The Daily Discourse

AI and Digital Policy Expert Zanyiwe Nthatisi Asare joins us to unpack the issue.

Journalist and author of South Africa’s Easy Election Guide: Local Government 2026, Nickolaus Bauer, joins us to unpack it. 

Healthcare scientist and professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, working across clinical research, researcher development and evidence-based medicine, Prof Colleen Aldous speaks on her call on for the department of Health to look at vaccinating boys against the Human Papilloma virus.

2026 Nobel Peace Prize, distinguished South African jurist and human rights champion, Dr. Navanethem"Navi" Pillay is in conversation with Joanne Joseph.

Political Scientist and Humanity Faculty Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), Dr Laurence Corumba sharesinsights into their research ahead of the local elections. Dr Corumba looked at the formation of coalition governments and voter turnout.

Former IEC Commissioner and Vice-Chairperson and now Executive Chairman of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa, Terry Tselane advises listeners who had their votes changed to a special vote to go to the polling stations on November 4th.

Lebo Mashigo, founder of Eggsellent by Lebo in Kwaggafontein, now runs a business housing 30,000 chickens and supplying supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and other major clients. But she's thinking beyond her own success. Her next ambition is to establish a packing facility that will help smaller poultry farmers break into bigger markets. 

Regional Manager for the Western Cape at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA),Raymond Maseko responds to a Daily Discourse listener complaining about Prasa operations in the Western Cape with Joanne Joseph.

Deputy chairperson of khulumani support group, Mbuyiselo Botha is dissecting the latest testimony at the Commission of Inquiry into the TRC investigations and prosecutions

This World Stroke Day, SAfm brings you a special conversation featuring broadcaster Siki Mgabadeli, alongside medical and rehabilitation professionals Neurologist- Dr Jo Terblanche, Speech and Language Therapist -Kirsten Rowe and Exercise Physiologist, Michael Mcloughlin.

Acting Head of Portfolio at AGSA, Kgabo Komape speaks to Joanne Joseph about how public resources are being protected,

AI is changing the music industry, but at what cost to artists’ identity and creative rights? We’ve started unpacking this increasingly controversial debate here on SAfm, and today we’re looking at the thorny issues of consent, identity and AI imitating an artist’s voice and style. Who owns that sound, and who gets to give permission for it to be replicated? To help us navigate these questions, I’m joined by Nick Matzukis, Director of the Academy of Sound Engineering.  

The government is looking at early retirement and voluntary exit packages for teachers in a bid to save billions of rands. According to IOL, the Department of Basic Education could save an estimated R4.4 billion a year. But at what cost? Could losing experienced teachers put even more pressure on an already stretched education system? And where will the replacements come from? To unpack the implications, I’m joined by Nomusa Cembi, spokesperson for the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union

A landmark judgment from the Supreme Court of Appeal has sent a strong message to the government: cultural considerations cannot be used to unlawfully interfere in adoptions. Five judges have criticised the national and Gauteng Departments of Social Development over interference that reportedly delayed at least two adoptions. But where is the line between protecting cultural rights and acting in the best interests of children? To unpack this judgment, we’re joined by Khuliso Managa, attorney and programme lead on women’s sexual and reproductive health rights at the Women’s Legal Centre.

Should alcohol sales at bars, restaurants and shebeens stop at midnight? The DG Murray Trust thinks so, arguing that late-night alcohol sales could be fuelling binge-drinking and worsening alcohol-related health problems in South Africa. The trust is prepared to take the fight all the way to the Constitutional Court. But would a midnight cut-off make a real difference? We speak to Kashifa Ancer, Campaign Manager for the trust’s Rethink Your Drink campaign.    

Chief Research specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council, Dr Steven Gordon explains the satisfaction survey looking at the attitudes of South Africans to voting and democracy  

Sithembiso Nzimande, share the roots behind voter apathy ahead of the local elections

Nyimpini Mabunda, CEO nights Author shares insights he learnt from sitting down with leading CEO's in the country.

Founder of New Dawn Wines, Rudger Van Wyk is in conversation with Joanne Joseph about his growing business.

Senior Lecturer in Music Technology and Musicology at the University of Pretoria’s School of the Art, Miles Warrington explores songwriting, composition, vocals and production of music with the rise of AI music

Speaking out against corruption can come at a devastating personal cost. Just ask former City of Johannesburg senior manager and whistleblower Sarika Lakraj-Naidoo. In an emotional interview with us a few days ago, she laid bare the price she’s paid for blowing the whistle — disciplinary hearings, former colleagues allegedly giving false testimony against her, and financial ruin after struggling to find work, despite ultimately being vindicated. Her story raises a critical question: when whistleblowers risk everything to expose wrongdoing, who protects them — and is there any real political will to support them?  Guest: Dr Ugljesa Radulovic: senior postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Sociology, University of Johannesburg

Finding clothes you can actually afford in South African stores is becoming increasingly difficult. So, it’s little wonder that shoppers are flocking to online giants like Shein and Temu, where rock-bottom prices and the convenience of shopping from home are hard to resist. But that bargain hunt is coming at a cost — and local manufacturers and retailers say they simply can’t compete. Now, trade unions are calling for a ban on these global online retailers, warning that South African manufacturing jobs are on the line. But is shutting them out the answer?  Guest:Simon Eppel: The Director of policy and research at the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) Mathew Parks: Parliamentary Coordinator, Congress of SouthAfrican Trade Union (COSATU),

