Today being Tuesday, it’s time for our regular UIF feature where Tsiamo Molema addresses all your questions. Please remember to keep your questions very brief and listen on the radio for answers. Also keep your voice notes short and to the point…..

GUEST: Tshiamo Molema – Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation in the Commissioner’s Office

Last week we received a call from two inmates based at the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre, from a gentleman by the name Rasekwai who was calling on his fellow inmate’s behalf, Mr Nkomo. He was seeking advice for his health condition as. Let’s listen to what he had to say….

CLIP-PRISON-CALLER

LINK: For a response on this and also to find out what sort of medical assistance the Department of Correctional Services provides to inmates,
Guest: Singabakho Nxumalo – Spokesperson for Correctional Services

Today Bryan looks at the cost of medical aid which makes up a large part of one’s expenses, however, before the end of the year members do have choices. Bryan is also giving a report back on the Means Test question from last week….

GUEST: Bryan Hirsch, Chairperson of Bryan Hirsch, Colley & Associates (Pty) Limited

There has been a positive response so far to the news that Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has gazetted amendments to the Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity. This will allow municipalities to embark on their own power generation projects. However, this only applies to municipalities with good standing. For a perspective on this,

Guest: Nhlanhla Ngidi – Head of Energy and Electricity at SALGA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the Special Covid-19 Grant will be extended further by three months. The President was unveiling government's reconstruction and economic recovery plan during a joint sitting of Parliament. The plan consists of four priority interventions which include massive rollout of infrastructure, energy generation, employment stimulus and industrial growth. The President says support for vulnerable households is also important…

Guest: Sacha Knox, policy analyst and member of the #PayTheGrants Campaign
Guest: Sifiso Skenjana - Skenjana is chief economist and thought leadership executive at IQ Business
Guest: Daddy Mabe – A grant claimant and member of the Cash Transfer Group within C19 Coalition representing the Assembly of the Unemployed

Guest: Professor Dumisa – Independent Economist and admitted advocate of the High Court

South Africa is in a far better position in terms of media freedom compared to Apartheid days. However the South African media industry still faces serious challenges including journalists being harassed by police and the community whilst covering news stories. The impact of Covid-19 on the economy has also resulted in some 700 journalists losing their jobs as media companies shut down operations or retrench workers. Today (Monday), South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday also marked as National Press Freedom day where a number of events will be held where journalists and media workers will reflect on the state of press freedom under the current challenges. Tshepo Phagane has more…

PKG-BLACK-WEDNESDAY

LINK: We will bring you a special discussion on Wednesday around Black Wednesday. But since today is the actual day in history, let us reflect on where we are as the media and our role in this democracy as we welcome…

Guest: Prof Anton Harber – Head of the Journalism and Media Studies Programme at Wits University

The situation in Senekal has raised many issues about the state of agriculture and farming in the Free State. The MEC responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development met with some of the farming communities. The idea was to talk about forging a better working relationship with organized agriculture. The MEC now joins us on the line to talk about the challenges faced by farmers and how he plans to deal with their problems…

Guest: William Bulwane - Free State MEC for agriculture and rural development

The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has no doubt revealed more than we thought. Witnesses have been giving explosive information of how money was embezzled by those in power through state owned enterprises. We have also seen a couple of arrests while the revelations continue. Sadly though, it’s again the whistle blower that’s being victimised. Something that’s raising fears that this may deter others from coming forward. As encouraging as it is that we are seeing all these big names in the media, how else can we deal with laws around whistle blowers? Also the media has been revealing so much linked to corruption. The Hawks on the other hand have been very busy making arrest. How should we read all of these developments? Is the Commission on the right track?

Guest: Lawson Naidoo – Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution

The intended beneficiaries of the corruption-tainted Estina dairy farm project in the Free State want to be compensated. The more than 250 million rand project is fully operational, but the would-be beneficiaries have been sidelined. Thabiso Radebe reports..

PKG-ESTINA

LINK: Interestingly, the Free State members of the ANC and victims of both the failed asbestos and the Estina dairy project are marching to Luthuli House and to find out what issues they are raising with party’s leadership,

Guest: Mxolisi Dukwana - Former Free State MEC for Economic Development

Siyabonga Africa is a non-profit organisation that creates opportunities for unemployed, poverty stricken and destitute people helping them to find solutions to their problems and to tell us more,

Guest: Sarah-Jane Brink - Senior Manager at Siyabonga Africa