Podcasts about wits university

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University. They discuss a UK/India trade deal, the sharing of waters between India and Pakistan, and fears of a Chinese cheap goods dump. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live – Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/capetalk Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/capetalk/good-morning-cape-town-with-lester-kiewit/audio-podcasts/good-morning-cape-town-with-lester-kiewit/ Subscribe to the CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/ Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalk   CapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalk   CapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkza  CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalk  CapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial bill on Muslim endowments passed by India’s lower house of parliament; the latest in the US-India tariff war; Elon Musk sues India. Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live – Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/capetalk Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/capetalk/good-morning-cape-town-with-lester-kiewit/audio-podcasts/good-morning-cape-town-with-lester-kiewit/ Subscribe to the CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/ Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalk   CapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalk   CapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkza  CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalk  CapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It appears that a number of our neighbouring countries might be willing to accept deportees from the USA as part of negotiations towards less punitive trade tariffs. Given the reputation of our porous borders, how concerned should we be towards the possibility of those deportees entering South Africa? Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Mike Masiapato, Commissioner and CEO of the Border Management Authority, and to Dr Rebecca Walker, research consultant at the African Centre for Migration and Society at Wits University. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live – Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/capetalk Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/capetalk/good-morning-cape-town-with-lester-kiewit/audio-podcasts/good-morning-cape-town-with-lester-kiewit/ Subscribe to the CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/ Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalk   CapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalk   CapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkza  CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalk  CapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Corder is joined by Sipho Sithole, a South African scholar, author, and cultural expert with a PhD in Anthropology from Wits University – to unpack whether the Zulu parade in New Orleans, United States, was a true misrepresentation of the Zulu culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DA's future in the government of national unity - GNU - appears to be hanging in the balance after it voted against finance minister Enoch Godongwana's budget on Wednesday. While analysts agree that the DA and ANC have been on the brink many times before, they say this time is the worst and most perilous for stability. Pressure also appears to be mounting from the ANC NEC for President Cyril Ramaphosa to deal with the DA especially after the party took the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike and the process of passing the fiscal framework document to court for review. The DA's federal executive has reportedly held meetings to decide on it's future in the GNU but the outcomes of the deliberations are yet to be made public. DA leader John Steenhuisen however told the SABC yesterday that his party remains committed to the GNU. On the other hand the ANC is expected to convene a special NEC meeting TOMORROW (Monday) to discuss it's next course of action following these recent developments For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Daniel Meyer from the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at UJ and Professor William Gumede from the School of Governance at Wits University

Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, a midwife who recently experienced an unexpected emergency C-section. Sarah shares her personal birth story, highlighting how she emotionally prepared for the possibility of a C-section despite her desire for a natural birth. We discuss: Preparing for the unexpected: How to emotionally and practically prepare for a potential C-section. The C-section experience: Sarah's personal account of her C-section experience. Post-C-section recovery: Tips for emotional and physical recovery after a C-section. Sarah Jones: Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed choices about their birth. Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. Founder of Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.  

Gugs Mhlungu profiles Nuclear Physicist and Vice-Chancellor of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi on his upbringing, the importance STEM subjects, how mathematics can enhance the arts, plans for the future as he was recently reappointed to serve his 2nd term as VC at Wits and the importance of continued scientific research at our Universities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Dr Faith Mabera who is a Post Doctoral Fellow at Wits University to discuss the collapse of the ceasefire in the Middle East and its implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. John Stremlau, Honorary Professor of International Relations at Wits University, about US President Donald Trump proposing a conservative media critic and father of a January 6 rioter as Ambassador to South Africa. Lee Brent Bozell III, has openly defended Israel, and his appointment could see a further deterioration of US-SA relationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Corder is joined by Professor Nazir Ismail from Wits University to discuss a ground-breaking new study that could reshape how South Africa tackles tuberculosis. The study shows that offering cash incentives and counselling to TB patients can cut the risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes by over 50%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three men sentenced to death for 1981 caste massacre; redrawing India’s electoral map; Trump tariffs and Indian generic drugs. Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textBanaifer Nowrojee is the President of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), which is the world's largest funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. In her role, she navigates key operating environments to create significant impact across all of OSF's national, regional and international constituencies.In conversation with Prof Moyo, she reflects on the lecture that was hosted at Wits Business School, transformations within OSF and the state of philanthropy in the current moment. Other talking points include:- Unpacking the importance of an open society amidst current global shifts.- Reflections on building a values-based organisational culture at OSF.- Why women are vital change agents for a sustainable future.- Her optimism about Africa's future led by women and youth.====This conversation took place during Binaifer's visit to South Africa, where she presented three public lectures at Wits University, the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town.Visit the podcast webpage: https://bit.ly/484AEr3#podcast #philanthropy

Aubrey speaks to Vasilios Cocotos, master’s candidate in Optical Physics at Wits University, about mirrors; where do mirrors come from, who decided to capture a reflection Aad how did something as simple as a polished surface evolve into a tool for science, fashion, and even space exploration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks with Nazir Ismail, Head of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Wits University, about an extraordinary new discovery in the immune system that could revolutionize the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections. Scientists have found that the proteasome, previously known for recycling proteins, has an unexpected ability to produce bacteria-killing chemicals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Nechama Brodie, a senior lecturer at Wits University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, joins John Maytham to discuss the debate between AfriForum and SAPS over farm murder statistics. With her expertise in fatal violence, public health, misinformation, and data, she examines the legitimacy and context of AfriForum’s claims that farm attacks are underreported and SAPS’s ongoing verification process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham is joined by Dr. Gilad Isaacs, Executive Director at the Institute for Economic Justice and economist at Wits University to discuss the real impact of a VAT hike and why South Africa’s tax policies should focus on those who can afford to pay moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Loyiso Nongxa, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at WITS, joins John Maytham to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Albert Mashite Mokoena, the first Black South African to earn a PhD in Mathematics. As a key speaker at an upcoming event in Mokoena’s honour, Prof Nongxa reflects on Mokoena’s ground-breaking academic achievements, his contributions to Mathematics education across Africa, and his role in the liberation movement. Date & Time: Monday, 10 March 2025 | 16h00–17h00 Venues: Neelsie Cinema, Stellenbosch University & Online, Recording: Available later on the NITheCS YouTube channelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray White speaks to Carlo Mombelli, Associate Music Professor at Wits University and Curator about the inaugural Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival taking place in 7th to the 9th of March. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University. This week they discuss a major waterway plan, India’s AI concerns and the impact of USAID funding cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

C'est l'histoire d'un grand vide : celui laissé par une mère absente. L'une parce qu'elle s'est choisi une autre vie loin de ses enfants et de leur père. L'autre parce qu'elle est morte trop tôt laissant une enfant de 10 ans orpheline. Deux réalisatrices s'attaquent à ce sujet intime et universel et dévoilent leur parcours et leur stratégie pour faire face à ce vide. Turbulence est disponible sur la plateforme Arte.TV. Il est signé Anne Aghion. Emilie Brisavoine nous livre au cinéma Maman déchire qui retrace sa quête inlassable d'une mère anti-conformiste et secouée par la vie. Deux films qui interrogent notre capacité à nous remettre des traumatismes de l'enfance. Anne Aghion et Emilie Brisavoine sont les invitées de Sur le pont des arts.  Au programme de l'émission :ReportageClaire Bargeles s'est rendue à l'exposition sur Esther Malangu au Musée d'Art de Wits University de Johannesburg en Afrique du Sud. Le musée consacre une rétrospective à l'artiste qui, à près de 90 ans, continue à peindre et à enseigner son art aux jeunes femmes de sa région. Chronique des librairies du mondeAmbroise Kom de la librairie des Peuples noirs à Yaoundé au Cameroun, nous parle de réédition de Mongo Beti. Playlist du jour- Bessie Griffin - Sometimes I feel like a motherless child - Luis Mariano - Maman la plus belle du monde - Lola Young - Messy  - Camille Yembe - Plastique.

C'est l'histoire d'un grand vide : celui laissé par une mère absente. L'une parce qu'elle s'est choisi une autre vie loin de ses enfants et de leur père. L'autre parce qu'elle est morte trop tôt laissant une enfant de 10 ans orpheline. Deux réalisatrices s'attaquent à ce sujet intime et universel et dévoilent leur parcours et leur stratégie pour faire face à ce vide. Turbulence est disponible sur la plateforme Arte.TV. Il est signé Anne Aghion. Emilie Brisavoine nous livre au cinéma Maman déchire qui retrace sa quête inlassable d'une mère anti-conformiste et secouée par la vie. Deux films qui interrogent notre capacité à nous remettre des traumatismes de l'enfance. Anne Aghion et Emilie Brisavoine sont les invitées de Sur le pont des arts.  Au programme de l'émission :ReportageClaire Bargeles s'est rendue à l'exposition sur Esther Malangu au Musée d'Art de Wits University de Johannesburg en Afrique du Sud. Le musée consacre une rétrospective à l'artiste qui, à près de 90 ans, continue à peindre et à enseigner son art aux jeunes femmes de sa région. Chronique des librairies du mondeAmbroise Kom de la librairie des Peuples noirs à Yaoundé au Cameroun, nous parle de réédition de Mongo Beti. Playlist du jour- Bessie Griffin - Sometimes I feel like a motherless child - Luis Mariano - Maman la plus belle du monde - Lola Young - Messy  - Camille Yembe - Plastique.

Adjunct Professor Alex van den Heever, Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at Wits University, joins John Maytham to unpack the latest proposals aimed at reducing private healthcare costs. A respected authority on public and private healthcare, he examines the potential impact of these measures and their connection to the ongoing National Health Insurance (NHI) debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham is joined by Chris Thurman, a Professor in the English Department and Director of the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre at Wits University. Drawing on his expertise in literature, media, and cultural studies, Thurman offers a unique perspective on how Bond has evolved over the decades and what the future might hold for the world’s most famous spy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof John Stremlau Honorary Professor of International Relations at Wits University, about his view that US President Donald Trump boycotting the G20 to show his unhappiness with South Africa for “doing very bad things” is an “affront to SA’s national sovereignty and a challenge to the G20’s long-standing normsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof John Stremlau Honorary Professsor of Interntional Relations at Wits University, about his view that US President Donald Trump boycotting the G20 to show his unhappiness with South Africa for “doing very bad things” is an “affront to SA’s national sovereignty and a challenge to the G20’s long-standing norms.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of Witwatersrand students are on hunger strike, protesting against financial exclusion due to historical debt. Despite 95% of students registering successfully, returning students are demonstrating against financial barriers. For more on the strike, Elvis Presslin spoke to Feziwe Ndwayana, a Masters' student representing Wits University's unregistered students

Professor Nazir Ismail, Clinical Microbiology And Infectious Diseases at Wits on what to make of their latest study in to the behaviour of tuberculosis patients in completion of treatment, which found that cash-incentivised and counselled have a 52% lower relative risk of having an unsuccessful treatment outcome. Professor Nazir Ismail from Wits University worked with Dr Harry Moultrie from SA’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) led the study, which was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal on 6 February 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India’s Prime Minister to meet with US President amidst fears of tariffs; a look at India’s budget for 2025; and how much is an Indian cow worth? Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks with Lisa Vetten, Research Associate at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits University, about Judge Avinash Govindjee’s call for domestic violence warnings on alcohol bottles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As South Africans eagerly await President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, the country's economic challenges remain a pressing concern. With unemployment rates soaring to 33.5% and poverty affecting nearly half of the adult population, political parties are calling on the President to address these issues head-on. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thokozile Madonko, Researcher at the Wits University's Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, to share her expectations for the SONA

Stephen Grootes speaks to Lumkile Mondi, Senior Lecturer at Wits University's School of Economics and Business Science, about the implications of US funding cuts on South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this last edition of Being Green, Glynis Crook speaks to esteemed climate scientist, Prof Francois Engelbrecht, Director of Wits University's Global Change Institute, about US President Donald Trump's slew of executive orders back-tracking on climate commitments, and the impact it might have for the rest of us.

