail and port infrastructure. This is understood to be the reason as to why at present, even our medium- to longer-term economic prospects in our country cannot be realised. On today’s view of the nation, we are unpacking the state of freight rail and ports in South Africa as we try to understand how we got here and what we need to do to become competitive enough to measure up to the global standard. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Partner and Head of Ports, Transport & Logistics at Bowmans Attorneys, Andrew Pike, and CEO of African Rail Industry Association, Mesela Kope-Nhlapo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst and Director of the Gender Equity Unit at the University of the Western Cape, Dr Fikile Vilakazi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trumpeter composer, bandleader with a host of skills ranging from teaching, performing to arranging and composing in diverse styles of music. Amongst other activities he is currently involved in composing and performing music with several projects in South Africa and abroad. Most notably the 2016 production of Oratorio For A Forgotten Youth at the Artscape Opera House. The Mill SA/CH (SA/SWISS collab), Behind The Curtain and BirdSong Ensemble a collection of South African and German musicians who have collaborated in producing independent contemporary music. Mlangeni has toured extensively with the Cape Town Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess from 2009-2014 with productions at the many opera houses in Europe. Mlangeni is a recipient of 2016 Pro Helvetia Artist In Residence in Bern, Switzerland. He was also a participant of the Take Five presented by SERIOUS Music UK at the Bore Place Residency in Kent England 2016. He has performed and collaborated with several distinguished jazz musicians such as both locally and abroad including but not limited to David Murray, Evan Parker, Feya Faku, Louis Moholo, Shabaka Hutchings (UK), Ganesh Geymeier (CH), Barney Rachabane, Hotsix Mabuse, Hugh Masekela, Khaya Mahlangu, Andile Yenana and Afrika Mkhize, to name a few. He joins us on this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the advancements in medicine, many options lie open for couples to have children. One can now conceive through artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), reciprocal IVF and surrogacy. And this means that we can also reimagine parenthood and make new rules because we are no longer forced to fit into gender identities that simply aren’t ours. Life coach and author Limpho Seeiso has her own experience as a black lesbian woman, who left her home country of Lesotho to get married and eventually have a child through IVF. She joins Nhlanhla Sehume to walk us through her journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is International Nurses Day. In South Africa the nursing skills shortage is being described as a ticking time bomb because amongst other issues, the country has one nurse for an estimated 218 people. According to a study, of these, less than a third are under the age of 40 which means that in 15 years, about 47% of all nurses will have retired. The current nursing shortage has been estimated at over 26 000 with this number anticipated to reach over 100 000 by 2030 in the country. Joining Nhlanhla Sehume to unpack this issue is spokesperson for the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa), Sibongiseni Delihlazo and education executive at Life Healthcare, Dr Sharon Vasuthevan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The politics of race is a conversation that is not new to South Africa. In the United States the state of race relations continues to run rife with the Pew Research Center citing that in 2019, more than eight-in-ten black adults believed that the legacy of slavery continues to affect their positions at present day, with more than half saying it’s unlikely that the country will eventually achieve racial equality. The research also says that Americans see disadvantages for African Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic people in the country with 56% saying being in this category hurts people’s ability to get ahead. Moreover, most Americans are said to believe that it is now more common for people to express racist or racially insensitive views with more than four-in-ten saying its more acceptable. Desirée Cormier Smith, Special Representative For Racial Equity And Justice at the Bureau Of Democracy, Human Rights, And Labor joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last month, the Black Management Forum announced that it had elected Dr Sibongile Vilakazi as its new President, who becomes only the second woman to lead the organisation since its inception in 1976. Vilakazi takes over the reins from outgoing President Andile Nomlala, who served in the position since 2018, and is the first female in 17 years to lead the BMF since Nolita Fakude held office between 2003 and 2006. Vilakazi joined the BMF in 2009 and most recently served as its Gauteng Chairperson and also chaired the Social and Ethics Committee on the organisation’s board, where she developed a reputation of zero tolerance for unethical behaviour. Vilakazi completed her tertiary education at the University of Pretoria, Wits Business School and Thabo Mbeki School of Leadership. She completed an MA: Research Psychology, BSOC SCI HONS: Psychology and BSOC SCI: Psychology, a PhD in Organisational Development and Diversity Management and Introduction to Leadership for Africa’s Renewal Qualification. Her career in the private and public sectors is characterised by her passion for collective leadership and winning together as teams. She joins Lerato Mbele as a guest in this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogue as we explore the subject of ‘Leadership, ethics, and conscience in economic, political and public life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The right kind of outfit maker can make your whole look pop and more pleasing to the eye and all it takes really is the right accessory, like the perfect shoe, bag, belt. These are the type of accessories made by our entrepreneur today, Nombuso Khanyile, the founder of Afrikan Passion Designs. The company provides a wide range of products which can be tailor-made to one’s desire and yes we’re talking all things leather, and in particular, leather shoes, bags, belts and more. Nombuso joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through her journey with Afrikan Passion Designs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa with an estimated population of 10-12 million people mainly living in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal. The well-recited story of how the king of the Zulu Kingdom Shaka Zulu brought success to the Zulu nation due to its enhanced military capability and organisation, remains one for the books. To date, South Africa is known for the cultural dominance of the Zulu ethnic group. In this conversation, we’re unpacking their cultural hegemony as a form of resistance. Historians Khaya Ndwandwe and Masello Motana join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is said that the ideal future of mobility is frictionless, automated and personalised travel on demand. With the global drive to reduce carbon emissions through technology and the move to electric vehicle, the burning question in South Africa concerns whether the country is creating an enabling environment to actualise the futuristic mobility system which sees the usage of electric vehicles including in the public system as standard. Another issue involves the reality that many automotive plants in South Africa are still producing petrol-fuelled cars as opposed to hopping onto the production of electric vehicles instead. This begs the question of how to enable the country to adopt this model of mobility. Joining Lerato Mbele to do so is the managing director of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, Thato Magasa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) plan has been operating mostly under the radar, the government is pumping a whopping R8.8 billion into the ambitious plans over the next three years. Over the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), the national Department of Health will continue to focus on preventing and treating communicable and non-communicable diseases. It will also oversee the provision of primary health care services, the phased implementation of the NHI, support tertiary health care services, investing in public health infrastructure and developing the health workforce. This is contained in the Portfolio Committee on Health's report on the department's budget and annual performance plan. The Department of Health wants parliament to adopt the NHI Bill by 24 May 2023In this conversation, we talk about the feasibility and state readiness to roll out the NHI. Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, Chairperson Of The South African Medical Association, Tawanda Makombo, Risk Analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, and Dr Kgosi Letlape, Former President of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many of South Africa's domestic workers, and other groups paid the bare legal minimum, will see above-inflation increases in coming years in terms of a new plan. On Monday, the National Minimum Wage Commission gazetted a new medium-term target for the minimum wage, fulfilling a legislative requirement for such a roadmap. Under a new target, South Africa's lowest-paid workers – which include many domestic staff – will see their earnings climb faster than inflation in coming years. The plan had been to consider the minimum wage in terms of living standards and link it to wages in general, so that those earning the minimum wage would, at the very least, not fall behind increases in pay across the economy. But the commission has now explicitly linked the target to the consumer price index (CPI), saying it will increase the minimum wage gradually in real terms. Kaizer Moyane, Commissioner Representing Business at The National Minimum Wage Commission joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gqom has a special place in electronic music culture across the country but especially in the home of its origin, the City of Durban. To break it down briefly, Gqom is a genre of music which started in the townships of Durban in the early 2010s. Its name is derived from an onomatopoeic pronunciation of the Zulu word for drum. It is characterized by a repetitive mix of booming kicks, crashing snares, hypnotic chants, syncopated percussion all while borrowing elements from other genres including house, hip-hop and indigenous African rhythms. To date, the appetite for the sound and its beat has landed well with international artists such as Beyonce as well as with international audiences. But before that, there was different sound of Durban constituting of Kwaito, House, Maskandi and that’s what we’re exploring on this week’s masterclass. Joining Lerato Mbele for the conversation is Musician and Founder of AfroTainment, DJ Tira, and KZN-based Maskandi artist Mbuzeni Mkhize.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In November 1973, a group of travel agents convened a meeting of travel agencies in Nigeria. At that meeting, an association called the Nigeria Association of Travel Agencies (NATA) was established. The founding fathers saw the need to organise a national body comprising of travel agencies to promote members’ interests, serve as the mouthpiece for agencies, regulate members’ activities and maintain discipline and professionalism within the travel and tourism industry. NATA later metamorphosed into what is now known as The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), the umbrella body of all Travel Agencies operating in Nigeria. Today, NANTA is registered under the Land Use Perpetual Act as a Non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), promoting travel and tourism in Nigeria. The Association has evolved tremendously over the years and now enjoys the recognition of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC); the International Air Transport Association (IATA); and the Universal Federation of Travel Agents (UFTAA). We speak to the association about tourism in Nigeria and their offerings at the Africa Travel Indaba. Susan Akporiaye, President of the Nigeria Association of Travel Agencies along with Alisa Asamoa, President of Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) and NANTA join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli was Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 1960 for his peaceful opposition to apartheid. He was also the President-General of the ANC from December 1952 until his passing in 1967. The Chief was most revered for his tenure as an African leader of his era despite being a latecomer to the table of politics. He was 54 when he became a leader in the ANC. For this conversation, we want to get into how a teacher, described as culturally ambivalent balancing Westernised values while practicing traces of traditionalist ideologies was appointed to become chief of his village Groutville in KZN and more. Chair of the Chief Albert Luthuli at UNISA, Professor Puleng Segalo, along with the Spokesperson of the Luthuli family, Sandile Luthuli, join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tinyiko Kruger Lodge is the brainchild of owner Caroline Nake, a highly-acclaimed entrepreneur, who recognised a need in Mpumalanga’s local accommodation market in 2010 when she travelled to the area on business. Caroline was surprised by the absence of luxury accommodation in the region at the time. Compelled to travel long distances between her accommodation and place of work during those business trips, Caroline’s vision of providing luxury accommodation for leisure and business travellers alike was born. Tinyiko is the Shangaan word for ‘gift’, and guests agree that it is aptly named. Ideally located in the heart of the African Bush, Tinyiko Kruger Lodge caters to your every whim, while you immerse yourself in nature. Laze beside the pool to a symphony of birdsong by day, and snuggle into our comfy beds by night to the lullabies of the wild. Marloth Park is a unique conservation area, that is home to many species of wildlife and game, who walk freely in their natural habitat. Tinyiko guests can enjoy an unprecedented intimate experience of nature and wild animals, without sacrificing their creature comforts. Founder of Tinyiko Kruger Lodge Carol Nake joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his State of the City Address towards the end of April, eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda announced five priorities for the city including the construction of adequate infrastructure to boost service delivery, job creation and skills development as well as creating a resilient economy reflecting social solidarity. He also indicated that the city managed to maintain an AA+ investment grade credit rating with 60 days cash on hand. However, a report by Invest Durban indicates that the region has lost R47 billion in potential investments. With this report being described as revealing the real state of the city, let’s get into the city’s economic development trajectory. Invest Durban CEO Russell Curtis joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for our vast array of African leisure tourism Products. The 3-day trade show preceded by a dedicated Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) seeks to create a platform for thought-leadership, knowledge sharing and obtaining the latest in global trends and local insights. The trade show exists to provide the ideal platform for African tourism exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing companies and leisure tourism services partners. It is the most formidable platform on the continent for stakeholders to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world, and to gain access to Africa’s excellence and its endless possibilities. The trade show takes place in the Host Province of KwaZulu –Natal, synonymous with its warm and inviting coastline and friendly beaches, safari parks, rolling green hills and its vast sugar cane and banana plantations. Communications Manager at South African Tourism Thandiwe Mathibela joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s view of the nation, we look at an overview of post-apartheid development in South Africa with a special focus on a policy promoted by the African National Congress to mitigate socio-economic inequality within South African society. In this sense, the key strategy of the ANC was the economic platform, of which the goal was to achieve poverty reduction and the strengthening of the economy. For this purpose, the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) was adopted in 1994. The main aim of the conversation is the ANC’s strategy in the field of the RDP that can be considered the specific tool of socio-economic transformation because the RDP was essentially a basic-needs programme which focused on the provision of infrastructure, housing, free and compulsory schooling, electricity, running water and toilets, health care and land to the poor. Jay Naidoo, former cabinet minister tasked with implementing the RDP and Dr Seshupo Mosala, Lecturer at North West University join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has criticised the human rights record of Botswana’s government with the institution having cited concerns over the country’s civil and political rights, including the freedom of expression and of the press. The criticism and subsequent calls for reform come as Botswana prepares for its elections in 2024 and it is understood that the issues with the country’s human rights record reflects an increased level of authoritarianism, as the government has tightened its hold on free speech while repressing dissent and even the persecution of political opponents. Botswana-based lawyer Unoda Mack joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Political Analyst and Lecturer at the University of Pretoria, Dr Mabhuto Shangase. Dr Mabhuto Shangase, Political Analyst and Lecturer at the University of Johanesburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Energy drinks are known to usually contain high amounts of caffeine, added sugar and additives to increase one’s energy levels, alertness, and attention. With the hype around American energy drink Prime in South Africa, the question of what an energy drink really does to our bodies over the short and long term comes to mind. In 2014 the World Health Organisaztion said energy drinks were a danger to public health after finding that more and more people were consuming them. So, with many South Africans cleaning out the energy drink, let’s get into what exactly these drinks do to our bodies. Nzama Mbalati, Programmes Director at Healthy Living Alliance joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Florence Masebe has made a mark in broadcasting and entertainment for more than 20 years, having worked in radio, film, and television both in front of camera and behind the scenes. Some of her more prominent lead roles include work on popular dramas such as Generations, Muvhango, 7nde Laan, Soul City, Inkaba, Scandal and Task Force. Across SA borders, she plays the lead role in Morwalela, a health drama on Botswana Television. Miss Masebe made history at the Durban International Film Festival 2012 as Executive Producer and star of the first ever professionally produced Tshivenda feature film Elelwani, which also got the honour of being the opening film of the festival. It is this role that won her the Best Actress in a Lead Role accolade at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2013. More of her behind the scenes work include children’s programmes on the Kowee channel on DSTV. She created and directed ZeeZee, an animation storytelling series in IsiZulu. She joins Lerato Mbele as this week's In the Spotlight guest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dubbed Sophiatown’s cultural oasis, the Afrikan Freedom Station, founded by an all-rounded creative Steve Mokwena, Founder of Afrikan Freedom Station who paints, produces music and film Steve Mokwena, is preparing to open its doors to manifest the expressions of many creatives again. This is where many creatives, including renowned pianist Nduduzo Makhathini and singer Msaki, made their mark in a space that was said to be informed by both the familial and the sentimental. The station has found a new home in Sophiatown and while it is not yet open to host music shows and events yet, Steve joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through the reimagination of the Afrikan Freedom Station.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As a student, Chikane became politically aware, being influenced largely by the Black Consciousness ideology and thus he became involved in the activities of the South African Student Organisation (SASO) at the University of the North, where he was studying towards a Bachelor of Science degree. His political activism led to his repeated detention, which disrupted his education, forcing him to leave the university in 1974. At this point, he worked for the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) as a layman before being ordained as a Minister in 1980. Amongst many other positions, Rev. Chikane is the former Commissioner of the first Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) which was responsible for the first democratic elections in 1994 and a former Director-General in the Office of the Deputy President and later the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet. He joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apart from drinking it to be in a good mood and apparently even when it goes bad, wine still has so many uses including softening your skin, healing bruises, catching flies, cleaning windows and making vinegar. On today’s entrepreneurial edge, we’re getting to know the inner workings of an award-winning winemaker who was born in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Ms Ntsiki Biyela, the founder of Aslina Wines. She joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through her journey with the wine company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a decade since the suggestion was tabled, the national assembly has finally given the go ahead to have sign language as the country’s 12th official language. Submissions received in 2015 noted that sign language was well recognised in the constitution and given a special status but that it was not sufficient enough to enable deaf people to enjoy all constitutional rights. What does this mean for the landscape of languages in the country? Ceo of PanSALB Lance Shultz joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robots are usually synonymous for their usage in manufacturing, assembling parts, packing and packaging even in mining and transportation. A new robotic innovation, however, by black-owned medical group Clinix Health saw the performance of the first orthopaedic knee surgery using what is know as a Cori robotic surgical system. The first-of-its-kind surgery was performed by Dr Shilly Peter Maelane at the Dr SK Matseke Memorial Hospital in January and really marks the beginning of the reimagination of the surgery landscape. It is understood that the use of robotics is now leading improvements in the knowledge around surgery and information surrounding surgical procedures. Dr Maelane joins Lerato Mbele to tell us more about this new innovation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The month of May is known for the commemoration of the founding of the African Union, which was initially known as the Organisation of Africa Unity. The establishment of the AU has to do largely with the idea of nation building through coalition and freedom from oppression. It is also seen as one of many initiatives for Africa to regain its power and place in the international community. At the launch of Africa Month yesterday, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture said that the month will be used to increase the appreciation and demand for arts, cultural goods and services to stimulate trade among African countries. As we settle into the month, perhaps it is important to understand the importance behind it and what it means to be an advocate for our growth as an African people.
Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celebrated every 3rd of May, this year’s theme for the Day will be “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights. In this conversation, we talk about obstacles to press freedom around the world and how we can rebuild democratic momentum through the use of media. Chair of SANEF's Media Freedom Committee, Makhudu Sefara and Investigative Journalist Hopewell Chino’no join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), recommended that the president suspend two judges, Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela and Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi immediately, for failing to deliver their judgments on time. The judges are said to have dozens of outstanding judgements which are way beyond the time limits prescribed by judicial norms and standards that judgements must be handed down within three months. Complaints against Judge Maumela, who is the presiding judge of the Senzo Meyiwa case, involves 12 judgements which have been outstanding from 24 to 26 months. Today, we want to dissect the reasons behind these delayed judgements and how they affect the country’s judicial system along with victims. Advocate Paul Hoffman, Director of Accountability Now along with legal analyst, Mpumelelo Zikalala and Jeanne Bodenstein, Head of the Rape Survivors Justice Campaign at Rape Crisis join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Body shaming in South Africa can be easily viewed as the standard of society because we are all well-acquainted with the weight conversation; gain a little weight and you’ll experience the brunt of fatphobia at family events, Christmas, even at church. Needless to say, we are African, and one thing about us is that we come packaged with some curves here and there. So why does fatphobia – a bias based on the perception of a person as being overweight or obese – still thrive in everyday conversations especially. Reitumetse Mthembu, Healthcare Practitioner and Counsellor and Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, Principal Scientist at Ezintsha Research Centre join Lerato Mbele for this week’s masterclass.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to research by Mckinsey, SMEs are the lifeblood of South Africa’s economy, as they represent over 98% of businesses and employ between 50% and 60% of the country’s workforce across all sectors, making them responsible for a quarter of job growth in the private sector. This points to the reality that SMEs will continue to be the future of work in the country but the real question we want to dissect on today’s view of the nation is who runs small-to-medium businesses? The answer is families. And the rules for working for a family-owned business are different to the point where the children of the family are groomed, through succession planning, for integral roles that deal with the overall functioning of the company. CEO of the Black Business Council Kganki Matabane joins Morio Sanyane to zone in on the issues affecting black family-owned businesses at present day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with political analyst Khanyi Magubane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The historical architecture of South African jazz music and the lengths to which it can evolve is nothing without the greats such as Caiphus Semenya. We’re talking about timeless songs living through generations from Angelina and Ziphi’nkomo to Matswale and Mamase with his beloved wife Letta Mbulu. A story of a jazz maestro from the township Alexandra, exiled for almost 30-years to greener pastures to shape the future of music in the country. Born in 1939, Ntate Caiphus Semenya has gone on to achieve great milestones including having his first show at 16, producing with Quincy Jones, producing for Michael Jackson and Disney’s Lion King. The Oscar-nominated and Emmy-award winning legend joins Lerato Mbele to walk us through his illustrious career.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The story of the first World War has been told to many of us as a story that took place in the early 1900s involving the nations of Europe along with Russia, the United States, the Middle East, and other regions. The war is often described as one of the great watersheds of the 20th century’s geopolitical history. But a chapter of this big story often goes untold and that is of Africa’s part in the war; this story includes African soldiers who were recruited to fight this western war. The Head and the Load is a play that gets into this chapter. Joining Lerato Mbele to unpack it is choreographer Gregory Maqoma, and thespian Hamilton Dhlamini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the 28th of July, South Africa will host the Vitality Netball World Cup, which will be a first for the African continent. The World Cup will see 16 teams, including our national netball team SPAR Proteas, battling it out on the courts over 10 days to crown the champions of the tournament. Netball SA’s president Cecilia Molokwane has said that the World Cup is about showcasing all that South Africa has to offer. She says it should be an African spectacle.
Cecilia joins Lerato Mbele to get into the national sport itself and how the team is gearing up for the prestigious event.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From placing a pair of shoes on a destitute child’s feet to blessing families with a meal or giving them a seat at their Christmas lunch table is what brings joy to these individuals who are making an impact in people’s lives every day. Gerald Nomlala is the founder of Kasi Angels Foundation, an NGO which works in collaboration with Bata SA and has donated 31 000 pairs of school shoes to underprivileged children across South Africa in the past four years. Since 2003, Nomlala has been a humanitarian. His work has seen him travel to destitute parts of the country where he has seen poverty. Nomlala had seen towns where children had no formal structures for classrooms and sat underneath trees. In 2021, he launched the One Million Pairs and the 40 Classroom campaigns, where they hope to achieve 100 000 pairs by 2022. He joins us to talk about social entrepreneurship, his foundation and collecting school shoes for young South African children.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They are the ones whose parents fought for freedom and democracy. They are the ones who now carry the hope for a better life in a country where everyone can participate in the benefits of what life has to offer. Technically they are now participants in a real democracy. They can vote and they can express their opinions. They have freedom of movement unlike many of their parents who grew up with passbooks. They have freedom of access to employment without the job-reservation that excluded their parents from much of the working world. In theory they have freedom from racial discrimination and large-scale transformation is now changing their society. But how free are they as individuals? They, who have come into their adult life, hobbled by a range of crippling impairments that will be difficult to overcome and that will rob them of much their freedom. Lethiwe Sinodumo Nkosi, Network Mobiliser at Youth Capital along with Wandile Ngcaweni, Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) and Journalist Kholofelo Setlatjile, join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a statutory body established in terms of Section 112 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995. The advent of the Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) raised expectations about the fundamental change in the nature of South African labour relations and of effective dispute resolution and collective bargaining in particular. For many observers, the replacement of the Industrial Court by the CCMA signaled a shift from a highly adversarial model of relations to one based on promoting greater co-operation, industrial peace and social justice. The apparent shift seems all the more plausible as an unfolding democratisation process intersects with the challenges of a highly competitive globalised economy, new forms of work organisation and participative decision making. Director at the CCMA, Advocate Cameron Morajane, joins Lerato Mbele to talk about the work of the organisation as well as to discuss the CCMA’s new amended rules and regulations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A motion of no confidence is understood as being a statement or vote regarding fitness to hold office or a position of responsibility. It is typically instituted in situations where there is concern held by a party or a group of parties regarding an individuals’ ability to execute their duties. Motions of no confidence in the National Assembly are provided for in Section 102 of the South African Constitution, which outlines processes for motions against the President and Cabinet. In the case of provincial government, the South African Constitution makes provision for motions of no confidence in Section 141. This outlines processes for motions against the Premier and the Executive Council. Motions of no confidence at local government level are dealt with in terms of each Council’s Standing Rules and Orders, along with the Municipal Structures Act. Before motions can be considered, it is important that they comply with specific criterion. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Tim Maake, a local government expert about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The science of profiling is relatively new, having first been tried in the United States in the 1940s. However, it took about another twenty years of development and refinement before it became recognised as an investigative tool in the apprehension of criminals. Profiling can be described as an 'educated attempt to provide investigative agencies with specific information about the type of individual who could have committed a particular crime'. Nowadays it is utilised with other sound investigative techniques. Profiling serial killers and other crimes in South Africa contains an introduction to the subject, followed by chapters (with case studies) on serial killers, pyromaniacs, rapists, child molesters, stalkers, and white-collar crime and intelligence profiling. It's a tough job anywhere in the world, but especially in this country of almost 60 million people, where someone is killed every 25 minutes and 115 rapes are reported every day. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Kholofelo Rakubuabout the complexities of profiling a criminal in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (Wits VIDA), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of hospitalisation and sometimes even death of children under the age of five, and even more so in infants younger than six months. In response, researchers at Wits VIDA embarked on a trial to find out what impact administering Pfizer’s Bivalent Prefusion F Vaccine would have on unborn babies. They found that the vaccine is safe and actually reduces the risk of severe RSV-related infections by 82% in infants through to when they are six months old. Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Shabir Madhi about the vaccine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A 2013 statistic revealed that in South Africa men heading households are still in the majority. However, the number of women breadwinners is on the increase and only a third of the country’s children live with both parents. A survey by insurance company Aviva suggested up to 1.4 million men in Britain were their children’s main carers and the number of men living as househusbands while their wives go to work has tripled in 15 years. Many believe that one of the reasons behind the trend is that society’s attitudes to the roles of men and women have changed. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Bianca Parry, Programme Director for Research at the Centre for Mediaation in Africa and Nhlanhla Zwane, a relationship coach about how to navigate the power dynamics in a relationship where the female spouse is the breadwinner and the other is a house husband, due to varying circumstances – whether it is by choice or because of economic and employment challenges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Nosipho Hlatshwayo, Executive Manager for Programmes at the SA Cities Network and Dalu Cele Founder and Executive Director of the Clean City South Africa NPC about urban decay and ways in which metropolitan municipalities address dilapidated buildings, dumping, littering, damaged infrastructure, unkempt neighbourhoods, and ultimately, urban degeneration, within the context of South African cities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UN refugee agency is making plans for hundreds of thousands of people spilling over Sudan’s borders to escape violence, according to officials. UNHCR officials told a Geneva briefing they are poised for 270,000 people to flee across Sudan’s borders – a preliminary planning figure that includes Sudanese refugees crossing into South Sudan and Chad, as well as South Sudanese returning home. The estimate so far only covers two of Sudan’s seven neighbours as projections for Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, and Libya are not yet ready. In this conversation, we get an update about what is happening on the ground and talk about efforts being made to set up a meeting between army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Saudi Arabia and the state of supply shortages (food, medicine, water) around the Sudanese capital were worsening and prices for basic goods. Lerato Mbele speaks to Mohamed Osman Adam, a journalist based in Khartoum, Sudan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In August 2022, South Africa’s International Relations Department announced the country’s new foreign policy, which was deemed as the department’s first effort to really contextualise the country’s national interests. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, indicated that the new policy will focus primarily on unemployment, poverty, and inequality. More so, Minister Pandor ended her address by saying that the government’s main priority is South Africa. It remains clear that with the changing global context in which other superpowers are coming to the fore, South Africa is also going through an evolution of its foreign policy. It is seen in how it maintains its relationship with Russia, which has been keeping the United States on its toes, along with the vigour BRICS has been consolidating reform in the international community. On this week’s view of the nation, we want to get into the drive behind the evolution of South Africa’s foreign policy as well as what this will mean for the international community moving forward. Senior Researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, Gustavo de Carvalho, and director of the Institute for Pan Africa Thought and Conversation at UJ, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, join Lerato Mbele for their reflections on SA's foreign policy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is generally understood that in order for an artist to build a sustainable and successful career, the services of a well-versed manager are required. Despite how easy managing artists may look from a distance, there is a clear formula on how to go about doing this thing, especially for those in the entertainment industry. The thing about this formula is that it is not widely accessible and there are only a few managers who really get this right in the sense of negotiating contracts that serve artists' financial interests, ensuring their safety and more. So on today’s masterclass, we are joined by the man himself, the founder of Refiloe Ramogase Productions, Refiloe Ramogase.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former news editor Songezo Zibi is the latest candidate to throw his hat into the political ring. Zibi officially launched his political party last week. The party plans to contest the 2024 general elections with Zibi as its presidential candidate. Former DA & Action SA member Bongani Baloyi recently launched his, Xiluva and Mmusi Maimane last year launched Build One South Africa. 48 political parties contested the 2019 general elections, but the political offering available to the electorate in next year's polls is expected to be much more and South Africans will be met with a lengthy ballot paper when they head to the polls in less than 16 months as more political parties are being formed and independent candidates will for the first time be allowed to contest for state power. Political analyst, Sandile Swana, joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s diary edition, Lerato Mbele looks at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with POWER FM News Reporter, Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many of us, Thursday’s just aren’t going to be the same anymore particularly because they will no longer be dedicated towards exploring new developments in the story of the Zulu brothers with Showmax’s reimagination of what a South African telenovela looks like. For those of you who may not know, The Wife is a telenovela that follows the lives of eight Zulu brothers, a family fully immersed in a glamourised life of crime as well as of course, their love interests and the women they marry. The show is Showmax’s most-watched launch to date and today we have some of the cast members in the spotlight to walk us through their lived experiences before, during and after the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old form of alternative medicine that stimulates your body to heal by strengthening its ability to heal itself. Coming from World Homeopathy Awareness week, we want to understand today exactly how this process of self-healing works. It is said that homeopaths treat people by taking into account literally everything about the person including their personalities, lifestyles, hereditary factors and history of diseases. So homeopathic medicines in their nature are tailored to individual needs people have. Joining Lerato Mbele to get into the ins and outs of homeopathy is health practitioner specialising in homeopathy, Dr Sboniso Lamula.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sudan’s paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has announced it will shortly begin a ceasefire despite continued heavy fighting with the army in the capital Khartoum. The RSF said in a statement it would observe a 72-hour ceasefire, which would come into effect at 6am (04:00 GMT) on Friday, which marks the beginning of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Khartoum was rocked by heavy shelling in the early hours of this morning, with the RSF accusing the army of staging a “sweeping attack” on the capital. At least 56 civilians have been killed and 595 people, including combatants, wounded in fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Lerato Mbele speaks to Sabir Ibrahim, Spokesperson, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and political analyst, Professor Mammo Muchie about these developments.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In these difficult economic times, companies and governments increasingly are looking to information and communications technologies (ICT), green technologies and other innovative goods and services to keep their economies productive and competitive. All of these industries, of course, rely on intellectual property protection – patents, copyrights, trademarks and similar rights – to fund research, generate returns on investment and continue the cycle of innovation and creativity. Annually in April, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), aims to increase awareness and understanding of the role IP plays in driving innovation and creativity, and consequently economic growth. This year’s theme is Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity, which celebrates innovative, creative, and enterprising women. Data released in March 2023 indicates that only 16.2% of inventors named in international patent applications in 2022 were women. Nicole Smalberger, a partner at Adams and Adams, joins Lerato Mbele to speak about the role of intellectual property in driving innovation and creativity, and consequently economic growth and touch on the role of women's participation in the IP ecosystem.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Raising a black child who has natural hair is not easy. In fact, for many, the idealised route is not only due to the popularised Western beauty standards enshrined in school rules but also because the admin of dealing with thick and rich hair takes a lot. Well, Refilwe Matsaneng, the owner of the natural hair brand GloLooks, created a hand-made product catered for black hair with no chemicals and only organic ingredients. She joins Lerato Mbele to speak about her brand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Busisiwe Mavuso is the chief executive officer of Business Leadership South Africa. She is also a non-executive director on the Business Unity South Africa board, Eskom Holdings, Resultant Finance and BMF investment. What may be unbeknown to some is that she started her career in the finance sector in1995. She is also a chartered accountant with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants in the UK. Apart from her illustrious career, Busisiwe is known for her advocacy in socio-economic growth and transformation in South Africa. She joins Lerato Mbele for this week’s instalment of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
State-owned enterprises are expected to play a significant role in South Africa’s economy. Historically, many state-owned companies were established during apartheid to cushion the country against international sanctions. The Department of Public Enterprises says South Africa’s SOEs should advance economic transformation, industrialisation and import substitution. However, many of those goals have not been met, in fact, many say South Africa is moving backwards with its developmental goals. Nonetheless, the DPE, in charge of about 700 SOEs, is responsible for most notably Eskom, Transnet, South African Airways, the South African Broadcasting Corporation and the Post Office. The common theme with these institutions is that they have been faced with several issues of mismanagement and disarray. Today, we want to get into the state of South Africa’s public-private state-owned enterprises, specifically, to weigh how they are fair in performance, particularly considering the plethora of issues plaguing these institutions. Redge Nkosi, Economist and Director of First Source Money and Dr Bheki Mfeka, SOE Expert, Development Economist & Executive Director at SE Advisory and Former Economic Advisor to The Presidency join Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A criminal record is something that you carry with you for the rest of your life. It could potentially have a lasting hindering effect on your life, especially because the punishment of those crimes has a lasting effect, longer than what may have been intended. The reality is that those minor offences have a much greater lifelong impact than you may have realised. The truth is that a criminal record will prevent you from moving on from that chapter in your life and leaving that part of your life in your past. But what no one tells you, it is easier than most people realise to get a criminal record. In this discussion, we talk about the expungement process in South Africa, the requirements, and why it is sometimes difficult to get through the system when on the journey of clearing one’s name. Director of Criminal Expungements at the Department of Justice, Liana Nieuwoudt, joins Morio Sanyane to explain the processes and issues with expunging criminal records.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Electoral Amendment Bill of 2022. The Bill provides for the amendment of the Electoral Act, 1992 (Act No. 73 of 1998) and gives effect to the Constitutional Court judgment that was handed down on 11 June 2020. The judgment in the matter of the New Nation Movement NPC & V President of the Republic of South Africa & others, declared the Electoral Act of 1998 unconstitutional for stipulating that election to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures may only be attained through membership of political parties. The amended electoral act now provides for the inclusion and nomination of independent candidates as contesters to elections in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. In this conversation, we talk about the implementation of the bill and how it will influence the representation of leadership in elections and representation in the National Assembly. Dr TK Pooe, Political Analyst & Senior Lecturer, Wits School of Governance and Mudzuli Rakhivhane, Head of Candidate Recruitment & Western Cape Provincial Leader, Build One SA join Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Along with the rise of social media influencers is an equal rise in child influencers social media profiles. Now there is a lot that goes into leveraging social media; one needs to put themselves out there and align with brands, film or post pictures for a particular marketing campaign and that’s how many make their money online these days – because traditional advertising isn’t as widespread as it used to be. When it comes to creating and managing social media accounts for children; whether it's for the same or similar purpose, the rules have to be different, because vulnerable children are involved. Parents or guardians often decide on their children’s behalf that they will walk this influencer path while making money at the same time. But this only means the child is more exposed to the world and there are ways to do it correctly. Lerato Ntwampe, a social media legal consultant, joins us for this week’s masterclass on how to manage kidfluencer/child social media accounts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s new National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB and STIs has been described as a blueprint and roadmap for a multisectoral and people-centred approach to eliminate the viruses as a public health threat by 2030. The goals include an accelerated prevention plan to reduce new HIV and TB infections and STIs along with reducing morbidity and mortality through treatment and support for all those affected. However, a few concerns have been raised regarding alignment with the goals of this new five-year plan and what it expects nurses to do, versus what nurses can actually do, as mandated by policy. Joining Morio Sanyane to unpack this new plan is the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (Sanac) Steve Letsike and pharmacy and regulatory expert, Andrew Gray.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the diary, Morio Sanyane takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Dr Maud Blose.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia who will undertake a State Visit to the Republic of South Africa on Thursday, 20 April 2023. The visit aims to solidify bilateral relations between the two countries and it is expected that President Ramaphosa and President Geingob will discuss political and economic issues including regional, continental and international matters of mutual concern, including exchanging views on the political situation in Eswatini, conflict in Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Palestine and the Russia – Ukraine situation. South Africa and Namibia enjoy close historic relations and the structural bilateral relations between the two countries is conducted under the framework of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) inaugurated in 2013. In this conversation, we look at the relations between the two countries. Frederico Links, Research Associate, Institute for Public Policy Research in Namibia joins Morio Sanyane for the preview.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Societies in political transitions experience vivid debates; one of the most vivid focuses on the creation of institutions that guarantee that peace and justice aims are accomplished. Some nations, such as South Africa, start the process by uncovering the truth to ensure collective reconciliation. This premise works based on the assumption that understanding and getting to know the “big picture” of past wrongdoings facilitates and makes possible a genuine reconciliation between different groups of society. Conversely, other nations prioritise the goal of achieving justice first to reach peace and address the wrongdoings of the past. In this conversation, we reflect on the work of the TRC which started on 15 April 1996. Thandolwethu Dlanga, Pan Africanist Scholar and Activist joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trust in the news has increased significantly over the last four years, but at the same time, the media environment is becoming an increasingly toxic terrain of mis/disinformation, of media titles being co-opted into political and corporate propaganda, and of coordinated attacks on the credibility of individual journalists. While the majority of media can still be characterised as free, ethical, and trustworthy, it would be remiss not to be wary of attempts to erode this. In this conversation, we speak about the state of the media in South Africa. Hopewell Radebe, Project Manager, South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you recall the December’s of the early 2000’s, you will know that there wasn’t a December without Oskido’s timeless Church Grooves compilation series. Yes, I’m talking about the volume 1’s until volume 10; the very sound that would change the architecture of South African house music. To add to that, Oskido was amongst the first to produce artist tracks by adding vocals to slow tempo house beats where his music also came to be known for its specific jazz elements. Apart from his illustrious music career, he has also produced big artists including Trompies, Bongo Maffin, Boom Shaka, Mafikizolo and DJ Maphorisa and many more to being a fave on Tiktok. He sits in the spotlight today to share more about his journey in music.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we think about the reimagination of what luxury looks like, the South African touch of luxury, amongst the top of the names that come up is MaXhosa Africa. The intricately authentic knitwear brand which was initially designed for Xhosa initiates, has now evolved to suit many occasions, whether you are Xhosa or not is not the question, whether you’re a Xhosa initiate or not is not the question anymore either. The brand has since done more than blossomed across markets overseas; we have seen the brand make appearance on both international and local movies. MaXhosa has also been showcased at London, New York and Japan Fashion Weeks. The brand’s sales are estimated at $11 million annually, up by about 70% in 2022 compared to 2021. He joins Lerato Mbele in this week’s edition of the entrepreneurial edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is hosting its 5th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) today, marking the final year of the country’s five-year investment drive to attract R1.2 trillion since the first conference in 2018. To date, 45 projects out of 152 have been completed while 57 remain under construction. Last year, the conference raised R367 billion in investment commitments which forms part of the country’s bigger investment commitments of R1.14 trillion since the first conference. These investments are anticipated to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development while reducing inequality. Dr Thanti Mthanti, Senior Lecturer at UCT Graduate School of Business and Professor Bonke Dumisa, Independent Economic Analyst join Lerato Mbele to get a sense of what this five-year investment drive has really been able to achieve along with the challenges with bringing in new investments to the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Easter Sunday was a day of prayer and jubilation. But we were greeted by an editorial surprise when the Anglican Archbishop who used the moment to raise questions about Phala Phala and the perceived manipulation of state institutions through the investigation of this matter. Kudos to the Archbishop and bravo for his bravery because that got us thinking about the much-needed realignment of church teachings in the modern day. Beyond speaking on important matters of public interest, where the worldwide church changes how it functions, preaches, teaches and exists - is transformed to look like the society of 2023? By the church we mean all denominations - Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, AME, ZCC & Pentecostal.
Dr. Thembelani Jentile, Theologian and General Secretary of the Baptist Convention of South Africa joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to news reports, South Africa is sending an envoy to the United States to smooth over tensions emanating from SA’s relationship with Russia ahead of the BRICS Summit set to take place in the country. Added to that is the R400 billion worth of trade which is currently under threat. Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Naledi Pandor, says the envoy is intended to engage and persuade stakeholders on South Africa’s stance on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, South Africa exports reported 50 times more to the US than what it exports to Russia.
