TALKING POINTS:

*** Sudan Offers More Oil Blocks to Russian Company

*** Ghana: Bolt Food Rolls Out Mobile Money Payment Option

*** Malawi: Inflation Rate Rises to 24.6 Percent

The Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union will be picketing today against the possible closure of the only nursing college in the Northern Cape. The Hendrietta Stockdale Nursing College faces the danger of being closed as it has yet to be accredited by the Council on Higher Education and the South African Nursing Council. Elvis Presslin spoke to General Secretary of the Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union, Lerato Mthunzi 

Ahmed Kathrada's widow and anti-Apartheid activist Barbara Hogan says BEE is only benefiting a small political elite, damaging competitiveness and discouraging investment, while the bulk of black South Africans remains not empowered. Hogan was speaking at the launch of the Ahmed Kathrada Exhibition at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg at the weekend while honouring the legacy of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada. Hogan says while the country is celebrating her husband's legacy, the nation has nothing to celebrate as bad values and greed have taken over society. Elvis Presslin spoke to  Lindiwe Madonsela, Senior Manager for Compliance, Advocacy and Awareness at the BBBEE Commission... 

A group of aggrieved ANC members in the North West, have served both the party's National Executive Committee and the newly-elected provincial officials with court papers. The group intends to challenge the outcome of the ninth provincial conference which was held in Rustenburg last weekend. It is questioning the legitimacy of the conference saying there were irregularities and non-compliance with the party's constitution. Elvis Presslin spoke to s political analyst from the North West University, Professor Andre Duvenage

SADC leaders say the new US law to curb Russia's influence and activities in Africa will have serious implications on the continent.  The Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act (CMRAAA) aimed at countering Russia's activities in Africa is soon set to become law as the United States looks at measures to deal with Russia over its war on Ukraine. SADC leaders have expressed unhappiness that Africa was being targeted for unilateral and punitive measures through the new act. Elvis Presslin spoke to Africa Affairs Analyst and Channel Africa's head of the Kiswahili service, Nixon Katembo...

DA Mayor for the City of Tshwane, Randall Williams will address members of the media today to respond to allegations of meddling in the city's administration. This follows allegations of Williams interfering with a controversial 26-billion-rand tender bid for an alternative energy contract for the city by allegedly directing the city's manager to appoint an energy service provider. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Chairperson of ActionSA, Michael Beaumont...

TALKING POINTS:

*** Nigeria: Emirates Shuts Down Operations in Nigeria Over U.S.$85 Million Trapped Funds

*** Ghana: Over U.S.$600 Million Spent On Imported Chicken in 2021... Poultry Farmers Unhappy

Workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in the City of Tshwane, will this morning embark on protest action, calling for mayor Randall Williams to resign. The Union says it will submit a memorandum to Williams, also demanding that he honours the collective agreement signed at the bargaining council for a pay increase backdating to 2021, among other things. Tshwane Metro Police Department has advised the public to take note of the march, as some major routes could be affected. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU Gauteng provincial secretary Mpho Tladinyane...

Joburg metro police department employees yesterday embarked on a protest over salary negotiations. The striking officers blockaded the M2  in both directions at the Eloff Street Exit In Johannesburg yesterday demanding to meet the City Mayor over salary disputes. Elvis Presslin spoke to JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla... 

A 45-year-old detective allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl inside a police station. The incident allegedly took place at Kei Mouth police station in East London on Women's Day eve. Our senior producer Ronald Phiri spoke to IPID spokesperson Grace Langa who says the suspect may face additional charges...