Today we celebrate the South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 search and rescue team, after they were recently recognised by the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their incredible intervention in the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. The SAPS K9 Search and Rescue teams have been involved in numerous recovery operations across the world including the Haiti 2010 earthquake. GUEST: Brigadier Vimla Moodley, was the commander who was tasked with leading the SAPS rescue and recovery operations

City of Johannesburg’s mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda has announced his mayoral committee after being elected into the position earlier today. He replaces his fellow Al Jama-ah comrade, Thapelo Amad who resigned two weeks ago. His mayoral committee includes former mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero who is the new MMC for Finance, while transport MMC Kenny Kunene retains his position. We’re now joined by SABC News Reporter, Sashin Naidoo.

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association regional taxi council in Cape Town has been dealt a blow, following the murder of its training officer, Chairmaine Bailey. Bailey was shot dead allegedly while she was attending a meeting yesterday. The 56 year old’s murder comes just a month after the killing of rival taxi association Codeta’s boss, Sizwe Khobocwana. It is not clear yet what the motive of the killing is and no arrests have been made. We’re now joined by Mandla Hermanus, Santaco Chairperson in the Western Cape.

The iconic Fun World Park, which has been operating on Durban beachfront for 75 years, was recently closed – following the cancellation of a month-to-month lease with the operator. However, the eThekwini Municipality has announced that it has big plans for the site and is currently finalizing plans for a world-class facility that will attract tourists and beach-goers. Joining us to outline plans for the site is…… GUEST: Kabelo Mmusinyane, Head of Real Estate Unit, eThekwini Municipality 

Britain is buzzing as the coronation of King Charles III will take place tomorrow in a ceremony that will also crown his wife, Camilla, as Queen. But what does this historic moment mean for the citizens of the United Kingdom as this will be Britain’s first coronation in 70 years. Joining us to discuss this and also to talk more about what King Charles reign has been like so far is….. GUEST (UK): Sir Anthony Seldon, UK’s Historian & Political author

The recent landing of UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan with an entourage of 500 people in the Eastern Cape has not only caused outrage, but also started a conversation about land ownership by foreigners in South Africa. Former Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela said in a Twitter Space conversation that she does not think foreigners should own land in South Africa. Many African countries allow for foreigners to own both land and property, but some only limit it to leasing for investment purposes over a period of time. What does land ownership by foreigners look like in Namibia and are there lessons for South Africa? We’re now joined by Dr. Job Shipululo Amupanda activist and political science senior lecturer at the University of Namibia.

We celebrate Lwazi Ngcungama who designed a beautiful replica of the 1996 Bafana Bafana jersey. Last year, Ngcungama's designs won the competition for South Africa national teams' next kits. He had to borrow a computer from his friend to design the kits. World Cup-bound Banyana Banyana cannot wait to wear the new jersey. GUEST: Lwazi Ngcungama, Graphic Designer

Commuters can breathe a sigh of relief as Putco busses will be back on the road tomorrow. The bus company suspended service due to fuel shortages and non-payment of subsidies by the Gauteng government. However, a new agreement is now in place. Gauteng premier, Panyaza Lesufi says a longer  service agreement with the entire bus service sector  to avoid disruptions like today’s. Those affected by today’s disruption will get a discount on their next weekly or monthly bust ticket. We’re now joined by Lindokuhle Xulu, Spokesperson for Putco.

The case of kidnapping and murder of two boys from Soweto whose bodies were found mutilated will continue in court tomorrow.  Five -year-old Nqobizitha Zulu and six-year-old Tshiamo Rabanye were buried last week, a third child who was kidnapped with them escaped and was found alive. The five year old helped give some details that helped with the investigation, we are now joined by the father of the five year old who escaped, Mandlenkosi Mncwango.

The South African Police Service has apologised after the personal details of the Krugersdorp gang rape victims were disclosed in the WhatsApp messages on SAPS WhatsApp groups, which found its way to social media. After conducting an internal investigation, the SAPS found that the personal information of victims was released inappropriately but no ill-tent was uncovered. But how damaging was this? For more on this, we are joined by…. GUEST: Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator

how can SAPS bring justice to victims and what measures are they going to put in place to avoid a repeat of such information breach? GUEST: Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS National Spokesperson  

Who was behind an alleged drone attack on Moscow’s Kremlin? Russia has accused Ukraine of an assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin using drones. However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied that Kyiv was involved, saying that they are only focusing on defending their villages and cities. So what’s likely to happen next? For more on this, we are joined by….. GUEST: Professor Lindy Heinecken, Military Sociologist & Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University, also Author of the book “South Africa’s post-apartheid military: Lost in Transition and Transformation” 

Parliament has passed a law that will make sign language a 12th language in South Africa.  The bill was tabled by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services for approval by members of parliament. It went through a rigorous process that includes public hearings for a year before it was passed. The law seeks to recognise the rights of people who are deaf, including those who are hard of hearing. It will now be sent to National Council of Provinces for approval before being sent to President Ramaphosa to sign it into law. We’re now joined by Lance Craig Schultz, CEO of the Pan South African Language Board.

