On World Food Day, a stark reality emerges: South Africa generates an estimated 16.7 million tonnes of food waste, enough to feed 40 million people. With 63.5% of households facing food insecurity, urgent intervention is needed to address this pressing issue. 

Guest: Kate Stubbs: Director of Business Development and Marketing at Interwaste 

On October 16, 2024, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) expressed significant concern regarding the adverse audit outcomes of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) for the 2023/2024 financial year. This ongoing issue highlights a contentious disagreement between the RAF and the Auditor-General, raising critical questions about financial practices and sustainability. 

Guest: Songezo Zibi: SCOPA Chairperson  

The recent proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive has sparked significant controversy, particularly due to the vocal support from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. Their actions are perceived as a mockery of the public participation process, which concluded recently, and have raised critical questions about governance priorities in Johannesburg. 

Guest:Martin Williams: DA councillor for Ward 90,  

(Sandton Drive)  

Pule Mabe has announced his decision to step aside from his position as an ANC NEC member following fraud charges related to a 2017 tender awarded to his company, Enviro Mobi. He emphasizes that this action does not indicate any admission of guilt. 

Guest: Snuki Zikalala: President of the ANC Veterans League  

Clicktivism – or social-media driven activism has become pervasive in today's digital and social-media , super-connected world. We've all done it – you notice a person or company engaging in behaviour you find deplorable, and you decide you will do something about it. So you start a social media campaign or petition, and sometimes name and shame that person and others associated with them, possibly even sharing their pictures, details of their businesses and in some instances even their physical address. Well, you might want to think carefully before you click ‘post' on that. A recent constitutional court judgment has now spelled out the law on how far you can go with your clicktivism without infringing on your target's right to privacy. To help us make sense of the case of Botha v Smuts is Digital and social media law expert, and founder of The Digital Law Company Emma Sadleir… 

Guest: Emma Sadlier: Social Media Law Specialist 

Almost 40% of the world’s anti-HIV pill users live in South Africa: As of August 2024, South Africa has established the world's largest HIV prevention pill program, with 1.65 million HIV-negative individuals using the anti-HIV pill at least once. This initiative is crucial in combating the 150,000 new HIV infections reported in 2023 and aligns with global targets set by UNAIDS to reduce new infections significantly by 2025.

Guest: Dr Lethukwenama Letsoalo: Medical Doctor and Public Health Advocate. (She creates online health education content that’s relatable and jargon free. Dr Letsoalo is one of the partners of the #ForeverWena campaign.)

 

Afrika Update Report

16 October 2024

1. Kenya - Nairobi

Chief Justice Koome names judges to handle DP Gachagua ouster petitions

Kenya’s Chief Justice has set up a team of three judges to review petitions against the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who faces corruption charges.

1. Botswana- Gaborone – election update

The Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) alleged confidential report has expressed shock following the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections, Peggy Serame's unexpectedly lost to Edwin Dikoloti in the Goodhope-Mmathethe constituency.

 

1. Mozambique – Maputo

Opposition reports election fraud in Mozambique

As expected, the ruling FRELIMO party won the elections in Mozambique. However, opposition parties report massive electoral fraud. Observers have also raised concerns.

The official results have yet to be released, but it is becoming clear that the Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO), the party in power since Mozambique's independence almost 50 years ago, and its candidate, Daniel Chapo, will win.

 

1. South Afrika – Tshwane

The National Press Club, UNISA’s Communication Science Department, and the Qoboza family would be hosting the 14th Percy Qoboza Memorial Lecture today, Wednesday, 16 October 2024 at 18:00 and at Kgorong Building, UNISA’s main campus in Pretoria.

The lecture will be delivered by Ms. Phathiswa Magopeni who is a seasoned media executive and an academic.

 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 16 October 1985 when the Delmas Treason Trial began.

The Delmas Treason Trial, up to that time the longest trial in the history of SA, started in Delmas, east of Pretoria. Twenty-two Transvaal United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders, including former premiers of the Free State and North West provinces, Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota and Popo Molefe, were indicted for treason in June. All the accused pleaded not guilty.

International: As the U.S. elections approach, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are intensifying their campaigns in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state with a significant number of electoral votes. With just three weeks remaining, the pressure is mounting on both candidates to connect with voters and solidify their support. In this analysis, we’ll explore the latest developments, key issues at play, and what these campaigns mean for the overall election landscape.

Guest: Sherwin Bryce-Pease: UN/US Correspondent: SABC News

In response to the tragic deaths of six children from suspected food poisoning linked to snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto, health inspections are set to take place across the area this week. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has initiated compliance checks, revealing alarming practices among local businesses.

Guest: Ms Prudence Moilwa: Head of Complaints and Investigations, national consumer commission

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reported that R21.4 billion has been paid out in two-pot withdrawals since the system's launch on September 1, a significant rise from R4 billion just over a month ago. This new system allows retirement fund members to access a portion of their savings while ensuring funds are preserved for retirement.

Guest: Edward Kieswetter: SARS Commissioner