The Daily Discourse

As the lockdown progresses, time is running out for graduations as ceremonies are usually done around this time of the year. The University of Johannesburg has come up with a way not to spoil it for those who are meant to graduate now. They will unveil a virtual graduation ceremony, this week where its 13 000 graduates will have the opportunity to don graduation attire in the comfort of their own homes. How is this going to work and will graduates still be required to wear their black gowns?

GUEST: Prof Kinta Burger – Registrar at the University of Johannesburg

The Department of Basic Education has warned schools not to open until they get the go-ahead from the department. The warning comes after reports that some schools were preparing to reopen prematurely without the official schedule from the minister. Let’s hear now from the independent schools as to what their position and concerns are under these circumstances as we welcome….

Guest: Lebogang Montjane – Executive Director for the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa

The National Union of Mineworkers in North East Region says it is highly disturbed by a mine keeping a Covid-19 case secret. The claim that the Mogalakwena Mine which is situated next to Mokopane Town in Limpopo was hiding the case and only revealing it now. How did NUM come to hear about the case and what other mines in that area are doing the same thing? Interestingly, just yesterday (Tuesday) we spoke to Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha about the task team they’ve set up to deal with the issue. Is NUM aware of this and what role are they playing in it?

Guest: Phillip Mankge - NUM’s North East Regional Secretary

Former communications minister and umKhumto Wesizwe General Siphiwe Nyanda has raised some concerns about the way government is leading the fight against Covid-19. One of the things he says is that some of government's regulations to curb the spread of the coronavirus didn't make sense".

Guest: General Sphiwe Nyanda - Former communications minister and umKhumto Wesizwe General

Sonke Gender Justice has welcomed the release of petty criminals by Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola. The advocacy group as a co-coordinating member of the Detention Justice Forum, has been calling on government to consider the high levels of overcrowding in South African prisons and the high risk of co-morbidity due to disproportionate rates of HIV and TB among incarcerated persons. For a perspective from them,

Guest: Zia Wasserman - National Prisons Coordinator at Sonke Gender Justice

As much as companies and individuals come forward to help in the fight against Covid-19, there are those people who would like to play their part, but don’t really know how. You know that feeling where you want to help, you want to assist NPOs or some other organisation but also worried about the lockdown rules.

Guest: Keri-Leigh Paschal - Executive trustee of Nation Builder

Good news for residents of Johannesburg is that the City Johannesburg is looking at ways to review its rates and municipal service charges. It says that this is part of their expanded social package programme to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on ratepayers. How will it work and who qualifies?
Guest: Councillor Jolidee Matongo – MMC for finance at the City of Johannesburg

There’s been a huge outcry on social media after a video surfaced of a father trying to prevent two KwaZulu-Natal traffic officers from removing his screaming child from a gated complex. This they say is because the child allegedly contravened a lockdown rule. The video shows two KwaDukuza traffic officers walking into the complex, in Salt Rock on the north coast. Having watched the video, or heard the report, should police have done what they did? Should they have respected the fact that it was a child? When should police use discretion? What are your views?

guest: SIPHO MKHIZE – SPOKESPERSON FOR THE KWADUKUZA MUNICIPALITY

Last week we saw long queues of people waiting for social grants and food parcels. The unfortunate ones went back home empty-handed. But then have you ever wondered what sort of mood this creates at home? Well, non-government organization, Khulisa Social Solutions is pioneering what they call a family peace-making programme for vulnerable individuals and communities. What is it they have noticed for them to come up with such a programme and how will they be going about it?

Guest: Lesley Ann van Selm - Founder and MD of Khulisa

In these torrid times the investment decisions are influenced often by irrelevant reasoning. This morning we are going to talk about the most common mistakes investors make.

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