The Special Focus: Recent Episodes
Zāhid Jadwat
Join Zahid Jadwat as he explores topical current affairs and interviews the people who know stuff about what’s going on in the world around us.
Prof. Jeffrey Haynes, Emeritus Professor of Politics at the London Metropolitan University, explains why he believes Christian nationalism poses a threat to minorities in Ghana.
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Dr Olumuyiwa Adegun, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture at Nigeria's Federal University of Technology, speaks about his studies in the potential of vertical greenery systems to address heat and food challenges in Africa.
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With an all-time low of 38% voter turnout, a wealthy businessman called Sam Matekane won the 2022 elections and will now become the landlocked country's next PM. Prof. John Aerni-Flessner unpacks what this could mean for the country.
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Millions of women in South Africa are unable to access sanitary products. Candice Chirwa, known as the Minister of Menstruation’ is a period poverty activist.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa briefly addressed the nation on changes to South Africa's response to the COVID-19 pandemic... Here's some casual analysis from Imaad Noormohammed, journalist at the Laudium Sun, and Lesego Phokela, co-host of the Youth Lounge Podcast.
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Zahid Jadwat brings you current affairs analysis - it's all starting again, soon! In this trailer episode, he shares what you can expect from the show moving forward.
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Popular messaging app WhatsApp has updated their privacy policy. The Facebook-owned social media giant WhatsApp will now share user data with Facebook, without giving users a choice. This has caused many users to dump the app in search of an alternative. Mike Butcher, a UK-based tech journalist and the Editor-at-large of Tech Crunch, explains what you need to know about the updated privacy policy.
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Panel discussion with researchers on what went wrong in Zimbabwe after Robert Mugabe.
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When Zimbabwe's ex-President Robert Mugabe resigned in 2017, there was much optimism about the future of the country. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was seen as just what the country needed for reform. Today, the hope seems to have evaporated. Dr Nicole Beardsworth explains how it went bad for Mnangagwa.
Dr Beardsworth is a political analyst based at the University of Warwick, England.
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Zimbabwe is making global headlines once again; this time for alleged human rights abuses in the country. Whilst many may see the country returning to a regime of repression, Dr Chipo Dendere sees hope in the activism of Zimbabweans.
Dr. Dendere is a Zimbabwean-born scholar of political science. She serves as Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College based in Massachusetts, USA.
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The government of Zimbabwe has regularly blamed the country's dire economic situation on sanctions which were imposed by a number of Western countries. Professor Stephen Chan believes that the sanctions have been used as an excuse for the government's failure to develop an economic plan.
Prof. Chan is a member of the Centre of African Studies, based at the University of London. He participated in Zimbabwe's transition to independence and has written a number of books about Zimbabwe.
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As South Africa takes drastic measures to save its healthcare system from collapse due to Covid-19, public health experts Prof. Mosa Moshabela (UKZN) and Prof. Laetitia Rispel (Wits) explain the current state of the country's fragile public healthcare system.
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Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky and Prof. John Cook believe that real conspiracies do exist. In this episode of The Special Focus, they tell you how you can differentiate between real conspiracies and the baseless ones. Lewandowsky is the Chair of Cognitive Psychology at the School of Psychological Science based at the University of Bristol in the UK and Cook is a cognitive science researcher at George Mason University in the US.
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Conspiracy theory researchers, Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky and Prof. John Cook, doubt the credibility of the Plandemic documentary due to contradictions made in the video which claims that a cabal of elites are using the Covid-19 pandemic and a potential vaccine to profit and gain power. Lewandowsky is the Chair of cognitive psychology at the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol (UK) and Cook is a cognitive science researcher at the George Mason University based in Virginia, USA.
