Workers affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers Union have been protesting in Johannesburg over issues that affect various municipalities in Gauteng. They say corruption in municipalities has made it difficult for them to do their jobs, they also say government has failed to solve disputes, including the outsourcing of some of their work to contractors.

Guest:  Nkhetheni Muthavhi 

What is causing the rand to fall? Bad news for the country as the Rand is currently trading at R19, 00 against the U.S. dollar, its weakest level since early 2020. Some economists are suggesting that the ongoing power cuts are behind this latest slump. To explain why the rand is in a fragile state is….

GUEST: Tshepo Mongoai, SABC News Economics Editor

Following confusion around the announcement of Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela as new chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust Board. We hear from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development as they still regard Mzimela as the chairperson.

GUEST: Reggie Ngcobo, Spokesperson for the Ministry of of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana has pledged a R15 billion investment that will help rebuild Jagersfontein and create employment in the Xhariep district. The area was destroyed after a mine tailings dam wall collapsed, leaving many people homeless and killing two people. Premier Dukwana visited the area with Deputy President Paul Mashatile to meet community members to discuss issues around rebuilding and addressing socio-economic challenges. We’re now joined by Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana.

A survey by the Inclusive Society Institute shows there is a decrease in the number of people contemplating emigration in 2022 compared to the previous year. It shows that 9.25% percent of those with higher education expressed a serious intention to emigrate within the next two years, this is down from 11.13%. The survey also shows race is not a material driving force behind the motivation to emigrate as both black and white respondents showed similar trends. Economic and personal wellbeing was the driving force for considering emigration for majority of the respondents. We’re now joined by Daryl Swanepoel, CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute.

Today, we celebrate the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital for meeting the growing needs of an ever-changing healthcare system. The hospital made history last month when it performed its first heart surgery. The surgery was performed on Tumisang Motsikwa, who was stabbed while trying to save a fellow pupil from being mugged.

GUEST: Dr Ismail Ibrahim, Surgeon @Bheki Mlangeni Hospital (he performed the surgery)

US President Joe Biden’s administration has proposed legislation that will require airlines  to compensate passengers for what they call “controllable airline cancellation or significant delay”. This refers to delays that are the airline’s fault and not weather related.  Like mechanical issues, computer issues, or crew scheduling and shortages. This will entitle passengers to cash, meals and hotel vouchers. It is to ensure that compensation is not just left to the discretion of company policies, but ensure airlines are legally obliged to compensate. Should we consider going the same route? What does the law look like in South Africa? We’re now joined by aviation expert, Phutego Mojapele.

Who is in charge of Ingonyama Trust? Following weeks of confusion in relation to Ingonyama Trust Board affairs. Today we are joined by Professor Musa Xulu to unpack this thorny issue for us. Just recently, we were told that AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has appointed Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela as the new Ingonyama Trust Board chairperson, however a couple of weeks ago, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi communicated that Jerome Ngwenya was still the board chairperson. So what’s really going on here….

GUEST: Professor Musa Xulu, Founder & President of Indonsa Yesizwe

Is load-shedding to blame for sharp rise in repo rate? Reserve Bank Governor Lestja Kganyago says load-shedding will result in the contraction in GDP by 2% this year, something that will compel the bank to increase repo rates by 0.5%. To explain what this means, we are joined by…..

GUEST: Naledi Ngcobo, SABC News specialist reporter

Professor John Stremlau says it is too early to tell if the verdict against Donald Trump in the E. Jean Carrol case will hurt his election campaign and he also doesn’t believe that it will harm his support base as Trump continues to campaign for next year’s election. Trump has since announced that he will appeal yesterday’s verdict that found he sexually abused Carrol.    

GUEST: Dr John Stremlau, Honorary Professor of International Relations @ Wits