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Welcome to POLOTIKI, a weekly politics podcast from News24. Hosted by News24 senior politics reporter Tshidi Madia, listen to the biggest news makers and shakers discuss the political week that was.

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  • Oct 1, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • every other week NEW EPISODES
  • 23m AVG DURATION
  • 126 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from News24

THE STORY | A series of botched surgeries - The heartbreaking claims against Dr Beale

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 13:22


He was suspended from practising at Mediclinic hospitals in 2016 and, now, is barred from Netcare theatres too. Prominent Johannesburg paediatric surgeon Dr Peter Beale, 73, stands accused of negligence that led to the deaths of at least three of his young patients. The death of 10-year-old Zayyaan Sayed has spurred father Mohammadh to lay criminal charges against the well-known paediatric surgeon as well as anaesthetist Dr Abdulhay Munshi. This episode was hosted by Jerusha Sukhdeo-Raath and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

THE STORY: Dodgy PPE tender procurements land government officials in hot water

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 13:26


This week on The Story, we take an in-depth look at the cloud of controversy hanging over the Gauteng health department as allegations of tender corruption surfaced.

THE STORY | Remembering the life of anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Andrew Mlangeni

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 14:16


On this week’s episode of The Story, we reflect on the life and times of anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Andrew Mlangeni, who passed away in Pretoria on Tuesday.

THE STORY | Schools under pressure as SA’s Covid-19 pandemic gains momentum

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 14:57


On this week’s episode of The Story, we try to make sense of what lies ahead for South Africa’s fraught education system, and the country’s schoolchildren, in the midst of an unpredictable pandemic.

THE STORY | What lies ahead for Gauteng as it overtakes the Western Cape as SA's coronavirus hotspot

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 16:37


Gauteng has officially overtaken the Western Cape as the country's coronavirus hotspot with the highest number of cases cumulatively, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced late on Wednesday. Gauteng is South Africa's smallest but most densely populated province. The spike in Gauteng infections had been anticipated and expected.

THE STORY | Will removing statues representing oppression remedy ills of the past?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2020 17:57


Statues across the world are being torn down or vandalised in response to legitimate anger about racism and historical oppression. What is to become of the many remaining statues of historical figures from past eras in South Africa’s fraught history? And will removing them remedy the ills of the past?

THE STORY | Delays remain the name of the game for Zuma’s corruption case

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 14:31


As lockdown restrictions gradually ease, judicial matters that were put on hold, are now resuming. On Tuesday, former president Jacob Zuma returned to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg for his corruption trial.

THE STORY | Is Ramaphosa's cabinet taking the abuse of women and children seriously?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2020 12:03


In a 30-minute televised speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa read a list of names during his national address on Wednesday. "...Tshegofatso Pule, Naledi Phangindawo, Nompumelelo Tshaka, Nomfazi Gabada, Nwabisa Mgwandela, Altecia Kortjie and Lindelwa Peni. All of them are young women who were killed by men," he said. In recent weeks, news headlines have been dominated by reports of several cases of gender-based violence.

THE STORY | EFF back in public politics while new report gives insight into VBS loot

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 15:18


The EFF has entered the spotlight again after new revelations of VBS mutual bank money allegedly being paid into slush funds that found its way into the pockets of party leaders Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Hairdressers head back to court to demand reopening of industry

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 6:44


Hairdressers and beauticians across the country face bankruptcy as they have not been able to work since South Africa went into lockdown on March 27. An application to have the industry reopened was dismissed last month, but a second application is expected to be heard on June 17.

THE STORY | School bells ring late in several schools across South Africa

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2020 13:30


The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has forced the world to embrace a "new normal”. This week, a number of schools across the country welcomed some of their learners back. These pupils had to embrace a new schooling environment compared to the one they left.

