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The National Pulse

Latest News, Trends, and light features for an afternoon commute- Business, Traffic, Weather and Sport

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All Episodes

13:30

Latest developments in Venezuela

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/09

Yesterday, Venezuela released citizens and foreigners from its prisons in what a top government official described as a gesture to seek peace less than a week after former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces. Human rights groups were encouraged by the releases, though it wasn’t clear yet whether this might represent the early stages of a government in transition or was more of a symbolic effort to please the Trump administration. GUEST (Venezuela): Diego Sequera,

en-US

9:27

Political Analysis: NFP leader confirms party exit...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/09

The National Freedom Party reaffirmed its decision to withdraw from the KwaZulu-Natal’s Government of Provincial Unity at media briefing earlier today. Let’s get a sense of possible implications this will have on the KZN provincial government with… GUEST: Zakhele Ndlovu, Political analyst based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

en-US

14:05

114 years of the ANC

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/08

Today, January 8th 2025, marks 114 years since the African National Congress was founded, making it the oldest liberation movement on the African continent. Let’s look back at the past, the present and future of this liberation movement with… GUEST: Professor Steven Friedman, Political Analyst from the University of Johannesburg

en-US

6:28

After Venezuela: Who might be next?

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/08

Post the forceful overthrow of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump has threatened countries across the globe with possible U.S military action. He recently renewed his calls for a US takeover of the Danish territory of Greenland, citing US security interests, and threatened military action in Colombia for its role in cocaine trafficking. So who can stop “The Trump Train” from causing more havoc on global politics? For more analysis on this, we are joined

en-US

13:27

Limpopo Premier tackles illegal immigrants

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/08

A law enforcement operation in Limpopo has seen more than 1000 illegal foreign nationals being arrested. The operation comes after a recent spike in undocumented migration in the province. According to the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the enforcement action is aimed at upholding the law, not targeting foreigners. GUEST: Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo Premier

en-US

8:53

US Embassy Picket

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/08

Security was beefed up at the US Embassy in Pretoria as a coalition of South African trade unions, political groups, and civil society organisations picketed outside the building today. The picket is against US attacks on Venezuela. Let’s find out more with… GUEST: Muhammed Desai, from the South Africa Latin America Association

en-US

13:41

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, has...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/08

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, has formally endorsed the renewal of the contract of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a second term, following a meeting with the South African Police Service National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. According to Ntuli, General Mkhwanazi has earned widespread recognition for his decisive and hands-on approach to policing, as well as for strengthening operational coordination within the SAPS and with

en-US

14:44

Will 2026 be the year you move from success to...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/08

Dr John Foster-Pedley shares his thoughts on “How to live a life that rhythmically moves from success to significance”. He is of the view that we all have it within ourselves to be significant. GUEST: Dr John Foster-Pedley, an Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading UK, and Dean and Director of Henley Business School Africa

en-US

6:32

Analysis on Andy Mothibi’s appointment as the new NDPP

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Advocate Andy Mothibi as the country’s new national director of public prosecutions. We hear from Dr Llewellyn Curlewis on whether or not this was a wise decision as Mothibi’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions. GUEST: Dr Llewellyn Curlewis, Legal expert from the University of Pretoria

en-US

10:17

Trump’s ousting of Maduro amounts to unlawful regime...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

As world leaders continue to react to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States of America. Here at home, RISE Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi has criticised Trump’s military campaign, arguing that it amounted to unlawful regime change. GUEST: Songezo Zibi, Leader of Rise Mzansi

en-US

14:02

COGTA Minister to tighten oversight as 48 initiates...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

COGTA Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa joins us to discuss the deaths of initiates during traditional initiation seasons in South Africa. The deaths are generally not attributed to the cultural practice itself, but rather to negligence and illegal operations. Hlabisa recently convened a high-level engagement to receive updates on initiates’ deaths recorded during the 2025 summer initiation season. He joins us now to elaborate more on this….. GUEST: Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of

en-US

4:11

Fire contained in some areas in the Mossel Bay...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

The Mossel Bay Municipality in the Western Cape says the fire that has been raging has been contained in some areas, including the northern flank in Aalwyndal, the eastern flank in Island View and the southern flank on the N2. Let’s get more details on this with… GUEST: Sagree Chetty, SABC News Reporter in the Western Cape

en-US

8:19

Security Personnel Deployed At Airports And Other...

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

A number of security personnel deployed at airports and other sensitive public sites hit social media platforms to complain about unpaid salaries after an internal Mafoko Security Patrols memorandum confirmed a missed salary payment in December 2025. Mafoko Security has also faced ongoing allegations and litigation linked to unpaid provident fund contributions deducted from workers’ wages. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Zwelinzima Vavi, SAFTU General

en-US

5:51

ANC’s Annual January 8 Presidential Golf Day

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

ANC launched a fundraising campaign this morning ahead of the party’s birthday rally on Saturday. Party President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa, kicked off the annual January 8 Presidential Golf Day at Gary Player Golf Course in Sun City. Let’s get a sense of what the ANC President had to say this morning. Joining me on the line now is… GUEST: Thabang Morutloa, SABC News Reporter in the North West

en-US

7:56

UK bans junk food advertising

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

In an effort to combat child obesity. The ministry of health in the United Kingdom has announced that adverts for less healthy food and drinks will be banned from appearing on television between 5:30am and 21:00pm. The banned products are high in fat, sugar and salt. The new rules came into force on the first of this month. What lessons can South Africa learn from this announcement? GUEST: Dr Susan Goldstein: from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): Wits Centre for Health

en-US

12:34

Advocate Andy Mothibi appointed NDPP: OUTA Reacts

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/07

The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture, which The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is part of, wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa last year, asking him to ensure the implementation of the Zondo Commission's recommendation on improving the process of appointing a National Director of Public Prosecutions. Let’s get reaction on the appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions from OUTA…

en-US

14:28

Venezuela: What comes next?

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/06

We unpack the UN Security Council’s debate, with the current focus being an emergency session on theU.S intervention in Venezuela after US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro, creating sharp divisions among members over sovereignty and international law. Interestingly, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking and other charges before a judge in a federal courthouse yesterday. But what about their right to a fair trial? For more on this, we are

en-US

13:11

Political Analysis: DA condemns DIRCO on Venezuela issue

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/06

The DA put out a statement today condemning the department of international relations and cooperation’s stance on the Venezuela issue and they are not the only GNU partner who did that. The Freedom Front Plus issued its own statement, warning that the ANC cannot speak on behalf of South Africa regarding the events in Venezuela or its foreign policy. So why is it that GNU partners don’t see eye to eye on this? For more analysis on this we are joined by….. GUEST: Dr. Dale

en-US

9:37

Update on NSFAS funding for 2026

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/06

We hear from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on the progress the scheme has made regarding funding applications for this year. To date, 609,653 applications have been approved, with 203,731 applications currently in progress, and 16,862 applications have been cancelled. According to the organisation, a significant portion of applications were from vulnerable groups. GUEST: Ishmael Mnisi, NSFAS Spokesperson

en-US

5:15

Half naked teenagers rescued in the South of Joburg

The National Pulse ·

2026/01/06

A suspect has been arrested after 10 teenage boys were rescued in Mulbarton, south of Johannesburg. Police were alerted to a group of eight half-naked teenagers walking around. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Colonel Katlego Mogale, Hawks Spokesperson

en-US

10,246 results

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