Drivetime: Recent Episodes
The Voice of the Cape
The 4-6 pm current affairs Drivetime Show is hosted by veteran journalist Shafiq Morton, winner of two Vodacom Awards, and an AfriCAN author’s award. Analytical and thought-provoking, Morton brings his decades of experience as a photo-journalist, historian and broadcaster to the show, added with his unique brand of humour and wit. The show has its own distinct local and global flavour and was nominated for the MTN Awards in 2014 and the Liberty Life Awards in 2016. The 5.10pm interview on Drivetime is its in-depth highlight and has covered stories in over 100 countries. During the show listener participation is encouraged via WhatsApp and SMS.
• DR Congo declares end of Ebola Outbreak • Didier Drogba: We can have a stable Africa • Court tries to stop case against French soldiers in Rwanda
The DA provincial leader in the Western Cape, Bonginkosi Madikizela has resigned both as leader and member of the legislature. He had recently been been suspended from the party amid allegations of faking his qualification. We now chat to lecturer in the department of African studies at the Nelson Mandela university, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
The San and Khoi University Digital Archive Research Group on UCT African Studies have issued a statement following the fire that burned down the African Studies Special Collection Library on 18 April. We now chat to the Interim Director, San and Khoi Unit at UCT, Dr June Bam-Hutchinson.
In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following: -Human Rights Watch report concludes Israel is committing apartheid against Palestine. -Tensions in Jerusalem leave 100s of Palestinians injured as far right Israelis march and chant death to the Arab -Egypt executes 17 prisoners including 80 year old Quran teacher. On line for comment is MEMO multi-media journalist, Jehan Alfarra. follow stories at www.MiddleEastMonitor.com Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following: -SADC to deploy 3,000 strong military force to northern Mozambique -Lesotho PM faces ouster after break-up of ruling party -US warns Africa against China's growing role in the region. On line for comment is Dr Paul Kariuki, Executive Director, Democracy Develpoment Programme at UKZN, and convener at Africa Policy Circle.
The SA BDS Coalition has welcomed the report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) which demonstrates that Israel is carrying out apartheid through detailing specific actions that constitute persecution and apartheid, crimes considered among the most odious in international law. We now chat to coalition member William Shoki.
We continue our discussion on president Ramaphosa's maiden appearance at the Zondo Commission. His testimony will be crucial to SA's political future as well as his political survival in the party. We now chat to Politics and Public Policy lecturer at the University of Technology, Levy Ndou.
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has made his first appearance at the State Commission of Inquiry. The focus of his appearance is on ANC policy and cadre deployment. We now chat to Director of Research at ASRI, Angelo Fick.
A wide range of community organisations today joined forces and voices in a People's Assembly aimed at "Defending our Democracy". The meeting brings together over 40 diverse groups, including the Muslim Judicial Council, South African Council of Churches and non profit organisations. We now chat to Shaykh Igsaan Taliep, Principal, International Peace Institute of SA, IPSA who represented the MJC.
In this week's economic report, we look at the following: Public Sector Wage Bill negotiations reach deadlock -Government interdicted from paying out any businesses from TEF fund -Oil prices have fallen more than 1 percent as covid-19 surge in India dents world demand. On line for comment is political science lecturer at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka. Twitter@jasonmusyoka.
After 13 days of clashes in and around Jerusalem's Damascus Gate , Israel police removed barricades from near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, in a move apparently aimed at easing tensions following days of violent confrontations. We now chat to Motea Msabeh, Palestinian political activist with ties to Hamas.
South Africa will hold the local government elections on 27 October. This was announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa. This will be the sixth time in democratic SA that voters will elect leadership and public representatives at Metro, District and local levels. So is the country ready for the polls? We now chat to political science lecturer at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Prof Dirk Kotze.
In this week's Middle East report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following: -Egypt fires top railway official after deadly train crashes -Outrage after Kuwait woman killed for refusing marriage proposal -British soldiers can now be prosecuted for war crimes in dramatic UK government u-turn -Israel issues demolition orders to Palestinian homes in West Bank. On line for comment is MEMO multimedia journalist, Jehan Alfarra. follow stories at www.MiddleEastMonitor.com Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
Stats -SA has released the Consumer Price Index for first quarter of 2021. The CPI measures monthly changes in prices for a range of consumer products. We now chat to Patric Kelly, Chief Director responsible for price statistics.
On Monday 12 April 2021, Lufuno Mavhunga, a 15 year -old female learner at Mbilwi secondary in Limpopo, was aggressively assaulted by another learner at school. She subsequently committed suicide . But what needs to be done to stop bullying in schools? We now chat to Dr Emmanuel Mayeza, Senior lecturer Department of Sociology at the University of Free State.
ABSA Bank has parted ways with CEO Daniel Mminele after only 16 months in the job. Mminele's departure is linked to alleged disagreements with company board. So what can we make of this sudden departure? We now chat to Solly Moeng, CEO and founder of DonValley Reputation Managers.
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following:
-Chad president Idriss Deby killed in battle with rebels -Zimbabwean parliament votes to scrap presidential running mate clause -Ethnic violence surges in Ethiopia. We now chat to Dr Paul Kariuki, Executive Director, Democracy Development Program (DDP) at University of KwaZulu-Natal and also convener at Africa Policy Circle.