As this year marks 45 years since the death of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Today we remember the contribution that Sobukwe and other political prisoners that were incarcerated at Robben Island made to the political freedom that we all enjoy today. Sixty years ago today, Robert Sobukwe was banished to Robben Island as a political prisoner.   GUEST: Professor Saths Cooper, Chairperson of the Robben Island Museum Council & President of Pan-African Psychology Union

Dr Nandipha Magudumana along with five co-accused in the Thabo Bester escape case will wait until the 11th  and 12th of May to apply for bail. They face a list of charges including fraud, as well as aiding and abetting the escape of a convicted criminal from prison. The charge of murder has however been dropped. The body of the man who was burnt inside Thabo Bester’s cell was identified as Katlego Bereng who went missing in March last year. How is the family feeling about today’s court proceedings? We’re now joined by Poppie Bereng, aunt to the late Katlego Bereng.

The last group of South Africans that was still in the process of being evacuated from Sudan has been released from Egypt. The 22 people were stranded on a boat for four days as the South African embassy in Egypt negotiated for their release after they escaped the conflict. They had been in Sudan on a work project since September last year. They will be flying out of Egypt later today. We’re now joined by Gift of the Givers Founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

Let’s go to Zambia now as it is widely reported that a group of armed police officers have surrounded the house of former President Edgar Lungu to conduct a search, allegedly, involving three motor vehicles and a title deed. T GUEST (ZAMBIA): Emmanuel Mwamba, Zambia's former Ambassador to Ethiopia and former Permanent Representative to the African Union

Elias Monage explains why Black Business Council is against a privately funded investigation into corruption at Eskom. He is of the view that Business Leadership South Africa’s decision to fund Eskom’s investigation is inappropriate and teetering on serious interference. GUEST: Elias Monage, President of the Black Business Council (BBC)

A truce between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups has been reached after the death of a Palestinian hunger striker in Israeli custody added to heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Palestinian leaders accused Israel of causing the death of Adnan, the first Palestinian hunger striker to die in Israeli custody in more than 30 years. GUEST: Naeem Jeenah, Senior Researcher @Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) 

Who will be the next mayor in the City of Johannesburg? The council is voting today, after Al Jama-ah’s Thapelo Amad resigned from the position just three months after he was voted in. The ANC and the EFF have fielded Al Jama-ah’s Kabelo Gwamanda. PA leader, Gayton McKenzie has resigned as mayor of Central Karoo and he has in the past expressed interest in the position. To discuss the state of the coalition in the City of Johannesburg, we’re now joined by Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA.

reaction to that briefing by government on the school nutrition programme in KwaZulu-Natal, we’re now joined by Vee Gani, Chairperson of KZN Parents Association.

Following the Thabo Bester prison escape scandal. The Department of Correctional Services has announced that it has decided to terminate its concession contract with the Bloemfontein Correctional Services (BCC). The department has given the BCC 90 days to vacate the Mangaung prison in the Free State. For more explanation on this, we are now joined by…. GUEST: Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

We examine the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s call to blacklist India over religious freedom. The commission is arguing that the country continues to mistreat minority groups as it enforces discriminatory policies in relation to religion.   GUEST: Salman Khan, Independent political analyst on South-East Asia

Is the relationship between the ANC and the alliance healing? President Cyril Ramaphosa today addressed Cosatu members at the official Worker’s Day Ceremony in Bethlehem in the Free State. The last time Ramaphosa attended a Worker’s Day event, he was hackled by workers and had to be quickly rushed out of the venue in the North West. Today, he spoke about the importance of a solid relationship between the ANC and its alliance partners. We’re now joined by political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze.

Social media was buzzing with today with photographs from parents and teenagers who were purchasing the new energy and hydration drink, Prime. The drink is owned by American Youtuber Logan Paul with former rival and British YouTuber, KSI. When the drink first hit the market in South Africa a few weeks ago, it cost about R500, but that price has gone down to R40 after supermarket, Checkers imported it in bulk. To discuss the power of influencer marketing among youth, we’re now joined by reputation specialist, Tshepo Matseba

As we commemorate Workers’ Day – we tell you more about Prayers for Employees book that was released by a  South African-based international investigative journalist, also a fellow of Poynter Institute in Florida (USA) and The Media Project in New York, Vicky Abraham. The book focuses on problems that workers encounter in the workplace. GUEST: Vicky Abraham, Author of ‘Demolishing Debt Slavery: 21-Day Prayers for Workers’  

Ethiopian security forces have arrested 47 suspects after the killing of Girma Yeshitila, leader of the ruling Welfare Party. According to the regional government, Yeshitila was among five people killed in an attack last week as they were heading to one of Amhara's main cities. GUEST: Professor Mammo Muchie, Pan Africanist scholar & Research Professor on Innovation studies at Tshwane University of Technology

Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong, Specialist Gynaecologist: “President Cyril Ramaphosa honors Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong with the Order of Baobab in Gold for his excellent contribution to medical sciences in South Africa”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed an interministerial committee to look at options regarding South Africa’s participation in the International Criminal Court as well as the warrant of arrest against Vladimir Putin who is expected to be in South Africa for the Brics Summit in August. Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reaffirmed that South Africa remains a signatory to the Rome Statute. This follows an announcement ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula made saying the ANC NEC had resolved that South Africa should withdraw its ICC membership. The party later backtracked and said the decision hadn’t been made yet. We’re now joined by Political Analyst, Dr Ongama Mtimka.

Many young South Africans in Johannesburg talk about going to “The Mai” for some great food and experience of Zulu culture, but what is the history of Kwa Mai Mai, in the heart of Johannesburg? Cultural anthropologist and music guru, Dr Sipho Sithole has has written a book, extensively exploring KwaMai Mai Market, looking at stories of migrants who owned this part of a city that denied and criminalised their existence in it over a period of 120 years. Dr Sipho Sithole joins us now to discuss the project. 

Sudan’s ceasefire has been extended for three more days – however a Turkish evacuation plane was shot today as it landed at an airbase outside Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. So is there any hope that the ongoing conflict will end anytime soon? It’s almost two weeks now since violence broke out between the country's army and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces. For more on this, we are joined by…. GUEST: Sabir Ibrahim, Political analyst & consultant: Specialist in Sudan and horn of Africa

As we celebrate Freedom Day today, we remind you about the major role that Radio Freedom played in the liberation struggle. This as we understand that radio as an old medium of communication connected nations and people in many countries and was often used as a means of propaganda or as governmental messenger. However, the introduction of Radio Freedom changed the playing field as it enabled liberation movements to tell their side of the story without distortion. Joining us for this discussion is …… and ……… GUEST: Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, South Africa’s Ambassador to Turkiye & former MK operative who worked for Radio Freedom GUEST: Lennox Klaas, former MK operative who worked as Producer and Presenter for Radio Freedom

Today is not only Freedom Day, it’s also International Girls in ICT Day. The day recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, raises awareness of the challenges girls and women face in ICT. 2022’s Global Gender Gap Report revealed that only less than 13% of women choose pursue STEM disciplines. Today we have Zakithi Mkhize, a PhD Candidate in Medicine at the HIV Pathogenesis Program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is also the Founder of the NPO Black Girl Scientists. She is passionate about science communications and uses her YouTube channel called Black Girl Scientist to motivate and encourage young black people, especially black women, to get into science. She aims to break stereotypes and make science cool. Zakithi Mkhize joins us now.

Over 120 000 birds have died in the Western Cape in the past week following the outbreak of avian influenza detected at two poultry farms. There is currently no vaccine or treatment, as a result, infected birds are culled to limit the spread of the flu. While there is a low risk for transmission to humans, the public has been advised not to touch dead birds. We’re now joined by Dr Laura Roberts, the state veterinarian at the Western Cape Government.

Earlier on today, the African Christian Democratic Party marched to Constitution Hill in defence of constitutional rights and freedoms. The party says South Africa cannot enjoy its freedom until every South African is freed from the chains of poverty. GUEST: Wayne Thring, Deputy President of the African Christian Democratic Party

From today onwards, the military veterans can now start the application process for the pension payout. According to the Deputy Minister of Military Veterans Thabang Makwelta, the Government Pension Administration Agency has put in place the machinery to rollout pension payouts and the machinery includes the infrastructure for military veterans that will ensure that application processes will be smooth. He joins us now to elaborate further on this….. GUEST: Thabang Makwetla, Deputy Minister of Military Veterans

the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This as rebel attacks in the country’s Ituri province has forced more than 500,000 people to flee their homes. GUEST: Nixon Katembo, African affairs commentator who also works for Channel Afrika

The ANC says South Africa will remain a member of the International Criminal Court, as per the resolution of the 55th national conference in December 2022. The party’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula announced yesterday that the party’s NEC had resolved to withdraw South Africa from the ICC. President Ramaphosa echoed the announcement while responding to a question by SABC News Foreign Editor, Sophie Mokoena, saying the party had indeed decided to withdraw. However, the party sent a statement later to clarify that the decision hadn’t been made yet. The Presidency also said Ramaphosa made an error. What exactly is going on, we’re now joined by Obed Bapela, deputy minister

What will happen to the South Africans who were in Sudan illegally? Seven of the 38 South Africans who have been evacuated from Khartoum did not have legal documents and they were denied entry into Egypt when they arrived at the border. Sudan has been in conflict for the past two weeks in a clash between Sudan’s forces and a rebel group that has claimed over 450 lives. Where will the people who do not have documents go now? We’re now joined by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers.

What is the process of registering intellectual property in South Africa and how much does it cost? As we observe World Intellectual Property Day, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission says South Africans, especially women need to be intentional about using the intellectual property system to protect and add value to their work. This year’s theme is Women and Intellectual Property: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity. The concept of protecting intellectual property sounds intimidating and expensive to the general person, how accessible is it and why is it important? We’re now joined by Thandanani Cwele, Senior Manager for Patent Research at the  Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

Coca-Cola Beverage SA's More Than Water campaign was recently recognised as the overall winner of the Food and Beverage Category at the 2023 SABRE Africa Awards. It did not end there as the organisation also received a Certificate of Excellence for the Southern Africa region. To tell us more about this More Than Water campaign is….. GUEST: Nozicelo Ngcobo, Coca-Cola Beverages SA's Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director

Former Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter has appeared before Scopa in parliament today. He answered questions by the committee in relation to what happened at the power utility while he was the CEO, including questions about things he shared in an interview with Annika Larsen. De Ruyter alleged that Eskom was losing R1 billion per day due to corruption, however, he refused to name the minister and senior politicians who allegedly enabled corruption at the power utility. We’re now joined by Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Chairperson of Scopa. 

Was Pacina Retail within its rights to terminate the contract? Our guest explains - how and when a contract can be terminated. Law dictates that if you have entered into a contract that you later wish to terminate, it is important to follow the correct procedure. Failure to do this could constitute a breach of contract which could result in liability for damages. GUEST: Mpumelelo Zikalala, Legal practitioner

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has instructed the department of basic education in the province to terminate the National School Nutrition Programme tender awarded to Pacina Retail. This comes after the company failed to deliver food to over 4 500 schools in the province. GUEST: Bheki Mtolo, ANC Provincial Secretary in KZN

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korea alliance. Today, President Joe Biden is hosting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on a state visit at the White House. We understand that a central focus of the meeting will likely be how the two leaders can deal with North Korea, which has been testing missiles in recent months. GUEST: Dr John Stremlau, Honorary Professor of International Relations @ Wits

What are the implications of the ANC’s resolution to withdraw from the International Criminal Court? The party met over the past weekend to deliberate on a number of issues, including South Africa’s participation in the ICC. The decision comes ahead of this year’s BRICS Summit where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend. However, there is a warrant of arrest against him.  South Africa is one of over 120 countries that are signatories to the Rome Statutes. How does the process of withdrawing work and how long will it take before South Africa is officially withdrawn? We’re now joined by Dr Llewellyn Curlewis, Senior Lecturer in Criminal and Procedural Law at the University of Pretoria.

It’s World Malaria Day. What impact has climate change that has caused floods in African countries had in the rise of Malaria? The continent carries the highest burden of the disease compared to any region in the world.  About 70% of all malaria cases and deaths affect populations in 11 countries, and 10 of those are in Africa. Despite strides that have been made in the fight against Malaria, Africans still remain at risk, especially as the impact of climate change worsens. To discuss how investing in scientific research as innovation can drive African solutions to end Malaria, we’re now joined by Dr. Dale Taylor, Chief Investigator, Parasitology, H3D Centre at the University of Cape Town

Police in the Eastern Cape have confirmed that a 32-year old man appeared in the Butterworth magistrate’s court yesterday on charges of unlawful possession of a human tissue. It is alleged that the suspect was arrested by members of the public, after they allegedly found him in possession of a man’s private part at a shopping mall in Butterworth. The 32-year-old man is due back in court tomorrow for a bail application. GUEST: Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, Eastern Cape Police spokesperson

The African Transformation Movement has written to the office of the acting Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka to complain against Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to declare the Bulembu Airport in Bisho in the Eastern Cape an international port of entry. The complaint follows the landing of the president and ruler of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his entourage of about 500 people in the Eastern Cape. The party says this declaration does not comply with the Border Management Act. We’re now joined by ATM President, Vuyo Zungula.