The National Pulse

Families of the victims and survivors of the Sharpeville Massacre are taking the state to court. They have filed a class action lawsuit against the state, demanding justice, accountability and compensation. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Nomvuyo Ntanjana, SABC News Reporter

The South African Police Service has confirmed the dismissal of suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head, Major-General Feroz Khan, after he failed to appear before a designated senior officer overseeing an expedited disciplinary process. In a statement issued yesterday, SAPS said Khan was deemed dismissed in terms of the SAPS Discipline Regulations after failing to attend proceedings before the senior officer responsible for the disciplinary matter. GUEST: Nthabiseng Dubazana, Attorney and Founder of Dubazana Attorneys Incorporated

With the local government elections scheduled to take place on 4 November 2026, Amnesty International South Africa is calling on voters to vote for human rights and accountability. The organisation is non-partisan and does not endorse any political party or candidate. They would like to inspire people to make informed decisions based on the state of human rights in South Africa, and to vote with purpose. GUEST: Cassandra Dorasamy, Amnesty International South Africa Campaigner

As the country gears up for the upcoming Local Government Elections, questions are already being raised about the political mood, key issues shaping the campaign, and what voters can expect from the road ahead. Our guest has unpacked this buildup in a recent article, giving us an opportunity to look beyond the political noise… GUEST: Qaanitah Hunter – Founding Editor of The Debrief Network 

Day 2 of the three day deliberations into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s review application into the section 89 Independent  panel report is currently underway at the Cape Town High Court. The report found that there was strong evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated his oath of office regarding the theft of 580-thousand dollar.  GUEST: Yamkela Mtshiyo – SABC Reporter

As South Africa pushes ahead with its energy transition, the country’s reliance on coal remains a major point of debate, with the Minister of Electricity acknowledging that “South Africa still needs coal.” But with mounting pressure to move towards cleaner and more sustainable energy, the bigger question is: for how long can coal remain at the centre of South Africa’s energy future? GUEST: Nick Hedley - Energy transition research analyst and the Founder of The Progress Playbook 

Once again, the National Research Foundation will honour South Africa’s leading researchers, scientists and innovators at the 2026 NRF Awards, taking place on 3 September in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, under the theme, “Building an Inclusive, Impactful and Transformed Research Future.”The keynote address will be delivered by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.   GUEST: Dr Gugu Moche - Deputy CEO for Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) at the National Research Foundation

Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, received two South African girl children at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Gauteng. The children, aged 9 and 15 respectively, were trafficked across South Africa's borders to Malawi and have since been identified as victims of human trafficking. GUEST: Lerato Makola, SABC News Reporter

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) held a mass meeting today, at the Adcock Ingram Clayville plant to address the company's proposed retrenchments and the planned closure of the General Plant division, a manufacturing unit that produces Citro Soda and other medicinal products.  GUEST: Mametlwe Sebei, General Industries Workers Union of South Africa President

As South Africa marks Deaf Awareness Week and prepares to enter Heritage Month, Castle Milk Stout’s Sign Your Clan initiative is putting more than 4 million Deaf and hard-of-hearing South Africans at the heart of the country’s cultural heritage conversation. GUEST: Mmatlou Moloto - SASL specialist, educator and Hands-On Creatives founder 

The IEC held a media briefing earlier today on the outcome of the candidate nomination process. The Electoral Commission also shared the next milestones in the election timetable and on the Code of Conduct on Disinformation following the conclusion of the public comment process. GUEST: Masego Sheburi, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer for Electoral Matters

South Africa’s Parliament will host the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town from 13 to 18 September 2026, bringing together parliamentary leaders, legislators and officials from across the Commonwealth for one of the world's premier parliamentary gatherings. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Bheki Radebe, NCOP House Chairperson on International Relations

As South Africa heads towards the 4 November local government elections, according to the IEC political parties have declared a staggering R116.8 million in donations in just one quarter. We speak to My Vote Counts who are asking the question: do voters really know who is behind the money? We ask why does it matter? GUEST: Joel Bregman - Senior Researcher at My Vote Counts.

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has reshuffled her provincial cabinet. She has stated that the changes are about fixing performance, improving service delivery and getting the province’s development agenda moving faster. We take a look at what this reshuffle could possibly mean in the province… GUEST: Dr Ntwanano Mathebula – Associate Professor at the school of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at University of Johannesburg

A group of South Africans who narrowly escaped the devastating Nepal floods were expected to arrive in Durban today. The group visited Nepal on pilgrimage as part of the Mohanji Foundation South Africa. SABC News reporter, Gcinokuhle Malinga was at King Shaka International Airport and now joins me on the line with more details… GUEST: Gcinokuhle Malinga, SABC News Reporter in KwaZulu Natal

The Minister of Basic Education has today announced her decision to maintain the suspension of the new Foundation Phase National Catalogue for Grades 1-3. Let’s find out more on this decision with…. GUEST: Siviwe Gwarube - Minister of Basic Education

eThekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele and Durban Metro Police Commissioner, Sibonelo Mchunu, addressed the media on job-selling allegations. According to allegations in a confidential forensic report compiled by independent forensic accountants, Isiqu Forensic Accountants, senior eThekwini officials and law-enforcement personnel were allegedly linked to a scheme in which Metro Police jobs were sold to members of the public. GUEST: Zanele Buthelezi, SABC News Reporter

The South African Civil Aviation Authority says it is investigating Airlink’s flypast over Cape Town Stadium and have pulled out the flyover for the third rugby test. GUEST: Phuthego Mojapele - Aviation Expert

Earlier today, Statistician-general, Risenga Maluleke, released the Victims of Crime report from the Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey 2025/2026 in Tshwane. The report provides important insights into experiences and perceptions of crime and feelings of safety among households and individuals in South Africa.  GUEST: Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-general of South Africa

The death toll in Nepal from devastating floods on the border with Tibet has crossed 1000, according to the country's disaster agency. More than 3900 people remain missing - of whom more than 600 are workers believed to be trapped in a vast network of mud-filled tunnels at hydropower sites along Trishuli River. Let’s get the latest from… GUEST: Aakriti Dotel, National Network Coordinator for Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA)

GUEST: Jon Foster-Pedley is Dean and Director of Henley Business School Africa and associate pro vice-chancellor, global engagement (Sub-Saharan Africa)

South Africa is spending billions on higher education, but the government admits it cannot properly track which degrees lead to jobs and which lead to unemployment. Graduate unemployment has climbed from 10.3% to 12.4%. The big question is: are we funding qualifications that the economy simply doesn’t need? Let’s unpack this with… GUEST: Khaya Sithole - Independent Analyst and Director at Corusca Consulting

The Constitutional Court is set to hear a landmark case involving MTN and East Asia Consortium, with EAC seeking US$4.2 billion in damages over alleged bribery and corruption linked to Iran’s first public telecommunications licence. With Open Secrets admitted as a friend of the court, the case raises a bigger question: can South African corporations be held accountable in South African courts for alleged wrongdoing carried out beyond the country’s borders? GUEST: Jane Borman - Lawyer at Open Secrets

South Africa has found SA’s “second Springbok squad” consisting of 23 ordinary people who look remarkably like the country’s rugby stars. The campaign turns these lookalikes into a mock Bok team, celebrating rugby culture and giving fans a chance to find their own Springbok double. The search is still open. GUEST: Kutlwano Lekgoane – Senior Brand Manager at Klipdrift

The Legal Practice Council says there is a warrant of arrest issued for disbarred advocate, Malesela Teffo. This comes after Teffo made a surprise appearance at the Johannesburg High Court yesterday, during the attempted murder trial of alleged kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four others, where he tried to address the presiding judge.  GUEST: Kabelo Letebele, Senior Manager: Communication and Engagements at the Legal Practice Council

Two men from Gumbani village near Malamulele in Limpopo have developed a free educational app aimed at supporting learners and teachers, particularly in rural areas. Malungelo Mathonsi and Khongelani Shibambu created the app, called Novar, which offers lessons in subjects such as Mathematics and Science.  GUEST: Malungelo Mathonsi, NOVAR App Co-Founder

Guest: Nokwanda Molefe, Senior Manager: Governance, Compliance & Enforcement at CSOS

South Africa is putting its artisans in the spotlight, as finalists for the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards prepare to compete for national recognition across fields including engineering, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical trades. With the theme “Changing Artisanal Identity and Status,” the awards also raise a bigger question: can changing perceptions of artisan careers help attract more young people into technical skills and strengthen South Africa’s workforce and economy? GUEST: Sabelo Buthelezi – Chief Director of Special Project Unit at the Department of Higher Education and Training

