Guest: Siza Magangoe: DDG; Social Welfare Services, Eastern Cape Department of Social Development

Guest: Ismail Momoniat: National Treasury Adviser

South Africa’s growing dependence on imported animal products raises critical concerns about food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). My MSc research focused on the characterization of Salmonella enterica strains found in imported poultry meat from Brazil, Europe, and the United States, with a particular emphasis on their resistance to antibiotics. This study adds to global evidence that international food trade is a conduit for the spread of drug-resistant bacteria—a silent but escalating threat to public health and food security.

Guest: Thabo nkabinde: Director of Agrispace and Animal Scientist

Grant Abbott, Secretary General of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), has issued a stark warning about the deepening crisis of corruption in South Africa’s universities. In an interview with BizNews, Abbott accused “corruption mafia” networks of capturing governance structures within higher education institutions, comparing the phenomenon to state capture. With examples like the R172 million fraud scandal at the University of Fort Hare, Abbott says the integrity of the university system is being systematically dismantled—posing a serious threat to accountability, academic integrity, and the future of higher education in the country.

Guest: Grant Abbott: Secretary General of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU)

South Africa’s newly signed Expropriation Act, which permits the seizure of property without compensation, has triggered widespread criticism across political, legal, and economic circles. Critics argue the law undermines property rights, investor confidence, and democratic accountability, warning it may deepen economic instability and social inequality—especially for the poor it claims to uplift. Introduced under the ANC-led government and signed into law after the 2024 formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU), the Act is seen by many as a populist policy move aimed at appeasing the ANC's left-wing factions and former breakaway parties such as the EFF and MK.

Guest; William Gumede: Professor of practice, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, and author.

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a dramatic and dangerous new phase, as Israel has launched direct strikes on Iranian nuclear-related sites—including its Ministry of Defence—prompting an immediate and deadly retaliation from Iran. In the ensuing exchange, both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were struck by Iranian missile salvos, with civilian areas hit and numerous casualties reported. The situation continues to evolve with devastating consequences for both sides and growing concern across the international community.

Guest; Roland Henwood: Political Scientist And Commentator UP

South Africa’s public education system is facing a growing crisis. Despite funding allocations, more than 29,000 teacher posts remain vacant halfway through the academic year. Schools are being forced to operate without principals, deputy principals, and essential teaching staff — all while thousands of learners go without food, water, electricity, or support. Civil society and school governing bodies are demanding accountability as provincial education departments fail to spend money meant to support the most basic elements of schooling.

Guest: Jaco Deacon: CEO Fedsas & Education Law Expert

A draft budget of over R700 million for South Africa’s upcoming National Dialogue has ignited a firestorm of criticism from trade unions, political parties, academics, and civil society. While the government frames the dialogue—scheduled for August 15—as a critical moment of national reflection, detractors argue that it risks becoming yet another expensive, government-backed “talk shop” in a country already burdened by failing services, austerity cuts, and deep inequality.

Guest: Professor Sethulego Matebesi: Academic head of the University of the Free State’s department of sociology

Guest: Dr Musa Khumalo - Governance Support Officer for the City of Tshwane