World wide Business Brief: Topic: Trump's so-called golden age begins- what happens for the rest of the world? Guest: Professor John Stremlau - Professor of International Relations at Wits University

TOMORROW (January 20), Donald Trump will assume the presidency of the United States of America for the second time. The world will be keenly watching the changing of the guard between the returning president and Joe Biden as he has already promised to "make heads spin" with the speed of his decision-making immediately after his inauguration. Many of Trump's initial orders are expected to focus on tightening immigration control and fulfilling his promise of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants from the US. Another of Trump's potential early moves as president is expected to be making good of his threats to raise tariffs on imports from America's major trading partners, aiming to accelerate domestic economic growth. Trump also intends to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organisation. Speaking to reporters from his Florida estate LAST WEEK, Trump said he sympathised with the Russian position that Ukraine should not be part of NATO. In the Middle East Trump promised "hell will break out" if a captive release agreement is not reached between Hamas and Israel by the time he enters office. While ruling out using military force against Canada, he threatened to use "economic force" to ensure Canada becomes the 51st US state. He refused to rule out the use of US military might to achieve his ambitions of acquiring Greenland and retaking control of the Panama Canal. Many analysts here in SA and Africa will scour Trump's inaugural speech TOMORROW for any hints and clues of his vision for U.S.- Africa relations. To discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Kabaso Kabwe, Researcher from the African Centre for the Study of the US at Wits University and Chris Hattingh, Executive Director of the Centre for Risk Analysis

Jonathan 'Khabazela' Fairbairn is joined by Dr. Judy Dlamini, businesswoman, Chancellor of Wits University, and Founder & Executive Chairman of Mbekani Group, to reflect on her upbringing, views on failure, and the ways she has navigated and overcome life’s challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Maha Kumbh Mela spiritual gathering taking place after a 12-year cycle; calls for a 90-hour work week misinterpreted(?); the Rupee hits an all-time low. Lester Kiewit gets all the details on these stories from Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray White speaks to Founder of ‘Father A Nation' Craig Wilkinson and Lisa vetten-Gender activist and Gender Based Violence researcher at Wits University about how we can intensify the fight against GBV.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheena Swemmer, Attorney and Head of the Gender Programme at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at Wits University, expresses her concern to John Maytham about a troubling judicial double standard in addressing gender-based violence in South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Victor Mupunga, Head of Research at Old Mutual Wealth Private Clients and  Prof John Stremlau, Honorary Professor of International Relations at Wits University , about the potential implications of the US election on South African investors - and why experts are sounding the alarm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the Fees Must Fall movement, we saw the powerful and symbolic use of naked protests as students fought for affordable education and equality. Some women protesters, shedding their clothes in protest, brought an element of vulnerability and defiance that underscored the urgency of their message. Naked protests have a long history in South Africa and across Africa as a means to call out injustice and confront power structures. Tonight, on Weird & Wonderful, we're exploring this impactful form of activism, its roots, and why it continues to resonate in social movements across the continent. And joining me for this conversation is Dr Mpho Mathebula, Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development at Wits University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On tonight's Medical Matters, we are focusing on rare condition that many might not be familiar with, that is Gaucher disease. This genetic disorder affects how the body breaks down certain fatty substances, leading to various health complications. While it's rare, understanding it is crucial for those affected and their families. We'll dive into what Gaucher disease is, how it's diagnosed, and the importance of raising awareness for rare diseases like this. Joining for me this discussion is Prof Barry Jacobson, Head of Rare Disease Unit, CMJH Hospital, department of Haematology and internal medicine, Wits University and NHLS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knowing Animals is back! This episode features Professor Samantha Vice, a distinguished professor of philosophy at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. Samantha is probably best known for her work in the philosophy of race, including her paper ‘How Do I Live in This Strange Place?', which explores white privilege, and has been widely discussed. In this episode, however, explore her 2023 book The Ethics of Animal Beauty, which was published by Lexington. Knowing Animals is proudly sponsored by Sydney University Press. Their Animal Publics book series has been renamed to the Animal Politics book series. Earlier this year, they published Richard Twine's book The Climate Crisis and Other Animals, which is available in both paperback and hardback. The paperback edition, in particular, is very reasonably priced – academic books are often very expensive, but Sydney University Press bucks that trend.

