The View Point

The South African government issued directives imposing an immediate suspension on all evictions at the beginning of the lockdown. However, despite the moratorium, people have been evicted in different parts across the country during the lockdown.

Using the recent brutal eviction of Empolweni residents in Khayelitsha Cape Town by the Anti-Land Invasion Unit and metropolitan police as a basis point, we zoom in on the nature of evictions in South Africa. It is unfortunate that a man was evicted in that manner – what is more worrying, is how evictions have gone on ‘as usual’ to a point where the protection of human dignity no longer exists. The blatant disregard of people’s right to housing and dignity portrayed by the City of Cape Town is unfortunately shared by various municipalities across the country. Evictions are inhumane – no eviction is ‘nice’ – but the manner in which they have been carried out has dehumanized people for far too long and there is no recourse.

Guest: Edward Molopo - Research and Advocacy Officer at the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI)

Guest: Stan Henkeman - Executive Director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

e-Commerce retailer Yebo Fresh, which serves townships communities in the Western Cape, has secured significant investment from a Canadian fund to increase its distribution capacity. The lockdown and public fears around coronavirus has seen an explosion in demand from township communities for the grocery delivery service [Yebo Fresh] which started in 2018. They have secured two-million-rands funding from Canadian-billionaire-backed relief fund, the Scheinberg Relief Fund.

Guest: Jessica Boonstra - Founder and CEO of Yebo Fresh

All 9 Provinces have started announcing their adjudication committees that are going to be working with the CCIFSA (Cultural & Creative Industry Federation of South Africa) on artists’ relief funds. This process is going to be different from those of the national relief funds and the funds will come from the provincial Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
The fund is for all artists who have lost income during these trying times and have a proof of the work that they were supposed to do between March and June.

Guest: Ayanda Roda - Secretary General of CCIFSA (Cultural & Creative Industry Federation of South Africa

Many young South Africans don’t have access to resources demystifying various industries or workplaces and what it takes to survive – let alone thrive – in them. Most youths also don’t have the privilege of mentorship. They do not have help with navigate workplace dynamics, learning negotiation skills, or how to network – be it networking up or networking across. It is for this reason that Careers Magazine was launched.

Guest: Nkox Lindazwe - General Manager of the Careers Magazine

Two weeks ago, we had a conversation with Hayley Parry, campaign Manager for 1Life’s Truth About Money Initiative. After fielding a couple of calls and scrapping the top of the surface, as promised, she returns to the show to talk us through how consumers can adapt and still find ways to save during these uncertain times.
Finances are scarce. People have lost their jobs and the job shedding is still going to continue. There’s debt everywhere.
On day one of national savings month – let’s have an honest and true conversation about money.

Guest: Hayley Parry - Campaign Manager: Truth About Money | One Life

As we celebrated the 75th anniversary of United Nations last week, the Secretary General (Antonio Guterres) emphasized the importance of multilateralism in the midst of this pandemic.

Whilst the continent has made progress by making appearances in leadership, the continent still struggles with the humanitarian, healthcare and conflict responses provided by UN missions. Furthermore, its role in larger decision-making institutions such as UN Security Council is limited given the veto power of the original five.

Guest: Dr TK Pooe

"Namola: Responding to gender-based violence pandemic"

In light of the rising number of GBV-related cases, Namola has sought to add support functions for women and children. The app allows for users to access helplines for mental health, child abuse and gender-based violence. It has also opened its 24 hour emergency services and private armed security to the public.

Guest: Craig Rivett - Founder and Chairman | Namola

The Solidarity Fund: their work during COVID 19"

The Solidarity Fund has disbursed over R1.4 billion towards the provision of PPE and the implementation of the Citizens in Solidarity campaign. Over and above this, a further R17 million has been allocated towards gender-based violence initiatives and the Thuthuzela Centres. There was also an allocation of R136 million social relief and food parcels for over 280 000 families through a voucher initiative.

Guest: Adi Enthoven - Chief Executive Officer, Yellowwoods | Board member of The Solidarity Fund

Our next guest has risen through the ranks of oppositional party politics, being a graduate of the DA's Youth Leadership program. She has led the national federal youth organization and directed the campaign to expand their presence in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Since she joined the legislature, she has served on many committees with CoGTA being the most recent. She has been described as a powerhouse in her own right. She has been recognized on various platforms as a political leader to watch by the Mail & Guardian and Destiny Women. Most notably, she is an alum of the International Visitor Leadership Programme and was former trustee of C.R.O.W, a wildlife conservation organization. She is one of the three candidates vying for the leadership of the Democratic Alliance later this year.

Guest:Mbali Ntuli - KZN Member of Provincial Legislature and Presidential Candidate Democratic Alliance

It is no secret that ‘things have changed’ thanks to the onset of COVID-19 and subsequent living and working restrictions. For many, this has been a time of great reflection and innovation, for others it has brought fear as they face radical change and are pushed from their comfort zone.
Change comes in all different guises and the approaching 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) is one that has seen many businesses and industry sectors switch to embrace the realm of digital.

Guest: Neil Kinsley - CEO of Medici Africa - the telehealth app