POWER Talk

Culture and traditions are usually strictly followed in South Africa, especially within kingdoms. Certain cultural norms in how marriages are conducted, financial institutions and even land distribution, these are often done in a ‘traditional way’. However, to the extent that tradition does not go as far as what people prefer or desire, the law becomes a route to explore. But what is the line between traditions and the law? Lerato Mbele is joined by cultural experts Prof Musa Xulu and Dr Mphumeleli Ngidi as well as attorney of the high court & director of Lenyehelo L Attorneys, Lerato Lenyehelo.

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The Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation at Rhodes University had developed drugs that convert oxygen into a radical or activated oxygen. This activated oxygen is toxic to cancerous cells and tissue, effectively destroying them. Nanotechnology is utilized to deliver these drugs directly into cancerous cells, enabling selective destruction of the cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This process is known as photodynamic therapy, which involves a combination of a laser, a light-sensitive drug, and activated oxygen. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Researcher at The Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation - Professor Philani Mashazi, The Cancer Association of South Africa Head of Advocacy, Zodwa Sithole and Council for Medical Schemes, Medical Advisor - Dr Keolopile Makgamathe.

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According to Statista, the market value of lab-grown diamonds amounted to more than $20 billion (R362.25 billion) in 2021 and is expected to grow to nearly $52 billion (R941.86 billion) by 2030. In 2018, DeBeers introduced a new jewellery company called Lightbox. The brand was solely for lab-grown diamonds (synthetic diamonds) at lower prices with the aim to create a clear divide in consumers’ minds. In what was an attempt to grow the business, it turned out not so great because they started losing out on demand in real diamond. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Kealeboga Pule, founder & managing director of Nungu Diamonds and Axolisiwe Mbontsi, founder & CEO of Axel Diamonds.

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Immediately after his inauguration, Donald Trump delivered his inaugural speech in which he announced the sweeping executive orders he plans to sign on day-one of his second term. Donald Trump has signed a record number of executive orders publicly, as a huge crowd cheered, less than six hours since he took oath as the 47th President of the United States. He signed many more orders after reaching the White House later in the day. Lerato Mbele was joined by Dr. Frank Lekaba, senior lecturer at Wits School of Governance and Thabang Motswaledi from the department of international relations at NWU.

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In the wake of South Africa’s recent minimum wage increase, the conversation around the country’s economic future is gaining momentum. With the national minimum wage rising by 8.5% in 2024—marking the biggest increase since its introduction in 2019—the country stands at a critical crossroads in addressing both poverty wages and a high unemployment rate. In this context, a 24-hour economy has emerged as a potentially transformative strategy for reducing joblessness and stimulating economic growth. Lerato Mbele spoke to Prof. Patrick Bond, political economist and Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary of the SA Federation of Trade Unions.

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The proposed National State Enterprises Bill has been published in the Government Gazette and is now open for public participation until 14 February. The bill seeks to establish a centralized holding company, State Asset Management (SAMSOC), which would oversee 13 state-owned entities (SOEs) currently under government control. While the bill aims to streamline SOE oversight, improve governance, and tackle financial mismanagement, it has sparked heated debate regarding its implications for accountability, transparency, and potential for political interference. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Brian Molefe, Former Eskom CEO & Member of Parliament and Theliswa Mgweba, Chairperson Of The Portfolio Committee On Planning, Monitoring And Evaluation.

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