In business, having a brilliant strategy is only half the battle without effective execution, even the best ideas can remain trapped in boardrooms and PowerPoint presentations. So, what does it take to turn strategy into action, hold people accountable, measure progress and adapt when things don’t go according to plan? GUEST: Thuto Motsie CA (SA) – CEO of Thamani

x37-year-old Stefan Joel Govindraju appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court. He faces charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering. Stefan Joel Govindraju was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday after returning from overseas. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Culvin Mabasa, SABC News Reporter

The Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane is today closing the 2026 Women’s Month by hosting a Women in the Human Settlements Sector Dialogue. Convened under the theme, “Value Chain Opportunities for Women in the Human Settlements Sector “Empowered Women, Empower the Nation”, the Dialogue will provide an evidence-based platform for reflection, recognition and forward commitment on women's economic empowerment in the human settlements sector. The Dialogue will also focus on the policy, legal, institutional and operational considerations required to implement the recently issued Human Settlements policy directive in response to the Gender Based Violence and Femicide. GUEST: Busisiwe Mazibuko, CEO of Govan Mbeki Social Housing (SHRA beneficiary), Lungile Zuma, Managing Director, Lungi Construction (NHBRC beneficiary), Nontsikelelo Sokujika, Managing Director, Exodus Cleaning and Project (NHFC beneficiary)

The Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane is today closing the 2026 Women’s Month by hosting a Women in the Human Settlements Sector Dialogue. Convened under the theme, “Value Chain Opportunities for Women in the Human Settlements Sector “Empowered Women, Empower the Nation”, the Dialogue will provide an evidence-based platform for reflection, recognition and forward commitment on women's economic empowerment in the human settlements sector. The Dialogue will also focus on the policy, legal, institutional and operational considerations required to implement the recently issued Human Settlements policy directive in response to the Gender Based Violence and Femicide. GUEST: Thato Ramaili, Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) CEO

The Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane is today closing the 2026 Women’s Month by hosting a Women in the Human Settlements Sector Dialogue. Convened under the theme, “Value Chain Opportunities for Women in the Human Settlements Sector “Empowered Women, Empower the Nation”, the Dialogue will provide an evidence-based platform for reflection, recognition and forward commitment on women's economic empowerment in the human settlements sector. The Dialogue will also focus on the policy, legal, institutional and operational considerations required to implement the recently issued Human Settlements policy directive in response to the Gender Based Violence and Femicide. GUEST: Tamlyn Bouwer, National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) Acting CEO and Biansha Van Staden, Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) Acting CEO

South Africa made international headlines on Saturday before the second Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks, when there was a daring double jet flyover above Cape Town Stadium. Two Airlink Embraer 190 passenger jets performed what many critics described as one of the lowest flyovers yet recorded, just 12m above the stadium’s roof. GUEST: Phuthego Mojapele, Aviation Expert

The Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane is today closing the 2026 Women’s Month by hosting a Women in the Human Settlements Sector Dialogue. Convened under the theme, “Value Chain Opportunities for Women in the Human Settlements Sector “Empowered Women, Empower the Nation”, the Dialogue will provide an evidence-based platform for reflection, recognition and forward commitment on women's economic empowerment in the human settlements sector. The Dialogue will also focus on the policy, legal, institutional and operational considerations required to implement the recently issued Human Settlements policy directive in response to the Gender Based Violence and Femicide. GUEST: Dr. Alec Moemi, Director General of the Department of Human Settlements

KZN Hawks colonel, Deena Govender, has told the Madlanga Commission that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was behind an alleged push to implicate KZN provincial police commissioner, Lt. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, in 172 shootings. Govender testified today that Mchunu, speaking through his associate Mavuso Ntandani, allegedly instructed him to claim Mkhwanazi had ordered all the shootings. Let’s talk about Govender’s testimony with… GUEST: Professor Nirmala Gopal, Criminologist from the University of KwaZulu-Natal

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, the Deputy Ministers of Police, Cassel Mathale and Dr. Polly Boshielo, together with the Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, presented the quarterly crime statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year. GUEST: Dr. Mxolisi Mathebula, Independent Crime and Policing Expert

