The Daily Discourse

The DA says the 2019 matric pass rate of 81-point-three percent is incorrect and that it is actually 38.9%. This follows last night’s announcement of the 2019 results by Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga. For the latest we are now joined on the line by…

GUST: DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, Nomsa Marchesi

As tension grown between the USA and Iran, leaders from the different countries are watching to see what develops as the two continue the hurl insults at each other. The British, Israel and the Russians are preparing their military for any actuality. But then where does all of this leave the African states? Should war breakout, what should Africa’s position be and should the continent stand united in whatever may happen?

GUEST: Izak Khomo – Presenter/Producer Africa Spotlight at Channel Africa

In recent years we have seen calls to professionalize community radio stations. Community radio wants its mandate to shift away from being seen as volunteer work and to be seen an important economic role player and job creator. Currently more than 40 community radio stations nationwide could possibly be shut down due to lack of licenses, funding and spiraling debt. This morning we are in conversation with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA about the mandate of community radio and how ICASA can help in securing the future of the community radio...

GUEST: ICASA spokesperson, Paseka Maleka

Yesterday (Monday) we spoke to the EFF’s student command about their call for all institutions of higher learning to allow walk-in registration. Then during the discussion, they highlighted the plight of the rural child. We even received many voice notes indicating that the rural child is being left out. This morning, we look into the plight of the rural child and how government is leaving them out. Why are they forgotten?

GUEST: Hendrick Makaneta, education activist

From time to time we have seen frustrated family and community members staging protests in their quest to oppose bail to an offender or offenders accused of serious offences such as rape and murder. South Africa is in the grip of a serious crisis of violence, especially against women and children. Last year President Cyril Ramaphosa says said government intends to opposing bail for rape and Femicide suspects and for those who are convicted to be refused parole. So who qualifies for bail?

GUEST: Tshepo Seloane, who is a Criminal Lawyer and Litigation Specialist from Landau Group in Johannesburg

Former City of Joburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba says he is devastated by the passing of Maponya. Mashaba who is a businessman himself, says Maponya has contributed immensely to the person he is today. He says his passing is a great loss to the black community.

GUEST: Former City of Joburg Mayor and Businessman, Herman Mashaba

The EFF Students' Command has threatened to go ahead with the walk-in applications at various universities. This despite the call by Universities - saying no walk-in applications will be allowed. The EFF Students' Command says they want to ensure that deserving students are not excluded from being registered…

GUEST: Mandla Shikwambana, President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC)

The world is holding its breath as tensions mount between the USA and Iran. US President, Donald Trump is stressing that he is willing to target Iranian cultural sites in retaliation for the killing of Americans by Tehran. The two countries are at boiling point following the US killing of one of Iran's most powerful figures, General *Qasem Soleimani. Today being Monday, Iran has still not acted on its threat. What should we read into this?

GUEST: Ibrahim Deen, Researcher at the Afro-Middle East Centre

UMALUSI, The Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training has given the 2019 Matric examinations the green light. The body has approved the examinations saying they went smoothly with no systematic irregularities. Over Six-Hundred-Thousand full time learners sat for the examination, while just over 100-thousand were part time candidates. UMALUSI was briefing the media in Pretoria last week. This morning we are going to look at the state of education in South Africa, ahead of the release of the Matric results on Tuesday.

GUEST: Professor Mary Metcalfe, who is an Education expert

A popular radio DJ that once worked for SABC's Ukhozi FM has died after an illness. Vukani Masinga known as Chilli M joined Ukhozi FM in 2012. Programmes manager for Ukhozi FM Zandile Tembe says the country has lost someone with special talent for radio. She says Chilli M quickly excelled within the station and was moved to co-host to the day time show 'Nethezeka' with Nonhlanhla 'Mroza' Buthelezi.

GUEST: Nick Rashford, Former SABC colleague who worked closely with Chilli M at SABC
Guest: Zandile Ntembe Program manager at Ukhozi Fm