In this week's world economic report, we look at the following
US Senators call on Biden to back India and South Africa on Covid-19 vaccine. -Reserve bank says Tokyo's claims of donor fund theft is a scam -SARS to improve tax collection over the next 3 years. On line for comment is Executive Director, Democracy Development Project (DDP) at the university of KwaZulu-Natal, and convener at the Africa Policy Circle.
Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed a decision to deport 41 people who were part of a group of foreign nationals in Cape Town. Among those deported were the ringleaders of the 2019 protests. On line for comment is Frederick Bakala, legal expert at FGB Legal, and Hafez Mohammed, spokesperson for Women and Children Concern (WCC)
Offices of the Zondo Commission of inquiry into alleged state capture were on Sunday burgled resulting the loss of a laptop and computer .
Last week, a bullet casting was found in one of the room after a single bullet was shot through the window. So is this an isolated incidence? We chat to Accountability Now head of projects, Paul Hoffman.
ANC veteran Toky Sexwale says billions of rand has been stolen from the Heritage Fund. Sexwale says the money has been sourced to help fund free education and provide assistance to the old. On line for comment is lecturer in the department of African studies at Nelson Mandela university, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
The Banking Association of SA (BASA) has turned down an invitation from the Institute for Race Relations (IRR) to put forward its views on the implementation of the Expropriation Bill for its clients. On line for comment is IRR Program Manager, Terrence Corrigan.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has put emergency measures in place in order to respond to the fire that started on Sunday. The university has arranged accommodation for students evacuated from residences. On line for comment is UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola.
As Muslims continue to celebrate Ramadan, we look at how the pandemic has affected the daily lives of Muslims across the world. We now go to Turkey and speak to Dr Mehraj udd Din, post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA) in Turkey.
IMF has upwardly revised the growth outlook for SA from 2.8% to 3.1%. This was revealed in its World Economic Report on Tuesday. So what does this mean for SA's economy? we now chat to Miyelani Mkhabela, CEO at Antswisa Transaction Advisory.
How do you keep fit in Ramadan? well, let's begin by looking at the first 10 days of Ramadan, were we look at your personal, dietary, physical and spiritual transformations. We now chat to Solly Said, SA's karate Grandmaster.
As the Muslim faith celebrate the month of Ramadaan across the world, we look at the refugees and asylum seekers in Cape Town and how they are celebrating the holy month after being forced out of their communities. On line is Hafiz Mohamed, spokesperson for Women and Children Concern, WCC, refugee advocacy group based in Cape Town.
As covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns continue to take a toll on people's livelihoods and financial aspects of relief agencies, many have found themselves in jeopardy as they try to find ways to survive in the pandemic. One such organisation is the Muslim Refugees Association in South Africa (MRASA), a non profit aimed at creating a harmonious relationship between locals and foreign nationals. We now chat to project coordinator at MRASA, Nurudeen Ssempa.
In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following:
-Palestinian mission in the UK says prime minister's failure to back ICC probe into Israel war crimes regrettable -Joe Biden pulling all US forces from Afghanistan by September 11 -Amnesty France condemns controversial French bill. On line for comment is MEMOM political analyst, Nasim Ahmed. www.MiddleEastMonitor.com Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
A survey by accounting firm Deloitte revealed that the personal financial damage of South Africans had been made worse by the pandemic. The survey revealed that seven of every 10 South Africans were spending all of their income every month. We now chat to the CEO of Antswisa Transaction Advisory, Miyelani Mkhabela.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has revealed that former finance minister Pravin Gordhan had approached him to ask how his close friend judge Dhanya Pillay had fared after completing an interview for a position on the Supreme Court. The exchange happened in 2016. We now chat to DonValley brand reputation managers, Solly Moeng.
ANC SG Ace Magashule has asked the nine provincial secretaries to submit a list of all party members facing charges of corruption and other serious crimes. So what next? we chat to lecturer, department of African Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Dr Ntsikelelo Benjamin.
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following:
-Former Burkina Faso president Blaise Campaore charged for murder of ex-president Thomas Sankara
-DRC president names new cabinet -Somalia parliament extends president's firm. On line for comment is Dr Paul Kariuki, Convener at Africa Policy Circle (APC).
SA's JSC is facing decisions that will determine the fate of western cape judge president John Hlophe. So what for the embattled Judge? We chat to Director at Mosima Legal , Mosima Rasesemola
An Artificial Intelligence powered system has predicted that the country is at low risk of a third wave of covid-19 infections. The system functions by predicting future daily confirmed cases based on historical data from the country's past infection history. We now chat to Director of Research at UWC, Professor Burtram Fielding
President Ramaphosa says the digital economy presents opportunities to create jobs now that the covid-19 has accelerated things. This comes following the country clinching top spot as a global business destination. On line for comment is Head of School of Economics and Business Sciences at Wits, Professor Jannie Rossouw.
National Union Metalworkers of SA says Eskom board's probe into allegations of racism against its CEO Andre de Ruyter would be a sham process. We now chat to Numsa spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi- Majola.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC)'s African Central for Transnational Criminal Justice hosted a webinar looking into "The Fourth Industrial Revolution in Transitional Justice Societies: We now chat to acting director of ACTCJ at UWC, Professor John Mark Iyi.
Since the announcement by minister of justice that cabinet has approved the Land Court Bill, that made reference to a number of important provisions in the Bill that could impact on the effective determination of disputes around land in the country. we now chat to Dr Marda Horn, senior lecturer in the department of private law at University of Free State.
In this week's Middle East report with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following : -US to restore more than $200m in aid to Palestine -Jordan issues gaga order on news relating to Prince Hamza -US lifts sanctions off ICC. On line is political analyst at MEMO, Nasim Ahmed. www.MiddleEastMonitor.com Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
SADC leaders will this week convene an urgent meeting to deal with crisis in Mozambique. The Heads of State will meet to plan the way forward after insurgents attacked the northern province of Cabo Delgado. So what can we expect from SADC? On line is ACLEDIFO Africa analyst, Jasmine Opperman.
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following: -SADC set to hold emergency meeting on Mozambique -Tanzania new president signals a shift in approach to covid-19 -Central Africa Republic rebels vows to quit rebel coalition. On line for comment is political science lecturer at Chrizzma university in Zambia, Dr Charles Moyo. follow at www.afrodemocracyjournal.com
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator on Tuesday urged the US to lift the sanctions from his country in a bid to restore the 2015 nuclear accord as talks between Iran and the world powers still party to the deal ended in Vienna, Austria.
We now chat to Iranian -American and political Analyst at Tehran University , Professor Muhammad Marandi.
Former president Jacob Zuma said the current Constitution democracy subverts the will of the people. The former president said the country should move from Constitutional democracy to parliamentary democracy. We now chat to Law expert and director of program at Accountability Now, Paul Hoffman.
The SA Bone Marrow Registry (SAMBR) has joined hands with Netcells, the largest established private cord blood bank in Africa, who will be making cord blood available to patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. We now chat to Jane Ward, deputy director at SAMBR.
In this week's economic report, we look at the following:
-SA braces for record high fuel increase -What to expect as Iran and world powers head for nuclear talks -US pushing in the G20 for a global minimum tax. On line for comment is senior researcher, department of political science at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka. Twitter:@jasonmusyoka
As the country grapples with corruption, Zondo commission and the continued meltdown of the economy, we chat to former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor. Mentor was one of the first persons to testify at the alleged State capture commission of inquiry.
Eskom board has announced that it has appointed Advocate Ismael Semenya to lead the inquiry into claims of racism against its chief executive, Andre de Ruyter. The inquiry will establish the veracity of claims of racism and abuse laid by chief procurement officer Solly Tshitangano. We now chat to DonValley Reputations Managers founder, Solly Moeng.
In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following: -In sharp disagreement with IHRA, new definition insists BDS is not anti-Semitic -The already "messy" break up of American Jews over Israel is getting "messier" -US to weigh sanctions after Iran, China ink $400 bn deal. On line is MEMO political analyst, Nasim Ahmed. www.MiddleEastMonito.com Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
The Free Burma Campaign-SA is calling on South Africa government to support a ruling by the International Court of Justice (IJC) in a case brought by The Gambia against the Mynamar miliray junta. We now chat to Free Burma Campaign- SA organiser, David Kramer.
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following: -Portugal to send 60 military troops to Mozambique help beleaguered former Colony. -ICC upholds former Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda's conviction -Niger foils attempted coup ahead of swearing in of new president. On line for comment is Executive Director for Democracy Development Programme at UKZN, Dr Paul Kariuki.
Stats -SA has released the results of the Non- Financial Census 2019 of Municipalities across the country. The results measures selected aspects of service delivery, including water, electricity, solid waste management and sewerage. We now chat to Deputy Director General for Economic Statistics, Joe De Beer
In this week world economic report, we look at the following -More than 600 employees depart SABC as broadcaster cuts costs -Oil prices eases after Suez Canal traffic re-opens -J&J prices to supply 400 million covid-19 vaccine to Africa Union. We now chat to Senior Researcher, department of Political Science at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka. Twitter: @jasonmusyoka
For the first time in history, Israel is faced with trying to bring together an extremist right wing party, an anti-Arab party and an Islamic party to form a coalition. But after the elections, the president is responsible for choosing the leader of the party with the chance of forming a government. On line for comment is Palestinian journalist and former Ferris professor at Princeton university, Professor Daoud Kuttab.
Violence has continued in Myanmar as people gathered to mourn those killed on Saturday, the bloodiest day of the anti-coup protests since the military seized power from the civilian government of Aung Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1.
So far aboy 3,000 people from Mynamar's Southeastern Karen state fled to neighbouring Thailand after the military bombed the area.
We now chat to Shabnam Mayet, South African human rights lawyer and organiser, “Protect the Rohingya”.
ANC NEC meeting scheduled to resolve the step aside rule hit a hard rock when members failed to reach a consesus.
The NEC had earlier attempted to give those facing criminal charges seven days to step aside, a move which was met with fierce resistance.
Some members have threatened to resign en masse to force an early elective conference.
We now chat to lecturer in the Department of African Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Dr Benjamin Breakfast.
We continue our discussion on Mozambique where dozens still remain unaccounted for after attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
So why is the Mozambican government failing to secure Cabo Delgado province?
We now chat to Professor of Constitutional and International Law at UNISA, Dr Andre Thomahausen
We are back with our Weekly Media Hit Parade where we look at stories hitting the numbers. On line is Acumen Media director, Tonya Khoury.
Corruption Watch (CW) recorded the second highest number of reports of corruption received in a calendar year since its inception in 2020. This was contained in the released 2020 annual report titled "From Crisis to Action". We now chat to Sabeehah Motala, Campaigns Coordinator at CW.
Freed Palestinian prisoner and highly respected leader within the Islamic movement in the West Bank, Omar Barghouti passed away in Ramallah hospital following a month of struggle with Covid-19. We now chat Motea Msbeh, member of Hamas.