Political economists Siyaduma Biniza and Mandla Lionel Isaacs join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This past weekend, Helen Zille was re-elected as the DA's federal council chairperson at its congress at Gallagher Estate Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. She first served in her current position in 2019. Federal leader John Steenhuisen was also re-elected to lead the DA in preparation for next year's elections. Zille has remained a prominent figure for the party since its formation in 2000 from the Democratic Party. From 2009 until 2019, she was the Premier of the Western Cape province for two five-year terms and a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. She served as Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance from 2007 to 2015 and as Mayor of Cape Town from 2006 to 2009. She joins Lerato Mbele as this week’s Leadership Dialogue guest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Easter Bunny has been compared to Santa Clause to a certain extent, because it is perceived as the bearer of gifts for children and a star of religious holidays. The issue with the Easter Bunny is tricky because bunnies, for one, don’t let eggs. But like Santa, the Easter Bunny is said to have delivered colourful eggs and toys on Easter morning. Lerato Mbele unpacks the significance of the Easter Bunny is, as well as why it has been linked to this particular religious holiday with the co-founder of Honest Chocolate, Anthony Gird.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Verdi’s Requiem has been dubbed one of the most dramatic and most operatic of its type to ever be composed. The performance embodies a musical arrangement in the form of a tribute to honour the death of Italian poet Alessandro Manzoni. To break it down abit for our conversation today, a requiem is a text from the Roman Catholic liturgy and is a mass honour to those who have died. Since it was first performed in 1874 to date, the Requiem has seen notable success and is now performed in major theatres, concert halls and opera houses throughout the world. The piece will also be performed this weekend, at the Joburg Theatre. In the spirit of Good Friday, Lerato Mbele is joined by one of the soloists from the requiem, Pumeza Matshikiza, a renowned operatic soprano singer and conductor of the Gauteng Choristers, Sidwell Mhlongo, to tell us about this performance and its meaning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All Hair strands and textures have historical roots in political expression and personal belief. In the 1980’s, natural hair was regarded as an integral symbol of the “black is beautiful” movement which represented the rejection of traditionally accepted and popularised social aesthetics. There is a vivid shift in the understanding of black hair today, which is the crux of today’s culture corner. It is centred on how natural hair texture is being used as a political tool to assess and, to a certain extent, dictate one’s proximity to blackness and the degree to which one is pro-black. This is not a natural versus relaxed versus wig conversation but rather how within the natural hair debate lies the strong linkage to blackness based on different hair textures used to measure levels of blackness. It has been said that ladies with 4C hair are pro-black and “more black” than ladies with type 4A and 4B natural hair textures. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Janine Jellars, author of The Big South African Hair Book about hair.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The water situation in the country is not getting any better and there is an evident need to come up with solutions to not only address the shortages but also the quality. Well… for today’s tech and innovation segment we have one solution geared towards addressing South Africa’s water shortage crisis particularly. This invention treats acid mine drainage water and transforms it into safe drinking water and the brain behind this innovation is Boitumelo Nkatlo, the founder of BN Aqua Solutions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some think the process of collecting money from their music is much, much simpler than it is, while many others realize it can actually be much, much less direct than it ought to be. It can take a lot of looking at definitions over and over in order to understand what’s going on and what money comes from where, and many in the business don’t even have a proper grasp on what’s happening. However, if you’re going to make it as a musician, you need to have at least a base-level understanding of what music royalties are, how they are generated, who collects them, and why. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Karabo Senna, General Manager for Sales and Licensing at SAMRO about music royalties.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whilst South Africa is food secure at the national level, the country is still food insecure at household level as not all households have access to adequate food. Almost 20% of South African households had inadequate or severe inadequate access to food in 2017. This varied by province, population group of household head and by household size. There are many causes of food insecurity, among them macro and micro issues, the roots of which are essentially internal or indirectly caused by relationships with other countries. Examples are political instability, poor economic governance, poverty, and a lack of sustainable household income. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Sifiso Ntombela, ChiefAgricultural Economist with the National Agricultural Marketing Council about food security in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has granted Eskom an exemption from regulations under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) that require state-owned companies to disclose any expenditure that does not comply with the provisions of the act. According to a notice in the Government Gazette of March 31, Eskom & Transnet will be exempt from disclosing in its annual reports for three years, starting from the financial year that runs until end-March 2023 in an attempt to restore Eskom’s balance sheet through debt relief and enable the utility to borrow again to invest in new transmission infrastructure for the former. In this conversation, Khaya Sithole, Accountant & Academic, and SOE Expert & Development Economist & Executive Director at SE Advisory, Dr Bheki Mfeka, join Lerato Mbele to discuss whether these exemptions from the PFMA can stop SOEs from getting qualified audit opinions and what impact it has on accountability for outputs and outcomes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National and international development finance institutions (DFIs) are specialised development banks or subsidiaries set up to support private sector development in developing countries. They are usually majority-owned by national governments and source their capital from national or international development funds or benefit from government guarantees. This ensures their creditworthiness, which enables them to raise large amounts of money on international capital markets and provide financing on very competitive terms. Manoj Seonath, Head of Small Business Finance & Regions at IDC joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stress in South Africa is not really considered to be a mental health condition, despite its prevalence due to an array of things that are a reality in this country such as the rising cost of living and interest rates against a salary that has remained the same since two years ago. Research on employee wellness in South Africa shows that more and more South African employees are taking time off from work or require sick leave because of stress alone. Additionally, a 2019 Bloomberg Business survey placed South Africa as the second most stressed country in the world, after Nigeria, basing this on the rates of homicides, household income and income inequality and corruption. But not much is known about what stress really is and how it can manifest in your body and experience of life and this is why we’re having this conversation today, to understand what stress is. Monique Harrisberg, Founder and CEO The Voice Clinic, operator of The Stress Clinic along with Medical Doctor, Dr Thabo Mnisi, join Lerato Mbele to unpack what stress
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The taxman announced that as of 31 March 2023, it had collected R1.686 trillion in tax revenue for the fiscal year, citing that the refunds issued were also the largest ever paid since it was founded in 1997. This is great for the country and all but the truth for us ordinary citizens is this: filing taxes is a pain because it is a complex activity that not just anyone can do. Despite the online option to file a tax return on the SARS app, this process still needs a tax specialist. To add to that, there are different forms of tax, different thresholds for different people, different methods, different everything and it is easy to get lost in the mix. Lesego Serakoane, founder of Lesego Accounting Services joins Lerato Mbele for today’s masterclass on how to file taxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mob justice also known as instant justice is when a particular community (a mob) take the law into their own hands to injure, maim or kill suspected criminals who are a menace to that community. With the frequency of mob justice incidences in South Africa, the term has been dubbed as a South African language because of the characteristically violent nature of these cases in the country. The mob justice cases, show that for many communities, it is not enough to only beat a suspected perpetrator and leave them to be dealt with by the police, but here, mob justice usually involves castration, dousing with petrol, necklacing with tyres and setting them alight – a picture vividly reminiscent of how so-called sellouts of the black communities were dealt with during apartheid. On today’s view of the nation, we want to get into the psyche of the community, which is composed of law-abiding citizens who are turned into criminals themselves by virtue of carrying out mob justice that results in the ending of a life. Professor Malose Langa, Senior Psychology Lecturer at Wits University, and Dr Steven Gordon, Senior Research Specialist in the Developmental, Capable and Ethical research division at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the past few weeks, Kenya has witnessed major protest action and unrest due to widespread discontent with the rising cost of living and political divisions. The understanding is that the unrest is being led by opposition leader Raila Odinga who is calling for Kenya’s president, William Ruto, to resign. Odinga has accused President Ruto of stealing last year’s elections and of failing to control the surging cost of living. Odinga has called for protests every Monday and Thursday, which have since become increasingly violent. Kenyan Political Analyst Gabriel Muthuma joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and sets our news agenda for the week with Professor and Chair of the Department of Journalism at Stellenbosch University, Herman Wasserman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Maleh” Hlalele began her musical journey in the heart of the majestic mountain Kingdom of Lesotho where she was born and raised. The vocalist’s professional career took off in Bloemfontein where she joined Afro-Pop group Kaya, which released their debut album ‘Kunzima’, winning them the Metro FM best newcomer award in 2005. She later parted from the group to further her studies at a film college in Johannesburg, where she majored in cinematography. Upon graduating, Maleh later worked for several events production companies as a production coordinator, producing various major music festivals. Discovering the music industry from behind the scenes, it was not long until the stage would call back the songstress. Having worked at one of South Africa’s most prominent music festivals, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, she found that she was most inspired by the performances of Chris Botti and Lalah Hathaway, thus fueling her return to the stage as a solo artist in 2010. With three albums under her belt, she joins Lerato Mbele as a guest in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever found yourself stepping out of character a bit, adding a bit more razz to your accent because you’re in a group of white executives or have you witnessed how politicians who speak like you and I, all of a sudden take on the political accent when addressing the crowd to make them seem more relatable. Well, this is what we call code-switching; it describes the negotiation of communication across various settings including in social settings across languages, even in boardrooms and executive meetings, in the workplace versus the family/social setting. The truth is, we do speak and act differently, in different spaces. And we do this in order not to be othered, but to either propel ourselves into better spaces or to be perceived with respect. Dr Alex Asakitikpi, head of the School of Social Sciences at the Independent Institute of Education, joins Lerato Mbele for today’s masterclass.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Improved self-confidence, as well as a sense of ambition, assertiveness and team spirit, are just some of the benefits of team sports such as rugby. Touch rugby (also known as “touch” or “touchies”) is a minimal-contact sport that is played worldwide by men, women and children of all ages. The game emphasizes running, agility and ball-handling skills such as passing and catching. Appearing similar to rugby, without the tackling, scrummaging, kicking and the like, the aim of the game is to score tries. There are two variations of touch rugby that are played at in 2 Touch leagues, namely “1-Touch” and “6-Down”. In 2 Touch 1-touch rules and “FIT” 6-down rules will be applied. In this conversation, we speak to the South African Touch Association about touch rugby in South Africa, its participation in the upcoming Youth Atlantic Cup scheduled to take place in England, and values society can learn from the game of Rugby. Coach Thabo Motsumi and Mbali Khumalo, a touch rugby player, join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, South Africa is ranked 25th for asthma prevalence and ranked 5th for asthma mortality with an estimated 18.5 deaths per 100 000 asthma cases. For many children who have breathing difficulties in South Africa, a tracheostomy – a surgically created hole (stoma) in the windpipe (trachea) which provides an alternative airway for breathing – is the solution. However, the reality is that children living with tracheostomies are not afforded the life of every other child. Schooling for one, is a challenge, as many teachers are not equipped to attend to them, ultimately preventing them from accessing education which plays into the rest of their lives. But what is not widely known is that the tracheostomy is not a life sentence, it can be removed once the breathing issue is resolved through a process called decannulation. Dr Felicia Tshite joins us Dr Felicia Tshite, Paediatric Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the National Institute of Health, your sense of smell enriches your experience of the world around you. Scents can change your mood, transporting you back to distant memories, and of course they can help you bond with your loved ones. And this is really the reason why we are joined by the owner and CEO of Niche Parfums, Kgothatso Moloto on POWERTalk today for the entrepreneurial edge. He just opened the doors to his store early this month and he will be speaking to Lerato Mbele about perfumery and how best to wear scents.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana currently serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Maropeng of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church, where he provides strategic direction to the mission of the diocese and overseeing the pastoral ministrations of priests and lay leaders in his diocese. His mission in the church is “to contribute to the making of an all-inclusive African church experience whose spirituality empowers the weak – the poor, women and the young, and engages the social and economic realities of our time for the common good”. As of April 2014, Bishop Mpumlwana has been General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, spearheading its work to lead common Christian action that works for moral witness in South Africa, addressing issues of social and economic justice, national reconciliation, the integrity of creation, eradication of poverty, and contributing towards the empowerment of all those who are spiritually, socially, and economically marginalized. Bishop Mpumlwana joins Lerato Mbele for this week's leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has 15 different courts which all serve very different functions. To name a few, we have: The Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, High courts, Circuit courts, Special income tax courts, Labour courts, Small claims courts, Child justice courts, Mpumelelo Zikalala, Attorney Advocate Prince Mafu, Constitutional Law Expert & Director, Malwandla Law Chambers Community courts and Sexual offences courts – that’s just to name a few. And to add to that, within those courts there are different procedures, different cases and different actions that can take place. Despite our general interest in high-profile legal cases, it is easy to get lost in the legal jargon of it all. Mpumelelo Zikalala, who is an attorney, and Advocate Prince Mafu, constitutional law expert and director of Malwandla Law Chambers join Lerato Mbele to break the basics of the South African legal system starting with understanding the roles of the different courts in the country, along with the differences between a state versus private prosecution for instance and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), an agency of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, is hosting its inaugural GPF Funding Seminar. The event, held on Wednesday (29 March), at the Protea by Marriot Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, will also celebrate the agency’s 20th anniversary. The event aims to explicitly highlight human settlement investment opportunities in the province and provide a platform for a dialogue between key players in the sector. These strategic contributors include development finance institutions, investment management firms, and property developers. The event is themed: “Twenty years in delivering affordable housing through strategic partnerships. Lerato Mbele speaks to Leon Marincowits, a GPF Board Member about the agency’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Lindiwe Kwele, CEO of the Gauteng Partnership Fund about the work of the agency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Daniel Molokomme, Deputy Director General of Gauteng Department of Human Settlements about the work of the department.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the growing trend to move away from petrol-fuelled cars to electric vehicles, the question in South Africa is clear: Why is South Africa’s automotive industry not yet producing and selling electric vehicles, particularly given the reality that our plants primarily produce for exports. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) says that in 2021, South Africa was the European Union’s main export region for cars. However, Naamsa anticipates that by 2030, about 40% of all vehicle sales in Europe will be for electric vehicles and not petrol-fuelled cars. If the local car manufacturers do not hop onto the EV train, the country could lose R201 billion in export earnings a year. Lerato Mbele speaks to Pieter Nienaber, Sector Head of Automotive, Logistics and Industrials at Rand Merchant Bank about South Africa’s automotive plants & EV production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While marriages continue to steadily decline in the country and people start to reimagine their own versions of what an ideal romantic relationship looks like, we need to lay the basis of what a quality partner in this day and age looks like. Last week, Dudu Nhlabathi Madonsela, dating and relationship coach, along with Bakhe Dlamini, author and marriage therapist, joined Lerato Mbele for a layered conversation about why people are not getting married anymore. They join us again this week for a part 2, to get into the crux of a quality relationship; having foundational conversations, identifying the red and most of all, a relationship where leadership and submission are not an argument but rather a natural element of the relationship because of the quality and compatibility of the two. Lerato Mbele speaks to Dudu Nhlabathi Madonsela, a dating & relationship coach about finding a quality partner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s national soccer team is facing a so-called “must-win” Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier match against Liberia on Tuesday evening. A victory will see Bafana Bafana going through to the Afcon finals in Ivory Coast next year. Joining Lerato Mbele for a preview about the mood and preparations for the qualifier in Liberia, is South Africa's Ambassador to Liberia Professor Iqbal Jhazhbay.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An ongoing major concern when it comes to South Africa’s economy is how to make the country’s youth employable. Statistics South Africa reported earlier on that the country’s youth which sits in the cohort of between 15 – 34 years of age currently sits at an unemployment rate of 43.4%. More worrying is that this cohort makes up over half of the country’s employable population of 40.46 million people aged between 15 and 64. These unemployment figures paint a picture of just how many young people are discouraged from even looking for work. Wassim Carrim, CEO of the National Youth Development Agency, joins Lerato Mbele to get into the barriers to entering the working environment and explore alternative ways of reimagining the youth as key players in South Africa’s economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prison Industrial Complex (the PIC) is a trend that has developed over recent decades in which the states and governments turns the managing of some of its prisons over to private corporations. These corporations then run the prisons for profit. The leadership of these corporations is also involved in a great deal of political lobbying, to influence the passing of legislation that favors conditions for the profitability of these private prisons. This has affected the prison environment and the entire criminal justice system in a number of ways. To be effective, a prison or correctional facility should be designed to rehabilitate its prisoners and return them to society as useful contributors. A criminal justice system that is in alignment with this goal, will work toward reducing the number of people who become incarcerated. It will find ways of handing out justice that enables the offending parties to continue being productive members of the community whenever possible. In this week’s edition of “The View Of The Nation”, Lerato Mbele is joined by Singabakho Nxumalo, Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services and Lesiba Thobakgale, Spokesperson for the South African Policing Union (SAPU), to talk about the economics of running prisons and the prisoner industrial complex in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While there are over 30 countries in Africa that already ban homosexual relations, Uganda is the first African country to criminalise the mere identification as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, according to Human Rights Watch. The bill, coined “the bill of hatred” is yet to be signed into law by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. It bans the promotion and abetting of homosexuality along with the conspiracy to engage in homosexuality. Violations under this law carry severe penalties including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and life in prison. Mphu Buntse, from Access Chapter 2 and Professor Michael Osei Asibey from the Humanist Association of Ghana join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Morio Sanyane takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with the deputy head of journalism and media studies school at Rhodes University, Dr Kealoboga Aiseng.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is regarded as a country that is highly burdened with the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). The latest statistics show that the disease is the leading cause of death in South Africa. This is backed by data compiled by the World Health Organisation which shows that in 2021, 54 000 people died of TB in South Africa. The orgnisation further estimated that 304 000 people fell ill with TB in 2021 with only 57% being diagnosed. Of that percentage, only 78% completed their treatment. Well, today is World TB Day and a number of issues have come up: (1) The lack of public awareness, (2) the under-diagnosis of the illness and (3) the reality that about only half of people who have TB, do not present symptoms.
Dr Lucy Connell, TB Programme Lead at Right to Care, joins Lerato Mbele to speak about the TB landscape in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maropene Ramokgopa is a South African politician who is the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, in office since March 2023. She has been the Second Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC) since December 2022 and a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa since February 2023. She is also the coordinator of the interim task team that was appointed in June 2022 to lead the ANC Women's League and formerly served as a special advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa on international relations in the Presidency, and initially as his chief advisor at the African Union and is SA’s former Consul-General to Mumbai, India. She joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of The Leadership Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A face beat has become a highly popularised term used to describe a full face of makeup, meticulously applied from every angle including a pair of long eyelashes, a daring eyeshadow look, a distinct yet equally subtle contour look, a seamless blend of foundation down to your neck and more. Some argue that a face beat could easily mean a complete facial transformation so much so that one may not recognise you without a full face of makeup the next day. Well on our entrepreneurial edge today we have the founder of Nubian Cosmetics, a local make-up range which has been produced by a lady by the name of Sfisosethu Mehana. Sethu will be taking shedding light on how a young woman from Mdantsane in East London came to establish her own make-up brand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitution states quite explicitly that the National Assembly is a body that represents and protects the people of South Africa by choosing the president, providing a national platform for public debate on national issues of importance, by passing laws and overseeing the national executive. With that being said, the speaker of the National Assembly acts as a facilitator, who strategically guides debates all while ensuring members of parliament can participate freely in debates while adhering to the rules, without bias. However, the role of the speaker has been scrutinised because of the visceral reality that the speaker of the National Assembly is usually a senior member of the ruling party who is active in the party’s culture and traditions; which presents the idea that the speaker’s stand to cushion their parties against criticism as opposed to facilitating debates fairly while prioritising the people of the country. Dr TK Pooe, Public Policy Specialist And Senior Political Science Lecturer At Wits University, joins Lerato Mbele to speak about the role of the national assembly speaker.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marriages are becoming less common in South Africa. According to the Marriages and Divorce, 2020 report released by Statistics South Africa recently, the total number of people getting married has fallen steadily between 2011 to 2020. Besides the high decline in 2020 that may have resulted from the restrictions on gatherings during that year, the number of civil marriages have been consistently declining. Civil marriages fell by 22,5% between 2011 and 2019 and declined by a further 31,1% in 2020. Customary marriage is one that is “negotiated, celebrated or concluded according to any of the systems of indigenous African customary law which exist in South Africa”, and excludes marriages concluded in accordance with Hindu, Muslim, or other religious rites. In 2020, 1 585 customary marriages were registered at the Department of Home Affairs, indicating a decrease of 43,2% from the 2 789 customary marriages registered in 2019. From 2011 to 2019, these marriages declined by 45,1%. While recognition of same-sex marriages has boosted the number of marriages, this increase has not been enough to reverse the declining trend. In this week’s edition of the culture corner, Lerato Mbele talks about marriage and relationship patterns in modern day South Africa with dating and relationship coach Dudu Nhlabathi Madonsela along with author and marriage therapist Bakhe Dlamini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this segment, we have spoken about electric cars but never really electric buses and especially electric buses in the public transportation system. The Africa Electric Bus Market 2022 report says e-buses are becoming a commercially viable solution for public transport in Africa. The report shows that Africa’s electric bus market is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.26% over the next 5 years. Meanwhile the global bus market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth over 112 000 units in 2022 and is expected to reach over 670 000 units by 2027 with an estimated growth rate of 43.1% between 2022 and 2027. Gideon Neethling, Engineer at Golden Arrow Bus Service and Masala Ramabulana, CEO at MiPower join Lerato Mbele to explore the landscape of e-buses in public transportation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Jannie Rossouw from the Wits Business School about his expectations on the upcoming interest rates announcement by the MPC and also reflects on the consumer price inflation data released by StatsSA this morning. The consumer price inflation increased by 7.0% year-on-year in February 2023, slightly up from the 6,9% year in year print in January.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it was announced that load shedding would be suspended over the past weekend, a lot of South African’s wondered what made this possible? Others said that the then anticipated EFF #NationalShutdown protest had force the ANC’s hand to put pressure on Eskom to suspend planned power outages in hopes of lessening the potential blow of the strike. This despite Eskom’s statement on Friday that indicated a recovery in some generation capacity during the week. Today, we want to understand how in South Africa, we can go from no load shedding, to stage 3 all in space of a few days.
Bertha Dlamini, Energy Expert and Founding President of African Women in Energy and Power and Professor Mark Swilling, Programme Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Programme in the School of Public Leadership at Stellenbosch University join Lerato Mbele to clarify the current electricity situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s constitution has been dubbed as one of the best in the world. However, according to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index for 2021, this so-called “forward thinking” constitution sadly does not translate to the country having the best statistics when it comes to the rule of law. Well, tomorrow marks the beginning of the National Conference on the Constitution which provides the opportunity to reflect and possibly revise facets of the constitution. The Department of Justice and Correctional Services has noted that amongst the key areas to consider is nation building, gender equality, youth economic empowerment along with issues of service delivery and social stability. The theme for this year’s conference is “Reflections on the Constitution: Rule of law, accountability, social and economic justice”.
Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services & Former Deputy Public Protector, Advocate Kevin Malunga join Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival is back on the weekend of the 25th and 26th of March 2023. The festival will be prefaced with a dedicated day for NGO and activism organisations’ skills building workshops, hosted on Friday, the 24th of March 2023. Dawn Robertson, Chief Experience Officer at Constitutional Hill joins Morio Sanyane to talk about the upcoming programme for the weekend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the country and around the world, it is not uncommon to hear that the pockets of artists, from all facets of the entertainment industry, have run dry. We are also aware of the prominent storyline on signing bad contracts because it sold the promise of a big break into the industry and for this reason and against the backdrop of Human Rights Day, we are taking a look at the rights artists have to their intellectual property (IP) on our masterclass today as well as answering the question on how best to protect the physical manifestations of one’s creativity. The landscape of artists and who can be creative has definitely broadened with the wake of social media, so we also want to understand how one can protect their IP, on digital platforms where one’s creativity can be easily duplicated.
Nobantu Phumla Mfeka, Managing Director at Global Entertainment Law joins Morio Sanyane for this week’s masterclass.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The EFF-led #NationalShutdown march is kicking off today. Gauteng police commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela has mentioned that the police are prepared and will be out in numbers to enforce the law. On this week’s view of the nation, we won’t be speaking about the shutdown but rather the question it has prompted regarding public policing and security. While before 1994, calls for the rationalisation, restructuring and amalgamation of the police force into a single police service, were made, very little has been done to implement transformational policies and processes that could bring about system change in public policing. At present, in South Africa, we continue to witness instances of excessive force against particular groups of historically disadvantaged groups of people in the country, while other groups are not treated with the same level of force. David Bruce, Independent Researcher In Policing Crime And Criminal Justice and Eldred de Klerk, Director at Africa Centre for Security and Intelligence Praxis, join Morio Sanyane for this week’s view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week’s edition of diary, Morio Sanyane takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with the director of the Wits Centre for Journalism, Dr Dinesh Balliah.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A passionate & driven actor, film producer, wine producer, restauranteur, & overall Ideas machine, Thapelo Mokoena is best known for presenting the first season of the South African version of the reality competition Fear Factor, in 2005. Mokoena was born under a tree 22 kilometres from the nearest hospital in the KwaZulu-Natal town of Ladysmith, in 1982 and completed his schooling in Ladysmith before moving to Johannesburg to pursue a degree in accounting, which he gave up in favour of studying filmmaking. Upon finishing his course at film school, he made an instant impact in acting when he landed the role of Gabriel, the bodyguard of Karabo Moraka (played by Connie Ferguson), on the SABC1 soapie Generations. In the show he famously (and scandalously) had a torrid love affair with Karabo, which made a lasting impression on fans of the show. Initially contracted for three months, he ended up playing the role for six months. He has gone on to appear in a myriad of local and international productions and joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Assembly has finally passed the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill which aims to address the high number of associated crimes and incidents motivated by prejudice. The new bill means that crimes and speech considered to have a clear intention to be harmful or incites harm, promotes or propagates hatred based on various characteristics including race, gender and religion, is now illegal and can be prosecuted by law. The DA, Freedom Front Plus (VF+), African Christian Democratic Party and Al Jama-ah have openly opposed the bill from its introduction in 2017 saying it will have a “chilling effect” on the freedom of speech and expression. Lerato Mbele speaks to Mpho Buntse, Spokesperson at Access Chapter 2.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March is endometriosis awareness month, which gives us the opportunity to educate ourselves on the experiences, warning signs and red flags to look out for. Statistics show that one in ten women suffer from endometriosis – a condition where the lining of the uterus grows in places that it shouldn’t, causing debilitating pain and affecting one’s quality of life. The growths can spread to the bladder, bowel or diaphragm, causing more issues such as an irritable bowel and frequent infection. Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Vuyo Makhanya, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Wanga Neswiswi, an activist at the Endometriosis Coalition of South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the next 20 years, South Africa’s first major wave of the black middle class will retire. This is according to UCT’s Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing 2022 report, which zones in on the black middle class citing that the cohort has reflected significant growth over the years, to the point of surpassing the performance of the white middle class in South Africa, despite having to play “asset-catch up” for the first 20 years of democracy. But how many individuals in this asset class and other classes are considering or already building generational wealth? Zandile Makhoba, lead specialist in research and insights at Liberty Group, and Gerald Mwandiambira, certified financial planner & managing partner at Sugar Greek Wealth join Lerato Mbele to discuss how to cultivate wealth that can be passed down the family line, on today’s masterclass.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colour, as minute as it may seem in life, can say a lot about one’s thinking and even affect one’s mental or emotional state. For many, the colours of their homes mean everything, it’s the difference between a dull room and a room that radiates consciousness, efficiency, tranquillity and more. This brings us to today’s entrepreneur Bonga Maseko who is the founder of Splash Coatings Africa, a Kasi-based paint manufacturing company which has stores in Soweto, Midrand, Ga-Runkuwa, and Dawn Park. In addition to selling premium coatings, the paint company also offers a lay-buy option along with skilled painters to help finish the job. Bonga joins Morio Sanyane to dive into his entrepreneurial journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ActionSA Gauteng chairperson Bongani Baloyi resigned on Monday, citing an attempt by party leader Herman Mashaba to remove him as the provincial leader and make him national spokesperson. Bongani is a politician and was elected Executive Mayor of the Midvaal Local Municipality. He was only 26 years old at the time, and consequently became the youngest mayor in South Africa. From 2011 to 2013, he was the MMC for Development and Planning in the municipality. He joins Morio Sanyane as a guest on this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EFF leader Julius Malema reiterated during a briefing on Wednesday afternoon, that the National Shutdown planned for next Monday is set in stone. He said the party will be facilitating a peaceful strike, but further cautioned small business owners and companies across the country to close their doors for the day, citing that everything must come to a standstill in a bid to shift the country’s trajectory. There has been a lot of criticism, not only from the DA but from people who are saying they want to go to work on Monday and are weary that the shutdown will prevent that. Thus, brings forth the issue of the Labour Relations Act and what it says about protest action in Section 77. While the section is primarily focused on bringing disputing parties together for further engagement, it also lays out the rules of protest action to prevent strikes that are burdensome to workers, employers and South Africa’s economy overall. Joining Morio Sanyane for this conversation is Michael Hatherell, a senior legal advisor at Stata-G Labour Solutions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An official relationship between China and South Africa began in 1998, following the fall of the Soviet Union and the dismantling of the apartheid regime – which saw the possibility of official relations between the two countries. Since then, the relationship has seen a two-way trading system, including initiatives to accelerate South Africa’s industrialisation process, the promise of infrastructure development, human resources cooperation and even financial assistance. However, despite being aligned to similar institutions such as BRICS and having its own bilateral trade relationship on the side, there is a stark difference between China and South Africa; China is thriving in terms of its economy, industrialisation and ultimately, its development. So, what is China doing that South Africa isn’t? Professor David Monyae, associate professor of political science and international relations, joins Morio Sanyane for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Acclaimed jazz singer Gloria Bosman passed away on Tuesday morning. Gloria was known for her bright energy, dedication to her family, living life and to jazz. Musicians McCoy Mrubata, Nokukhanya Dlamini, Don Laka and Prince Lengoasa join Morio Sanyana to share their tributes on how they experienced her through the love of music.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many black families, the conversation around sending grandparents to retirement villages never happens. It is often the responsibility of a family member to care for a grandparent in the family home until their passing; because the idea of sending them to a different home, that doesn’t have family present, gives the impression of abandoning their loved ones. However, in South Africa there has been a rise in the construction of retirement villages which are distinctly different from old age homes. Retirement villages usually house elderly residents that live independently with additional amenities such as health, leisure and support services readily available when the need arises. They are fully funded by residents who choose to live there by choice. And it is that aspect of convenience that comes with the privilege of retiring comfortably. Clinical psychologist Viwe Dweba joins Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government’s new solar tax incentive could strip local municipalities of their paying customers, adding to the already unsustainable costs of the power crisis by eroding their most important revenue source. This puts local municipalities’ revenues under extreme pressure and will leave everyone else tied to the grid – who can’t afford to move to solar – dealing with fallout, including higher prices. Salga, which represents local municipalities are of the view that their revenue from the sale of electricity is overburdened with the damage associated with persistent load shedding, and the move of reliable taxpayers off the grid would comprise municipalities’ ability to deliver services.
Head of energy and electricity at SALGA Nhlanhla Ngidi joins Lerato Mbele to talk about municipal revenue collection in the country and the recently introduced solar tax incentive. They also take a look at the effects of this tax incentive, alternatives to the tax incentive that need to be put in place to make sure revenues are not hampered, and look at what new financial models for revenue collection municipalities can look into.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Section 27 of South Africa’s Constitution, the supreme law says everyone has the right to access health care services including the right to reproductive health care. This includes the right to define your sexuality, the right to receive confidential, respectful, and high-quality services and the right to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). It is over two decades since the education department introduced CSE in schools and ongoing resistance from parents, religious groups, traditional leaders and teachers has meant that the lack of awareness around sexual reproductive health rights, sex and sexuality persist. This reflects in our society with the number of teenage pregnancies every year along with the growing number of people who are being infected with HIV daily. Deputy director for sexual reproductive health at the National Department of Health, Thembi Zulu, along with regional advocacy and policy manager at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Ngaa Murombedzi and paralegal at SECTION27, Kholofelo Mphahlele, join Lerato Mbele for the conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with journalist and strategic initiatives editor, Dr Candice Bailey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, socio-economic factors including high levels of poverty and unemployment still affect the quality of education that is available to children. Many schools in rural areas struggle with infrastructural issues such as the lack of classrooms, poor access to water and electricity, no internet or school libraries. On Thursday, it was reported that the body of a four-year-old girl was retrieved from a school pit latrine in the Eastern Cape. This comes after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a report in 2021, indicating that pupils from more than 3 000 schools from six provinces in the country risk falling into pit toilets daily when they attend school for pedagogy purposes. Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, and Itumeleng Motlhabane, head of Equal Education in the Eastern Cape joins Morio Sanyane to expand on the matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sports analyst and marketing who has over 20 years’ experience in sports marketing joins us in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many, the building blocks of a delicious meal is rooted in the sauces and spices employed to elevate the meal to the next level. Soul food is usually the term associated with a traditional dish that has the perfect composition of both subtle and flavourful condiments which tickle the palate clean. This is where local manufacturer and distributor of sauces and spices, Sharjah Food Company comes in. The company which was established in 2019, has made waves with its May’O Peri product which can now be found at select PnP, Spar and Shoprite outlets.
Founder and CEO of Sharjah Food Company, Ngwako Sebola joins Lerato Mbele to talk about the brand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Saki Macozoma is a South African businessman, currently executive chairman of Safika Holdings, Tshipi é Ntle and Ntsimbintle Mining and a former politician. He has served as chair of the University Council of the University of the Witwatersrand and the Council for Higher Education and is currently a member of the Board of Governors of Rhodes University and previously served as president of Business Leadership South Africa and a member of the G20 Business Council. He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress from 1991 to 2008. He joins Lerato Mbele today for this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday, Stats SA announced that South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 1.3% during the fourth quarter, from October to December last year. It says growth was plunged mainly by finance, trade, mining agriculture, manufacturing and general government services. And because South Africa has had two consecutive quarters of negative growth, it is now in a technical recession. Added to that is electricity supply issues, structural constraints in transport, logistics bottlenecks and port inefficiencies, which are evidently affecting productivity across many sectors. Against this backdrop, is the fact that the world has been preparing for an oncoming recession but given the plethora of issues here in South Africa, the question of how quickly we’ll be able to recover remains loud. Ndumiso Hadebe, South African Development Economist and Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG join Lerato Mbele to unpack what this means for South Africans and small businesses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is a way that one carries themselves and expresses their personality that gives away crucial facts about their birth order. For many, being the first born automatically qualifies them into the role of being the deputy parent, while the middle child might often be the neglected one and the last-born child is often notoriously perceived as the carefree one of the bunch. On the other hand, being an only child, usually places you in the category of mature, and responsible. According to internationally known psychologist Dr Kevin Leman, the secret to sibling personality differences lies in their order of birth and how parents treat their children differently, based on whether they are the oldest, middle, youngest or only child. Joining Lerato Mbele for this conversation is clinical psychologist, Deborah Olusola.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Consider the boda bodas of Kenya or the moto-taxis in Rwanda, and with the pandemic, the spurt witnessed in the number of professional delivery services, and sadly, with that, bike accidents too. In South Africa, Reuters reported a 30% jump in food courier-related accidents when lockdown restrictions slightly eased in mid-2020. Most online applications that offer food delivery services reportedly consider drivers as contractors and not employees, so they are not eligible for sick leave; they pay for their own bikes and helmets, and the insurance schemes offered often do not provide adequate protection if they are offered at all. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele talks to Bongani Mthombeni-Moller, the director of smart mobility at Royal HaskoningDHV, about the motorbike economy in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Civil society organisations and political parties on Tuesday slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle for failing to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges including unemployment, the alarming crime rate and declining healthcare. On Monday evening, after much delay and speculation, Ramaphosa announced changes to his cabinet, with some ministers being moved to different portfolios and most of his detractors getting the chop. The reshuffle saw the appointment of Paul Mashatile as the country’s deputy president and the creation of two new ministerial posts electricity and planning monitoring & evaluation. The former will be headed by Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the latter by Maropene Ramokgopa. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele is joined by political analysts Lwazi Somya and Dr Ebrahim Harvey to talk about the significance of the ministry of planning, monitoring and evaluation and the centralisation of power by the Ramaphosa administration.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is International Women’s Day and one of the themes this year is gender equality in innovation and technology, under the banner “DigitALL”. According to UN Women, women only make up 22% of artificial intelligence workers globally, while a global analysis of 133 AI systems across industries has shown that 44.2% demonstrate a bias. Meanwhile, gender equality and equity continue to hang in the balance across various industries in the world. Joining Lerato Mbele to speak about prominent issues that are plaguing women across the world is Molline Marume, programmes specialist at UN Women's South Africa Multi-country office.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US House of Representatives is pushing for a resolution for President Joe Biden’s administration to review its relations with South Africa over its decision to host ongoing military exercises with China and Russia as well as other alleged breaches of signed multilateral agreements. This comes as the SA National Defence Force, China's People's Liberation Army and the Russian Federal Navy are currently conducting 10-day multilateral maritime exercises called Exercise Mosi II off the coast of Durban and Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal as part of sharing operational skills. The joint military drills, however, appear to have put South Africa in the crosshairs of the Republicans in congress as they criticised the country's growing relations with China and Russia and accused this of undermining US-SA bilateral relations and agreements. The draft resolution, penned by members of the Republican Party and referred to the committee on foreign affairs, has now called on the Biden administration to “conduct a thorough review of the current and future status of the United States-South Africa bilateral relation-relationship”. These included “a detailed account of positive economic results stemming from South Africa’s inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the United States-South Africa Trade and Investment Framework signed in 2012”. In this conversation, we talk about USA-SA relations, reflect on the possible implications of the proposed bill and the future of the two nations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In many family settings, the term “black tax’” though not often articulated directly, is often implied as part and parcel of being a professional in the family. The term which captures the expectation of professionals to provide for their family on a continuous basis, is often touted as payback or appreciation for the sacrifices made by family members in order to get you to where you are thriving in your career. On today’s masterclass however, we want to talk about how to make black tax an investment as opposed to a burden, because ultimately, sustainable generational wealth is the goal. Authors Sue Nyathi & Ndumi Hadebe join Lerato Mbele for today’s masterclass.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the early 1990s, there have been significant transformations in political systems in many African countries. These institutional changes have resulted in, for example, the demise of the racially based apartheid system in the Republic of South Africa and the introduction of a nonracial democracy. Many civilian and military dictatorships have fallen, paving the way for the establishment of rule-of-law-based governance systems characterized by constitutionalism and constitutional government, including reforms such as term limits. Nevertheless, many of these countries still struggle to deepen and institutionalize democracy and deal effectively and fully with government impunity, particularly that which is associated with the abuse of executive power and the violation of human rights. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele talks about the performance of benevolent dictatorships versus democracies with independent political analyst Professor Tumelo Senokoane, and the deputy head of policy research at the Institute of Race Relations, Martin van Staden.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with the Director and System Developer of BuildRSA, Jason Mudau about the work of BuildRSA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2009, Michela Wrong’s book “It’s our turn to eat: The story of a Kenyan whitsleblower” was published. The focus of the book was Kenya and the unprecedented levels corruption that had seeped into many institutions of this country. The whistleblower, John Githongo, ultimately became the country’s chief prosecutor, who had unearthed a lot of dirty dealings while investigating public officials and what he found was so bad, that he fled to the UK for asylum. Many experts who’ve read this book, say the situation in Kenya was really just a metaphor for other African nations - where elections are merely a formality to exchange one group of elites, for another, who only want to loot state coffers. The thesis has a few holes in it - the main one being the tendency to simplify African problems & label them “only as corruption”….. but it cannot be dismissed either. So after accusations of corporates, tenderpreneurs & politicians “feeding at the ESKOM trough,” we’ve invited Michela Wrong to share her insights along with former MEC of finance in the North West, Martin Kuscus, for today's view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, Lerato Mbele takes a look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with sociopolitical analyst Lukhanyo Vangqa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane is in conversation with former Mamelodi Sundowns player, Eric Ramasike.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A baking venture started in a home kitchen, with recipes taken from the back of flour packets and eventually it progressed to baking recipes taken from the internet. After the reassured baker quit his job as a marketing manager at the end of 2012, confident in his authentic baking abilities in pursuit of a new chapter as an entrepreneur, his confectionery business has bloomed and now supplies nearly 200 Pick n Pay stores with his cakes. This is the story of Njabulo Sithole, the founder and CEO of Bakers Creationz. He joins Lerato Mbele on this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitutional Court has thrown out President Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to challenge parliament’s report, which found the president may have broken anti-corruption laws. Ramaphosa applied for direct access to the apex court in reviewing the three-member section 89 panel report into the theft of cash at his farm in Phala Phala because of the serious nature of the recommendations contained in the report. He asked the court to declare the report unlawful and set it aside, particularly its finding that he may have been involved in impeachable conduct. The application by Ramaphosa was, however, dismissed by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we talk about a person with a high pedigree in leadership and practitioner in public policy and governance the name Themba Maseko comes to the forefront. Themba, during his decorative career, has been the former spokesperson and CEO of the Government Communications and Information Services (GCIS). He was responsible for setting up the Gauteng Department of Education, which he headed, and has served as the director general of the national departments of Public Works, Public Service and Administration. He also helped draft the Constitution and Bill of Rights and was part of the first cohorts of Members of Parliament under South Africa’s democratic dispensation and he joins Lerato Mbele now to talk to us on this week’s leadership dialogue segment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Anxiety and Depression Group (Sadag) launched SA’s first Whatsapp chat platform, last year, for those who need help with substance abuse, it said that the average age for drug dependency in South Africa is 12 years old, while half of the country’s teenagers abuse alcohol. Between April 2021 and March 2022, the organisation’s substance abuse helpline received nearly 90 000 calls from people aged between 18 to 35, an increase of 107% from 2020. In this discussion, we talk about the prevalence, economic and social impact of drug use in South Africa. Another facet of this conversation is looking at the rise of unregistered rehabilitation centres which do more harm than good to people who are trying to overcome their addictions in the country. Health worker at the South African Network of People who Use Drugs (Sanpud), Violet Maodi joins Lerato Mbele to speak on her experience with a backyard rehabilitation centre. Lerato Mbele is joined for this conversation by Violet Maodi, Health worker at the South African Network of People who Use Drugs, Masechaba Fume, Office Manager at Crossroads Recovery Centre, Nkosana Mtolo, Spokesperson of the Gauteng Department of Social Development and Dr Andrew Scheibe who is a technical advisor at TB HIV Care and a researcher at the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During his State of the Province Address (Sopa) last week, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said local provincial authorities would accelerate the fight against crime, citing the promise of high-tech solutions to gain the upper hand on criminals, most notably through drones. Lesufi says police services will lean into drone tech which will be employed to infiltrate high-risk areas. These aerial vehicles have a radio-controlled driving component, but they aren’t restricted to the instructions they receive. Drones can perform activities and tasks autonomously, thanks to the level and height sensors, the gyroscope and the GPS built into their electronics. So, what exactly are we talking about when we say drones and what exactly do, they do? Vice Phiri, founder and CEO of Africa Drone Kings and Daniel du Plessis, marketing, and communications director at Milkor joins me now to break this down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 27th of February marked the 45th anniversary of the death of South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and founding member of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. At his prime, Sobukwe was perceived as a crucial advocate of an Africanist future for South Africa. He was unapologetic about only collaborating with Africans and in 1960, he organised and launched a non-violent protest campaign against pass laws which led to him being sentenced to three years in prison on grounds of inciting violence. After serving his sentence, Sobukwe was relocated to Robben Island where he was subjected to solitary confinement for 6 years - without a tangible reason. He was then released and placed under house arrest until his passing on the 27th of February 1978. But reflecting on his sacrifice, his story is slowly fading away which begs the question of who and how we choose our heroes. Lerato Mbele speaks to Jackie Seroke, who is the PAC’s Secretary of Finance and Chairperson of the Pan Africanist Research Institute and Jackie Shandu, a pan Africanist and activist about Robert Sobukwe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Gcina Mhlophe is an author, poet, playwright, director, performer and storyteller. Influenced by her grandmother’s tales when she was a child, Mhlophe’s written and performance talent has transported her from South Africa to South and North America to Europe, Greenland and Japan. She has performed her stories in theatres like Royal Albert Hall, the Kennedy Centre in the US and collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on a children’s CD. She again worked with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Francis Bebey quartet in a unique production, Africa at the Opera, which toured Opera houses in Germany. Dr. Mhlophe has worked tirelessly running NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign since 2001, to help make South Africa a reading Nation. In this week’s edition of the masterclass, Dr Mhlophe us teaches about her approach to imaginative storytelling and the importance of preserving one’s culture through storytelling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do IV drips really do? Whether we like to admit it or not, appearances influence how we navigate life and how people, in turn, respond to us. Khanyi Mbau and Mshoza Maswanganyi, for instance have used intravenous (IV) drips to brighten their complexion. The process uses a high dose of the “antioxidant glutathione” injected into the blood veins, almost like getting a shot in the arm to pep you up…. For many celebrities it’s exactly the thing that’s made them more attractive in the entertainment industry, boosted their chances of getting more work and lifted their self-confidence. Critics says it speaks to a much deeper issue of race, pride and identity. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Dr Ntsako Mbokota, medical doctor and founder of aesthetic clinic Dr NM Aesthetics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A businessman & a socialite form a political party - not many people took them seriously. A decade later they’ve become kingmakers in the Johannesburg city council and the standard for public service in the Karoo. It has been an interesting journey for the Patriotic Alliance, but the days of laughing-them-off have gone. They are a credible political force in municipalities across the country. Kenny Kunene, deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), joins Lerato Mbele to discuss service delivery, crime, youth unemployment, what it takes to fix a country and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Telling authentic African stories through interior design, fashion and art is what encapsulates South African-based design and lifestyle brand Neimil. The brand merges design and photography through authentically hand-crafted designs from apparel to homeware, suited for modern spaces. The brand, which launched in 2018, was founded by two creatives Keneilwe Mothoa and Lubabalo Mxalisi. They have since collaborated with reputable brands including H&M, Skoon, Visi, Superbalist and Design Joburg. Keneilwe is also the co-founder of luxury fashion brand Prime Obsession. She joins Lerato Mbele to speak more about her creative endeavours. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with co-founder of Neimil and Prime Obsession Keneilwe Mothoa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Jay Naidoo, a social activist dedicated to global voluntary work in ecology, nutrition, and intergenerational partnerships.