10-billion rand's worth of relief that the Finance Minister  announced in terms of the Fuel Levy during his Mid-Term Budget. Minister Godongwana is implementing a cut to the Fuel Levy after fuel prices soared to an all-time high this month. Guest: Sharda Naidoo: independent Development Economist,    

Civil society organisation, Equal Education, is not charmed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Mid-Term Budget, delivered yesterday afternoon. The The organisation says the budget has remained  silent on a number of important issues. Guest: Sam Beynon: systems efficiency researcher at Equal Education,    

Former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been denied bail in his rape case — but the controversy surrounding him is far from over. Arrested at a Sandton strip club last month, Sibiya faces a string of serious charges, including the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl, the alleged rape of an 18-year-old, human trafficking and firearms law violations. Now, the spotlight is also on his lawyer, Amanda Nel, who is facing calls to account for comments critics have described as insensitive to the rape allegation. A senior lawyer at child rights organisation Women and Men Against Child Abuse is leading those calls.  Guest: Karyn Maughan:Legal journalist,News24,    

At two this afternoon, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement. It’s more than just a mini-budget — it’s a reality check on the state of South Africa’s economy, government’s spending priorities, and what lies ahead for our public finances. The big question is: where is the money going, and what does it mean for South Africans?  Jugal Mahabir, Local Government Programme Lead, Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI)

We usually have Brian Hirsch in on a Wednesday, buthis colleague, Sandy van der Zanden is in for him this morning. And we're asking the question: Beyond the Rand: Is Your Wealth Too South African? You earn in rands, own property in South Africa and invest in the local market. What happens to your wealth if the rand weakens or South Africa's economy struggles? Sandy van der Zanden: Wealth Management at Anchor Capital,  

As fuel costs continue to climb, could New Energy Vehicles be part of the solution for South African drivers? We’ve explored biofuels, and now we turn to the global shift towards cleaner energy in transport. With markets like the EU and UK tightening regulations, South Africa may need to accelerate its own transition. The question is: are we ready?  Grant Locke: Managing Director, Volvo Cars    

KwaZulu-Natal has secured R124.5 billion in investment commitments, smashing its R95 billion target and potentially creating more than 330,000 jobs. But Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli says the real test is turning these pledges into projects, economic growth and sustainable employment.  Thami Ntuli: KZN Premier,  

Ald. Aaron Maluleka: is the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing and Human Settlements in the City of Tshwane David Mahlobo: Deputy Minister, Department of Water and Sanitation    

Artificial intelligence is changing how music is made — but how much of a song is human, and how much is AI? TechCentral reports that SAMRO is now asking members to disclose AI’s contribution when registering musical works, including how much a human contributed. But there’s no minimum requirement for human input. To unpack the new regulations and what they mean for musicians, I’m joined by Dr Gerhard Roux, Senior Lecturer in Stellenbosch University’s Music Department and an expert in music technology and film music.   

We often talk about corruption, but what happens to those who dare to expose it? Whistleblowing takes courage and a strong sense of ethics, but too often, doing the right thing comes at a devastating personal cost. Today, we hear from Sarika Lakraj-Naidoo, a former senior employee at the City of Johannesburg, about her ordeal and the price she has paid for speaking out.   

A new report commissioned by the Centre for Development and Enterprise warns that water shortages, infrastructure theft and emergency repairs are creating opportunities for organised crime to profit from municipal failure. To unpack the findings and what they mean for Johannesburg, we’re joined by CDE founder and Executive Director, Ann Bernstein.  

The Executive Mayor, Councillor  Nomvuyo Mposelwa is in conversation with Joanne Joseph reviewing the municipality's performance over the past 5 years

Policing and Security Strategist, Andy Mashaile speaks on the failures within the SAPS which have allowed for 248 convicted SAPS members who remain employed by the police service

Department of Education Policies Professor at Stellenbosch University, Prof Jonathan Jansen warns that South Africa’s Paris moment is not far away because of the frustration communities have with the state of public schools and education.  

The CEO of South African-facing Sun International, Ulrik Bengtsson speaks to Joanne Joseph about the company's plans to ban grant and NSFAS recipients from gambling on their online platforms.

Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in the Presidency  

Census 30 OB:The role of the Statistics Council in ensuring census integrity, independence, and public trust Dr Nompumelelo Mbele, Chairperson of the South African Statistics Council

Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General at Statistics South Africa

Mr Yu Yu, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative

General practitioner in Craighall park, Dr Karin Van der Merwe gives tips on how to avoid a heat stroke as heatwaves continue in several provinces across the country. 

Motorists in parts of Johannesburg are facing delays in renewing driving licences and vehicle licence discs after a contract expired before a replacement was in place. With services disrupted, questions are mounting over accountability and contingency planning. We ask the Department of Transport what went wrong, what’s being done to restore services, and when motorists can expect normal operations to resume. Guest: Lesiba Mpya: Gauteng Transport Spokesperson