Drivetime

Cosatu set for mass strike action on 7 October

Trade Union federation COSATU executive meeting has outlined a general strike on 7 October to force the government to act on corruption. COSATU has asked president Cyril Ramaphosa to stop negotiating with corruption accused and act on the promises he made during the run up to elections. On line is…

27 Aug 2020 10AM 10 min

CPI release indicates jump in inflation

Annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation quickened to 3.2% in July from 2.2% in June as lockdown restrictions continued to ease. The monthly move was driven largely by fuel prices and municipal tariffs. This is according to Statistic South Africa's CPI released today. On line is Stats SA Chief Director…

26 Aug 2020 11AM 6 min

Rohingya, three years on

This week marks exactly three years since the Myanmar military poured into Rhakine State and launched a vicious operation against the Rohingya people. Over the course of a few weeks, thousands of women, men and children were killed, mutilated and raped as hundreds of thousands fled into Bangladesh. And Doctors…

26 Aug 2020 11AM 17 min

Court rules against CoCT in evictions battle

The Western Cape High court has ruled against the City of Cape Town in a judgement prohibiting the city from conducting evictions and demolitions of occupied and unoccupied structures without judicial oversight. According to the City of Cape Town, there have been more than 100 separate land invasions incidents recorded…

26 Aug 2020 10AM 7 min

For Sama: A Syrian woman's experiences of war

Last week, we had an interview on the Encounters documentary Film Festival which has gone virtual this year because of the global pandemic. One of the critically acclaimed films being featured this year is FOR SAMA, an Oscar nominated and Bafta award winning doccie about a Syrian woman's experiences of…

25 Aug 2020 11AM 23 min

World Economic Report

In this week's world economic report, we look at the following. -Government kicks off procurement process for 2000MW of emergency power, in response to the short term electricity supply gap. -Former finance minister Trevor Manuel talks about the wasted three decades of ANC rule, citing poverty, unemployment and inequality. -Economists…

25 Aug 2020 10AM 16 min

Global climate strike on the cards

The workshop targeted to youngsters from historically disadvantaged communities is being planned in what would be the biggest global climate strike action. The workshop is aimed at bridging the gap as climate continue to affect poorer communities. On line is Africa Climate Change Alliance spokesperson, Army Chambers.

25 Aug 2020 10AM 5 min

Covid-19 anti-body tests now legal

The Covid-19 anti-body tests can now be used as part of the country's fight against the pandemic. This follows the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorised the use of one rapid, point of care serological test kit. But to help us understand this is Director of Research Development…

25 Aug 2020 10AM 7 min

AU pressured to resolve peace & security on continent

Since its inception in 2020 the African Union has been under pressure to resolve the extensive peace and security challenges facing the continent. In particular, it tried to address the limitation faced by its predecessor, the Organisation of the African Unity's (OAU), in this area. The biggest change has been…

24 Aug 2020 10AM 11 min

Traditional Western donors re-evaluating aid role

There are growing signs that the aid relationship between the Global South and Global North is changing fast. Many traditional Western donors are re-evaluating the role of aid while keeping a close eye on their own national interests. These changes may not be all bad, but are these the opportunities…

24 Aug 2020 10AM 13 min

Analysis: Ramaphosa letter justifies SA anger towards ANC

South African's have reacted to president Ramaphosa's letter to the ANC in which he justified the people's anger towards the ruling party. In the seven-page letter, Ramaphosa said while there has been some progress in tackling corruption and recovering money lost to government, more work still need to be done…

24 Aug 2020 10AM 13 min

SANZAF releases Annual Financial Statement

SANZAF has released its Annual Financial Statement (AFA). On line is Fayruz Mohamed, SANZAF national chairperson

21 Aug 2020 11AM 12 min

Book review: “The Fall” by Jen Thorpe

In today's book review, we have “The Fall”by Jen Thorpe. Hector#FeesMustFall protest leader, believes its time for the students to think a little bigger than toyi-toying. This creates problems for None', South Africa's president, who want no trouble for pesky students in a week she is launching an extraordinary zoo…

21 Aug 2020 11AM 19 min

Experian suffers data attack

Credit bureau Experian suffered a data attack which has exposed some personal information of millions of South Africans. Experian, the world's biggest credit data firm, generates credit reports and scores based on consumer borrowing and payment and habit, which are used by banks and retailers. But the Southern African Fraud…

21 Aug 2020 10AM 7 min

Study: CoV-2 transmission by rural communities

A study exploring how SARS-CoV-2 transmission by asymptomatic people in rural and urban households in South Africa has been launched. The study aims to find how many people in individual households in rural urban South Africa become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and how asymptomatic people transmit this virus ans how it…

21 Aug 2020 10AM 8 min

Middle East Report

In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following: -UAE-Israel normalisation: justification, reactions and its implications -Developments in Gaza amid Israel's punitive measures as Egyptian mediation delegation arrive. -Migration to Italy and Tunisia: (Italy to give $13 million to strengthen…

20 Aug 2020 11AM 23 min

Pakistan's Imran downplays feud with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has played down differences with long time ally Saudi Arabia after his military chief visited Riyadh in a bid to ease a dispute over policy towards the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Meanwhile Khan said Pakistan will never recognise Israel until there is a Palestinian…

20 Aug 2020 10AM 9 min

HTS abducts journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem in Syria

London based advocacy group CAGE have called on the immediate release of American journalist Bilal Abdul -Kareem. On August 13, in the northern Syrian town of Atmeh, masked militants affiliate to Hayat Tahir al- Sham (HTS) abducted the US independent journalist who runs the social media- based news agency On…

20 Aug 2020 10AM 14 min

UWC celebrates top women in scholarly work

The University of Western Cape (UWC) has initiated a digital magazine for top women who integrate community engagement in their scholarly work. The University is doing this to recognise excellence as part of their reward and recognition during the Women's Month. On line is Associate professor in Chemistry department at…

20 Aug 2020 1AM 14 min

Weekly Africa Report

In this week's Africa report, we look at the current hot spots on the continent: -Mali military seizes power in bloodless coup following months of political instability. -SADC commits support for Mozambique's terror threat -Angola court jails ex-president's son to 5 years for fraud. On line for comment is political…

19 Aug 2020 10AM 14 min