The Daily Discourse

There has been widespread assertion that the world would be better off without religion. Some have claimed that throughout history, the root cause of many wars has been disagreement over religion. Nations throughout the centuries have been torn apart by religious debate and it is still happening now. Some skeptics say without religion, there would have been no 9/11 and no holocaust or millions of deaths could have been prevented in a religion free society. Others who are for religion say religion is good for giving people answers to things that science cannot answer or explain. Religion calms people down and gives them a sense of hope. On the Talking Point we are asking you this morning: Would humans be better off without religion?

GUEST: Jamie Mighti, who is a political analyst

A shocking video has emerged of several men attacking a patient at South Rand Hospital, in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. The video, which has since gone viral, was posted by Twitter user @jemina86217423, who says securities ran away during the incident and that when police eventually arrived they were nonchalant about the matter. Jemina further goes on to say that "this is why doctors and nurses are leaving the country".

GUEST: Jack Bloom, the DA's shadow member of the executive committee for health in Gauteng

Time now for our Friday Wind Down feature, where we profile high achievers in their respective fields. This morning we are in conversation with the former Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Michael Masutha, who says he is a happy pensioner. Advocate Masutha served as Minister of Justice and Correctional Services from 2014 until 2019. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1999. Advocate Masutha who was born with a visual impairment also a well-known activist for people living with disabilities, he has held membership of various organisations for disabled people such as Disabled People of South Africa (DPSA). For more on this life, he now joins me in our Auckland Park studios...

GUEST: Advocate Michael Masutha, the former Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

The South African delegation attending the G20 Summit which kicks off today in Osaka Japan is expected to discuss issues that affect South Africa and address the country's needs. This is according to National Treasury Director General, Dondo Mogajane. Mogajane says matters relating to trade tensions, debt sustainability, inequality and investment will top the agenda at the conference. So what is the G20 summit, and what do world leaders talk about? And what does it entail for South Africa as a country?

GUEST: Dr. Martyn Davies, Managing Director, Emerging Markets and Africa, at Deloitte (for 5 minutes)

GUEST: Dr Khulu Mbatha, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s advisor on International Relations

State-owned arms manufacturer Denel received a loan to pay its staff their full salaries this month, giving the company a short-term reprieve from its financial woes. Most of agree that South Africa's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are in a dire state and in urgent need of funds. BUT those constant government bailouts have not helped the situation to date and government is also running out of options for funding sources, as SOEs are constantly in need of bailouts. When private funders loan money to companies like Denel, do they provide finance without factoring in the governance and decision-making of the SOEs? What vested interest or benefits would a donor have in giving a loan to a company such as Denel? And what are the dangers of such loans?

GUEST: Dr Dale McKinley, who is an Independent Political Analyst

Guest: Nana Zenana - Prasa Spokesperson

Guest; Sipho Struurman - SABC Reporter

We are now in conversation with Sindiso Mnisi Weeks, an Assistant Professor, at School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, at the University of Massachusetts Boston in America, who says "South Africa still has a long way to go to settle traditional leadership challenges". This after rural activists marched to the government's headquarters in Pretoria to protest against the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill awaiting signature by President Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Traditional Courts Bill which has been passed by the National Assembly and is now before the National Council of Provinces. They say the pending laws reduce their constitutional rights.

GUEST: Sindiso Mnisi Weeks, an Assistant Professor, at School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, at the University of Massachusetts Boston in America

Integration of young people into key strategic leadership roles is essential for sustainable economic South Africa. Today’s youth are tomorrow leaders and preparing them for the future is critical. Today on The Talking Point we ask, how do we groom today’s youth to be tomorrow leaders?

GUEST: Dudu Msomi – CEO of Busara Leadership
Contacts

This feature therefore looks at the role of water boards in water collection, preservation and distribution. We also look at service delivery at these water utilities - their ability to connect South Africans to piped water, prevent water wastage, and provide clean water as well as management.

GUEST: Vuyo Zitumane - CEO of Amatola Water