'Its not About Bats"; its about you and me-and our governments. As Covid-19 has brought drastic change to our world, the time for this idea has come: we need to re-set our relationship with nature.
“In his book on prayer, part of his ihya' 'ulum al-adin al -Ghazali says that the five daily prayers were given to none of the other prophets of Allah, except to our beloved Prophet (pbuh). The above is an extract from the book titled “ The secret of Prayer”, by Jasmine Khan.
She now joins us on line.
The Media Review Network says the latest US military foray into Mozambique is another elaborate scheme designed to entreach Africa Command (AFRICOM) of the US army on African soil.
We now chat to Senior Researcher and Head of Africa Desk at Media Review Network (MNR) Dr Mustafa Mheta
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following
-Denis Nguessu re-elected Congo president -Samia Suluhu Hassan is the new Tanzanian president -Africa Union (AU) backs AstraZeneca vaccine for continent. On line is political science lecturer at Chrizzma University, Dr Charles Moyo. Follow him at www.afrodemocracyjournal.com
As the world marks World TB today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that approximately 4000 people are still dying from TB daily through out the world, with the higher numbers in the developing nations. We now chat to Nondumiso Mtshiselwa, Communication Coordinator for TB-HIV Care.
Nearly 43,000 foreign men, women and children linked to ISIS remain detained inhuman conditions by regional authorities in Syria, two years after they were rounded up during the fall of the Islamic state. We now chat to Letta Taylor, Associate Director, Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism lead Crisis and Division at HRW.
Logistics and distribution of vaccine that Palestinian Authorities have managed to secure is challenging because of poor infrastructure and the restrictions imposed on Gaza, blockaded for 13 years.
So denying health rights to Palestinians is to deny them human rights. That is according to Palestinian ambassador to SA, Ms Hana Jarrar.
In this week's economic report, we look at the following:
-Capacity of informal economy to stimulate employment
-Moodys sounds alarm over SA banks climate change exposure through extensive lending.
-Mantashe unveils 8 independent power suppliers.
On line is senior researcher, department of political science at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka
How to overcome COVID-19 with the strength and resilience of Sharpville. While it is important to remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the 1960 Sharpville Massacre in the fight for freedom, its is also important to look inward, focus on individual healing and reflect on the losses pre-and post-COVID-19.
That is the opinion of lecturer in the department of sociology at University of Free State (UFS), Nombulelo Shange.
The Department of Home Affairs has signed an agreement with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) aimed at eliminating backlogs and delays in decisions.
So how will this help in solving the refugee crisis in the country?
We now chat to Kate Pond, UNHCR spokespersn for South Africa and Hafiz Mohamed, spokespersn for Refugees Association in Cape Town.
Since the South African Refugee Reception Offices (RROs) were temporarily closed in response to the Covid-19 national lockdown, the department of home affairs has since given refugees and asylum seekers blanket extensions.
These have resulted in people being unable to access essential services.
We now chat to Priscilla Chuloi, Trainer atSonke Gender Justice .
President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania has died, the country's vice president announced, after weeks of uncertainty over his health and whereabouts. Magufuli had first been admitted to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute on March 6, but was subsequently released discharged. Official reports suggest the president died from heart conditions. We now go live to Kenya and speak to Kenyan journalist, Obed Simiyu.
In this week's Middle East report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following:
-Roger Waters urges fellow musician Steve Wonder not to accept Wolf prize from apartheid Israel
-Saudi Arabia is reportedly set to buy armed vehicles from Turkey
-Palestinian MP says Rachel Corrie's blood is witness to Israeli crimes
On line for comment is contributor at Middle East Monitor and fellow at Al Sharq Forum, Thembisa Fakude.
www.MiddleEastMonitor.com
Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
Freedom fighter and former Robben Island political prisoner Cecyl Esau has died. Esau was an Umkhonto we Sizwe veteran who was sentenced to 12 years in prison and was released in 1991.
He was 66 years old.
On line for comment is ANC member of parliament, Faiez Jacobs.
The BenchMark Foundation yesterday hosted a webinar on accusations and anti-Semitism against supporters of Palestinians and critics of Israel.
We now chat to Policy and Advocay Manager at BenchMarks Foundation, Hassem Logart who was part of the discussion.
The university of western cape (UWC) has launched a new law centre to help workers rights in the digital era. The launch of the centre in the midst of the pandemic is particularly pertinent as COVID-19 has exacerbated many of the challenges contract workers experience in the work place. On line is Extraordinary Professor at UWC, Professor Paul Benjamin.
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following:
-Mystery over the whereabouts of Tanzanian president John Magafuli -US to train Mozambique military fighting insurgents -Zulu King Zwelithini dies in South Africa. On line for comment is political science lecture at Chrizzma university in Zambia, Dr Charles Moyo. follow him at www.afrodemocracyjournal.com
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has become the first head of Chapter 9 institution to face impeachment. So what next for the PP? On line is Solly Moeng, founder DonValley Reputation Managers.
The Egyptian military's continued home demolition and forced evictions during the armed conflict in North Sinai governorate are violations of international humanitarian law, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said today. On line for comment is Ahmed Benchemsi, Advocacy and Communication Director, Middle East and North Africa Division.
In an effort to enable and support the country's response in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has been proactive in reviewing the safety and efficacy of each vaccine on a case-by case basis. So what role does SAHPRA play in reviewing COVID-19 vaccine quality? We now chat SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete.