...ONE MORE THING | Jessie Duarte on racism, police brutality and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 25:59


This week, the world watched as cities across the United States came to a standstill, as thousands of people took to the streets in protest. They were protesting the killing of an unarmed black man at the hands of police.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Urgent measures needed to address backlog crisis

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2020 6:51


Government urgently needs to address the deepening crisis of the Covid-19 testing backlog. New strategies are being put in place in the Western Cape, that include a ban on tests for those under the age of 55 with no comorbidities.

PODCAST | VOICES OF LOCKDOWN: Tania van der Heever

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2020 10:09


Baby Grace is just a few weeks old. She was born into a world of chaos, with the country in the heart of a hard lockdown. Her mother, Tania van der Heever, is battling to make ends meet, but she believes it was her faith in God that got her through the "worst time" in her life. The coronavirus has locked down our nation and its people. News24 spoke to ordinary South Africans, to find out how they are living through the pandemic. These are their stories. These are the Voices of Lockdown.

...ONE MORE THING | News24's Adriaan Basson speaks candidly on the Professor Glenda Gray saga

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 35:34


In this episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast hosted by News24 senior political journalist Tshidi Madia, she chats to News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson. Basson discusses at length the controversy surrounding News24's interview with Professor Glenda Gray. And he also shares the merits that informed the publication of the story and lessons learned following a flood of criticism.

Covid-19 Chronicles | 87-year-old makes remarkable coronavirus recovery

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 6:51


An 87-year-old woman has made a remarkable recovery after contracting Covid-19 last month. Pat Jones was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital where she spent two weeks battling the disease.

...ONE MORE THING | Mkhize vs Gray - politicking in lab coats & Ramaphosa's teetering allies

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 25:14


In the tenth episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast anchored by News24 political journalist Tshidi Madia, she chats to analyst Khaya Sithole. He joined Madia in studio ten weeks ago as the country was preparing to enter into a nationwide lockdown. At the time it was unclear how the lockdown would play out and what issues would crop up.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Education experts divided as back to school countdown begins

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 13:49


Education experts are divided over the government's decision to reopen schools on 1 June. Some believe schools in poorer provinces will not be ready, and that schools should close for the rest of the year to safeguard the health of children and teachers. But, others point to scientific evidence which shows that children do not transmit the virus.

...ONE MORE THING | Western Cape ahead of curve, some areas are ready for Level 2 says Winde

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 25:29


In this episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast hosted by News24 political journalist Tshidi Madia, she chats to Premier Alan Winde.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Move towards a totalitarian state as rules erode our rights

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 10:50


There was widespread praise for President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a hard lockdown in March. But, as the weeks and months have passed since then, there has been a growing sense of unease.

...ONE MORE THING | The Zumas stage virtual comeback, another Twitter meltdown for Mboweni

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 20:01


In an unexpected turn of events, the Zuma family dominated many of the news headlines this week.

...ONE MORE THING | Level 4 lockdown: who is taking care of African migrants?

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2020 14:48


There was a lot of hustle and bustle in many of South Africa's major cities on the first day of the Level 4 lockdown on Friday. Many South Africans were up early to take advantage of the fact that they were able to step out of their homes and exercise, thanks to a slight easing of lockdown restrictions.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Restaurant industry's survival at stake

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 6:45


Restaurants across South Africa face closure as the Covid-19 crisis deepens. The industry has been one of those most affected by the lockdown, and its suvival is now at stake.

...ONE MORE THING | Are journalists telling the right Covid-19 stories?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2020 27:27


President Cyril Ramaphosa finally put South Africans out of their misery on Thursday by shedding more light on the future of the Covid-19 lockdown. Ramaphosa announced that the country would move to a "level 4" risk on 1 May, with some lockdown regulations being relaxed to allow limited economic activity. The relaxed regulations means a curfew will kick in from 20:00 to 05:00.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Country's poor on brink of starvation

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2020 7:36


Volunteers in South Africa are working around the clock to provide food for millions of poor South Africans. Government is set to announce relief measures, but many communities are already in crisis with food riots expected to increase in the coming weeks.