Previously, Mr Naidoo was the Chairperson of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and was the founding General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the largest labour movement in South Africa, where he served three terms. Mr Naidoo also served as Minister of Reconstruction and Development and Communications in President Nelson Mandela’s Cabinet between 1994 and 1999. Currently serving a member of the board at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, is passionate about supporting youth causes that put ecology and indigenous wisdom at their centre and joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of the
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today marks two days before the most anticipated general election in Africa, in which Nigeria will choose a president for the sixth time since returning to democracy in 1999. The elections will have 18 presidential candidates, but think tanks, media reports, and watchers generally agree that it is going to be a three-horse race. There's one female presidential candidate, Ojei Chichi, of the Allied People's Movement (APM). Top contenders include Bola Tinubu, a two-term former governor of Lagos and a major stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party as well as the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president who is gunning for the position a record sixth time. Also in the race are the Labour Party’s (LP) Peter Obi, a two-time former governor of Anambra, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-defence minister and former governor of the northern hub Kano, on the ticket of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with West Africa Correspondent for the Financial Times Aanu Adeoye and Head of the Future of Diplomacy at the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for the Future Knowledge, Dr Oluwasean Tella.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to SAFLII (Southern African Legal Information Institute) in South Africa, "the children born of unions not formalised by marriage have traditionally been described as 'illegitimate' children". This refers only to children born "from a union or relationship not solemnised by a legally recognised marriage ceremony." Back in medieval times, these children were considered illegitimate even if the parents got married later on. Additionally, children who were born during a marriage that was later annulled were also then considered illegitimate. In this conversation, we examine the practice of inhlawulo and its implications for establishing the legitimacy of a child from an African perspective. Inhlawulo refers to damages paid to the family of a woman who became pregnant out of wedlock by the father of the future child. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with cultural expert Mbuso Khoza.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite having generated R159 million in profits, Transnet’s rail operations continue to be plagued with mismanagement of rail systems, vandalism of rail infrastructure and unreliability, ultimately exacerbating South Africa’s already strained economy. Exporters are struggling to rail their goods to the market and volumes continue to decline, pointing to the reality that the SEO is transporting fewer goods by rail. Meanwhile, the entity’s financial woes remain daunting and talk of privatization fails to land well on stakeholders. The question is, how can Transnet be saved? Lerato Mbele is in conversation with logistics management lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch, Professor Jan Havenga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BuildRSA is an initiative for the greater good of the South African nation and operates through dialogue that involves everyone that is interested in building a winning country. It is a platform not just for airing critical developmental topics, but also for finding suitable ways of resolving them before they cause degenerative damage to our country. What the platform apart from the rest is that it is truly South African, patriotic and are focused on solving problems that hold our country down. This is done through engaging in topics that matter and allowing citizens to express political opinions in the interests of South Africa. In this conversation, we learn more about the BuildRSA platform. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with the CEO of Priority Performance Projects, Dr Sifiso Falala.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the finance minister presented his budget speech a year ago the socio-politico-economic environment was inhospitable; if anything, the operating environment this year is even worse. The period of fiscal decline in South Africa coincides with the tempestuous and disconcerting global conditions that have prevailed since 2008/09. We felt the vicious backlash of the 2008/09 financial and real economic crisis. The legacy of this crisis lingered for another decade, only to be followed by the pandemic-induced crash of 2020. Last year, the largest expenditure item in the 2022 Budget and outlined in the MTBPS last year was debt-service costs, at R333 billion per year on average, thus growing more than 12% per year on average. In effect, resources are being redistributed away from public spending to government creditors. Civil society has been cautioning about the choices on how to raise and allocate spending towards debt-service costs is impacting the kinds of public services delivered and how a more appropriate mix is required given the catastrophic levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa. In this conversation, we get a preview of how the budget should be structured and talk about what a people’s budget should look like. Lerato Mbele is in conversation with economist, Professor Andre Roux and Dr Basani Baloyi, programme director at the Institute for Economic Justice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s government and state-owned companies will find it harder to borrow money, while banking and asset-management fees may increase if the country is added to a global watchdog’s list of nations with shortcomings in tackling illicit financial flows. The Financial Action Task Force, which polices compliance with anti-money laundering and terror-financing measures, will decide whether to include South Africa on its so-called “grey list” during meetings scheduled for this week, 20-24 February. This is after an evaluation carried out in 2019, following an era of endemic graft, found Africa’s most industrialised economy lacking in all 11 of its effectiveness measures to combat dirty-money flows. In this conversation, we talk about greylisting and its implications for the country.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with Professor Patrick Bond, from the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Sociology.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are quite a few events in the month of February, which carry the themes of reconciliation or extending the olive branch, around the globe. But, it has become characteristic for historically disadvantaged people to be the ones to extend the olive branch as a sign of peace and/or reconciliation despite their trauma, abuse and attempted erasure of their family histories. Earlier this month, the Canadian government revealed that it will pay more than $2bn to hundreds of Indigenous communities to settle a lawsuit seeking compensation for the loss of language and culture caused by residential schools and in Los Angeles, the Black Reparations Project based in Mills College at Northeastern University will on Wednesday hold its virtual Black Reparations Conference. Final proposals for California’s first-of-its-kind statewide reparations program will be submitted by July 1, kickstarting the legislative process for what could be a monumental shift in the lives of Black Americans across the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa will host its 7th general elections next year. A change in governance will see the election of a new National Assembly and provincial government. As it stands the ANC holds the majority of seats in the National Assembly and has governed alone since 1994, with the exceptions of the Government of National Unity between 1994 and 1999 and from 1999 to 2004 with the Inkatha Freedom Party. Looking ahead, as we prepare to tick those boxes next year, we want to understand how the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is spearheading voter education and an analysis on the current voter registration and turnout.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele engages with the POWER listeners in today’s edition of the open line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actor and musician Lerato Makhetha and digital marketing manager & content creator Phetola Makhetha together known as “The Makhs” are known not only for their beautiful relationship as we see it, but also for their individual journeys, identities, and careers. In the spirit of love, we are putting them in the spotlight today to talk to us about how they navigate their 12-year marriage both online and offline and how they tackle various facets of marriage including parenting and couple influencing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The International Pentecost Holiness Church (or IPHC) is one of the largest African initiated churches in Southern Africa. The church was founded in Meadowlands, Soweto, in 1962 by Frederick S Modise. The church's headquarters is at Silo in the town of Zuurbekom; visitors were encouraged to make a monthly pilgrimage to Silo and Modise. In July 2020, South Africans woke up to reports of gangs and devotees caught with bombs and guns in a foiled bid to take over the IPHC headquarters in Zuurbekom. The episode left five people dead – four shot and burnt in a car, and a security guard shot in another car. Six others were injured. The attack was part of a protracted contest for pastoral power over the pulpits of one of the largest African-initiated churches. The feud, which has split the IPHC’s nearly four million tithe-paying membership into three factions, began with the death of the church’s sole and supreme leader in 2016. It is complicated by the rule of primogeniture – an unwritten tradition that is still the custom in many African households, where the first-born son inherits the father’s powers, position and possessions. In this conversation, we talk about the history and placing of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in society and succession battle in the church.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An entrepreneur that has made his mark in the premium denim clothing space in South Africa is Tshepo Mohlala with his brand T S H E P O. It competes with international denim brands and has a narrative which hopes to connect people through the stories told through its designs. The brand, which started out in 2015, was established in the hearts and minds of ordinary South Africans where it has been fruitful and applauded the most. Tshepo says he was raised by three strong women who taught him how to hustle, tell stories and set trends.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andile Ngcaba is chairman, founder, and majority shareholder of investment group Convergence Partners. Through Convergence Partners, Andile is also involved in significant new communications infrastructure projects across Africa including Seacom (the first undersea fibre optic cable system serving Africa's East Coast) which was ready for service on 23 July 2009, the first private sector satellite in Africa (Intelsat New Dawn) which was launched on 22 April 2011 and a recently announced new joint venture to bring high capacity, long-haul terrestrial fibre to South Africa (FibreCo). He was previously Director General of Communications in the first democratically elected government of South Africa in 1994. He left government in 2003 to pursue a career in the private sector n businessman and has devoted most of his life and career to the field of technology, in particular communications. He joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pregnancy as we know is not at all the same for all women. And as beautiful of a journey it is, there are a few things relating to antenatal or maternity care we don’t know about and end up only finding out during or after pregnancies through real health threats. At present, there is a continuing global commitment to reduce the high maternal death rates in low to middle-income countries. As part of pregnancy awareness week in South Africa, we want to break down the importance of antenatal care as an integral component of primary health care for mothers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Western governments are becoming increasingly agitated about the joint maritime Exercise Mosi II, which the South African, Russian, and Chinese navies are set to begin conducting off the KwaZulu-Natal coast from Friday, 17 February. The 10-day drill is widely being seen as a propaganda exercise for Russia, in particular an opportunity to show off its military prowess, leaving the South African Navy a virtual spectator to a show in its own front yard. The South African National Defence Force has denied a report by Russia’s Tass news service that that country’s navy would launch a hypersonic Tsirkon missile during a joint naval exercise starting next week that also includes China. The timing of the exercise has raised tensions with key trading partners including the US, the UK and the European Union. In this conversation, we talk about reasons for the dissatisfaction of the West for South Africa to hold this exercise.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we talk about the most wanted electric vehicles (EV) in South Africa, on the top of the list is Tesla. In 2020, renewable energy and e-mobility company Rubicon brought the first Tesla Model X EV in South Africa, despite Tesla indicating that it had no plans of selling its family of electric vehicles in South Africa. As renewable energy and electric vehicles become more popularised, the question remains as to what the big deal with Tesla is, what about the car itself has made a compelling case for many people overseas to want to purchase and drive this car. And why hasn’t South Africa hopped onto the wave yet?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marriages in general are hard. Add more complex dynamics such as race, culture and religion and it becomes even more challenging. In South Africa, marriage and sexual relationships between historically defined race groups were prohibited by the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act (Act No 55 of 1949) and the Immorality Act of 1950. At present, interracial, intercultural, and interreligious relationships are considered to be an important measure of dissolving social and cultural barriers and in turn encourages social and cultural integration. But given our vivid history in South Africa, it is clear that blending or integrating two different cultures, races or religions, under one union, is no easy feat. In this week’s edition of the culture corner, we talk about interracial marriages.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele engages with the POWER listeners in today’s edition of the open line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ChatGPT has been a buzz word over the last few weeks. It has been widely reported that the artificial-intelligence chatbot can have conversations on topics from history to sociology and philosophy. It can generate song lyrics and even suggest edits to computer programming codes. And its company announced on Sunday that ChatGPT Plus is now available in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country’s energy crisis has been declared a national disaster, effective immediately. He also announced that a new office for a minister of energy will be opened as state instruments prepare to unbundle Eskom. Ramaphosa said, the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan will remain Eskom’s shareholder representative and will steer the power utility’s restructuring. So today we want to understand what the restructuring of the power utility will look like in our context.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitution states that the fundamental rights of all South Africans will be protected and respected. These rights are listed in the Bill of Rights along with the circumstances when it may be permissible to limit these rights. Section 9 of the Constitution guarantees the right to equality for all; it further prohibits unfair discrimination on 16 grounds, including colour, culture, belief, conscience, sexual orientation, marital status, race, and gender, among others. Many citizens believe that our government and those in power have failed to take meaningful measures to improve protection of social and economic rights, which has been undermined by widespread unemployment, inequality, poverty, and corruption. While the 2019 National Action Plan to combat racism, and discrimination marked a key step toward recognising and addressing these abuses, it has not significantly improved accountability for these crimes. In this week’s edition of the view of the nation, we speak to the South African Human Rights Commission about human rights in South Africa and also find out more about the mandate and scope of the organisation pertaining to rights and responsibilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele engages with the POWER listeners in today’s edition of the open line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As a youngster, it would have been unthinkable for Desiree Ellis to make a living playing football and, for much of her playing days, she had no choice but to juggle odd jobs to get by. She was famously fired from a butchery after her club’s transport broke down and caused her to miss a shift. Until 1993, there was no Banyana Banyana to play for either. A 30-year-old Ellis made her debut in the national team’s very first international match: a 14-0 drubbing of Swaziland in which she grabbed a hat-trick. From her view in the dugout 27 years later, Ellis says that the landscape of women’s football is unrecognisable and changing faster than it ever has. She joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As much as many things are going wrong in South Africa, we, people of Mzansi always find a way to make light of every situation, nothing is off limits. And when it comes to digital comedic content, there is a very small number of creatives who hit the nail on the head. We’re talking about the likes of Farieda Pharoahfi Metsileng, who stands out and is known for her unique delivery of very real issues through comedy in the online space.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great Gatsby is a movie that championed the idea of the American dream; this sold idea that there is equal opportunity to achieve success abroad, where aspirations are high and where life abroad is lavish and nothing less. But the truth is this: Life abroad for many South Africans simply does not match up, even by a bit, to the lifestyle here in Mzansi. Lerato Mbele gets into the growing trend of South African expats returning home.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s civil society organisations have increasingly become the last line of defence fighting on behalf of ordinary citizens against out-of-control corruption, public service delivery failure and abuse of power by elected and public representatives. Lerato Mbele speaks to civil society bodies which weigh in on what the real state of the nation looks like according to them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cas Coovadia was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) in April 2020. He is the chairperson of the National Business Initiative, on the Council of Wits University, on the board of the Centre for Development and Enterprise, amongst others. On today's episode Cas joins POWERTalk to speak about the high expectations for the much anticipated State of the Nation address, set to take place this evening. This year’s theme of the ANC statement is “year of decisive action to advance people’s interest.” The question is what exactly does decisive action in South Africa look like?” Lerato Mbele gets into the relationship between organised business and government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new study at the University of Missouri has found that Black South Africans who migrated far away from home to find work reported a better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move on average. According to the study, the further away from Tyler Myroniuk, Assistant professor in the MU School of Health Professions and lead author on the study home the migrants moved, the higher the levels of emotional well-being they self-reported after the move compared to before the move. Lerato Mbele gets into the new findings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The stories of freedom, liberation and independence struggles in Africa and the African Diaspora are incomplete without songs and music. As we commemorate reggae month in February and Jamaica this year celebrates its 61st anniversary of political independence from Great Britain, we today talk about the contribution of the island’s musical genre of reggae to Africa’s liberation from colonialism, freedom from apartheid and hope for peace and prosperity. We also celebrate the life and times of reggae music pioneer Bob Marley who would have turned 78 on 6 February 2023.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many studies have predicted that by 2030, hardly anyone in the US and Europe will own their own car. Instead, most people will use self-driving, electric ride-shares to get around. In Dubai, they may use self-piloting drones. South Africa’s vehicle sales volumes have been steadily declining for several years, and that’s unlikely to change. Many younger and urban consumers don’t want to own cars; they simply want to get from A to B. Others want to own cars, but they can’t for various reasons. Right now, there are about 12-million vehicles on South Africa’s roads.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is currently buckling with water-scarcity, with demand outweighing supply. Added to the list, are the audits of wastewater treatment plants which show that 100 plants in the country are so poorly run that they pose a serious risk to public health and the environment. The Department of Water and Sanitation says over 60% of water supply systems in the country do not meet water quality standards.
Lerato Mbele gets into South Africa’s water systems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele engages with the POWER listeners in today’s edition of the open line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether we like it or not, PR is not a luxury or a nice-to-have for many of today’s businesses. Your public relations (PR) team has the ability to make or break your career and more so, the ability to take your career to new heights. It’s simple really, by keeping the press up to date about your brand, services, and products, and generating outstanding exposure opportunities, PR can help raise your company’s authority, build relationships with key audiences, and ultimately take your business to the next level. Lerato Mbele speaks to Lebo Madiba, Managing Director of PR POWER House about how to PR your way to the top.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mining is an important economic industry in over 100 countries around the world, with South Africa ranking among the top 50 “mining countries” in the world. The industry has helped shape South Africa to a greater extent than any other industry and accounts for a significant proportion of the country’s gross domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and employment. Despite it being recognised as a sunset industry plagued by rising costs, technical difficulties, political hostility and its legacy of diseases and negative environmental impact, South African mining is foundational to the development of all other industries and socio-economic priorities of government and communities. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to mining analyst and engineer Peter Major and Dr Thalifhani Khubana, founder of the POV group of companies and LEAD 3600 Afrika Innovation and Research about the importance of mining companies ensuring the integration of socioeconomic and environmental issues into sustainable long-term and competitive strategies in order to create value for all stakeholders.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcontinental country Turkey is emerging as a visible investor in Africa in a bid to increase its influence in the continent through diplomacy, trade, investments in education, healthy and security. Turkey’s total trade volume with Africa has expanded from 3 billion dollars in 2003 to 26 billion dollars in 2021. To add to that, its foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa is close to 10 billion dollars. Turkish private companies are also monitoring Africa for investment and business opportunities. Lerato Mbele speaks to John Kourkoutas, Managing Director of MrExporttoAfrica and Sbu Nyathi, a green economy practitioner and social entrepreneur about Turkey investments in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If there was an election next week, the ANC would, without a doubt, lose. This is according to City Press which has reported that the party is “on track to attract less than 40% of support” if ongoing issues such as the electricity crisis in the country are not addressed immediately. The publication further notes that the internal polls from the party in December also showed that it enjoys only 40% of national support. These numbers will impact the framing of the SONA coming up this week as well as the setup of the country moving forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CareerJunction’s September Employment Insights Report has highlighted some jobs that are at risk of going the way of the dodo in eight years. According to the report, bank tellers, travel consultants, retail assistants, data capturers, dispatch managers, librarians, telemarketers and insurance brokers could be all extinct by 2030. Their Employment Insights report provides an analysis of the supply and demand trends in the online job market to represent online labour dynamics in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, it is not uncommon for wildlife to be kept as pets in residential areas. As you might have heard already, a second tiger escaped from a residence and roamed through Johannesburg. This is after another tiger called Sheba roamed the city for four days this month and even attacked a man and killed several animals and was eventually shot by the authorities. Tigers aren’t native to South Africa and are considered an alien species. Its escape highlights the country’s controversial commercial captive breeding industry, and the key role South Africa plays in the international big cat trade. Tigers are being intensively farmed for tourism, hunting, and commercial trade in live individuals and in their body parts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African government has made fresh inquiries about securing electricity supply from Turkey’s Karpowership as it battles its worst ever power outages, according to people familiar with the situation. The approach follows a stalled attempt to procure 1 220 megawatts of emergency power from the company, a process that’s been mired in legal battles. Karpowership could deploy its plants, which produce electricity from ship-mounted generators, to supply between 700 megawatts and 800 megawatts within three months. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is under mounting pressure to ease a crisis that has seen the imposition of blackouts for 10 hours a day or longer. While it is unclear what legal mechanism the government could use to secure energy from Karpowership, a power-crisis committee set up by Ramaphosa last week said "emergency legislation" is being considered to fast-track electricity supply.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s municipal government elections in 2021 produced several largely unstable local government coalitions. The disintegration and reconstitution of municipal coalitions in the past year indicate that many parties are using them as a political battleground between elections. The result is lack of attention to governing cities and providing municipal services. There’s now a strong possibility that the next government that’s formed at national level may be a coalition too. This would be the first since the dawn of democracy in 1994. The Department of Co-operative Governance plans were afoot to amend municipal law to strengthen coalition governments.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is by far the world’s largest producer of platinum, a precious metal that is among the rarest on Earth, and extremely valuable to the electronics industry. Due to the increased urbanisation and technological advancements, there has been a surge in demand for vehicles all over the world which in turn has given rise to the demand for platinum, which is used in making autocatalysts in diesel engine cars and heavy-duty vehicles. Also, the increase in demand for platinum in jewelry making has fuelled the need for platinum.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Olive oil is becoming a staple at South African dinner tables and kitchens. In just three years Loyiso Manga has gone from working at a call centre to launching the award-winning extra virgin olive oil brand, Ubuntu. Now his brand is taking over shelves at Woolworths and is also sold at some Spar and OK outlets. Ubuntu Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) won gold at the SA Olive Awards and the World International Olive Oil Competition in 2019. And he is our guest today on the Entrepreneurial Edge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zambia’s Public Protector, Advocate Caroline Zulu-Sokoni, has offered the opinion that the parliamentary impeachment inquiry into her suspended South African counterpart, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, is ‘odd’. Caroline Zulu-Sokoni, who has been the Public Protector in Zambia for almost 20 years, testified in defence of SA’s suspended Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, at the resumption on Monday of the Section 194 inquiry into Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office. So today we would like to understand, what does the constitution say about the public protector’s office.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2019, the Constitutional Court confirmed a 2017 interim order that wives married in polygamous customary marriages will continue to enjoy joint and equal ownership, control and management and other rights over family and marital property. Polygamy is a hotly contested practice and open to widespread misunderstandings. This practice is defined as a relationship between either one husband and multiple wives or one wife and multiple husbands. However today, 'polygamy' almost exclusively takes the form of one husband with multiple wives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the African National Congress came to power in South Africa in 1994, an expressed priority was land reform. This was to address the fact that black farmers had been excluded from the agricultural economy for most of the 20th century. The aim of land reform was to provide agricultural land to disadvantaged people, raising their productivity, income and employment. A plethora of policy initiatives were launched. The target was to distribute 30% of agricultural land to black farmers. In 2006 the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) was adopted. This replaced the land redistribution programmes implemented between 1996 and 2006. In this week’s edition of the view of the nation, we reflect on the state of land reform in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of South Africa’s most beloved balladeers, Afrosoul icon Ringo Madlingozi is known for his soothing croons and his emotive vocalisations about love and romantic relationships. Born in 1964 in the Eastern Cape town of Peddie, the singer enjoyed his first break when his band, Peto, won the popular Shell Road to Fame contest in 1986. After working as a backing vocalist for other artists for a few years, he released his debut solo album, Vukani, in 1996. But it was the following year’s Sondelani that etched Ringo’s name in South African music history; the single “Sondela” remains a wedding reception staple to this day—just one of many instances of the artist penning songs that audiences maintain a profound connection with for years. Ringo Madlingozi, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer and A Member of The National Assembly Of South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are coming live from the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, where the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is launching Three-Dimensional (3D) Construction Printing for Sustainable Human Settlements.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SPONSORED FEATURE: We are coming live from the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, where the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is launching Three-Dimensional (3D) Construction Printing for Sustainable Human Settlements.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thabiso Mahlape has revolutionised South African publishing through her brainchild, Blackbird Books. The award-winning publisher has given birth to many African narratives and allowed her to live out her passion for storytelling. Thabiso Mahlape has pioneered a new direction for publishing in the country which has seen the inclusion of voices and narratives that up until now have not been given a chance to be heard. Being the first black woman to ever own an imprint came with a lot of challenges, but that does not take away the recognition, she has been getting in the industry. And she has been learning the skills of entrepreneurship as she goes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week the new Foreign Minister of China, Qin Gang made his first international tour as the foreign minister to Africa. The visit was significant, it was symbolic in a way; it emphasized China’s foreign policy priorities. This week two very senior officials from Russia and the US will be in Africa almost the same time. The US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen kicked started her visit in Senegal on Saturday. Her visit comes to as Biden’s administration continues to advance its charm offensive in Africa. Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia will also be in Africa this week, his second tour since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He is likely going to try to convince Africa why Russia went to war. The destruction the war is causing in Ukraine, mayhem and human suffering is negatively impacting Africa’s opinion of Russia’s involvement in the war. Lavrov is also likely to provide certain guarantees to Africa including uninterrupted food supply particularly grain and energy supply.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Controversies pertaining to the role of traditional leaders have been and continue to be at the centre of rural development in the democratic South Africa. Legacies of these controversies stemmed from their ambiguous roles in previous regimes which seem to linger in their role in current local governance. Although the institution of traditional leaders is protected by Chapter 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and preserved by ANC led democratic government but the nature of its roles and powers over rural populace remain as one of challenged governmental approach. The decentralization of administrative power to lower structures of government together with the formation of district and local municipalities has resulted into a questionable credibility of traditional leaders. Moreover, exclusion and underdevelopment of local communities has also attributed to their unprecedented power over land administration in the countryside. In this conversation, we talk about the role of traditional leaders in society. Lerato Mbele is joined for the conversation by Zolani Mkiva who is the General Secretary for the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and Chief Livhuwani Matsila, Leader of the Matsila Royal House near Venda in Limpopo to unpack the matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ethiopian Airlines established itself as the crown jewel of African carriers over the last decade. The airline is the largest carrier on the continent, but more importantly, it is also the fastest growing. Recent reports tell a story of success, with growing passenger numbers and increasing revenue. Ethiopian Airlines boasts the title of the largest carrier in Africa by revenue and profit. It now services over 100 destinations with a fleet of over 100 aircraft. The airline has won numerous awards and has been placed 26th in the World's Top 100 Airlines for 2022 as voted by airline customers around the world. Lerato Mbele is joined by transport economist and chartered accountant Dr Joachim Vermooten to unpack this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s middle-income earners are barely breaking even and, experts say, they are headed for a tighter money crunch as a perfect storm is stirred up by increased interest rates, rising inflation and steeper fuel prices. Data from the IMF shows that South Africa’s shrinking middle- and upper-middle-class pays the world’s tenth highest personal income tax to GDP – yet continues to receive “vanishingly little” for what they pay compared to the rest of the world. Lerato Mbele speaks to Phelisa Nkomo, Development Economist and Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and the World Health Organisation is encouraging us to get informed, get screened and get vaccinated. Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women, but the cancer women die of most in our country. Women in South Africa have a 1 in 42 lifetime risk of cervical cancer (NCR 2019). According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), 1 in every 42 women has a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africans have been putting up with load shedding for almost 16 years, and many people are considering divorcing the power utility completely. Many homeowners are installing solar energy systems that consist of three primary components — photovoltaic (PV) panels, batteries, and inverters. Although some households have installed backup power products to stave off load-shedding, these setups are often grid-tied, which means they still have access to Eskom power when their own systems are insufficient. While many have grown tired of the utility’s dismal record in keeping the lights on, the truth is that severing ties with the utility is not simple — or cheap.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Globally young people have been labelled as apathetic and uninterested in formal democratic processes. This is due to the consistently decreasing levels of youth voter turnout in elections. While South Africa has witnessed a similar trend of declining voter registration and turnout, it is said that young people are far from being apathetic. Rather, they are highly critical of political leaders and parties who they feel have ignored their needs and fail to engage with them in a meaningful manner. In this week’s edition of the view of the nation, Lerato Mbele is joined by Tessa Dooms, Director at the Rivonia Circle and Sphamandla Mhlongo, a Senior Programmes Officer at the Democracy Development Program about voter education and apathy amongst the youth in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon have to go down as Mzansi's first ever celebrity TV scriptwriting team. The pair have grown into talented screenwriters who have worked on a number of great local shows, bringing a glamour to the art of TV scriptwriting which is crucial for the South African TV industry. Their series The River won 11 Golden Horns at the SAFTAs this year, including the Best Scriptwriting category, and now they're bringing South Africa's first Xitsonga series to life with Giyani: Land of Blood on SABC2.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the end of matric exams, many learners have been counting down the days to the release of matric results. The wait for some learners is finally over, as matric results for the 2022 Independent Examinations Boards were released on 18 January. According to the Assessment Agency, it had 12 580 full-time and 945 part-time candidates in Grade 12 in 2022, registered at 232 IEB examination centres across the country. The cohort achieved a 98.42% pass rate, which is slightly higher than last year’s pass rate of 98.39%. Umalusi has also approved the release of matric results for the Class of 2022 to be released today, 20 January 2023. This is despite earlier concern about the effect of rolling blackouts, community protests, exam question irregularities and reported cases of cheating in November last year. In this conversation, we look at the performance of the country’s education system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grand chicks is a 100% privately owned family business that sells fresh, quality & locally grown whole chickens, - no hormones, brine, or routine antibiotics. The company was co-founded by Pumla Mahuma and they are operating in both the North West and Gauteng Provinces. Using her business insight, Pumla has transformed her in-laws’ Brits farm into a full-service business. Mahuma, a dietician by profession, has a Master of Business Administration from Thames Valley University, London, through Milpark Business School. The business employs 15 people, mostly black women from around the Brits area. Lerato Mbele speaks to Pumla Mahuma about her business and trading in South Africa’s chicken industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hannah Sadiki is the CEO of Bidvest Financial Services and Managing Director of Bidvest Bank. Prior to taking up this role in 2020, she was Head of Personal and Business Banking for Standard Bank Angola. Hannah’s passion for people development and innovation, coupled with a deeply held commitment to progress and growth on the African continent has fuelled her 36-year career in financial services. As an executive member of one of South Africa’s largest listed companies, the Bidvest Group, Hannah is currently leading Bidvest Bank to a bold, new clientele and digital banking frontier. Hannah believes in active global citizenship and is profoundly committed to her role as a leader, coach and mentor, contributing many personal hours to develop and coach young people.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the world welcomes the New Year, 2023, Africa does so differently as there are key notable dates in the year earmarked to usher in new governments in 24 countries of the continent. According to Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, countries like Nigeria, Gabon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Somaliland, Sudan, and Zimbabwe will be conducting their presidential elections. Other countries include the Central African Republic, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Togo and Swaziland for regional, district and local elections. These polls will also show whether democracy is flourishing or not amid the continent's various crises, experts say. In this conversation, we look at key elections that will take place in different parts of the continent.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at UNISA’s Thabo Mbeki School of Public Affairs about key elections to watch in Africa in the new year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You can say a lot of things about South Africans, but one thing is for sure – we have a wicked sense of humour. Despite our challenges as a nation, we can all have a laugh at our own expense, irrespective of our class, race, or language. No matter what the situation is, whether it's viral dance challenges, after-tear parties, tiger or should I say Jungle Oats on the loose, or Eskom memes saying, “they can take our electricity, but they can't take our braai”, humour has kept us going through a number of hardships and adversity. No matter the culture or background some common traits brings us all together in that special kind of Mzanzi magic. So, what are the things we do here in South Africa that other nationalities simply cannot get their heads round?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African automotive industry plays an instrumental role in the country’s economy and has capitalised on the wealth of experience brought about by the presence of all the major European, American and Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers. South Africa’s attractiveness as an investment destination of choice, and production base for products to be exported to global markets, has been well established. The industry is strategically placed in Gauteng – the country’s economic hub; the Eastern Cape – renowned for the largest Industrial Development Zone in the country; and KwaZulu-Natal – home to the largest port on the African continent. In this conversation, we talk about state of the sector and its contribution to the economy, look at the manufacturing capacity, and factors affecting the local automotive sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s National Energy Crisis Committee, a body run by the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa, expects record power outages to ease as measures put in place, including a new law to fast-track plant development, take effect. The committee, of which several cabinet ministers are members, told business and labour leaders on Monday (16 January) that a range of interventions have been made at a time when South Africans was enduring blackouts of as much as 12 hours a day. South Africa’s government has faced sharp criticism after power cuts were imposed on 205 days last year and every day in 2023 so far. Ramaphosa cancelled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to hold crisis talks with power utility Eskom, labour groups and business. In this conversation, we talk to about the work of the committee in ending load shedding.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africans are seeing a bigger and bigger hole burning in their pockets every month. From food to petrol and electricity, the cost of living is too high for most people. One of the main contributors to the recent rising inflation was food. Food price inflation attracts considerable attention because we must all eat. And periods of high food inflation affect poor households the most. This is because they spend a higher percentage of their income on food. For most households, the only choice for households is to substitute expensive food with cheaper alternatives or to buy less and reduce the amount of food that is put on the table. In this conversation, we aggregate and compare the costs of the food basket in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to data from debt counsellor DebtBusters, South African consumers need to spend around 63% of their take-home pay to service their debt. With the bad economy, most people are facing financial challenges that can causes their credit scores to fluctuate from time to time. Some may have faced serious financial hurdles that caused major damage, and it’s important to focus on repairing your credit as soon as possible. Like your reputation, your credit takes years to build -- but only moments to destroy. And once your credit score takes on damage, it can take months or years to repair. Whether you want to secure your first home, purchase a car or seek finance for a different reason, having a poor credit score can impact whether you get approved, and the interest rate that applies.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Benay Sager, CEO at Debt Busters about matters of the credit score.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the glamorous movie stars gather in France for the Cannes Film Festival, there is another gathering at Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF). WEF describes itself as a new kind of institution, with the adaptability, entrepreneurialism, and stakeholder trust necessary to be a platform with the power to make change. With this year’s slogan, “Cooperation in a fragmented world,” the forum will bring together over 2,700 from governments, businesses and civil society representing a record number of attendances at a crucial moment for the world. As this annual tradition has continued over decades, South Africa has been a prominent participant, sending CEOs and politicians.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Patrick Bond and asks whether the WEF still has relevance in the modern day world?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Demonstrations and protests are a regular feature of political life in South Africa. People take to the streets to protest inadequate public services, interruptions in the supply of electricity, corruption, the violent use of force by the police, a lack of democratic accountability on the part of local government, hikes in student fees, outsourcing, etc.
In this conversation, we Lerato Mbele speaks to Godfrey Mulaudzi, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies and Professor Amanda Gouws from the University of Stellenbosch about civil protests and democratic processes that can be use in enacting change in society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many children under the age of five suffer undernutrition, stunting or low height for their age, wasting or low weight for their age, or are overweight or obese and have micronutrient deficiencies also known as ‘hidden hunger’ where essential micronutrients are missing from their diets. Children who suffer from hunger are at risk of various forms of malnutrition, including wasting, stunting, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies. The kids also do more poorly in school and have lower academic achievement than food-secure children because they are not well prepared for school and cannot concentrate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Candice Modiselle is a South African actress best known for her role as Lerato on the SABC1 soap opera Generations: The Legacy. She also played Mbali Tau; a young, independent, feisty, and self-assured woman who knows what she wants, and how to get it on another popular soapie, The Queen. Besides her career on Television, she is also a choreographer, radio host and a budding entrepreneur. She also founded her Jewellery company Selle Jewellery, a company that has already crossed the South African borders into Botswana and Eswatini with plans to branch into Zimbabwe. With two older sisters already in the entertainment industry, Candice has managed to build a name for herself - despite fans thinking she’s been riding on her sisters’ fame.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the start of the New Year, it's good to know where we stand when it comes to our health and focusing on our overall wellness. Instead of jumping on the latest health fads, experts advise improving the nutritional quality of what goes into your body. A gradual shift to healthier eating is more likely to stick and can reap long-lasting rewards, such as better heart health and a lower risk of dying from heart disease or stroke. Having a health checklist will give you a baseline idea so you can set yourself up for success. Lerato is in conversation with General Practitioner, Dr Tiny Mhinga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A controversial BMW ad campaign has sparked a racism uproar on social media. In the printed billboard which has received thousands of mixed responses, the words “We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams” are emboldened with a black woman posing in front of a new BMW. However, the word ancestors was struck through, which is what has triggered the racism debate. The word is one that has been associated with the spiritual and traditional beliefs of black people. While many have pointed out that BMW was referring to their past models that sparked the latest design, others seem to think the decision to scratch through ancestors has hidden racist meaning. Many wanted to know whether the ad agency who approved the ad campaign was aware of just how deeply offensive the advert is. BMW has since apologised for the confusion the advert caused.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isaac Mbatha, the founder of Sky Tents, started off as a taxi conductor and selling sweets at the taxi rank - to building what is now a home for the many people employed by his brand. Born in KwaMashu, Durban, Isaac got his start in business at an early age by helping his father run his businesses. Growing up in an environment of hard workers, Isaac quickly developed an entrepreneurial mindset, selling sweets and other goodies to his classmates at school to raise funds of his own. After Matriculating, Isaac apprenticed at Eskom in Mpumalanga, saving up enough money to start his first business. After washing and repairing tents in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, Isaac decided to launch his manufacturing business. He joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zingiswa Losi is the first female president of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). She was nominated and elected unopposed to this position taking over from S'dumo Dlamini. She was also a candidate for the position of deputy secretary general of the ANC at the party's national elective conference in 2017 December which she lost to the incumbent Jessie Duarte. Losi was elected as a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee at the same conference. Lerato is in conversation with her.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa’s energy crisis seems to be getting worse by the day, with consumers having to put up with more loadshedding than ever before. Now we are in stage six until further notice. Apart from the inconvenience factor, persistent and lengthy power cuts cause severe damage to properties and electrical equipment. Undesirable ramifications of persistent loadshedding include burglaries, theft, robberies, fires and damage to electric appliances. This is why it’s also important to check your home contents insurance to see if you’re covered for damage from power surges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People across the world follow the Gregorian calendar, also called New Style calendar, it was proclaimed in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a reform of the Julian calendar. Since their invention, calendars have been used to establish dates and times for upcoming events such as harvests and religious festivals. Ancient peoples tied their calendars to whatever recurring natural phenomena they could most easily observe. In areas with pronounced seasons, annual weather changes usually fixed the calendar; in warmer climates such as Southern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the moon was used to mark time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isaac Boshomane, the owner of Kgabo Cars in Gauteng, opened his business to provide opportunities to youth interested in car mechanics. The workshop, which has been operating for 20 years and offers car services, repairs, and maintenance, enlists students from technical and vocational education training colleges for the work-integrated component of their studies. In the workshop, young people do service, repair, and car maintenance, while transferring their skills to others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From pandemic academic recovery, infrastructure challenges, issues of teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, disciplinary issues, violence; there’s no shortage of challenges facing the nation’s education system. These factors impact the learning that happens inside classrooms – and urgent solutions are needed to address them. Pupils in inland provinces, including Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Northwest, are returning to their school desks today, 11 January, for the new school year. Coastal schools in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape will reopen on Wednesday, 18 January.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seven South Africans have been added to Interpol's list of the world's most wanted criminals. According to the Interpol red list, those South Africans are currently wanted on a series of charges—ranging from murder to armed robbery and even drug trafficking. Thousands of lawbreakers from around the world are featured on the infamous 'wall of shame'. Interpol has handed down directives which can be used to support extradition requests. In March 2022, the brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested following the issuing of a red notice by Interpol.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The COVID‑19 crisis has weakened an already fragile economy. South Africa’s growth underperformed during the past decade: GDP per capita was already lower in 2019 than in 2008. Unemployment remains high, at around 35%, and youth unemployment even exceeds 50%. In the meantime, spending pressures are mounting to close the financing gap in health, infrastructure, and higher education. And Last October, the International Monetary Fund warned in its World Economic Outlook that the worst is yet to come and that, for many people, 2023 will feel like a recession.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world of work is changing rapidly as multiple factors disrupt our traditional job environments. For example, LinkedIn has noted that Millennials are job-hopping almost twice as much as their generational predecessors; employees can expect to hold up to five careers in their lifetime rather than simply moving up a conventional career ladder; and Elon Musk predicts that robots will automate so many jobs that the government will have to provide universal basic income, as humans will no longer have job prospects. In this volatile environment, people are searching for new ways to explore their options and plan their careers. However, employees must change the way they approach the situation if they are going to successfully move to new opportunities and thrive amidst our changing worlds.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The year 2022 is one that millions of South Africans will be eager to forget. It was a year marked by repeated governance failures and so many unfortunate, and often avoidable events. Its salience is reflected in the fact that the phrase "South Africa's future is in the balance" has become a cliché. There is a crisis everywhere. Our economy has failed to create jobs for decades and the majority of young people lack the skills and opportunities to succeed in the workplace. Electricity supply is so unpredictable that we have invented a term - load shedding - to describe its devastating frequency. Additionally, our foreign policy is not aligned with the interests of our largest trade and investment partners, and we are not focused on Africa. Today Lerato Mbele is joined by the director of In Transformation Initiative, Roelf Meyer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte has offered a formal apology on behalf of the Dutch state for the Netherlands’ historical role in the slave trade, saying slavery must be recognised in “the clearest terms” as a crime against humanity. In a speech at the national archives in The Hague, the Dutch prime minister acknowledged the past “cannot be erased, only faced up to”. Rutte’s apology also follows a report earlier this month detailing institutional racism at the Dutch foreign ministry, with a number of employees of color complaining they had been called racist names including “monkey” and “Black Pete.” Its formal apology, however, has caused considerable controversy, with descendants’ groups and some of the countries affected criticising it as rushed and arguing that the lack of consultation from the Netherlands showed colonial attitudes still persisted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor in this week's edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is the festive season, and we know everyone is looking forward to all the wonderful traditional South African meals you’re going to have. Christmas being one of the days when everyone goes all out with their cooking and menus, Christmas is celebrated in South Africa in many different ways to cater for the many cultures in South Africa, but whatever culture, Christmas is family time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is considered one of the best road trip destinations in the world and it is not difficult to see why. From the sunny small towns of the Western Cape and dusty outback of the Northern Cape to the mystical boondocks of Mpumalanga, roads are the lifeline of the country. They connect glittering cities with small towns that sizzle in the desert heat and sea-sprayed coastlines where salt hangs heavy in the air with fragrant pine forests and Rocky Mountains. These roads offer incredible chances to explore unknown towns and experience the soul of the country at your own pace with the windows down and your feet on the dashboard.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Twitter users have voted overwhelming to give Elon Musk the boot as head of the social media platform in a poll conducted by the CEO himself. In a backlash over the company’s latest policy change, 57.5 percent of the 17.5 million votes cast were for “yes” while 42.5 percent were against the idea of Musk stepping down, according to the poll the billionaire launched on Sunday evening. Musk conducted his poll after Twitter’s announcement that it would no longer allow the “free promotion” of other social media platforms. Twitter said on Sunday that users would no longer be allowed to post usernames and links to accounts for a number of other social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Mastodon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The holidays are meant to be a cheerful time and spend time with your loved ones.
However, the season can be tough when you have toxic family members. Especially for those in trauma recovery, visiting people who invalidate your feelings and experiences can be triggering, causing feelings of anxiety and shame.
Dealing with toxic family is never easy, but it’s been made harder when you still have a healthy relationship with part of the family.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Historically, soccer has been a tool for nation-building. Argentina’s nail-biting victory against France in the final of the World Cup hasn’t just cemented Lionel Messi’s legacy. It also provides the South American nation, which is currently seeing record inflation and political instability, with hope and vigour for a new dawn. Although it's unlikely that the victory as such will make a tangible impact on the economic situation of the country and its people, of which nearly 40 percent live below the poverty line, the rediscovered hope and pride come at a moment where a new political and economic perspective for Argentina could be growing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of teacher misconduct. This comes as 50% more cases were noted across all nine provincial education departments in the year ending March 2023 compared to the preceding period. In one of the latest incidents, a Pretoria teacher allegedly asked a teen to show him how she had sex with her boyfriend. The Parents for Equal Education has called for a National Sexual Offenders Register for teachers and that it should be made public, as paedophilia continues in classrooms across the country.