The US has drafted a peace plan calling for the current Afghan government to be replaced with an interim administration until a new constitution is agreed and elections held, but Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has refused to step aside for a transitional government.
Meanwhile, Russia, which is set to host the talks on March 18 says the Taliban should be included in any interim administration.
We now chat to former representative of Afghanistan in South Africa, Ubaidullah Safi.
In this week's world economic report, we look at the following:
-South Africa set for massive fuel hikes
-Consumer Confidence Index increase by another 3 index points level in first quarter of 2021
-European countries begin suspension of AstraZeneca jab over blood clot concerns.
On line for comment is Senior Researcher , Department of Political Science at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka.
Members of Parliament will today vote on whether to consider a report by an independent panel, which found there is prima facie evidence that Public Protector Busisiwe Mhkwebane committed misconduct.
In recent days, divisions among ANC MPs have split the party on whether to support the vote.
We now chat to lecturer, Department of African Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
The ongoing issues from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, which happened ten years ago is a reminder of the many compelling arguments against any nuclear for South Africa. So what lessons can be South Africa learn from this experience? We now chat to Peter Becker, Koeberg Alert Alliance
Ireland and the Netherlands became the latest countries to suspend their rollout of AstraZeneca jabs over concerns about post-jab clots.
So far more than 350 million doses have been doled across the world, but countries including Denamrk, Norway and Bulgaria suspendend the rollout of jabs after reports of blood clots developing in patients who received the shot.
We now chat to the Director of Research and Development at the University of Western Cape (UWC) Professor Burtram Fielding.
While there is no international consensus on how , or why, vaccine passports should be used, several governments around the world are adopting the so called coronavirus passports in a bid to reopen borders and restore a semblance to social life.
But sceptics say they present insurmountable scientific, legal and ethical issues and should not be used either within individual countries or as a tool to unlock international travel.
So how ethical will this be?
We now chat to Director in the Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, department of Medicine at Stellenbosch University, Professor Keymanthri Moodley
Business confidence levels during the first quarter of 2021 have demonstrated the fragility of South Africa's economic recovery.
About 1,300 business people were surveyed during the second half of February and the result showed a decline from 40 to 35 points.
We now chat to Economist and Founding Director of Antswisa Transactional Advisory Services , Miyelani Mkhabela
In today's book review, we have a book called "Jwara: Induna's Daughter" by Mum Joyce Notemba.
As university students continue to protest across South Africa, we focus on the state of Higher Education in South Africa, the financial funding challenges, socio- economic impact affecting students and possible solutions. We have two guests to chat to: Elijah Moholola, university of Cape Town spokesperson, and Professor Thierry Luescher, research director, Inclusive economic development (IED) division in the Human Science Research Council (HSRC)
Kashmir's resistance icon Masarat Alam Bhat maybe the longest-serving political prisoner. He has been detained 38 times under the so called Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act of 1978 for being an active member of the ongoing 'war of liberation" for the right to self determination. We now chat to Ibn Sina, a Kashmir researcher based in Istanbul Turkey.
With more than 11 million people currently unemployed in South Africa, the Employment Amendment Bill aims to reduce high numbers of foreign nationals employed in unskilled occupations by putting more locals to work. So will prioritising the hiring of South Africans help to address unemployment? On line is Donne' Nieman, sales director of Western Cape for workforce staffing, and Frederick Bakala , Legal expert and founder of FGB Legal services.
In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following:
-Victory for BDS as judge slapps down zionist attempt to stiffle free speech.
-Ethiopia renews commitment to Africa Union (AU) mediation in dam talks
-The BBC's coverage of the Pope's visit to Iraq was biased and misleading.
On line for comment is MEMO contributer and Fellow at Al Sharq Forum Istanbul, Thembisa Fakude.
Www.MiddleEastMonitor.com
Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
More than 200 civil society organisations, trade unions, social movements and concerned individuals have called on Parliament to reject the budget recently tabled by Finance minister Tito Mboweni.
The movements want parliament to use its constitutional powers to send the budget back to treasury.
On line for comment is Minhaj Jeenah, national coordinator, Fight Inequality Alliance.
Eskom will begin implementing stage 2 load shedding from today. The Utility said it needed to cut electricity off in order to replenish emergency generation reserves. So is this the beginning of more load shedding? On line is Energy Expert, Ted Blom.
Amnesty International has urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to guarantee students rights to peaceful assembly and refrain from using excessive force. This follows the killing of bystander during Wits students protests. W e now chat to Executive Director of Amnesty International SA, Shenilla Mohamed.
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following: -International Criminal Court (ICC) orders a $30 million compensation for DR Congo war crimes victims -UK to return $5.8 million to Nigeria from politicians stolen assets On line for comment is political science lecture at Chrizzma University, Dr Charles Moyo. www.afrodemocracyjournal.com
Police corruption and criminality is putting South Africans at greater risk. And if the latest crime stats issued by policy ministry are anything to go by, then it should be clear to most citizens that police and crime intelligence service can not fulfil its mandate of addressing crime in the country. that is the opinion of Professor Theodore Petrus of the department of Anthropology at the Free State University
Swiss voters have narrowly approved a proposal to ban face covering in a decision that critics brandend Islamaphobic and sexist.
The vote comes after years of debate in Switzerland following similar bans in other Europeans countries, despite Muslim women wearing full face veils being an exeptionally rare site in Swiss streets.
But Muslim groups have condemned the vote and said they would challenge it.
We now chat to Taiba Mohammed, member of Les Foulards Violets(Purple Headscarves) a feminist Muslim women's organisation in Switzerland.
In this week economic report, we look at the following:
-Eskom board approves probe into racism allegations against CEO
-COSATU suggets reduction of work hours as part of labour reforms
-Oil sours to $65 after OPEC chose not to relax supply
On line for comment is Senior Researcher, Department of Political Science at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka.
The ANC top six have agreed to give former president Jacob Zuma and his legal team space to deliberate on whether he would appear before the Judicial inquiry headed by deputy chief Justice Raymend Zondo.
Zuma defied the Constitutional court ruling that compelled him to appear before the Commission.
He had demanded for the recusal of deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
The meeting was headed by president Cyril Ramaphosa.
On line for comment is Political Science lecturer at UNISA, Professor Dirk Kotze.
ANC SG Ace Magashule has called on party MPs to oppose the process to impeach Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, which is due to commence next week. The DA is lobbying support from the ANC in order for the vote to succeed., but member from the governing party are having non of it. We now chat to lecturer in Politics and Public Policy at Tshwane University of Technology, Levy Ndou.
The Saudi led military coalition battling Yemen's Houthi movement has said it conducted air raids on Houthi military targets in Sanaa and other regions after the group launched armed drone attacks towards Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, who have been battling the coalition since it intervened in Yemen's civil war in March 2015, recently stepped up cross boarder missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. On line for comment is Yemen journalist, Nasser Arrabyee
Today marks International Women's Day, but in South Africa however, many women not only have to deal with gender based violence (GBV), but also the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
So is Women's Day merely the reminder of the daily injustices women go through?
On line is Director of Programmes at the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) Fatima Swart and lecturer in Gender Politics at Stellenbosch University, Professor Amanda Gouws
In today's book review we look at a book called Nuts and Bolts..and its full of stories about real people and companies who are making a difference, with testimonies from entrepreneurs, experience ecosystem builders and innovators.
It captures deep insights, from the considerable time the author McLean Sibanda has spent with entrepreneurs and innovators, on the importance of inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship. These fields are all the more improtant in post pandemic era.
Dr McLean Sibanda is an accomplished C-suite executive, patent attorney, engineer and internationally respected innovation promoter with 25 year career in engineering, infrastructure, intellectual property, innovation, entrepreneurship and related fields. McLean is currently the MD of Bigen Global Limited. Before joining Bigen in 2018, he was the CEO of The Innovation Hub(2011- 2018) where he led its repositioning to focus on innovation. He has also served on numerous other boards.
The Judicial Conduct Committee has ordered Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to retract and apologise for comments he made on the Israeli – Palestinian conflict.
Appearing on a webinar last year, Mogoeng voiced his support for Israel, which prompted pro- Palestine organisations to lodge a complaint against Mogoeng.
We now chat to Palestine Solidarity Campaign- SA, Roshan Dadoo.
An analysis of a sample of Africans who donated blood shows that the population group has built up a higher degree of immunity to Covid-19 than other population groups.
The report shows that almost 70% of people identified as black had developed antibodies to Covid-19.
We now chat to Director of Research Development in the Department of Medical BioSciences at the University of Western Cape (UWC) , Professor Burtram Fielding.
In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following: -US defends not sanctioning MBS for Khashoggi murder -Denmark criticised for asking Syrian refugees to return home -Israel vehicle carrier ship hit by explosion in the Gulf of Oman. On line for comment is MEMO Video producer, Usman Butt. Follow stories at www.MiddleEastMonitor.com Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
Veteran journalist, analyst and broadcaster Karima Brown has died from Covid-19 related complications.
Brown was admitted to hospital last month where she was receiving treatment for the virus.
The family said she would be buried according to Islamic traditions today.
On line for comment is former colleague at independent media, Gasant Abarder and Ryland Fisher, journalist and former colleague
As government continue to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine, there are still gaps in information around the procurement process.
Transparency and regulatory compliance are needed to build public trust in the vaccination programme.
So how much do we know about details and other information that is already available?
We now chat to senior lecturer, Faculty of Law at UNISA, Dr Allison Anthony.
Israel occupational forces continued demolishing houses in neighborhood's including the house of disabled Palestinian Hatim Hussein Abu Rayala.
The houses were demolished under the pretex that they were built without the nearly impossible to obtain building licenses.
We now chat to Palestinian activist, Mouad Khateb
In this week's Africa report, we look at the following:
-South African private army accused of atrocities in Mozambique
-Zimbabwe's second vice president resigns over sexual misconduct
-Nigeria grapples with school kidnappings by armed groups
Since the outbreak six years ago of regionalised war in Yemen that has resulted in humanitarian crisis, South African arms companies have profited from the sale of weapons to parties central to the conflict. This is according to investigations by NPO Open Secrets. On line for comment is Researcher at Open Secrets, Michael Marchant.
The Joe Biden administration has finally authorised the release of the report about the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi.
However, in allowing the report to be released, Biden has not overlooked the US- Saudi relations politically, economically and militarily but instead opted not to sanction Crown prince Bin Salman for his alleged role in Kashoggi murder.
So does the Kashoggi killing blocks the path to the throne for Bin Salman.?
We now chat to Turkish journalist, Vakkas Dogantekin.
In this week's economic report, we look at the following:
-Public sector Unions demand for CPI plus 4% as final wage demand
-Ramaphosa halts search for back up finance minister should Mboweni quit
-Biden backs Amazon workers to unionise.
On line for comment is Senior Researcher, department of political science at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka.
Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe today expressed concern that his evidence implicating president Cyril Ramaphosa at his last appearance at the Zondo State Inquiry Commission is being swept under the carpet.
Molefe made his second appearance at the earlier today.
On line for comment is lecturer in the school of African Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
Human Rights Watch has launched a youth led movement called “Power of the Streets” which focuses on African Rights Movements across the continent.
We now chat to Audrey Kawire Wabwire, Media Manager for East Africa Division at Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The Independent Panel which was constituted to look into the fitness to hold office of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has recommended parliament to begin removal proceedings.
She will be the first head of chapter Institution in the country to face impeachment proceedings.
On line for comment is political analyst Solly Moeng
Government has announced it would be introducing a Land Court Bill to parliament which proposes the establishment of land court.
The bill is aimed at addressing systemic hurdles to land restitution, and also provide stronger judicial oversight over land claims.
On line for comment is attorney for land claimants communities, Henk Smith,
In today's book review, we have Brent Meersman's book titled “Rattling the Cage” reflections on democratic South Africa.
Rattling the Cage takes the reader on a informed tour of the South Africa reality: from the highs and lows, the successes and failures. FW der Klerk's gaffes to the Fees Must Fall, the Oscar Pistorius Trial and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, triple BEE.
Among the questions Meersman asks are : Do South Africans still believe in their Constitution and Democracy?
Why do many young South Africans say Nelson Mandela was a sell out and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a dismal failure?
We now chat to author Brent Meersman.
Ahead of Human Rights Day on March 21, a new film depicting the murder in Paris of liberation struggle hero Dulcie September will premiere.
Dulcie September was the ANC representative in Luxembourg, Switzerland and France and was assassinated in the heart of Paris on 29 March 1988.
We now chat to award-winning filmmaker, Enver Samuel.
A team from UCT and Groote Schuur Hospital recently used a Microsft HoloLens2 to preform a mixed reality shoulder replacement surgery.
The surgery was part of a global 24- hour event in which surgeons from 13 countries collaborated on 13 orthopedic surgeries using holographic imagery.
We now chat to head of the Division of Orthopaedics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Stephen Roche.
In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following.
-UN accuse Israel of demolishing 89 Palestinian owned structures in the past two weeks.
-World Bank threatens to suspend Covid vaccine funding to Lebanon.
-Tunisians demand implementation of agreement reached between protesters and government to create jobs.
On line for comment is Middle East Monitor journalist, Jehan Alfarra.
Follow stories:
www.MiddleEastMonitor.com
Twitter: @MiddleEastMnt
Agri-SA has reacted to finance minister Tito Mboweni's national budget saying the 8% increase in excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco will jeopardise the sustainability of the sector.
The industry, which pays about R2.5 bn in excise duty every month, has been pleading to government to halt the increases.
So is the government scraping the bottom of fiscal barrel?
On line is Agri-SA Agricultural Economist, Kulani Siweya
A year after Finance Minister Tito Mboweni launched to cut the ballooning public service wage bill, government is still locked in a court battle with labour Unions about the failure to honour the previous wage deal as the issue remains central to the national fiscus.
So has the minister found the remedy in today's budget presentation?
We now chat to Professor at Wits Business School, Jannie Rossouw ,and Dr Paul Kariuki, Executive Director, Democracy Development Program (DDP) at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
We continue with our post-budget analysis and now we chat to COSATU Parliamentary Co-ordinator, Matthew Parks who will give us the Union's reaction to the budget.
Finance minister Tito Mboweni has delivered what experts have described as one of the toughest budget presentation the country has ever experienced.
But the biggest question is? Has the minister managed to crunch the numbers?
We now chat to DA's shadow minister of finance Geordin Hill- Lewis, on what the DA make of this years's national budget.
The innoculation campaign against COVID-19 in the besieged Gaza Strip has kicked off after the arrival of vaccines donated by Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Gaza has been under an Israel- Egyptian blockade since Hamas took control of the area in 2007, but the number of vaccine received is a very small fraction of what is needed to immunise the Strip, home to about two million people. We now chat to Khalil Batsha, BDS activist in Palestine.
Statistics SA has released the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2020. About 2.2 million jobs were shed in the second quarter when a hard lockdown was first implemented to slow down the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. We now chat to Statistician General, Mr Risenga Maluleke.
In this week's economic report, we look at the following:
-Mboweni tables budget Wednesday with SAFTU threatening strike action -National Empowerment Fund (NEF) launches economic distress fund for black owned businesses -African Union (AU) to push for construction of the Inga 3 hydro-power project. On line for comment is senior researcher at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka. Twitter: @jasonmusyoka
The Matrics of 2020 certainly had their share of hardships, hurdles and challenges. But sometimes those challenges actually equipped them for specific roles.
So how did the Covid-19 equip the Matrics for the New World of Work.?
This is an opinion piece by Rector and Vice Chancellor of the University of Free State, Professor Francis Petersen.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the county's judicial institutions following recent attacks by former president Jacob Zuma as well as EFF leader Julius Malema.
Ramaphosa said attacks against the judiciary should not be taken lightly.
We now chat to Political Science lecturer at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Professor Dirk Kotze.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the county's judicial institutions following recent attacks by former president Jacob Zuma as well as EFF leader Julius Malema.
