The National Pulse

As we observe ‘Human Rights Month’. Today, we are joined by Father Michael Lapsley who played a vital role in South Africa’s liberation struggle and subsequent healing process. Lapsley is a recipient of numerous honours for his human rights work and continues to advocate for social justice. GUEST: Father Michael Lapsley, global activist & founder of the Institute for Healing of Memories

Member of the Gauteng Organised Crime unit, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, continued answering questions at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today. Let’s get a sense of what he had to say today with… GUEST: Sibahle Motha, SABC News Reporter

Guest: Ismail Abdoola - Acting CEO

We hear from the Creative Workers Union on why they don’t want the SA Post Office to be liquidated. This after the Post Office’s business rescue practitioners communicated the plan in a letter to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, on Friday last week. GUEST: Nathan Bowers, National Bargaining Coordinator for Creative Workers Union (CWU)

Some of you may have witnessed the smell of rotten eggs that engulfed large parts of Johannesburg recently. The city has since confirmed that the smell was caused by hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide in the air, and this placed a lot of people at higher risk of poor health outcomes and premature deaths. So how do we deal with this problem, moving forward? For more on this, we are joined by…… GUEST: Dr Jamie Kelly, Health Impact Assessment Team Leader at CREA

The alleged killer of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission appeared before the Brakpan Magistrates Court today. Chad Thomas, Crime Expert and CEO of IRS Forensic Investigation was in court today. Chad now joins me on the line to tell us what came out of court today…   GUEST: Chad Thomas, Crime Expert and CEO of IRS Forensic Investigation

Today we are joined by former Pretoria’s envoy to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool. He has a long history of activism and is widely respected for his work in fostering interfaith dialogues and combating Islamophobia. Rasool has been the recipient of a number of awards that include “Social Services Leader of the Year” award, “Visionary Leadership and Public Good” award from the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, the list is endless. GUEST: Ebrahim Rasool, former SA Ambassador to the United States of America

  The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has thrown its weight behind the National Union of Mineworkers’ planned strike against the unbundling of Eskom. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson

  The University of the Western Cape has rejected a proposal to rename the institution after prominent theologian and anti-apartheid activist Allan Aubrey Boesak, saying it prefers to retain its long-standing name tied to its geographical identity. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Gasant Abarder, University of the Western Cape Spokesperson

  We look at the ongoing war in the Middle East and its impact on South Africa’s economy. This as energy markets remain on tenterhooks as the prospect of prolonged war in the Middle East grows. For more on this, we are joined by….. GUEST: Dr Azar Jamine, Director & Chief Economist of Econometrix

Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime Head, Major-General Richard Shibiri has concluded his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. During cross examination, Shibiri’s testimony revealed deep divisions within the police leadership. To give us a wrap on this, we are joined by……. GUEST: Sibahle Motha, SABC News reporter

  Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba’s father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed on the first day of the war that started more than a week ago. According to Iranian media, Mojtaba once served in the military for several short periods during the Iran-Iraq war. For more on this, we are joined by….. GUEST: Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow for Africa Asia Dialogues (Afrasid)

  Following recent, fatal building collapses in South Africa. We hear from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as they intend to host their Inaugural Biennial Engineering symposium this month. We understand that this time around the symposium will focus more on public safety, infrastructure resilience, accountability and the future of engineering in South Africa. For more on this, we are joined by…. GUEST: Tabisa Mtati, Acting CEO of ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa)

As South Africa’s labour market remains under severe strain, with structural unemployment continuing to limit economic participation. We hear from Yershen Pillay post CHIETA’s launch of “One Graduate, One Placement” campaign that is aimed at tackling rising graduate unemployment rate. GUEST: Yershan Pillay, CEO of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)

  Around 3PM today, Police in the Northern Cape confirmed that the first of five remains of miners at Ekapa Minerals have been retrieved. The men were trapped 800m underground in mid-February. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Ulrich Hendricks, SABC News Reporter in the Northern Cape

Today we are pleased to be joined by one of the Black Consciousness movement cadres, Pandelani Nefolovhodwe. During the dark days of our struggle against apartheid, Nefolovhodwe and many other leaders amplified the black voice, advocating for civil rights, social justice and equality. We hope that his story will inspire others to stand for what they believe in and know that their voice matters. GUEST: Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, one of the founders of Black Consciousness movement & former Deputy President of AZAPO

  The DA and the EFF welcomed a court ruling that has declared the unilateral powers of the finance minister to determine the valued-added tax rate as unconstitutional. Let’s get more on this from… GUEST: Sinawo Tambo, EFF National Spokesperson

Earlier today, a Prayer session was held in Kimberley by the Northern Cape government for the five men still trapped at Ekapa Mineral’s Joint shaft. Family members of the five miners were also present at the session. As it stands, the men are presumed deceased after a mud rush more than 2 weeks ago. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Ulrich Hendricks, SABC News Reporter

Madlanga adjourns till Monday  The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has adjourned until Monday. Key to today’s proceedings was the legal application brought by the North West businessman Suleiman Carrim who wanted his appearance at the commission to be heard in-camera.   GUEST: Andy Mashaile, Security strategist and Exco member of the International Cybersecurity and Investigations Committee

