Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

As South Africa marks the 29th anniversary of the first democratic elections, shack dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has vowed to continue with its "Unfreedom Day" marches in parts of the country. The movement's leadership has accused the ruling African National Congress of lying to and insulting the intelligence and humanity impoverished communities by claiming that everyone who lives in the country is free. The "Unfreedom Day" marches began in Durban on Wednesday and are expected to spread to other parts of the country by Saturday. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Abahlali baseMjondolo president, Sbusiso Zikode

 Harry Belafonte's passing on the eve of Freedom Day serves as a poignant reminder of his contribution to the international cultural boycott of South Africa during the apartheid years. That was among the key reflections from President Cyril Ramaphosa at the news of the nonagenarian passing from congestive heart failure at his Manhattan home in New York. And as Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports, beyond his music and acting career, he spent his life fighting injustice while funding initiatives towards civil rights in the United States and the fight against Apartheid among others. 

The lawyers representating shareholders at platinum group metals and chrome producer, Eastern Platinum Limited have written to the company's CEO, board of directors and its parent company, Barplats Mines, demanding the immediate halting of transactions for chrome ore to be sold at a reduced price to buyers. The lawyers say the transanctions are being carried out without the authorisation of the Board of Eastern Platinum. The shareholders say the unauthorised transactions have already resulted on 100-thousand tons of chrome concentrates being sold at a price of R1 914,37 ($105.11)  per dry metric ton when the market related price is in fact approximately R3 880,11 ($213.00) per dry metric ton. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the lawyer representing the shareholders at Eastern Platinum Limited, Ulrich Roux.

 Parliament's Standing Committee of Public Accounts has resolved to summons former Eskom Group Chief Executive Andre De Ruyter  to appear before it to give further information. This follows De Ruyter's refusal to disclose the name of the minister who allegedly told him to let some people eat a little. De Ruyter stated unwillingness to jeopardise ongoing investigations and fear for his own security as some of the reasons for this. He was appearing before parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts which wanted him to elaborate on his comments in a TV interview about criminal networks working at Eskom. Sakina Spoke to SABC reporter, Joseph Mosia 

Former Eskom Chief Executive Officer, André de Ruyter has continue to face pressure from members of Parliament's Standing Committee of Public Accounts, as he refused to reveal the name of the senior politician he has accused of engaging in criminality at the power utility. A number of MPs have asked de Ruyter over and over again why is did not make statements to authorities after he claimed to have alerted them about criminality at Eskom. During an interview with journalist, Annika Larson earlier this year, de Ruyter made allegations of maladministration, corruption and the sabotage of infrastructure allegedly involving a senior politician. Chairperson of the committee, Mkhuleko Hlengwa pressed him to tell Parliament the name of the politician.

Presenter: Big Joe

 President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently hosting his Finnish counterpart, Sauli Väinämö Niinistö at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Trade and investment, renewable energy and information technology are expected to dominate their talks between the two countries.The visit was initially planned for 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations after Finland supported liberation movements in southern Africa. Let us take a listen to President,  Sauli Väinämö Niinistö

The South African Social Security Agency is assuring social grant beneficiaries to not to panic as they will be paid. Most of their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)/Postbank gold cards are expiring at the end of April and delays at post offices appear to be causing anxiety among recipients. Last month SASSA advised beneficiaries whose cards have expired or are expiring soon, to visit their closest post office to collect a new card. However, not all of the post offices are able to offer card exchange services. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi