NIGHT FALL

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressed the Summit in Sandton, north of Johannesburg by video link through an interpreter. He told the leaders of China, India, South Africa and Brazil that the growing influence of the BRICS group will lead to a multi-polar world. BRICS is a group of five countries with emerging economies that want to begin their own world economic and trade systems and has discussed creating a new currency.

Oliver Dickson spoke to Peter Fabricious –Independent journalist and  Foreign Policy Analyst

All eyes are on Zimbabwe as it goes to the polls to elect a new president. Incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa is seeking a second five-year term in office as head of state in line with the country's constitution. Mnangagwa's main rival is Nelson Chamisa, alongside other 9 presidential hopefuls. 

Oliver Dickson spoke to Dr William Mpofu; Researcher at the university of the Witwatersrand, political analyst and Senior Researh Associate at Good Givernance Africa as well as Perfect hlongawe-Secretary general of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists and also chairperson of the Media alliance of Zimbabwe

BRICS leaders have converged in South Africa as the coalition of significant emerging economies looks to exert its influence to counterbalance the Western hegemony in international affairs. The BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - represent a quarter of the global economy, and interest in joining the club has surged ahead of its three-day summit in Johannesburg. 

To discuss this, Oliver Dickson was joined by Leon Louw-Founder and former President of the 50-year-old Free Market Foundation, as well as Founder and President of the new Free Market Foundation, the Izwe Lami Freedom Foundation.

***Louw has won many international awards and is the author of SA's top-selling political book 'The Solution', popular communist and commentator with over 400 published articles.

Babita Deokaran  Court case -Reaction to 6 accused pleading guilty
The NPA says they will continue working on the Babita Deokaran case in order to nab the kingpin that ordered the hit on the life of the corruption whistle-blower. Six men have been convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the High Court in Johannesburg. All six received sentences ranging from six to 22 years for their involvement in her murder. Is this Justice? 

Oliver Dickson spoke to Adv Stefanie Fick Chief Legal Officer OUTA.

BRICS leaders announced the admission of six new countries - Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt as the full members. Ramaphosa noted that this was just the first round of expansion of BRICS, hinting that more rounds may follow. With at least 22 countries had formally applied to join the grouping, BRICS currently "represents more than 40% of the world's population. This evening we unpack: 
HOW will this BRICS 'growth' impact how the world engages with BRICS Countries? 

Oliver Dickson spoke to Dr Chris Isike- Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria
as well as Director, African Center for the Study of the US, University of Pretoria

Zimbabwean Police have revealed that they had detained 41 people and seized cellphones, laptops and other electronic equipment during raids on four locations in Harare following a tip-off concerning "subversive and criminal activities".

Mnangagwa used his presidential powers to extend balloting to 24th August 2023 at dozens of polling stations after voting was delayed by up to 10 hours in many areas. Ballot papers were still being printed late Wednesday, hours after voting should have closed. 

Oliver Dickson spoke to Rejoice Ngwenya - Political Analyst based in Zimbabwe.

South Africa marks 11 years since the Marikana Massacre happened. On 16 August 2012, the South African Police Service opened fire on a crowd of striking mine workers at Marikana, in the North West Province.  The police killed 34 mineworkers and left 78 seriously injured. 

Is there is a political will to prosecute all those police who gunned down the 34 miners? 

Oliver Dickson spoke to Nomzamo Zondo - Executive Director of The Socio-Economic Rights Institute

South Africa's main opposition, the Democratic Alliance and six other political parties have begun talks to form a coalition that will govern the country, should the ruling Africa National Congress fail to secure 50% of the general elections in 2024.  The parties are discussing and formalise terms of agreements that will guide their coalition.The two-day meeting commenced today at Emperors Palace, in Kempton Park.
The ANC Recently hosted the National Dialogue on Coalitions, which Smaller parties are furious and are questioning its relevance. 

Oliver Dickson spoke to Sandile Swana - Political Analyst.