 Over the weekend, another urination scandal happened at Stellenbosch University. This time, the incident took place at Helshoogte residence. Its second incident in less than six months and we also wanted to discuss what is the psychological impact this has on young people in public institutions who are inheriting a deeply divided society. As we wrap Heritage Month, we wanted to discuss what this incident says about where we are as a nation when it comes to social cohesion. 

Guest: Prof. Christopher Isike - Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria | Social Cohesion Advocate

Over the weekend, another urination scandal happened at Stellenbosch University. This time, the incident took place at Helshoogte residence. Its second incident in less than six months and we also wanted to discuss what is the psychological impact this has on young people in public institutions who are inheriting a deeply divided society. As we wrap Heritage Month, we wanted to discuss what this incident says about where we are as a nation when it comes to social cohesion. 
Guest: Prof. Christopher Isike - Professor of African Politics and International Relations in the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria | Social Cohesion Advocate

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The Talking Point

Thinking Point: Social Cohesion in light of recurring dehumanizing campus scandals

For more than a year, we have been receiving calls from some of our listeners in the North West Province around the area of Matlosana telling us about corruption at that particular municipality. The latest is that the North West ANC Provincial Executive Committee has decided that the Executive Mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp, James Tsolela resign from his position sighting allegations of corruption. Chief financial officer Mercy Phetla has also reportedly been suspended for allegedly approving the pay of two-point-nine-million-rand to her associate without following the Municipal Finance Management Act. 

Guest: Johannes Le Grange – DA Caucus Leader in the Matlosana Municipality

Guest: James Gadinabokao – Provincial Head of Communications for the South African Civic Organisation in the North West province

Guest: Banele Faku – Regional Secretary for the EFF in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District

For more than a year, we have been receiving calls from some of our listeners in the North West Province around the area of Matlosana telling us about corruption at that particular municipality. The latest is that the North West ANC Provincial Executive Committee has decided that the Executive Mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp, James Tsolela resign from his position sighting allegations of corruption. Chief financial officer Mercy Phetla has also reportedly been suspended for allegedly approving the pay of two-point-nine-million-rand to her associate without following the Municipal Finance Management Act. 
Guest: Johannes Le Grange – DA Caucus Leader in the Matlosana Municipality
Guest: James Gadinabokao – Provincial Head of Communications for the South African Civic Organisation in the North West province
Guest: Banele Faku – Regional Secretary for the EFF in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District

Municipal Watch: Trouble in Matlosana

Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs passed a review of bilateral relations with South Africa. This review takes place less than 12 months before South Africa hears if their status in AGOA is renewed. This follows questions that have been raised surrounding Pretoria’s non-aligned stance in their foreign policy  on Palestine and Ukraine. There have also been questions surrounding their closer relations with China, Russia and Iran. Some Republican members even went as far as calling for the Bill to cut off funding from agreements such as PEPFAR that provides essential healthcare interventions over the past 20 years. If the bill is passed, the US administration would have to determine whether South Africa has undermined foreign policy and national security interests.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators has passed its own bill to renew AGOA until 2041. One of the new provisions that has emerged is that the US would allow African countries to have their status reviewed after 5 years of recognition as a high-income country. While Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor has been speaking to officials to prevent punitive measures to be taken, Pretoria believes that Washington may have as much to lose if this Bill is passed. Given both nations are hosting elections in the coming months, we unpack the implications of this review and the optics given that the AGOA Summit of 2023 presented signs of the two nations’ relations being on the mend. 

Guest: Arina Muresan - Senior Researcher and Project Manager at the Institute of Global Dialogue

Guest:Prof. David Monyae - Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations & Director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg

Guest (studio):Leslie Dikeni - Author (Habitat and Struggle) & Urban Sociologist

Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs passed a review of bilateral relations with South Africa. This review takes place less than 12 months before South Africa hears if their status in AGOA is renewed. This follows questions that have been raised surrounding Pretoria’s non-aligned stance in their foreign policy  on Palestine and Ukraine. There have also been questions surrounding their closer relations with China, Russia and Iran. Some Republican members even went as far as calling for the Bill to cut off funding from agreements such as PEPFAR that provides essential healthcare interventions over the past 20 years. If the bill is passed, the US administration would have to determine whether South Africa has undermined foreign policy and national security interests.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators has passed its own bill to renew AGOA until 2041. One of the new provisions that has emerged is that the US would allow African countries to have their status reviewed after 5 years of recognition as a high-income country. While Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor has been speaking to officials to prevent punitive measures to be taken, Pretoria believes that Washington may have as much to lose if this Bill is passed. Given both nations are hosting elections in the coming months, we unpack the implications of this review and the optics given that the AGOA Summit of 2023 presented signs of the two nations’ relations being on the mend. 
Guest: Arina Muresan - Senior Researcher and Project Manager at the Institute of Global Dialogue
Guest: Prof. David Monyae - Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations &amp; Director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg
Guest (studio): Leslie Dikeni - Author (Habitat and Struggle) &amp; Urban Sociologist

US-SA Bill: the 118th Review that may set relations for the next 5 years

Our next guest is making history as she forms part of the first cohort of independent candidates running in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections set to take place on 29 May 2024. Her campaign sets to address the gap that exists between government and the people. She seeks to abolish the tender system; fight corruption in the public service; address transformation in the workplace; strengthen the primary healthcare system; combat crime and gender-based violence; review social grants; redesign basic education curricula and build inclusive economic opportunities. 

Guest: Anele Mda - Independent Candidate

Our next guest is making history as she forms part of the first cohort of independent candidates running in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections set to take place on 29 May 2024. Her campaign sets to address the gap that exists between government and the people. She seeks to abolish the tender system; fight corruption in the public service; address transformation in the workplace; strengthen the primary healthcare system; combat crime and gender-based violence; review social grants; redesign basic education curricula and build inclusive economic opportunities. 
Guest: Anele Mda - Independent Candidate

Thinking Point: Social Cohesion in light of recurring dehumanizing campus scandals

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