Afternoon Drive with John Maytham

Listen to John Maytham's weekly book reviews and share his passion for all things literary. From fiction to non-fiction, John reads and reviews a range of books that would sit well on your reading list. On the list this week:

The Chase by Emma Glass

Long Island by Colm Toibin

The Near North by Ivan Vladislavic

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John Maytham speaks to political analyst Sanet Madonsela about why the DA does not seem to be on track with winning SA’s favor in light of the ANC’s dwindling popularity.

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Our Burning Planet is the Daily Maverick section devoted to expert environmental opinion and analysis.  We partner up each Friday on the Afternoon Drive to discuss a burning issue. Today John Maytham speaks to Professor Guy Midgely about the concern related to restoring Africa’s grasslands.

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The DA’s ‘’burning flag’’ advert has dominated headlines this week – the decision by the public broadcaster not to flight the ad has been explained to ICASA in a letter. The points include concern the SABC unwilling to fuel outrage seen online caused by the advert. But is the SABC’s ban on the ad a violation of Freedom of expression? John Maytham speaks to William Bird of Media Monitoring Africa. 

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Guest:  Thopi Mhloli | Standard Bank Head of Savings & Investment

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Guest: Luke Townsend, the professional officer for Music Services in the Library and Information Services and a professional musician 

Cape Town libraries are paying tribute to local musicians by memorializing their works as part of an oral history project.

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John Maytham speaks to legal analyst Melusi Xulu ahead of tomorrow’s concourt hearing which will decide on the eligibility to contest elections by  former president Jacob Zuma. 

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Professor De Wet Swanepoel has penned a captivating piece in The Conversation about the challenges faced by hearing impaired individuals in Africa – but all hope is not lost! Professor Swanepoel together with WHO and the hearX Foundation are working to develop digital devices to test hearing loss. Who will benefit? Areas close to home like Khayelitsha and Gugulethu will soon have access to these life changing tools

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John Maytham speaks to EWN Parliament correspondent, Lindsay Dentlinger about recent developments relating to the completion of parliaments reconstruction.

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John Maytham speaks to John Matthews, Chairman of Construction Alliance South Africa, about the investigation process which is followed, after incidents such as the collapsed building in George. 

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Rebecca Davis joins John Maytham each week to reflect on just how strange the news can be. From the most important to the very strange, John and Rebecca offer their view of what is happening in our world that makes it at times infuriating, at times inspirational but always fascinating.  The views expressed by John and Rebecca are editorial, the content is not intended to be viewed as reporting. Catch the conversation each Thursday just after 3:30pm or subscribe to this podcast to have it delivered to you every week.

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John Maytham speaks to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers and Colin Deiner WC Disaster Management Chief about the latest updates from the collapsed building site in George.

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John Maytham speaks to Political Analyst Richard Calland who’s turned playwright with The Brothers Number 1 And a Weekend Special at the Market Theatre. The production runs until 19 May. 

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John Maytham speaks to tech Analyst Arthur Goldstuck about the launch of Amazon in SA. How will consumers react? How will competitors keep up? 

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John Maytham speaks to Brandon De Kock, Director of Storytelling at Whyfive about whether the DA has burnt themselves with their latest advert depicting a burning South African flag.

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Guest: Jenni Trethowan | Founder Baboon Matters

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John Maytham speaks to Jon Foster Pedley, Chair of British Chamber of Business Southern Africa about the importance of bringing about change in South Africa’s schooling system, in order to nurture entrepreneurship and contribute towards job creation in the country.

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Guest: Laurentia Opperman | Master of Science in Medical Biosciences graduate |

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John Maytham speaks to Executive mayor of George municipality, Leon Van Wyk for the latest update from the site of the building which collapsed on Monday. Six of the construction workers have suffered life threatening injuries after being trapped under the weight of concrete slabs for almost two days. 

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Mike Wills speaks to former Israeli cabinet advisor and negotiator Daniel Levy about Israels takeover of Rafah Crossing and the reality of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. 

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Mike Wills speaks to Shark expert about the laws around Great White Shark conservation

A recent study has suggested that the Great white shark population in South Africa is stable. However there seems to be a bone of contention as research conducted by Sara Andreoti and her team suggest otherwise. The study in question suggested that the Great whites had simply moved eastward fleeing from a pair of Orcas – but there is more to it. Sara Andreoti, Post doctoral researcher in management and conservation of white sharks at Stellenbosch

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EWN’s senior political reporter Tshidi Madia has just touched down in Kwa Zulu Natal – one of the two battlegrounds for the ANC in the 2024 elections.

