Drivetime

Should SA go ahead with 2021 local government polls?

While South Africa prepares to hold the 2021 local government elections later in the year, concerns are growing for the polls to be postponed due to the growing cases of the covid-19 infections. Some political parties have also indicated that this year's local elections should be suspended and be synchronised…

13 Jan 2021 9AM 7 min

US House prepares to impeach Trump

The US House of Representatives is today expected to take up measures calling on Vice president Mike Pence and members of the cabinet to invoke the 25 th Amendement, which allowa for the removal of the president deemed unfit to fufill their duties. So how is the US president impeached?…

12 Jan 2021 9AM 12 min

SA shuts land borders

Following weeks of congestion and panic due to delays caused by infection control measures, president Ramaphosa on Monday night announced the closure of the country's 20 biggest land borders until February 15. These include the six busiest borders posts, Bietbridge, Lebombo, Maseru bridge and Kopfontein, just among others. But how…

12 Jan 2021 9AM 7 min

Weekly economic report

In this week's world economic report, we look at the following: -ANC government proposes Basic Income Grant for 2021 -Zondo inquiry commision resumes with Matshela Koko on the stand -Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) accord finally takes off following years of deliberations. We now chat to Senior Researcher, Department…

12 Jan 2021 6AM 13 min

AfCFTA : Is this the time for Africa to Unite and Prosper

Africa's first trade agreement took off last week following more than five years of negotiations on cutting cross border tariffs. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) accord comes to fruition at a time when trade tensions are rising across much of the world. But is the right time for…

11 Jan 2021 10AM 17 min

ANC calls for basic income grant in 2021

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC government will consider the introduction of the Basic Income Grant in 2021. Despite the country's limited resources, the president said the country needs to look at identifying other poverty alleviation measures. So how important is this development? On line is Economic Justice Program Manager…

11 Jan 2021 9AM 18 min

UCT Chancellor named in the "Times Higher Education".

University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng has been named among the Times Higher Education (THE)'s 10 People of the Year. She is among the people "who mattered in higher education in 2020". On line for comment is UCT Senior Manager, Media Liaison, Elijah Moholola.

21 Dec 2020 3AM 6 min

Book Review: Do the Macorona by Jonathan Shapiro

2020 is a year that is destined to go down in history, and the sooner the better. we have grown accustomed this year to alcohol and cigarette bans, Uncle Cyril's address, Donald Trump's tantrums, Julius Malema's marches, Jacob Zuma's Zondo excuses , and a million different versions of Jerusalem. But…

21 Dec 2020 3AM 25 min

How will Tukey respond to US sanctions?

US president Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of a Russian defence system, setting the stage for further confrontation between the two NATO allies as president -elect Joe Biden prepares to take office. But how will Turkey respond to these sanctions? On line for comment from…

21 Dec 2020 2AM 10 min

Numsa wants Ramaphosa to intervene in SAA salary saga

The national metal workers union of South Africa (NUMSA) has called on president Ramaphosa to intervene in the South African Airways (SAA) unpaid salaries. According to the Union, business rescue practitioners are only offering workers three months remuneration. On line for comment is NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi -Majola.

21 Dec 2020 2AM 10 min

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine first in South Africa.

South Africa's participation in the COVID-19 vaccine procurement mechanism is finally confirmed but the details of the roll out plan for the country are still lacking. But the process to decide which populations within a country should be prioritised is not only urgent but also complex. So who should be…

18 Dec 2020 8AM 15 min

Muslim Views preview

We now preview the December edition of Muslim Views and on line is editor, Farid Sayed.

18 Dec 2020 8AM 13 min

Weekly Middle East Report

In this week's Middle East report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following: -Tunisians mark 10 years since fruit seller Mohamed Bou Azizi set himself on fire, kickstarting the Arab spring -Morocco fully normalises ties with Israel in return for US recognition of…

18 Dec 2020 8AM 17 min

UbuntuCare distributes 300,000 masks

UbuntuCare, a non-profit organisation has distributed more than 300,000 cloth masks to vulnerable communities in the Western Cape. The initiative gives women in impoverished areas the opportunity to produce masks and earn an income to support their families. On line for comment is partner in UbuntuCare, Fiona Hoadley.

15 Dec 2020 7AM 7 min

Ramaphosa calls for better race relations in the country

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South African to learn more languages as part of bridging racial divides in the country. Ramaphosa was speaking in his weekly newsletter ahead of reconciliation day on December 16. On line for comment is Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast, lecturer in the School of Security and African…

15 Dec 2020 7AM 8 min

Consumer Confidence continues to recover

The FNB /BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) lept by another 11 index points to a level of 12 in the fourth quarter of 2020, extending its third quarter gain of 10 index points. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent severe economic restrictions sent the CCI crashing from an…

15 Dec 2020 7AM 8 min

US adopts "new map" of Morocco

The US has adopted a "new map" of Morocco that includes the disputed territory of Western Sahara. It is a disputed and divided former Spanish colony, mostly under Morocco's control, where tensions with the pro-independence Polisario Front have simmered since the 1970s. On Thursday, Morocco became the fourth Arab country…

15 Dec 2020 7AM 9 min

India targeting EU & UN to serve its interest

Following a preliminary investigation published in 2019, the EU DisinfoLab uncovered a massive operation targeting international institutions and serving Indian interests. The 15 year operation targeting the EU and UN to serve Indian interests and undermine Pakistan. On line for comment is Salma Khan, Chairperson of the South African Kashmir…

15 Dec 2020 7AM 11 min

UWC celebrates Women in academia and leadership

The University of Western Cape is celebrating Women in academia and leadership, an initiative that is part of Reward and Reconciliation approach at UWC. On line is Professor Nicolette Roman, head of the child and family program at UWC.

14 Dec 2020 7AM 7 min

SA companies may require staff to take Covid-19 vaccination

South Africa may require staff to be vaccinated before returning to work, but business exploring mandatory vaccinations will need to tread carefully. Although employers have an obligation to ensure a safe workplace, employees have right to security and control over their bodies. So what are the legal implications? On line…

14 Dec 2020 7AM 10 min