The department of water and sanitation has released its report on the state of South Africa’s municipal drinking water. The report assesses all aspects of safe water provision in the country. Last year’s report identified 334 wastewater systems in a critical condition. The department says it has received corrective action plans from 168 municipalities, however, only 34 of the 168 plans  were being implemented at the end of March 2023. The report comes just weeks after the cholera outbreak that has claimed over 20 lives. We’re now joined by Sean Phillips, Director-General at the Department of Water and Sanitation.

In a bid to assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime, University of Cape Town (UCT) student and community activist, Zukile Ntentema, is set to establish the first youth violence-prevention centre in the country and he joins us now to outline its objectives. 

GUEST: Zukile Ntentema, UCT Student & Community activist

The International Air Transport Association has singled out South Africa for its high airport charges and poor operational inefficiencies. The organisation says South African airports want a 38% increase in airport charges, while the Air Traffic Navigation Services wants a higher increase. It is hosting its annual summit on the aviation sector in Turkey. It says most service providers in air navigation pass the costs of their inefficiencies to airlines who also pass it to passengers by increasing flight tickets. We’re now joined by Aviation Expert, Phutego Mojapele.

South Africa has dodged a technical recession following the growth of the GDP by 0.4% in the first quarter of 2023. The GDP contracted by 1.1% in the last quarter of 2022 sparking fears of a recession. The growth comes as load-shedding continues to lead to many businesses shutting down as production costs rise. The growth has been driven by manufacturing, transport, storage, communication and construction industries. We're now joined by Kevin Lings, Chief Economist at Stanlib.

Is South Africa short of sculptors? Following the arrival of two statues of Nelson Mandela and O.R Tambo that were made in China. The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal says it will write to the public protector and the auditor-general to request that the statues be investigated. However, eThekwini Municipality says there is nothing amiss about the procurement process that was followed in relation to these two statues. For more on this, we are joined by…..

GUEST: Dr Musa Gumede, eThekwini Municipality Deputy City Manager

As South Africa is currently experiencing serious energy constraints. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country can learn a lot from Portugal when it comes to the deployment of renewable energy. He made these remarks after welcoming his Portuguese counterpart President Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, who is on a state visit to South Africa. For more on this, we are joined by….

GUEST: Khayelihle Khumalo, SABC News reporter  

Let’s now speak to Francois Rodgers who will advance reasons as to why the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal wants this matter to be probed.

GUEST: Francois Rodgers, DA KZN Leader

Two teachers and a principal have been suspended following allegations of sexual abuse against school girls at Bonkolo High School in Dutywa in the Eastern Cape. Parents allege this has been happening for years, and one of the girls is now pregnant. They also say their cries for help with the issue were not heard until recently. We’re now joined by Petros Majola, Executive Director at Khula Community Development.

Today we celebrate Siba Mtongana as she was recently presented with Best Hotel Restaurant and the Excellence Award at the Luxe Restaurant Awards

The University of Fort Hare has beefed up security following last night’s violent protest by students who set two buildings alight. It is alleged this was an attempt to halt examinations as the timetable was too congested. 12 students have been arrested and face different charges, including malicious damage to property. Exams went ahead, despite the disruption. The institution moved morning exams to the afternoon. We’re now joined by Godfrey Ganya, former SRC member.