Some political analysts say that Friday’s Constitutional Court judgment against the IEC will definitely be huge blow to the governing ANC which supported the postponement of the local government elections. The ANC which supported a postponement and has struggled to register thousands of councillors expected to contest the municipal elections. It’s no secret that the ANC is in a lot of trouble with some of its leaders fighting openly in public, on the other had staff members took to the streets protesting against unpaid wages. What has happened to Africa’s oldest liberation movement and how did it find itself here?

Guest: Prof Susan Booysen – Political Analyst

September being Public Service Month, we thought to look at the state of public service in the country and whether it’s improving or getting worse. Sadly a story has emerged from Limpopo where a 24-hour service clinic had its gates locked resulting in a woman giving birth outside risking the life of the baby.

Guest: Zukiswa Kota – Head of Monitoring and Advocacy at the Public Service Accountability Monitor, Rhodes University

Yesterday (Sunday) soldiers staged an uprising in Guinea's capital, Conakry stating in a broadcast on state TV that they have dissolved the constitution and the government in the West African state in an apparent coup. The fate of Guinea's President, Alpha Condé is was unclear by late last night. Earlier this year, Mali also had a similar situation where the army took over twice in less than a year. What is it about Africa and the culture of the military taking over? What could we attribute this to?  To help us understand this, we are joined on the line by…

Guest: Dr. David Zounmenou – Senior Research Consultant at the Institute of Security Studies

The news of the closure of iconic Liliesleaf Museum was greeted by shock nationally. Ironically the closure happens during Heritage and Tourism Month. Let’s remind ourselves about the historical significance of Liliesleaf as we listen to this report by Olebogeng Kgosilentswe..

Guest: Dr Unathi Sonwabile Henama – Tourism lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology

Guest: Dr Siona O’Connell – Lecturer in the School of the Arts at the University of Pretoria

Guest: Dr Andre Gouws - South African Cultural Observatory (Will check title with him)

We speak now to mother and daughter team who are in the jewellery business. It’s called Isabella Jewellers and Refiners which is the brainchild of Isabella Kobela. She was trained in goldsmithing and rough diamond evaluation who trained as a gold-smith and rough diamond evaluation going it alone in 2008. She was later joined by her daughter Meiki Ngcengeni and as they say the rest is history. 

Guests: Isabella Kobela – Founder of Isabella Jewellers and Refiners

Guest: Meiki Ngcengeni – Sales Executive at Isabella Jewellers and Refiners

We end the show by talking to the Association of B-BBEE Professionals as they are hoping to deal with some of the misconceptions around the policy.  September is also known as BEE Month and we thought to talk on the issue and remind ourselves as to why this policy was implemented in the first place and since its inceptions, how much changes has it brought with criticism that it benefited the elite? To talk to us on this, we are joined on the line by…

Guest: Dumisani Mpafa – Chairperson of the Association of B-BBEE Professionals

Truth and Reconciliation Commission reparations bursary programme was set up to benefit victims and dependents of identified TRC victims. But sadly some of them are not happy with how the funds have been administered and not really sure what the money is supposed to be paying for. Let’s get to understand why some of the beneficiaries are unhappy and also hear from the Justice Department as to what exactly the funds are paying for…..

Guest: Crispin Phiri – Spokesperson for the Justice Department

Over the years, economists and recruiters have been talking about how strict and heavy South African labour laws are. The biggest concern was on hiring and firing of staff as processes are too difficult for employers making them think twice before dismissing an employee. What impact is this having on employer/employee relations and what does it do for our reputation to international recruiters? To help us around this subject, we are joined on the line by…

Guest: Tzvi Brivik - Director at Malcom Lyons and Brivik

For our health feature today, our expert will deal with all your Covid-19 and vaccine related questions. The latest developments around this is that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases says it remains confident that despite the various mutations of the Corona Virus, vaccines currently being administered will protect against death and hospitalisation. On Monday night, the NICD announced the emergence of a new variant, C.1.2 which at present has relatively low frequency across the country, at just three percent. Let’s welcome now…..

Guest: Prof Mosa Moshabela, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation - University Of Kwa-Zulu Natal

Let’s tell you now about Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited. Their aim is to drive economic development and empowerment, whilst remaining financially sustainable. The nature of their business includes: business finance, industrial and commercial property development and management, retail banking services, home loan products, and insurance services. What are some of their highlights over the years?

Guest: Pearl Bengu - Group chief executive at iThala Development Finance Corporation