October is observed as Transport Month in South Africa and it is used to promote the country’s road safety initiatives, while also creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector. Earlier on today, Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga together with other stakeholders launched the 18th instalment of the annual October Transport Month (OTM) campaign under the theme: “Siyakha - we are building a better transport infrastructure to grow South Africa Together.” Monageng Mokgojwa joins us now to talk about the significance of this campaign……

GUEST: Monageng Mokgojwa, Media Liaison Officer for Minister of Transport

It is no doubt that the loss of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has left a gaping vacuum in the IFP and a lot has been said about its political future, with some even predicting the party’s demise, arguing that no one can fill Buthelezi’s big shoes, and what makes this observation even more interesting is the fact that the party itself has openly conceded that there will never be a leader like him again. So now that Buthelezi is out of the picture – what can we expect from this 48-year-old political party moving forward?

GUEST: Velenkosini Hlabisa, President of Inkatha Freedom Party

An ANC councillor resigned from the uMhlathuze Local Municipality after surviving an assassination attempt on the north coast of KZN this week. Two weeks earlier, an ACDP councillor was gunned down. This is despite the municipality council leadership promising tighter security for the councillor.  While the by-election has been declared and new councillors elected, the vacancy of councillors has an impact on how the municipality can operate. Our next guest will unpack the role it plays to ensure the safety of councillors given the higher rates of political killings. We are joined... 

Our next guest will speak to how institutions responsible for organizing the by-elections can operate in an environment like the one in uMhlathuze Local Municipality. How do we ensure that the elective process can take place where voters feel safe to cast their vote? 

Guest: Sandile Maphumulo - Acting Manager Electoral Matters at the Independent Electoral Commission

ANC stalwart, Aziz Pahad, is being remembered for his many contributions to South Africa - particularly his contributions to the country's policy on the Middle East and his opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Pahad died at his home in Saxonwold in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family. He was 82. Pahad served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and member of Parliament from 1994 until 2008.

Guest: Ambassador Welile Nhlapo -  former SA Ambassador to the US

Over the past two days, we have been speaking to various role players about the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill that was recently approved by the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education. The bill aims to address various crucial aspects of our education system and it will among other things allow government to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol on school premises. For more reaction on this, we are joined by…..

GUEST: Terri-Liza Fortein, Communications at Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance

ANC stalwart, Aziz Pahad, is being remembered for his many contributions to South Africa - particularly his contributions to the country's policy on the Middle East and his opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Pahad died at his home in Saxonwold in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family. He was 82. Pahad served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and member of Parliament from 1994 until 2008.

Guest: Dr. Fazel Randera - Anti-Apartheid Activist and former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

President Cyril Ramaphosa has applauded the government of Lesotho on its commitment to cooperate with South Africa to deal with challenges associated with illegal mining. Ramaphosa made these remarks when delivering the opening address of the Inaugural Session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) that is currently underway in Pretoria.

GUEST: Sophie Mokoena, SABC News International Editor

In a bid to address Scotland's long-standing problem with addiction. Scottish authorities have approved the UK's first drug consumption room for users to take illegal drugs under medical supervision. They say there is overwhelming international evidence which demonstrates that safer drug consumption facilities can improve the health, wellbeing and recovery of people who use the facility. To react to this, we are now joined by….

GUEST: Dr Kgosit Letlape, President and co-founder of the Africa Harm Reduction Alliance (AHRA)

It has been a decade since the launch of the National Development Plan (NDP). Given this milestone, the National Planning Commission (NPC) review will assess the country's progress on key NDP targets on poverty, inequality, and unemployment. In the past decade, unemployment has risen from 24% to 32,5% in the last ten years. 

In addition, it evaluates the extent to which planning has been institutionalized and what reforms have been undertaken to the country’s planning system following the adoption of the NDP. Earlier this month, the commission had shared its concern surrounding the government's capacity to implement the development plan. We are joined by...

Guest: Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke - Commissioner of the National Planning Commission

As South Africa gears up for the 2024 National Elections, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) has issued a compelling call to action for all political parties. In an open letter addressed to all political parties in South Africa, they have outlined a comprehensive set of demands aimed at strengthening the protection of women and children in society. This includes issues pertaining to gender-based violence, pay, women in leadership and community safety.  To share more, we are joined by....

Guest: Mariam Mangera - National Coordinator at the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA)