Mali is making headlines once again. After the country’s ruling junta decided to ban all political activities in the country and also imposing a ban on media coverage of political events. So what needs to be done in order for Mali to achieve political stability post its recent coups?  

GUEST (GHANA): Dr David Matsanga, Political analyst & Expert on Diplomatic Relations 

The South African Union of Students has welcomed  Minister Blade Nzimande’s decision to dissolve the board of NSFAS, saying that it’s a step towards saving and protecting the gains of “our revolution”. Nzimande has since appointed former head of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, Freeman Nomvalo, as the administrator for the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS). 

GUEST: Asive Dlanjwa, Spokesperson of the South African Union of Students   

Over the past few weeks, we have been speaking to various political parties about their election Manifestos ahead of this year’s national and provincial elections. Today is no different as we tackle SARA’s Election Manifesto. Among other things, the party has promised to professionalise our political and public sector based on merit. Through its GEAR program, the party hopes to defeat poverty and unemployment rate among young people and doctors. For more on what her party will do for South Africa if they get elected, we are joined by….

GUEST (STUDIO): Colleen Makhubele, President of the South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA)

On our Election Watch Feature today we talk to Bongani Ngomane who is a PHD student at Wits. He penned an article about the things political parties the promises they are selling. One of the things he is highlighting in his article is that many of the promises they make don’t align with the reality on the ground. He now joins us on the line to share his thoughts…..

Guest: Bongani Ngomane – PHD student at Wits, specialising in applied drama and public performance ethnography with a master’s degree in applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Communities and Social Context

You may have heard in the news that Trade Union Federation, SAFTU is calling on motorists to refrain from paying their outstanding E-toll debts. This comes after yesterday’s announcement by Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga that E-tolls will be scrapped. However, the government has encouraged motorists with outstanding bills to settle them. To tell us why they are making this call, we are joined on the line by….

Guest: Trevor Shaku - SAFTU's National Spokesperson

The disaster has also affected the animals that were either at clinics or shelters with and they are also pleading for funds so that they can save the stranded animals. To tell us more on how the storm has affected the animals and the funds needed, also how you can contribute, we are joined on the line by…

Guest: Marcelle du Plessis - Fundraising and Communications Executive

We kick off this hour by bringing you the latest from the Western Cape storms as authorities are focusing on mop-up operations. Many houses have been damage with roofs blown away, while some of the schools have been closed. The local government is also seeking more funds from national to deal with some of the crisis on the ground. To paint us a picture on what the current situation is and also talk about what is still needed, we are joined by…

Guest: Colin Deiner - Western Cape Disaster Management Centre

SECTION27 has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment in a corporal punishment case against the South African Council of Educators (SACE). The case was about two teachers, who meted out corporal punishment against two primary school pupils in the classroom. The court dismissed the review application on technical grounds but agreed that SACE’s internal policy be revised. For more on this, let’s speak to ….

GUEST: Faranaaz Veriava, Head of the Education Rights Programme @ SECTION27 

Recently, the United States of America notified World Health Organisation of a laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) detected in the state of Texas. We understand that this is the second confirmed human case of influenza A(H5N1) detected in the country. It also appears to be the first human infection with A(H5N1) acquired from contact with an infected mammal, although human infections with other influenza subtypes have previously been acquired from mammals. To give us more explanation regarding some health risks associated with it and what it means for human beings, we are joined by…

GUEST: Dr Mark Chimes, Manager of the Animal Health and Welfare Project and Veterinary Advisor @Milk South Africa

The African National Congress’ Doctor Xhakaza has been elected the new executive mayor for the City of Ekurhuleni. You may recall that the mayoral position was left vacant two weeks ago when Sivuyile Ngodwana was removed in a vote of no confidence sponsored by ActionSA. For more we cross live to SABC News Reporter Sashin Naidoo…..

GUEST: Sashin Naidoo, SABC News reporter….