Calm has been restored in Sierra Leone, following an attack on a military barracks in the capital city, Freetown, yesterday. We understand that the country’s night-time curfew has also been lifted. However, the political situation in the West African nation has remained tense since President Bio's re-election in a disputed election in June. Joining us to explain what’s behind these tensions is…….

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

Sergeant Vusimuzi Mogane has been questioned why he left out crucial evidence when he testified at the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial within a trial. Mogane is back in the witness box at the High Court in Pretoria to give clarity on the vehicle tracking report. Mogane is being cross examined by defense Bakwena Monyeki-who is standing in for advocate Zandile Mshololo. Monyeki asked Mogane why he never mentioned a mechanical breakdown in his evidence in chief. Also there was a scuffle in the Pretoria High Court between the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial and one of the prison wardens, Vusi Jele. SABC News reporter Pearl Magubane

New HIV Survey shows that the percentage of all people living with HIV in South Africa has decreased from 14.0% in 2017 to 12% in 2022. Also according to the survey, HIV prevalence was nearly twice as high among women - by race, it was the highest among black Africans (sitting at 20%).

GUEST: Professor Khangelani Zuma, Divisional Executive in the Public Health, Societies and Belonging (PHSB) Research Division in the Human Sciences Research Council

As the four-day truce between Hamas and Israel enters its final day. Israel says it is open to extend truce if more captives are released by Hamas. On the other hand, Egypt, Qatar, France and the U.S are all calling for the ceasefire to be extended. Joining us to explain their next move is….

GUEST: Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, Israeli Defence Force spokesperson

With the Christmas break coming up, let’s talk about mental health over the festive season. Some may be excited to to with their families and friends where they will be gatjering over the holiday period. While for some this time of year is filled with sadness, substance abuse, violence, and even financial ruin, which can lead to depression and, sometimes, even suicide. 

How can we play a role in the mental wellbeing of others this festive season? 

How have you lent a hand of support or an ear to listen to your neighbours, colleagues and community? 

Guest: Nonku Pitje – Chief Growth officer at Discovery Health 

Let’s now look at the Eastern Cape’s Medium Term Policy Statement that was recently delivered by the Provincial Finance MEC, Mlungisi Mvoko. Mvoko announced that the conditional grant has been reduced by 761-million rand  from  the 14-point-six billion rand main budget for 2023/24. The adjustments have been attributed to tough economic conditions and low revenue collection. He also revealed that the additional 2.3 billion rand of  the equitable share will provide support to respond to the cost of implementing the public service wage agreement which amounted to three-point-six billion rand  for the current financial year. For more on this, let’s now chat to ………

GUEST: Pumelele Godongwana, Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury 

As shoppers take advantage of Black Friday specials over the next five days, the Department of Health has issued a warning to consumers to check the expiry date for essential food items. 

The Department has also outlined the importance for  consumers to report any retailer who are selling suspicious goods, particularly highly perishable goods, to the relevant authorities. To share more information, we are joined by... 

Guest: Foster Mogale - Spokesperson for the Department of Health (National) 

The Living Wage South Africa Network is calling for employers to pay workers a living wage and not only what is prescribed in the National Minimum Wage legislation. At the moment, minimum wage is sitting at R25,42 hour and a take home that is just over R4000. Our next guest has done research around what an optimal living wage looks like given the current economic conditions and the qualitative implications poor wages has on the quality of life for ordinary South Africa. We are joined by... 

Guest: Prof. Ines Meyer - Chairperson of the Living Wage South Africa Network 

Today marks the beginning of the four-day truce between Israel and Hamas. The temporary truce will see the first exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This  is expected to occur in batches over the four days of the truce. However, the exact location for the exchange has not been made clear. For more details on this, let’s now speak to…..

GUEST: Dr Khaled Qadomi, Hamas spokesperson

Here we go again, just when most South Africans were starting to enjoy their summer. Eskom has just announced Stage-6 blackouts and according to them, this is due to the loss of five generating units over the past 24 hours resulting in a shortage of generation capacity, as well as the need to replenish our emergency reserves. Energy analyst Adil Nchabeleng says this is not good news for South Africa as this will further plunge the country’s economy.

GUEST: Adil Nchabeleng, President of Transform RSA and an independent energy expert