RC 260820SAfmKoketso Sachane
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Political killings dominated the first half, followed by a major US research funding reversal, a renewed sex work decriminalisation debate, and a warm arts interview with jazz vocalist Nikesi Webonga.
- 20:13
Crime expert Dr Kolisi Matebula said South Africa is seeing a spike in political killings around election season, driven by tenders, patronage, intimidation and disputes over municipal power.
- 20:26
He said police mostly react after hits are carried out, struggle to reach the people who order them, and need better intelligence-led policing rather than only visible patrols or ad hoc task teams.
- 20:52
The US National Institutes of Health lifted its ban on new research funding in South Africa, reopening a key source of support for work on HIV, TB and other health projects, but under stricter conditions.
- 20:56
The show also previewed Parliament’s return to the sex work decriminalisation bill and a second-hour feature with Nikesi Webonga, who will perform in Chapters of Her with the Soweto Youth Orchestra.