Founder, Parents For Equal Education Sa, Vanessa Leroux joins Lerato Mbele on POWER Talk.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Buscor Limited is a leading passenger bus company operating since 1980 in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga Province and shares the vision of delivering a world class transport system for people in Mpumalanga planned with the community, industry and labour which is integrated, reliable, affordable, and safe. In this conversation, we talk about improving transport equity, as well as in offering users a more sustainable, on-demand alternative to the private sector, infrastructure needs for bus operations at a fleet level, the impact of street maintenance, and procurement and implementation issues around public transport in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’ve never had a vision problem, you don’t give much thought to your eyes. And you may not be aware of the changes that occur as you age, some of which can dramatically affect the way you see or even lead to blindness. The good news is that even small preventive measures, like wearing sunglasses and eating greens, can help protect your eyesight and stave off vision problems later in life. In this conversation, we look at tips and remedies people can use to ensure that their vision remains good.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Throughout history, there have been people who have dedicated themselves to helping those in need. Like you and me, they are ordinary people, but their good work makes a difference in society. This is what we know as Ubuntu. Despite Africa's many challenges, this concept has remained a guiding principle for African families and communities for generations. One of the most recent individuals who stands out for her dedication to the struggles of our communities is Mpho Masechaba Mashigo, who two years ago joined her mother to feed the less fortunate in her community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Consumer price inflation seems to be on a steady downward trend, recording a third consecutive dip in 2022. Statistics South Africa said inflation eased to 7.4% in November from 7.6% in October. However, food inflation remains worryingly high contributing 2.1%, while transport is the largest contributor at 2.2%. And according to the latest Household Affordability Index compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, South Africans are forking out more than R500 more each month for basic food items compared with a year ago. In June 2022, consumer price inflation skyrocketed hitting a 13-year high at 7.4%. This was a significant jump from 6.5% in May. In this conversation, we reflect on the November CPI figures and the cost of a food basket in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on February 10, 2022, to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. He served as the 17th Vice Chancellor of the University of the South and Mayor of Sewanee from June 2020 until December 2021. Previously he served as the Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs of The George Washington University. Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II is the current Vice Chancellor at the University of the South. He previously served as the Dean at the Elliot School of International Affairs, one of the top ten schools of international affairs in the world. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Ambassador Brigety was an active-duty U.S. naval officer and held several staff positions in the Pentagon and in fleet support units. And he joins us now for our leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Between 2019 and 2021, South Africa underwent political changes and civil service reforms and experienced disappointing socioeconomic development levels. The South African government grapples with significant structural constraints on governance. Factional disputes within the ANC might be the most significant threat to the health of democracy. The Phala Phala saga and the corrupt elements within the ruling party or the state and many compromised officials have obstinately attempted to undo efforts at reform, particularly within state institutions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday (6 December) Indonesia’s parliament approved a new criminal code that bans sex outside of marriage. Passed with the support of all political parties, it will apply to Indonesians and tourists alike with a punishment of up to one year in prison. New laws also prohibit unmarried couples from living together. The planned code sparked nationwide student-led protests when a full draft was released in September 2019, amid fears it would curtail personal freedoms. Currently, adultery but not sex outside of marriage is banned in the country and the new law will not come into effect for three years. But there are worries about what this development means for tourists and human rights issues in the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zikhona Sodlaka is a South African actress best known for her starring roles in television series such as The Wife, Shooting Stars, Rhythm City, Soul City, Intsika and Montana. The seasoned actress, who played the role of Mandisa Madubela, exited the show last week after declaring war with her in-laws about where her on-screen husband, Ngoba Zulu, should be buried. The South African Film and Television Awards nominee joins us in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, eThekwini municipality announced the reopening of more beaches and at least 21 swimming pools across the city following improvements in water quality. The announcement came in the wake of reports on the state of Durban’s beaches. City spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said that the decision to open beaches was taken after experts conducted water tests which confirmed that beach water quality had improved to an acceptable standard and that they are constantly monitoring water quality at all beaches to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. As holiday revelers prepare to take time out and visit places such as Durban, we talk to the City about the state of beaches and public pools in the municipality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With summer temperatures rising, now is the perfect time to put on your gardening gloves and give your backyard a little refresh to get it looking spick and span in time for those long sunny days and balmy evenings outdoors. In this conversation, we talk about handy gardening tips to prepare your garden for summer and keep it thriving all season long.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Department of Science and Innovation is hosting the World Science Forum held for the first time in Cape Town from 6 to 9 December, under the theme "Science for Social Justice". The event has brought together scientists from across the globe to deliberate on science-related challenges and solutions. There is potential here with growing recognition by policymakers of the role that science and technology can play in achieving national development goals and transforming SA’s economic growth story. Thus, the country must create an enabling environment through pro-innovation, pro-science, and pro-technology policies dedicated to overcoming barriers related to regulation, corruption, and investment, while enabling private-sector innovation, adaptation, and adoption.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Prof Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Co-Chair, of Global Young Academy (GYA). GYA as a global organisation is active in many of the areas covered by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), be it through working groups, by participating in meetings on the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs, or by providing science-based policy advice to policymakers and global science organisations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the leadership dialogue, we reflect on the relationship between South Africa and Sweden and how to push for the formulation of a National Urban Policy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the CEO of the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof Sarah Mosoetsa about what role of science in fighting poverty, unemployment, inequality and exclusion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Building a brand is never a simple task. Your branding strategy must not only get people to recognize and relate to your company but also associate it with the specific products and services you offer. Africa.Your.Time.Is.Now. Five words on a shirt. That’s all Papama Ramogase needed to start a movement that is spreading from Johannesburg to the whole world. The South African fashion designer’s shirt is worn by people of all nations and ages. The Africa Your Time Is Now™ movement was launched by Papama Mtwisha in 2017. It was launched with a single aim which is to open our eyes to our limitless potential as AfriCANs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is one of the leading gambling countries in Africa, alongside Nigeria and Kenya. ambling is a global industry that is worth billions. Today, avid gamblers can place their bets on classic casino games, lotteries, or sports betting. In South Africa, one in 10 citizens engages in gambling as a form of entertainment. Furthermore, current estimates put the annual gross revenue of the country's gambling industry to be around R35 billion. Going forward, experts have forecast that this will increase by 6% annually. In this conversation, we speak about the state of the gambling industry, its contribution to the economy and look at the information on influencing factors such as regulation, major players, and developments.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa faces impeachment in the country’s parliament over the illegal stashing of thousands of US dollars at his farm in 2020. This is not the first time there has been a threat of impeachment of a president in post-democratic South Africa. Former President Jacob Zuma survived an impeachment vote in 2017 over the illegal use of public money to renovate his private residence. There is, however, a difference in the process being followed this time. Last Wednesday, an independent panel appointed by the speaker of South Africa's parliament found preliminary evidence that President Cyril Ramaphosa violated his oath of office, findings that could lead to his eventual impeachment. The president immediately denied any wrongdoing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SANRAL is a South African parastatal responsible for the management, maintenance and development of South Africa's proclaimed National Road network which includes many National and some Provincial and Regional route segments. In this conversation, we talk about the work and mandate of SANRAL.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two years after the Constitutional Court handed down a judgment in the Mahlangu vs Minister of Labour matter compelling the inclusion of domestic workers in legislation aimed at protecting workers, there has been little change in both employer compliance and the Department of Employment and Labour. The Constitutional Court declared the exclusion of domestic workers from COIDA unconstitutional and further ordered that the declaration be applied retrospectively to provide relief to domestic workers who were injured or died at work prior to the order.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She was introduced to South Africa as a singer when she joined the Kwaito group Crowded Crew in 1996. She then went on a solo mission in 2002 and gave us hits like O A Lla, El Musica, I Call It Love, and Feeling you. Then her love for acting kicked in and she joined the e-tv drama series Backstage and later Rhythm City where she acted until 2015 and continued to make music while acting. Who am I talking about? I’m talking about singer, actress, and dancer Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane. With seven albums to date, she has worked and shared arenas with the best of both local and international artists which include Eve, Sibongile Khumalo, Busta Rhymes, Beyoncé, Prime Circle, Ashanti, Dwele and Brandy. Fondly known as Mamosadi, she has starred as Kaybee on Backstage, Lucilla Vilakazi on Rhythm City and currently plays the role of Lesedi on the Afrikaans soap opera 7de Laan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was an infamous on-stage klap, dubbed slaapgate, that had a record number of people googling ‘alopecia’ this year. This is the condition which allegedly led to producer and actress Jada Pinkett Smith deciding to rock a bald look that comedian Chris Rock joked about – resulting in her husband, Will, slapping him onstage at the 2022 Academy Awards. Here at home local actress Gail Mabalane and author Sizakele Mdluli-Chaplin have shared, based on their own personal experiences with alopecia, how suddenly going bald in parts of your scalp can be traumatic. For years, sufferers have struggled with it in silence, choosing either to cover their hair loss with wigs and scarves or choosing to be “sooo brave” and going for the big chop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you consider yourself to be a cool person and then the next moment find yourself struggling to catch up with the lingo that Gen-Z keeps coming up with? Well, you are probably not as cool as you had thought yourself to be. We agree that it’s hard to keep up when new slang words keep popping up faster than Instagram reels and Tik Tok trends. You might have been boss, hip, or happening back in the day, but now your dated lingo makes you basic. So today, we are going chat about the language of Gen Z, because nobody likes getting called out on social media and being so far behind the trend, you don’t know whether you’re being insulted or hyped up.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yoco provides small business with a card payment system, delivered in two days. Consider this: 75% of adults have cards, including millions of social grant recipients who are paid with Mastercard prepaid cards, yet less than 10% of SA businesses can accept cards for payment. Yoco was started by four university friends, who felt they could address this problem. So Katlego Maphai, Bradley Wattrus, Carl Wazen and Lungisa Matshoba quit their jobs and built YOCO. In this week’s edition of ‘The Entrepreneurial Edge, we talk about the Yoco story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Barnes is a weekly columnist for Business Day, has spent 30 years in finance and markets, and was also the South African Post Office CEO. He is the founder of the Purple Group which owns, among other things, the popular trading platform EasyEquities. Mark was an investment banker at Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank and former head of the private equity firm Brait. He previously occupied the position of Chairman of the South African Futures Exchange, Non-Executive Chairman of GT247 Pty Ltd. and Group Chief Executive Officer of Capital Alliance Holdings Ltd. And he joins us now as our Leadership Dialogue guest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the world has focused on the COVID pandemic for nearly three years, less and less attention is being paid to HIV. However, HIV is still a global problem. In 2021, according to the United Nations, 38.4 million people were living with HIV, over 650,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.5 million became newly infected. Nearly 70% of infections occur in key groups: sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender people and their sexual partners. Adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa are another important group, with nearly 5,000 getting HIV every week. For many years, options for HIV prevention were quite limited. In this conversation, we trace the evolution of the HIV epidemic in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Service delivery models are always evolving. For the world’s largest companies, there’s an increasing shift to more global, multifunctional models that are expected to provide higher value at lower cost. Leading global business are looking into opportunities to optimise their operating model by centralising their core and supporting functions through consolidating the service delivery models. In an economy that is struggling to create jobs, the global business services (GBS) sector in South Africa is the continent’s largest GBS player by market share. Beyond job creation, the sector is also focusing on digital upskilling and incorporating technological advancements that better serve the customer and the business. Lerato Mbele speaks to Goitsione Tladi, Chief Director: Sector and Industry Development at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development about GBS.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With most things in our lives, everything we do says something about the kind of person we are. This is no different in our choice of car colour. What’s the meaning of your car color? Perhaps the color of your car says more about you, your psychology and personality than you think. In this conversation, we speak about the psychology behind car colour. Lerato Mbele speaks to motoring expert Pogiso Dibakoane about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the years, there have been conflicting debates about what lobola is and why this cultural practice should still be acknowledged. Perhaps it is the democratic and evolving society that has given people freewill to do things differently and to question how things were previously done. As a result, this has led to having a rebellious view that questions and discredits this sacred old practice. While family elders may insist on cultural and traditional ways, some people are becoming resistant to the idea of lobola, often questioning why the process should happen in the first place. In this week’s edition of the Culture Corner, we speak about the relevance of lobola.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Township Economic Development Act facilitates a multi-dimensional way for the Gauteng provincial government (GPG) to change how townships are regulated and governed so that they become areas of employment-creating commercial activity. The Act will allow better procurement rules that allow government and contractors to buy from large groups of township-based firms. The Township Retail Programme has dedicated financing mechanism to establish a Small and Medium Enterprises Fund to provide wholesale and blended finance to intermediaries that can de-risk lending to township-based firms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2014, South Africa mourned the death of Michael Komape, a 5-year-old child who fell into a pit toilet at his school and drowned. His untimely death sparked national outrage and demands for the government to make school sanitation safer for children. Unfortunately, many schools do not have reliable access to water, and learners are still forced to use unlawful and unsafe pit toilets.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to researcher at Equal Education, Elizabeth Biney about the eradication of pit latrines in South African schools.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the HR department has traditionally been focused on ensuring compliance with employment law and maintaining employee levels, in recent years we have seen a shift in the role to become more strategic and more involved in business operations. In this week’s edition of The Masterclass, we talk about the role of HR in an organisation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At many discussion panels about repairing the cultural and creative industries in South Africa, a familiar slogan is echoed: artists should solve their own problems. This seems fitting when one considers that this sector has unique problems understood mainly by those who work in it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hollard StreetWise Finance Financial Literacy feature is an educational campaign that seeks to empower listeners with financial education for free! The topics that will be covered during this exciting series range from understanding insurance as a need, different types of cover like life, disability, critical illness, and even wills and estate planning. As Indicated this week’s topic is on the launch of Hollard StreetWise Finance’s new financial literacy campaign and managing our money over this festive season and we are joined by Boipelo Makgolane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the advent of South Africa's democracy, the quest has been to transform the economy to be inclusive of previously disadvantaged groups. This has seen some companies selling empowerment shares to bring the previously marginalised into the fold. But the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission says some of these schemes have failed to live up to the economic empowerment they are meant to bring. This was particularly noticeable during the COVID pandemic. The government’s Special Investigating Unit found that corruption or fraud accounted for 66% of all national funding set aside for the procurement of personal protective equipment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hip-hop is increasing at an exponential rate here in South Africa and it’s thanks to quality artists such as Kwesta. The award-winning rapper and hip-hop artist Kwesta, real name Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi, is a force of nature. Growing up, Kwesta, had his sights set on soccer. Little did he know that it was his poetry that would turn him into the award-winning rapper that he is today. He established himself as a gifted writer with versatility to be admired. The Ngudu' hitmaker is probably the king of collaborations in South Africa having worked with a lot of African and American artists. He is now enjoying himself making music that resonates with his true self. Kwesta is no doubt one of the most versatile rappers in SA Hip Hop. And he joins us now
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While many people use social media to express themselves, results from several studies of the content of tweets (using word analysis programmes) find that the use of certain words and phrases can reveal personality traits, particularly neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness. Social media has risen in popularity and leads people to question how social interactions and behaviours compare to real life. It is generally understood that people leave traces of themselves on their social media pages. So, how telling are our Twitter posts about our personalities and behaviour?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some Cyril Ramaphosa allies fear that the president's chances of re-election in the December ANC conference have been weakened by scandal and the party’s Treasurer General Paul Mashatile who is a tactician, intends to take advantage of this. Shortly after Paul Mashatile was elected ANC treasurer-general at the 54th national conference in 2017, he led the campaign to have Jacob Zuma ousted as the country's president. In motivating to kick Zuma out in 2018, Mashatile had argued that the ANC did not need two centres of power, with Ramaphosa as ANC's president and Zuma as the government leader. This argument will work in his favour now if Phala Phala trips up Ramaphosa. In this conversation, we look at the odds and likelihood of Paul Mashatile ascending to become President and discuss the top 6 nominations ahead of the conference.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Pali Lehohla is the former Statistician-General and former Head of Statistics of South Africa – he held these positions since 2000 up to October 2017. Dr Lehohla was the Chair of Africa Symposium for Statistical Development and Chair of Harmonization of Statistics in Africa. Dr Lehohla is the Deputy Chair of INDEPTH Board. From 2005 to present he has served in a variety of portfolios, including the following: he was a member of the UN SG’s Independent Expert Advisory Group on Data Revolution, UN Statistics Commission, Chair of Statistics Commission Africa, Chair of PARIS21 as well as the Vice President of the International Statistics Institute. Dr Lehohla was advisor to the 2008 Population Census of Sudan, he undertook a Population Census readiness mission in Afghanistan in 2008, and another one in Iraq in 2009. He holds a senior executive leadership qualification from Harvard Business School. For his contribution to the statistics fraternity, the University of Stellenbosch awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in 2015. He joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of “The Leadeship Dialogue”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With an unrelenting will to succeed and establish a business culture up to her standard, Optometrist Carol Sekano started Neovision Optometrists which is located at Dainfern Square. Through Neovision, Sekano offers affordable and quality optometry and stock a wide range of branded and designer frames. They also offer eye tests along with year-round promotional deals. More than just another prominent entrepreneur and professional, Sekano has spent the better part of the past several years building her optometry to win the hearts of her clients - one pair of chic glasses at a time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World-renowned South African HIV/Aids researcher Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim has made history as the first woman president of the World Academy of Sciences. Professor Abdool Karim succeeded Sudanese mathematician Professor Mohamed Hassan, who will sit on the 2023–2026 council as immediate past president alongside scientists from all regions of the world. Abdool Karim is a Professor in Clinical Epidemiology at Columbia University, USA, and pro-Vice Chancellor for African Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her scientific excellence has been recognized through more than 30 honours and awards, including the 2014 TWAS-Lenovo Prize; the Order of Mapungubwe from the President of South Africa. Her new role will for the first time see the council include a Vice-President and council member from the Global North. In this conversation, we talk about her new role at the World Academy of Sciences, look at structural and biological risk factors that facilitate the spread of HIV in young people in South Africa and discuss the social and economic factors that contribute to the dramatic differences in HIV rates in women and men at different ages.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s little denying that housing estates do a great job of selling an image of a very particular kind of lifestyle that is hard to not find appealing. More and more homeowners are opting for the convenience and safety that estate living has to offer. Many estates appeal to different lifestyles and ensure that top-notch facilities are available to meet the demands of residents. There are some interesting why estate living has become so popular and why there is an increase in the development of estates.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Thursday, November 24, the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee is meeting for the final time in 2022. A consortium of 18 out of 20 economists and academics from Finder.com suggest that the SARB will most likely increase the interest rate. It should be noted that the as of September 2022, the prime lending rate in South Africa is 9.75%. According to Finder, more than half of their experts, when polled, expected the SARB to hike rates by 75 basis points. In this conversation, we look at how interest rates impact consumers, how the cost of running a business will increase after an interest rate hike and how one can invest their money wisely if they cannot predict the future.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The biggest one-day shopping event in the world is fast approaching. And in South Africa, consumer spending on Black Friday continues to increase year on year, with sales volumes having tipped the scale at over R2.5 billion in 2021. Despite 2022 being one of SA consumers’ toughest years yet, experts predict that South Africans will turn to credit to support increased spending over this period. This increase in spending could be seen as a way to make up for what they haven’t been able to purchase during the year. But consumers can score and avoid the Black Friday debt trap if they think differently about the biggest one-day shopping event in the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa has seen many leadership styles over the course of democracy. Like a can of worms being opened, events in recent months and weeks have revealed the consequences of problems that have remained unresolved due to a lack of leadership, courage and statesmanship in the country. The politics of greed, and corruption, rolling blackouts, further declining internal security and rising inflation, amongst other issues, have rendered our country hanging in the balance between poverty and underdevelopment. So, in this political climate, characterised by poor government-promoted stewardship and leadership, it is unsurprising that our country has to a large extent been unable to develop effective national responses to social and economic development.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer and activist Prof Barney Pityana is the retired Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa). He also served as chair of the SA Human Rights Commission. Recently, he was appointed as the new National Lotteries Commission board chairperson. He comes with a wealth of experience and colourful struggle credentials, having been among prominent leaders of the Black Consciousness Movement who worked closely with Steve Biko. Pityana’s was appointed by the cabinet on to undo years of damage to the public organisation. And he is our Leadership Dialogue guest today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From delicate pieces that exude femininity to modern designs that can be worn alone or beautifully layered, the NQ Jewellers line offers everything you could ever want in an accessory. As the owner of NQ Jewellery, Nqobile Nkosi took up this new career path, polishing, resizing, and repairing items after school while still studying. It was here that he developed a passion for jewellery and resolved to open a jewellery store one day in Dube, Soweto. In 2007, Nqobile took the plunge into the design, creating his own line which built on his signature style with the use of a wide range of bespoke and luxury designs crafted in gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds. Nqobile joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The number of people on Earth passed 8 billion this week, according to the United Nation's World Population Prospects 2022 report. This is just 11 years after it passed seven billion. The growth rate, which is expected to slow globally over the coming decades, has been uneven around the world. Slowing growth rates in populous nations like China and the United States have caused some alarm, threatening to upend their societies. Rising birthrates in poorer nations threaten to strain systems that are already struggling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on managing diabetes by building your healthcare team. Awareness + education is even more powerful. Knowing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be lifesaving when a diagnosis is right around the corner. If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, education can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease (in cases where you’re able to do that). Education that helps our communities offer support (instead of blame) through a very challenging disease is invaluable.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He can get everybody onto the dance floor and his mix of African rhythms and melodious, innovative guitar music has managed to enrapture many a listener. The talented guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, once a boy from the townships who dreamed of playing the guitar, is now one of South Africa's leading jazz musicians. With his bands Brotherhood, Loading Zone and C-Base Collective, he has tried out many styles, from African jazz to funk, reggae, fusion, samba and Latin. Dludlu, who speaks seven languages, has played with Herb Ellis, Courtney Pine and Miriam Makeba, among others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 27th summit of the Conference of Parties in Egypt was held at the back of extreme weather events that seem like a trailer of the climate catastrophe that awaits the planet: epic floods in Pakistan, heat waves in Europe, wildfires in Australia, to name a few. One theme that featured prominently at the conference was climate finance for mitigation and adaptation. Developing counties need about $2 trillion annually to cut their greenhouse emissions so that the world is on track to meet its net zero targets. But have the rich counties, who account for 1/8th of the global population but half of all emissions, fulfilled their moral responsibility? What happened to their promise to commit $100 billion annually from 2020?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japan is renowned worldwide as a nation steeped in a culture that combines both tradition and modernity. Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to undergo various cultural evolutions in solitude, creating a truly unique traditional culture. As connections with other countries grew, Japanese tradition was influenced and altered to create the unique culture of modern Japan. From within the grounds of the country's ancient shrines and temples; in the trendy streets of Harajuku; at a friendly izakaya; or at a lively festival, Japanese people still do everything possible to preserve their rich cultural heritage by practising tea ceremony, wearing kimono, and studying traditional arts and crafts from early childhood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Gauteng Township Economic Development Act is in full swing was signed into law by Premier Makhura in April this year and seeks to open new procurement and market opportunities for township businesses and create financing facilities for township-based enterprises. The act requires the provincial government to spend 40% of its procurement budget with township-based enterprises, aims to transform townships into fully-fledged commercial zones. In this conversation, we look at and get a progress update on the implementation of the Gauteng Township Economic Development Act since it came into effect. And unpack the Township Last Mile Delivery Programme which is under the act.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keeping our finger on the pulse of safe and efficient fleet operations takes a village. And due to the increased security risk on our roads, vehicle tracking, and fleet management have become an indispensable part of day-to-day activities on South African roads, not just in South Africa but throughout Africa as a whole. There is a high probability that your vehicles will be affected by crime at some point during the life of your fleet in South Africa. Through these challenges, Thobeka Ntshangase established MyFleet Track, a company that offers personal and business-vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions and has products ranging from vehicle tracking and driver monitoring routing, fuel monitoring, tire management or personal asset tracking. In this week’s edition of Wheels on Wednesday, we talk about fleet management and tracking.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are a lot of business skills new entrepreneurs require to succeed in business. In the startup stage, entrepreneurs wear multiple hats. You need to know a little bit about a lot when starting your first business. In the beginning, you’ll either be doing everything yourself or overseeing the work of those doing the work for you. Often business skills enable you to understand both consumer and organizational behavior, and further use that knowledge to reach your company’s goals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar on 20 November and will publish the 32 final squad lists today. Several national team coaches have already stated their intention to announce their lists. While at previous World Cups the squads were restricted to 23 players, the Bureau of the Fifa Council recently approved an increase to a maximum of 26 players per team, to be selected from a release list of 55 names (versus 35 at Russia 2018). This decision to increase the number of players on the provisional and final lists is related to, among other things, the knock-on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to the unique timing – the months of November and December – of Qatar 2022.
In this conversation, we talk about team compositions for the world cup.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Throughout history, social risks and threats to people's survival and basic necessities have never been as great as they are today due to a hostile economic system. Today's socio-political issues are highly complex. The dominant economic system has increasingly turned against societies and their weakest members, making it necessary to reorganise the relationship between social work and the community. These challenges have far-reaching effects on both the social service professionals and the individuals or families they aim to assist. Changing social problems demand new and novel approaches and services.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
United States President Joe Biden will today meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit this week, the White House has announced, in what will be the first in-person talks between the two leaders since Biden took office in early 2021. In a statement last Thursday, the White House said Biden would speak with Xi in Bali, Indonesia, about “efforts to maintain and deepen lines of communication” between the two countries at a time of growing tensions. In this conversation, we discuss the state of U.S.-China relations, evaluate the Biden Administration’s approach to China, from the nature of the growing U.S.-China competition to how both sides could approach tensions over Taiwan
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Soweto-born star Gloria Bosman is nothing short of sensational. With a long list of accolades, including SA Music Awards (SAMA's), Bosman has earned her status as one of South Africa’s most celebrated singers. Although originally trained in opera, Bosman’s singing style is entirely unique. She epitomizes Afro-soul and with every performance, captivates her audience with the sensuality of jazz. She has toured the world and performed next to historical musicians, like Sibongile Khumalo, Concord Nkabinde, Sipho Mabuse, Moses Molelekwa, Tananas, Vusi Mahlasela, Sipho Gumede, Oliver Mtukudzi and Hugh Masekela. Gloria’s unstoppable drive and talent have seen her break boundaries and gain followers in every corner of the country. She has performed on SA's top stages and headlined at numerous national festivals and is also a frequent performer at the many major Afrikaans music festivals, including KKNK, Aardklop and Skouspel in Sun City. She joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The six-time Naledi Theatre Award-winning musical Shaka Zulu: The Gaping Wound directed by Meshack Mavuso Magabane, makes its way back to the stage to dazzle audiences at the South African State Theatre (SAST) from 8 to 27 November 2022. Its return follows the overwhelming public demand it garnered from enchanting spectators and critics alike and playing to full houses which warranted an extension when it premiered last year. The exhilarating production retains its stellar cast led by Thembinkosi Chagwe as Shaka Zulu, Nkanyiso Bhengu, Mduduzi Mabaso and Zodwa Radebe. The production dominated the 17th Naledi Theatre Awards in May when it walked away with six awards from categories Best Choreography, Best Musical Director, Best Costume Design, Best Director of Musical Theatre Production, Best Supporting Performance, and Best Lead performance in a musical. Its triumph prompted a visit to the Durban Playhouse, a month before the musical’s stage-to-screen film screening at Sterkinekor Theatres in June this year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In South Africa, an average of 10 adults suffer from a stroke every hour and 225 people die from either heart disease or a stroke every day. Apart from being the main killer and cause of disability, stroke is an expensive disease to live with. Stroke costs include death and medical costs. Little is known about the stroke burden, particularly the stroke direct costs in SA. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the burden is on the rise owing to increasing incidences. SSA has the highest stroke incidence of 316/ 100,000 person-years Moreover, there are young stroke patients in SSA, resulting in a greater number of years of potential productivity and years of life lost. The high social and economic burden of stroke calls for effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation in SSA. Even though stroke can be prevented and treated, it remains one of the biggest causes of death and long-term disability globally. In this conversation, we talk about the social and economic costs of strokes in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States held its midterm elections on Tuesday, 8 November 2022. The outcome will majorly impact the remaining two years of Joe Biden's presidency, and beyond. These elections are usually bad news for the party in power. Voters often view them as a referendum on the president’s performance and the state of the economy. The votes are still being tallied across the country it's being seen that results are starting to get a picture of what the midterms were all about, and where American politics might be headed. This conversation looks at the midterm elections and race issues in America.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Khamane Matseke, affectionately as “KOP”, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clinix Health Group, a fully empowered healthcare group which has been in operation for more than 20 years. He is a medical doctor by profession, an astute and versatile professional offering a rich mixture of experience and success in the South African business sphere. He has extensive hands-on experience with hospital development from project management, commissioning, general management, staff training and development.
Dr Matseke has a proven track record of success in business start-ups, growing these into fully-fledged cash-generating entities and in the process creating employment opportunities for thousands of people from all walks of life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On 1 November 1922, Egyptologist Howard Carter and his team of excavators began digging in a previously undisturbed plot of land in the Valley of the Kings. For decades, archaeologists had searched for the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun with no success, and November was to be Carter’s final attempt to locate the lost treasures. What Carter ultimately discovered—the iconic sarcophagus, the mummy that inspired whispers of a curse, and the thousands of precious artefacts—would shape Egyptian politics, the field of archaeology, and how museums honour the past for years to come. The riches, such as the death mask above, were spectacular and made the reputation of Howard Carter who led the excavation. And if the astonishing contents of the tomb were not enough, the drama of the find and the control of how it was reported led to a craze for 'King Tut' that has rarely subsided. In today’s edition of the culture corner, we discuss the legacy of early twentieth-century Egyptology to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and how Egyptology influences modern-day life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Driving in the heavy rains requires that you have your wits about you…. One needs to be extra alert because it’s like navigating an obstacle course…. Wet roads, potholes hidden beneath the puddles, yesterday drivers were suddenly confronted by a fallen tree on Oxford Road, plus visibility is low because of the heavy grey clouds above. That’s only driving on a wet day…. When we add reckless drivers, pedestrians randomly crossing the roads, unpredictable taxi drivers and the risk of criminals targeting you for a possible hijacking - driving on a SA can be treacherous. Kopano Mpipi established Driving Management Solutions to help you on these dangerous S/ roads.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Horses in their stalls and the race is set to begin, as politicians within the ruling ANC get ready to run for top leadership positions in the party - the nominations at the branch level have been coming fast, furious, and unexpectedly…. Even the ANC veterans nominated a candidate who supposedly represents another organisation altogether. Such is the mayhem and confusion surrounding the process. Party elders have also cautioned their voting delegates from getting overly excited because, saying the formalities around these nominations still need to be worked out - the party’s internal electoral commission through the words of former president Motlanthe has also said that candidates must open themselves to scrutiny and divulge their bank records can be opened and studied - to avoid the risk on vote buying.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Human trafficking, drug conduit route, money laundering, construction mafias and industry cartels - illicit financial flows through SA financial system, have led to a paper trail where foreign security/intelligence agencies have dubbed SA a “safe haven for foreign criminals” and an Avenue through which Jihadists has been financed. A News24 expose reveals how a Danish fugitive was living in SA with her son, after defrauding the Danish Govt of about R247million while working as a civil servant. This is just one of the cases, a few years ago the so-called White Widow, Samantha Braithwaite, the wife of 7/7 bomber of a London subway bomber- was known to have lived here openly for a few years and recently the news has been replete with news of racketeering & assassinations linked to the construction mafia in Tshwane and KZN.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 opened with the key aim of ensuring full implementation of the Paris Agreement. This year marks the 27th annual summit, or COP27. Discussions at COP27 begin near the end of a year that has seen devastating floods and unprecedented heat waves, severe droughts and formidable storms, all unequivocal signs of the unfolding climate emergency. At the same time, millions of people throughout the world are confronting the impacts of simultaneous crises in energy, food, water, and cost of living, aggravated by severe geopolitical conflicts and tensions. In this adverse context, some countries have begun to stall or reverse climate policies and doubled down on fossil fuel use.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Less than two weeks until the FIFA World Cup begins, and it promises to be the most unusual World Cup yet for several reasons. Since then, a flurry of corruption allegations and claims of Qatar “buying the World Cup” have surfaced while the country’s treatment of migrant workers has also been in the spotlight.
During the month-long tournament that begins on November 20, Qatar, the smallest host in World Cup history, has been busy clearing space for 1.5 million football fans expected to arrive. Strict entry requirements, sky-high high accommodation prices and concerns over Qatar’s human rights and LGBTQ+ record have also dampened enthusiasm for the November 20 to December 18 tournament. Another major issue is that of women's rights, which are restricted by the country's male guardianship laws.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Entrepreneurs must be able to effectively present their companies. To make your entrepreneurial dream a reality after developing your business idea and creating a business plan, you'll need cash. Even if you don't intend to seek investment, having a strong elevator pitch shows that you are knowledgeable about your company. Which is useful if and when you ultimately decide to look for investment.
Additionally, your ability to get finance depends on a 10 - to 20-minute presentation or pitch that you deliver to your potential investors if and when you need it. In this week’s edition of the masterclass, we talk about the art of pitching your business to potential clients and investors. What actually entails a business pitch, why it is important, and what key elements a pitch should have.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to David Africa, Executive Director of the African Centre for Security, and Intelligence Praxis and Lesiba Thobakgale, National Chief Negotiator & Spokesperson at SAPU about the state of policing and public safety in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the diary, Morio Sanyane speaks to Dr Ongama Mtimka, looks at stories that made the news over the weekend, and sets our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Kenyi Lukajo, Communications Manager, High Commissioner for Refugees in Malawi about the control of migration in Malawi, the fight against relocation by refugees following a 2020, order by the Malawian government that all refugees in Malawi cease living outside Dzaleka, the country’s sole refugee camp, which is a heavily congested collection of shacks that are home to more than 50 000 refugees. And look at incidences of human rights abuse and trafficking in Malawi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African musician and actress Marah Louw began her singing career at the age of 10 with the Methodist Church Choir. A consummate entertainer, performer, actress, singer, and storyteller, who got offered a scholarship to study opera in Europe early in her career; toured Japan aged twenty, sang for the Queen in a command performance aged twenty-one, and for Madiba at Wembley Stadium after his release. It has been a spectacular career, always busy, never without work. Whether on the dramatic or musical stage, touring countries in Africa or singing on cruise ships, she has always been in demand.
In this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”, talks to us about her journey as a musician and shares her childhood memories.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has made amendments to the salary tables for mayors, speakers, and mayoral executive council members in South Africa. In a gazette published this week, Dlamini-Zuma made changes to the upper limits of salaries for these top government officials and added allowable limits for cellphone bills covered for part-time councillors. Under the current system, municipal workers are paid based on a point system that factors into its municipal income and the population that falls under the municipality.
In this conversation, we talk about the amendment of determination of upper salaries, allowances, and benefits of different members of municipal councils; the reasons for the amendments and their roles in council and delivering service delivery.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African film, Surviving Gaza, has brought back three awards from the 18th Africa Movie Academy Awards. The-coming-of-age drama, Surviving Gaza earned tons of praise from viewers and critics upon its release and rightfully so, became the best-performing movie on the etv streaming platform eVOD. Set against the very vibrant kwaito era in South Africa, 17-year-old Phuzi has some difficult choices to make. The film stars Botlhale Mahlangu, Samke Makhoba, Aphiwe Mkefe, Ayanda Daweti, Raymond Motadi, Shoki Mmola, Luxolo Ndabeni, and Ndalo Stofile. The movie is produced by the powerhouse creative duo Vusi Africa Sindane and Naledi Bogacwi, who have given us the acclaimed feature film, Letters of Hope.
The director of the film, Vusi Africa was announced as 2022 Mail and Guardian’s Most Influential Young South African and he also became the first South African to be awarded an Artist in Residence at AFDA. Africa joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nkateko Khoza has been creating beautiful clothes for many women and men by helping them find confidence within their styles. Nkateko is a self-taught fashion designer who founded a successful brand, Lufi D, which now includes a boutique, salon, and day spa. Lufi D is a fashion house situated in the heart of Johannesburg. The brand has proven to cater for women of all shapes and sizes, and Nkateko uses African prints in colourful patterns to make beautiful silhouettes. Khoza's high-profile clientele includes her mother-in-law Chaka Chaka, Natasha Thahane and Penny Lebyane. he online and the physical stores also have an exclusive range ideal for a wedding, but it can only be purchased through an order. From studying information technology (IT) to selling fruit and vegetables to supermarkets by telephone, to working as an orders clerk and a marketing consultant, she never imagined herself owning a clothing line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is bringing together scientific experts, academia, and industry leaders from around the world to look at how research, development, and innovation can be used to build a robust South African economy. Challenges such as power outages, water cuts, climate change, and the high unemployment rate in South Africa, have all added enormous pressure on an already volatile economy that is slowly recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, the CSIR and its stakeholders will use the conference to deliberate on how research and development can play a role in co-building a capable state, an inclusive economy, and competitive South African industries.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you realise it, you probably speak in proverbs every day. Phrases like, “Actions speak louder than words,” and “When it rains, it pours” are so common we rarely think about how much meaning is packed into just a few words. Proverbs have been part of a people's tradition and customs since time immemorial. The philosophical language used reflects a people's life, thinking, and environment. The way some Africans think about the world and behave and relate to one another are governed by discourses. Proverbs and popular sayings play a great role in mediating this.
To discuss the significance of Provebs in today’s society, we are now joined by Professor Leketi Makalela, Professor of Language and Literacy Education And Founding Director Of The Hub For Multilingual Education And Literacies, Wits University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to presidential hopeful Dr Zweli Mkhize, addressing poverty and unemployment in South Africa would be the priority if he is elected president. Mkhize felt that the current “formula” the government was using was not working. His focus would be to bring together government departments that could work together as a team. Mr Mkhize indirectly accused president Ramaphosa of “factionalised and directionless leadership”.
Dr Mkhize believes that the current structure of the government was originally set up to preserve a colonial type of economy, which is money extracted from South Africa and sent to the colonial country. Mkhize also had no problem with having a woman as his deputy, but it was all left to the ANC branches to decide. He joins us now to speak about his presidential campaign.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For thousands of years, man and horse have shared a special bond. Humans have had many uses of horses throughout history, from transportation, war, food, companionship, work, and sport. Horses are mostly used for riding and transportation.
The most common use in the western world is for pleasure riding and horse sports such as racing, jumping, and showing. However, in less economically developed regions of the world, horses are still commonly used to transports goods. Horses have also been mankind’s companions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is a concern that our educational systems are outdated and failing to promote the necessary skills that will prepare our children for the future. There is an urgent and growing national conversation about the limitations of traditional school models—particularly high schools—in the context of new demands for student achievement.
In the context of job disruption, demand for new skills and increased socioeconomic polarization, primary and secondary school systems have a critical role to play in preparing the students and workforces of the future. Education models must adapt to equip children with the skills to create a more inclusive, cohesive, and productive world.
Chinezi Chijioke, co-founder and CEO of Nova Pioneer joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The financial woes of the Tshwane metro have deepened after a group of residents earlier this month won their fight to be refunded unlawfully charged property rates dating back to 2011. The Pretoria High Court issued a declaratory order for the capital city to put all affected ratepayers in the same position they would have been but for the unlawful action by the administration, and to do so within 90 days. The metro could not indicate the number of ratepayers affected or the amount of money at stake as it is still studying the ruling. It may also consider an application for leave to appeal. Henri du Toit, chair of the WeCanWin initiative the applicant in the court matter, joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has completed his $44bn (£38.1bn) takeover of Twitter, according to a filing with the US government. Mr Musk tweeted "the bird is freed" and later said "let the good times roll". A number of top executives, including the boss, Parag Agrawal, have reportedly been fired. Mr Agrawal and two other executives were escorted out of Twitter's San Francisco headquarters on Thursday evening, said Reuters. The completion of the deal ends month of legal wrangling, but it has prompted questions over the platform's future direction. A filing was made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday, confirming the takeover. So, what’s next for Twitter users under Elon Musk? We are joined by Bataung Qhotsokoane, editor in chief and researcher at iAfrikan.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stereotyping, stigma, and discrimination are challenges people with disability face every day. Much of the disabled community faces exclusion from parts of society other people take for granted. Disability exclusion has stemmed from the belief that having a disability makes you ‘less than.’ In recent years, the disabled community has also been silenced by the popularised positivity movement that believes ‘the only disability is a bad attitude.’ Although on a surface level this statement sounds encouraging, both attitudes have the underlying message that it is up to the disabled community to change if they want to be part of society. The South African Disability Alliance (SADA) is a voluntary consultative forum of national disability organisations. SADA’s work is aligned with the goal of advancing the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities in South Africa and the improvement of our quality of life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the diary of the week, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the proposed U.N. security response to the gang crisis and the other issues the country is facing. And, what effects, if adopted the U.N. security response will have on Haiti amid the current protests over military supplies sent by Canada & U.S.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South African leading actress, author, voice-over artist and flamboyant presenter, Rami Chuene is an exceptionally brilliant and opinionated storyteller. Rami’s witty perspective makes her one of the most Instagrammable and well-loved South African personalities. She calls herself Executive Mayor on Twitter. Rami is also known for her stellar performances on some of South Africa’s favourite shows – The Queen, Muvhango, and Scandal! Inkaba, 7de Laan and Backstage, with appearances on It’s Complicated, Justice for All and the British/American series, Strike Back. Passionate about her philanthropy, Rami has involved herself in several community-building activities and her passion has moved her to starting the Rami Chuene Foundation, which aims at supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged women. Rami has also used her charm and industry expertise to score herself some fun roles in locally produced movies such as Life Above All and Hijack Stories and Netflix’s How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding which has had astounding reviews. As a presenter on Away for Repair, Rami brought her honest and humorous take on life, love, and everything else in a way that only she could. And she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian Mtongana, the husband to chef Siba Mtongana, has been appointed as the executive creative director of Woolworths earlier this month. Mtongana served as the group’s retail design director for over 13 years. During his tenure, the newly appointed executive creative director oversaw the brand’s expression and execution. Recognised locally and internationally, Mtongana currently serves as Loeries Awards jury president. He boasts a wealth of creative and brand-building experience both locally and abroad, cutting his teeth designing the patch for Mark Shuttleworth’s spacesuit and has collaborated with international design heavyweights Vince Frost and the late Massimo Vignelli in the development and implementation of Woolworths' refreshed corporate identity in 2010 and has also led the creative development of some of Woolworths' leading brand projects. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele talks to him about leveling up your personal brand and building influence and unpack what it takes to build a strong and impactful brand that resonates with your audience, why branding is all about impression management, and how you can elevate your personal brand through intentional work.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for South African women of
all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27. The risk for breast cancer increases as a person
gets older, but many women under 40 have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although
male breast cancer is rare, Breast Health Foundation recorded that in South Africa, 1-
3% of all breast cancers happen in men. According to the latest data from the National
Cancer Register, men have a 1 in 943 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr. Kgothatso Motumi, Head of Market Access and Public Policy, Roche SA about breast cancer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many brides, the most exciting part of the wedding process is going with your close friends and family to try on gowns and putting on that perfect dress. Diamond Love Bridal Couture is an exclusive bridal boutique store that offers a level of sophistication, elegance and magic touch to any bride-to-be. They are stockists of well-known global Brands from Italy, Russia, Spain and the USA, made of the finest quality fabrics, boasting fashion-forward designs and impeccable flattering fit. If you are looking to HIRE or PURCHASE your wedding gown, their professional consultants who are well-trained and are specialists in the bridal industry will help you select the perfect fit making you the perfect bride to be.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oliver Tambo, a Black African politician, and activist was born today in 1917. For 30 years Oliver Reginald Tambo was central to the struggle against apartheid. With so many of his comrades imprisoned, he served as the key organiser, strategist, representative and father figure of the liberation movement. A man of enormous discipline and determination, he was renowned for his compassion, and his gentle nature. Tambo’s life was shaped by the epic struggle to free South Africa from the violent grip of the apartheid state. He faced many years of unrelenting danger and difficulty. Through all of this, he maintained an extraordinary humanity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. government has received information that terrorists may be planning to conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people at an unspecified location in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 October 2022. There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack. The U.S. Embassy has advised staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Monday, the night sky glittered and rumbled from firecrackers because millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all across the world were celebrating Diwali. Diwali, which means “series of lights, is a religious celebration, which is also referred to as the Festival of Lights, is an auspicious occasion that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Though technically religious, it’s also become a cultural event in North America that’s celebrated with sweets and special foods. In India, it’s a five-day festival featuring different ceremonies each day, with the third day being the main event.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about the mechanics of cycling for charity and how the use of bicycles builds equitable and developed communities and promotes mobility.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to a report by Proudly SA, a mere 10% increase in manufacturing investment in South Africa would result in a gross domestic product (GDP) contribution increase of 13% in South Africa, along with a 9% increase in fiscal revenue and an 8% increase in employment creation. The study surveyed the South African job market, as well as opportunities for job creation in traditionally labour-intensive sectors. Proudly SA commissioned the report to unpack the state of the country’s manufacturing sector and the potential impact of localisation, as well as the multiplier effect thereof on the economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cost of living is rising. In general, South Africans are worried about the increased cost of food, many rely on social grants to get by. As the value of wages drops, many workers are demanding a pay rise in an attempt to counteract the biggest drop in living standards on record. Public sector workers have vowed to plunge the public service into chaos following the collapse of negotiations and threats by Acting Minister of Public Service and Administration, Thulas Nxesi, to unilaterally implement the 3% salary increase. It comes as government faces a ballooning wage bill while unions demand increases to match the rising cost of living. Currently, inflation is at 7.5% in September.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While gender equality and diversity advocates have made admirable efforts to increase awareness and push for change, the numbers reveal the vast amount of work that still needs to be done to achieve corporate boards that truly reflect the demographics of the country. For executive women who aspire to serve on a corporate board, the opportunities increasingly look promising. But how will you ensure you are the one who gets noticed and considered when a seat becomes available? Sindi Mabaso-Koyana who is the chairperson of AWCA Investment Holdings joins us now to give as MasterClass' on how to prepare yourself for a board role.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Crime is no doubt a big issue in South Africa. The South African Police Service is often overwhelmed by situations requiring their attention. This necessitated the creation or emergence of subunits within the nation’s security force. Hawks is one of such security units. The Hawks are the South African Police Services' Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), which targets organised crime, economic crime, corruption, and other serious crime referred to it by the President or another division of the South African Police Service. It was set up as the Scorpions by the Thabo Mbeki administration in 2001 but President Jacob Zuma replaced it with the Hawks as its succession in 2008, with much new associates. Today, we want to focus on their mandate and we are now joined by Liteunant Colonel Philani Nkwalase, spokesperson for the organisation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana will present the 2022 medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) tomorrow, October 26. It is forecast to have a main budget deficit outcome for the current fiscal year of R317bn (4.7% of GDP), mainly due to improved revenue collections, despite slightly higher projections for public sector compensation. With many of the government’s major tax revenue streams surprising on the upside, no new tax announcements are expected. In this conversation, we talk to look at priority points the budget should be focused on and getting tips on what the budget should look like.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Pappas is one of South Africa’s youngest mayors and was the DA’s deputy provincial leader in KwaZulu-Natal before being elected as mayor in uMngeni. Last week, the Mayor of Umngeni Municipality announced that in his 11 months tenure, the municipality was able to pay off a R10.4 million loan from the Development Bank of South Africa without hampering services while making it debt-free. He joins us in this week’s edition of the view of the nation for a conversation about the state of service delivery in local government, how to make local government more effective at delivering services to communities, as well as new approaches to stimulate economic development on the local community level.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly two years after war broke out in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, the fighting is intensifying, and the interstate dimension to the conflict is as undeniable as ever. Peace talks between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan leaders initially scheduled for October 8 in South Africa under AU auspices will start today, October 24 which has failed to gain any real traction to date in addressing the crisis under the leadership of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Recently, Ethiopia's ruling party said that it wants the African Union in partnership with the USA to mediate to end the war with Tigrayan forces. On the other hand, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, says that it does not trust the AU and wants Kenya to mediate. For a perspective on where we are, why the issue of mediators is so important and current state of politics in Ethiopia, we speak to Thembisa Fakude about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the diary, we look at stories that were made on the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Assembly has passed the Electoral Amendment Bill that paves the way for independent candidates to stand in national and provincial elections.
