The Best of Afternoon Drive with Bongani Bingwa

Zwelinzima Vavi, addressed Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) delegates earlier today at the organisation’s special extended NEC meeting. He began his address by raising the issue of the SASSA grant payments contract, saying we have a political and economic crisis in South Africa with poverty and economic inequality on the increase.

Dr Pali Lehohla, Statistician-General of South Africa- Stats SA released the latest mortality rates and causes of death report earlier today. According to Statistician-General, Dr Pali Lehohla, 460,236 deaths were recorded in 2015 which marks a 3% decline compared to the previous period. According to Stats SA, the three leading causes of death in South Africa were TB, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease.

Redi received an email from Nomthandazo Ndlovu last week who was in desperate need of legal assistance. She believes she was intentionally exposed to HIV by a man she had sex with. She also knows that she may not be his first victim. She wants to know if it is possible for her to have some kind of legal recourse in a case like this?

Redi speaks to Richard Ots, Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration, on issues which are driving xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. 

Redi speaks to AmaBhungane investigative journalist Craig McKune about the developments in the saga of Sassa social grant contracts.

Redi speaks to Christine Nxumalo, representative of the families affected by the Life Esidimeni disaster, about the concerns of the families about the politicising of the disaster. 

Commander Leon Steyn, curator of the SA Naval Museum, speaks to Redi about the 100th year anniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi. Listener Isaac calls in afterwards to recite a memorable Tswana poem of the sinking of the Mendi.

Redi speaks to Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, Execurive Director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, on the issues which made the South African government's plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to be invalid.

Redi speaks to political party representatives for reaction to Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech. ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe, DA’s David Maynier and EFF National Spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi react.

Gauteng Finance MEC Barbara Creecy speaks to Redi about the issues raised by Premier David Makhura in the State of the Province Address.