Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has denied allegations of milking the National Skills Funds. This comes at the back of a news report by the Sunday Independent which claims that millions of rands are “disappearing” unaccounted for in his department. He also denied reports that he is fighting tooth and nail to keep a report highlighting this as confidential.

Guest: Ishmael Mnisi – Spokesperson for the Department of Higher Education

Our next guest is challenging us to have an honest conservation on language use since the dawn of democracy. He argues that the government is elevating some languages and neglecting others through its policy. He takes readers back to the CODESA negotiations to paint a picture of the initial spirit of the Constitution's sixth section. He unpacks the importance of shifting our linguistic landscape 28 years on. He also addresses seeking visibility for all of our indigenous languages in government and multimedia platforms to build social cohesion.

Guest: Prof. Thabo Ditsele - Associate Professor of Sociolinguistics and Linguistic Anthropology at the Tshwane University of Technology

As stage 2 loadshedding returns, cabinet ministers and their families will not feel the impact of scheduled power outage. President Cyril Ramaphosa's 68 member cabinet are not only exempt from loadsheding but also fitted with generators to the tune of R1,3 million last year. According to the new regulations implemented in the ministerial handbook, the executive does not have to pay for electricity and this extends to water and other basic municipal services. The cost will be covered by the Department of Public Works and have spent R680 000 in this financial year. To unpack the implications of these decisions on South African taxpayers, 

Guest: Busisipho Siyobi - Lead Researcher in the Natural Resource Governance Programme at the Good Governance Africa

The recent killing of a German tourist in Mpumalanga has again raised fears of the negative impact this could have on tourism in the country. Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has assured the international community that South Africa is safe while Police Minister Bheki Cele said that police are on top of things when it comes protecting tourists. But, since the incident took place, many tourism bodies don’t seem to have trust in government’s assurances. To discuss this further and also to look at whether this incident may be as devastating as many make it to be,

Guest: Ian Cameron – Spokesperson at Action Society

 Muneyi’s music has been described as a gift from the gods, a healing experience as he connects the listener to his own narrative of Tshivenda folktales and modern sounds.

Inspired by his Makhulu (Grandmother), his community upbringing, a love for language, vulnerability, human behaviour and personal experiences. His music has an ability to transcend language and connect to one's heart and soul.

In 2019, he was the winner of the Afropunk Battle Of The Bands, which led to the release of his debut album in 2020 via Africori. He has shared stages with some of South Africa’s most relevant artists: Sho Madjozi, Msaki, Zoë Modiga, The Muffinz, Nduduzo Makhathini, Buhlebendalo, Nonku Phiri to name a few. With collaborators such as Kekelingo and Leomile, he is focussed on building a community, which can support each other and allow a new movement of Folk artists to take their message to the world.

Guest: Muneyi Romeo Masibigiri - Musician

Focus: Today (Friday) being International Day of Decent Work, we thought to use the opportunity to define what the term means. When unions talk about the subject, they often mention things like working hours, the right to strike, the right to leave, benefits, equality in the workplace and so on.

Under the current economic climate, many overlook basic employment conditions due to being desperate to find work. How then do we ensure the dignity of workers not only in the conditions but also in their compensation? As a listener, how would you define decent work? Let us first hear from our guest who has written recently on the crisis of waged work. We are joined by…

Guest: Dr. Dennis George - Former General Secretary of FEDUSA

As the WSEP comes to a close today, there have been hundreds of pupils sharing their innovative ideas on water throughout the week. Representing schools from around the country, we have asked them to share what they have learned and their experience at the Water and Sanitation Education Programme.

Guest:Unam Halam

Guest:Faith Klassens 

One of the eight projects under the Water and Sanitation programme is the Learning Academy. The Learning Academy was developed to create more employment opportunities while also bridging the skills gap which exists in the water and sanitation sector. The Learning Academy has awarded 800 learners with bursaries to pursue careers while 3500 schools have been supported through the programme.

Guest: Suzan Andrews  - National Coordinator of the Learning Academy at the Department of Water and Sanitation

We are joined by one of the beneficiaries of the WSEP who has become a professional in the water sector. Recently, she was nominated a Youth Advocate for the 2023 United Nations Game Changer Challenge.

Guest: Margo Adonis - Scientific Technician at the Department of Water and Sanitation (Beneficiary of the Learning Academy)

Since 1996, the Water and Sanitation Education Programmed has aimed to cultivate water saving culture hoping to ultimately change the mindsets, attitudes and behaviours of water users for a sustainable water resources management across the country. In 2015, the programme was recognised for its achievement by the United Nations and awarded the "Water for life best practice" Award. To help us unpack the objectives of the programme, 

Guest: Curtis Mabena - Director of Transformation at Department of Water and Sanitation