Guest: Evan Swart, CEO @Mitchells Plain District Hospital

The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers says the North West government plans to terminate contracts of more than 15 000 Expanded Public Works Programme workers. Members of the union held a march to the Public Works office in Mahikeng to raise their concerns. They accuse the government of intending to terminate so they can replace workers with people who will vote for the ruling party in 2024. How did the government respond to the march? We’re now joined by Solly Malema, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW).

Guest: Matshube Mfoloe - North West Public Works Spokesperson.

Following several videos of private citizens wearing prison uniform replicas, circulating on social media. The Department of Correctional Services has cautioned those involved in such acts to stop with immediate effect, reminding them that such conduct is illegal and punishable in law.

GUEST: Singabakho Nxumalo: Spokesperson, Department of Correctional Services

The U.S has announced sanctions against three Malian officials, accusing them of coordinating the spread of Russia's Wagner mercenary group in the West African country. U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken says civilian casualties have more than tripled since Wagner forces were deployed there. 

GUEST (ZIMBABWE): Lenin Ndebele, Head of News24 Africa Desk

Today is day two of BRICS national security advisors meeting. The meeting is expected to discuss security related matters and we also understand that the issue of Saudi Arabia and UAE potentially joining BRICS may also be discussed. 

GUEST: Sophie Mokoena, SABC Foreign Editor

In another example of why people should refrain from abusing sick leave, SARS has won its case against an employee who was fired for dishonesty. Benneth Mathebula who was a junior investigator took sick leave in 2020, however, on the day he claimed he was sick, his supervisor saw him at the EFF’s march against Click’s racist advert. On return, he was asked why he had been dishonest about his whereabouts, he said he was indeed sick that day, however, he felt better after taking medication. SARS started a disciplinary process and dismissed him. He took the revenue service to the CCMA that ruled in his favour, saying his dismissal was unfair. SARS appealed CCMA’s ruling at the labour court, and it ruled Mathebula’s dismissal was fair. 

Guest: labour lawyer, Patrick Deale.

Non-Profit Organisation Khulisa Social Solutions has been recognised for its charity work in Alexandra and other vulnerable communities in South Africa with two awards. The latest awards received by Khulisa are the ‘CEO Today Africa Award’ and ‘Best Social Solutions Not-for-Profit 2023.

GUEST: Lesley Ann Van Selm, Founder and Managing Director of Khulisa Social Solutions

Eight members of the SAPS who were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 are appearing in court today. The media has been granted permission to record proceedings. They were caught on camera in a video that went viral a few weeks ago. What has happened in court so far? We’re now joined by SABC News Reporter, Prabashni Naicker.

The department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed an outbreak of African swine fever in the Mnquma, Makana and Nelson Mandelay bay municipalities. This is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects domestic and wild pigs. Villagers in the areas say it is better to slaughter their pigs before the department culls them to try and curb a spread. Many of them depend on pig farming as a source of income. We’re now joined by Dr Zoleka Ntondini, Director for Animal Health at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Eastern Cape.