The Weekend View

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been under the spotlight in parliament this week, from being lambasted by opposition parties during a two day heated debate on his State of the Nation Address to spirited efforts by ANC MPs in the public account watchdog body - SCOPA to shield him from being hauled over the committee to clarify his remarks that he was aware of public funds being used in ANC internal campaigns. Ramphosa also faced a barrage of questions from journalists about whether or not he would endorse the recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission when he announced the next chief justice.

Yesterday we spoke extensively about the plan of action South Africa should take.... Should it become the production/manufacturing hub for AFRICA the president aspires it to be, as per his state of the nationa adress... This morning we focus on one example, where the right environment was created.... ENVIABLE tax breaks were granted by SARS and future purchases by Government were guarenteed until at least 2026... Yet that did not stop.... MARA smart phones... South Africa's first locally produced smart phone from going Belly UP just 2 years after the business was launched... Their factory...in Dube Trade port in Durban is now up for auction to the highest bidder

The build up to the ANC 55th elective conference is gaining momentum. This besides some in politicical circles saying that it's too early for the political succession debate. It appears that the current party president Cyril Ramaphosa could be set for a second term while his Deputy, David Mabuza's future is uncertain. Ramaphosa has received another endorsement to continue as ANC leader, this time from one of the party's top six - Treasurer, General Paul Mashatile. Mashatile says ANC members feel strongly that Ramaphosa should avail himself to continue the fight against corruption.

On the 25th of January this year, the president released the findings of the special investigative unit which probed irregularities and impropriety in 5 467 contracts awarded to 3 066 service providers for the procurement of Personal Protective equipment and services in relation to Covid-19. The procurement amount is for an eye watering 14.3 billion rand…The SIU report found that 2803 contracts or 62 percent of the awarded contracts were irregular…Pressure is mounting within the public realm for these investigations to lead to arrests…. That pressure then in essence is transferred to the national prosecuting authority…. Which has the sole discretion to prosecute….. companies and individuals criminally or not

Over one-hundred-and-ten-thousand South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year. This is according to the Cancer Association of South Africa. Experts say  healthy nutrition plays a vital role in lowering the risks of cancer development. The World Cancer Research Fund estimated that 30-40 percent of all cancers can be prevented by appropriate diets, physical activity, and maintenance of appropriate body weight.

South African drivers are being advised to speak to their insurers if and when their drivers licences expire as they may have to wait for months to get a renewed one. Concern has been raised over what impact, driving with an expired or without a drivers licence, could have on motorists' insurance claims.

Advocacy group - Black Sash - has welcomed the extension of government's Social Relief of Distress Grant. It says the R350 will continue to cushion those hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the grant will be extended to next year March.  Upcoming entrepreneur - Thando Makhubu - an ice cream vendor also got a special mention during the State of the Nation Address.

South African basic education learning will be going back to normal from TOMORROW -  -  after government announced lockdown protocol changes this past week. Rotation of learner attendance and the limitations on the number of learners per class will thus be scrapped as the situation reverts to pre Covid-19 times but still following other Covid 19 protocols.

The Black Business Council is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure that all government departments pay money owed to small and medium-sized businesses. The President met with business lobby groups to get their input ahead of Thursday's State of the Nation Address.

With CENSUS 2022 now in full swing, there's been some anxiety and reservations from the public about letting strangers into their homes who ask a lot of personal questions.  The population count collects data about our socio-economic dynamics, living conditions and income - which ultimately assists in identifying problem areas such as service delivery, housing and unemployment.  There's a lot of new changes to this fourth Census, including technology and safety and security. Stats SA allowed us to tag along with some of their field workers.