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This year, Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated in a unique way that has never been experienced before. As the Coronavirus lockdown prohibits social, religious and cultural gatherings, Muslims will have to find new ways to make the most of the day. A group of filmmakers have sought to capture the unique experience through the production of a documentary, with public participation. Zahid Jadwat speaks to Imraan Jeeva, the producer of Film Mayfair, 2018.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to Muhammad Masoom Bagdadi, Chairman of the Khidmatul Khalq Foundation as part of the #HumanityHeroes segment which showcases the work of charity organizations.
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The Western Cape is the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak in South Africa. Nearly 60% of all cases in the country have been confirmed in that province. Zahid Jadwat speaks to Premier Alan Winde to find out how the province is dealing with the crisis. This interview was done on 17 May 2020.
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As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, leaders are under increased pressure to lead their nations through the crisis. Zahid Jadwat speaks to a panel of experts to find out the state of SA's leadership. Guests: Miyelani Mkhabela (Political Economist and Founding Director of Antswisa Management Group), Sara Gon (Policy Fellow at the Institute of Race Relations) and Solly Moeng (Brand Reputation Management Advisor at DonValley Reputation Managers)
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South Africa's business community has broken with Government over lockdown regulations. Business organizations have lashed out, saying that they've had enough of the lockdown approach that is proving to be detrimental to the economy. Zahid Jadwat speaks to Johannesburg-based freelance financial journalist and former Economics Editor at Business Day, Jonathan Katzenellenbogen to find out more.
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Junaid Iqbal, chairperson of the Isipingo Business Forum, explains why the organization decided to hire private security personnel for 24 hour patrols in the business district in Isipingo, south of Durban during the lockdown period.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to independent political commentator Kim Heller about why she believes that now is the best time to deal with inequality.
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As the economic impact of the nationwide lockdown has hit small businesses hard, the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has published what they call a 'trim down' approach which, they say, could be an alternative to the lockdown.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to Mickaeel Collier about the coordinated efforts by Muslim charity organizations to tackle humanitarian issues brought upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. Mickaeel Collier is the co-convenor of the SA Muslim Response Task team and Deputy CEO of Awqaf SA.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to Omar Badsha (CEO of SA History Online) and David Van Wyk (Lead Researcher at the Bench Mark's Foundation) about Freedom Day and the state of South Africa in the democratic era to assess how far we've come since the dawn of democracy.
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The so-called born free generation of South Africa will play an important role in the history of South Africa once they take over. How do they see the democracy? Zahid Jadwat speaks to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation's Irfaan Mangera to get an understanding on young people's perceptions of democracy.
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Zahid Jadwat looks at the role of the South African media, it's challenges, it's impact and the future of the media in this country. Guests: Anton Harber (Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand, a columnist for Business Day and the co-editor or author of three books), Kate Skinner (Executive Director at South African National Editors' Forum), and Mary Papayya (SABC & PCSA board member).
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Assessing the economic impact of Covid-19 with Professor Imraan Valodia (Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at the University of Witwatersrand), Duma Gqubule (Director of the Centre for Economic Development and Transformation), Jacques Jonker (Economic & Legal Analyst at the Free Market Foundation).
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The nationwide lockdown has largely been met with acceptance. However, it has been challenged by certain groups over the constitutionality of the measure which is aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19. Zahid Jadwat spoke to human rights activist Kagiso Nkosi.
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Assessing the Coronavirus's impact on the local and global political status quo. Guests: •Professor Andre Duvenhage - Political Scientist at the North West University •Yamkela Spengane - Social Commentator •Gabriel Crouse - Political Analyst & Journalist-at-large at the IRR
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The National Union of Metalworkers is unhappy about the lack of consultation with worker's unions before President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21 day nationwide lockdown. NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola spoke to Zahid Jadwat.
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News24 journalist Azarrah Karrim recalls the moment she was caught in a crossfire between Police in Yeoville, Johannesburg, and weighs in on the role of journalism during the nationwide lockdown
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Zahid Jadwat spoke to Dr Angelique Coetzee to find out what every person needs to know about the coronavirus, including the current situation and conspiracy theories. Dr Coetzee is the National Chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA).
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South Africa will tonight enter the country's first ever lockdown. Zahid Jadwat spoke to Professor Alex Van De Heever to find out what a lockdown means for us, as well as its possible effects. Prof. Van De Heever holds the Chair in the field of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the Wits School of Governance.
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With Saturday being Human Rights Day, Zahid Jadwat spoke to human rights expert Bonolo Makgale of the Centre for Human Rights to get a closer look at human rights in South Africa. A little later in the show, Rumbie Elizabeth Chidoori briefly explained how HIV stigmatization relates to human rights violations. She is the Gender Coordinator at the Foundation for Human Rights.
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According to several reports, Saudi Arabia has launched a new crackdown against senior royals and top officials in what appears to be Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's latest effort to consolidate control of all major levers of power inside the kingdom. Zahid Jadwat spoke to Na'eem Jeenah who is the executive director of the Afro-Middle East Centre (AMEC).
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Education is a major aspect of every country. In South Africa, it has been praised, encouraged and respected. This is due to the fact that many South African parents come from a previously disadvantaged background and were never granted access to a decent education. However, despite the praise, the real issues challenging the education system and schooling in South Africa were exposed for what they are when a team of activist cyclists embarked on a long and arduous journey from Musina in Limpopo to Chatsworth in KZN for this years #Ride4Education campaign.
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Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has been criticized for a number of notable controversies and related judicial judgements.
At the same time, some have been labeling the criticism as 'character assassination.'
We spoke to Adv Stefanie Fick from OUTA to find out more about why they're calling for a review of Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the annual State of the Nation Address in Parliament last week Thursday. Did it meet the expectations of the average South African? That's what you'll find out in this week's episode of The Special Focus. Zahid Jadwat spoke to Hermann Pretorius and Jimmy Ramokgopa.
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Scientists are warning of catastrophic conditions as a result of global warming and unpredictable climate changes. To help us get a better understanding, Zahid Jadwat speaks to a panel of environmental experts in this weeks episode of The Special Focus.
Panel Guests: Khalid Mather - environmental scientist at WildOceans Nazeer Jamal - lead environmental scientist at Khweza Environmental Consulting Ulrich Steenkamp - environmental justice activist at Earthlife Africa
Aired: Thursday, 13 February 2020
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After interrogating the need for land expropriation without compensation last week, we turn the focus once again to the land expropriation policy to find out from experts what is the likely outcome of the implementation of such a policy. Zahid Jadwat speaks to Daily Maverick columnist Ivo Vegter and BLF leader Andile Mngxitama.
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This week, Zahid Jadwat spoke to analysts Martin Van Staden and Kim Heller to get opposing views on the land debate that has grabbed South Africans' attention. Martin Van Staden is a legal and public policy analyst at the Free Market Foundation and Kim Heller is a political analyst and writer.
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In this exclusive interview with Zahid Jadwat, President of the Black First Land First movement Andile Mngxitama weighed in on the land debate, former-President Jacob Zuma, the controversial Gupta family and much more.
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The threat of loadshedding remains whilst power utility Eskom's woes deepen. The power supply has been under massive strain due to aging infrastructure, amongst other factors. Senior energy expert Ronald Chauke explains the current situation.
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The African National Congress recently held its birthday celebrations in Kimberley, NC. The January 8 statement, which is said to have set the tone of the party's course of action in 2020, has been received with mixed reaction by the public and analysts.
Guests:
Nkosikhulule Nyembezi - Political analyst & Co-chairperson of the National Coordinating Forum Sara Gon - Analyst at the Institute of Race Relations
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With gender-based violence on the rise, many women have also risen to take a stance and stand up to the scourge. Activist Amaarah Garda explains.
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With gender-based violence on the rise, many women have also risen to take a stance to stand up and stop the scourge. Zahid Jadwat spoke to Labeebah Latib, a young woman who fought off attackers at campus.
