Jud Cornell mentor to Ukwanda Puppetry 

Prof. Martin Wiegt - Professor of Mathematics in the Mandela Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences at the Nelson Mandela University

Dr. Khosi Jiyane – Clinical Psychologist 

Maphoka 'Puky' Ramokoatsi, Director of Programmes.at Kick4Life Foundation

Gugu Zondi, Manager: Integrated Catchment Management at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo

Guest: Sophila Motsumi - founder of Otsile Bokamoso (translation: the future is bright)

Our next guest started an after-school support organization after volunteering at a primary school and noticing the pupils were struggling with reading and writing. Her organization opened its doors in 2018 with the aim of helping Grade 1 to Grade 3. The organization has helped 2000 learners so far and employed four people to help their work in the town of Dealesville, Free State. In 2023, her organization received support from the Letsatsi Solar Park Trust and they have committed to help combat early school drop-outs in the small farming town. To tell us more, we are joined by... 

Guest: Hannelie Warrington-Coetzee is a Johannesburg-based visual artist and honorary research fellow at the Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand.

Our guest today is Johannesburg-based visual artist and honorary research fellow at the Global Change Institute. Her work blends environmental science with socially engaged art, focusing on site-specific interventions in public and natural spaces. Driven by a deep respect for nature, she uses reclaimed industrial waste and nature-based solutions to explore ecological innovation. Coetzee’s collaborative practice connects communities, landscapes, and unlikely partners—human and non-human alike. Her recent projects, including the Alexandra River Creature Series, reflect her commitment to co-learning, empathy, and environmental action through art. Her work continues to resonate globally through exhibitions and residencies.

GUEST: Dr. Sandra Lai, a senior scientist at Oxford University’s WildCRU research unit -

Their research on carnivore ecology in extreme environments provides valuable insights into the behaviour, movement, and ecological roles of species like the dire wolf. By examining trophic interactions and social dynamics in living carnivores, their work helps reconstruct the life-history traits and ecosystem functions of extinct species such as Canis dirus.

ANGLE:

• Why are these news a big deal
• Has the dire wolf been resurrected?

1. Prof Nic Rawlence - Director: Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the Department of Zoology, University of Otago (New Zealand). Associate Professor Nic Rawlence is the Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the University of Otago in New Zealand. He uses ancient DNA and palaeontology to reconstruct prehistoric ecosystems; how these ecosystems adapted to Earths dynamic geological, climatic and human history; and how this information can be used to inform evidence-based conservation management of endangered species and ecosystem restoration.

ANGLE:

• The history of dire wolves - what was their purpose in the ecosystem
• Will dire wolves and mammoths roam again?
• What was the dire wolf?

1.  Prof. Yolandi Coetzer - Associate Professor of Philosophy at the North West University.Prof. Yolandi M. Coetser is an Associate Professor at NWU and founding chair of the Southern African Society for Environmental Philosophy. Her research focuses on animal and environmental ethics, biodiversity conservation, and interdisciplinary approaches that align with the UN’s sustainability goals, blending philosophy with ecological and social justice.

Colossal Biosciences' project to revive the once-extinct dire wolf could also prevent existing but endangered animals from slipping into extinction themselves. The direwolves will live on protected land while they grow to their adult size. Let us listen back to an interview on how this project came together. Audio courtesy of Time Magazine.

GUEST: Chris Pappas - Mayor of Umgeni Local Municipality

Our next guest argues that if we are serious about service delivery, we need to equip and support local municipalities. He shares his insights on local governance: who holds the purse strings, explains how the levels of government work together , how municipality collects its revenue and accountability. He argues that South Africa can use local government as a centre for revenue collection. To share his insights and his recommendations, we are joined by