Opposition parties who objected to the bill include the Democratic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the Freedom Front Plus, the Congress of the People and the African Christian Democratic Party.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On October 19, 1977, the apartheid regime declared illegal 19 Black Consciousness organisations and detained scores of activists. This move was done in terms of section 10 of the apartheid government's Internal Security Act, which allowed them to arrest, detain and or ban whomever it felt was a threat to the regime. Besides banning the organisations, the regime also banned independent media in an attempt to hide horrendous acts by the regime at the time. In particular, The World and Weekend World were banned. The editor of The World, Percy Qoboza, who became the editor of City Press in 1984, was taken into detention along with other journalists. To discuss what led to the banning of the organisations and the aftermath of it, we are now joined by Ishmael Mkhabela, Member of The Soweto Action Committee, Former President Of Azapo, Social Activist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SA Association of Meat Importers and Exporters is calling for a comprehensive review of import tariffs on poultry, saying that duties are simply another tax that consumers are unable to bear. This follows the SA Reserve Bank's (SARB) latest Monetary Policy Review report which clearly showed that duties applied on imported poultry drive up the cost of chicken and hurt consumers. The report highlighted the extensive use of protective trade measures by South Africa in recent years, and the cumulative impact that this has had on the rising price of chicken. Frozen chicken experienced a cumulative increase in most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs from 18% in 2010 to 62% in 2021, increasing consumer prices by between 13% and 40%.”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week’s highly choreographed event in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing is not only about naming Xi president for an unprecedented third term, but also recognising him as the party’s strongest leader since Mao, who ruled for 27 years until his death in 1976. On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping delivered the comprehensive report at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and in this conversation, we look at what unique features distinguish this report from prior ones; what Xi Jinping's third term means for China and the world and decode the politics and economics of the Congress.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert McBride is the former chief of the metropolitan police for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. During the apartheid era he was a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress, and was convicted of terrorism after he bombed Magoos Bar, a busy night club, in an attack that killed three people. In February 2014 McBride was appointed as executive director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. In March 2015 he was suspended from this position by the Minister of Police. The decision was set aside by the Constitutional Court of South Africa in September 2016. He has been appointed as head of the Foreign Branch of the State Security Agency from 1 July 2020. He joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Starting a small business is no small feat. You must be resilient and dedicated if you want to build a business that makes a profit and stands the test of time. The Moroka-based Neighborly Grocery Store is a lifestyle grocery store and tea bar where you can pick up some groceries, fresh produce, plants, and art as well as enjoy a fresh cup of tea on the stoep. The store prides itself on bringing affordable yet quality groceries, fruits, vegetables, and lifestyle services to its customers. The store is owned by three entrepreneurs, and we are now joined by the chief financial officer, Zama Mthembu to talk about the challenges of running The Neighborly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Africa is often seen as a continent of mass migration and displacement caused by poverty, violent conflict, and environmental stress. Influenced by media images of massive refugee flows and ‘boat migration’, suggesting an impending immigrant invasion, the portrayal of Africa as a ‘continent on the move’. In recent years, irregular migration from Africa to Europe has received extensive attention. Millions of Africans are believed to be waiting to cross to Europe at the first opportunity. To discuss the migration trends in the continent and overseas, we are now joined by Professor Loren Landau, Migration and Development At The University Of Oxford, Research Professor at The University Of The Witwatersrand’s African Centre For Migration & Society, And Co-Director Of The Wits-Oxford Mobility Governance Lab.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stokvels in South Africa are big business and becoming bigger. A group saving scheme that was once used for a like-minded group of individuals who share the same goals to meet short-term needs, such as buying groceries or school supplies at the end of the year, is fast becoming a way for the new generation to build wealth and invest in property. According to research by, over 11 million South Africans are members of one or more stokvels, of which there are more than 820 000, holding savings in excess of R44 billion. Stokvel members need education and guidance on how this non-traditional approach can be used to leverage their collective strength for greater economic benefit – in other words, taking it beyond spending on consumables. In this conversation, we look at what a prospective buyer should look at before buying property through a stokvel and how to make the best first-time home buying decision possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recent media reports have noted that South Africa is at risk of being placed on the e Financial Action Task Force’s Grey list of countries. South Africa has generally been criticised for not following a satisfactory approach to risk-assessment. Although our big banks do have the required regulation in place, many money-laundering or financial terrorism risks are yet unknown and slip through the gaps. Last year, South Africa was warned that the FATF could add the country to the grey list and were given until October 2022 to prove that improvements were being made on shortcomings in identifying, reporting on, and prosecuting illegal cash flows and crime. Whilst this is still uncertain as the FATF will review all relevant processes, the deadline for the country to show the FATF that it has procedures in place to meet the recommendations is the end of October 2022. In February of 2023, the committee will get together to discuss adding South Africa to the watch list.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa today hosts the launch of the framework for the Global Action Plan on Informal Settlements and Slums. This meeting between Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and the UN-Habitat Executive Director, Maimunah Mohd Sharif seeks to develop a roadmap for the Global Action Plan that puts forward solutions to informal settlements and slums.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Britain's finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng has been sacked after less than six weeks in the job, as the government's huge tax cuts sparked financial market turmoil. Number 10 announced an hour after his sacking that Jeremy Hunt was replacing him. His dismissal makes Kwarteng Britain's shortest serving chancellor since 1970 as the nation grapples with a cost-of-living crisis. He was appointed to the role by Liz Truss only 38 days ago, making him the second-shortest serving chancellor after Iain Macleod, who died a month after being handed the job by Edward Heath. Mr Kwarteng's downfall was set in motion by the mini budget on 23 September, in which he announced £45bn in unfunded tax cuts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In This conversation, we talk about the government’s work in eradicating informal settlements, unpack the directive of Section 29 of the Housing Development Agency Act and work it is doing in ensuring faster turn-around times in the provision of basic services to give dignity and comply with human rights in our communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On 26 May 2003, Sibusiso Vilane became the first Black African to stand on the summit of Chomolungma, also called Mount Everest. Upon his return from the Himalayas, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga. Since that historic climb, he’s ticked off the Seven Summits, become the first Black person to complete the “Grand Slam” challenge, including climbing Mount Everest, plus reaching the North and South poles. Now, at 51, he runs 90-kilometer ultra-marathons for fun. In this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”, he joins us for a chat about how these experiences have changed the man he used to be, and how he's used that to empower and inspire the people around him to know that there are no limits and they should go for their dreams.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Sunday 16 October, it’s World Food Day. In South Africa it’s recognised as a fundamental human right under the country’s constitution. Approximately 11% (6.5 million) of South Africa’s population is hungry and food insecure. Conflict and insecurity, climate change, poverty, and population growth are primary drivers of hunger and food insecurity. In this conversation, we look at the state of food security and measures that are at place to ensure that the country is food safe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maakomele ‘Mak’ Manaka is an award-winning South African poet and author who combines elements of spoken word, singing and theatrical presentation into what can only be classed as honest performance art. He has published four collections of poetry- If only (2003 Self-published. Edited by Don Mattera), In Time (Geko, 2009), Flowers of a broken smile (Inksword, 2016) and Oncoming Traffic (Botsotso, 2018). His voice vibrates off the walls before sinking into people’s skins and his work is centred around class struggles embedded within blackness, that freedom and democracy are just words when you are poor. His work also appears in numerous local and international anthologies, journals, and newspapers. He joins us today for a conversation about how poetry can be used to probe social ills.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tzvia Hermann launched her career in aesthetics in South Africa after living in the UK and travelling Europe, exploring many countries and their contribution to the aesthetic industry. Having studied IT and Law together with her specialist training in aesthetic technology and her passion for beauty, design, marketing, and travel allows Tzvia to disrupt the beauty industry and keep bridging the gap between beauty and medical aesthetics. Her award-winning Laser Beautiques have revolutionised the beauty and aesthetic industry by pioneering a host of invasive and non-invasive laser treatments, cosmetic procedures, grooming and beauty treatments. She joins us now to talk about her flourishing business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Stats SA, business liquidations in South Africa jumped by 44.8% in the year to end-August 2022, while fewer businesses entered business rescue in a clear sign that many are assessing their financial positions too late. The Stats survey covers the total number of companies and closed corporations which were liquidated, and individuals and partnerships placed under final sequestration. We are now joined by Eric Levenstein, director at Werksman Attorneys to get more insights into it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Vuyani Jarana joined South African Airways in 2017, he outlined a strategy that would see the largest loss-making airline in Africa achieve a break-even year in 2021 and subsequently return to profitability. However, Jarana resigned in June 2019 citing a lack of long-term sustainability and the inability of the company to pay wages. With a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration, he has chaired the boards of companies such as Vodacom Business Nigeria, the Nelson Mandela Museum, and the Finance and Investment Committee of Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency. He joins us today as a guest in this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trade unions have been in existence for many years. Although their introduction was generally met with resistance since their establishment trade unions have been important agents of social change worldwide. As the South African economy is faced with a number of challenges, there is a need not only to create more jobs but also to sustain existing jobs. At issue is the influence of labour legislation on job creation and job sustainability. In this week’s edition of the view of the nation, we look at how the current labour legislation in South Africa influences job creation and job sustainability and whether the call for the de-regulation of and a more flexible South African labour market will improve business and investor confidence, as well as create and sustain jobs. Revisit the role and broader movement of the labour movement and trade unions in job creation and further explore the type and sustainability of the jobs created.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lesotho held its general elections on Friday despite a deadlock in parliament on a whole gamut of major constitutional reforms that were meant to be enacted ahead of the vote so as to bring order to Lesotho's fractious politics. The Lesotho election was highly contested, with at least 2 560 constituency candidates. More than 50 parties contested the polls, and 139 parliamentary seats have to be allocated, including mixed-member proportional representation seats. We are now joined by advocate Sipho Mantula.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1986 Rebecca entered the ‘Shell Road to Fame’ music talent search but was unsuccessful. Undeterred she re-entered the following year and won in the Best vocalist category with Shine On. The award launched her music career and then saw her enlist the services of producer Sizwe Zako and Peter Tladi as her manager. Throughout her career, she has sold at least 10 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time. In this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”, Dr Malope takes us on a journey about her life and career in the music industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As consumers, we’ve had our share of bad customer service experiences. All of us have found ourselves disappointed about something we’ve purchased at one time or another, whether it’s been a product, service, meal, haircut, or otherwise. Knowing when it is appropriate to make a complaint can be difficult. There may be plenty of times when the solution you want isn’t being presented, and you want to tear your hair out. It can be even more unclear when you should or shouldn’t complain about the customer service you were provided. So, what does make customer service complaint-worthy? And how do you complain about it in a way most likely to get you a satisfying resolution? We are now joined by the Managing Director of Power Lab, Megan Power to find out what your rights are as a consumer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s no doubt that tech is changing the world at a rapid rate. Future careers, across all disciplines, are more and more reliant on computer-based skills, while skills in data science in particular, are scarce and currently in high demand. As today marks the “international day for the girl child”, we also look at gender gap in tech industries, and how upskilling females in the coding sector plays a critical role in society and what employment ratios reflect amongst cohort classes at the “We Think Code” training bootcamp since the organisation’s inception.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African automotive industry plays an instrumental role in South Africa’s economy. The country has capitalised on the wealth of experience brought about by the presence of all the major European, American and Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers. South Africa’s attractiveness as an investment destination of choice, and production base for products to be exported to global markets, has been well established. With its advanced infrastructure, diverse economy, sophisticated capital markets and developed manufacturing capacity, South Africa is the ideal location for any company aspiring to reach the continental market more effectively, both from a cost and logistical point of view. In this conversation, we look at the automotive industry and its contribution to the South African economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The constant load shedding is forcing many homeowners to find energy-saving alternatives. While coal power may (supposedly) be reliable, it turns out that the companies who provide it are not. So many people are opting to get off the traditional power grid and find other ways to provide electricity for their home.
As with a number of things, there are many options for traveling off-the-beaten-path in South Africa, depending on your budget and requirements. Before you make the jump into off-grid living, there are a few things you need to know about the technicalities of this lifestyle.
To discuss this, we are now joined by energy analyst, Chris Yelland and Trevor Mthombothi, founder and owner of Mzansi Solar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The increasing decline in voter participation in successive South African elections has become an issue of major concern, not only for those responsible for managing our electoral processes but for civil society as a whole, as this trajectory may lead to the collapse and failure of our democratic project. Learning best practices from other parts of the world, the guest speaker for this event is the CEO of the New Georgia Project, Nsé Ufot. She is a long-time activist who has committed her efforts to voter education and fighting for greater voter rights in Black communities in Atlanta, Georgia. Lerato Mbele is joined by Nsé to talk about the project.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cape Town-born actress, Kim Engelbrecht has been nominated for an international Emmy thanks to her role in Reyka. Engelbrecht stars as a criminal profiler, Reyka Gama who is investigating a string of brutal serial killings in the sugarcane fields of KwaZulu-Natal. Engelbrecht is the fifth African actress to be nominated for the International Emmy after Egyptian Menna Shalabi (Every Week on A Friday) in 2021, Thuso Mbedu (Is’thunzi) in 2017 and 2018, and Lerato Mvelase in 2010 and Brenda Ngxoli in 2007 for Home Affairs. Following the success of "Reyka", she's also joined the cast of another US hit sci-fi drama series, "Raised by Wolves". Engelbrecht recently took home a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for her role in the hit show. She joins Lerato Mbelel to talk about her career.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Constitutional Court justice Edwin Cameron, 68, does not shy away when asked about the state of South Africa. President Mandela appointed him an acting judge and later a judge of the High Court. In 1999/2000 he served for a year as an Acting Justice at the Constitutional Court. In 2000 he was appointed a Judge of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal. He was appointed a Justice of the Constitutional Court in 2008. He joins us as guest in this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re a city slicker, chances are you get your water from a tap, but rural and township dwellers are increasingly using tanks to harvest rain. Water tank sales have been stellar. Figures supplied by the industry body, the Association of Rotational Moulders of Southern Africa, show that growth in 2018 was 28.7%. Demand has doubled in the past several years, from 16 401 tonnes in 2010 to 32 000 tonnes last year. Market leader Jojo currently sells 1 000 tanks a day, and its annual turnover is more than R600 million. It has supplied two million of its tanks mostly in rural areas. It is not strange to now visit a company of a friend's house and find rainwater or water tanks on the premises. Some are integrated into the design of the building and others are very visible to the eye. In this week’s edition of the entrepreneurial edge, we speak to a water tank manufacturer about their business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has received increased scientific, clinical, and public attention over the past few decades. ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder in children, affecting 2.0% to 16.0% of the school-age population. In this conversation, we look at South Africa’s population prevalence for ADHD, the importance of adults of ADHD children to have themselves tested for the condition and the screening and treatment of the condition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rise in human life expectancy and implementing new and aggressive surgical and therapeutic methods have increased the demand for blood and blood products. In the country where anemia resulting from malaria, sickle cell disease, road traffic accidents etc., is common, blood is needed even more. It has been proven that the transplantation of human tissue, cells and organs has saved and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals.
To discuss this further we are joined by Khensani Mahlangu, communications officer from the SA National Blood Service and Makhosi Nomabutho, a traditional healer and consultant from DKMS Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rail transport in South Africa is an important element of the country's transport infrastructure. All major cities are connected by rail, and South Africa's railway system is the most highly developed in Africa. Train travel has always awakened a great sense of romance and adventure, as it allows you to get around freely and enjoy spectacular scenery while traversing some of the country’s scenic routes. Train journeys tend to draw out a feeling even among the least sentimental of us—whether a rose-tinted nostalgia for childhood journeys or even a longing for the pace of leisurely train rides where the destination is secondary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday, the Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies announced that South Africa has been re-elected as a council member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for many matters related to ICT. The state of regulation in telecommunications in South Africa, look at how we compare as a country with other telecom markets in other countries. And lastly get a better understanding of the ICT Sector in South Africa – what are the problems and opportunities available to strengthen the existing knowledge base?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The state of water in South Africa has been the subject of widespread public discussions over the past couple of months. Questions asked include: Is SA heading for a water crisis? Does SA have sufficient freshwater resources to sustain both its path of economic growth and its population growth? Is the quality of water deteriorating? Yesterday, Rand Water, previously which supplies potable water to the Gauteng province and other areas of the country and is the largest water utility in Africa announced that Stage 2 water restrictions are being implemented in Tshwane in line with a Rand Water notification to the capital city and two other Gauteng metros: Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. In this conversation, we speak about the state of water and its security in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When landscape architect and botanist Greg Straw launched the original Fourways Farmers Market his idea was to introduce Joburg to a relaxed picnic park, in the heart of the built-up Fourways suburb in north Joburg. The market was a hit from the start, and soon its popularity outgrew the space, with numbers of weekend visitors growing from a few hundred to a few thousand catered for by more than 80 independent food vendors. Joburg’s much-loved, award-winning market is located in the beautiful Modderfontein Reserve and it has been open for the last nine years. We are now joined by Greg to discuss the farmers market's success.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In south Africa, The Agrarius Sukuk is a R10 billion, Shari'ah-compliant, sustainability-related, and asset-backed note programme of Agrarius Sustainability Engineered. It is administered by 27four Investment Managers, which the company says it is the first of its kind "sukuk" impact investment offering on the JSE. To understand how the Sharia’ah Banking and investing works, we are now joined by Werner Opperman, portfolio manager at 27Four Fund Managers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City of Johannesburg has a new Sheriff in town, Mayor Enoch Dada Morero. He was elected after Dr Mpho Phalatse was ousted. The developments came after a tumultuous period in which the DA's Vasco da Gama was voted out as speaker of the Johannesburg council. To discuss this, we are joined by an election analyst, Wayne Sussman and a political analyst, Dr Fikile Vilakazi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Known by her stage name Shado Twala, has enjoyed over 25 years as a radio broadcaster. With radio, Shado met world leaders, kings, and queens, along with street vendors, convicted criminals, and ordinary folk. In the late 1980’s Shado became a household name as a presenter on radio and television – Radio Bop, Radio Metro, 702, P4 and Cape Talk. During this time, Shado also wrote articles for the Sunday Times, Two Tone Magazine, Tribute Magazine, and the Old Mutual Jazz Heritage Magazine. On Television, she has hosted SABC’s OK TV Awards, Sonic Boom, Soul Agenda, AM Today. Shado joins us now to discuss her illustrious career.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
International warnings about efforts to “subvert democracy” in Brazil are growing, just days before voter’s head to the polls for a presidential election that has deepened divisions in the South American nation. Right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro has suggested that he may reject the results if he loses, as most opinion polls have shown him trailing his left-wing rival, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In this conversation, we look at the state of democracy in Brazil, reflect on the profiles and work of the candidates and what this moment means for the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The role of a Rakgadi in South African families is a critical one. 'Rakgadi' - means paternal aunt. Rakgadi is there to guide family members every step of the way when it comes to following family customs and norms. The eldest aunt, culturally speaking, is supposed to be the one who resolves issues among siblings when they disagree. She is also the one who is closest to the parents and other key relatives in the family. Therefore, the relationship between Rakgadi and a woman who comes into the family as a new wife to one of Rakgadi's brothers is incredibly vital. In this interview we speak to Rakgadi Semali Moeti from the The Rakgadi Foundation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cabinet has approved the long-awaited Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill for submission to parliament, a crucial step in the government’s plans to further restrict the promotion and use of tobacco. In this conversation, we look at the Bill and some of the key measures it’s trying to address: smoke-free public places, plain or standardized packaging for tobacco & nicotine products, and removal of points of sale advertisement and marketing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With a passion for food and fine dining, Kalenga Kapolyo (AKA Kay) Précieuse longed for the timeless elegance of a high tea delivered to her door, where freshly baked patisserie could be customised right down to the smallest details of the flavour of your macaron and filling of your Pâté sucrée. So, she started The Team Room which is a one-of-a-kind tearoom situated on 142 Jan Smuts Ave serving English-style high tea. Kay joins us now to talk to us about opening and running a successful tearoom.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phillip Taaibosch is the founding member of SANTACO, having played on instrumental role towards its formation in 2001, where he was elected as its first Secretary General. He served in the position of Secretary General for three consecutive terms until he was elected President first time in 2014. He recently retired from his position as SANTACO's president, having served his second term as president, after being reelected unopposed. His life in the Taxi Industry spans over 34 years during which time, he assumes various leadership positions in his home Province where he was Chairman for two consecutive terms and at National in SATACO. The organization preceding SANTACO since assuming leadership roles in SANTACO. He joins us in this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new credit rating agency focused on emerging markets says South Africa’s economy is not ‘junk’, giving it an investment grade rating with a stable outlook. The new Gauteng-based agency, Sovereign Africa Ratings (SAR), launched its inaugural review of the country this week, aiming to provide an additional opinion on South Africa’s creditworthiness compared to the ‘big three’ agencies – Fitch Ratings, S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service – which make up 95% of the sector. In this conversation, we look at the role and assessment of rating agencies and the work of South Africa’s “Sovereign Africa Ratings”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When working on the UNESCO Slave Route project in the early 2000s, Dr Botlhale Tema discovered the extraordinary fact that her highly educated family from the farm Welgeval in the Pilanesberg had originated with two young men who had been child slaves in the mid-nineteenth century. She pieced together the fragments of information from relatives and members of the community and scoured the archives to produce this book. Her book, Land of My Ancestors, previously published as The People of Welgeval, tells the story of the two young men and their descendants, as they build a life for themselves on Welgeval. In this week’s edition of the “Culture Corner”, we speak to Dr Tema about the importance of tracing your genealogy and family history, discovering family traits and putting them in perspective.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many people think that the cost of renting private jets and flights is only for the very rich. However, the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has proven that the contrary is the case, and private jets have been significantly dominating air transport. There is a shift in perception that private jets are no longer luxury items. The private flight industry has expanded over the years, and it is becoming more available for the average person, for reasons including price and benefits. So, fasten up your seatbelt and join us as we talk about the benefits of private jets!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a democracy, citizens logically turn to the state to provide leadership; fulfil promises; provide solutions; deliver a better life; to build hope. But with the paralysis of party politics and patronage, it is clear that the state is unable to make things better. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of active citizenship and what citizens can do to understand, engage, and take charge of their future while understanding that rights must be exercised with responsibilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ramaphoria wave has petered out, replaced with distrust and apathy. According to a survey by Afrobarometer, the level of trust for President Cyril Ramaphosa has dwindled lower than during his predecessor Jacob Zuma’s tenure. Ramaphosa has sunk two levels lower than Zuma, according to the survey that attributed voter mistrust to disappointment following high expectations when he took office in 2019. Since he took the reins many, including the mainstream media, have been singing his praises, but now it looks like the tides are turning. Ramaphosa has a cloud hanging over his head. The Phala Phala scandal seems to have tainted his image.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In many countries, jobs are a cornerstone of development, with a payoff far beyond income alone. They are critical for reducing poverty, making communities work, and providing youth with alternatives to violence. In this conversation, we look at the status quo regarding job creation and unemployment in South Africa, analyse aspects such as theory and the current reality regarding employment and government policies and what solutions we can look at to job create.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Takatso Consortium deal is a millstone around South African Airways (SAA’s) neck as the International Air Services Licensing Council revoked 20 of the airline's international routes and has asked hard questions about the nature of Takatso. It is reported that the council revoked 20 of SAA's 52 international licenses because they could not prove its capacity to service the aircraft. In this conversation, we look at the reasons for the closing of the routes and the financial challenges facing the airline.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Currently, South Africa’s rich and productive coastal waters support thousands of jobs and add millions of rand to the national economy each year, with coastal goods and services estimated to contribute 35% to South Africa’s gross domestic product. The government has noted that the Oceans Economy has the potential to contribute up to R177 billion to South Africa’s GDP by 2033 and create between 800 000 to one million jobs. In this conversation, we look at South Africa’s Ocean and maritime economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today would have been Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's 86th birthday. Known as the “Mother of the Nation”, mama was a champion of justice and equality” and without her contribution and continued work during the apartheid struggle, South Africa may not have achieved what it did in 1994. With resilience, Mama Winnie fought racist discrimination, resisted the violations of her human dignity, and opposed the embeddedness of patriarchy in society. In this week’s edition of the View of The Nation, Lerato Mbele speaks to poet Napo Masheane and historian Zikhona Valela about the life and legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A group of hundreds of civil society groups has written an open letter to United Nations chief Antonio Guterres telling him to stop UN agencies, funds and others connected with the organisation from engaging with the generals who seized control of the country from its elected government in a coup in 2021. The letter condemned "in the strongest terms" the continued presence of letters of appointment and the signing of agreements such as MoUs with the coup leaders by various UN agencies. . In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Co-founder of Restless Beings, Mabrur Ahmed and Human Rights Lawyer and Co-Founder of Protect The Royhinga, Advocate Shabnam Mayet and looks at the political crisis in Myanmar, the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and calls for the UN to 'cease all forms of cooperation and engagement with the junta.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, Lerato Mbele speaks to a journalist at the Namibian Sun and SG of the Namibian Workers Union, Jemima Beukes and looks at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Judy Dlamini is the founder and executive chairman of Mbekani Group and the current chancellor of The University of the Witwatersrand. Born during the dark days of apartheid, Dr Dlamini received her medical degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, her MBA from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and her diploma in occupational health from the University of the Free State. With her husband‚ Sizwe Nxasana‚ she founded the Sifiso Learning Group‚ which is the holding company for Future Nation Schools and the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship NPC, a PBO for developing a pipeline of black women leaders in academia. As an author, she has published the titles “Equal but Different”, “The Other Story” and “Grow to be Great”. Currently chairing the board of Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, GBVF Response Fund and director of SA SME Fund and join us as a guest in this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogue
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Entrepreneurship has recently grown from a niche profession to a career that allows the dedicated and business savvy to achieve countless successes. Tatum Billson founded NOOLA in 2015, not knowing that in just a few short years, it would be one of the biggest and most popular baby brands in South Africa. With a BA fashion degree, she is focused on exceptional quality and durability. The Mom of 3 is driven by offering parents affordable luxury strollers, travel systems and accessories. She joins us as this week’s guest on the entrepreneurial edge slot.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Organised crime is rising rapidly across SA with dire implications for the economy and the country's stability. But what is the nature of this threat, how do criminal networks operate and is it getting worse? To throw light on these questions, the Global Initiative conducted a major study and produced the comprehensive Strategic Organized Crime Risk Assessment report that covers fifteen interconnected illicit markets indicating an alarming rise in extortion, kidnapping, organised robbery, organised violence, corruption, theft of critical infrastructure, illegal mining, taxi industry-related crime, wildlife and fishing crime, cybercrime, and economic and financial crime. In this conversation, we talk about the finding of the report.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As a result of its diversity of cultures and religions, South Africa has earned the nickname rainbow nation. South Africa is home to Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindus, Muslims, and Afrikaners, among others. The lives of all these people contribute to the heritage, identity, and culture of South Africa, because they are all united by calling the country home. South Africa ranks among the 10 most culturally diverse countries in the world and because of our diversity, we don’t have a single heritage or easily identifiable set of identities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are approximately two million deaf people in South Africa, which effectively means that as many as 4,5% of people in our country are deaf. Globally, September is recognised as Global Deaf Awareness Month as well as International Week of Deaf People on 19 – 25 of the same months. This move sees people stand together to break create awareness and understanding for those living with deafness. In this conversation, we talk about supporting inclusivity and accessibility for deaf people in society in order to ensure their messaging is inclusive to everyone, including the deaf community, discuss hearing loss and prevention thereof, as well as how to best care for your ears.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. car market is saturated with established automakers like Ford (F), Honda (HMC), and Chevrolet (GM). But one company stands out from the mix: electric car maker Tesla Motors (TSLA). It is now considered a staple within the electric car stratosphere. As of March 4, 2022, the company’s market capitalization was $909.6 billion. In this conversation, we talk about how and why Tesla became the world's most valuable car company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Conflicts are inevitable in a person’s day-to-day life. And when they happen, the idea is not to try to prevent them but rather to resolve and manage them in an effective manner. When people use the appropriate tools of resolution to address issues, they will be able to keep their differences from rising to major problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about whether energy security and supply are a public good in SA, look at the relations between energy security and the policy of the state aiming at satisfying consumer demands. And discuss the difference between commercializing and privatizing a state-owned entity in SA, using Eskom as a case study.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There has been a growing awareness of the importance of whistleblowers in South Africa due to media exposés and testimony at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Without these brave people and their vital disclosures, corruption's inner workings would still be a mystery. It takes a certain degree of bravery to become a whistleblower, however. There are some risks associated with blowing the whistle. There is a financial, psychological, and legal toll in blowing the whistle. Although government and industry leaders have made grandiose speeches and commitments in the past, whistleblowers have borne this burden alone. To discuss this topic, we are now joined by Ben Theron who is the executive director at The Whistleblower House.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is a South African author, scholar, media innovator and musician. He received a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford in 2020 and in 2017, published his first book Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics, which won the City Press Tafelberg Award which was accompanied by a rap album of the same name. He joins us today to share his view of the nation. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Author, Scholar, Media Innovator and Musician.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is currently lying-in-state at the Palace of Westminster. Today her coffin will travel to Westminster where 2000 guests are expected to attend her funeral. It will be a state funeral which means it will follow strict rules of protocol, such as a military procession and a period of lying-in-state. The funeral will be in three parts: the service at Westminster Abbey at 11 am, attended by world leaders, representatives of the Commonwealth, emergency services workers, representatives of the Queen’s charity patronages and the wider Royal family. The funeral service will be televised, and a national two minutes silence is expected to be held.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week with the editor of African.co.za, Noni Mokati.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clive Barker is one of South Africa’s most successful coaches, having won league and cup titles at club level and lead South Africa to African Cup of Nations glory in 1996. He was the first South African coach to qualify for the World Cup and is now well into his fourth decade as a professional coach and offers a wealth of experience at both club and national team level.
As a player he had a distinguished career at Durban City and Durban United, making his professional debut at just 17 years of age. He was on the verge of signing for Leicester in England, but a serious knee injury put pay to his playing career.
He joins us this week as guest in this week’s edition of “In the Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Globally, September 16 in 2022 marks the fourth International Identity Day in recognition of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 16.9 which seeks to provide universal legal identity including birth registration by 2030, as part of the broader goal of promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies and end statelessness. Being stateless means a person is not recognised by any state. In this conversation, we examine the risk of childhood statelessness in South Africa, interrogate whether South Africa's laws can protect children at risk of being born stateless and provide adequate solutions to this problem
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 1 800 Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers were deployed to fight crime in the Johannesburg CBD in January 2022. The officers were said to be responsible for all patrols, stop and search operations, and undercover operations. Following the release of Gauteng’s fourth quarterly crime statistics in June which saw the province record a 45.2% increase in murders, we in this segment, talk about and get an update on the work of the public safety committee towards restoring law and order in Johannesburg and making sure that the citizens are safe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Dr Kagiso TK Pooe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite the promise of democracy made by the ruling party, formalised institutions and structures have been unable to deliver what was initially promised - just, free, democratic, and prosperous societies. During the 28 years of democracy in SA, this normative view of society has weakened, whereas corrupt political parties and institutions have increased their autocratization. There has been an increasing capture of power by the ruling political parties and the establishment of economic-political clientelistic networks.
Tsogang Civic Movement is a progressive political party committed to advancing the economic policies of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. The party wants to grow its footprint now that elections are around the corner. We are now joined by the chairman of the movement, George Khunuo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Hajira Mashego is the founder of Fitness Junction. She is a qualified sport physiotherapist who studied further to complete a master’s degree in Public Health (with a focus on fitness) and a PHD in Human Movement Science (also focusing on fitness). She has vast experience in sport physiotherapy, exercise science and sport management and has served a combined 26 years in the health, wellness, and sports sectors. Hajira resigned from a senior management government position, took her pension contributions, and established Fitness Junction, a gym company in February 2018. The company has been bootstrapped and has grown organically, now employing 14 people. Fitness Junction is a provider of commercial, corporate, and home gyms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Growing up without a father figure has a profound effect on boys that lasts into manhood. Boys need a father figure to learn how to be a man. The news is filled with stories about young men committing suicide, engaging in drug abuse, and seeking quick money. Has society failed to set an example for these young men? What does it mean to raise a child in today’s society? How do you raise a boy? Are there some social, emotional, psychological, or cultural factors that affect raising boys?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In many cities around the world, congestion and pollution have reached a tipping point; space is limited, and the use of private cars is no longer efficient. In this conversation, we look at the status of clean, healthy, and affordable mode of transport that is cycling and talk about how we can elevate this form of transport to be a part of a desirable urban lifestyle in African cities, using Johannesburg as a case study.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2014, something happened that changed how the media report on court proceedings in South Africa. In this conversation, we talk about whether the media should or shouldn’t carry sensational trials, and if done, how the media is supposed to conduct itself in such settings so that court processes are not disturbed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa's mathematics and science education ranks as one of the worst in the world and continues to spiral downward. Partly influenced by difficult teaching conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic, the math pass rate dropped from 54.6% in 2019 to 53.8% in 2020. That means nearly half of math students in South Africa are failing. It is said that one of the reasons for our dismal math performance is a lack of qualified math teachers. In this conversation, we talk to a mathematician about the state of mathematics in South African classrooms, how mathematics can be simplified, connected to daily realities, decoded, and made fun for leaners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The African Union celebrated its 20th anniversary. The organisation reflected on its milestones twenty years since its formation in 2002. We are now joined by Dr Adeoye Akinola, Head Of Research And Teaching, Institute For Pan-African Thought And Conversation At University of Johannesburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Starting in 2012, the United Nations began compiling the “World Happiness Report” which examines how citizens worldwide rank their subjective level of happiness. According to the list, South Africa ranks 91st out of 146, with Finland being the first and Afghanistan being the last. Since 1934, GDP has been the accepted standard for measuring and managing the size of an economy. To discuss this further we are joined by Professor Talita Greyling, Director, The Gross National Happiness Today Project.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This past Sunday, the City Press reported of a court challenge between Dr Makaziwe Mandela Amuah, who is the late President Mandela’s daughter and the SA Heritage Resources Agency which saw her lodge through her lawyers, an affidavit in opposition to a court bid by the SA Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) and the department of sport, arts and culture to repatriate artefacts belonging to the late statesman. Makaziwe has lashed out at the application, calling it “stillborn” and outside the bodies’ scope of functions and powers. In this conversation, we speak about the rules and laws around heritage artefacts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dirk Johannes Hermann is a South African labor executive and serves as chief executive officer of Solidarity, a union that comprises of a various work-related institution which have been built over the past 20 years and offer a dependable service to approximately 140 000 members in all occupational fields, collectively and professionally, and has the passion and knowledge to look after its members’ interests and to ensure that their rights are protected in the workplace. The union has more than 20 offices countrywide and members are served by more than 300 staff members and 1 275 union representatives in thousands of companies. Dirk studied at the North-West University where he earned a Baccalaureus Artium (Law), Honours Baccalaureus Artium(Labour Relations), Magister Artium(Industrial sociology), and PhD (2006). He joins us today as this week’s guest on the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are many small and medium businesses that are going the extra mile to ensure that all South Africans have all the essentials they need to survive. WeSit Technologies joins the ranks of other gig economy businesses by offering on-demand babysitting services across South Africa. The WeSit platform allows parents to book a sitter on the platform at any time, on short notice, with no minimum booking time, and all the sitters on the platform are vetted and trusted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In celebration of World Literacy Day, stories about South Africa’s poor literacy rates take the spotlight. Civil society is urging for an overhaul of the education system in light of shockingly low literacy levels in SA schools. According to the 2016 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). 80% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning across all South African languages. Lerato Mbele speaks to Lunga Nqadolo, Managing Director of The Bookery about literacy in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the view of the nation, we look at South Africa from a legal perspective and discuss the role of law in ensuring justice, and whether transformation for a better and equal life for all in the country is something that can genuinely be achieved through the law. We get light on potential issues that still exist in South African law that make the quest for justice and transformation difficult to achieve, insights into how South African law can develop in the future in line with imperatives like justice and transformation and engage with the challenges and missed opportunities that stand in the way of much-needed justice and transformation in the South African society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Internationally, Bantu Stephen Biko is memorialized as one of the most important activists of South Africa’s apartheid era. Today, 45 years after his death on September 12, 1977, the former medical student is not forgotten. The Black Consciousness Movement pioneered by Biko played a crucial role in the resistance to Apartheid in South Africa, pursuing broad coalitions alongside ideas of Black theology and indigenous values, Biko’s role in the anti-Apartheid struggle can be read as one of philosopher as much as activist. In this conversation, we talk about the role and significance of black consciousness in modern day South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Considering her rise and success in the entertainment industry, it is hard to believe that her career as an actress wasn’t exactly planned. Her accolades include the National Order: The Officer of the Most Loyal Order of Ramats’eatsana from the Lesotho Government for her contribution, not only to the arts, but also to the Sotho culture (2016), a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Lifetime Achievement, Performance and Social Activism (2011), and two Artes Awards for Best Actress (1986 and 1990), and four honourary doctorates. She joins us today in studio to share stories and thoughts on her career and achievements through the years in this week’s edition of “In the Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about the mechanics involved in programming such an event, look at why music promoters should prioritise the formation of appropriate experience options for revelers, opportunities for music festivals in the future, and the return of one of South Africa’s oldest jazz festivals after the COVID pandemic and in 2015 created over 1,201 long- and short-term jobs. We are joined by Mantwa Chinoamadi - Mutshinya, CEO At T. Musicman And Producer, Joy of Jazz Festival.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
King Charles III is today due to address his new subjects, as Britain was plunged into mourning by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, ending a history-making 70-year reign. Charles, 73, became monarch immediately after the death of his mother at her Scottish Highland retreat on Thursday, sparking tributes at home and abroad. He is due to return to London from Balmoral, where the 96-year-old queen died "peacefully" after a year-long period of ill health and decline. We are joined by Milton Nkosi, BBC’s Former South Africa Bureau Chief & Senior Fellow, Africa Asia Dialogues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Slavery was commonplace at the Cape, and mixing between Europeans, indigenous peoples, and enslaved people led to the emergence of creolised people later referred to as "coloured" by apartheid government officials. In this conversation we explore the concept of Coloured identity in an attempt to explain how this former racial category has been and still is, made into a socially relevant category in the informants’ lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Kingdom’s next prime minister will be Liz Truss. After a two-month contest, Conservative Party members have chosen her as their new leader. In this conversation, we look at Truss' rise in politics, why there hasn’t been an election after the resignation of Boris Johnson and what will happen next after she is sworn in. Musa Mdunge, Political Analyst & PhD Candidate at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Steenhuisen is a South African politician who has served as the leader of the Opposition since October 2019 and has been the federal leader of the Democratic Alliance since November 2020, having served as the interim leader for one year from November 2019. He joins Nhlanhla Sehume to give his view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about myths around early access to retirement funds, get clarity on how vested rights will affect existing retirement assets, the taxing of withdrawals and what will happen to existing fund benefits with Blessing Utete, Old Mutual Corporate Consultants, Managing Executive.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a recent court case, the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered that a man pay over R3 million in maintenance arrears to his ex-wife, even though it is now 29 years after their divorce. The judgement, which was written by Acting Justice John Smith, upheld the terms of the 'Prescription Act', a legal principle in terms of which a debtor's liability to pay an outstanding debt is extinguished after the passing of prescribed periods. In this week’s edition of the masterclass, we look at the work and functions of the maintenance court. Kamogelo Lekubu, Director: Office of The Chief Family Advocate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Section 26 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (South Africa 1996), the state is required to provide adequate housing for everyone. As part of the Constitution, the state must take reasonable legislative and other measures to achieve the progressive realization of this right to housing. Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the CEO of the Qhama Social Housing Institution, Tabisa Nodada and the CEO of the Govan Mbeki Housing Company, Busi Mazibuko about how the state rethinks its delivery framework to achieve its housing goals and the importance of social housing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to the vice president of Slum Dwellers International and National Coordinator of the South African Federation of the Urban and Rural Poor, Rose Molokoane about slums and social housing in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the Department of Human Settlements, the government has built more than 2.7 million low-cost houses over the past 15 years, but there are still an estimated 2 million more to build. The department is hosting an Indaba in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality as part of its efforts to transform human settlements into economically and socially integrated places. Nhlanhla Sehume speaks to Mmamoloko Kubayi, Minister of Human Settlements about the purpose of the indaba, state of housing in KZN following the floods and the country in general.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Child Justice Act, 2008 which came into operation on 1 April 2010 created a separate criminal justice system for children. It changed the way that we deal with children who have committed crime.
