Powerful corporations are driving the obesity crisis by promoting junk food in the way tobacco firms push cigarettes. This is according to experts in a new major report released yesterday calling on all governments to unite against “Big Food” in the way they once took on “Big Tobacco”. The experts have now called for a global treaty to limit the political influence of Big Food, modelled on the UN agreement signed on tobacco 15 years ago. And they demanded taxes on red meat and other “unhealthy food” to subsidise vegetables and schemes that promote walking and cycling.

Guest: Sibongile Nkosi – director at living alliance

Yesterday we spoke to the KZN MEC of Economic Development Sihle Zikalala on his new province-wide launch of Business Regulation Programme which is meant to get rid of illegal businesses in KZN especially those operating in the townships.
A large number of you called and commented on this.
And I see here that THE National Freedom Party has called on the KwaZulu-Natal government to allow informal traders to operate in the townships. It said it was against the “forceful removal of black businesses”…calling it war on black business.

Guest: Sabelo Sigudu - Spokesperson – NFP

Services have been disrupted due to workers' strike at Vhembe district municipality in Thohoyandou in Limpopo. Workers affiliated to SAMWU have downed tools since Monday after a union leader was shot and seriously injured last week. Workers say those who speak against corruption are being targeted. Residents are unable to buy water at the district offices.

Guest: SABC reporter Michael Makungo

Eastern Cape Co-operative Governance MEC, Fikile Xasa, has called on all parties involved in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipal strike to quickly find a resolution. The strike has left Mthatha looking like a dump site. Xasa held a meeting with municipal leadership and the workers' unions IMATU and SAMWU near the municipal offices.

guest: Fundiswa Mhlekude, SABC reporter in the Eastern Cape

While the national pass rate has improved, the reality is only 40% of any Grade 1 cohort actually goes on to complete Grade 12.

And to try and provide context to such figures, and shed light on why our education system has gone so wrong, the DG Murray Trust has pulled together a collection of essays, opinion pieces and analysis in their new biannual publication called the Human Factor.

This publications addresses the potential influence the 400 000 teachers we have across the country to shape the future of SA - and the barriers that are preventing them from doing so.

Guest: David Harrison - CEO of the DG Murray Trust

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala today officially launched the province-wide campaign directed at effective implementation of business regulations which amongst other things call for all businesses to be properly registered to curb illegal trade and unfair competition.

It is said the proliferation of illegal business enterprises which has caused severe anger among KwaZulu-Natal residents will soon be a thing of the past.

Guest: Mr Sihle Zikalala - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs

The ANC has just finished briefing the media on the final registration weekend where they raised a couple of issues. This past Sunday was the deadline for voter registration which was also marred by protest action at some centres.

Guest: SABC senior political reporter Ntebo Mokobo

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has reacted with anger at the department of correctional services over what they deem as inadequate workplace safety measures. This after three warders were stabbed this past weekend by prisoners at the Goedmoed and Kroonstad Correctional Centres.

Guest: Richard Mamabolo, spokesperson for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union

It is still the beginning of the year and our question, what can small businesses do the capture consumers, and engage them for extended periods of time to the point of influencing their behavior? How do small businesses really achieve those meaningful connections with people in today’s business climate?

Guest: John Davenport, Chief Creative Officer at Havas.

The Democratic Alliance say it will approach the United Natyi, ICC and South African Parliament over Zimbabwe situation. The DA has quoted the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum which said at at least 12 people have been killed, 78 shot at, and 240 faced what the NGO has termed “assault, torture, inhumane and degrading treatment.
Guest: Steven Mokgalapa - DA Shadow Minister of International Relations