Earlier this week, we had a call from Anonymous in Mamelodi complaining about unauthorised debits on their grant. Let’s quickly get anonymous on the line to briefly remind us what the issue is before hearing from SASSA… GUEST: Anonymous from Mamelodi GUEST: Dr. Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA General Manager for Communications

The devastating flash floods in Nepal have once again raised questions about how natural hazards become disasters and whether communities are adequately prepared for extreme events. We unpack the key factors that increase disaster risk and its impact on society and communities… GUEST: Prof Jasper Knight - Physical Geography at the University of the Witwatersrand

The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered a visa racket involving fake students, fake retirees and alleged bribery, raising serious questions about weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration and visa systems. Our conversation looks at how the scheme allegedly operated, who may have benefited, and what this reveals about corruption, oversight and the integrity of South Africa’s visa system. GUEST: Selby Makgotho – SIU Spokesperson

Premium brands are increasingly looking and sounding the same, raising an important question: what really makes one premium brand stand out from the rest? Today, we explore why quality and polished advertising are no longer enough, and how brand distinction can drive customer loyalty, preference and ultimately, the willingness to pay more. GUEST: Nomaswazi Phumo, Head of Strategy of Leagas Delaney South Africa

Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, is facing criticism for using a swear word in response to a resident who called him a criminal during an imbizo in Tshepisong. In the video clip, which went viral on social media, the mayor repeatedly told the community member “Don’t call me a criminal”. Several social media users condemned the mayor’s remarks, citing a lack of professional restraint. GUEST: Tshepo Matseba, Managing Director: Reputation First

South Africa has never had a formal symbol to represent its national space programme so the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is calling on high school learners to design the official mascot to represent the country’s national space programme. The winning design will be professionally developed into SANSA's official mascot for use at schools, youth outreach events and public engagements across the country.  GUEST: Vaneshree Maharaj, Communications Manager at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

Mpumalanga-based, woman-led SME Samanjalo is turning mining waste into low-carbon construction products while tackling two major challenges facing the province: pollution and youth unemployment. With UK-backed funding and support helping the business scale, we explore whether the circular economy can create sustainable jobs while transforming waste into an economic opportunity. GUEST: Prudence Simelane – Founder and CEO of Samanjalo

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is today facing her first motion of no confidence as the leader of Parliament. She’s been accused by the EFF of not being impartial or acting in Parliament’s best interests in the way she’s handled legal matters related to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry. GUEST: Dr. Shadi Maganoe, Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Law

This year marks several significant milestones in South Africa’s democratic history, which will be commemorated under the Milestones of Freedom Campaign. The campaign was launched at the Union Buildings on 18 June 2026 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The official theme of the campaign is “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”. Tomorrow, the Free State Province will host the Milestones of Freedom Campaign. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Michael Currin, Deputy Director General, Intergovernmental coordination and stakeholder management at the GCIS

The Pretoria Master’s Court is facing serious questions over service disruptions, digital failures and growing backlogs, after Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi witnessed the challenges first-hand during an unannounced oversight visit and referred a R415-million digitisation contract for investigation. GUEST: Kalayvani Pillay, Acting Director General for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

TrackPulse has launched a new monthly Presidential and Government Approval Rating to measure public confidence in South Africa’s political leadership and government performance. Its inaugural results show 29.6% approval for President Cyril Ramaphosa and 26.7% for government, with high levels of disapproval. We speak to TrackPulse about the findings, what is driving public sentiment, the importance of consistent polling, and whether monthly tracking can become a credible benchmark for political accountability. GUEST: Dr Sifiso Falala, CEO and founder of Plus 94 Research

The reopening of the Steve Biko inquest has renewed focus on Black Consciousness activists who died in detention and whose stories have often been forgotten or marginalised. We take a look at the historical significance of the inquest, the pattern of unresolved deaths in detention, the connection between Mapetla Mohapi and Biko, the impact of delayed justice on families, and whether South Africa has adequately confronted apartheid-era political killings while preserving the broader legacy of Black Consciousness. GUEST: Zikhona Valela, Historian and author of Now You Know How Mapetla Died: The story of a Black Consciousness Martyr

Couples in unregistered customary marriages have until 31 August 2026 to make use of the special registration period introduced by the Department of Home Affairs. As the deadline approaches; What rights and protections it offers, and the potential challenges couples may face in proving their marital status, accessing inheritance, property and spousal benefits. GUEST: Prof Musa Xulu, Cultural Expert