In this conversation, we speak about the amendments to the child justice act and look at the capacity for the state to rehabilitate young crime offenders. We are now joined by Advocate Vuyo Ketele, Senior Advocate, Department of Justice & Correctional Services and Lulama Kampher Phiri, Attorney & Founder, Kamfer Phiri Inc.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled a minor debt relief package for 17 African countries, writing off 23 interest-free loans that came due at the end of the last year.
In this conversation, we talk about the cancelation of these loans, motivation/circumstances behind the move and broadly look at China’s debt track record in the continent with Political & Economic Affairs Commentator, Einar Tangen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joyous, as they are referred to by their adoring fans, is the brainchild of three close friends: Jabu Hlongwane, Lindelani Mkhize and Mthunzi Namba, who formed the group to celebrate the political change in the country and the peaceful transition into democracy.
In this conversation, we talk about the intersection of music and business, the future of community choirs, the innovation of the choral community during Covid-19, and much more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To understand the impact of the cancel culture on a personality or brand, we are now joined by Farah C Fortune, the founder and director of African Star Communications and Sibongile Ndashe, executive director of Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Social media has been abuzz as South Africans celebrate Spring's arrival. The changing seasons are key points in the cycle of life in nature, and within this cycle many ancient cultures perceived a powerful deeper message for humanity. In SA, Spring Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of September. And today we are talking to about the spiritual meaning of the Spring Equinox.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pre-pandemic, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimated that women accounted for 54% of all tourism employees globally, compared to 39% in the broader economy. In South Africa, the figure is much higher, seeing women make up 70% of the sector. In this week’s edition of the entrepreneurial edge, we speak to the owner of the Ramkiki country lodge, Moloko Ramatshila-Mugeri, about hotel management and ownership in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In terms of certain legislation, however, the term ‘spouse’ has been broadened to include cohabiting couples and this can lead to confusion regarding the financial and legal rights of those living together. In this conversation, we speak about the terms under which customary marriages and civil unions are recognized and the different protections and benefits, each of the two come with.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As one of Africa's top corporate players, Mteto Nyati knows what it takes to succeed. His resume is quite impressive. He studied at Yale, has held executive posts at companies like IBM, Enablis, Blue Label, MTN and served as the CEO of iconic SA tech firm Altron for several years.
As an investor in medium sized unlisted companies that operate in high growth sectors, Mteto embodies the spirit of Nyati -- Xhosa for "buffalo", by challenging the status quo and making a difference. He is the author of the best-selling book "Betting on a Darkie". He joins us now as a guest in this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The presence of vehicle safety features on entry-level vehicles in South Africa is improving, with most vehicles in this category offering moderate to acceptable safety features. This is according to the 2022 Automobile Association (AA) Entry-Level Vehicle Safety (ELVS) Report, which assesses the available safety features on entry-level vehicles in the domestic market.
Thirty-eight vehicles have been included in this year’s report and are assessed for the safety features stated in the written literature of the vehicles in available printed or online brochures. In this conversation, we look at the results of the report and discuss regulation of car safety that is used in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Names are our identities. They are often deeply rooted in our social and cultural beliefs. In countries with a dominant Anglo culture, many people anglicized their names to “fit in,” appear more mainstream, or gain social or cultural advantages. But names are more than monikers. The name of a person encompasses so much about them. Our identity is encapsulated in it, as is our reason for being, our soul, perhaps. My name is what makes me ‘me’ and thus I want it to be treated with respect. It’s the only thing in my life that is truly mine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we look at the impact of climate change on food security in South Africa, what our policy approach should look like towards protecting arable land against global warming, South Africa’s ability to adapt and protect its food items, how to close the widening gap between the cost of adapting and the necessary financial support from the government and the need to invest in technologies that will resist risks on food systems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we speak to Mandla Sibeko who will give us a master class on the business of art, how artists can scale art sales and a preview of what to expect at the 2022 instalment of the Joburg Art Fair.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President João Lourenço came to power promising to wipe out corruption and state dominance. He also claimed he would reduce the roles of the state, the armed forces, and the national oil company, Sonangol, in the national economy.
He repeated the same message at the start of 2022. Lourenço became president in 2017, handpicked by his predecessor Jose Eduardo dos Santos who stepped down after four decades of iron-fisted rule.
He presented himself as a man who could usher in a new era and a clear break from the past, painful memories of civil war, mismanagement of state resources and extreme poverty.
In this conversation, we reflect on the Angolan elections with Marisa Lourenço, Independent Political & Economic Analyst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the view of the nation, we speak to Nelson Chamisa, President of the Citizens for Coalition for Change on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe, the country’s current political climate ahead of the 2023 elections and efforts to build the country’s economy to its former glory with Nelson Chamisa, President, Citizens for Coalition for Change.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week. We are joined by Bongani Mahlangu, Independent Journalist, Writer & Socio-cultural Commentator at THIVI.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about the state and regulation of the cross-border bus transport system in South Africa, particularly looking at the establishment and running of illicit bus ranks in the Johannesburg – adverse effects of these ranks on the economy, measures to curb illicit cross border bus operations and ranks, infrastructure for bus services in the city and public transport subsidizing.
We are joined by Executive Manager: Stakeholder Relations Organisation, Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, Sibulele Dyodo and Chairman, African Unite Borders Truck Association, Umkhwetha Phumudzo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we look at the effects of codeine abuse by young people, the extent of treatment demand related to the misuse of codeine or codeine dependence in South Africa. Join us now is Daphney Fafudi, Regulatory Compliance Manager, SAHPRA, professor Charles Parry, Director of The SAMRC’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Research Unit and Dr Tiny Mhinga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shopping online is a growing trend in South Africa and is attracting a wider demographic of consumers. Customer satisfaction in the last mile is key to retaining customers, and townships are under-serviced in this regard. Delivering goods quickly, affordably and on time in townships remains a challenge largely due to poor town planning. Solomon Makgobatlou identified this as a challenge that affected both business owners and consumers, and he sought to find a solution. In this conversation, we speak to him about the app and online retailing in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we look at the mysticism around the changing of weather seasons in life, try understanding the associated cultural dimensions of climate change and how these affect us as people.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to WesBank, more individuals and companies in South Africa are choosing to lease rather than purchase a vehicle outright as consumers become more financially savvy and understand that a car is a depreciating purchase. Leasing is seen as a more attractive option over buying a car amid rising interest rates, rising petrol prices, inflation and a challenging economic climate. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to motoring expert, Pogiso Dibakwane about the pros and cons of car leasing versus instalment sales.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gone are the days when you needed a university degree to enjoy a successful career. Trades and artisan careers are in high demand and artisans are earning big salaries!
According to the Artisan Training Institute (ATI), the current industry shortage of skilled artisans in certain trades offers an alternative and often an even more secure career path than securing a university degree. Sean Jones, the CEO of Artisan Institute of Training joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
French companies face major challenges hampering their investments and putting their companies' futures at risk in SA. Although the authorities have promised to ease business in SA and to promote international investment, this promise has yet to manifest, particularly when it comes to visas for skilled expats desperately needed in order to run businesses and their Capex investments. To help us understand the issues faced by French businesses in the country, we are now joined by Jean Claude Lasserre, chairman, French Trade Advisers in SA and CEO of Saint Gobain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission (B-BBEE Commission) recently published its annual B-BBEE trends report for 2021, which shows a decline in compliance and a drop in black ownership of businesses. This report is based on data derived from annual compliance reports submitted by JSE-listed companies, state and local government entities, and Sectoral Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). In this conversation, we are joined by Nolwandle Mthombeni, a senior bank analyst from Intellidex and Kganki Matabane who is the CEO of Black Business Council and a member of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Advisory Council about BEE.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did you know? The University of Johannesburg was ranked second nationally and on the continent, according to the QS World University Rankings. Lerato Mbele speaks to Vice Chancellor and Principal UJ, Prof Tshilidzi Marwala about how they achieved this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week. Joining us to discuss the stories is Pauli van Wyk, investigative journalist from Daily Maverick.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ask Wilson what slots he has hosted on METRO FM, and he will say,” I have hosted them all apart from the Jazz slot, and that is purely by choice.” His past slots at METRO FM include both the morning and afternoon drive time shows.
A year into radio, Wilson became a TV presenter for the show “Sidlalela Intsha, Sidlalela Ulutsha” a request show. He has also featured on Studio Mix in the absence of its main anchor Bob Mabena and was also one of Jam Alley’s first presenters when the show launched in 1992. He joins us in this week’s edition of “In The Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lidudumalingani Mqombothi is the current “cool kid” of South African literature.
The 2016 winner of the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story, “Memories We Lost” is the curator of the 2022 African Book Festival in Berlin, set to take place from today until 21 August 2022 in Berlin, Germany.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At age 15, all Aus Tebza, whose real name is Tebogo Sedumedi, wanted to be a band leader. It wasn't long before she was playing bass guitar in the late HHP's band and performing with the likes of Simphiwe Dana, Bucie, the Grammy award winning Wouter Kellerman, Proverb, and Laurie Levington. However, this is not all there is to her.
AusTebza, has also made a name for herself as a songwriter, vocalist, and music director. Among her accolades are composing songs for popular bands and artists like The Muffinz and being commissioned as the music director for the Mbokodo Awards.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hailing from the township of Vosloorus in the East of Johannesburg, Maureen 'Nono' Skosana is the woman behind the bespoke events management and equipment hire company Nono Events — which has become the trusted events decor company for an impressive clientele who have a taste for the finer things in life. She's also a qualified attorney and has spent over 10 years practicing in corporate which included been head of compliance in one of SAs major bank's before devoting her life as an entrepreneur.
Nono joins us not to share her entrepreneurial journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, Prof Thuli Madonsela has been a lifelong activist on social justice, constitutionalism, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. She is one of the drafters of South Africa’s Constitution and co-architect of several laws that have sought to anchor South Africa’s democracy. Among laws she helped draft, are the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act. She joins us as a guest in this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amnesty International South Africa says adolescent pregnancy is a social health and economic issue affecting children in South Africa. According to the report, all corners of society must act quickly to end the crisis. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of adolescents and young girls becoming pregnant. Researchers found that between April 2017 and September 2021, the number of births to young girls and adolescents between 10 and 14 years of age increased by 48.7%.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Throughout history, many customs have been followed to prevent misfortune from affecting us and our loved ones. We may like to think that we live in a sophisticated age, but even in the 21stcentury, many customs and superstitions linger on.
Regardless of whether you consider yourself a particularly superstitious person, you say "bless you" when someone sneezes, as our ancestors did, when they thought it was possible for the devil to take their soul. Some of us unapologetically cross our fingers when we're in need of a little extra luck. Other people are afraid of the number 13. This fear could be due to Judas, who was the thirteenth guest to attend the Last Supper, and we are all aware of how that event ended.
You might laugh at some of them and even secretly believe in some, but not all seemingly bizarre superstitions might be baseless.
To discuss this topic further we are joined by Keituletse Ngwanga, who is the director of Africa Zazi a platform for dialogue on unravelling African culture and Identity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In recent years, SUV vehicles have become wildly popular in the country. This includes all kinds – regular SUVs, small SUVs, and even crossovers. With their sleek and large exterior design, they're a force to be reckoned with under the hood and will take you from bustling traffic to quiet veld with ease.
SUVs are popular in South Africa for more reasons than just their looks and ability to serve as excellent family vehicles. There are numerous gravel and dirt roads in our country, plus potholes, which are especially damaging to cars' suspensions and tyres. Usually, SUVs can survive in such terrain without damage.
In this segment, we are joined by Phuti Mpye a motoring journalist who talks to us about South Africa’s favourite SUVs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we are joined by Head of Marketing and Brand at Ntiyiso Consulting, Mhlanganisi Madlongolwana. He will be wrapping up the campaign after the 6 successful episodes and will also touch on our capabilities and expertise in relation to this topic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are many of us who have been lured in by a salesman's flattery into purchasing something and binding ourselves to an agreement without truly understanding the product or the terms and conditions. Usually, it's those salesmen who say their products will change your life, that you will see results within a week, or that's not all, you get extras, or it might even be your dream home, and when the estate agent leaves, the wife usually tells you, “What inspired you to be such an irrational and silly man?"
Fortunately, the South African law, provides for a cooling-off period to protect consumers from specifically this “hasty” decisions as explained above. Law thereby provides consumers with the right to a cooling-off period which usually runs for a certain number of days after conclusion of an agreement allowing the consumer to cancel the agreement or contract. We are now joined by Joseph Selolo, Company Secretary, National Consumer Commission to help us understand how the 'cooling-off period' works for consumers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, we look at insights into the latest in insurance new technologies services and trends affecting women insurers.
We are now joined by Seugnette Van Wyngaard, Head, 1st For Women Insurance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we look at the state of policing in South Africa; look at the current curriculum utilized for the basic training of trainees and officials in the South African Police Service with regards to crowd management, the use of equipment that can be utilized and how it can be used to handle crowd management and unrest related incidents.
We are now joined by Eldred de Klerk, Principal Associate, Africa Centre for Security, and Intelligence Praxis and Tumelo Mogodiseng, General Secretary, South African Policing Union.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to research, women-led countries had "systematically and significantly better" outcomes during Covid-19, locking down earlier and suffering half as many deaths on average as their male counterparts. Women leaders are still so unusual that they stand out and draw a lot of scrutiny.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Antony Blinken, United States secretary of state, has arrived in South Africa. A strategic dialogue between the United States and South Africa was held on Monday between Blinken and Naledi Pandor. Blinken will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda after that. Experts say the State Department is responding to the charm offensive launched by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov by going on an African tour to strengthen relations and discuss global issues. According to DIRCO, the South Africa-US Strategic Dialogue is a structured bilateral mechanism designed to serve as a platform through which the two countries review the bilateral relationship, consider new areas of cooperation and exchange views on matters of mutual interest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world”. Over the past few decades, technology has advanced exponentially, and calls have been made for the abolition of socioeconomic class hierarchies. The South African student protests for a decolonised higher education space, #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall, increased the call for fee reductions and reduced fees. A decolonised curriculum is a complex concept involving much controversy about how it should be framed, described, and/or implemented. To discuss this further we are now joined by professor Puleng Lenkabula who is the vice chancellor of the University of South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
William Gumede is Associate Professor, School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Executive Chairperson of Democracy Works Foundation and former Deputy Editor of The Sowetan newspaper. Professor Gumede joins us now to discuss issues facing democratic countries and share his view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many countries in the world are currently battling with high inflation rates and Africa is not exempted from this development. Zimbabwe has begun selling gold coins to fight high inflation. In this conversation, we look at the introduction and use of gold coin in Zimbabwe, the recent economic history of Zimbabwe, as well as the outlook for the current political economy and investment environment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the 28th of January, this year the President assented to laws that strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). He heralded this as a major step forward in fighting against the GBV epidemic and in placing the rights and needs of victims at the center of interventions. Feminist and analyst, Nomboniso Gasa and executive director of Gender Links, Kubi Rama.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trade unions across Europe are calling for governments to implement the four-day working week, and some countries like Iceland, Spain, New Zealand, Japan have embraced the idea and in Scotland, a government trial is due to start in 2023 while Wales is also considering a trial. In this conversation, we look at the feasibility of a four-day working week, its pros, and cons and how this will change the world of work and labour movement.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, we look at some stories that made the newspapers on Sunday and set the news agenda for the coming week. We are joined by Political Journalist for Daily Maverick, Queenin Maswabi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Waiting for a Thandiswa Mazwai album has become something of a national quagmire, a stasis we are forever trying to jolt ourselves out of.
As one of the most influential musicians on the South African music scene today, she began her career in 1998 with Bongo Maffin, one of the pioneering bands of Kwaito.
After 6 award winning albums with Bongo Maffin, she ventured onto a solo career and her first project 'Zabalaza' (2004), reached double platinum status and won numerous awards including a Kora award for Best African Female Artist and Four South African Music Awards.
Lerato Mbele catches up with Singer and songwriter, Thandiswa Mazwai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Editor-in-Chief, True Love MagazineTRUE LOVE, Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa speaks to Lerato Mbele about the magazine ability to survive the digital age.
When I was growing up True Love magazine was regarded as one of the most influential fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publications for black women in South Africa. It was the go-to handbook and style guide for women who believe that their magazine should be stylish and thought-provoking.
And despite the challenges faced by print media, with closing down of top publishing companies in the country in the country, True Love has stood the test of time. So, what is their secret to the magazine’s survival in a world where digital media is taking to over.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Breastfeeding Week takes place from 1 to 7 August 2022. South Africa has one of the lowest rates of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants from 0 to 6 months on the continent. At a rate of less than 32% in 2016, it is unlikely that the country can meet the Who's (World Health Organisation's) global target of a 70% EBF rate by 2030.
In line with international codes, the country has regulations in place to protect breastfeeding and to limit the formidable marketing powers of infant formula producers. So, what more needs to be done? To discuss this further we are now joined by Maria Van Der Merwe, who is the president of the Association for Dietetics In SA.
President, Association For Dietetics In SA, Maria Van Der Merwe speaks on the matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While studying at Stellenbosch University, Madri Scherman began making leather clutches for fun. At the time, it was just an extracurricular activity. But soon she realized her fascination with leather was more than just a side project; it was also an important part of her academic career. So, she started a business, Masch, for which she designs and makes hand-stitched leather bags and accessories. Madri Scherman joins us now from the UK to talk about her business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Herman Mashaba is a gifted entrepreneur who together with wife Connie, overcame almost impossible odds to build a substantial business called Black Like Me. Through the business, Mashaba, achieved success during the dark days of apartheid. Mashaba reluctantly decided to take the values of success he learned in business and using them to change the face of South African politics. So why would a successful entrepreneur, who could be enjoying his wealth and resting, decide to rather tackle politics? Herman joins us now to share his journey into politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the experts, simply looking at the family tree and understanding it can be healing. Even more so than whatever we do with the information we find. To help us understand how Nomfundo Mogapi, founder and CEO of the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phindi Kema has been described as one of SA’s best commercial horse breeders and the only black woman in the business. Few breeders have enjoyed both the longevity and success of Phindi Kema. Perceptive, goal-oriented and a true horsewoman in the highest sense of the word, Phindi continues to be a driving force in a tough fickle breed. And today we get the chance to speak to her about her horse breeding journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EELC and EE made a written submission to the DBE in response to its proposed school infrastructure law changes. The organisations urged the department not to scrap the accountability and urgency necessary for school repairs. The draft amendments to the Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure (the school infrastructure law) were published in the Government Gazette on 10 June 2022. Under the new draft amendments, deadlines have been removed for when government must eradicate pit latrines and provide basic services such as water and electricity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the years, there has been a rise in violent protests against service delivery in South Africa and there are fears that the riots will spread to other communities. But why do they spread and what impact does it have on the communities?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Fitch, a basic income grant for South Africa is expected to be in place from next year. However, it is unclear how these additional expenditures will be paid over time. To discuss this, we are now joined by the founding director of the Centre for Economic Development and Transformation, Duma Gqubule.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ANC Women’s League has proposed that the country needs to apply chemical castration to rapists and sexual abusers of children, women, and adolescents. This has aroused a great debate in country, as many have spoken out against this, and others hope that our government will succeed in approving it in order to apply it to all those convicted of this crime. To discuss raising the efficacy of the sentence and its effectiveness as a deterrent to sexual violent crimes, we are now joined by advocate Romeo Nthambeleni and Dr Thato Maoto - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NUMSA is the biggest union in South Africa and on the African continent with a 35-year-old history which has been a shining example of democratic worker control, open, robust and frank debates with tolerance, mandating and accountability at the centre of every organisational aspect and expression. The melee leading up to the interdicted union’s 2021 congress laid bare an ideological battle for the heart of the country’s largest trade union, with factions accusing each other of aiding efforts by external forces to capture the union. In this conversation, we locate the role of NUMSA in the country’s labour movement, reflect on the recent congress and look into talks by industry insiders that the union is in the verge of collapse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your narrative as a business, whether it’s what you put out there yourself or what others are saying about you, has lasting power. To understand how corporate narratives can effectively shape reputation, character, and overall success, we are now joined by the group CEO and co-founder of The Africa Communications Media Group, Mimi Kalinda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Stats SA, South Africa is benefiting from an increase in US tourists, who are spending a third more than they used to. The US market has yet to fully recover, but SA is experiencing a boom from the US market. This is good news for SA tourism.
In her budget vote, the Minister of Tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu, emphasised the value of tourism in the economy, as it contributes 3,7% to South Africa’s gross domestic product, more than agriculture, utilities, and construction.
To find out more about the industry we are now joined by the acting CEO of SA Tourism, Themba Khumalo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nowadays, political debates have become an integral part of election campaigns. Their stated intention is to enable citizens to access comprehensive information that will help them decide whom to elect.
The election cycle is seen as an important indicator of democracy throughout the world. In principle, the political debate is a forum to showcase these aspiring leaders’ visions. So, what happens when a candidate doesn’t show up for the debate?
We are now joined by professor Leadership Expert, Mazwe Majola and Policy and Governance Expert from Kenya, Gabriel Muthuma.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week. Joining us to discuss the stories is political editor at Newzroom Afrika, Nolukhanyo Calata.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Marawa is an established sportscaster, who has won all major radio and TV journalism awards in South Africa for his excellent work on football, the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the All-Africa Games and has hosted numerous popular, mainstream functions, both locally and internationally.
He joins us a guest on this week’s edition of “In the Spotlight”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is a need for South Africa to develop a more inclusive social order that unites government, labour, and business.
In his inauguration speech on 25 May 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to forge a social compact predicated on growth and economic opportunity. In his recent letter to the nation, the president said the delay in the finalisation of the comprehensive social compact that he promised to deliver within 100 days of his February State of the Nation Address (SONA) is owing to the fact that full agreement on a common objective has not yet been reached. In this conversation, we talk about the social impact on South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re thinking about starting a design business, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Starting a business takes a lot of work and will require you to use a wide range of skills when marketing your business and seeking new clients.
A veteran of the interior design industry, Nthabi Taukobong has a career spanning more than two decades.
With all this experience, it was only fitting that we invite her to come and share some of the wisdom she’s gained over the years. She joins us now to tell us more about this journey that consists of her working on esteemed residential and leisure projects for presidents, African royalty, captains of industry and five-star hotels, to name just a few.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The church as a religious and social organization, driven by moral and social principles as contained in the fundamental teachings and doctrine of Christian faith, is expected to play an important role towards the social change and the improvement on society’s value system. This will lead to the transformation of the social life and put society in a holistic growth- and development-oriented direction. In this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue, we attempt to examine the role of the church in meeting the growth and survival of society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on our culture corner segment, we explore this unique group of Khoisan, a people very distinguished by their appearance, language, culture, and history yet, a group that is rarely discussed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this last segment of the Future of Cities Campaign, we talk about people management and leadership change in municipalities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Washing Post has revealed that Uber knowingly put its drivers in South Africa at risk, according to a report drawing on the Uber Files which helped it to quickly go from subsidising its startup operations in Johannesburg and Cape Town to making a profit while those drivers got poorer. The Uber Files is a leak of more than 120,000 items, mostly emails but also WhatsApp messages and other media, over a period between 2013 and 2017. In this conversation, we speak about the safety and working condition of e-hailing service drivers in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation we discuss the role and associated opportunity costs of IPP’s in addressing South Africa’s energy crisis and whether they are able to meet the demands of the quantity of electricity needed by the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Corporate Social Investment is one of the sub-components of CSR and aims to uplift communities in such a way that the quality of life is improved and safeguarded and encompasses projects that are external to the normal business activities of a company and not directly for purposes of increasing company profit. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of SCI, why companies should have these programmes, how the public benefits from these and best practices for CSI.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Traditionally, the loyalty programmes offered were limited to frequent airline flyers, financial services, and retail industries. However, the demand for loyalty programs continues to grow across other industries, including leisure, wellness, B2B, and even corporate social responsibility. In this discussion and referencing the country’s current economic climate, we look at ways in which customers can leverage loyalty and rewards programmes to stretch their money.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abahlali base Mjondolo is a democratic mass movement of the oppressed in South Africa. The movement advocates for the rights of people living in shacks including access to decent housing, services and education. Almost twenty years later, the organisation continues to fight for housing issues and the rights of the poor in society. The president and founder of Abahlali base Mjondolo, Sbu Zikode joins us to give his view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eleven years ago, revolts spread like wildfire across the Arab world, spurring events that changed the region. Arab Spring was a series of pro-democracy uprisings that affected several largely Muslim countries, including Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Bahrain. Most of these events began in spring 2011, giving them their names. Even today, years after many of these popular uprisings ended, their social and political impact remains significant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Whitehead, a South African actor best known for his role as the villain, Barker Haines on the now defunct local TV soapie “Isidingo” captured the hearts of South Africans through his unsympathetic and straight forward character on the show. Robert has been in the acting industry for more than three decades now, appearing in various local movies and soapies such as Sarafina and Mr Bones.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we reflect on the work of the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble and the importance of music education in society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, through protest poetry we look at the expression of disaffection by writers in their portrayal of the struggles for socio-political sanity and socioeconomic equanimity during apartheid.
Talk about the state of protest poetry in modern day South Africa and further reflect on the work and legacy of Dr Don Mattera and look at how modern-day poets and writers through their work are evoking the consciousness of the masses to the realities of their circumstances and that of the citizens of South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About two decades ago, no one would have believed that Africa could join the rest of the world in car manufacturing, but today, we see a number of African car manufacturers like Innoson, Katanka, Mobius, Kiira, etc taking car manufacturing in Africa to greater heights. Some of these car brands are already being exported to other countries. The likes of Ghana Kantanka and Nigeria’s Innoson motors are changing the African automobile story. In this segment, we look at cars that are created by Africans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, through protest poetry we look at the expression of disaffection by writers in their portrayal of the struggles for socio-political sanity and socioeconomic equanimity during apartheid. Talk about the state of protest poetry in modern day South Africa and further reflect on the work and legacy of Dr Don Mattera and look at how modern-day poets and writers through their work are evoking the consciousness of the masses to the realities of their circumstances and that of the citizens of South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In delivering the non-financial census of municipalities for 2020 in Pretoria yesterday, statistician-general Risenga Maluleke said the Eastern Cape’s economic hub of Nelson Mandela Bay led the list of ten municipalities where bucket toilets are most prevalent with 12.8%, followed by Free State local municipalities Ngwathe and Matjhabeng with 12.3% and 10.1% respectively.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Architecture is constantly evolving and influenced by technology, science and of course, you! Architectural styles illustrate the currents of human history, and recognizing different styles is a crucial skill for any student of architecture. To help us understand the importance of architect in the modern society we are now joined by Mokena Makeka, founder, and principal from Makeka Design Lab.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Nkosana Moyo is Executive Chair of the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) which he established. Prior to that, he was Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
An influential mind in Africa with a wealth of skills and experience in economics, trade, and development, key attributes to help strengthen accountability and democracy, promote good governance, as well as lend transparency to the continent’s growth and development, he joins us as a guest on this week’s edition of the leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Regional efforts to resolve the crisis in Eswatini hit another major stumbling block this week when a second summit intended to discuss a national political dialogue in the troubled kingdom was cancelled at the last moment. In this conversation, we reflect on the priorities of this meeting, the role of SADC in regional integration, its powers in holding member bodies accountable, and in steps taken towards addressing current pockets of instability in Lesotho, the DRC, and eSwatini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we are joined by Hangwani Nengovhela who started Rubicon Clothing in 2002.
With such boundless femininity, Rubicon Clothing has developed a cult following with devotees including Basetsana Kumalo, Carol Bouwer to international actress Lynn Whitfield.
Hangwani joins us in the studio to talk about how she identified a need and created a niche product to solve a problem.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aside from the aforementioned, South Africans also have the added burden of supporting extended family members. If you are part of the sandwich generation, caring for both your children and your parents, you have some unique financial planning challenges to address. In this conversation, we talk about how the sandwich generation revitalises their retirement savings and finances.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Illicit financial outflows are broadly defined as “all unrecorded private financial outflows involving capital that is illegally earned, transferred, or utilized, generally used by residents to accumulate foreign assets in contravention of applicable capital controls and regulatory frameworks” (GFI,2013).
South Africa faces the risk of being greylisted, and this could lead to financial blacklisting from global institutions and raise the country's sovereign debt.
The potential greylisting by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force could see the country thrown out of the global financial system.
In this conversation, we speak about illicit financial flows in South Africa and get an understanding about SA’s possible greylisting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayne Duvenage is currently the CEO of the South African corruption-fighting civil action organisation, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, involved in fighting corruption and maladministration across all spheres of government in South Africa. Wayne has Chaired OUTA since its inception in 2012, which began as a formal challenge against Government’s e-toll decision and branched out in 2016 to fulfill a broader mandate to challenge Government on irrational tax policy, corruption, and maladministration in the public sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Joe Biden on Saturday capped a four-day trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia, his first trip to the Middle East since taking office. On Friday, he sought a reset of relations with the Saudis as he looked for ways to lower high gas prices in the US, which have contributed to a significant drop in Biden's approval ratings. In this conversation, we reflect on the agenda of the trip and discuss what this means for relations between Washington, Israel, and the Middle East.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Busi Lurayi was a South African actress best known for her starring role as Phumzile on the SABC1 sitcom City Ses'la and its spin-off series Ses'Top La. In 2020, Lurayi starred as the disruptive Tumi in Netflix’s How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding, which was made in South Africa. Throughout the series, Lurayi’s character messes up the plans for her sister’s (Thando Thabe) picture-perfect wedding before trying to make things right. She reprised the role in 2021 for the show’s second season, How to Ruin Christmas: The Funeral. Prior to her work with Netflix, Lurayi starred in the second season of the British drama series Wild at Heart, about a family who relocates from the U.K. to South Africa. In this segment, we pay tribute to her life and career in the arts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
MojaLove on DSTV Channel 157 is best known for introducing controversial shows such Uyajola 99, “After Tears”, “Isencane Lengane”, “Dlozilami” and many more that get South Africans talking, the channel is owned by Siyaya TV and has a lot of times been criticized for how some of the channel's shows represent the black community. In this conversation, we talk to the channel about the inspiration behind the content and hear how and where they position themselves in the South African media landscape.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mandisa Nkwenkwezi founder of Nzwakazi Millinery saw a gap in the market for the “royal hats” and started making them. She taught herself to make all hats from a scratch without any formal training. And she joins us now to talk about her passion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Although investments in HIV and TB prepared South Africa for responding to the emerging COVID-19 epidemic, they negatively affected the response to HIV through the temporary suspension of research, diversion of resources, and a lack of patient access to health care facilities; the extent of these impacts has yet to be determined. We are joined by the manager of HIV & Aids at UNICEF SA, Lebohang Schultz.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogue, we are joined by the South African Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan who is responsible for overseeing public entities which include major SOEs such as Transnet, Eskom, South African Airways and Denel, and other entities under state ownership and control such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Independent Development Trust.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we speak to entrepreneur and Chairman of the AmaZulu Football Club and talk about the business side of football; look into how clubs can achieve financial stability - how can it be achieved, why it is important and how football clubs can develop themselves in modern times.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. In this conversation, we talk about how cultural appropriation functions within communities of colour; varying definitions of cultural appropriation as well as standard ways to not culturally appropriate. Additionally, we discuss ideas surrounding public figures and cultural appropriation as well as expectations surrounding being culturally educated.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ask motorcyclists why they ride, and you'll hear a variety of responses. Some love to ride for the speed, others for the camaraderie, and others for the freedom of the open road. Although there are many reasons for riding, one thing is always constant: the joy of becoming one with the machine. With a motorcycle, you can pretty much go anywhere. To discuss all things motorbikes, we are now joined by the Tshwane Legend Bikers Club president, Seeko ‘Paciato’ Mareletse and the club’s former secretary-general, Batho Batho Mahlangu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They say countries that are well run have National Plans, Monitoring & Evaluation, Early Warning Systems and Scenario modelling - basically planning for the best but preparing for the worst. The Opposition ATM has a joined a chorus of voices calling for the SA President to take a “leave of absence” until a proper - sanctioned by parliament - and formal investigation has been conducted surrounding allegations and apparent video evidence of a series of crimes being conducted at his Phala Phala farm. We are now joined by Devon Turner, attorney at the Legal Resources Centre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is estimated that there are an estimated 2.5 million small and medium enterprises in South Africa. One of the most notorious struggles for entrepreneurs over the last few decades has been acquiring the financing required to start and operate their business successfully. In this conversation, we look at alternative methods of funding that businesses can look into for funding outside of traditional banking models.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the myriads of social problems confronting South Africa is pervasive poverty. As a result of this problem, the national and provincial governments have tried to address it through social grants. With unemployment at 46.6%, it’s no surprise millions rely on welfare. In 2020, 10.5-million South Africans became the recipients of the Covid social relief of distress grant. This is in addition to the 18.4-million beneficiaries of other social grants, — primarily old-age and child-support grants. The system has a budget allocation of R250-billion if additional Covid-19 grants are added.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about South Africa’s tax system, contrast it to tax systems around the world, and look into creative ways we can explore as a country towards using our tax while alleviating the burden on those who pay taxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zackie Achmat is a pioneering South African organizer, journalist, educator, founder, and former chair of the Treatment Action Campaign and is currently working on the Fix Our Trains campaign. His work and activism have focused on people living with HIV/AIDS, the gay community and combating apartheid which has gotten him nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and won the Nelson Mandela Health and Human Rights Award. He joins us this week to share his view of the nation and talk about the connection between law, power, and the Constitution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Sudan celebrated its 11th anniversary of independence on July 9. The country has been engulfed in ethnic violence since December 2013, when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir began battling those loyal to his deputy, Vice President Riek Machar. These conflicts have undermined the development gains made since independence as well as worsened the humanitarian crisis. The brutal civil war that ensued killed nearly 400,000 people and displaced millions. In this conversation, we take a look at the progress that has been made, the problems that persist and the critical path forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Award-winning South African comedian and comic, Loyiso Gola behind the first African Netflix stand-up special, 'Unlearning” has been a standup for over 20 years, taking it up on a schoolwork-experience programme and among compatriots is best known as the face of Late-Night News which was twice nominated for international Emmy awards.
In this conversation, he talks to us about his international career in comedy; why he hates the press and interviews, what he defines as funny, and why some things are funny?
Additionally, we ask him why he finds comedy rewarding and what he gets from being a comedian and writing jokes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karabo Poppy's personality is colorful, ambitious, and authentically African, just like her art.
Among her clients have been global brands such as Google, Apple, and Coca Cola, and she designed two Nike Air Force 1's that sold out immediately; fans of her kicks include LeBron James and Offset, who are pictured wearing her designs.
In this conversation, we speak to her about her work and permeating the real African aesthetic worldwide.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Boris Johnson rode his luck throughout his career, bouncing back from a succession of setbacks and scandals but the luck of a man once likened to a “greased piglet” for his ability to escape controversies finally ran out, after a slew of high-profile resignations from his scandal-hit government.
The departure of cabinet big hitters Rishi Sunak as finance minister and Sajid Javid as health secretary this past Tuesday weakened the under-pressure prime minister just as he needed allies the most.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the ancient world, Africa was home to some of the world’s best leaders. Among those leaders were queens that led their kingdoms with precision and power. Their leadership has left an indelible mark on history. In this conversation, we take a look at the roles and contributions of some of the most dynamic ancient African queens to modern society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Modern cars are technological wonders of power and precision. But there's still something to be said for loving an old ride and bringing it back to life. Classic or vintage cars are in a league of their own. There is nothing comparable to them. They are near-immortal symbols of years past and contain stories from the time of their production, offering glimpses of what it was like before crossovers and electric cars dominated the scene.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has confirmed it will end the temporary reduction of the fuel levy next month, as it announced that gasoline prices will increase by 10.6%. Petrol prices will be hiked by R2.37 (93) and R2.57 (95) a litre, while diesel prices will rise by R2.31 (0.05% Sulphur) and R2.30 (0.005% Sulphur) a litre. The reduction of R1.50 rand in the general fuel levy that applied from April will be trimmed to 75 cents from July 6 and will be withdrawn from August 3. Local fuel prices are determined by international oil prices, as well as the dollar-rand value, as South Africa buys oil in dollars.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is no shortage of franchise opportunities in South Africa. With over 550 franchised brands and close to 30 000 franchised outlets in SA, it is a very developed market. While buying a franchise in South Africa is not an easy way to start a business, in some cases it can be a lot easier than starting from nothing. When you've decided that a franchise is a right route for your business, the next step is to choose the type of franchise that's right for you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa's state security and intelligence services have been under increasing scrutiny following the attempted insurrection in July 2021, the fire in parliament and the attack on the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein.
The military is in a state of neglect. All three are patently unsuited to current challenges.
Joining us now is Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Founder and Head of African Futures and Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Anthony Turton, a former military intelligence analyst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the leadership dialogues, we speak to former Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga about leadership, the electricity crisis in the country and just transition.
Maroga served the power utility as executive from 2007 to 2009 and has been the head of Property Management and Trading Entity in the Department of Public Works.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Future of Cities: Municipal Revenue
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Managing Director at Ntiyiso Revenue Consulting, Trevor Mupeti about how cities and municipalities can generate sustainable revenues. #POWERTalk
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The New Development Bank, formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank, is a multilateral development bank established by BRICS countries which have a combined share of 24% of global GDP and 16% share in world trade. The idea of setting up NDB was first conceived in 2012 during BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. In this conversation, we unpack some of the bank's work and progress since its formation in 2015.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made significant changes to the 2022 Tax Filing Season. This year, over 3 million individual non-provisional taxpayers, have been auto-assessed by SARS and will not have to file a tax return if they are satisfied with the outcome. To discuss the changes to this year’s tax season, we are now joined by Sidney Fletcher, a senior tax consultant from Tax Consulting SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today’s MasterClass, we are talking to the co-founder and group chief creative officer for Joe Public, Pepe Marais about the ways and methods that can help you in creating your strategy for your life and business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With a substantive political background, Mavuso Msimang is widely recognised as a leader of change in South Africa with varied experience in transforming institutions. He has been a member of the WWF South Africa Board since February 2011 and chairs the Social Ethics and Transformation Committee. He currently chairs Corruption Watch and serves on various civic society, environmental management, and private sector boards. He joins us this week to give us his view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of diary, we look at stories that made the news over the weekend and set our news agenda for the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we talk about Gabon joining the Commonwealth Union, and discuss why this former French colony is joining and the implications of this move. Further, we look at the upcoming 2023 Gambian elections, and the AU’s role and regional economic communities in advancing credible elections in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nthati Moshesh is one of the most renowned South African actresses, with a body of work that dates back to the early 1990s. She is the epitome of extraordinary talent, elegance, and beauty.
A truly gifted award-winning actress, she is known for her iconic roles in many television and film roles.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nduduzo Makhathini is a prolific South African pianist, improviser, healer, educator, scholar, and storyteller.
He possesses a gift that enables him to articulate a distinct and rich identity and genealogy.
His sound signifies a deep rootedness in his ethnic identity in the Zulu culture, and an internationalism embodying it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 2019, the Miss SA pageant claimed that its definition of beauty is not based on looks or size. It also announced its first queer and two plus-size contestants.
The top 16 included Kgothi Dithebe, who sports a unique facial birthmark that most people mistake for vitiligo.
Clearly, the pageant has undergone a transformation – and Stephanie Weil joins us now to outline the past, present, and future of this important organisation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pan-African Parliament, the legislative arm of the African Union, has this week been holding an ordinary session from June 17until tomorrow at the Parliament’s headquarters in Midrand with the sole agenda of electing the new Bureau of the parliament.
At the same time, the PAP Permanent Committees are expected to finalize and adopt work-plan in line with the AU theme for 2022: “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Capital Development. In this conversation, we talk about the work of the PAP and the 20th anniversary of the African Union.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While there’s no easy, quick fix for SA’s ailing public education system, there are interventions that can be made, starting with putting the right people in charge of the country’s under-resourced schools. In this segment, we speak to school principals about defining factors that they believe in which contribute to the effectiveness of public schools in South Africa. We are now joined by the principal of Ngqalwa Secondary School in Tsolo (EC), Abonga Mdze, and the principal, Forte Secondary School, Dobsonville (Soweto) Mukosi Leonard Mudavhi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Victor Williams, a former investment banker, was named CEO of NBA Africa in August 2020. Currently based in the league's Johannesburg office, Williams oversees the league's basketball and business development efforts in Africa.
Williams is responsible for overseeing the NBA's basketball and business development initiatives in Africa and for growing the popularity of basketball and the NBA across the continent through grassroots development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and more.
Victor is our guest today in our leadership dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Driving is the most dangerous activity that most people do, and it contributes more to accidents and serious injuries than any other activity.
Advanced driver training courses are designed to teach skills that can improve vehicle handling and hazard perception, which could theoretically help reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash.
You may consider yourself a safe driver, but mistakes (whether by you or someone else) do happen and can increase the risk of a crash.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and others on the road? In this conversation, we speak about the advanced driving courses and how they can help one become a better driver.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In African tradition, ukukotiza is an "induction period" into the world of marriage and its responsibilities, while the new bride gets acquainted with her in-laws where umakoti performs "bridal duties" that are domestic in nature.
However, in the new roles that men and women occupy currently, such advice might not be applicable or practical (and might even be sexist).
In this conversation, we talk about the role and responsibilities of umakoti in a family with founder of the Makoti Bootcamp, Londiwe Shezi, which is meant to equip brides with necessary life skills to help them be better makotis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The origins of the Moral Regeneration Movement date back to June 1997 when former president Nelson Mandela spoke at a meeting with various representatives of government and religious affiliations organised by the ANC's Commission on religious affairs. Mandela asked that religious institutions work with the state in order to achieve 'social transformation' and provide a positive influence on our communities starting at the family level. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele talks to the Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Of Southern Africa, Bishop Purity Malinga and Clinical Psychologist, Mtetho Tshemese about how we can use moral regeneration as a tool to solve some of the country’s social injustice and key challenges towards building a healthy nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade — the landmark ruling that has protected pregnant people’s right to get an abortion before fetal viability. Without Roe, individual states will decide if and when pregnant people can get an abortion. Twenty-six states are set to quickly ban or restrict abortions, and an estimated 36 million women may lose the right to abortion in their state. Many critics believe many aspects of the American Constitution are no longer suitable for its citizens today. Joining us now is Emile Myburgh from Emile Myburgh Attorneys.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s another kind of epidemic floating around.