President Ramaphosa is in KZN after concluding his Western Cape leg of the campaign trail.

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Guest: Mayor Leon Van Wyk | Mayor of George Municipality |

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Guest: Dr Guy Lamb | Criminologist

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Ebrahim Fakir, consulting Election Analyst at EISA, provides a critical perspective
on the role and value of opinion polls in political discourse.

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Andrew Woodburn, CEO of AMROP Woodburnmann, a search and leadership consultancy, shares insights into the principles and considerations that should underpin the calculation of remuneration for political officeholders.

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Hendrik Verwoerd, a freelance motorsport journalist specializing in Formula 1, delves into Lando Norris's sensational breakthrough victory at the Miami Grand Prix, where he overtook his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen to clinch the win.

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EWN's Gloria Motsoere considers the Usindiso building inquiry findings, which revealed rampant crime and negligence by City of Johannesburg officials. Former Justice Sisi Khampepe's report recommended demolishing the building due to multiple by-law violations.

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Craig Morkel, Chairman of the Gas Economy Leadership Team at The South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA), weighs in on the ramifications of Shell's departure from South Africa after over a century of operation.

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Dr. Andrea Marais-Potgieter, a Postdoctoral Researcher and Conservation Psychologist at the Global Change Institute at WITS, is dedicated to revealing how nature can profoundly rejuvenate our mental and physical well-being.

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Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joins John to introduce Cape Town's New Crime-
Fighting Weapon: Eye-in-the-Sky. Aerial surveillance technology to combat gang
incidents, poaching, stolen vehicles, vegetation fires, and various criminal
activities.

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We learned about the importance of understanding macroeconomic dynamics and diversifying investments from Standard Bank’s Head of Investment & Savings, Thopi Mhloli. 

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Acclaimed South African jazz pianist Melorie Jane is set to thrill music lovers with performances in Cape Town at Simon’s Town Country Club from May 2nd to May
31st. Tickets for the performance are priced at R180 and available on Quicket.

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Tshidi Madia from EWN brings insight into the latest developments as Former
President Jacob Zuma faces a summons to appear before the ANC's disciplinary
committee.

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Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers joins John to pay tribute to the
legacy of selflessness and dedication of the head of their medical team, Dr Yakub
Essack.

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Taryn Hess joins John to chat about what you can expect on Sunday when she
will take over the playlist in another edition of #AnHourWith.

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Guy Leitch, the Managing Editor at SA Flyer, provides insight into the ongoing
dispute between FlySafair and its competitors, Lift and Airlink.

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Listen to Cape Talk’s John Maytham's weekly book reviews and share his passion
for all things literary. From fiction to non-fiction, John reads and reviews a range
of books that would sit well on your reading list. Last Stop on the Murder Express
C. J. Farrington Find a Way Diana Nyad The Dictionary of Lost Words Pip Williams.

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Andrew Brown practices as an advocate in Cape Town, and is a reservist sergeant in the South African Police Service.

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Frank Rautenbach joins John as the lead of a new M-Net drama series
Summertide that premiered on January 2024 and airs Sundays at 6 pm on M-Net
and DStv Stream.

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Tony Carnie's article questioning why there's been no action taken against
sewage leaks elsewhere despite the Green Scorpions' record R150m fine on Vaal
sewage pollution is the focus of our discussion this week on the Afternoon Drive,
as we partner with Our Burning Planet.

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Samer Abou-Hamad joins John as he nears the final leg of an epic bicycle
adventure, spanning from Norway to Cape Agulhas

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Daily Maverick Sports Journalist Sanga Sibembe joins John to dissect Stellenbosch
Football Club's remarkable rise.

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Dr. Philip Riris, Senior Lecturer at Bournemouth University and Head Researcher of a
ground-breaking study of human history, reveals the finding that societies can quickly
rebound from future shocks by overcoming challenges like famine, war, or climate
change.

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Paul McNally, Founder of Develop AI, provides an assessment of the Autonomous
Racing League event at the Yas Marina Grand Prix Formula 1 track, which sought to
demonstrate AI's capabilities in motorsport.

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Carol Paton joins John from News24 to assess the likelihood of an election doomsday
scenario by weighing investor concerns, ANC's threshold, and potential coalition
scenarios.

