The United Democratic movement is calling for an urgent parliamentary debate into the Eskom crisis. UDM member of parliament Nqabayomzi Kwankwa says heads must roll as South Africa goes through stage six load-shedding. The party has written to Parliament’s speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula asking for the House to be called back from recess for the urgent debate. Is this likely to yield any results? We are now joined by UDM Member of Parliament, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa,

The wage standoff between Eskom and its employees continues today. The power utility increased its wage increase offer to 7%, and workers are still deliberating on it as negotiations continue. As a result, today we are back on stage six load-shedding as the power utility deals with staff-shortages. What are the implications of a strike like this on an entity like Eskom? We are now joined by Labour Law Specialist and DA’s Shadow Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment Michael Bagraim. 

As today marks the last day of Youth Month, we discuss something that we hardly pay attention to, the issue of stress and anxiety at the institutions of higher learning and how it affects tertiary students. According to the second annual Insights and Learning Report issued by online crowdfunding platform Feenix, 43% of university students surveyed have pointed out that they need mental health services but can’t access them. Joining us to explain as to why stress and anxiety are on the increase for tertiary students is….. 

Guest: Cara-Jean Peterson, Student Advancement Manager at Feenix  

As we conclude Youth Month, we tell you why Samsung continues to focus on policies designed to empower South African Youth in meaningful ways. Joyce Machaba is our guest and she is a…….. 

Guest: Joyce Machaba, a beneficiary of the Samsung AppFactory hosted by Tshimologong Digital Precinct and the University of the Western Cape 

Still on NATO. In a historic breakthrough, Sweden and Finland are now expected to become full NATO members – a move that has been viewed by many commentators as a major blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin. You may recall that Sweden and Finland both announced their intention to join NATO in May, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a sudden shift in attitudes toward joining the bloc. Russia has firmly opposed Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO – so what does this latest development mean for them and why the change of heart from Turkiye all of a sudden? Because initially, they didn’t support this move.  

Guest: Brooks Spector is the Associate Editor at Daily Maverick 

Home Affairs Department reacts to the recent court action that was launched by the Helen Suzman Foundation on the decision not to extend exemptions granted to Zimbabwean nationals. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says his department “will vigorously defend the lawful, reasonable and rational decision” to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits and he argues that Zimbabweans who hold the permit were given a grace period of 12 months to migrate to other permits. He joins us now to elaborate more….. 

Guest: Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs  

Afriforum has welcomed the return of Eskom workers to work after taking part in an unprotected strike. The power utility announced a stage six load-shedding on Tuesday. It said the absence of workers from work exacerbated the country’s power crisis. Afriforum is still going ahead with its preparation for court action against workers should there be a breakdown in the ongoing negotiations. We are now joined by Afriforum’s Legal and Risk Officer, Armand Greyling

Preliminary investigations into the mass death of young people at Enyobeni Tavern in East London reveal victims could have inhaled carbon monoxide. A petrol generator was found inside the venue where the youngsters died and it is suspected they could have inhaled toxic fumes from the generator. For an update on that story,

Guest: SABC News Reporter, Kim Daniels

The provincial department of cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs has threatened to close down a Limpopo initiation school following the death of a minor who was eight years old. According to the provincial department, both the parents of the boy and the initiation school have contravened section 12 (1) of the Limpopo Initiation Schools Act 2016, which states that no person below the age of 12 can be admitted to an initiation school.” 

Guest: Hitekani Magwedze, Spokesperson for the provincial department of cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs

Today, the Pan-African Parliament is expected to elect new leadership. You may recall that last year, the parliament could not elect new leadership after the proceedings descended into chaos when MPs differed on the principle of rotation in the five regions and were not able to choose the new leadership. So far, Pemmy Majodina has been elected as the Interim Chairperson of the Southern Region Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). She is tasked with leading the Southern Caucus until the new Bureau and other organs of the PAP are elected during this ordinary session which is currently under way.  

Guest: Khayelihle Khumalo, SABC International Reporter