As we observe May Day - Mbhazima Shilowa shares his thoughts on the exceptional challenges facing the workers during the Covid19 pandemic. Since the enforcement of the national lockdown there were various disturbing reports suggesting that some companies that were operating during the national lockdown were largely failing to provide basic or adequate health and safety measures.

Guest: Mbhazima Shilowa, former General Secretary of Cosatu

The Automobile Association (AA) says a record decrease in the price of fuel is expected in May due to the lockdown and other factors. The AA says petrol is expected to decrease by R1.74 a litre with diesel expected to fall by R1.56 and illuminating paraffin a whopping R2.18.
Guest: Layton Beard- Spokesperson for the Automobile Association

According to S&P, the downgrade is a result of coronavirus related pressures that will have significant adverse implications for South Africa’s already deficient growth and fiscal outcomes. Government has expressed disappointment over global ratings agency S&P to lower South Africa’s long term foreign and local currency debt ratings further into non-investment grade to ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’ respectively. The agency revised the outlook to stable from negative.
Guest: Dr Azar Jammine, Chief Economist at Econometrix

Still on the Sanco story, right now though we focus on the course of action that can be taken against anyone who violates the national lockdown laws.
Guest: Ulrich Roux, attorney and managing director of Ulrich Roux & Associates

Sanco reacts to the WhatsApp message that allegedly orders that food parcels only be given to those residents affiliated to SANCO. The organisation says it condemns the views shared by its member whose name is not mentioned in the statement. The incident took place amid existing fears of corruption, abuse of power and mismanagement of resources meant for the neediest.
Guest: Bongikhaya Qhama, the Provincial chair of SANCO in the Western Cape

We pay tribute to anti-apartheid activist Professor Dennis Goldberg who sadly died just before midnight (we are told). Goldberg was one of 10 people who faced charges of treason in 1963 after a raid on Liliesleaf Farm. He was found guilty on charges, including conspiracy and sabotage, during the infamous Rivonia Trial held at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria from October 1963 to June 1964. He was imprisoned for 22 years in Pretoria Central Prison until he was released in 1985.

Guest: Mac Maharaj, ANC stalwart

Yesterday Masechaba spoke to the ANC's parliamentary study group on Tourism Chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo about the use of BBBEE in the government's relief measures for businesses during Covid19. This after AfriForum and Solidarity decided to approach the court to challenge the official government policy of BBBEE. During the Interview Supra Mahumapelo backed Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane's use of BBBEE as a requirement for businesses to qualify for the tourism relief fund. Take a listen...

SUPRA ON BEE
DUR: 4:00
LINK: And that was Supra Mahumapelo, Chairperson of the ANC's parliamentary study group on Tourism. To give us the other side of the story - we're joined on the line by Anton van der Bijl, Head of labour Legal services at Solidarity

Seven people have been arrested in connection with vandalising and breaking in at schools at Mankweng outside Polokwane in Limpopo. Some of the goods recovered include computers and fridges.
Guest: Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo- Police spokesperson in Limpopo

A group of researchers from the University of Cape Town are hard at work developing a smartphone app to help government track people who may be unaware they have contracted COVID-19, as well as those who have come into contact with people who have tested positive. The application is called Covid and uses location to do the tracking.
Guest: Professor Co-Pierre Georg- UCT Associate Professor

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) met with Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan yesterday to try and find the most optimum solution to the current challenges faced by South African Airways (SAA) and SA Express. It was reported yesterday that SA Express has been placed on provisional liquidation.
Guest: Zazi Nsibanyoni-Mugambi- SACCA President