POWER Talk

Religion plays a foundational role in shaping social constructs, influencing values, norms, and institutional arrangements. Social constructs—such as gender roles, kinship, morality, and authority—are often given legitimacy and coherence through religious beliefs and practices. In African contexts, both indigenous belief systems and introduced religions like Christianity and Islam have been pivotal in defining social identities and expectations. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Anglican Church Priest, Academic and Sociologist of Religion, Paul Germond and Dean and Head of the school of religion, philosophy and classics at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Prof. Simangaliso Kumalo. 

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Allegations of collusion between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the criminal underworld are to be urgently considered by three committees, as assigned by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Speaker of the Parliament, Thoko Didiza.

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Officials discovered crystal meth and cell phones at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria on Tuesday evening.  Correctional services commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale is leading a surprise raid at the prison.  The department of correctional services previously said that the raids are part of a broader, uncompromising campaign to rid correctional centres of contraband and eliminate criminal networks from within. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Department of Correctional Services Spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.

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Sibusiso Ncengwa who was convicted of the 2017 killing former ANC Youth League Secretary-General Sindiso Magaqa, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Whistleblower and Sindiso Magaqa’s Friend, Thabiso Zulu and ANC Youth League Secretary General, Mntuwoxolo Ngudle.

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US President Donald Trump announced on Monday, 7 July that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs that would take effect from 1 August.  In a letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, which was signed by Trump and posted to his Truth Social, he said: “We have had years to discuss our trading relationship with South Africa, and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, and very persistent, trade deficits engendered by South Africa’s tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers.  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Senior Economist at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies, Nokwanda Maseko

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The issue of pay for magistrates and judges has again come up, this time at Judicial Service Commission interviews for the deputy chief justice position. Free State Judge President Cagney Musi warned that court officials aren't properly paid, which opens them up to falling into the trap of corruption. The Judicial Officers Association of SA threatened to take to the streets last year over the big pay gap between magistrates and judges. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with JOASA President, Neelan Karikan, Member of the Magistrates Commission, Hennie Britz and Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin.

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KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says the political killings task team has unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel that involves politicians, law enforcement, business people, prosecutors and the judiciary. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with National Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Organized Crime Investigator, IRS Forensic Investigations, Chad Thomas & News24 Investigative Journalist, Jeff Wicks.

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South Africa’s transport sector is making notable progress in its turnaround efforts, supported by significant financial investments and structural reforms. The country has secured major funding, including a $1.5 billion World Bank loan and a $475 million African Development Bank loan, aimed at upgrading rail infrastructure, modernizing ports, and improving energy integration within transport systems. Additionally, the government approved a R51 billion guarantee to support Transnet’s recovery and expansion. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy.

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Israel has agreed to the "necessary conditions" to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, US President Donald Trump has said.  In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that during the proposed ceasefire the US would "work with all parties to end the War". He did not provide details on what the ceasefire would entail. Bongi Gwala is in conversation with UJ Centre for Africa-China Studies Director, Prof. David Monyae.

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The South African government has emphasised that it was not part of the delegation of Afrikaner politicians who visited Washington, DC, in the US. The group that went without being directed by the government arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told IOL that the group was pursuing its "own agenda".  Bongi Gwala is in conversation with Political Analyst, Prof. Andre Duvenhage.

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