This year South Africa takes over the rotational presidency of BRICS. So how should the country use its position to champion the African agenda and what is it that South Africa should focus on during its presidency? The ANC’s commission on international relations is calling on government to support the expansion of BRICS by admitting additional members – but will those additional members add any value?  

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

It’s official, the United States is now demanding mandatory Covid-19 tests on all travellers from China. All air passengers aged two and older now require a negative result from a test no more than two days before departure from China, Hong Kong or Macau. The new rule has been introduced by President Biden’s Administration as concern grows over widespread transmission of the virus in the world's most populous country (yesterday marked the first day of this new rule). Meanwhile, China is not happy about this new rule and they are calling it discriminatory. What are your thoughts on this? Should South Africa follow suit?  

GUEST: Salman Khan, Independent political analyst on South-East Asia 

Seven years have passed since the Fees Must Fall protests and movement began, but many previously disadvantaged students continue to experience financial exclusion. Fees Must Fall and other movements inspired and fueled the work of organisations like WeSolve4x, a nonprofit that assists with student fee settlement. We are joined by the CEO to speak more on the work of the foundation and how students can apply….. 

GUEST: Tsietsi Ngobese - CEO and Acturial Analyst at WeSolve4x Foundation 

The SA Transport and Allied Workers Union, the Abanqobi Workers Union, and the Kungwini Amalgamated Workers Union allege that their members' donations for health benefits had been "robbed." The security guards claim that because Affinity Health has not paid for their medical aids they are unable to seek private healthcare. The unions state that monthly deductions continue and have reached out to the Council for Medical Schemes to intervene.  We discuss this issue further with the attorneys representing the unions… 

GUEST: Lerato Ntwampe - Attorney at MT Raselo Incorporated 

According to Dr. Oscar Van Heerden, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe's support for power ships can give Eskom the reprieve it needs to help address the country's long-term electricity crisis.  Van Heerden wrote an op-ed that discusses the investment implications of these power cuts and why the minister's idea could be the solution the country needs. He joins us to unpack further his op-ed... 

GUEST: Dr Oscar Van Heerden - international relations (IR), where he focuses on international political economy 

Tens of thousands of people were present in St. Peter’s Square today for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years. So post his funeral we ask - how should the world remember Pope Benedict XVI? Joining us to talk about his legacy and also to share thoughts in terms of how former Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral service was conducted today is….. 

GUEST: Father Rodney Moss, retired Catholic priest  

The African National Congress’s 55th conference continues today after the party failed to conclude its business at Nasrec last month. The virtual conference will be held over two days ahead of the party’s January 8 celebrations on Sunday. But what kind of policies are likely to be adopted, given the country’s enormous socio economic challenges?   

GUEST: Xolani Dube, Political analyst from Xubera Institute for Research and Development 

Zambia's power utility - Zesco Ltd - has announced crippling 12-hour electricity blackouts until further notice. Power rationing officially started on Tuesday with some areas being hit by up to eight hours of power cuts. ZESCO says the measure is needed because of a lack of water in the Kariba dam, which is used for hydropower. Joining us to look at the political ramifications of this is…. 

GUEST: Dr Emanuel Matambo, Research Director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg

The Sibambisene Foundation has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfund to provide additional assistance to the affected Boksburg blast community. According to the foundation, many homes still require assistance with installing new windows and other electrical needs. More than 30 people were killed and 50 were injured in the tragic explosion. We speak to the foundation to find out more on the work being done in Boksburg and other areas… 

GUEST: Gaofose Mbatha – Public Relations Officer of the Sibambisene Foundation  

While the matrics of 2022 anxiously await the release of their results, anxiety is at an all-time high for some. To be quite honest, when you’re waiting for your matric exam results, you can feel stressed out because the waiting is the worst part of the whole process. So how can learners stay calm while waiting for matric results? Joining us for this conversation is ….. 

GUEST: Maano Ramadwa, Educator, author, leadership consultant and life and resuscitation coach