The Presidency has announced that Vladimir Putin will not attend next month’s BRICS Summit but the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead. Joining us to look at the political dynamics that may have influenced this decision is…

GUEST: Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow at the Africa-Asia Dialogues

Meanwhile, the high court in Pretoria has heard that the first state witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial never received medical attention after she was allegedly hit by bullet sparks. State witness, Zandile Khumalo was present in the Vosloorus home East of Johannesburg where the soccer star was shot and killed in 2014. The court earlier heard of how she felt Meyiwa's body temperature drop when they arrived at the hospital. Five men stand accused of the murder of the Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star.

Guest: SABC News reporter Horisani Sithole

Are there lions on the loos or not in KZN? Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife says it cannot confirm or deny the presence of lions around the community of Umlalazi. Families in the area reported that they saw two lions on the loose. Field rangers have been deployed in the area to see if there indeed are lions in the area, however, Ezemvelo says it has not seen any. The organisation has called on residents to contact the police should they see the wild animals. We’re now joined by Musa Mntambo, Communications Manager at Ezemvelo

The United Nations in South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Foundation have launched a ‘Mandela SDGs Quote Book’ that beautifully aligns Nelson Mandela's famous sayings with each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The book emphasises the importance of sustainable development in South Africa. It is also a call to action for people to do their part to attain the SDGs. Nelson Mandela Day recognises the former President’s contribution to the pursuit of peace and freedom. There is no other day on the UN’s calendar that commemorates a global icon. How do the UN’s SDGs tie in with the ethos of Mandela Day and what is the purpose of the book? We’re now joined by Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa.

The department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Free State today launched its food promotion programme as part of Mandela Day celebrations. It wants to enhance awareness about issues around food scarcity and security and provide government’s response to food insecurity.  What does this programme entail? We’re now joined by Free State’s MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Saki Mokoena.

Kelly Khumalo’s sister, Zandile Khumalo took the stand today as the first witness for the state in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. Zandile was the last person to testify in the trial before it was restarted. The trial had to start from scratch after Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela was suspended for failing to deliver reserved judgments on time. What happened in court today? We’re now joined by SABC News Reporter, Horisani Sithole.

The Gauteng Department of Health has initiated a series of surgical marathons to address the substantial surgery backlog in the province as we observe International Mandela Day. Currently the province, had over 18,000 patients awaiting surgical procedures, a reduction from the 32,000 patients at the beginning of the year. Responding to this call, Gauteng's health department has been performing elective surgeries in 32 hospitals. To give us an update on the progress of the surgeries is Dr Stephen Mankupane, Acting Head of Hospital Services at the Gauteng Department of Health.  

The BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue has kicked off in Johannesburg on Tuesady hosting over 50 political parties from the BRICS Nations including various other countries interested in joining BRICS with various commissions expected to take place over the next three days.The theme this year is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive growth”. BRICS member states were expected to deliver their messages, and this includes the Communist Party of China, Communist Party of Russia and United Russia Party, Indian National Congress Party and Bharatiya Janata Party and the Workers Party of Brazil and Liberal Party. 

Guest: SABC International Reporter Khayalihle Khumalo to tell us more on the days proceedings

President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled two Nelson Mandela statues today in Mthatha and Qunu in commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day. The two monuments serve as a tribute to Madiba’s legacy both in South Africa and the rest of the world. The United Nations proclaimed the Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009. How did today’s celebrations go? We’re now joined by SABC News Political Reporter, Ntebo Mokobo. 

The Gift of The Givers says it has made its final attempt to secure the release of South African hostage Gerco van Deventer. The attempt comes more than a month since his captors confirmed his release was being considered. Van Deventer has been held hostage for over five years while he was in Libya working as a paramedic for a month. The Gift of the Givers’ hostage negotiator recently came back saying he has engaged everyone possible. If the captors do not release him, is this the end of the fight for his return without paying ransom? We’re now joined by Gift of the Givers Founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.