Statistics South Africa has released its annual consumer price index data. The data shows eased marginally 7.6% in October to 7.4% in November. The main contributors are remain food, non-alcoholic beverages, housing and utilities. Inflation rate remains above the 3-6% target by the Reserve bank.

Guest: Patrick Kelly, chief director responsible for Price Statistics at Stats SA. 

According to News24, Eskom’s group chief executive, André de Ruyter has resigned. His resignation comes as no surprise as there have been ongoing calls for him to be removed amid the load-shedding gripping the country. To react to this is…..  

GUEST: Khaya Magaxa, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises

Cosatu is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign the General Laws Amendment Bill into law urgently. The bill was recently passed in parliament and seeks to strengthen South Africa’s anti-money laundering and terrorism financing regulatory framework. Cosatu says the passing of the bill is a necessary step to avoid greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force, however, it is concerned about the delays.

Guest: Matthew Parks, Cosatu’s parliament coordinator. 

What next for the five ANC MPs who defied the party by voting to adopt the Section 89 report into the Phala Phala matter? Yesterday, ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe said the five members who defied the party directive would be taken through the party processes to explain themselves. But were they wrong for voting against the party? We find out from …… 

GUEST: Precious Lugayeni, Independent political analyst  

President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided to suspend Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe from his duties. The president’s decision is based on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) as you may recall that in July this year, the commission found Hlophe guilty of gross misconduct for attempting to influence two retired justices of the Constitutional Court in a matter involving former President Jacob Zuma in 2008. 

GUEST: Barnabas Xulu, Judge Hlophe’s lawyer and Director of B Xulu & Partners Incorporated  

The department of social development has conducted a study to support its proposal to extend the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant for unemployed South Africans between the ages of 18 and 59. The department says its report shows that shows the impact of the grant on poverty and inequality is potentially more significant than previously understood. The research was commissioned by the department in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation. What are some of the findings of the report?

Guest: Brenda Sebeko

The National Assembly is currently debating and will be voting on the decision to implement the Section 89 Independent Panel of Experts report involving President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Phala Phala saga. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) had voiced its concerns regarding voting through an open ballot versus a secret ballot as this will compromise the legitimacy of the votes, which the parliament speaker has since declined.

Guest: Political analyst, Dr.  Ongama Mtimka.

The Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union is calling for Eskom CEO, Andre De Ruyter to be fired. The trade union says Eskom’s inability to provide electricity to some healthcare facilities at all times affects life-saving equipment like ventilators, leading to loss of lives. Many healthcare faiclities are still not exempt from load-shedding, and this includes clinics that many communities depend on for healthcare. The Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union says De Ruyter should not continue to have a job while he has been unable to keep the lights on. General Secretary Lerato Mthunzi 

The City of Johannesburg has submitted an urgent request to Eskom to be exempt from load shedding for three days. This as the City attempts to address challenges of escalating faults and outages in Gauteng following torrential rain. 

The National Association of Schools Governing Body is calling for a thorough investigation into allegations that more than 1000 pupils from six provinces cheated in this year’s matric exams. It is alleged pupils paid teachers up to R1500 to join a whatsapp group where answers were shared while exams were in session. In addition to that, it is also alleged some invigilators were providing answers to pupils during toilet breaks. The National Association of  School Governing Bodies says a clear message needs to be sent to the public on the seriousness of the allegations and those found guilty should face legal consequences.

Guest: Matakanye Matakanye, general-secretary of the National Association of  School Governing Bodies.