THE STORY | Mitchells Plain residents clash with police over food parcels

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2020 13:27


It's the twenty-third day of South Africa's nationwide lockdown and across the country frustrations are rising and slowly reaching a tipping point. On Tuesday, police had to fire rubber bullets to disperse angry crowds in Mitchells Plain just outside Cape Town.

…ONE MORE THING | How smart is the DA’s smart plan for after the lockdown?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 23:26


DA interim leader John Steenhuisen has announced on Monday a "smart phase strategy" for the lockdown, involving four stages, in the hope of circumventing an "economic collapse". The strategy works similarly to a load shedding schedule, Steenhuisen said, adding that it allowed different lockdown strengths relative to data on hand, such as the number of new Covid-19 infections and resources at hospitals. In this episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast hosted by News24 senior political journalist Tshidi Madia, sit down with Steenhuisen to unpack his party's lockdown.

Covid-19 Chronicles | South Africans stranded abroad both locked down and locked out

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 9:46


Thousands of South Africans are trapped abroad, unable to return home due to the strict lockdown regulations in place to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. They are running out of funds and options as each day passes. Many feel abandoned by the South African government and are desperate for help. In this, the third episode of the Covid-19 Chronicles we speak to several citizens currently stranded abroad, who share their stories of frustration.

THE STORY | Lockdown lunch: has Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams lost her groove?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2020 13:15


March was arguably the busiest month for President Cyril Ramaphosa as head of state. Every other day, Ramaphosa is putting out fires - some created unnecessarily by members of his own Cabinet. One such fire was created by Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. She was seen in a photograph having lunch with ANC MP and former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana, despite the government's lockdown regulations ordering people to stay at home.

...ONE MORE THING | Understanding GBV in a time of Covid-19 as lockdown is extended

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 21:38


After days of speculation, President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed on Thursday that the 21-day nationwide lockdown would be extended by an additional two weeks. The first phase of the lockdown hasn’t been without its challenges. Although there’s been a drop in violent crime - thanks in part to heavy army and police presence in the streets, gender-based violence cases are still high. Police Minister Bheki Cele on Sunday confirmed that the number of complaints remained high and therefore concerning.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Victims of GBV could face a terrifying reality during SA lockdown

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 8:40


Covid-19 is spreading its tentacles around the world. A deadly virus with a potentially deadly fallout in the form of domestic violence. Abuse levels have skyrocketed globally, and in South Africa, 2 300 calls were registered to domestic abuse hotlines in the first four days of lockdown. In this, the second episode of the Covid-19 Chronicles, we take a look at what is happening locally, behind the locked doors of families with a history of abuse, and the explosions of violence that may be happening.

Covid-19 Chronicles | Clock ticking for healthcare workers before Covid-19 tsunami hits SA

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 9:22


South Africa is gearing up for the fight against Covid-19. Healthcare workers face a race against time as they prepare for the inevitable onslaught. The country has recorded less than 2000 cases so far, but doctors believe the healthcare system will soon be swamped. In this episode of the Covid-19 Chronicles, we speak to doctors about the preparations happening behind the scenes. Anaesthetist Dr Niall Evans says doctors are scrambling to get the correct protective equipment. He started a fundraising campaign to raise money for the cause.

THE STORY | Locked and loaded: police shoot at News24 journalist during lockdown

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2020 10:20


It’s been nine days since South Africa was placed under a nationwide lockdown and there’s been countless complaints and cases filed against the police as a result of their alleged use of excessive force. Footage of soldiers and police officers beating people or forcing them to perform strenuous exercises has been widely circulated on social media.

...ONE MORE THING | Inside the Gauteng health department's Covid-19 war room

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2020 23:41


Gauteng is now the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak in South Africa with more than 600 recorded cases. Earlier this week, the Gauteng Department of Health embarked on mass screening and testing for residents of Stjwetla in Alexandra after nine people were placed under quarantine. The screening drew plenty of criticism as people decried the department for screening people in the public. In this episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast, hosted by News24 senior political journalist Tshidi Madia, she sits down with Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku.

