We spoke to Zakithi Mkhize on International Girls in ICT Day in April and we wanted her back on the platform as part of our coverage of women’s month. Zakithi Mkhize is a PhD Candidate in Medicine at the HIV Pathogenesis Program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is also the Founder of the NPO Black Girl Scientists. She is passionate about science communications and uses her YouTube channel called Black Girl Scientist to motivate and encourage young black people, especially black women, to get into science. Today, she takes over our Innerview and speaks to other woman scientists. She will introduce her topic as well as her guests as she takes over the segment.

Professor Koleka Mlisana - Executive Manager of Academic Affairs Research and Quality Assurance at the National Health laboratory service.

Dr Fortunate Mokoena – A Biochemistry Senior Lecturer at the North West University.

Francois van Louw outlines the objectives of the newly launched online learning platform called “Topic” which will transform the country’s education sector as it will assist students with their studies when preparing for tests and exams.

GUEST: Francois van Louw, Entrepreneur & founder of Topic  

What are the latest developments with regards to the taxi strike in the City of Cape Town? The city had invited Santaco to another meeting to discuss way forward with regards to the taxis that were impounded. Santaco had initially declined the invitation, saying they are seeking a moratorium on impoundments. However they changed their minds and decided to attend the meeting. The strike was meant to end yesterday, however, it’s carried on to today after failure to agree on way forward. What’s happening now? We’re joined by SABC News Reporter, Mlamli Maneli.

Given the country's current socio-economic situation, with many young people being affected by the alarming unemployment rate. Step Into the New Era is marching today, demanding that big companies must create job opportunities for young people. According to Stats SA, the youth unemployment rate, measuring job-seekers between 15 and 24 years old, rose to 62.1% in the first quarter of 2023.

GUEST: Kgoitsemang Aphane, Spokesperson of Step Into the New Era

Leaders of the West African bloc ECOWAS are meeting in Nigeria today, to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger. While earlier efforts to open talks with international mediators have failed, the West African leaders are hoping to find a diplomatic solution in relation to Niger’s coup. Joining us to discuss the significance of this meeting is…..

GUEST: Sophie Mokoena, SABC Foreign Editor

As we celebrate Women’s Month and many women who are doing great things, we must remember that women in South Africa and around the world still face many challenges that hinder them from accessing life-changing opportunities. So one of the key questions that we need to ask ourselves today is - has South Africa done enough to create a conducive environment that enables women to take control of their lives? Our guest today shares thoughts on why it is important to equip the next generation of women leaders with the skills and work experience they need to thrive.
 

GUEST: Mapule Ncanywa: Chair of the BRICS Business Council Skills Group. She is the head of Naspers Labs and serves on the FoodBev SETA Board

The National Association of Artisanal Miners says the term ‘illegal mining’ stigmatises marginalised small scale artisanal miners in South Africa. The organisation says the stigma makes artisanal miners easy targets while large scale mining companies get away with not only their versions of illegal mining, but environmental, labour and social transgressions. Minerals and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe yesterday shut down different suggestions that zama zamas be upskilled so they can work as artisanal miners. Illegal mining has been on the headlines in the past few weeks as rival zama zama groups have been causing havoc in some communities. We’re now joined by Paps Lethoko, Chairperson of the National Association of Artisanal Miners.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South African women are excelling in different fields and continue to be the strength of the nation, however they are not being adequately rewarded for their work. Ramaphosa also touched on the issue of gender based violence in the country and the need to make it harder for perpetrators to access bail. He also highlighted the need to professionalise women’s sports, especially soccer, following Banyana Banyana’s performance at the world cup without a professional league. To reflect on that, we’re now joined by Lebogang Ramafoko, Gender Activist and Executive Director of Oxfam South Africa

UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s access to foreign military equipment. He says UK will also take further steps to tackle countries actively supporting Putin by supplying weapons and military components directly to Russia, including Iran and Belarus. But what effect are sanctions having on Russia? For more on this, we are joined by….

Guest on the line (France): John Keiger, retired Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Cambridge

Transport minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on the City of Cape Town to release taxis that have been impounded. Taxi drivers had been on a strike since last week, fighting against the city’s by-laws. The first meeting collapsed as the parties failed to reach an agreement, however, there is way forward now following the last meeting between the city, provincial government, the transport department and the taxi drivers. The City of Cape Town still believes it was correct to impound the taxis in line with its bylaws. We’re now joined by City of Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis. But before speaking to him, let’s listen to what Minister Chikunga said