The View Point

Guest: Former Deputy Minister of Justice, activist John Joffrey 

A seasoned legal mind and lifelong activist, our legend today has dedicated over three decades to advancing justice, democracy, and human rights in South Africa. From student activism and anti-apartheid organizing in the 1980s to legislative reform and executive leadership in democratic government, his journey reflects a steadfast commitment to public service. As a former Deputy Minister of Justice, he played a key role in shaping landmark legislation and strengthening legal institutions. Now stepping back from active politics after a distinguished career, he continues to contribute through advisory and consultancy work, while remaining engaged in causes close to his heart.

Guest: Dr Mathetha Mokonyama, CSIR Impact Area Manager for transport systems and operations

Road safety and transport systems are critical to South Africa’s development, and few understand this better than Dr. Mathetha Mokonyama, CSIR Impact Area Manager for Transport Systems and Operations. With extensive experience in transport planning, modelling, and policy design, Dr. Mokonyama’s work focuses on aligning infrastructure with the evolving needs of society. Holding degrees from Wits and the University of Pretoria, he has served both public and private sectors, offering expert insight into improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility. His research supports data-driven, customer-focused solutions to transform South Africa’s transport landscape and ensure safer, more sustainable mobility for all. 

Full Profile

Mokonyama leads the transport systems and operations impact area at the CSIR. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), as well as a Master’s and PhD in transportation engineering from the University of Pretoria (UP). He previously worked for the City of Johannesburg and as a private civil engineering consultant in the areas of transport planning, transport modelling, traffic engineering and development engineering. He has published peer-reviewed technical papers, as well as book chapters on topics related to transport operations and modelling. He has also consulted on the topics of transport planning and operations for all spheres of government in South Africa and for international clients, such as the International Association of Public Transport. His research interests include the modelling of the dynamic needs of public transport customers and the specification of their needs in public transport service contracts and service design. He is a registered professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

Academic qualifications: 

• BSc (Civil Engineering), Wits University, 1999
• MEng (Transportation Engineering), UP, 2005
• PhD (Engineering), UP, 2015

 Guest: Rebecca Phala- Spokesperson of for South African National Taxi Council 

Guest: Eugene Herbert- CEO of Masterdrive

GUEST: PROF. GITHU MUIGAI , former Attorney General of Kenya, constitutional law expert, author, and leading African jurist 

Earlier today, the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Law and the NRF South African Research Chair in International Law (SARCIL) hosted a distinguished public lecture delivered by Professor Githu Muigai, former Attorney General of Kenya and renowned African constitutional scholar. The lecture, titled Post-Independence Constitutionalism: Reflections on Africa’s Land Question and Kenya’s Choices, explored the historical and ongoing challenges of land reform across Africa, with a focus on Kenya’s constitutional journey. Attended by legal scholars, policymakers, students, and media representatives, the event provided critical reflections on governance, justice, and the legacy of colonial land systems

GUEST: DINEO SKOSANA, COAL MINING RESEARCHER AT WITS 

Coal mining in South Africa remains a critical driver of the country's energy supply, yet it comes at a devastating cost to rural communities. In her book No Last Place to Rest, researcher Dineo Skosana explores how mining operations have forcibly displaced people, destroyed land-based livelihoods, and even exhumed ancestral graves. Focusing on Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, Skosana reveals how the legacy of dispossession persists beyond apartheid, leading to spiritual and emotional trauma. The book challenges the notion of land as mere property, instead presenting it as a source of identity, dignity, and belonging for those affected by mining expansion.

Guest: Ngila Michael Muendane 

Ex-political prisoner, Author, Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and Founder/Executive Member of SOULTALK and the African Institute for Personal Excellence and Leadership (AIPEL). Additionally, he held rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Ngila Michael Muendane stands as a remarkable testament to resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social change. From his time as a political prisoner on Robben Island to his influential work as an author, life coach, and inspirational speaker, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder of SOULTALK and the African Institute for Personal Excellence and Leadership (AIPEL), Ngila has dedicated his life to empowering others through personal transformation and leadership development. His contributions to the anti-apartheid movement, his work in education, and his ongoing efforts to uplift communities reflect his enduring legacy as a trailblazer for change.

Guest: Tebogo Moalusi is a successful business professional, creativepreneur, and social activist 

Tebogo Moalusi is a successful business professional, creativepreneur, and social activist. He has worked at various levels in leading investment banking, management consulting, private equity, ICT, and insurance companies, primarily in business development, marketing, and sales functions. Whilst working in corporate South Africa, he founded the Young Professionals Association and Bokamoso Cross Mentorship Programme, which he led for twelve years. Both entities focused on youth development.

Guest: Dakalo Singo is a Director and Head of Pro Bono at Werksmans Attorneys

Dealing with an employer who owes you money can be incredibly frustrating and stressful. Fortunately, South African labor law provides protections for employees facing non-payment disputes. Section 73A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) allows workers earning below a specific threshold to approach the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) for resolution

Guest: Lindiwe Ntlanganiso - Public Health Specialist and  Member of the Technical Advisory Panel for the OHSC & Health Ombud and Public Health Specialist

Public healthcare plays a crucial role in ensuring accessible and equitable health services for all. Understanding the norms and standards governing this sector is essential for improving the quality of care. This includes the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, particularly the public as consumers and the clinical and non-clinical staff at healthcare facilities. The collaboration between these groups ensures efficient healthcare delivery, with clinical staff focusing on patient care and non-clinical staff supporting operational functions. 

Guest: Prof Willie Chinyamurindi is a National Research Foundation (NRF) Rated Researcher (Y2) working at the University of Fort Hare as a Professor within the Department of Business Management

Prof. Willie Chinyamurindi, a distinguished business management scholar at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), has been honored with the prestigious title of Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). Announced on 29 March 2025, this recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to research, leadership, and societal advancement. Known for his work in human resources development, organizational psychology, and the intersection of entrepreneurship and strategic management, Prof. Chinyamurindi's election underscores his commitment to Pan-Africanism and academic excellence