Update on KZN floods: eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says they are waiting for the national government to deploy the army to assist areas affected by deadly floods. The mayor also revealed that they are currently assisting families that have been affected through intervention from social development and disaster management services.

Guest: Mxolisi Kaunda, eThekwini Mayor

The European Union has announced that it will wind down some of its training of Mali’s forces due to continued cooperation between Russian mercenaries and Mali's authorities. The international missions have been supporting local forces in Mali and other countries across the region to tackle widespread Islamist insurgencies. So what does this latest move mean?

Guest: Dr Chidochase Nyere, from UJ’s Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation

The Ukrainian ambassador to South Africa Liubov Abravitova has alleged during a tweet that South Africa has not requested any meeting with her since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. South Africa’s head of diplomacy, Clayson Monyela has however disputed the tweet, saying South Africa has reached out and made a request for president Cyril Ramaphosa to meet with the Ukranian President, but has received no response.

Guest: Ukrainian ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova. 

There is a current trend in high schools where pupils bake and sell cannabis infused edible treats. In a recent incident, 11 pupils from Randfotein High School and Mamellong Secondary School in West Rand were hospitalised after falling sick while at school. It was determined they had all consumed space cookies sold by a fellow pupil. Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the incident and expressed concern. He has warned all learners to refrain from purchasing and consuming substances they do not know. We’re now joined by Gauteng Education Spokesperson, Steve Mabona 

A conversation was trending on social media this weekend following a story about a dispute between media personality Pabi Moloi and her ex-partner. According to the article, Moloi is denying ever getting married to the man, while he claims he paid lobola and is therefore entitled to some of her estate. The conversation we want to have however, is whether or not there is a clash between what African culture considers marriage and what the law considers marriage. Is lobola marriage?

Guest: Culture expert Mkhulu Nsingiza

A lot has been brewing in the world of Twitter. Tesla Founder Elon Musk has rejected Twitter’s offer to join its board. Musk recently bought a large stake in the company, making him the biggest shareholder. Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal tweeted earlier, saying this is for the best. He says the company will remain open to Musk’s input as they always are with any other shareholder. We are now joined by  

16:10 GUEST – Bataung Qhotsokoane  Technology researcher at IAfrkan.com

Former eThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede has been elected as the chairperson of the eThekwini region.She was elected in absentia as she observes the ANC’s step aside rule. Gemede received 210 votes while her opponent Thabani Nyawose received 181 votes. Gumede’s election follows the election of murder accused Mandla Msibi in Mpumalanga as treasurer. He was later reminded of the step aside rule by acting secretary General, Paul Mashatile. Are we going to see the same thing happening in with Gumede?

16:20 GUEST – Lukhona Mnguni – POLITICAL ANALYST

Epidemiologists are warning of a new Covid-19 variant as South Africa head towards an expected Covid-19 fifth wave. Epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim says South Africans should remain vigilant and practice all precautions as this variant will spread faster than Omicron and will infect more people. What else do we need to know about this variant? We are now joined by epidemiologist, Professor Salim Abdul Karim. 

PROFESSOR SALIM ABDOOL KARIM, EPIDEMIOLOGIST

World News: The second round of France’s presidential election takes place on the 24th of April. Online polls seem to suggest it will be a tight race between two candidates, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. It is not the first time these two are going head to head, Macron defeated Le Pen in 2017, winning 66% of the vote, but polls now suggest Le Pen stands a good chance this time. But what’s changed this time considering Macron won by such a huge margin last time? We are now joined by John Keiger, Retired Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Cambridge

We tell you more about SAMSUNG’s Empowering Tomorrow Bursary Programme which supports learners across the country as they pursue careers destined to turn them into an integral part of the South African economy. Many of the students on the Samsung Empowering Tomorrow Bursary Program come from homes where both parents are unemployed and from families where they are the first or the only individual to have the opportunity to attend University.

Guest: Hlubi Shivanda, Director of Business Operations and Innovation & Corporate Affairs @ Samsung Electronics