The Daily Discourse

Some welcome news for South Africa's agricultural sector: key export markets in the Far East are buying South African maize again. Vietnam and South Korea have emerged as major buyers at the start of the 2026/27 marketing season, which began in May. The renewed demand is providing a timely boost for local producers and signals growing confidence in South Africa's maize industry. Guest: Wandile Sihlobo, Agricultural Economist,  

Yesterday, we heard how overcrowded court rolls have led to mandatory mediation in many Gauteng cases. Now, attention is turning to another factor slowing down justice: so-called "Stalingrad tactics" — legal manoeuvres designed to delay proceedings. The issue was recently thrust into the spotlight when Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and Gauteng Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland discussed how these tactics have increasingly frustrated and undermined South Africa's court processes.  Guest: Machini Motloung: Law Society of South Africa  

Yesterday, we heard from a listener in Lenasia South, Johannesburg, who reported seeing busloads of Malawian nationals arriving in the area, raising questions about who they were and why they were there. While it's not yet clear whether the incidents are connected, reports indicate that around 500 Malawians — mostly women and children — are currently being housed at churches and NGO facilities in Johannesburg as they await repatriation. So, how did they end up here, and what happens next? Let's unpack the story. Guest: Tessa Dooms: Rivonia Circle   

A Cape Town Father, Joseph Nefdt who started the petition against too much homework speaks to Joanne Joseph about the petition and Professor Boitumelo Diale, Educational Psychologist & NRFSARChi Chair in Inclusive Rural Education and Early Childhood Development,Sol Plaatje University explains the impact of a lot of homework on children's development and mental health

Head of TV Licences at the SABC, Maphala Makgoba answered questions from listeners on their TV licence issues.  

Is South Africa really calling for all foreigners to leave, or is the real issue the failure to enforce immigration and labour laws? Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address on undocumented migrants and illegal employment, the Road Freight Association says the government has had the tools, proposals and legislation to tackle the problem for years. The association argues that this is not about being anti-foreigner, but about ensuring that employers follow the law and that enforcement is fair, consistent and effective.   GUEST: Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association

With the June 30 deadline set by protest groups fast approaching, police are urging calm. Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili has warned marchers not to carry dangerous or traditional weapons, as authorities unveil security plans for the planned shutdown and demonstrations, backed by a R600 million safety operation.  Guest: Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, National Police spokesperson  

The FW de Klerk Foundation has reportedly written to US President Donald Trump, urging him not to interfere with South Africa's HIV funding. The move comes amid concerns over the future of PEPFAR, the US-funded programme that has supported South Africa's HIV response for more than two decades and helped provide life-saving treatment to millions.  Guest: Christo Van Der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW De Klerk Foundation    

Political Analyst, Zakhele Ndlovu speaks to Joanne Joseph about the expulsion of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela from the MKP. The pair plans to challenge the expulsion in court. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela will challenge their MKP expulsion

Joanne Joseph is in conversation Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa speaks on new funding models for the public broadcaster given that only 15-percent of South Africans are paying their TV licences  

The Green Youth Indaba wraps up in Sun City today, bringing together young innovators, entrepreneurs, government and industry leaders to unlock opportunities in South Africa’s growing green economy. The focus: turning youth-driven innovation into jobs, businesses and lasting economic impact.  GUEST: Keamogetswe Sakara - Co- founder of NPO - Reagile Community Arts Centre, develops young learners in schools 

Are South Africans gambling away money meant for rent, transport, school fees and groceries? A new study by Yazi paints a troubling picture of the growing impact of online gambling, revealing stories of financial strain, addiction and risky betting behaviour from thousands of participants across the country.  Guest: Wandi Shishi, Head of Insights at Yazi