Google is backing South African entrepreneurs using artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems, with applications now open for the 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator South Africa. 

GUEST: Siyavuya Madikane - Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google South Africa

Alleged crime boss, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s lawyer believed it was unfair for proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to continue in the absence of his lead counsel. Advocate Fatima Missi appeared on behalf of Advocate Annelene van der Heever, who is said to be unwell. 

GUEST: Nthabiseng Dubazana, Founder and director of Dubazana Attorneys

Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as UK Prime Minister with a trip to Kyiv. The Prime Minister’s visit will include a hand over of blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The UK Prime Minister will also chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing", set up by the UK and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer. In addition to that, the UK Prime Minister will also accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK's support for Ukraine and to take part in independence day events.

GUEST: Dr. Joan Swart, Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch Military Academy

Professor Brian Williams released a statement yesterday strongly rejecting claims that the late General Andre Lincoln advised or encouraged suspended MP and National Coloured Congress leader, Fadiel Adams, to pursue criminal charges against senior crime intelligence officials. 

GUEST: Professor Brian Williams, Lifelong friend of General Andre Lincoln

A suspected multimillion-rand crystal meth manufacturing operation has suffered a major setback following an intelligence-driven operation in Limpopo. The operation was conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), in collaboration with the South African Police Service, the South African Narcotics Bureau Head Office, the Crime Intelligence Head Office, Hawks Limpopo, the Special Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and Homeland Security. 

GUEST: Colonel Avele Fumba, Hawks Spokesperson

Johannesburg will host the second Africa and African Diaspora Conference this coming October, bringing Africans and people of African descent together to advance reparations, racial justice and Pan-African unity. The gathering comes amid growing global backlash against these gains, raising questions about how Africa and the diaspora can protect progress and build collective power.

GUEST: Rev. Frank Chikane - Co-Convener of the Africa & African Diaspora Conference

Parliament has tabled the Coalitions Bill as South Africa heads towards the local government elections, but concerns are growing over the compressed 76-day timeline. My Vote Counts is questioning whether Parliament can meet its constitutional obligation to ensure meaningful public participation while trying to fast-track the legislation.

GUEST: Joel Bregman -Project Lead: Money in Politics at My Vote Counts

President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in Pretoria for the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. 

GUEST: Sophie Mokoena - SABC News Specialist Correspondent

Paid partnerships and influencer marketing are everywhere, but are creators and brands being transparent about what is sponsored? The IAB South Africa’s new Influencer Disclosure Toolkit offers guidance on disclosure across major platforms, following an ARB ruling that even gifted products must be disclosed.

GUEST: Casey Mantle - Head of Digital - Special Effects Media South Africa

South Africa and Zimbabwe have moved to strengthen cooperation in correctional services. Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, held a meeting on Wednesday this week ahead of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission and the signing of a memorandum of understanding today. The agreement is expected to deepen cooperation in justice and correctional services while contributing to regional integration within the Southern African Development Community.

GUEST: Pieter Groenewald, Minister of Correctional Services