THE STORY | Covid-19 claims its first victim in South Africa - here's what we know

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2020 14:44


South Africa now has its first death resulting from the novel coronavirus. On Friday, March 27th, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said in a statement that the fatality occurred in the Western Cape. The victim is a 48-year-old woman who tested positive for Covid-19, earlier this week. She already had a pre-existing condition - she was suffering from a pulmonary embolism.

...ONE MORE THING | SA under lockdown - how do we cope?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 21:01


South Africa is under lockdown and many people are looking for ways to cope. Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the nationwide 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. In this episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast, hosted by News24 senior political journalist Tshidi Madia, we talk to guests who will help us to navigate better through our current reality.

...ONE MORE THING | Can we trust Cyril's cabinet to lead us through the corona crisis?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2020 28:26


Coronavirus has been dominating headlines locally, since patient zero was announced in KwaZulu-Natal some two weeks ago. South Africans went from cracking jokes on social media to tension and fear, with many now stockpiling on hand sanitiser and face masks in a bid to keep themselves safe. In the first episode of ...One More Thing, a weekly podcast, News24 senior political journalist Tshidi Madia unpacks all things coronavirus with guest analyst Khaya Sithole.

THE STORY | Coronavirus in SA — keep calm and stop buying toilet paper

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2020 14:22


Shopping centres across South Africa were in a frenzy this week, as people rushed to stock up their pantries. Shelves at major retailers like Woolworths, Pick ’n Pay and Checkers were left empty. In this episode of The Story, we speak to Business Insider South Africa's Associate Editor Phillip De Wet. He dials into the show to discuss consumer habits, ethical panic buying ,and whether stockpiling toilet paper and bread is really the best way to handle the outbreak.

SPECIAL REPORT | South Africans abroad: Italy still under strict lockdown and panic buying hits UK

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 6:31


In the second episode of the Quarantine Diaries, News24 spoke to Titi Nxumalo, South African Consulate General Milan, to find out if there are any indications when restrictions in Italy will be lifted. The country imposed a nationwide lockdown. After China, it's the hardest-hit country, with more than 2 500 deaths from over 31 000 cases of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Marc Davis, a South African living and working in the UK, told News24 that panic buying has set in with long queues and anxious buyers clearing shelves quickly.

THE STORY | Is it game over for the the Public Protector?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 12:27


Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is no stranger to news headlines and this week she was in the news again. On Tuesday, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria set aside Mkhwebane's report into President Cyril Ramaphosa and his ANC presidential (CR17) campaign in a scathing judgment which a full Bench handed down.

SPECIAL REPORT | South Africans in Italy: 'We’ve got ambulance sirens going off all the time'

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2020 7:14


Crema, in northern Italy, is a picture-perfect scene of idyllic life - cafes along cobblestoned roads, mountain views, grand buildings rich in Italian heritage, where the young and old can be found eating ice-cream on the steps of noble cathedrals. But now it resembles a ghost town.

THE STORY | Coronavirus is now in SA after patient zero found in KZN - so what now?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2020 21:24


After weeks of misinformation and speculation, the first coronavirus victim in South Africa has been confirmed. On Thursday, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize released a statement confirming that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) confirmed a positive test. This episode was hosted by Riaan Grobler and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

THE STORY | Ramaphosa Jr, Bosasa and the missing million

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 16:01


Earlier this week, News24 revealed that Andile Ramaphosa, President Cyril Ramaphosa's eldest son, received more money than he had initially claimed from his business relations with Bosasa. Two months befor Ramaphosa Jr signed a contract with corruption-accused company Bosasa, it was already paying money into a bank account belonging to his company, Blue Crane Capital. Ramaphosa Jr also netted an estimated R1.3m more than the R2m he previously claimed to have received.

