South Africa has made international headlines as the champion of human rights when it took Israel to the International Court of Justice. Interestingly, next week Monday, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will convene a National Conference on Human Rights in South Africa. The theme they have chosen is: “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”’. Some of the major reflections they will focus on is on 30 years of the country’s transformation agenda and efforts towards promoting democracy, development and human rights and also our role on the international platform. 

Guest: Doc Mashabane - Director-General in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

Last week we spoke to the UDM and AZAPO as they are part of the political parties that were taking the IEC to court over the list and signature policy. They also felt that the deadline for submission which was on the 8th of March was impossible to meet. So this morning we get a response from the IEC regarding this policy and also an update on the submissions and what happens next. Also in the news is the issue of the leaking of the candidate lists of the ANC and the MK party and how the electoral body handled it.

Guest: Moagisi Sibanda - General Manager: Civic & Democracy Education, Research & Knowledge Management

This coming weekend the KwaZulu government will be commemorating the 110th anniversary of King Dinuzulu ka-Cetswayo. He was imprisoned by the British government after being accused of mobilising traditional leaders to rebel against the government’s decision to impose a poll tax on black people. He was then exiled to the island of Saint Helena.

Guest: Prof Musa Xulu - Zulu Cultural Expert and Founder of iNdonsa Yesizwe

Bryan had many calls regarding The Two Pot System. There is an estimate that a million people will make use of this. SARS are expecting to collect well over 5 billion in tax. 

Guest: Bryan Hirsch, Chairperson of Bryan Hirsch, Colley; Associates (Pty) Limited 

As we build-up to the 2024 elections, we bring you the different opinions from thought leaders about how they view the road we are currently travelling. Lorenzo Davids, a social justice activist has written an interesting opinion where he says that the elections are playing out like a hostage-taking situation. He goes on to criticise haw political parties read out their manifestos in such a way that the poor voter does not really understand.

Guest: Lorenzo Davids – CEO of the Development Impact Fund

Guest: Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast - Director of the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nelson Mandela University

We wrap up our conversation around the state of our health department by talking to National Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla. One of the latest challenges he was facing recently is that of unemployed doctors. Last week he announced that his department has issued 270 appointment letters to unemployed doctors in the country. He said this while answering questions in parliament.

Guest: Dr Joe Phaahla – National Minister of Health

SAfm’s Drama Department hosted its Radio Drama Play Writing Competition with the aim of giving an opportunity for writers to create the theatre of the mind by sharing their authentic South African stories. The competition received over 300 submissions and the adjudicators have selected the TOP 10 writers! Dr. Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha was the Head adjudicator of the competition and he joins us in studio to share with us his experience going through over 300 scripts and the great talent they came across from our South African writers.

Guest: Dr Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha – South African actor

We speak now to Dr David Harrison who is CEO of the DG Murray Trust. As we build-up to the national and provincial elections to be held on the 29th of May, they are proposing new policies to bring real change to the country through their Change Ideas initiative which they say aligns with their organisation’s 10 opportunities, which play a significant role in breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and helping our citizens escape the grip of inequality. 

Guest: Dr David Harrison - Chief Executive Officer of DG Murray Trust

Shane Cooper soothes us into the weekend with his jazz sounds. Some in the industry describe him in so many different ways, from film and theatre music, to electronic and dance music. But then, how does he describe his music? 

Guest: Shane Cooper is a bassist, composer and producer

International Women’s Day in the build industry

Guest: Dr Modjadji Malahlela - Head of Department in the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlents and Traditional Affairs

Guest: Kile Mteto - Deputy President of Women in Plumbing and Trades