The Weekend View

The United Nations Peace Keeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, is scheduled to start leaving the country THIS MONTH of December, the same time the DRC is set to hold national elections. While efforts have been made to transfer responsibility to Congolese security institutions, MONUSCO has so far been tied to the capability of the DRC's army and police to provide stability, especially in the eastern part of the country. This comes as South Africa is reportedly set to play a key role in the new SADC force to be deployed to replace MONUSCO but military experts are warning that the SANDF is underfunded and overburdened. We spoke to Thomas Mandrup, an Associate Professor with the Royal Danish Defence College and Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa at Stellenbosch University.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the special permits for Zimbabweans and Basotho living in South Africa for another two years until November 2025. The exemption will cater to more than 50,000 Basotho and 178,000 Zimbabweans who have migrated to South Africa. The ZSP which is held by just over 178 000 Zimbabweans was due to expire in June 2023 following a number of extensions, but its termination was scrapped in the courts, which ruled that ending the permit would be unconstitutional. The Department is currently appealing the High Court decision in the Supreme Court of Appeals. We spoke to Sharon Ekambaran, Spokesperson for Migrant Rights Advocacy group, Kopanong Africa

There has been a recent spate of kidnappings in South Africa, prompting the question whether these incidents are on the rise. Most cases of kidnapping in the country are a side-effect of carjacking, robberies and rapes but crime experts say an increasing number of victims are now being singled out directly.  Police are also warning parents to be vigilant during the festive season around beaches and shopping malls – potential hotspots for child abduction. We spoke to Herman Bosman, the Kidnapping and Extortion expert from security consultant firm, TSU International...

Last week Gauteng engaged in Public hearings on the proposed tobacco bill which among other things proposes a ban on the sale of single cigarettes (loose draws) and the public display of nicotine products. The Tshwane leg of the public hearing was marred by allegations that some people were not able to enter the venue to  air their views.  Last week we heard the views of  the National Informal Traders Alliance  - NITASA - who say their members will be negatively impacted by the proposed tobacco bill in it's current form. We also spoke to Bongani Mshibe who is the Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Japan Tobacco International. 

The violation of Women and Children is one of the biggest challenges in our societies. As South Africa observes the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based violence- we want to look at men's role in the fight against GBV. Are men left behind in the conversation? *Tomorrow the African Union (AU) Men's Conference on Positive Masculinity begins. The aim is to consolidate bold continental efforts that Heads of State and other sectors have taken towards ending violence against women and girls. Meanwhile, we continue to assess the efforts to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) with the 16 days of activism having begun yesterday. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Greyson Thela, Strategic Information Manager at Chapter 2 AND Deputy Chairperson of the Men's Sector, Dr Matome Kganakga

Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, says the government remains committed to protecting the right of every person to live free from discrimination and persecution based on who they are and who they relate with. 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign will run from today to 10 December 2023. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Gender Activist and Fundraising Director of Rise Up Against Gender-Based Violence, Mandisa Khanyile... 

The National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa - NITASA - is urging the public, spaza shop owners and hawkers to use this weekend's public hearings in Gauteng to voice their opposition to the Tobacco Bill. NITASA says they are opposed to proposals in the bill which include the ban on the sale of single cigarettes, the ban on the display of all tobacco products and the extreme penalties for those that flout the rule. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to NITASA Chairperson, Rosheda Muller... 

With the increase in the cost of living and rising interest rates, more and more homeowners are finding themselves unable to continue paying their bonds. This has resulted in a surge in distressed house sales. The property market has seen a hike in the number of homeowners forced to sell their properties sometimes within as little as two years of purchase. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to CEO of Private Property, Charl Bruyns...

As the holiday season approaches and Black Friday is currently in full swing; employees eagerly anticipate the coveted end-of-year bonus or thirteenth cheque to further contribute to the upcoming holiday month. While these additional financial rewards can be a powerful tool for reminding staff that their hard work and commitment are valued, the question remains, are they an obligatory part of compensation, or merely a generous perk at the discretion of employers? Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) spokesperson, Nadeem Mahomed...

South Africans skeptical about the validity of recent crime stats