Drivetime

Egypt's demolition of Sinai is war crimes, says Human Rights Watch.

The Egyptian military's continued home demolition and forced evictions during the armed conflict in North Sinai governorate are violations of international humanitarian law, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said today. On line for comment is Ahmed Benchemsi, Advocacy and Communication Director, Middle East and North Africa Division.

18 Mar 2021 8AM 12 min

What is SAHPRA's role in reviewing the safety of COVID-19 vaccine trials?

In an effort to enable and support the country's response in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has been proactive in reviewing the safety and efficacy of each vaccine on a case-by case basis. So what role does SAHPRA play in reviewing COVID-19 vaccine…

17 Mar 2021 9AM 12 min

US proposes interim administration for Afghanistan

The US has drafted a peace plan calling for the current Afghan government to be replaced with an interim administration until a new constitution is agreed and elections held, but Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has refused to step aside for a transitional government. Meanwhile, Russia, which is set to host…

16 Mar 2021 11AM 21 min

Weekly economic Report

In this week's world economic report, we look at the following: -South Africa set for massive fuel hikes -Consumer Confidence Index increase by another 3 index points level in first quarter of 2021 -European countries begin suspension of AstraZeneca jab over blood clot concerns. On line for comment is Senior…

16 Mar 2021 10AM 9 min

Parliament to decide on the fate of Public Protector

Members of Parliament will today vote on whether to consider a report by an independent panel, which found there is prima facie evidence that Public Protector Busisiwe Mhkwebane committed misconduct. In recent days, divisions among ANC MPs have split the party on whether to support the vote. We now chat…

16 Mar 2021 10AM 13 min

Ten Years on: Lessons from Fukushima nuclear disaster

The ongoing issues from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, which happened ten years ago is a reminder of the many compelling arguments against any nuclear for South Africa. So what lessons can be South Africa learn from this experience? We now chat to Peter Becker, Koeberg Alert Alliance

16 Mar 2021 8AM 11 min

Concerns over jab as countries curb rollout

Ireland and the Netherlands became the latest countries to suspend their rollout of AstraZeneca jabs over concerns about post-jab clots. So far more than 350 million doses have been doled across the world, but countries including Denamrk, Norway and Bulgaria suspendend the rollout of jabs after reports of blood clots…

15 Mar 2021 11AM 22 min

Vaccine passports: what role would they play in pandemic?

While there is no international consensus on how , or why, vaccine passports should be used, several governments around the world are adopting the so called coronavirus passports in a bid to reopen borders and restore a semblance to social life. But sceptics say they present insurmountable scientific, legal and…

15 Mar 2021 10AM 7 min

Business confidence decline in first quarter of 2021

Business confidence levels during the first quarter of 2021 have demonstrated the fragility of South Africa's economic recovery. About 1,300 business people were surveyed during the second half of February and the result showed a decline from 40 to 35 points. We now chat to Economist and Founding Director of…

15 Mar 2021 10AM 10 min

Book Review: "Jwara: Induna's Daughter", by Joyce Notemba Piliso-Seroke

In today's book review, we have a book called "Jwara: Induna's Daughter" by Mum Joyce Notemba.

15 Mar 2021 9AM 17 min

What are the solutions to challenges affecting university students?

As university students continue to protest across South Africa, we focus on the state of Higher Education in South Africa, the financial funding challenges, socio- economic impact affecting students and possible solutions. We have two guests to chat to: Elijah Moholola, university of Cape Town spokesperson, and Professor Thierry Luescher,…

15 Mar 2021 9AM 21 min

Who are the Kashmri prisoners?

Kashmir's resistance icon Masarat Alam Bhat maybe the longest-serving political prisoner. He has been detained 38 times under the so called Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act of 1978 for being an active member of the ongoing 'war of liberation" for the right to self determination. We now chat to…

15 Mar 2021 8AM 12 min

Will prioritising locals reduce unemployment in South Africa?

With more than 11 million people currently unemployed in South Africa, the Employment Amendment Bill aims to reduce high numbers of foreign nationals employed in unskilled occupations by putting more locals to work. So will prioritising the hiring of South Africans help to address unemployment? On line is Donne' Nieman,…

12 Mar 2021 7AM 15 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: -Victory for BDS as judge slapps down zionist attempt to stiffle free speech. -Ethiopia renews commitment to Africa Union (AU) mediation in dam talks -The BBC's coverage of the Pope's…

11 Mar 2021 10AM 21 min

Social movements call for Parliament to reject 2021 budget

More than 200 civil society organisations, trade unions, social movements and concerned individuals have called on Parliament to reject the budget recently tabled by Finance minister Tito Mboweni. The movements want parliament to use its constitutional powers to send the budget back to treasury. On line for comment is Minhaj…

11 Mar 2021 9AM 11 min

Eskom to implement stage 2 loadshedding

Eskom will begin implementing stage 2 load shedding from today. The Utility said it needed to cut electricity off in order to replenish emergency generation reserves. So is this the beginning of more load shedding? On line is Energy Expert, Ted Blom.

11 Mar 2021 7AM 13 min

Amnesty International urges SAPS to guarantee students rights

Amnesty International has urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to guarantee students rights to peaceful assembly and refrain from using excessive force. This follows the killing of bystander during Wits students protests. W e now chat to Executive Director of Amnesty International SA, Shenilla Mohamed.

11 Mar 2021 7AM 13 min

Weekly Africa Report

In this week's Africa report, we look at the following: -International Criminal Court (ICC) orders a $30 million compensation for DR Congo war crimes victims -UK to return $5.8 million to Nigeria from politicians stolen assets On line for comment is political science lecture at Chrizzma University, Dr Charles Moyo…

11 Mar 2021 7AM 8 min

Police corruption putting South Africans at risk

Police corruption and criminality is putting South Africans at greater risk. And if the latest crime stats issued by policy ministry are anything to go by, then it should be clear to most citizens that police and crime intelligence service can not fulfil its mandate of addressing crime in the…

11 Mar 2021 7AM 14 min

Swiss vote to ban burqa in public

Swiss voters have narrowly approved a proposal to ban face covering in a decision that critics brandend Islamaphobic and sexist. The vote comes after years of debate in Switzerland following similar bans in other Europeans countries, despite Muslim women wearing full face veils being an exeptionally rare site in Swiss…

9 Mar 2021 10AM 15 min