It’s a nasty financial bug you can pick up from your partner: Sexually transmitted debt. I
t’s a financial bug and like most STDs, it can be long-lasting and damaging to an individual. Financial advisers say sexually transmitted debt is becoming an increasing problem.
To discuss Sexually Transmitted Debt (STD) which is also known as ‘love fraud’, we are now joined by an internationally accredited money coach, Busi Selesho to help us recognise the warning signs and take steps to guard against picking up unwanted debt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa is water scarce and is ranked 148 out of 180 countries in terms of water availability per Capita. Dr Sean Phillips who is the director general at the department of water affairs and sanitation joins us now to discuss this further.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's Diary of the Week, we speak to Jovial Rantao, editor at The African Mirror and the chair of African Editor's Forum.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a media briefing, the Black Sash, #PayTheGrants, Amanda.mobi, the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), the Institute for Economic Justice, and the Social Policy Initiative announced that they have filed an application against the government in the High Court in Pretoria. Neil Coleman, senior policy specialist and founding director of the Institute for Economic Justice, joins us to discuss this further.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dan Malesela is a renowned soccer manager and has been in the Absa Premier League for more than 20 years. A mentor to upcoming talents, his football management journey continues to inspire many players and football clubs in the country. In this wide-ranging interview, Morio Sanyane speaks to coach Dan "Dance" Malesela about the SAFA leadership contest, a review of the football season, the ups and downs of a coach’s life and the influence of Ted Dumitru.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Labour launched the Commission for Employment Equity report recently. This is the 22nd Employment Equity Annual report submitted to the Minister of Employment and Labour by the Commission for Employment Equity in terms of section 33 of the Employment Equity Act 1998. The report covers the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. This report reflects on the strategic objectives covering a 5-year period for the 5th CEE. It outlines the key highlights for the period under review, detailing the workforce distribution of the Economically Active Population (EAP) and provides a trend analysis of Employment Equity Reports received from designated employers for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the past couple of years, people are looking at baking in a whole new way thanks to the surge of bakers on social media across the country. Perhaps some of you are thinking of starting your own bakery! Joining us now is the owner and MD of Zoe’s Scones, Miwila Mwelwa to share her bakery business success.
If you’re passionate about baking and are looking for a unique and rewarding way in which to make a living, you could even use this new public obsession with baking to support a new business. Maybe you've been baking from your home and think that opening a bakery is the next logical step. But where do you start? Joining us now is the owner and MD of Vero's Cakes, Veronica Shezi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Right now, we are joined by the head of the Special Investigation Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi, to help us understand guidelines that municipalities should follow when a crime has been committed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of “The Leadership Dialogue”, we are joined by South Africa’s Tax Ombudsman and the former Judge President of the North and South Gauteng High Courts, Judge Bernard Makgabo Ngoepe. We talk about leadership and also reflect on the lesson from his debut book, “Rich Pickings Out Of The Past” in which he makes a series of frank and sobering observations about South Africa's past and present, with lessons on subjects ranging from GBV to family values and the transformation of the judiciary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Municipal functions have remained largely paper-based and analog at best. This episode seeks to outline what the possibility of comprehensive digital transformation looks like within Municipal functioning. In this edition of the future of cities campaign, we speak to Zweli Gwebityala, MD at Ntiyiso Business Consulting about comprehensive digital transformation in municipalities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the culture corner, we learn more about the philosophy of Rastafarianism and talk about their spirituality, lifestyle knowledge, and discipline of Rastafari. We are joined by Queen Mother Moses aka Dr Marcia Stewart, International Ambassador of Almighty Rastafari Kingdom (ARK).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we look at and project what the future of South Africa’s motor industry looks like and discuss the country’s national automotive plan. Additionally, we talk about factors affecting the local automotive sector with Professor Justin Barnes, Executive Director, Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) and associate professor at GIBS.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we discuss the latest preliminary monthly tourism statistics, the demise of Comair and its effect on the industry, and factors identified as constraints on the recovery of the tourism sector with Tourism Business Council South Africa CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of The Masterclass, we talk about the work of diplomacy and international relations. Look at the importance of diplomacy to avoid conflict, explore the role of diplomacy in helping resolve some of the world’s most pressing issues and what makes a good diplomat. Former ambassador and the dean of the Diplomatic Corps Bene Mpoko join us now to discuss this further.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's edition of Purse Strings, we look at side hustles for students and young professionals, find out what options are out there, and what can make you some extra cash. We talk to Youth Ambassador in The Presidency and Township Entrepreneur Developer Bulelani Balabala and YouTuber Ziphozonke Ntshangase.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barloworld Empowerment Foundation, CEO Sibongile Mkhabela joins us now to share the lessons we can learn from the youth of June 16.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this discussion, we speak to the current national coordinator for the Citizen's Parliament and a director in the office of the president of Abantu Batho Congress, Mandisa about the state of the nation, electoral reforms, and citizen participation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the diary, Morio Sanyane speaks to the Director of the Journalism and Media Studies Centre at the University of Hong Kong, Dr Keith Richburg.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Father’s Day can be a tricky holiday, especially if you’re determined not to fall into the socks, ties and handkerchief trap when buying gifts. Possibly, one of the best gifts one could give their dad this coming Father’s Day is to spend time cooking or braaing with them. In this conversation, we talk about the dos and don’ts of the ultimate braai and chat to Taahir and Yash, winners of the 2021 season 7 of the Ultimate Braai Master who are superheroes when it comes to braais.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed retired poet Kojo Baffoe is of Ghanaian and German heritage, was raised in Lesotho and moved to South Africa at the age of 27. His recently released book titled “Listen to Your Footsteps” reflects on losing his mother as a toddler, being raised by his father, forming an identity, living as an immigrant, his tussles with substance abuse, as well as his experiences of fatherhood, marriage and making a career in the media industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are many entrepreneurs who have done it successfully, and we want to learn from them today. Joining us now is Veli Ngubane co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Avatar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nowadays, many South Africans are working from home which means that existing office buildings may no longer be required to accommodate the spaces leased in the past.
Many commercial property companies face the highest vacancy rates in decades, and as a result, commercial rents are falling.
Whether the pandemic, and the increasing numbers of people working from home, will accelerate the office-to-residential unit conversion rate remains to be seen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are many entrepreneurs who have done it successfully, and we want to learn from them today.
Joining us now is Veli Ngubane co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Avatar and later on we will be joined by Monalisa Zwambila, founder and CEO of The Riverbed Agency to share their entrepreneurial journeys with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every year, on June 16, South Africans commemorate the youth uprisings of 1976, paying tribute to the students and young people who fought against apartheid.
This day serves to remind us that young South Africans were at the forefront of the fight for liberation. Sadly, today's youth are faced with complex challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
Too many young people are disconnected from economic opportunities, and they feel this exclusion in deeply personal and damaging ways.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So, what is youth culture like today? What defines the modern culture of the young generation in 2020? To discuss the trends amongst youth today, we are joined by Sifiso Hlope - digital strategist & founding member of Deviate Left and ePantsula Creatives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or at the beginning of your career, buying a first car is a big deal. Buying your first car is one of the most memorable milestones that mark the beginning of adulthood. One of the biggest transactions a person can make is buying a car. The next step between you and a whole new level of freedom is finding the best first car for your budget, so we're here to help. Joining us now is the CEO of George Mienie from AutoTrader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Historically, stokvels have been an integral part of South African saving and investing practices, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, it is not surprising that stokvels continue to present attractive alternatives a myriad of personalities, ranging from your ordinary “Gogos” down the road, a millennial and all the way to the CEO of a blue-chip company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at the University of the Western Cape conducted a one-year action-oriented research project titled "The Impacts of Covid-19 responses on the Political Economy of African Food Systems" to gather data on the effects of Covid-19 regulatory and support interventions on the functioning and structure of food systems in Tanzania, Ghana, and South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this discussion, we reflect on the budget speech by the Department of Higher Education, Science & Innovation, how it impacts the South African higher education sector and its evolution. We also look at key focus areas the department has allocated resources for and how certain reforms will affect higher education and by extension, the South African economy over the short, and medium-term.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this discussion, we reflect on the budget speech by the Department of Higher Education, Science & Innovation, how it impacts the South African higher education sector and its evolution. We also look at key focus areas the department has allocated resources for and how certain reforms will affect higher education and by extension, the South African economy over the short, and medium-term.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gwen Ngwenya is a member of the nation’s opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the current Head of Policy. She was also on the party's Standing Committee on Finance in the Fifth Parliament. Besides, she worked as the COO of the South African Institute of Race Relations, the biggest Liberal think tank in Africa. As an economist, she has worked in New Delhi, India, for a firm specialising in competition economics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this discussion we are joined by Zenzele Ndebele who is a journalist and founder of CITE to discuss world news as it happens.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Britain's Conservative government has struck a deal with Rwanda to send some asylum-seekers thousands of miles away to the East African country. U.K. opposition politicians and refugee groups condemned the move as inhumane, unworkable and a waste of public money, and the United Nations said it raised “a number of human rights concerns.” The British government says the prospect of being sent to Rwanda will deter migrants from embarking on the treacherous journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk to Group Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consulting Group, Miyelani Holeni about Municipal Funding and the challenges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Worldwide there are many schools with boys’ choirs, but the Drakensberg Boys Choir is unique globally: a boarding school using choral music as a significant vehicle for holistic education. The boys will be performing at the Joburg Theatre stage from 23 – 24 June 2022, with tickets from R280 - R420. We are now joined by their music producer, Tristan Trent to discuss their upcoming performance and what they’ve been up to.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When South Africa faced a water crisis, Himkaar Singh an engineering graduate wanted to find a solution.
He then moved to Germany to study water resource management and as part of his degree, had to also live in Vietnam and Jordan to experience different extremes of water management. And that’s where he found what he calls “one fundamental solution” that we are slow to implement.
After that, he came back to SA to his company, called the Compost Kitchen, which helps South Africans divert organic waste and turn it into an enriching compost –using an army of earthworms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governance concerns have been in the facade of society both in South Africa and in the rest of the world.
These concerns have been raised at various levels such as the public sector, private sector, and even within sports and recreation.
The South African media have also heightened the exposure of incidents whenever a gross violation of good governance principles occurred.
The sports fraternity, particularly football, is not immune to this scourge. In this discussion, we talk about the state of governance of football in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In order to inspire a new generation of South Africans, the African Bank is repositioning itself to tell this previously lost story using one word - audacity.
Kennedy Bungane, CEO of the bank, wants to restore the lender's original legacy 58 years after it was founded. He joins us now to discuss his plans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Service delivery in South Africa remains a big challenge for municipalities.
By lacking infrastructure, resources, and maintenance, they are unable to provide communities with quality service delivery in a fast turnaround time. In the end, the lack of municipal infrastructure halts progress in other areas.
We talk to Ntiyiso Industrialisation Consulting to find out how they help facilitate the implementation of development plans to ensure that high-impact economic and social infrastructure is possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Democratic South Africa is built on the rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles, and respect for others.
The rule of law, freedom under the law, democratic principles, and respect for others are integral components of SA law. But is everyone equally subject to the law?
Lerato Mbele speaks to Advocate Buhle Lekokotla to discuss the application of the law in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The aviation industry in South Africa has seen a massive exodus of highly trained aviation specialists who leave the country in search of the greener grass and higher incomes often found in the Middle East and the Far East, as well as in Australia.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to pilot Boitumelo Katisi and Flight Training College CEO Walter Waldeck to discuss whether becoming a pilot in South Africa is worth the effort.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Naming is a very important tool used among various African cultures to convey certain messages, either to an individual, family members, or a community.
In this week’s edition of the culture corner, Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Sihawukele Ngubane about the importance and significance of names given to people and looks into naming ceremonies practices by different cultures across the continent.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thuli Phiri is the founder and MD of The African Storyteller, a company that provides local and foreign investors with expertise to convene dialogues and conferences on investment opportunities.
She is also very passionate about promoting Africa as an investment destination of choice to Africa and to the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Once an afterthought for many people, South Africans are suddenly considering estate planning as a matter of urgency.
In this discussion, we are joined by Eunice Masipa, the vice president of Law Society of SA and she will explain the fundamentals of estate planning, mostly looking at wills so that that your loved ones and business interests can carry on securely when you pass away.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British journalist Yvonne Ridley made global headlines when she was captured by the Taliban in 2001. Since then, she has moved from London to Scotland, becoming active in the independence movement. She has published several books including her experience with the Taliban and another on the Rise of the Prophet Muhammad. She is a columnist and has worked as a senior editor to establish Al Jazeera's English website in Qatar and joins us in this week’s diary segment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lebohang Pheko is an activist scholar, public intellectual, and development practitioner with over 25 years of experience.
Her broad research interests include African political economy, states & nationhood, international trade, and global financial governance.
She is currently based in Johannesburg and has recently spent time co-creating and framing African feminist alternatives to build forward-looking, ethical economics “post-covid”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Burundian Coco Reinarhz is best known for his restaurant, Epicure, in Johannesburg.
The son of a chef who learned the trade by his mother’s side in her Kinshasa eatery, Reinarhz formally trained in Belgium before setting off to take his home cuisine to the world.
In this conversation, we explore some of the latest trends in high-end dining and also try to understand what it means and entails to change the African narrative through food.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mimi Mtshali is an award-winning singer and composer who plays to audiences all over the world and holds a jazz degree in performance from UCT. She was part of afro latin jazz band Tucan Tucan led by pioneering Mozambican drummer Frank Paco and has shared some of the world’s big stages with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Khadja Nin, Rita Marley, Joe McBride and Lauryn Hill. Having released two albums, ‘Essence of My Soul’ and ‘My Love’ both produced by her pianist husband, Mdu Mtshali and performed extensively over the years. Lerato Mbele speaks to her about what makes a good musical relationship, her dedication to spontaneity, and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with actress, poet and producer Lebo Mashile. In this conversation, they speak about her creative process, racism and what she's up to.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The defence minister Thandi Modise instructed her army chief, the secretary of defence and Armscor to downsize the army, sharpen its skills and accelerate the acquisition of new equipment. To help us understand the issues faced by the Department of Defence, we are joined now by Pikkie Greef, National Secretary of the SA National Defence Union.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 16 is a historic day in South Africa. It’s a day where Murphy Morobe led the students of Soweto in their famous but deadly protest against inferior apartheid education. He ended up at John Vorster after six months on the run. In the 1980s, Morobe served in more than a half-dozen jails or prisons, including Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela served as his mentor. Despite his imprisonment, he did not break. Murphy Morobe about the state of the country 28 years after it transitioned from apartheid rule to democracy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Post Office continues to be in a deepening dire financial state and the public entity has been making losses with a reported R2.3 billion loss in revenue for 2021. SAPO incurred a sum of R198 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure for the year 2019/2020 financial year. Last year SAPO asked for a bailout of R8 billion, but the National Treasury declined. In this conversation, we talk about the challenges faced by the Post Office and whether there is any hope of rescuing SAPO.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa may be captivated by the British royals, but they aren't the only monarchies that merit discussion.
The continent is home to many monarchies as well. Out of all the 54 countries, only 3 countries are ruled by monarchs. Most monarchs have partially or completely lost their political power.
So that begs the question, are monarchs outdated or still relevant?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fusi Florence Makhasane is a taxi owner in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, who has persevered in her business and has become a success story that everyone can learn from.
She discusses what it's like being a woman in this male-dominated industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A quarter of a century ago, Ghana was in crisis; impoverished and suffering famine, it was on the verge of collapse. Fast-forward to the present day, the West African nation has staged a remarkable comeback and is predicted to be the world's fastest-growing economy in 2019.
Ghana's status as one of the African Lions is connected to its remarkable growth record, which culminated in its attainment of lower middle-income status.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the country struggles to recover from severe pandemic restrictions and the shocking, politically motivated riots, we're faced with a litany of headlines decrying the sorry state of our wealthy class, the decline of our middle class, and an ever-shrinking tax base.
However, are they true?
Director of storytelling at BrandMapp, South Africa's largest independent study of the taxpayer base, Brandon de Kock says that the data says "No!".
He joins us to discuss the results.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we are joined by the CEO of Black Business Council in the country, Kganki Matabane to discuss the role of the council in South Africa, challenges facing the socioeconomic process of transformation, and the goal of BBC to make a significant difference in the lives of black business owners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The advent of the internet has brought about certain changes in news production and debate, online and offline.
Looking at the South African context, in this conversation, we explore the theory of agenda-setting in a newsroom and what these dynamics tell us and point to what is changing within the South African journalism.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With new trends emerging, the beauty industry creates opportunities for entrepreneurs. Still, it gets challenging to stand out as a new player.
Apart from a great idea and business plan, it requires many other things to make it successful.
In this conversation we explore the building blocks of a successful beauty brand and look at how winning brands stay on top with Miss Salon London CEO and co-founder, Ego Iwegbu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country is food secure at national level but not at household level.
People living in rural areas and those with disabilities are the worst affected.
To help us understand where South Africa stands regarding food security, we are joined by chief economist from SA Agricultural Marketing Council, Sifiso Ntombela about the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To discuss electoral reform, we are now joined by Executive Chairman of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa and former Vice Chair of the Independent Electoral Commission and Grant Masterson, head of programmes at IESA, Terry Tselane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Horrendous acts of gender-based violence occur daily in our communities, leading to a growing call for the reinstatement of capital punishment, as a crime deterrent.
Co-leader of the education initiative and regional director for Cape Town at Legal Resources, Sherylle Dass joins us now to discuss the possibility of the reinstatement of the death penalty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, we are joined by Hilary Joffe, editor at large at Business Day . Petrol price increase for June due to be announced but how steeply will it go up and will Treasury extend the exemption from the fuel levy that has helped consumers the past two months?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation we speak to Filmmaker, Gender, And Gay Rights Activist, Dr Bev Ditsie, who has made significant contributions to the South African LGBTQIA+ community, including being one of the organizers of the first Pride March in Africa held in Johannesburg in 2015, and is an award-winning documentary filmmaker.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On our Friday profile interview, we speak to actor, writer, and director, Akin Omotoso who is best known for his role as Khaya Motene in the SABC1 soapie Generations.
He also had starring roles in the SABC3 soapie Isidingo and the e.tv sitcom Big Okes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on our Leadership Dialogue we speak to advocate Mojanku Gumbi. Gumbi is a lawyer, with over 30 years’ experience in private practice, public policy development and African conflict resolution.
She was a Special Advisor in the Office of the President of South Africa during both the Mandela and Mbeki administrations, where she served as the personal representative of the President in the G8 and G5.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joining us now is mining analyst, Peter Major to talk to us about the current state of mining in the country.
According to PWC, it is anticipated that there will be an increased demand for several commodities due to the global low-carbon energy and Fourth Industrial Revolution agendas.
Due to the changing nature of the mining business, it is important to understand the impact of the sector in the economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Knowing how to budget can help you feel more in control of your finances and make your money last. But what exactly is budgeting and how can it you manage your expenses?
FNB Programme Manager for Consumer Education, Dhashni Naidoo joins us now to help us answer those questions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Somewhere in Africa, there is a tribe whose custom allows a wife to get stolen.
The Geerowol “wife stealing” Festival by the Woodabe tribe in Niger, is at its simplest a male fashion parade where the men show their beauty, skills, and stamina, and the women to select their husbands or sexual partners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation we discuss the country’s motorsports phenomenon – Spinning – which is making international headlines for being a sport like nothing most people have ever seen.
It’s called a battle of “drifting meets dance” and it’s become the biggest motorsport in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk to Ntiyiso Industrialisation Consulting to find out how they help facilitate the implementation of development plans to ensure that high-impact economic and social infrastructure is possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Africa Day is observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was created on 25 May 1963.
It was the precursor of the African Union (AU). Africa day provides an opportunity to celebrate the socio-economic achievements of the continent and in line with the African Union Theme for the year 2022 “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The credit rating agencies play an important role in the financial markets.
By quantifying the creditworthiness of the borrower, they assess the borrower's risk. As Africa becomes more entrenched in the global financial market, credit ratings will take on a more important role.
Senior Country Risk Analyst, Signal Risk and Christopher Gilmour - Equity Research Analyst, Menzi Ndlovu join us now to discuss the impact they have on the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Without the effort to back it up, talent is nothing more than wasted ability. In order to achieve your goals and dreams, you must have grit.
But what is grit and how do you develop it to achieve your goals?
We are now joined by Managing Executive: SME and Platform Banking, Grindrod Bank, Zizipho Nyanga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The aviation sector is showing some promising signs of recovery, following two years of Covid-19 restrictions that severely impacted on the global industry. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says they expect a year of steady rebound and renewed activity. We are joined by Phuthego Mojapele - Aviation Expert to talk about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to WEF President Borge Brende, China's stable economic growth is of great importance to the recovery of the global economy, and "what happens in China has a huge impact on the rest of the world, as well." Joining us now to discuss China's influence on the WEF Agenda, we have Dr Martyn Davies, MD of Emerging Markets & Africa, Deloitte.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this discussion, we speak about relations between the two countries and the recent political developments. We are joined by advocate Evans Ogada, Constitutional Law Expert & Associate Editor, The Platform for Law, Justice & Society in Kenya and Izak Khomo, Africa Affairs Analyst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can plausible economic, social, and political scenarios be constructed based on the 'common characteristics' of South Africans? Joining us now is Moeletsi Mbeki, political economist and deputy chairman of the South African Institute of International Affairs, an independent think tank based at the University of the Witwatersrand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are joined by Karyn Maughan, Legal Journalist at News24. The disciplinary hearing of outspoken Advocate Dali Mpofu will commence tomorrow as the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which regulates the conduct of legal practitioners, comes to grips with some of the potentially politically explosive matters on its schedule.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discovery Insure, in partnership with Dialdirect and the City of Johannesburg, has launched the Pothole Patrol which manages and repairs potholes across Johannesburg. We are now joined by Anton Ossip, CEO of Discovery Insure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Football researcher and consultant Walter Steenbok speaks to Morio Sanyane about football coaching in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With effect from today, 20 of May 2022, South Africa's central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago has increased interest rates by 50 basis points to 4.75%.
Four members of the MPC voted to raise the interest rate by 50 basis points, while one member voted to increase it by 25 basis points.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Zandile Makhoba, a consumer economist from Liberty about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professional financial services company PPS has published the results of its 2021 Graduate Professional Index (GPI), showing that highly skilled professionals in South Africa have lost confidence in their future in the country.
The index is based on a survey that drew 3,264 responses from professionals across various industries, including healthcare, financial services, legal and engineering. It gauges these professionals’ overall confidence in their future in the country, as well as the various push and pull factors that influence this.
In this conversation, Morio speaks to Motshabi Nomvethe speaks to PPS about the index.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Much has been said about South Africa's failing infrastructure.
To boost infrastructure and economic recovery, President Cyril Ramaphosa established Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) to oversee the project preparation, appraisal, and evaluation, required to package a credible and market-ready infrastructure project pipeline.
Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who heads the project joins us now as this week’s guest on the Leadership Dialogue and discusses the work they are doing as the office.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many municipalities are failing to meet the basic needs of their constituents, including providing adequate access to water, sanitation, housing, and electricity.
Auditor-General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke has called on leadership at both political and administrative level to make a determined commitment to tackling the scourge of corruption and irregular expenditure in local government.
In this conversation, we discuss what needs to be done to run an efficient local government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, Peter Sutton, MMC for Finance in the City of Tshwane tabled the municipality’s 2022/23 budget speech at Tshwane House.
The City of Tshwane 2022/23 financial year budget is geared towards maintaining financial stability to advance service delivery and drive critical infrastructure investment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Morio speaks to the author of “We Can Fix Ourselves” Dr Mosibudi Mangena about the position of black consciousness in South African society today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Car tyres are a critical safety component of any vehicle. Therefore, it is critical that the tyre industry be regulated to ensure that all tyres on vehicles travelling on public roads are in the best possible condition to keep us, our passengers and other road users safe. In this conversation, Morio speaks to Nduduzo Chala, Managing Executive of the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference about the sporadic collection of waste tyres, increasing number of illegal tyres entering the market, and the impact of Covid-19 on the South African tyre manufacturing sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mail & Guardian has tracked President Cyril Ramaphosa’s progress on 10 pressing issues he set out in his State of the Nation Address. Morio Sanyane speaks to Ron Derby about the progress report compiled by the M&G to get a sense of what deliverables have been achieved.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we explore whether the Monetary Policy Committee can conclusively prove that an increase in the policy rate will curb inflation, analyses the impact of another rate hike on South Africans, and make a prediction as to how much the increase will be.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The IFP launched a Private Members Bill which seeks to amend the Employment Services Act of 2014 with the intention to regulate the recruitment of foreign nationals in the country.
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa joins us to talk about the bill.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Founder and CEO of Ithuseng Credit Solution, Magauta Mphahlele joins us now to clarify what debt counselling is, who qualifies for it, how it works, and how to choose a good debt counsellor, and to look at the pros and cons of debt counselling and the myths associated with it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we learn more about how individuals and companies who wish to develop expertise and strengthen their knowledge in the field of philanthropy and social investment can go about starting such a journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the diary segment, we speak to investigative journalist at the Sunday Times, Sabelo Sikiti who helps us set the week’s news agenda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Electoral Advisory Council Body last week hosted the SADC observer Mission in Lesotho ahead of the upcoming national elections in October.
General elections are expected will be held in October 2022 to elect all 120 seats of the National Assembly, the lower house of the Parliament.
In this conversation, we throw forward to the elections and talk about the state of politics in the country with Dr Tlohang Letsie, Political Analyst & Senior Lecturer, National University of Lesotho.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Doctor Khumalo is considered one of the greatest South African players of all time. In 2004, he was ranked 62nd in the Top 100 Great South Africans. Khumalo, nicknamed '16V', or Mntungwa based on his clan name, played for top teams such as Kaizer Chiefs, Boca Juniors, and Columbus Crew. His silky touches and dribbling skills are what made him star of Bafana Bafana that will never be forgotten anytime soon. Khumalo is not only one of the best-known soccer personalities SA, but he is also heavily involved in CSI initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa through soccer development projects to raise the profile of the sport and create opportunities for young players.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture is planning to install a flag that is more than 100 metres in height – at an eye-watering cost of R22 million. First announced in February 2022, monumental flags are installed by countries to express their identity and pride. Morio Sanyane speaks to Vusithemba Ndima, DDG: Heritage Promotion and Preservation, Department of Arts and Culture at the Department about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Blind SA CEO, Jace Nair about their court challenge of the apartheid era copyright act the Constitutional Act.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Afrobeats, afropop, jazz, soukous, rumba, gengetone, kwaito and Arabic pop are some of the sounds breaking through Africa’s borders and bringing the world’s attention to the continent. In this conversation, Morio Sanyane talks to jazz guitarist and music producer Kunle Ayo and talk about the interest the African music scene has attracted in recent years, spurred by streaming services, social media platforms, and investor interest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ombudsman for Banking Services has seen a massive increase in the number of complaints by consumers against their banks in the past year.
The Office released its report on mediation efforts between customers and banks for the year 2021, in cases of disputed payments, fraud, closure of bank accounts and repossessions.
Lerato Mbele speaks to the Ombudsman for Banking Services Reana Steyn who sheds more light on their findings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the world is set to celebrate International Nurses Day today, the day also serves to highlight challenges in the local healthcare sector which persist.
This year's theme for International Nurses Day is “Nurses A Voice to Lead – Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health”.
Lerato Mbele speaks to DENOSA’s Simphiwe Gada about nurses and the profession in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former Statistician General, Pali Lehohla has written an article calling for an administered pricing system in the South African economy.
Administered prices are prices that in the consumer basket are determined and under the control of state institutions, such as some regulatory authority like the National Energy Regulator as in the case of Eskom.
Lerato Mbele speaks to him about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Different social formations in South Africa subscribe to a gender project where boys are required to attend an initiation school in order to graduate into being men.
Male initiation as a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood for some ethnic groups is deemed a necessary rite of passage marking a developmental phase for boys to adulthood among the amaXhosa, Bapedi, Basotho, Batswana, amaNdebele, VhaVenda, VaTsonga and amaSwazi ethnic groups.
Lerato Mbele is joined by Nkululeko Nxesi, Director of the Men & Boys Foundation to speak about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Few modes of transportation evoke a sense of history and romance like the railroad.
Over the past decade, railroad development in Africa has seen a huge boost to improve regional trade and local mass transit.
Such that, many countries have adopted master plans for the development of the railway sector, the implementation of which has already successfully started in some places.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Kevin Pillay, CEO of Siemens Mobility SA about rail in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele in conversation with the Group Chief Advisor at Ntitiso Consulting Group, Miyelani Holeni, and Local Government Expert, Zolani Zonyane about the dreamscape; what the ideal city looks like.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africa's eCommerce sector is now growing faster than ever before. In 2020, South African eCommerce grew 66% year-over-year.
This increase was primarily impacted by restrictions on traditional retail stores, which led to a 30% decline in in-store purchases.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Warrick Kernes, CEO of the Insaka eCommerce Academy about how to run an e-commerce business or department that can generate profits for a company, the challenges e-commerce-based businesses face, and how to solve them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many couples, the pressure to start a family can be enormous, and waiting to become parents can be a long, heartbreaking journey - especially if you are dealing with infertility.
Generally, 1 in 6 couples in South Africa are diagnosed with infertility - meaning they are unable to conceive a child after a year of unprotected sex. Infertility is a difficult process to overcome, but managing infertility is critical to having a positive family in the future.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Tebogo Deo, a gynaecologist and fertility specialist and wellness counselor, Naniki Sorenson about how you can deal with infertility.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine a vast, invisible world that surrounds you, but you cannot see or use it unless you have the right - expensive - technology?
Some tech CEOs say that one day we will all be in an interactive virtual reality world: Instead of Oasis, they are calling it the Metaverse.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Bataung Qhotsokoane, Editor and Technology Researcher at Iafrikan.com about the metaverse and social media currency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aubrey Matshiqi is a sangoma – a healer and an independent political analyst.
He has written book chapters, policy briefs and research papers on the following topics: The one-party state in Africa and lessons for South Africa, the implications of the Jacob Zuma corruption trial for the South African criminal justice system & South Africa’s foreign policy and the United Nations Security Council.
He joins Lerato Mbele today to give his view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but the west African nation struggles to meet its energy needs, a struggle that has persisted for many decades. In March 2022, authorities in the country said they disbursed over 3.2 billion US dollars to support power supply to Nigerians in the last five years. Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Rafiq Raji, managing director & chief economist, Macroafricaintel at Investment LLC about Nigeria’s power problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of diary, Lerato Mbele speaks to Times Live editor, Makhudu Sefara.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Close to the town of Tzaneen in the Limpopo province, surrounded by the mystical mountains of the northern Drakensberg, is the home of the Modjadji, the Rain Queen. Today we look at relationships, family structure and a glimpse of the Royal Household of the Rain Queen Modjadji. Additionally, we talk about the diverse culture of the Bapedi people.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to trends analyst Dion Chang about South Africa's "Great Resignation" which refers to the trend of workers quitting en masse amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Veteran actress Connie Chiume has had a long and lustrous acting career spanning over four decades, from stage to television to the big screen, and she has won numerous awards along the way.
Born in Welkom, Free State, her acting career goes back to the 1970s when she toured the world with Ipi Tombi, the stage production that launched careers of many prominent actors.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The last episode of The Real Housewives of Durban ended with broken friendships.
Comedian, and television host Donovan Goliath hosts the highly anticipated reunion of the Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD).
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to the producer and stars, LaConco and Nonku Williams about the making of a reality tv show and how it’s created.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University in January 2021 and previously served as Vice-principal and DVC Research and brings a wealth of experience, insight and knowledge to the university and the leadership team. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to him about his work leading the higher learning institution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. Lerato Mbele speaks to H.E. Mene about the work of the AFCTA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The human carnage and heritage destruction in Ethiopia’s Tigray region that began in November 2020 has been devastating. Thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and several historical monuments damaged by invading forces in the East African country’s north. Lerato Mbele speaks to Professor Mammo Muchie, a Pan-African Scholar at the Tshwane University of Technology.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City of Cape Town's late last week announced its intentions to take over management of its rail service from national government amid ongoing service delivery hassles. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to the city’s Mayor, Gordon Hill Lewis about the mechanics of this move and how this will impact train commuters in Cape Town going forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says Omicron subvariants detected in wastewater might be behind the surge in South Africa’s Covid-19 cases. Lerato Mbele speaks to the NICD’s Adiran Puren about the resurgence of COVID cases and the new subvariants that have been found.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mandla Mdakane has been racing since he was 4 years old and having started in karts, worked his way up through the ranks. Today, Mandla takes a place in South Africa's hotly contested GTC racing series with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team. In this interview with Mandla is here to discuss all things motorsport.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reporters Sans Frontières today released its World Press Freedom Index 2022 which assesses countries' press freedom records and intends to reflect the degree of freedom that journalists, news organisations, and users of the internet have in each country, and the efforts made by authorities to respect this freedom. Lerato Mbele speaks to SANEF executive director, Reggy Molausi about this. The 2022 index index revealed that Press freedom has many facets in Africa, ranging from the abundance of media outlets in Senegal (73rd) and South Africa (35th), to the deafening silence of privately owned media in Eritrea (179th) and Djibouti (164th).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to a vet about pet insurance and taking care of your pet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The global tourism sector has for the past 10 years outperformed the global economic growth. This a clear demonstration that the tourism sector is made up of economic activities that contribute to three high-priority objectives of developing countries: the generation of income, employment, and foreign-exchange earnings. Lerato Mbele speaks to Tshifiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council about tourism and the South African economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, following the commemoration of international labour yesterday, Lerato Mbele speaks to labour analyst Mamokgethi Molopyane and reflects on the labour movement in the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath is one of the biggest business challenges of our time. To keep operations going, most companies adopted new ways of working that left their offices, factories, and stores empty. The workplace is changing and what are the direct and wider implications for employees, employers, and business? In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Lucia Mabasa, Managing Director at Pinpoint One Human Resources about whether these changes in the way people work here to stay?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Holomisa has played a prominent role in building coalitions among opposition parties and in leading important challenges to the dominant party. In this segment, Lerato Mbele speaks to the UDM leader and gets his view on the state of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s edition of the diary segment, Lerato Mbele speaks to unions COSATU, AMCU and FEDUSA and get their views on what should be considered as priority issues with regards to South Africa’s labour and workers agenda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For This week’s profile interview we are joined by South African multi award winning artist of international standard who has been dubbed the queen of Afro Jazz, is an acclaimed singer with multiple platinum status selling albums and music executive at Lalomba Music, Judith Sephuma. We talk to her about retaining longevity in the music industry, challenges of being an independent artist, her vision for the South African music industry, and fostering the development of African culture on the continent.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Palesa Mokubung is a widely recognised fashion designer. Through her fashion label Mantsho, she creates modern, edgy designs created for the everyday woman. Her love of rich African history is reflected in all of her garments. Lerato Mbele speaks to Palesa about her career in the fashion industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this week, the Department of Home Affairs gazetted a notice confirming that most of the country’s airports and borders have opened for international and domestic travel. The notice, which forms part of the government’s move away from the national state of disaster framework, confirms that all ports of entry for aircraft except Pilansberg International are open for both international and domestic travellers and holiday makers. To help us organise our budget friendly trip, Lerato Mbele speaks to Lerato Mogoatlhe, author of the book: Vagabond: Travelling Through Africa on Faith about ways you can travel affordably.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Irene Charnley is a business and social entrepreneur and President of International Women’s Forum South Africa, a global organisation of over 7 000 pre-eminent women of significant and diverse achievement across 36 nations and 6 continents, and Chairman of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium.
Lerato Mbele speaks to her in this week's edition of the Leadership Dialogue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's disease. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 55 million people worldwide have dementia, more than 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Debbie Beech, a social worker at Rand Aid and Dr Kirti Ranchod, a neurosurgeon and researcher of mental illness.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As South Africa marks 28 years of democracy, Lerato Mbele speaks to Happy Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer at Proudly South Africa about the work the entity does to promote South African companies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So much about a country and a culture is expressed through its cuisine. In South Africa much of the cuisine is a home cuisine and to get a taste you really need to search hard!
South Africa is the land of diversity. In this discussion, Lerato Mbele speaks to Chef Naledi Toona about the history of African cuisine and how we can make sense of that which we consume as the diverse people we are in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This year we celebrate 28 years of democracy in South Africa. In April 1994, South Africans stood in long, snaking queues, patiently waiting to cast their votes in the country’s first ever multiracial democratic election.
Many South Africans are now asking: What went wrong?
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Ramphele and asks if there is much to be sentimental about?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trucking companies are the heartbeat of the road freight industry in South Africa and as such, play a pivotal role to ensure the wheels of the economy keep turning.
Trucks are the biggest movers of goods between production, storage, and retail hence there will always be work for trucks in any thriving economy. In this edition of wheels on Wednesday, Lerato Mbele speaks to TJ Potgieter, Sales Manager at Professor Trucks and looks at how a person can start a business in the trucking business and what opportunities can be started.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rising inflation, interest rate hikes, Eskom power outage problems, and higher fuel prices have been instrumental in the determination of financial stability, and ultimately, economic growth of the country.
In this segment, Lerato Mbele speaks to the SARB Governor about the state of the economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trevor Manuel is a South African politician who was Minister of Finance from 1996 to 2009 and Minister in the Presidency from 2009 to 2014. As chair of the National Planning Commission, he oversaw the drafting of the country’s first National Development Plan and has served on important international committees and commissions and now holds various offices in both the public and private sectors.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele gets his reflections on the state of South Africa and look at how we can resolve our political and economic crises.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With little more than an idea and a drive to find her way, Aisha Pandor went from a human geneticist by training, to becoming one of the few black female CEOs of tech startups both in South Africa and internationally.
She has made SweepSouth one of the fastest growing startups in the country.
In an industry with more than a million workers who are often underemployed or underpaid, Aisha has a big vision, aspirations, and lessons to teach other entrepreneurs and she joins us today for our Masterclass feature.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since 2008, Eskom has had to turn off the lights with increasing frequency over the years. This year, after difficulties in power generation, which took a large part of the network off the grid, Eskom decided to implement Level 2 power cuts.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele is joined by energy analyst Chris Yelland and infrastructu finance specialist, Ruse Moleshe and looks into a myriad of Eskom’s issues, regulatory changes and the unbundling of the entity, impact of the restructured Eskom on municipalities and challenges and business opportunities for renewable independent power producers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to political analyst Keaoleboga Dipogiso and examine the character of Botswana’s democracy and look at the quality of popular control achieved. Additionally, we engage on the current Khama & Masisi impasse, reflect on Botswana’s historical experience with democracy, public opinion, political rights, the impact of classes, groups and mass media on government policy, and grass–roots politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Pamela Nompumelelo Nomvete who was born in Ethiopia and graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 1985 and spent 10 years on the British stage before moving to South Africa in 1994 where she embarked on a very successful television career.
She has gone to perform for theatre companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre, and the Royal Court, and has also acted on TV and film productions alongside Idris Elba, Forrest Whittaker to mention a few.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bee farming and keeping in Africa is one sector of agriculture on the continent that has great economic and environmental potential in terms of creating sustainable business and employment while protecting the livelihood of bees.
In this conversation, we speak to Mmabatho Portia Morudi a sustainable honey farmer from Winterveld about the bee keeping industry where she creates spaces where honeybees can thrive and survive in Africa's forests.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luthando Kaka is an experienced road cyclist who rode for various teams for many years and climbed the ladder.
Just one year after he started cycling, he represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Australia. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Luthando about his love of cycling, the growth of the cycling community in black communities, and his vision for the rise of African cycling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation Lerato Mbele speaks to CEO of SA State Theatre, Dr Sibongiseni Mkhize about the greatest performing arts facility in Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, we look at iSpitori, an urban lingua franca in Pretoria and the Tshwane metropolitan region of South Africa.
It is a combination of Tswana and influences from Tsotsitaal, Afrikaans, and other languages of the region.
We look at the history of iSpitori, how people perceive it, and question whether it is a language.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Veteran broadcaster Tim Modise talks about growing up in Pretoria and the changes he has seen in his hometown over the years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment we look at what the food culture in the City of Tshwane looks like with Culinary Artist & Founder of GlamFoodie, Charmaine Ramalope-Makhubela.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tshwane Mayor Cllr Randall Williams delivered his State of the Capital 2022 address at Tshwane House today, outlining his administration's plans for the 2022/23 financial year.
Lerato Mbele speaks with the Speaker of Tshwane City Council, Dr. Murunwa Makwarela, MMC for Finance, Peter Sutton, and MMC for Health, Rina Marx.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Zakes Sondiyazi, Manager For Insurance Risk at the South African Insurance Association and discusses what things one should consider when considering car insurance and other associated pointers vehicle owners should know be aware of that come with an insurance plan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to the founding editor of Forbes Africa, Chris Bishop and looks at how the work of entrepreneurs can influence lives in Africa and create the jobs that governments can afford to create. Reflecting on the book, “African Billionaires: inspirational stories behind how they made their fortunes” written by the founder of Forbes Africa on how the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs across Africa such as Aliko Dangote, Patrice Motsepe, Nicky Oppenheimer, Christo Wiese, and Stephen Saad, among others made their billions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to the South African Council for The Architectural Profession’s Vusi Phailane about preparing for disasters from an infrastructure and town planning point of view at the back of the recent floods, explore the role of climate change in recent destruction seen in KwaZulu Natal, look at South Africa's future link to the state of its municipalities and how the growing urban settlements and housing issue can be properly addressed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ancestral veneration is one of the most widespread spiritual practices in the world. Although this varies by region and economic background, veneration is related to the belief that the dead continue to exist and can influence the fate of the living.
Some groups revere their direct, family ancestors In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Raletjatji Bokaba, a healer and indigenous knowledge systems practitioner about ancestral veneration, look at post death rituals and ceremonies associated with veneration.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In April, devout people celebrate some of the most important holy days in their respective calendars Passover for Jews, Easter for Christians, and the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims. Although the religious festivals differ, food is their most important part of the celebration.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele try to get a better understanding of these religions through the foods they use when observing their religious practices with Faculty of Theology And Religion, University Of Pretoria's Dr Lerato Mokoena.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Natives Land Act inaugurated the apartheid in South Africa in 1913 left nearly 70% of black South Africans unable to purchase or occupy the land. Furthermore, this legislative order dispossessed and forcibly removed thousands of black families from their land. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to constitutional law expert, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi and political analyst, Professor Sipho Seepe and reflects on land reform in SA and discuss where we are in terms of this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ever-tightening cost of living crisis and soaring inflation are increasing the likelihood of further interest rate hikes this year - putting pressure on the monthly budgets of millions of mortgage-burdened SA homeowners. To better understand the benefits and drawbacks of refinancing a mortgage and how the process works, Lerato Mbele speaks to Nthato Raboshaga, property analyst and founder of Nthato Realty about mortgage refinancing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If I were to ask you what the best investment for your future would be, you might think of your retirement or other financial savings. You might think that working more and harder is a good investment. And yes, these things are very important, but the most important and best investment is in yourself. Professional and personal growth starts with investing in yourself. So how do invest in yourself? In this conversation, Lerato Mbele delves deeper into the topic of self-investment and is joined by industrial psychologist Zahira Light Phatudi for the discussion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, we speak to some political leaders and hear about some their favourite songs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At a time when the importance of Ubuntu and active citizenship is desperately needed in our beloved country, it has become very crucial to support the heroes of South Africa.
