As we observe World Aids Day, we speak to Dr Nkhensani Nkwashu about the importance and relevance of this day, also examining successes and challenges of South Africa’s battle against HIV/Aids. In the last 40 years, the HIV virus has infected over 84 million people and left over 38 million dead worldwide. 

GUEST: Dr Nkhensani Nkwashu, Executive Manager for the Implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs 

We look at the ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yesterday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi of exploiting the ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo to postpone next year’s presidential election. 

GUEST (Kenya): Dr David Matsanga, political analyst & expert on East Africa diplomatic relations 

Results on the 4 Day Week pilot programme are out and it seems like a 4 day week wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all. Companies in different countries that gave their staff an extra day off per week, without reducing their salaries experienced an increase in their revenue as well as reduced absenteeism and resignations. 33 companies employing over 900 people took part in the pilot over a period of six months and many of them want to continue with the 4 day week. 

Guest: Karen Lowe, Chairperson of the 4 Day Week SA Coalition. 

The research, led by Alex Sigal of the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, suggests that a new Covid-19 variant may cause more severe illness and death than the relatively mild omicron strain. So what does it all mean – are we likely to witness another surge in Covid19 infections?  

GUEST: Professor Alex Sigal, from the Africa Health Research Institute

Will think tank, Rivonia Circle be contesting for political power in the 2024 national and provincial elections? The organisation says while it will continue its mandate as a think tank, it will launch ‘the Rise Campaign’ for 2024. The organisation convened hundreds of South Africans in different parts of the country, one of the pledges they committed to, is “working together to build an inclusive movement, driven by the people, on the foundation of new alternative politics to contest for political power in 2024. What does this mean? Guest: Rivonia Circle Chairperson, Songezo Zibi. 

The SACP general-secretary, Solly Mapaila, says he's not convinced that convicted murderer, Janusz Walus, deserved to be released on parole. Today, the tripartite alliance is holding what it calls a national day of action to protest against the Constitutional Court decision to grant Walus parole. 

GUEST: Solly Mapaila, General Secretary of the SACP  

The former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo has handed over the report of the Section 89 Panel of Independent Experts that he chaired, to the National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. The panel was asked to determine whether President Cyril Ramaphosa has a case to answer on constitutional grounds following the robbery at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. Section 89 of the Constitution provides for the National Assembly to remove a President of the Republic from office on the grounds of serious violation of the Constitution or the law, serious misconduct and inability to perform the functions of office. To react to this is….. 

GUEST: Vuyo Zungula, President of the African Transformation Movement  

Pakistan Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar joins us to outline the objectives of the 3rd Pakistan Africa Trade Development Conference that is currently underway in Sandton. He will also tell us more about the “Look Africa” Policy of the Government of Pakistan, which is aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s relations with Africa. South Africa has become the third country to host this event after its successes in Kenya and Nigeria in 2020 and 2021.  

GUEST: Mr Naveed Qamar, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce  

The South African Local Government Association in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for an end to cadre deployment. It says cadre deployment stifles the process of service delivery in municipalities. Salga chair in Kwazulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli says there cannot be any success in delivering services to communities if there are people who work for municipalities while they also hold political positions. He was responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent call for municipalities to recruit the right people. 

Guest: Thami Ntuli, Salga chair in Kwazulu-Natal.