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Full show of #TheSpecialFocus, 9 January 2020.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to News24 journalist Jan Gerber to get a quick look at the political calendar of 2020.
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Is this the beginning of a "White genocide", as some white nationalists have claimed, or is this just another genuine crime within South Africa's broader crime problem? Zahid Jadwat speaks to AfriForum's Ernst Roets on the issue of farm attacks in South Africa.
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Operational Coordinator of Water Heroes Willem Konig reveals the extent of dysfunction in the Maluti-A-Phofung municipality in the Free State province. Water Heroes is a non-government organization which has intervened to deliver basic services to residents of Harrismith.
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The Special Focus is now being aired every Thursday afternoon, hosted by myself Zahid Jadwat every Thursday afternoon between 15h00 and 16h00. I spoke to Inayet Wadee on the Alternative View on Salaamedia to unpack what you can expect to hear on the show!
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Following a drastic shift in the leadership of Johannesburg last week, Sara Gon explains why coalition politics isn't the best form of governance. Ms Gon is an analyst at the Institute of Race Relations.
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Senior energy expert Ted Blom speaks to Zahid Jadwat to unpack the situation at Eskom after South Africans were hit with the worst loadshedding in history this week. Produced by Shazia Zubair /Salaamedia.
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Sowetans collectively owe power utility Eskom nearly R20bn in unpaid debt. Zahid Jadwat spoke to Mpho Sesedinyane to find out if a R150 flat-rate on electricity for residents is the solution. Mr Sesedinyane is the Chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO). Produced by Shazia Zubair /Salaamedia.
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In this week's episode of #TheSpecialFocus, Zahid Jadwat spoke to Mr. Khalid Mather on the impacts of ocean drilling and climate change. Mr Mather is an environmental scientist and a member of the Oceans Not Oil campaign. Produced by Shazia Zubair (Salaamedia).
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola to get the union's perspective on the SAA crisis. Catch #TheSpecialFocus live on Salaamedia every Thursday afternoon between 15h00 & 16h00.
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In this week's episode of #TheSpecialFocus, Zahid Jadwat spoke to analyst Hermann Pretorius to discuss the so-called 'crisis' that has erupted following senior member's resignations this week.
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In this week's episode of #TheSpecialFocus, Zahid Jadwat spoke to Eskom's Deputy Spokesperson Ms Dikatso Mothae to interrogate the nightmare that is loadshedding. Listen as Ms Dikatso elaborates on the "9-point plan" and how the embattled power utility is recovering funds lost through state capture.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to member of parliament and leader of the Al-Jamah Party, the Honorable Ganief Hendricks. From sleeping under the kitchen to taking South Africa's first Islamic party to parliament, Hendricks speaks about his life and the role of Muslims in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership and much more.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to Muhammed Desai about boycott campaigns and the main question is: "are boycotts effective?" Desai is the Director of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions South (BDSSA).
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South African Nasheed artist Waleed Bata speaks to Zāhid Jadwat about his life, career and the nasheed industry in general.
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Zahid Jadwat speaks to Hermann Pretorius about the recent ban on the display of the old flag by the Equality Court.
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South African humanitarian journalist and co-founder of Salaamedia, Azhar Vadi, speaks to Zahid Jadwat on #TheSpecialFocus.
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In this week's edition of Special Focus, we turn the focus onto The Balloon Foundation and what they're doing.
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Protests in Sudan lead to Omar al-Bashir letting go of power after a turbulent 30 year reign. But, militants have crushed the country's hopes of prosperity just when it was about to begin. Sound credits: The Guardian
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Speaking to Yumna Patel about Project O and how they're serving an underprivileged community in Johannesburg.
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Speaking to Irfaan Mangera on the role of youth activism and his journey through activism. He is the national secretary of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) as well as the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation's Youth Activism Programme education, training and information officer.
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