    Former Congress of the People (Cope) MP and deputy leader, Willy Madisha pays tribute to Mosioua Lekota, praising him for building a solid legacy. Lekota served the nation in several important leadership roles. He was Premier of the Free State from 1994 to 1996 during the formative years of provincial government, and later served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008, contributing to the transformation and development of the country’s defence establishment. In late 2008, he co-founded the Congress of the People (COPE). The party was established as a breakaway from the African National Congress (ANC) following the resignation of President Thabo Mbeki.   GUEST: Willy Madisha, former COPE MP

Post this year’s Budget Speech. TransUnion has just released its Consumer Credit Index, showing that household credit health remains in recovery with policy developments likely to reinforce this trend. To elaborate further on this, we are joined by….. GUEST: Fatgie Adams - head of credit risk @TransUnion

Last Wednesday, 25 February, Samsung  announced the Galaxy S26 series, powered by the most proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI[i] experiences yet and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day.   Zahir Cajee MX Lead for Product and Commercial, Samsung South Africa

    Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has declassified its report into the Phala Phala farm robbery. Let’s get reaction from the African Transformational Movement (ATM), the party that laid a complaint with the investigating directorate. Joining me on the line now is…   GUEST: Zama Ntshona, ATM National Spokesperson

    AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s campaign to rename KwaZulu-Natal to KwaZulu is once again back in the news. Let’s get reaction on this from…   GUEST: Willies Mchunu: MK Party Convener in KwaZulu-Natal

The reigning monarch of the Zulu nation and AmaZulu Kingdom, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is calling for the removal of ‘Natal’ from the province’s name, proposing it be renamed simply ‘KwaZulu’. The King is of the view that the name ‘Natal’ represents colonial imposition and is inappropriate. For more on this, we are joined by…… GUEST: Professor Jabulani Maphalala, President of African historians and Advisor to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, he has written 10 history books about the Kingdom of KwaZulu

    The Madlanga Commission has revealed that it will apply for a warrant of arrest against Brown Mogotsi, should he not submit a satisfactory medical certificate. Mogotsi failed to appear before the commission this morning due to being sick. To react to this is….   GUEST: Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest South Africa

    Iran continues to strike Israel and US assets in the Gulf, as the number of casualties rises across the region amid intensifying Israeli and US attacks on Iran. But what has caused this mayhem? Joining for this discussion is…..   GUEST: Zeenat Adam, Deputy Executive Director at the Afro-Middle East Centre

    Earlier today, a number of undocumented foreigners were arrested during an inspection by the department of employment and labour at two construction sites in Clayville, Ekurhuleni. You might have missed this, but a few weeks ago there was a video trending of a guy on a construction addressing President Ramaphosa about foreigners reporting for work while South Africans enjoy Valentine’s Day. Could these inspections be motivated by that? Let’s find out from…   GUEST: Jomo Sibiya, Deputy Minister: Department of Employment and Labour

Today we are joined by Dr Louise van Rhyn, a patriotic South African, who over the years has managed to combine business acumen with a mission driven focus to solve complex societal problems. Those who know her well, admire her ability to articulate a compelling, purpose driven vision that inspires action. Join us as she takes us through her personal journey, life experiences, challenges and lessons. GUEST: Dr Louise van Rhyn, Leadership development expert & Social entrepreneur

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced that the South African government, through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has significantly intensified efforts to curb fraud within the social grant system. According to him, SASSA has upgraded its biometric and income verification processes, resulting in nearly 35 000 grants being identified as incorrect or fraudulent, and immediately terminated. GUEST: Rachel Bukasa, Executive Director of the Black Sash

It’s public knowledge that Section27 monitors national budgets to ensure they uphold socio-economic rights, focusing on protecting education, health, and social services from austerity-driven budget cuts. They advocate for pro-poor, equitable spending and actively oppose funding reductions for critical frontline services. I’m sure they will be pleased to hear that spending on education remains the largest component at 23.7 per cent over the medium term. To react to this, we are joined by…… GUEST: Matshidiso Lencoasa, Budget analyst at Section27

The ACDP believed that public finances were turning in the right direction, however, the party is of the view that firm leadership is required to deliver accelerated economic growth and create jobs. What do they then make of today’s budget speech? Joining me on the line now is… GUEST: Steve Swart, ACDP MP

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says South Africa is finally seeing a shift following over a decade of financial struggles. We’ll spend the next few minutes getting reaction from political parties on today’s budget speech. Let’s start with…   Guest: Joe Maswanganyi, ANC MP and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says South Africa is finally seeing a shift following over a decade of financial struggles. We’ll spend the next few minutes getting reaction from political parties on today’s budget speech. Let’s start with… GUEST: Atholl Trollip, Action SA MP

    The Education + Graduate Summit (TEGS) is on a mission to convene South Africa’s education custodians to join in on the mandate of redesigning our education system and not only make it work for the majority but for the economy and everyday life. To tell us more about their mission and what it entails is….   GUEST: Bogosi Motshegwa, founder of The Education + Graduates Summit (TEGS)

