NIGHT FALL

Guest: Mbali Tshabalala, Artist

They say - FOREWOMEN” is an exhibition that redefines and enriches contemporary art through the lens of its talented participants. The title, a play on the word "forewoman," signifies women who are at the forefront of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue. These artists are not merely participants in the art world; they are visionaries shaping the evolution of South African art.

The inspiration behind “FOREWOMEN” is drawn from Nina Simone's iconic song "Four

Women," which tells the poignant stories of four African women in America. This narrative

pays homage to Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn,

the courageous women who led the historic march to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956,

in protest of apartheid laws. The exhibition weaves together the diverse yet unified voices of

our featured artists, each contributing their unique story to the broader tapestry of South

African art.

Nina Simone's "Four Women" is a powerful commentary on the complex interplay of race,

gender, and identity. In “FOREWOMEN,” this narrative is paralleled by the work of our

contemporary South African artists, who address themes such as cultural identity, social

justice, and the reimagining of traditional narratives. Through their distinct practices, these

artists explore the intersections of their personal and communal histories, challenging

stereotypes and redefining their place within the societal and artistic spheres.

Guest: Richard Poplak, Journalist - Daily Maverick

EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has resigned from the EFF to join the MK party. 

Shivambu confirmed his move at a press briefing on Thursday. 

Reading from his letter of resignation sent on Wednesday, Shivambu said he would not be renewing his EFF membership. 

He added that his resignation was not a vote of no confidence in the EFF. 

EFF MP Mzwanele Manyi would also be leaving the party to join the MK Party, Shivambu stated. Manyi resigned on Monday at 12:00.

Shivambu added: 

Please be informed that I will not renew my membership of the EFF in Ward 44 which is one of the best performing Wards of the EFF in Johannesburg region. I also request to resign my position as member of Parliament and all positions I hold in the EFF.

"I will only do so after receiving a go-ahead from the organisation because it is the EFF that deployed me to Parliament," he said. 

Shivambu said he would always cherish and appreciate the work that had been done collectively in building a formidable organisation. 

"I believe the aspirations and vision contained in the Organisational Redesign document of the EFF can still be achieved. My non-renewal of membership of the EFF is not a vote of no confidence in the organisation, but a revolutionary act that will allow progressive forces to unite and work toward the agenda for progressive and revolutionary change," he said. 

EFF president Julius Malema accepted Shivambu's resignation, but added that the door would always be open if he wished to return. 

Guest: Matshidiso Lencoasa, Senior budget researcher at SECTION27 and chairperson of the Budget Justice Coalition

A thought provoking article written by Matshidio Lencoasa and Siphumelele Duma (senior post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation) on why SA need to reflect on how our industrial policy can be a powerful tool to ensure that we do more than pay lip service to gender equality and work towards a more equitable society.

Taking policy decisions that empower women

As the world increasingly faces polycrises, there has been an industrial policy renaissance, with many anticipating industrial policy’s big opportunity to inspire inclusive economic growth and development.

Considering South Africa’s current context of weak economic growth, this renaissance could be a moment to grow the economy in an inclusive manner and mobilise resources to better fund public services.

Guest: Tessa Dooms, Political analyst

Political changes taking place in the City of Joburg as mayor Kabelo Gwamanda submitted his resignation today.  Used to be called ‘the world class African City’, Gwamanda was the ninth mayor of the city since the 2016 local government election—and the fifth since 2021.

• Political instability
• World Class African City?
• Gwamanda’s tenure
• Parties like EFF & PA under Gwamanda’s leadership - the performance.
• Infrastructure
• The role of COJ as an economic powerhouse
• Dada Morero urgent tasks
• 2026 elections

Joburg is crumbling – and the hole is R221 billion deep

Johannesburg, billed as Africa’s richest city because of its concentration of businesses and millionaires, needs R221 billion to catch up on maintenance and overdue upgrades across its collapsing road, power and water networks.

The city council discussed the shortfall late last month and detailed it in documents seen by Bloomberg.

It comes at a time when regular power outages — the result of distribution network breakdowns — hit large swathes of Johannesburg.

Officials left potholes unattended for months, and parts of the city had no water for as long as 11 days in March.

The work pileup “highlights significant risks to public safety, economic safety and the environment if not addressed,” the city said of the road network in the documents.

“Ignoring the backlog could lead to deteriorating roads, unsafe bridges, flooding and increased accidents.”

Financial and political turmoil in recent years have beset the city of about 5 million people, which has had eight mayors since 2019 due to constantly shifting coalitions.

While the African National Congress and Economic Freedom Fighters are the largest parties in the ruling coalition, with 119 seats between them, they have installed a mayor from the Al-Jama-ah party, which has just three seats. There are 270 councillors in total.

Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools

Guess: Dr Jaco Deacon CEO - The Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools, Fedsas.

Guest: Musa Chamane & Lifa Mononga

Guest: Kenneth Lukuko - Justice and reconciliation expert 

Guest: Mbili-thutha Gwala - Chairperson - TEWUSA