We’ve been hearing different opinions from medical practitioners and the sector as a whole. This time around we look at the health strategies for prevention and containment of a new Covid-19 pandemic. Where do we even start?

Guest: Dr Jabulani Ncayiyana - Epidemiologist and Senior Lecturer at the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine at the University of Cape Town

Effects of COVID-19 on unemployment
According to Business Live, economists’ predict that the effects of COVID-19 on unemployment will be felt in the second quarter of the year and in the foreseeable future.

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

One of the biggest health concerns that was raised within the context of the Covid-19 was the fear of contracting flue. In an article penned by Professor Marietjie Venter, she says it It is important to try to avoid getting flu this year, since you have the risk of being exposed to people that may have COVID-19 when you go to the doctor’s office. Scary thought indeed, but then how does one avoid this?


Guest: Professor Marietjie Venter, Head of the Zoonotic Arbo- and Respiratory Virus Programme, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria

We turn the focus on Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) by looking at how they are affected during the national lockdown. According to the Department of Social Development there are 228 533 NPO’s in South Africa. What role can they play during this period and what will be needed for them to survive post COVID-19?
Guest: Nation Builder’s executive trustee, Keri Paschal

The President of the Law Society of South Africa, Mvuzo Notyesi, says the amended regulations, governing courts during the coronavirus lockdown period, will have a significant impact on the administration of justice. The department of Justice has published amended regulations, to clear some confusion among the public. Among the amendments, lawyers involved in urgent litigation must get permission from the provincial director of the Legal Practice Council to be at court. What according to him are the consequences?

GUEST: Mvuzo Notyesi - President of the Law Society of South Africa

There has been reports doing the rounds about those people who live alone and the impact the lockdown is having on them. Some just don’t have friends or relatives they live with while others prefer being alone. Mentally how is the lockdown affecting them and what is it they can do to overcome?

Guest: Buyisile Mncina – Clinical psychologist

City of Joburg waste management company Pikitup has appealed on residents to sanitize the lids of their waste bins before collection. Pikitup continues to render waste collection services during the lockdown period. But now what about the worker? How safe are they seeing that people throw anything in the bin. How protective is their safety gear? Is it enough that we should sanitise our bins? What are their worries?

Guest: Koena Ramotlou – General Secretary of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU)

The South African Medical Association says it has requested Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to intervene in a dispute with the Limpopo Health Department over the forced quarantine of two doctors who tested positive for the coronavirus. SAMA alleges that the two doctors were forced into quarantine at the Modimolle quarantine site on Thursday when they had the means to self-isolate safely at home. SAMA chairperson Angelique Coetzee says they have lodged an urgent court application for an interdict.

Guest: Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa - Vice-Chairperson of the South African Medical Association

Last week we spoke to two South Africans who were stuck at the Malaysian airport. They could not enter the city, but also not able to come back home. Today talk to another South African, this time in Vietnam. He is an English teacher who is stranded in Hanoi without any source of income and says his savings are running out. He has been in self isolation for 68 days.

Guest: Ruben Gerber – South African teaching English in Vietnam

Earlier this year when we were broadcasting at the funeral of the late Dr Richard Maponya in Soweto, there was one particular hymn that was sang. It’s called Lizalise idinga lakho Thixo wenyaniso "God of truth fulfill your promise". Some articles say it was a prayer composed by Rev Tiyo Soga who is said to be the first black South African to be ordained and worked to translate the Bible and John Bunyan's classic work Pilgrim's Progress into his native Xhosa language.

Guest: Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni – General Secretary of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa