The View Point

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a global phenomenon with severe repercussions for individuals and organisations alike. However, in the specific context of South Africa, where social inequalities and power imbalances persist, the issue takes on additional complexities.

Guest: Dr Linda Meyer, Managing Director of the Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College - She has  B. Com (Law) and several Labour Relations and HR qualifications.

In just under a year, so many small businesses have been harmed by constant the high interest rates. It was a relief when the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced on Thursday that the repo rate would hold steady at 8,25% and the prime lending rate would remain at 11,75%. The welcome break for South Africans comes after the SARB increased the rate 10 consecutive times since November 2021. We look at how small businesses have been impacted by constant rate hikes and what a steady rate means to this industry’s operations, since the repo rate increased tenfold in just nine months.

Guest: Vuyelwa Nyakaza, MD of Sukume Trade and Investments

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism announced the implementation of a new alcohol curfew, dubbed ‘Midnight Law’.

The regulation overhaul is set to come into effect on 1 August 2023, and will tackle social issues ranging from community instability to gender-based violence (GBV). 

The law will limit the operating hours of establishments selling liquor. Here’s what you need to know. The new law pledges to enforce strict cut-offs for liquor trading hours, ensuring night clubs, taverns, shebeens and restaurants selling alcohol cease operations by midnight.

Guest: Sello Sekhukhunu, Deputy Chairperson of the Liqour Traders Association

Guest: Lesiba Motheo, Performing artist – says he will be affected by the curfew

We hear from all quarters of the country that we are in a state of crisis. Increasingly, the term fail state comes to the fore due to the disarray in which national and local government, business and ordinary citizen find themselves. The energy insecurity, which we have been dealing with since the late 2000 has risen to unimaginable heights. People are losing their lives due to among other things the failure of life saving equipment, when power and backup battery system run out. Just recently, more than 40 people lost their lives due to a cholera outbreak in Gauteng. This should never have happened in a country with the richest square mile in Africa.

Guest: Thoko Mpumlwana, Chairperson, South African Women in Dialogue]

The story we often hear about human rights is one of malaise, as though the best days are behind us. But while the Universal Declaration of Human Rights commemorating 75 years is a moment of sober reflection, it is also a time for renewed hope in a world that needs hope.

The Covid-19 pandemic laid bare the gross inequities built into the international system. Climate change is threatening the liveability of the planet – while those who have done least to cause it face worsening threats. The relentless march of technology is changing the way we live while concentrating still more power and wealth in the hands of a few.

 Guest: David Griffiths, human rights consultant and Associate Fellow with Chatham House

Born in Bolton, England, Paul emigrated to South Africa at the age of two. He spent his childhood in Modderfontein, Witbank and Musina. Paul Matriculated at Brothers of Charity College in Pietersburg (Polokwane) before attending the University of Cape Town, where he graduated with a B.A. (Drama) degree. A founder member of SA’s first non-racial theatre company, the THE SPACE in Cape Town (along with Athol Fugard, John Kani, Yvonne Bryceland, Jaqui Singer and Bill Flynn) in 1972.

In Johannesburg (with Mannie Manim & Barney Simon) he was a founder member of the world renowned Market Theatre Company in 1976. In 1983, Paul received the Standard Bank YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD. As an actor, Paul has appeared in well over 100 STAGE and TV PLAYS, as well as

Guest: Albert Martz, Director of Saturday night at the Palace]

Guest: Charmaine Weirsmith, Actress

South Africa is the world’s 4th most expensive country for dying, with 13% of the annual average wage used to pay for funeral costs. For many people who do not have funeral cover, burying a loved one is unaffordable, and they are forced to use savings that were intended for education or retirement, while others go into debt to pay for funerals.

While our funeral plans are designed to enable South Africans to be celebrated with a funeral as unique as them, without a budget and careful planning, costs can escalate and cause extreme financial hardship for those left behind.

Guest: Katlego Mokwana, Metropolitan Branch Manager, Soweto  

A last will and testament is a legal document that communicates a person's final wishes pertaining to their assets. It provides specific instructions about what to do with their possessions. It will indicate whether the deceased leaves them to another person, a group, or wishes to donate them to charity.

Guest: Lesetsa Maphala, Attorney at Mabunda Attorneys 

A tech-savvy group of Stellenbosch University medical students are harnessing the power of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to raise much-needed awareness of organ donation in South Africa.

The initiative is being driven by Save7, a non-profit organisation founded by students that aims to share the message that every South African has the potential to save seven lives by donating their kidneys, heart, and lungs after they die.

Guest: Jonty Wright, Third-year medical student AND founder of Save7

The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has been a controversial topic for some time, and now that public consultations have concluded, many parents still have concerns about the new legislation.  

Home education was legalised in South Africa under the South African Schools Act (SASA) in 1996. It’s important to note that the BELA Bill does not aim to change this legislation. The purpose of the Bill is to guarantee that every child receives an education that is at least on par with what they would have received in a public school. 

What does the BELA Bill mean for parents who opt for homeschooling or distance education? 

Guest: Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director of Optimi Home