According to the latest statistics. The official unemployment rate has decreased by 1.4 percentage points from 33.5% in the second quarter of this year to 32.1% in the third quarter. However though, the youth remain vulnerable in the labour market despite the survey results showing that the total number of unemployed youth decreased by 171,000. Currently youth unemployment rate stands at an incredibly high 45.5%. For more insight on the latest unemployment figures, we are joined by……

GUEST: Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General of South Africa 

Tensions are running high in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, following a stand-off between residents and Johannesburg Metro police officials. Joburg Water officials were conducting an operation to disconnect illegal water connections in the Phumla-mqashi area in Lenasia. But, a protest ensued, resulting in four vehicles being damaged by residents. SABC News reporter Monique Lewis

AfriForum has requested the Gauteng Department of Education to allow authorised sellers who can prove that they meet all requirements and comply with health regulations to resume the sale of food at schools. The organisation agrees that steps to prevent more cases and deaths are essential but is of the opinion that this ban is far too drastic.

GUEST: Elana Bailey, Head of Cultural Affairs and Education at AfriForum

Former South African Ambassador to the United States of America, Ebrahim Rasool is heading back to the U.S for a second stint as the country’s ambassador. Rasool will have to nurse our fragile relationship with the U.S which is largely troubled by a sense of mutual disappointment and mistrust, particularly when it comes to our foreign policy pronouncements. 

GUEST: Ebrahim Rasool, newly appointed SA Ambassador to the U.S

Professor Thumbi Ndung’u from the University of KwaZulu-Natal has been elected to the prestigious US National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Election to the National Academy of Medicine is recognised as one of the highest global honours in health and medicine, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and a profound commitment to advancing public health.

GUEST: Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, Scientific Director of the HIV Pathogenesis Programme @ the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Forgiving yourself and others is an acknowledgement that letting go of angry or resentful feelings will improve your life greatly. Transformational life, business and executive coach, Puseletso Modimogale joins me on the line to breakdown how forgiving yourself and others can inspire personal growth…

GUEST: Puseletso Modimogale, Transformational Life, Business and Executive Coach

A driver blocked the N3 at Harrismith early this morning amid unconfirmed reports of a nationwide truck shutdown. I spoke to Gugu Sokhela, the General Secretary of ATDF-ASA and he distanced their organization from any planned shutdown. Let’s now get an update on what happened in KZN with KZN Transport spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya…
 
GUEST: Ndabezinhle Sibiya, KZN Transport Spokesperson

The Gauteng government is tightening by-laws around spaza shops following cases of suspected food poisoning affecting mostly children. Part of the criteria of the new by-laws on spaza shops stipulates that owners must trade in clean areas and in addition, whoever is in South Africa legally, can open and operate a spaza shop. To get reaction on the new by-laws, I am joined by…

GUEST: Sibusiso Ngcobo, Head of Business Development at the South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association

Sanco members in KwaZulu-Natal have decided that they will no longer participate in any ANC-related events or invite ANC leaders to their programmes. According to the organisation, their decision to cut ties with the ANC is informed by the fact that they have tried several times since last year to reach out to the ANC, but their efforts have been ignored. Following this announcement, let’s now hear from SANCO national on what they make of this decision….

GUEST: Lemias Mashile, General Secretary of SANCO

In conversation with Professor Somadoda Fikeni, following his election as Vice President of the Association of African Public Service Commissions in the Southern African Region. He will tell us more about how he hopes to drive the agenda of an impactful and developmental professionalisation of the Public Service within the Continent.

GUEST: Professor Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission and now Vice President of the Association of African Public Service Commissions in SADC Region