Today we unpack the United Democratic Movement’s Election Manifesto (UDM). Last month, the party launched its election manifesto and its leader General Bantu Holomisa proposed several interventions should it be voted to become government. Among other things, the party promised to ensure that there are significant consequences for those found guilty of corruption and it also made it clear that if you vote for them, they will make sure that they appoint government officials and politicians who will serve the people and not themselves.  

GUEST: General Bantu Holomisa, UDM leader  

As more countries will be heading to the polls this year, including South Africa. Professor Steven Friedman warns that democracy is under threat in many countries from elites who are threatened by the idea that we should all enjoy equal rights. Professor Friedman joins us now to elaborate further on this.... 

GUEST: Professor Steven Friedman, Research Professor, Humanities Faculty at the University of Johannesburg 

Some hawkers in Polokwane, Limpopo, have removed their merchandise from the streets saying they don't feel safe. This follows a shutdown that has affected the delivery of basic services in the CBD including public transport which left many commuters stranded. A message calling for a total shutdown in Polokwane was circulated on various social medial platforms in the past few days. Our reporter in Polokwane Michael Makhungo says some of the streets have been blocked and he now joins us on the line for the latest…. 

Guest: Michael Makhungo – SABC journalist in Limpopo 

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of the Polokwane Municipality, John Mpe, says although residents' demands for basic services are justified, he believes today's shutdown is politically-motivated. He now joins us on the line to give his perspective…. 

Guest: John Mpe – Executive Mayor at the Polokwane Municipality 

We look at the state of SOE’s that report to the ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, following Minister Gungubele’s press briefing which took place earlier today. During the press briefing, Minister Gungubele made several key pronouncements and confirmed that progress has been made to turnaround the fortunes of the SABC. One other key issue is that Postbank is on track with its banking licence applications but most importantly he also assured the nation that the South African Post Office remains fully operational.  

GUEST: Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies 

Today, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)  hosted the signing ceremony of the Electoral Code of Conduct by political parties and independent candidates contesting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. According to the Commission, today’s event allows contestants to publicly pledge to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct. 

GUEST: Janet Love, Electoral Commission’s Vice Chairperson  

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a national disaster which in the main is caused by the lack of rain induced by the El Nino global weather pattern. As a result of this more than 2.7 million people in Zimbabwe will not have enough food to put on the table this year. The unfortunate part as wells is that Zimbabwe is already grappling with high inflation driven by food prices. So how will the country deal with this problem moving forward and what kind of international support do they need in order for them to tackle this problem?  

GUEST (ZIM): Dr Ibbo Mandaza, Zimbabwean academic, author and publisher 

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been granted R50 000 bail. This after she handed herself over to the authorities after facing the threat of arrest over graft charges. Earlier today Mapisa-Nqakula appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court as she is facing 12 counts of corruption involving R4.5 million dating back to her time as defence minister. For more on what transpired in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, let’s speak to SABC News reporter Canny Maphanga who was there covering the proceedings..... 

GUEST: Canny Maphanga, SABC News reporter..... 

Guest: Siviwe Gwarube - DA chief whip

Recently, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) conferred an Honorary Doctorate to branding and marketing guru, Thebe Ikalafeng. This was in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the industry. Last year, Ikalafeng was also honoured at the Exclusive Men of the Year Awards in Ghana for his outstanding contributions to African branding and marketing.  

GUEST: Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, founder and Chairman of Brand Africa