Ramaphosa said attacks against the judiciary should not be taken lightly.
We now chat to Political Science lecturer at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Professor Dirk Kotze.
While tourists buses regularly come to Bo-Kaap, local residents will not benefit unless they are enabled to become owners in the tourism industry.
So are the Bo-Kaap residents marginalised by the tourism industry?
We chat to Faiez Jacobs, ANC MP and committee member.
The Al Imdaad Foundation is Kenya where they are inaugurating a Sahaba village named after Sayyidnan Uthmaan bin Afaa R.A. We now chat to Al Imdaad Foundation trustee, Qari Ziyaad Patel.
In this week's Africa report we look at the following:
-Central Africa Republic (CAR) rebels plead not guilty to war crimes at ICC -Nigerian Okonjo-Iweala becomes first woman to lead WTO -Zimbabwe begin Covid-19 vaccination. On line for comment is political science lecturer at Chrizzma university in Zambia, Dr Charles Moyo. Follow stories at www.afrodemocracyjournal.com
UCT is expected to commence phase one clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate hAd5 T-cell. The trial comes after approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). We now chat to second chair in the department of medicine at UCT, Professor Graeme Meintjes
In this week's economic report, we look at the following: -Deloittee agrees to pay out R1.3bn compensation to claimants against Steinhoff. -Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala is new WTO chief. -Mideast tensions drive oil to 13 month high. On line for comment is Senior Researcher at the University of Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has found Dominic Ongwen, a Ugandan former child soldier, guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes. But in its judgement, judges ignored Ongwen's background in the guilty verdict. Was this a mistake? On line is Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Denmark, Dr Kerstin Bree Carlson.
In this today's book review, we chat to author Stephen Timm about his new book focusing on SA man behind the start-up Shopin, who was exposed as an audacious fraudster.
This is the story of how Eran Eyal's house of cards came tumbling down.
Cape Town-based journalist, researcher and writer Stephen Timm has written for a number of publications on the small business sector. Between 2017 and 2020, he served as editor of Ventureburn, a South African publication that covers Africa's tech start-up sector.
Corruption Watch (CW) has launched an interactive data tool that empowers the public to hold SAPS accountable.
The Veza tool will help improve transparency in policing and places the power to hold the South African Police Service accountable in the public.
On line for comment is Corruption Watch head of Stakeholder and Campaigns, Kavisha Pillay.
“A call for Social Justice” is the theme for tomorow's World Day of Social Justice following the declaration for Fair Globalisation on 10th June 2008 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The declaration comes at a crucial political moment, reflecting on the wide consensus on the need for a strong social justice for all.
We now chat to Chair of Social Justice at Stellenbosch University, Professor Thuli Madonsela.
Former US president Donald Trump has been acquitted of his impeachment trial after 50 Democrats and seven Republicans voted to convict him.
The Senate acqitted Trump after his second impeachment trial on Saturday, however, that does not make him immune from criminal justice system or future civil litigation.
So what does the verdict mean for Trump, Biden and America?
On line for comment is International Relations Expert, Dr Charles Sinkala.
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) has called on the state capture inquiry to reveal the names of journalists who were allegedly paid by the State Security Agency.
SANEF issued a statement in its first council meeting yesterday.
On line for comment is SANEF programme manager, Hopewell Radebe.
The ANC's National Executive Committee has adopted guidelines aimed at renewing the party and strengthening credibilty and its integrity.
The guidelines will set out processes to be followed when dealing with members in conflict with the law.
On line for comment is lecturer in the department of African Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Dr Benjamin Breakfast.
In this week's book review, we uncover more on Dr Abdullah Abdurahman, South Africa's first elected black politician.
Dr Abdurahman (1872-1940) represented some of the poorest people in Cape Town on the City Council and then the Provincial Council. First winning a seat in 1904, he was to serve the city for 36 years. Beloved by the people of District Six for him he fought so hard, Dr Abdurahman is the forgotten giant of the fight for justice.
Drawing on previously undiscovered material, this biography by Martin Plaut lifts Dr Abdurahman from obscurity.
Author Martin Plaut joins us from UK.
Born in Cape Town in 1950, Martin went to UCT and Wits before leaving for the UK to finish his education. But he met a Brirtish nurse, married and never rerturned home., as he had planned to work for the trade union movement. He worked for the BBC World Service, mostly on Africa, retiring as Africa news editor in 2013. He has written several books on South Africa, most notably, “Promise and Despair” which looked at the delagation to London in 1909 in which Dr Abdurahman participated, to try to extend Cape non - racial Constitution to the whole of South Africa. This led to the writing the book we are discussing today: Dr Abdullah Abdurahman: South Africa's first elected black politician.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced government's continued commitment to infrastructure investment as it strives to stimulate growth and job creation.
The president said the R100 billion infrastructure fund is now in its operation and funding projects like major highways.
We now chat to Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel.
Opposition political parties have criticised and rebelled president Cyril Ramaphosa's 2021 State of the Nation Address as nothing new.
The president delivered little on new plans but more on reporting back progress made.
On line for comment is Congress of the People (COPE) Member of Parliament, Pakes Digketsi.
Welcome to our special broadcast of the State of the Nation Address where we are monitoring what to expect in this years SONA by president Cyril Ramaphosa. We are again joined by a panel of experts, In Pretoria, Dr Jason Musyoka, Senior Researcher, University of Pretoria, and here in Cape Town, Dr Shingai Mangiza Mutiza, independent political analyst.