The View Point

Songezo Mabece spoke to Judge Albie Sachs - an activist and a former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa about the
Legacy of our democracy and the importance of protecting our Constitution and the rule of law (now more than ever)

We’re in conversation with Judge Albie Sachs, who delivered the keynote address at the Trialogue Business in Society Conference in Sandton.
In his address, he spoke about a range of issues including the abuse of our power and the disrespect that has been displayed on our constitution. Is this the democracy that they had envisioned pre-94?

Guest: Mustafa Mehta – Head of the African Desk at Media Review Network
Libya is on fired and with every conversation that we hear, colonial influence is at the root of the unrest. When you take a closer look at most of the problems that Africa faces, one sees the ghost or hidden hand of colonial imperialists in one form or another (e.g. Libya, Sudan, Algeria, Boko Haram in Nigeria, the terror threat in Cabo Delgado Province, Northern Mozambique).
Why is it that instability on our continent seems to be concentrated in highly resourced areas? What lessons can Africa learn from what is happening in Libya?

Aadil Patel - National Practice Head, Director of the Employment Practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH)
Political campaigning in the workplace is not illegal, but there are restrictions that apply. With the general elections looming, how can employers and employees avoid potential conflict? What are the rights and responsibilities that are laid out in South African labour law?

• Can it be avoided
• What is acceptable campaigning at work – where do you draw the line
• We’ll also touch on whether or not employees may wear clothing that supports their political party of choice in the workplace
• Are political gatherings/meetings permitted at work
• Activities that an employer can decline

The African’s experience in the workplace and the institutional shortcomings I the protection of African professional advancement
Guest : Andile Nomlala – President of the Black Management Forum

We’re in conversation with the Black Management Forum about a range of issues, including it having the youngest President; the mandate of the BMF and the lobbying powers that it has with business and politics.
We’ll also get their views on the advancement of black females into senior positions and the political will do advance black management in South Africa (as opposed to using black managers as a front).

#TheAfrikanNarrative: Iyeza Health receives funding from Bill & Melinda Gaates Foundation
Guest:: Sizwe Nzima - Founder of Iyeza Health, a service that delivers chronic medication to residents in Khayelitsha
Iyeza Health startup has received $10 000 (est. R140 000) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation after winning the foundation’s Vaccine Delivery challenge. Sizwe Nzima, a Social Entrepreneur who delivers chronic medication to patients throughout Khayelitsha, and his team of bicycles are often seen fighting rain and shine ushering life-saving medication between clinics and homes. The company was born out of the long waiting times at clinics. Every day thousands of patients wait for hours to collect their medication, but for a mere R10 Sizwe's service will deliver these drugs right to your door.
He recently opened I-Heath Pharmacy, Khayelitsha’s first independent medical dispensary which he worked with the Western Cape department of health to get off the ground.
He has also been featured in Forbes Africa's list of Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30.

Alternative Sources of Government Revenue in South Africa – where are they and why hasn’t anyone tapped into them?
Guest:: Dr Bhaso Yalezo – Lecturer at the UKZN Graduate School of Business (they are the conveners of the public talk)

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will host the 7th Business Forum of the UKZN Graduate School of Business and Leadership themed: Alternative Sources of Government Revenue in South Africa?
In South Africa, government does not play a direct role in the economy. Its main role in the economy is to encourage economic growth. The money given to the national departments comes mainly from taxes paid by the country's people and businesses. Only people who have jobs and who earn more than a certain amount of money per month have to pay tax. Where else can government look for alternative revenue? For how long will the depreciating tax pool subsidize the country’s people and the expenses?

Guest:: Zolani Mkiva – Secretary General and Spokesperson for Contralesa (Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa)
The VhaVenda king Khosikhulu Toni Mphephu Ramabulana's ascension to the throne has been challenged by his niece, daughter of the previous king for a couple of years now. Princess vhoMasindi Ramabulana says she was sidelined because she is a woman. Last week, the Supreme Court of Appeal overruled the appointment of Khosikhuku Toni and it recognised Princess VhoMasindi’s appeal.
Why do we see all these battles especially when women stand to benefit? Do women have no place in traditional leadership? Is Kingship and Chieftancy not a straight forward thing when the next person is supposed to take the throne.

LISTENERS’ OPINION
‘Only when we understand how sacrifice can be a force for good, have we any hope of restraining our destructive capabilities’ unknown
The Easter period begins with the fast for Lent which is a 40 day period where people fast to repent. As a part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday, which is the Friday before Easter Sunday. What is your understanding of Easter and how does the notion of sacrifice apply to your life?

Guest:: Sihle Bolani – Author, Strategist and Facilitator
Corporate South Africa is not immune to the challenges that we see in government institutions –From structural racism in organisations and the role executives play in sustaining discriminatory practices, to the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by black professionals as a result of corporate abuse and the suppression of black talent (especially black women). How can we change corporate culture and its ‘weaponization’ against black professionals?

GUEST (studio): Adv Dali Mpofu

This is part one of our election readiness conversations with the top four political parties.
Over 26 million people have registered to vote and there are about 285 political parties that have registered to participate in the elections on the 08th of May – 27 days from today. Are political parties ready and do they fully comprehend the magnitude of the task that lies ahead?