    Earlier today, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli hosted a Community Youth Services Outreach Programme in Mfuleni, Cape Town, aimed at connecting young people with government services, employment opportunities, skills development programmes and civic services. She joins us now to outline the objectives of this important programme.   GUEST: Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in the Presidency

The University of Johannesburg and the Good Work Foundation have signed a research partnership agreement aimed at improving students’ well-being, educational outcomes and employment prospects in South Africa’s rural youth. Joining us to explain how this partnership will improve the lives of rural youth is ……. GUEST: Nicola Taylor, Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg

As South Africa approaches Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2026 Budget Speech, tax specialist Lance Collop warns that South Africans are facing a “Silent Budget” and a year where take-home pay will shrink even if tax rates don’t rise. He joins us now to elaborate further on this…… GUEST: Lance Collop, Tax Specialist & founder of Collop Tax Collective

Tomorrow marks International Mother Language Day, which is observed annually on the 21st of February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism, and the protection of mother tongues. To commemorate this important day - tomorrow, the Goethe-Institute South Africa will host the International Mother Language Day event aimed at highlighting the importance of multilingualism, cultural identity, and language education. The event will be attended by various organisations, educators, artists and community members from across the country.   GUEST: Dumisani Mnisi, Knowledge Sharing and Outreach Officer at the @Goethe-Institute South Africa

As I’ve been saying all week, The National Pulse is broadcasting live from the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town because SAfm has partnered with Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice for the 7th Annual Social Justice Lecture hosted by Professor Thuli Madonsela, the Director of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University. The 2026 SJ Lecture will be delivered by Rt Hon. Baroness Amos LG CH PC and we will broadcast it live just after five thirty this afternoon. Joining me live now in our broadcast area is…    GUESTS: Professor Thuli Madonsela, the Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) at Stellenbosch University and Rt Honourable Baroness Amos LG CH PC  

    As I’ve been saying all week, The National Pulse is broadcasting live from the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town because SAfm has partnered with Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice for the 7th Annual Social Justice Lecture hosted by Professor Thuli Madonsela, the Director of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University. Let’s have a conversation with some of the people attending this lecture. Joining me now is…   GUEST: Elretha Vaax - Law student at Stellenbosch University / Ambassador for the Centre of Social Justice at Stellenbosch University    Guest: Mia-Thandi West - LLB student at Stellenbosch University and Social JusticeAmbassador at the SU Centre for Social Justice   Guest: Okuhle Qasana - LLB student at Stellenbosch University and Social Justice Ambassador at the SU Centre for Social Justice

    Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth and the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, will tomorrow preside over a ceremony in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, to formally activate over R1.5 billion in Labour Activation Programme contracts to companies in Gauteng Province. For more on this, I am joined on the line by…   GUEST: Thobeka Magcai, Employment and Labour Ministry Spokesperson 

SAfm has partnered with Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) for the 7th Annual Social Justice Lecture. The lecture will take place tomorrow at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. The Lecture aims to spotlight social justice as a global challenge and it also serves as an opportunity to educate members of society about the importance of equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.   GUEST: Professor Thuli Madonsela, Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) at Stellenbosch University

    Let’s now look at the Nal’ibali’s Leadership in Literacy Dialogue that happened earlier today. Nal’ibali has been running a series of dialogues and conversations on leadership in literacy in cities and towns across the country as they attempt to find solutions aimed at addressing South Africa’s literacy challenges. Some of you are probably aware that South Africa faces a severe literacy crisis, with PIRLS 2021 Data showing that 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. For more on this, we are joined by……   GUEST: Lorato Trok, CEO of the Nal’ibali Literacy Trust

    We unpack the Electoral Commission’s Tertiary Institutions Campaign that is aimed at improving voter participation amongst students at tertiary institutions as well as encourage participation in the country’s democratic processes.   GUEST: Bonolo Modise: IEC’s Head of Elections in the North West province

South Africa’s unemployment rate has dropped but the country has added 2.6 million people to the number of unemployed over the past ten years, with youth unemployment remaining critically high. So what needs to be done to turn things around? GUEST:

  In conversation with Tricia ‘CK’ Hoffler, a prominent US attorney and the CEO of the CK Hoffler Firm, who has served as legal counsel to civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition for over three decades.  GUEST (Dallas-US): Tricia ‘CK’ Hoffler: CEO of the CK Hoffler Firm

We saw something similar happen in KZN a few years ago, now it is happening in Springs, east of Johannesburg. Residents of the Gugulethu informal settlement are searching for gold at a kraal that has allegedly been hijacked by locals following the discovery of gold particles in the area. Let’s get more information on this from… GUEST: Nontsikelelo Mkhabela, SABC News Reporter

The City of Ekurhuleni has started vetting its Metro Police Officers via an independent forensic firm. The appointed firm is expected to hand in a report within two months. The Union representing most of the workers, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), believes there is no justification for the City of Ekurhuleni’s decision to vet all its metro police officers. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Chris Mavundla, SAMWU Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary