The Daily Discourse

Historically, South Africa’s economy was built around mining, agriculture and cheap black labour. Since the late 1980’s the mining industry has shrunk and thousands of workers were laid off, many banished to the former homelands of Apartheid South Africa and neighbouring countries. Many have since struggled to survive and relied on retirement and other benefits due to them. However, this was not forthcoming, leaving many miners and other workers and their widows destitute. In today’s show we assess the progress of these workers in accessing their long overdue benefits and we talk to representatives of the Unpaid Benefits Campaign (UBC)…

GUEST: Thomas Malokotsa, who is the chair of the East Rand Unpaid Benefits Campaign (UBC)

GUEST: Dr Dale McKinley, a senior researcher from the International Labour Research and Information Group (ILRIG) and co-ordinator of the UBC

We are coming to you live from the Durban Business Fair which is the premier business exhibition hosted annually by the eThekwini Municipality. It is a mixed bag of exhibitors, business owner, industry leaders and characterized by discussions around the sector. Why is such a gathering important and what is new this time around?

GUEST: Ethekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda

Is there room for a language-based university? We are now in conversation with Gauteng Education MEC, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, who has criticized Solidarity's plans to open an Afrikaans-only university. Mec says a language-based university is anathema to our society and a disgrace to our Constitution. To elaborate further on the matter, we are now joined on the line by MEC, Panyaza Lesufi...

GUEST: Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education

The South African Society of Bank Officials, SASBO, says it's not surprised that Business Unity South Africa has approached the Labour Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, to seek an interdict against SASBO's planned strike on Friday. The court is today expected to make a ruling on BUSA's application to halt the COSATU affiliate's nationwide strike.

GUEST: Cosatu spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla

International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor last week said that while South Africa could not afford to be characterized as a country that ostracizes Africans, leaders on the continent should also not be allowed to degrade their countries. She was addressing the African Diaspora Community following the attacks on Foreign Nationals in the country. Does she have a point?

GUEST: Izak Khomo – Producer and presenter for Spotlight Africa at Channel Africa

We revisit the sugar tax issue as it’s a year later to find out whether it has persuaded consumers to cut back on sugary drinks. Those in the health sector differ on whether it has made a difference in dealing with the health impact. Let’s get an experts perspective on this. Is it making a difference so far in getting consumers to cut back?

GUEST: Professor Rina Swart of the School of Public Health at the University of the Western Cape

Staying on our discussions around heritage, we are now in conversation with Vusi Ndima, Deputy director-general for heritage in the Department of Arts and Culture about what the department is doing to promote and preserve the country’s heritage and heritage sites. We will also look at the ideals that go into the making of heritage, the building of monuments…

GUEST: Vusi Ndima, Deputy director-general for heritage in the Department of Arts and Culture

Heritage Day commemorates South Africa's vibrant diversity in culture, beliefs and traditions. The day recognizes the cultural melting pot that makes up the South African nation. It's a day set aside to celebrate and unite in our differences. However, commercially the day is also synonymous with Braai Day. This morning on the Talking Point we will look at how we as South Africans can preserve our indigenous heritage and knowledge. And as listners we are asking you - What are you doing to hold on to your heritage? …

GUEST: Dr Mathole Motshekga, the chairperson of the Kara Heritage Institute

South African parents could be criminally convicted for spanking their children. The Constitutional Court has confirmed the 2017 judgment of the High Court in Johannesburg, which ruled that disciplining children physically is unconstitutional. This morning on our Legally Speaking feature, we are in conversation with the Centre for Child Law, which is based in the Law Faculty at the University of Pretoria to understand what the new law entails legally and whether the ruling will advance South Africa towards non-violence…

GUEST: Isabel Magaya, a researcher at the Centre for Child Law, which is based in the Law Faculty at the University of Pretoria

As you may have heard how many times the media has been covering the issue of gender based violence for almost the whole year. August and September have been the worst with very brutal stories involving young girls. This time around, let’s look at the cost of gender based violence to the country. Aunnie Patton-Power has penned an article where she outlines the cost of gender based violence to the different sectors that make up society…

GUEST: Aunnie Patton-Power – From the UCT GSB’s Bertha Centre