Drivetime

ANC, Cyril and SA, how to emerge from the current crisis

There is widespread anger over reports of tender corruption related to the supply of Covid-19 equipment. There is growing dissatisfaction with government's handling of the lockdown, which entailed a callous indifference to the needs of the poor who are also at the receiving end of the security force violence. This…

11 Aug 2020 10AM 17 min

ANC wants SA out of ICC

The African National Congress (ANC) is considering abandoning its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. According to reports, the decision was take at an June executive NEC meeting. During the party's national general conference, the ANC resolved the government to start the process of withdrawing from the ICC…

10 Aug 2020 10AM 8 min

Islamic Relief responds to Beirut explosion

Following the devastating blast that rocked Beirut city in Lebanon, Islamic Relief is on the ground offering much needed humanitarian support to affected people. Over 150 people have so far died in the port explosion with close to 400,000 more facing displacement. On line for comment is Head of Department…

10 Aug 2020 10AM 14 min

“Dirty Tobacco” by Telita Snycker

In this week's Book review, former South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) lawyer Telita Snyckers spills the beans on global crime in her book titled “Dirty Tobacco”. What is more profitable than cocaine, heroin, marijuana or guns? Illegally trafficked cigarettes: Reputable tobacco companies have for decades been complicit in cigarettes smuggling…

7 Aug 2020 11AM 20 min

Is it time for a single agency to fight corruption?

Is its time for a single agency to fight corruption in South Africa? Following reports of massive looting of covid-19 relief funds, president Ramaphosa has in the past two weeks constituted two bodies to probe corruption. In his last address to the nation, Ramaphosa said 9 state institutions will be…

7 Aug 2020 10AM 9 min

UDM calls for dissolution of executive

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has called for the dissolution of the executive arm of the government. This after allegations of corruption continue to plague both ANC and executive members of the government. On line is UDM leader Bantu Holomisa.

7 Aug 2020 10AM 10 min

Middle East Report

In this week's Middle East Report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following, -Palestinian- American congresswoman Rashida Tlaib wins primary -West bank annexation may spur EU- States to recognize Palestine -remembering israels 2014 attack on Gaza universities -300,000 left homeless in Beirut port…

6 Aug 2020 11AM 19 min

HSI goes to court over shipment of live sheep to Middle East

Human Society International- Africa is urging South African citizens to add their voices of support in ending the cruelty of live exports. This follows the proposed shipment of about 85,000 live sheep to the Middle East. A court hearing was underway today to stop the proposed shipment. On line is…

6 Aug 2020 10AM 10 min

HRW wants AU, SADC to act on Zimbabwe

Human Rights Watch has urged the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to denounce the Zimbabwean government crackdown on peaceful anti-corruption protests. At least 60 people have been arrested in what authorities described as “terrorists” trying to undermine the government. On line for comment is Southern…

6 Aug 2020 10AM 9 min

Scores killed in Beirut factory explosion

A devastating explosion rocked Beirut, capital of Lebanon on Tuesday. But the exact cause of the blast is still unknown. Senior intelligence officials said the confiscated high explosive materials stored at the port were the explosion occurred, are to blame. Meanwhile US president Donald Trump says the Beirut explosion was…

5 Aug 2020 11AM 20 min

Weekly Africa Report

In this week's Africa report, we look at the following, -Zimbabwe crisis deepens as vice president is named news health minister -Ivory Coast names Hamad Bakayoko prime minister. -Egypt withdraws from Nile dam talks for consultations . On line is political science lecturer at Chrizzma University in Zambia, Dr Charles…

5 Aug 2020 10AM 13 min

Womens month in honour of Nelson Mandela

In honour of Women's Month , the University of Western Cape (UWC) is hosting a webnar to honour the life of Nelson Mandela by reflecting on the role and contribution of universities in promoting global citizenship. The webnar is part of a series hosted by UWC'DVC Research and Innovation and…

5 Aug 2020 10AM 10 min

Study: Dexamethasone reduces Covid death by 25 %

Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says a study has shown that the use of dexamethasone on Covid-19 patients in ICU, has resulted in a decline of 25 % in South Africa's mortality rate among the critically ill. South Africa is ranked fifth on the global Covid-19 scale, with over 521,000…

5 Aug 2020 10AM 15 min

Zimbabwe on the grip of anarchy

Security forces have enforced a lockdown in Zimbabwe, blocking people from entering the capital Harare following planned demonstrations against the government of president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Several human rights activists and a journalist were arrested in what the government said was incitement against the state. Human rights defenders are voicing against…

3 Aug 2020 10AM 10 min

SA covid-19 outbreak warrants more testing

A Senior Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research says the scale of the coronavirus outbreak in South Africa has created demand for more testing. There are growing concerns that certain cases are being undetected. Please note that all the data, graphics and analysis are in his personal…

3 Aug 2020 10AM 11 min

ANC top rank fingered in corruption

Top ANC NEC leadership have discussed the ongoing allegation of corruption levelled against some senior members of the party in the awarding of tenders for the procurement of PPE during the coronavirus pandemic. Calls were made for former president Kgalema Motlanthe to lead an investigation into corrupt dealings that have…

3 Aug 2020 10AM 12 min

Media Hit Parade

We are back with our weekly Media Hit Parade with Acumen Media Director, Tonya Khoury.

31 Jul 2020 11AM 14 min

Book Review: Imam Haron's Bilal

For this week's book review, we chat to Fatima Galant Abrahams on her latest book titled “Imam Haron Bilal” . Imam Haron was killed by the apartheid police while in detention and left behind a major legacy.

31 Jul 2020 11AM 17 min

UWC shares insights into latest WHO world population assessment

The head of the Statistics and Population Studies Department at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) highlighted the World Health Organisation (WHO) assessment of world population trends in sub-saharan Africa compared to the rest of the world. So how will these trends impact the generations to come? On line…

31 Jul 2020 10AM 12 min

Middle East Report

In this week Middle East report in partnership with the London based Middle East Monitor, we look at the following, -Syria to build new Hagia Sophia with help from Russia -Bin Salman targets former intelligence chief after bribes fail -And Libya complains to Security Council condemning Egypt, UAE of supporting…

30 Jul 2020 11AM 21 min