Today, we speak about leadership to one of the most inspiring people of our time, the founder of the humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers' Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kitty Phetla is a South African ballet dancer who was born in Soweto in 1983. She began dancing in elementary school and was chosen by her future mentor, Martin Schoenberg, who recognised her talent and trained her until she was 25. With Schoenberg she learned ballet, Spanish dance, contemporary dance, and Afro-fusion.
She joined his Ballet Theatre Afrikan and remained there until 2002, when she moved to Joburg Ballet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Easter holiday is just around the corner and it's time for a road trip. Heading to the beach? Or to the bush? Do not be stranded. Wherever you are headed, you need to make sure your car is ready to go so your holiday is not ruined by car trouble or other issues. In this conversation, we will look at a handy car maintenance checklist you can use to prepare your car for long-distance travel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Although the Sahel has gained prominence in policy circles due to its strategic importance and the urgency of the threats that are rampant in the region, the countries of the Maghreb have received relatively step-motherly treatment in recent years, despite the important role they could play in stabilising the region and promoting economic development. In this conversation, we look at the Maghreb region, the developments in Tunisia after the Arab Spring, and the lessons that today's South Africa could learn from them. Finally, we look at where Tunisia stands in comparison to North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SA Poultry Association on Monday rejected a demand by the industry's trade association, SA Association of Meat Importers and Exporters to eliminate all trade tariffs on chicken imports and suspend all new tariff measures in the industry for the next three years. Sapa says this would only put the currently globally competitive industry on a downward trend. We speak with the association about the proposed increase.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Energy regulator Nersa is proposing an average increase of 7.47% in municipal electricity tariffs from 1 July 2022. In a discussion paper, the group said it wanted to maintain the historical method of setting rates, but that due to time constraints, no public hearings would be held on the issue. The proposal comes after Nersa approved a 9.6% increase in tariffs for Eskom customers effective 1 April 2022. This is separate from the proposed increase in July, which will apply to municipal customers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Saths Cooper, President of the Pan-African Psychology Union about the decline of liberation movements cross the world.
Cooper argues that the dividends of these movements only seem to benefit the elite.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unless you are Elon Musk, setting aside money today to provide for the years ahead by creating a retirement fund is not an option - it's a must. Retirement planning is a multi-step process that evolves over time.
By planning for your retirement today, you can maintain your standard of living in your retirement years.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Takalani Lukhaimane, Manager for Retirement Fund Conduct at the Financial Service Conduct Authority and Lesego Mpete, Head of Employee Benefits at Gradidge-Mahura Investments about pension funds.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unprecedented shifts brought on by COVID-19 have driven many professionals out of their comfort zones and caused them to interrogate what’s most important in their careers.
Today, a growing number of people are looking for a way to balance the need for stability with their desire for a more agile career that accommodates their changing needs and provides a greater sense of purpose.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Kalnisha Singh, Founder of KD Strategies and Professor Anthony Wilson-Prangley from GIBS and discusses how a person can repurpose a career in the context of present-day South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mmusi Maimane is One South Africa Movement’s founder and inspirational/courageous Chief Activist. From an early age, Mmusi has had a passion for championing the rights of the poor and marginalised in society. More recently he has taken up the cause of the silent and betrayed citizens in an increasingly divided South Africa. t’s this passion that has taken him to the top of politics and now the driving force behind the One South Africa Movement (OSA) whose vision is to create a society in which all men and women regardless of race and background come together and build a society in which they can all live together peacefully and prosper. He joins us today to share his view of the nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On April 7, 2021, citizens of Rwanda marked the 28th anniversary of the beginning of the Rwandan genocide. The genocide was the culmination of unresolved tensions and conflicts in Rwandan society, particularly between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Anita Kayirangwa, Executive Director of the Ministry of Unity & Civic Engagement in Rwanda and independent political analyst Dr. Frederick Golooba-Mutebi and reflects on the country’s development and rebuilding post the genocide.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with the co-creator and director of the South African television phenomenon Yizo Yizo, a drama series that achieved the highest ratings in the history of South African television. It achieved cult status, was debated in Parliament, and won awards worldwide, including the Cinema Tout Ecrand Award in Geneva for Best International Series. Mahlatsi has become one of South Africa's most sought-after and award-winning commercial directors but was also instrumental in the creation of Bomb's various drama series such as Jacob's Cross, Isibaya and Ayeye. After two decades with Bomb Productions, Teboho decided to start a new company: establishing MOSELING FILMS – pronounced Moseding, a Sotho name for ‘The One in the Light’ – a production company with key focus on story development.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Flowers are such a huge part of every event, it's important to understand your style, but also the style of the florist who will bring your vision to life. This week, we're having a conversation with florist Saskia Band, co-founder, and the owner of The Florist, to learn more about her passion for flowers and what’s trending in the world of flower arranging.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Family traditional recipes are more than just the ingredients and the preparations needed to make them. They are memories, they are nostalgia, they are the person who first prepared them for you. But unfortunately, we live in a fast-paced world. Slow cooking and old-fashioned techniques sound fantastic, but real life does not always allow us to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a traditional meal. In our fast-paced lives, all we care about is convenience and having food delivered or served quickly. To help us turn our beloved traditional childhood food into modern food, we speak to multi award-winning celeb chef, mom, author, and founder of the The Siba Co, Siba Mtongana.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this edition of POWERTalk, we talk with Nthabiseng Sibiya, founder and owner of AfroCardz and AfroCardsPatterns, about how she brings beautiful African colours and textures to the world of stationery and textile.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Businesswoman Khanyisile Kweyama whose impressive list of tenures include being first woman Executive Director at Anglo American SA, BUSA CEO and chairperson of Brand SA and SABC boards speaks to us about leadership. Lerato Mbele interviews her in this week’s edition of the Leadership Dialogues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is estimated that 1% to 2% of people in South Africa may be living with some level of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In America, the Center for Disease Control has recently revealed that 1 in 59 births were kids born with ASD. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to clinical psychologist Shani Lits and look at how applied behavior analysis and evidence-based practices can help both parents with children living on the autism spectrum.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Issues relating to women empowerment and gender-based violence have received increased attention from scholars and the broader South African public in recent years. Many studies seem to be favoring policies which appear attractive only on papers with less attention on how these policies translate into reality. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Javu Baloyi, spokesperson at the commission and looks at the functions and mandate the South African Commission on Gender Equality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment of the show, we talk about the connection between identity and hair, and particularly in the black community and why so much attention is given to hair and skin colour politics. Lerato Mbele speaks to activist Zulaikha Patel, Simangele Sibisi, hairstylist and founder of Indalo Nubian Naturals, sociologist Margaret Chandia and the founder of the Redefining Beauty Movement Kamo Magabane.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite the world being in chaos and the prices of commodities and other products skyrocketing, new vehicle sales in South Africa continue to grow substantially.
As per reports by the National Automobile Dealer Association, March 2022 was a long selling month and the end of the fiscal year for many companies and organisations.
Lerato Mbele speaks to motoring expert Pogiso Dibakoane about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, we look at how television advertising influences consumer behaviour in South Africa, if any at all.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Masego Motsogi, Managing Director of Grid Worldwide about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you are looking to acquire art for decorative purposes, as an investment, or for a love and passion for the arts, building a strong art collection requires time and knowledge. In this conversation, we focus on the ever-evolving relationship between art and finance with the Brown Eyed Boy Curators, a vehicle that focuses on promoting the careers of Southern African artists and other art professionals such as master printers, curators, and academics and get fundamental and essential tips on what, why, and how to collect art. To look into the world of art, Lerato Mbele speaks to Tshepo Hlongwane, Director of the Brown Eyed Boys Curators.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chapter 9 of the Constitution states that several "State Institutions Supporting Constitutional Democracy" be provided for. According to the Constitution, "these institutions are accountable to the National Assembly and must report to it at least once a year on their activities and the discharge of their functions. Lerato Mbele is joined for this conversation by chartered accountant Khaya Sithole and advocate Kevin Malunga, Academic Head at the School of Law at Regenesys Business School.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Retrenchments, salary cuts and a shrinking economy are some of the woes brought on by Covid-19 that put immense pressure on our personal finances. In this conversation, we talk about personal finance management and what it means to build wealth and how this can be done. For this conversation, Lerato is joined by Siba Njoba, co-founder of Imvelo Wealth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week’s view of the nation, Lerato Mbele speaks to the Rivonia Circle’s founding director, Songezo Zibi
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In August, Kenyans will vote in presidential, legislative, and county elections set for August 9, 2022-the third since 2010. Despite initiatives to prevent inflammatory political behaviour, the political temperature continues to rise. Many citizens report low confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Recent changes and alliances raise fears of renewed electoral violence in Kenya in 2022. We examine the causes and trends of the conflict and take a look at the current political dynamics in Kenya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For this Diary of the Week, we look at the issues that will dominate the news over the course of the week with News24's political editor Qaanitah Hunter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On POWER Talk we discuss the latest design, fashion and style trends to lookout for in 2022. Our guest is sustainability visionary, Craig Jacobs, the founder of arguably Africa’s first eco-conscious fashion brand Fundudzi. Craig is also the first recipient of the Fashion Innovation of the Year honour at the inaugural Fashion Industry Awards of South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele speaks to musician and song writer, Simphiwe Dana about life in the arts, her body of work, the state of South African art and her new production, MOYA. Simphiwe is also known for her creative social commentary and activism through music as a political art form. She also shares her views on patriarchal behaviours, traditional and cultural norms.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, South African Film and Television Awards (Safta) nominated writer and director Rorisang Motuba pays a heartfelt tribute to her late mother in a new play titled “Diaparo Tsa Mama (My Mother’s Clothes)”. The play follows the story of three sisters who, on the eve of their mother’s funeral, are duty-bound to sort through their beloved matriarch’s clothes in search of the perfect outfit to bury her in. In this conversation, we talk about the state of theatre in South Africa and reflect on this moving production that deals with loss and womanhood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bishop Mosa Sono is founder and Presiding Bishop of Grace Bible Church, which was established in September of 1983.
His calling and passion is to win people to Christ, bring believers into full maturity of their walk with God, train, raise and mentor leaders in the church, corporate sector and in the community at large.
In this first edition of the Leadership Dialogue, we speak to the bishop about leadership in the clergy and the state of the church in SA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) one of the largest under the Cosatu federation with 170, 000 members today holds the second day of its 17th National Congress which ends on 1st April 2022 and is organised under the theme “Back to Basics Is When We Defend and Advance to Build A Radical Movement”.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Frans Baleni about the role of trade unions in finding solutions for South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clan praises form part of oral tradition and have characteristics common to other oral art forms. The composition of these poetic praises is the collective responsibility of the clan or tribe, and authorship is therefore unknown.
Lerato Mbele speaks to Mkhulu Nsingiza about the origins of clan names, why they are significant and how they form part of the broader understanding of who we are as Africans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are more electric cars than ever, with 30-plus unique models on sale in the first quarter of 2022 and more coming soon. In the next half hour, we look into whether electric cars are a sustainable product for South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zambia may be better known for mining copper than crypto, but a group of young entrepreneurs are looking to reinvent the country as an African technology hub with support from Ethereum. In this segment, Lerato Mbele speaks Toby Shapshak to look at the outlook for crypto and blockchain in Africa and why countries such as Zambia, Kenya and Ghana are preferred destinations for global tech companies to launch their businesses in Africa and what makes those markets attractive.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, received four reports from the South African Law Reform Commission. The reports are on Sexual Offences (Pornography and Children), Report on Practice of Ukuthwala, Report into Legal Fees and Report on Harmonisation of Existing Laws Providing for Prescription of Periods. In this segment we focus specifically on content of the Sexual Offences report and what recommendations are made concerning law reform.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Dr Thabi Leoka and Xhanti Payi and together look at the state of the South African economy and explore issues like the continually rising unemployment rate, inflation, land reform and the reasons behind a persistently increasing wage differential which is a significant driver to inequality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment of the show, we introduce a feature that seeks to provide both insight and an opportunity for our listeners. Weekly we will invite entrepreneurs that are traversing various industries, to come and give us a masterclass on their experience in entrepreneurship and self-development. This week, Lerato Mbele speaks to Sylvester Chauke about starting his business DNA Brand Architects and staying with the business as years go by and the challenges start weighing in.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The prejudice and discrimination that LGBTIQQ community experience continues to be a challenge in society often because of the lack of understanding and accurate information for those who want to better understand. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele speaks to Iranti’s Jade Jacobs to better understand some of our own blind spots as heterosexual and people who generally benefit from our own privileges in society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the past weeks we have been watching the situation between Russia and Ukraine unfold. In all that has been reported about the events in the Eastern parts of Europe many of us may be in the dark about why this is important event not only for the globe but for South Africa in particular. Lerato Mbele speaks to Steven Gruzd, Head: African Governance and Diplomacy Programme and the Russia-Africa Project at the South African Institute of International Affairs about this.W
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lerato Mbele is in conversation with the editor-in-hief of the City Press Mondli Makhanya about the week's new diary.
Story 1: SABC board hopeful analogue switch-off deadline will be extended
Story 2: Police chief's middle finger to Cele
Story 3: Expensive cars for ministers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this first edition of View of the Nation we spend some time with former minister of finance Tito Mboweni. Having served as minister of Labour, deputy head of economic policy in the African National Congress and the eighth governor of the South African Reserve Bank, the former minister has under his belt a wealth of insight and understanding of South African politics and economy which in the next hour be in discussion with him about.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thousands of e-hailing drivers have embarked on a three-day shutdown from Tuesday in a bid to get government to regulate the industry.
E-hailing platforms such as Uber, Uber Eats, Mr D, Bolt and InDriver have been affected when between 50,000 and 70,000 drivers turned off their apps for the duration of the strike. Morio Sanyane speaks to Theo Nkonki, Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Transport.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
City Power has introduced a new model that will cut costs in its dealings with contractors. City Power has emphasized that it is not terminating the work of contractors, but rather introducing a new cost-saving model, which is being implemented.
There has been concerns about the new model and how it will cause more power outages.
However, City Power argues that the capacity of City Power to attend to household faults will not be compromised.
In the next half hour, we get a better understanding of this new model and how it will be rolled out as well as what implication it will have on residents.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Constitution recognises the independence of the courts as it provides that the judicial authority of the courts is vested in the courts and that the courts are independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.
In recent years there have been concerns about the independence of the Judiciary and this we saw more explicitly during the JSC Chief Justice interviews.
In this edition of the Thought Council, we look into issues that confront the Judiciary and how they ultimately affect its independence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrew is a former General Manager of PSL; former Municipal Manager of Belarus-Bela Municipality and former Public Relations Officer of the National Soccer League.
He also was part of the SAFA delegation that delivered 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa. SAFA delegation to the Confederation Cup in Germany; SAFA delegation to the FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Outside of the limelight, Andrew was appointed the Chairperson of Limpopo Tourism Agency from 2015 to 2018 and successfully re-elected from 2019 to 2022 tenure of office.
He recently became a member of Cambridge Prep Academy Pty (Ltd). In this edition of the Open Conversation, we speak to Dipela.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Fourth SA Investment Conference took place yesterday at the Sandton Convention Centre, north of Johannesburg. The one-day meeting is intended to help attract R1,2 trillion-rand worth of investment by the end of 2023.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is hopeful that the investment coming into the country through the Fourth South African Investment Conference will assist in creating employment for many destitute citizens.
In the next hour we reflect on the events of the conference and what it will mean for the South African public.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Spokesperson for Health, Doctor Tshwale speaks to Morio Sanyane about the state of readiness to reopen Charlotte Maxeke following a site inspection by the minister.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni, Victor Letlhogonolo Moseki and JPMD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla speak to Morio Sanyane about issues of community safety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miriam Makeba was one of the first African singers to make it big around the world — wowing viewers of “The Steve Allen Show” in 1959 with her big voice and vibrant stage presence. In the early ‘60s, she sang at President John F. Kennedy’s birthday party and charted on Billboard. If stardom came easily, international politics proved more complicated. Makeba was raised in a South Africa that refused to grant even the most basic civil rights to its Black majority. The South African government revoked Makeba’s passport in the 1960s after she spoke critically of apartheid. The singer had to miss her own mother’s funeral. In this edition of the Knowledge Bank we review Dreaming Zenzile which has further been adopted into a music album titled "Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice has published its latest ranking of the 50 most violent cities in the world, with four South African cities included among them. The report lists the 50 most violent cities by the number of murders per 100,000 people, only considering cities with populations exceeding 300,000, where murder statistics are made available. SA cities are among the cities listed and we will in the next half have a conversation about this report.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following a meeting by the ANC's national working committee on Wednesday, the party announced that they had appointed former National Assembly speaker and current defence minister Thandi Modise to lead a task team to determine if the leadership of the ANC Women's League should remain in office. Denzil Taylor speaks to the party's national spokesperson Pule Mabe about the outcomes of the meeting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Denzil Taylor speaks to Professor Cathy Powell about the ICJ's court order yesterday which ordered that Russia must suspend its invasion of Ukraine, saying it was “profoundly concerned” by Moscow’s use of force.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Denzil Taylor speaks to Liubov Abravitova the Ukraine ambassador to South Africa about the latest peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Authorities in Ukraine have accused Russian forces of bombing a theatre as well as a pool facility in the besieged southern city of Mariupol where hundreds of civilians, including pregnant women and children, are said to have taken refuge from the conflict.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Denzil Taylor speaks to Dr Kgosientso Ramakgopa,Head of the Investment and Infrastructure unit in the Office of the Presidency and discusses details of the National Infrastructure Plan and next steps towards implementation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Abahlali baseMjondolo, a grassroots organisation that fights for the poor and marginalised, emerged in the post-apartheid era more than 17 years ago and now has a paid-up membership of over 100,000 in five provinces. Its leaders have triggered the alarm many times that its members are under siege.
Denzil Taylor speaks to the leader of Abahlali baseMjondolo, Sbu Zikode who to tell us more about this and what they suspect is going on and who may be targeting them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Gauteng Transport Department said that it had signed an agreement between the provincial arm of the National Driving School Association and the RTMC that will provide a common platform for all parties to address grievances around the service.
Denzil Taylor speaks to the MEC of Transport, Jacob Mamabolo to get a sense of this agreement and how it will affect motorists.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On 31 March, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Khumbudzo Ntshaveni is due to terminate South Africa’s analogue technology, as part of the digital migration process initiated more than a decade ago. Denzil Taylor speaks to William Bird of Media Monitoring Africa about this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Agri SA’s research and analysis has revealed that that the Ukraine-Russia crisis will have a serious impact on South Africa’s food security and poses very real risks to parts of the agricultural sector. Denzil Taylor speaks to Khulani Siweya, Agricultural Economist from AgriSA about how SA’s trade relations with Ukraine and Russia have increased over the last decade and how exactly the crisis causes a threat to us but also how this can be best mitigated.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South African Human Rights Commission on Monday convened the first sitting of an inquiry into racial discrimination in the advertising industry. The commission’s Gauteng provincial office led the inquiry in Sandton, which aims to address and avoid the publication of adverts that carry racial undertones in South Africa. Denzil Taylor speaks to the Human Rights Commission’s Gushwell Brookes and looks into the outcome the commission intends for the inquiry and also look at what came out of yesterday’s session.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) made a determination on Eskom’s Retail Tariff and Structural Adjustment (ERTSA) application and approved an average tariff increase of 9.61% for Eskom’s standard tariff customers and an increase of 8.61% for municipalities. Denzil Taylor speaks to Brian Sechothlo, Head of Electricity Pricing & Tariff at NERSA about how they came to this percentage for the tariff hike, what considerations were made and how this will affect residents.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of Africa Centre, we have a look at the situation in Burkina Faso that started as a rebellion in neighbouring Mali by marginalised Tuaregs in 2012 and has now brought the entire Sahel region into chaos. Denzil Taylor speaks to Dr. Adeoye O. Akinola, Head of Research and Teaching at the Institute Of Pan African Thought and Conversation at UJ.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comair, which operates flights by British Airways (BA) and Kulula, has been grounded indefinitely after failing to give satisfactory assurance to the SA Civil Aviation Authority that it has remedied safety concerns found by the regulator after an investigation into a string of mishaps.
In this conversation, Denzil Taylor speaks to SACCA’s Phindile Gwebu about the suspension and the investigation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the DA Gauteng Health Department owes R3.1 billion to over 42,500 suppliers who have not been paid within the legally required 30 days. The party said this was disclosed last week at a meeting of the Gauteng Legislature's Finance Committee.
In Denzily Taylor speaks to both the Gauteng Health Department and the Democratic Alliance about this to get further clarity and is joined by Jack Bloom and Lerato Mdya.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Four months ago as the Covid-19 fourth wave was gathering steam, a top leader at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital made a desperate plea to President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently set up a task team to intervene in what he called the crises at the facility.
Since then there has been some developments which Denzil Taylor unpacks with Professor Adam Mahomed, Head of Internal Medicine at the hospital and gets a sense of whether there has been improvement in the hospital.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coloured identity is fraught with ambiguity and often inhabits a shape-shifting shadow world, floating and flowing between arbitrary apartheid racial categories – an identity neither here nor there. While racial classifications under white supremacist South Africa appeared definitive and rigid, coloured people frequently drifted between them depending on their proximity to any of the regime’s racial groupings. In the next hour we look into the coloured identity and what it means in the context of South Africa's present day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allan Boesak is an award-winning South African theologian and political activist known for his participation in the anti-apartheid movement alongside Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Boesak was born in Kakamas, Northern Cape province on the eastern border of South Africa on February 23, 1946. He cites observing his mother’s strong faith in raising him and his seven siblings after their father passed away in 1952 as the inspiration for his theological pursuits. In this edition of the Open Conversation we spend some time with him to reflect on his life and perspective on various South African affairs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to entrepreneur and founder of Randela Wines, Phumla Randela about carving a path in South Africa's wine industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People all over the world can now view an array of manuscripts, music, art and heritage sites including over 40 000+ digitised endangered manuscripts many of which were smuggled to safety during political unrest in Mali.
This also contains more than 50 exhibits which include the first online, interactive tours of some of Mali’s most significant historic sites, at-risk mausoleums and mosques including the Sidi Yahiya and Djinguereber Mosques and the Tomb of Askia, all created using Street View.
Denzil Taylor speaks to Chance Coughenour, Program Manager and Digital Archaeologist at Google Arts & Culture about the digitization of the Timbuktu manuscripts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Uber says it takes the concerns of its drivers seriously ahead of a planned strike by thousands of e-hailing operators across SA over work conditions.
The national strike by e-hailing drivers who work for Uber, Bolt, DiDi and other driving apps is set to start on March 22 and end two days later, depending on whether the drivers’ demands are met.
In this segment we speak to Vhatuka Mbelengwa of the E-hailing Unity in Diversity National.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of Thought Council, we unpack the state of the township economy in South Africa.
Where are we? What's wrong, what needs to be fixed and explore ways in which it can turn the tide on growing unemployment in the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chief Economist Don Consultancy Group, Chifi Mhango joins Dezil Taylor to look into the GDP figures and what story they tell about the state of the economy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legal manager at the Film and Publication Board, Pandelis Gregoriou speaks to Denzil Taylor about the passing of the Films and Publications Amendment Act.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
African Collaboration sub-programme at the Academy of Science of South Africa, Dr. Phyllis Kalele joins Denzil Taylor to unpack her research on female academics and the challenges of mentoring opportunities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Denzil Taylor speaks to Department Of Public Works Acting Director-General Imtiaz Fazel and Advocate Selby Makgotho, Spokesperson, Special Tribunal Court about the court judgement that ordered contractors involved to pay back the money.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Various broadcast platforms across the world stopped showing the Russia Today news channel after European Union sanctions against the country stopped the global distributor from providing the broadcast.
In this conversation, Denzil Taylor speaks to Paula Slier who pens an opinion piece that raises the broader implication of this sanction against the news channel on journalism.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As fieldworkers struggle getting door-to-door, the Census 2022 has been extended until 20 March.
Over the last three weeks, workers have been trying to collect data on all those currently living in South Africa, including foreign nationals and homeless residents.
Denzil Taylor speaks with the Statician General, Risenga Maluleke hour and checks in with the roll out of the census and how it has been going since.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tensions are high in Alexandra on Monday afternoon as Operation Dudula members clash with migrant street vendors. Denzil Taylor speaks to Mpho Baloyi, Chamber Manager & Head Of Youth Cluster at the Greater Alexandra Chamber Of Commerce & Industry and gets a sense of what exactly happened yesterday and what triggered the standoff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyers representing the 130 City of Joburg staffers facing dismissals over converted job contracts have accused the city of intimidation and unfair labour practice. Yesterday afternoon minority parties in the city condemned the decision and in the next half hour we have a conversation with some of the parties to get a sense of their stance following the COJ decision to rescind jobs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parliament concluded its public hearings on the planned National Health Insurance Bill in February, with consideration of the bill expected to enter the next phase.
This includes a study tour to the United Kingdom to examine how its national health insurance system works.
Denzil Taylor speaks to Dr Nicholas Crisp of the Department of Health about the progress of the planned bill is making and how it the next phase will be rolled out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kwena Moabelo speaks to Msg Afrika Broadcasting Managing Director, James Shikwambana, in this edition of the open conversation, as they look at Shikwambana’s career journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Qiniso Mthembu, the 2022 IRMSA Risk Report Writer and Risk Intelligence Committee Member joins Kwena Moabelo to unpack the state of South Africa and whether it is a failed state.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The executive director at Corruption Watch, Karam Singh joins Kwena Moabelo to speak about corruption in South Africa following the release of third and final part volume of the state capture report.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Johannesburg executive mayor, Mpho Phalatse joins Kwena Moabelo following her media briefing on the reversal of the fixed-term contracts to permanent contracts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the Thought Council Kwena Moabelo speaks to the associate editor at Daily Maverick Brooks Spector, retired American diplomat and foreign policy analyst Pearl Matibe as well as the spokesperson for the Russian Embassy Alexander Arefiev about sanctions and diplomatic talks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kwena Moabelo speaks to the African National Congress' spokesperson Dakota Legoete about the disbanding of the Mpumalanga provincial executive committee.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the Language Corner, artist Eugene Mthethwa joins Kwena Moabelo to look into the origins of Tsotsitaal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kwena Moabelo speaks to the Department of Employment and Labour's deputy director-general Sam Morotoba about South Africa’s Labour Migration Policy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation speaks to Steven Gruzd who gives us an update as to where we are regarding the Russia - Ukraine matter following the South African government's call for a peaceful resolution of the escalating conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, we get reaction from unions to the judgment that will be delivered on Monday, 28 February 2022 by the Constitutional Court on the matter looking into whether clause 3.3 of the collective agreement is valid and lawful? (NEHAWU v Minister of Public Service and Administration and Others).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this segment, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to investigative journalist Raymond Joseph about his expose work on corruption in the lottery industry and transnational investigation into lotteries around the world. We also get an update from the SIU about work they’ve following President Ramaphosa’s signing of a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit to probe alleged corruption in the National Lotteries Commission which allows the state to recover financial losses caused by acts of corruption, fraud and maladministration.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova addressed the media virtually on Thursday afternoon to give an update on the situation in Ukraine. "The combat spirits of the Ukrainan military is high, our defenders are ready to give a decisive response to the aggressor state and they will protect the Ukraine soil with all their strength. Ukraine has activated its right to self-defence under article 51 of the United Nations." Abravitova called on democratic countries, including South Africa, to impose sanctions on Russia. In the next segment we speak to the Ambassador about the situation in Ukraine, but also the call for sanctions on Russia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frustrated dental technology graduates allege that the Dental Technician Council's refusal to have them registered is racially motivated. These students who studied dental technology at the Durban University of Technology are being denied registration, the dispute has been going on for more than a year between the university, students and the SADTC.
This has resulted in six students being left in limbo. In the next half hour we look into the issue to get a better understanding of the long standing battle, how this has affected the graduates and how far the matter has come.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the next hour we have a very special edition of the Open Conversation, featuring our very own Khaya Sithole, who is a graduate of UKZN and Oxford, an accountant, academic and activist. He has lectured in accounting, tax and finance for UKZN, Wits and the UCT College of Accounting and the UCT Graduate School of Business.
Khaya has worked as an editor of various textbooks in Financial Reporting and Taxation. He serves as the resident commentator, writer and talk show host on POWER Business. This is only a few of the interesting things Khaya Sithole gets up to and in the next hour we spend some time with him to dive further into his brain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana outlined the new tax brackets for personal income taxpayers in his Budget speech 2022 on Wednesday, this being one of the adjustments that treasury made in this year’s budget. Following years of declining economic performance and crippling levels of growth, the South African economy is finally showing some glimmer of hope, however South Africans may be heavily affected in the pocket by these changes and Lukhona Mnguni discusses just that and gets a broader understanding of the outcomes of the 2022 budget with economic Mpho Tsebe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At a time when crime statistics paint a bleak picture of the insecure and unsafe lives led by ordinary South Africans, when organised crime syndicates, gang violence and transnational organised crime pose a real threat to the survival of our state as a country, the effectiveness of law enforcement comes into question. In this conversation, we look at how we can make progress in reducing crime and violence in South Africa. Question which interventions work, and which don’t. Discuss interventions that are aimed to prevent crime and explore the nature and dynamics of crime trends in South Africa and the implications for the prevention of crime in the future.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Male infertility is present in 35% – 50% of infertile couples. Today, moderate and severe cases of male infertility are efficiently treated by the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, infertility continues to be major reproductive health problem with a lot of different factors. What is worrisome is that the number keeps rising, and doctors are uncovering more causes of infertility among men and women of child-bearing age. Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Dr Mohammed Ismail and looks into some of these factors that contribute to male infertility.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After almost two years since SA declared a state of disaster due to the Covid-19 pandemic the economic outlook for SA remains constrained. This is due to low economic growth, growing unemployment rates and mounting debt in recent years. It has been worsened by the civil unrest in July last year that has affected business. Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Redge Nkosi, Economist and Director at First Source Money about what key expectations there are from today’s Budget.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After almost two years since SA declared a state of disaster due to the Covid-19 pandemic the economic outlook for SA remains constrained. In this segment, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to political parties and get a sense of what is ahead in finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s inaugural national budget speech this afternoon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, we saw reports that a patient in US with leukaemia became the first woman and the third person to date to be cured of HIV. This comes after she received a stem cell transplant from a donor who was naturally resistant to the virus that causes Aids. Since receiving the treatment, the woman has been in remission and free of the virus for 14 months, without the need for the potent antiretroviral therapy. In this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to South African National Aids Council CEO, Dr Thembelihle Xulu about this procedure and also get clarity about the cure for the HIV.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The coronavirus has undoubtedly accelerated the shift towards multimodal learning, teaching and assessment in higher education. However, this has increased the challenges facing South Africa, where institutions were struggling with a lack of capacity and gaps between employers’ needs and students’ skills before the pandemic. This illustrates the desperate need for innovation in higher education. In this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to the deputy director-general of the higher education department Dr Mmboneni Moufe and the deputy managing director at the National Research Foundation Pontsho Maruping about how this can be realised more effectively and speedily.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gauteng premier David Makhura delivered his state of the province address from the Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Johannesburg. The address was under the theme “Following up on our commitment to the people of Gauteng”. In this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Professor Barry Hanyane and assesses the speech and key areas that the premier addressed such as service delivery, the economy of the province and the health system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The sixth European Union-African Union summit took place Thursday and Friday in Brussels, with the aim of strengthening and recalibrating the economic and strategic partnership between European and African countries. It comes amid tensions over the management of the Covid-19 pandemic and a recent wave of coups d’état in parts of Africa. The two-day conference brought with it a €20bn pledge to Africa and in this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Professor Siphamamdla Zondi, Acting Director of the Institute For Pan-African Thought at UJ and finds out a bit more about what that will mean for the continent.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The family of late African National Congress (ANC) Youth League secretary-general, Sindiso Magaqa, said that their safety was not guaranteed after the release of three of the suspects accused of his murder on Tuesday. It is not only the family that feels unsafe but also close friends such as Thabiso Zulu who called out large-scale corruption in KwaZulu Natal — he has been arrested, tortured and had those close to him killed, including his friend, Sandiso Magaqa. In this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Thabiso Zulu about the release of the alleged killers and his life in hiding.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dudu Busani Dube is one of the most renowned authors of South Africa, with a journalism background which anchored her writing career. Since leaving journalism she has authored 3 books titled “Hlomu The Wife”, “Zandile The Resolute”, and “Naledi His Love” which appeal to many women readers.
Her series has now become the inspiration behind the popular telenovela The Wife. When she first wrote her stories, she had no idea how far they would go. She says when she first authored the popular series she did not imagine that it would one day become the first ever South African telenovela created for the streaming service, Showmax.
In this edition of Open Conversation we spend some time with the talented Dudu Busani- Dube.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For an hour, we look at the state of the nation in South Africa, from a mental health and wellbeing perspective. As a country we continue to face a mental health crisis which is largely due to a culmination of issues in the country that are imploding the hopes, dreams and dignity of many who live in the country. The Covid-19 pandemic, high unemployment rate, inequality crisis, femicide and poverty. In this segment, Sibongile Gangxa speaks to Dr Efuah Prah, Nomfundo Mogapi and Gabriela Connell Sacco and explores the concept of mental health what it means in essence and how it manifests itself in various spaces in which we exist in.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Dr Hleze Kunju on the last isiXhosa lesson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Early this month, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mpho Phalatse, announced the City’s revenue collection campaign to manage ratepayers - government, business and residents - with outstanding municipal accounts.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to the mayor about the operation and which areas are affected.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Although South Africa has been easing into what is increasingly coalition rule at local government level since the elections held in November 2021, coalition governments have not become institutionalised and remain without a proper guideline, the South African Local Government Association (Salga) has said.
In the next half hour we look into the issue as raised by Salga and what the possible implications of coalition government not having a framework are.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ramaphosa had taken key government functions — such as intelligence-gathering, fighting corruption, overseeing infrastructure projects, eradicating small-business red tape and adding muscle to the Special Investigating Unit — into his office, setting up what critics say are parallel government structures. In this next segment we look at whether indeed this is a centeralisation of power and how having all of these structures in the presidency will strengthen the state and essentially benefit South Africans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parliament was debating President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address. Opposition parties have already fired the first shots after they warned that the speech lacked commitment to jobs and fighting crime. EFF leader Julius Malema said Ramaphosa had shifted his responsibility of creating jobs to the private sector. This was after Ramaphosa told the nation on Thursday, that the private sector creates 80% of jobs and the government creates an enabling environment for jobs. In the next half hour, we do a roundup of what came out of SONA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We celebrated international world radio day on the 13th of February in the spirit of improving international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radios. In this edition of Thought Council we look at the evolution of radio in SA, how we experience it now and what is possibly ahead for the broadcast medium.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the knowledge bank, we discuss the significance of the month and understand why it's important to observe. The 2022 theme is “Black health and wellness” and resonates for many, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the racial disparities in health care that were illuminated.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to the health minister about the government’s plans for the gradual relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown regulations.
In place of this, what is the way forward with regards to measures that will be put in place as a way to control the pandemic outside of the state of disaster as there is a possibility of another wave of the coronavirus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Violence first broke out on Friday between black and white pupils at Hoërskool Jan Viljoen in Randfontein. Community members, parents, and school pupils barricaded the roads leading to the school.
On Monday there was yet another stand-off at the school in where parents clashed over alleged racism at the school. In this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to parents about the issue of racism in the school and the events from yesterday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron sat at opposite ends of an extremely long table during their Monday meeting in Moscow because Macron refused to take a Russian-administered Covid-19 PCR test over fears of Russian access to his DNA.
This is but one of the things that came out of the meeting and in this edition of Africa Centre we look into what came out of the discussions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many pregnant women tend to be victims of discrimination and ill-treatment in the workplace. However, the law protects pregnant women with certain rights.
In the spirit of pregnancy awareness week, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Yvonne Shabangu, a candidate attorney at Rams Attorneys and take a look at the rights of women in the workplace during pregnancy and after.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The city of Tshwane on Wednesday embarked on a revenue-collecting campaign during which it disconnected services from government departments, embassies and businesses that had failed to pay up.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to the City’s MMC for Finance, Peter Sutton and looks at this campaign and the responsibility the city has to residents together with the businesses that employ them and what the impact of this campaign has been, but also how this ensures accountability and assists the city recover monies owed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Africans can expect high security during the 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure said on Tuesday that security forces were on high alert ahead of the SONA to ensure an incident-free event. National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said Parliament would be ready to host the event at the City Hall in what would be a historic moment. Lukhona Mnguni speaks to house chairperson Cedric Frolick to get a sense of how things are looking ahead of the address.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the 2022 State of the Nation Address we speak to the youth on this edition of Thought Council. They talk about their expectations from the president's address. One of the critical aspects that young people are struggling with is the high unemployment rate in the country, and as such there is a desperate need for the President to come up with a solid plan for youth job creation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the 2022 State of the Nation Address, citizens await direction on whether government will provide a further social security net for struggling citizens as many more people have joined the unemployment ranks on the back of dwindling national revenue. Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Tertia Jacobs, treasury economist at Investec to look at expectations from an economic perspective.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the nation awaits President Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, the state of the economy is without a doubt a major concern for many. Unemployment is projected to trend around 36.0 %, and state-owned companies seem to continue their downward spiral. We will in the next coming days focus our attention on expectations of the president’s address, more particularly today we will speak to politicians, we will also look comparatively at Ramaphosa’s previous SONA's.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
isiXhosa is a Nguni language and one of the official languages of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Xhosa is spoken as a first language by approximately 8.2 million people and by another 11 million as a second language in South Africa, mostly in Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, and Northern Cape. This week we continue with our lessons and look at the isiXhosa proverbs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Competition Commission has filed a referral with the Competition Tribunal for prosecution of Switzerland based multinational healthcare company, Roche Holding AG (“Roche AG”), and its subsidiaries, F Hoffman La Roche AG (“Roche Basel”) and Roche Products (Pty) Ltd (“Roche SA”), for alleged excessive pricing of a breast cancer treatment drug, Trastuzumab, in contravention of sections 8(a) and 8(1)(a); of the Competition Act. Lukhona Mnguni speaks to the commission and looks into the matter and get a sense of the progress of the referral.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A narrative interpretation of the cultural impressions on water of the communities along the Vaal River.
Singer and PhD student Tribute Birdie Mboweni speaks to Morio Sanyane about her paper, that focuses on cultural impressions on water by various communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thabo Masombuka Is A Senior Legal & Transformation Consultant At Nyapotse Inc. and Theo Maphetho, Attorney and Gauteng Chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association join Morio Sanyane to speak about transformation in the legal sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morio Sanyane speaks to Cathleen Powell, Associate Professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town about how the State Capture Commission and other commissions and inquiries in the are executed in the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heads of state over the weekend gathered at the African Union headquarters to kick off a two-day summit as the continent reels from a spate of military coups and the coronavirus pandemic. In this conversation, we recap on the summit and look into what lies ahead for Sally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The special tribunal has a statutory mandate to recover public funds syphoned from the fiscus through corruption, fraud, and illicit money flows. Chaired by Judge Gidfonia Makhanya, the Tribunal adopts a more flexible and expeditious approach to legal actions, its proceedings are inquisitorial in nature and characterised by extensive pre-trial investigations. We talk to the tribunal and get an update on matters the entity has worked on such as their recent order which has seen the entity set aside R39m Free State PPE contract amongst others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni is in conversation with higher education stakeholders about higher education funding in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Advocate Prince Mafu of the Malwandle Chambers about the career of Acting Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo.
Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was in the hot seat at the Chief Justice interviews. During his lengthy legal career he has served in several courts including the Labour and Supreme Court of Appeal and was part of a task team that developed the draft legislation on labour relations for post-apartheid South Africa in 1994.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni is in conversation with Advocate Steven Budlender SC, a member of the PABASA group of advocates. In this interview, they reflect on his career and also reflect on the state of the judiciary in South Africa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legal Analyst, Mpumelelo Zikalala joins Lukhona Mnguni to look at the JSC Chief Justice interviews and Dunstan Mlambo’s candidacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The next population and housing census, by Statistics SA, is scheduled to start from 3 February and run to 28 February 2022. In the next half hour we look at how this will actually be rolled out and what methodology will be used to ensure that there national count is successful.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the next segment we have a conversation about what Judge Mandisa Maya, why she is fit for office, some of her key judges and what her appointment could mean for transformation in the legal fraternity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the Knowledge Bank we look at the how-to guide on running effective Expanded Public Works Programmes. The purpose of the guide is to provide implementing agents at city level with guidelines on how to carry out EPWP programmes and projects successfully. Reference material used in compiling the guide included the Infrastructure Manual, the Ministerial Determination and the Code of Good Practice for the EPWP.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Judicial Service Commission will begin the interview process today, with Constitutional Court Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga in the spotlight. Each candidate’s interview is scheduled to last for most of the day and will be broadcast live. In this conversation, Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Alison Tilley and Adv. Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane about what to expect from these proceedings, what viewers should be looking out for and why this round of interviews is particularly important.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the Open Conversation Seasoned Communication Specialist, Asanda Magaqa joins Lukhona Mnguni to speak about her views on journalism and being in public office communications.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Dr. Murunwa Makwarela, Tshwane City council speaker, about the city’s Draft Ward Committee By- Law.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Gerald Mwandiambira, Financial Advisor, Yvette Ratshikhopha, Wellness, Life & Leadership Coach and Yoliswa Hamilton, Fitness Trainer about how to set goals and execute them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks Vusumuzi Xaba, Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Defense and Military Veterans about the presentation the ministerial task team made yesterday on the non-approved covid drugs the Defence and Military Veterans Department procured.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Faith Mabera, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue joins Lukhona Mnguni to unpack the situation in Burkina Faso.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the Language Corner Dr. Hleze Kunju, Associate Head of Rhodes University's Creative Writing Programme speaks to Lukhona Mnguni to look at days of the week and months of the year translations in isixhosa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IFP President, Velenkosini Hlabisa joins Lukhona Mnguni to look into IFP’s proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill which seeks to limit the employment of foreign nationals in the country.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ANC Provincial Secretary, Eastern Cape, Lulama Ngcukayitobi speaks to Lukhona Mnguni about the what the assault incident at the Amathole District Municipality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of the Knowledge Bank Lecturer At The University Of Limpopo, Dr. Metjie Makgoba joins Lukhona Mnguni to unpack his paper on BEE in the mining sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Environment and Infrastructure Services MMC, Michael Sun joins Lukhona Mnguni to discuss the tariff hike proposal by Eskom, and why they are objecting it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Jaco Londt, DA Western Cape Chairperson about the suspension of their provincial leader Albert Fritz.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this edition of Africa Centre Presidential Spokesperson of Dr. Thokozani Kupe, Ntando Ndlovu speaks to Lukhona Mnguni about Kupe declaring a party split.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Acting Director of Scholar Transport at the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Kayise Conjwa joins Lukhona Mnguni to speak about the budget cuts for scholar transport and how it will affect leaners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lukhona Mnguni speaks to Head of Communications At The National Prosecuting Authority, Bulelwa Makeke about the work and mandate of the NPA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.