In this episode, Wits University media researchers Samuel Olaniran and Iginio Gagliardone guide an audio tour into the complex world of conspiracy theories in the era of social media and global crises. Drawing from multiple research findings and expert dialogues, Andile Masuku (host) grapples with the complex function of conspiracy theories in our society. Rather than dismissing them solely as social ills, he investigates their potential as tools for challenging authority and frameworks for understanding our social environment. This approach acknowledges that conspiracy theories can serve as a means for marginalised groups to question power structures and make sense of confusing or threatening events. Key themes: - Historical context of conspiracy theories - Impact of social media on the spread and study of conspiracy theories - The role of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic in shaping conspiratorial narratives - Technological advancements in studying conspiracy theories in real-time - Conspiracy theories as a form of social commentary and sense-making - The balance between critical thinking and supporting conspiratorial claims Learn more: Click here to discover the ongoing research and work being conducted in the field of media studies by visiting the Wits Department of Media Studies: https://www.wits.ac.za/mediastudies Production credits: Produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Written and hosted by Andile Masuku Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Voice acting by Nkululeko Sibiya and Damilola Oladokun Editorial Note: The Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series is made possible through support from the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand. Views expressed by the host and contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of African Tech Roundup or the University of the Witwatersrand. All rights reserved by the University of the Witwatersrand.

In the opening episode of the Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series, titled "Touching Brains", Wits University research collaborators Sahba Besharati and Victoria Williams let us in on their multidisciplinary exploration of the complex impact of COVID-19 on human interaction and touch. Featuring insights from various studies and discussions around the experiences of parents and caregivers during the pandemic, Andile Masuku (host), examines the significance of physical contact, the resilience of human beings and the potential long-term effects of altered social interactions. Key themes: - Perception of touch across societies: We pose the question: Is touch perceived differently across cultures? This episode examines how various societies interpret and engage in physical contact, influenced by factors like cultural norms and societal structures. - COVID-19 and proximity: We discuss how the pandemic has reshaped perceptions of proximity and touch, as health protocols and safety measures have altered traditional practices and interactions. - Humanities and neurosciences connection: The episode connects the humanities and neurosciences, demonstrating that a greater understanding of localized experiences can enhance rather than challenge universal principles. Most of the world is not 'WEIRD' (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic), yet much research in fields like psychology and neuroscience has historically been conducted in WEIRD contexts. This raises questions about the applicability of such research to diverse populations. - Resilience of families: Despite the challenges, we explore the resilience of families in fostering connections during the pandemic and how lockdowns may have strengthened bonds. - Long-term implications of touch: We address the significance of touch in maintaining social relationships and contemplate the potential long-term effects of social deprivation on mental health and development. Learn more: Discover the ongoing research and work being conducted in the field of humanities and neuroscience by visiting the Wits Neuroscience Research Lab: https://www.witsneurl.com Production credits: Produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Written and hosted by Andile Masuku Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine

Nangamso Sosibo Candidate legal practitioner Centre for applied legal studies (CALS) at WITS University explains the judgement handed down by the SCA in respect of the mandate of the HRCSA, which has found that HRCSA directives are not binding. CALS acted as a friend of the court in the matter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“It's unacceptable for a member who was a veteran and he was a former president, to have started a new political party. Of course he knew that he was violating the ANC's rules” – Snuki Zikalala, president of the ANC's Veterans League The relationship between South Africa's African National Congress and its former president Jacob Zuma appears to have come to an end. Zuma was officially expelled by the party last month, following a disciplinary hearing. It comes after he established Umkhonto Wesizwe Party, which claimed almost 15% of the vote at this year's national election. On Thursday, the ANC's Secretary General Fikile Mbalula reiterated that Zuma's matter had now been finalized and that he was no longer the party's member. Although it's not clear if Zuma will appeal, he earlier insisted that this was far from over. Zuma is a popular but also controversial figure who's known for staging sensational political comebacks. Alan Kasujja sits down with two ANC veterans Tony Yengeni, who represented Zuma at his disciplinary hearing as well as Snuki Zikalala, a critic of Zuma's. To unpack all these political developments, Alan hears from Professor Daryl Glaser from Wits University in Johannesburg.