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A weekly conversation with Rebecca Davis covering the subjects that created a stir in
the news and in social media.

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Premier Alan Winde joins John to consider the feasibility of the Ndifuna Ukwazi ‘Land
for People, Not for Parking’ campaign.

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Guest: Babalo Ndenze Reporter with EWN

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Guest: Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu

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Neesa Moodley writes for Daily Maverick and joins John now to speak on her experience shopping through the Temu app

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Caitlyn Lattimer, with a background in law and specialization in children's rights, underscores the significance of Joshlin Smith's disappearance as a stark example of how viewing children as property rather than individuals with inherent rights leads to dire consequences

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Dr. Tracy Ledger stresses the urgent need to boost electricity generation by 35% to 50% for economic growth, favoring rapid deployment of solar PV over nuclear due to shorter construction times and lower costs.

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Philip Lymbery is the CEO of the international farmed animal welfare organization, Compassion in World Farming and joins John Maytham to speak on the excellent work done by their organization and Philip as an individual.

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Sports Correspondent and Commentator Firdose Moonda joins John to break
down the recent announcement of the T20 World Cup 2024.

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Chris Yelland, EE Business Intelligence's Managing Director, breaks down Eskom's
power cut reduction and forecasts for the winter months.

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Professor Koos Malan, a renowned expert in Public Law at The University of
Pretoria, joins the discussion on the recent Electoral Court judgment concerning
former president Jacob Zuma's eligibility to stand as a candidate for the National
Assembly.

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Award-winning journalist Jonathan Ancer, known for his work at The Star and as a
features writer, celebrates the release of his sixth book, 'Bullsh*t.'

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Andrew Gilder, Director of Climate Legal and legal advisor during the drafting of
the Climate Change Bill, sheds light on its recent endorsement by all nine
provinces through the National Council of Provinces, while delving into the bill's
purpose and the intricacies of its drafting process. Now, it eagerly awaits the
President's signature.

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Arthur Goldstruck, the Author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI" and Founder of
World Wide Worx delves into the e-retail marketing strategies of Temu,
emphasizing their savvy use of consumer psychology to drive engagement and
purchases.

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Table Mountain National Park Manager Megan Taplin joins John to answer a
listener question, ‘Do we need to extinguish this fire, or rather monitor it to
prevent a risk to life and infrastructure?’

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News 24 Motor Journalist Janine Van Der Post sheds light on the competitive
landscape of South Africa's bakkie market, emphasizing the enduring popularity of
the Toyota Hilux and the emerging alternatives such as the Isuzu D-Max.

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Mbalizethu Khumalo invites listener support for the endeavours of 'Young
Urban Women' and their mission to empower Orange Farm residents,
particularly through the establishment of a vocational school.

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Guest: John Dobson

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Carol Paton joins John from News 24 to delve into the intricate web of corruption surrounding Blade Nzimande and his associates, focusing specifically on the alleged looting of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

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Kerrie Lee Oliver, a Senior Associate in Employment Law at ENS, discusses the
recent ruling by the Labour Appeal Court in the case of Bernadette Enever v Barloworld Equipment South Africathat found that a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis in the workplace violates privacy rights and constitutes unfair discrimination.

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Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane, a researcher at the Global Initiative Against
Transnational Organised Crime, sheds light on the escalating issue of extortion
in South Africa in her report titled "The Shadow Economy: Uncovering Cape
Town’s Extortion Networks."

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Alex Landsdowne, Deputy Chairperson of the Water Quality in Wetlands and Waterways Advisory Committee joins John to highlight the significance of the newly established Permit Advisory Forum (PAF) for monitoring compliance with marine outfall discharge permits in Cape Town

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Hedley Twidle joins John in studio to celebrate the launch of his new essay
collection, "Show Me the Place," delving into themes of utopia and human
aspiration.

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Andrew Thompson discusses the potential benefits for travellers with the
introduction of Norse Atlantic Airways, highlighting the increased options and
potentially lower fares for customers flying between London and Cape Town on
a seasonal basis starting in October.

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The CT Big Band, under the leadership of Director Assoc Prof Amanda Tiffin, is participating in the global celebration of International Jazz Day on April 30, designated by UNESCO. https://baxter.uct.ac.za/events/2024-uct-big-band-concert

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EWN's Alpha Ramushwana joins John to describe the outcomes of Eskom's State of the System and Winter Outlook Media Briefing held today to offer public insight into the company's operational performance.