THE STORY | More questions than answers after report into Enock Mpianzi’s death is delayed

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2020 11:40


It's been a difficult start to the 2020 school calendar for Gauteng, with several pupils dying in various tragic accidents. In less than two months, almost 20 student deaths have been reported. This episode was hosted by Riaan Grobler and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

THE STORY | FW de Klerk has the EFF feeling hot under the collar during SONA

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 14:00


The EFF returned to its tactics of disrupting the State of the Nation Address (SONA), last seen under the presidency of Jacob Zuma, when Parliament sat for the opening of both Houses on Thursday evening. While it was expected the red berets would interrupt President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2020 SONA to call for the removal of Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, it was in fact former president FW de Klerk whom the fighters first targeted. This episode was hosted by Riaan Grobler and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

THE STORY | Jacob Zuma - ultimate 'Teflon Don' or ailing former statesman?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2020 14:01


Nearly two years since Jacob Zuma stepped down as the president of South Africa, he continues to dominate the headlines. This week, he is at the centre of a controversy that is rooted in a sick note. This episode was hosted by Riaan Grobler and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

BONUS EPISODE | THE STORY: A look at the stories that dominated the headlines

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2019 29:14


It's been a rollercoaster year for South Africans. We had a national election which saw Cyril Ramaphosa assuming the most powerful position in the country. We watched as Jacob and Duduzane Zuma took center stage at the judicial commission of inquiry into state capture - where their testimonies left the nation with more questions than answers. We had moments of heartbreak and devastation with the frequent reports violence against women, children and migrants. And we found ourselves in the dark after Eskom re-introduced loading shedding. However, despite the dark times we had moments of glory thanks to the Springbok's triumphant World Cup win and Zozibini Tunzi snagging the Miss Universe crown. On this special episode of The Story, we talk to editors and senior reporters in our newsroom, about the stories and newsmakers that dominated 2019.

THE STORY | Going, going, gone... Bosasa's assets auctioned off

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 14:25


About 600 bidders and onlookers stood ten-deep inside Bosasa's Imbizo Hall on Wednesday morning, braving wet and cold conditions to grab a piece of the Bosasa pie. The first day of a three-day auction got underway with intense bidding for nearly 140 cars, trucks and bakkies that belonged to the corruption accused company in Krugersdorp. This episode was hosted by Jerusha Sukhdeo-Raath and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

THE STORY | The tragic Sea Point drowning of four refugee teens

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2019 17:42


The body of a fourth teenager, who drowned at a Cape Town beach over the weekend, has been recovered. On Wednesday morning, during ongoing search-and-recovery efforts, the body of 18-year-old Uwamungu John Damour was located and recovered from the sea at Rocklands Beach, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said in a statement.

THE STORY | Exposing 'Jimmy' - the media exec accused of assaulting boys

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2019 14:45


Willem Breytenbach, a former teacher-turned-journalist who became an executive at Media24 before he left the company in 2014, is accused of raping a schoolboy more than 20 years ago when he headed-up a school newspaper project for the company. On Thursday, News24 and Deon Wiggett, in a four-part true-crime podcast titled My Only Story, tracks down Breytenbach, who allegedly sexually assaulted many boys and young men since at least 1990. Breytenbach has gone to ground since the first episode of My Only Story flighted on News24 two weeks ago. This episode was hosted by Jerusha Sukhdeo-Raath and produced by Nokuthula Manyathi.

THE STORY | KZN on lockdown after tornado kills two

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2019 14:38


This week on The Story, we take a look at the tornadoes causing devastation in the province. We speak to News24 KwaZulu-Natal reporter Kaveel Singh who has been following the resulting storms closely. Finally, we speak to 87-year-old Valentin Volker who weathered the last tornado to rip through New Hanover — in 1948. This episode was hosted by Jerusha Sukhdeo-Raath and produced by Sharlene Rood.

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