On political analysis we talk to Ms. Omhle Ntshingila, NYC Steer Committee Member and Right2Protest Project Coordinator at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies,Wits University to talk about an interesting article that she wrote on GrounUp titled “The right to protest is being blocked by administrative barriers” which talk about the difficulties that people who want to have peaceful protests encounter when they apply for the right and municipal officials that struggle with interpreting the law correctly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Muslim Spirituality Illuminating the Path to Freedom: An exploration of how the spiritual heart of the Islamic tradition can inspire and fuel contemporary struggles for liberation, justice and humanity. Through their unique lens, this panel of visionaries modeled how spiritual life is not an escape from systemic injustice, but a revolutionary process which strengthens our collective capacity to transform unjust realities. They discuss Islam's deepest essence and the spiritual fortitude to remain anchored in the commitment to truth, beauty and universal human flourishing. Today's episode is a live talk as part of the World People's Premiere of 21 days of conversations on Palestine with the release of the film Where Olive Trees Weep by SAND. Today's talk is entitled Dancing in the Fire: Muslim Spirituality Illuminating the Path to Freedom with Farah El-Sharif, Ayesha Kajee, Seemi Bushra Ghazi and hosted by Daniel Foor. This talk is part of a package of talks that includes the 21 days of conversation with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets, artists, and more, plus extended interviews from the film, a live Q&A with Dr. Gabor Maté and Ashira Darwish from a live screening in Oakland, CA, a film discussion guide, and six community conversations on Palestine. To find out more about purchasing this package and supporting the mission of SAND and the film, visit WhereOliveTreesWeep.com. Dr. Farah El-Sharif is a writer, educator and research scholar. She received her PhD from Harvard University where she specialized in West African intellectual Islamic history. She earned degrees from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA and Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and served as Associate Director of the Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies at Stanford University, where she is currently a Visiting Scholar. Her writings have appeared in CNN, Newlines, and Muftah. Read more of her work on her Substack sermonsatcourt@substack.com Ayesha Kajee is a human rights and governance consultant based in Johannesburg, Ayesha Kajee has conducted research across much of sub-Saharan Africa, and has observed elections and peace processes in several countries. Her published research and opinion-analyses appear in various academic and news media, and she is often called upon by media houses for comment on topical issues. She was previously the founding director of the International Human Rights Exchange program at Wits University in Johannesburg, where she also lectured in Politics and International Relations. Ayesha briefly directed South Africa's Freedom of Expression Institute before leaving full-time work to care for an invalid parent. She now works on a freelance basis. Her focus areas include transitional justice, media and media rights, African political economy, gender justice, migration and environmental rights. Seemi Bushra Ghazi is lecturer in Classical Arabic at the University of British Columbia, specializes in Islamic literature, culture, and spirituality. A student in the Rifai Marufi lineage, she performs traditional Islamic arts, including Qur'anic recitation featured on BBC, CBC, NPR, and PBS. Her work appears in "Approaching Islam: the Early Revelations" and "A New Encyclopedia of Islam." Born in London and of South Asian origin, Ghazi studied at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Middle East. Deeply involved in interfaith work, she hosts a monthly Unity Dhikr in Vancouver and is a founding board member of the Rumi Society and Vancouver Interspiritual Centre Society. Her expertise spans Islam, gender, and cross-cultural understanding Daniel Foor is a doctor of psychology, experienced ritualist, and the author of Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing. He is a practicing Muslim and initiate in the Òrìṣà tradition of Yoruba-speaking West Africa who has also learned from Mahayan Buddhism and the older ways of his English and German ancestors. Daniel was a U.S. Fulbright scholar in Cairo, Egypt as a student of Arabic language, and he is passionate about generational healing and training leaders and change makers in the intersections of cultural healing, animist ethics, and applied ritual arts. He lives with his wife and daughters near his adoptive home of Granada, Spain in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. www.ancestralmedicine.org Sumud: https://muftah.org/2024/05/16/sumud-as-a-key/ Topics: 0:00 - Introduction 01:27 - Daniel Foor's Introduction 07:27 - Farah El-Sharif 21:17 - Ayesha Kajee 33:51 - Seemi Bushra Ghazi 47:45 - Closing Statements Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

  Thabo Shole-Mashao in for Clement Manyathela speaks to Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, a research clinician at Wits University's Ezintsha Research Unit about the safety of the recent trend of weight loss drugs to treat obesity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.