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Dr. Megan Klabunde, the driving force behind a ground-breaking study on the
effect of childhood trauma on the brain at the University of Essex, emphasized AI's
crucial potential in revealing alterations in brain development.

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Estelle Ellis, a Senior Journalist at The Daily Maverick, sheds light on the SA Human Rights Commission's investigation into the Enyobeni tavern tragedy in Scenery Park, East London

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Listen to CapeTalk's John Maytham's weekly book reviews and share his passion
for all things literary. From fiction to non-fiction, John reads and reviews a range of
books that would sit well on your reading list. FICTION You Are Here by David
Nicholls, Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz NON-FICTION Shakespeare's Sisters: How
Women Wrote the Renaissance by Ramie Targoff

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Dr. Shaheem de Vries, the inspiring new CEO of Groote Schuur Hospital, discusses his approach to challenges optimistically, prioritizing collaboration and resource optimization amidst budget constraints.

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Tiara Walters delves into the secrecy surrounding Antarctic Treaty talks, the
potential threat of a bird flu outbreak, and the challenges scientists face in
addressing environmental threats in Antarctica.

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Heinrich Martin, Director of Rugby at Milnerton High School, proudly shares insights into the team's rugby program, highlighting their recent triumphs and emphasising the values of pride and hard work.

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Dr. Tom Bishop from Cardiff University reveals that ants' main defence against
extreme temperatures is inactivity in their nests, jeopardizing their foraging for
food and putting them at risk.

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Acclaimed South African journalist Crystal Orderson discusses the recent
approval by the British parliament of plans to deport asylum seekers to
Rwanda, marking the resolution of a lengthy deadlock between the lower and
upper chambers regarding the policy's legality.

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Associate Professor Helen Kruuse shares insights on the concerns raised by
Shamila Batohi, head of the NPA, regarding the "Stalingrad tactic" employed by
accused criminals to prolong trials, emphasizing its impact on the rule of law in
South Africa.

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Michael Ratcliffe, Chairman of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, joins John to discuss
the tree planting campaign launched by wineries in Stellenbosch following a
recent devastating storm.

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Lisa Vetten, a Research Associate at Wits Institute for Social Economic
Research (Wiser), discusses the Supreme Court of Appeal's decision to
overturn the acquittal of former paramedic Loyiso Coko, who was initially found
not guilty of rape by the High Court.

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A weekly conversation with Rebecca Davis covering the subjects that created a
stir in the news and in social media.

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In a conversation about his latest work, "A Calamity of Souls," David Baldacci,
the celebrated #1 bestselling author, offers insights into the narrative's genesis
and themes.

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Stormers boss John Dobson joins us to discuss the rare home loss to
Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship this weekend.

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Political analyst Sandile Swana considers the MK Party's manifesto recently
published to outline the MK Party’s vision and priorities.

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The music guru Sean Brokensha joins John for a conversation about Taylor
Swift's new album, "The Tortured Poets Department," which set a record with
300 million streams on Spotify in one day.

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JP Smith is the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security and he
joins us now.

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Nils Braatvedt, an Executive at ENS specializing in Employment Law, provides
essential insights on navigating criminal records in hiring, following the Labour
Court's recent ruling in O'Connor v LexisNexis.

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Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx, shares insights from the newly
released study, The South African Generative AI Roadmap 2024, in partnership
with Dell Technologies and Intel.

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Hylton Tannenbaum, Writer, Co - Director and Executive Producer of "Just Now Jeffrey," announces the film's release on May 3rd, underscoring its origins in 1980s South Africa and its themes of adolescence and friendship.

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Jan Vermeulen, Editor in Large at MyBroadband, delves into META's rollout of
WhatsApp's AI assistant in South Africa, discussing its implications and privacy
concerns.

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Guest: Odette Curtis-Scott

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Basil manuel NAPTOSA

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Guest: Geoff Maputa

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Professor Steven Boykey Sidley from Johannesburg Business School at the University of Johannesburg’s  recent piece in Daily maverick asked how much money will it take to make you happy?

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 Vaccination rates tumble-
According to the City Health Department they have recorded a 16% year-on-year decline in follow up immunisations of kids younger than 12 months. Prof Lyndon Myer from UCT School of public health is our guest

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Election Analyst Wayne Sussman clears up the confusing surrounding the 3rd ballot paper that will be issued to voters on election day.

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