#PODCAST Finance experts react to the Pension Fund Amendment Bill, was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa #sabcnews

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel - 

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (BELA Bill) into law at a public ceremony on Friday. However, he did press pause on two controversial clauses for three months. These include Clause 4 of the Bill which provides for a provincial head of education to override a school's language policy – that authority currently lies with School Governing Bodies (SGBs), and Clause 5 which provides for the provincial education department heads to control admission policies. Education Expert, Professor Mary Metcalfe, says the Bill is a step in the right direction for the education sector...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel

Tributes have been pouring in for liberation activist, corruption fighter, and democracy defender - Pravin Gordhan. The anti-apartheid struggle veteran and former Minister of Public Enterprises died at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, in Johannesburg, during the early parts of Friday morning. This after a short battle with cancer. Politician and close colleague to Gordhan, Maggie Govender, shares memories of his life and last moments surrounded by those he loved...

By Shanell Daniel

This Heritage Month we explore the history of Indian-origin cuisine and whether or not young Indian-origin South Africans are moving away from cultural cuisine and towards western food. Author and researcher Jimmy Parthiben Moodley joins Newsbreak Talk along with founder of the Appetite Food Group, Imraan Omar and food vlogger Shah Omar unpack culture vs modernism...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel

1894 was a turning point in the political history of the country as it marked the formation of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). The NIC served as a forum for the protection of the rights of people of Indian-origin as subjects of Britain as Natal was on the verge of becoming a subject of white supremacy. In tribute of the 130th anniversary of the NIC, former member, Ravi Pillay, talks about the legacy of the NIC and the upcoming tribute celebration...

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The entrepreneurship route is often touted as a huge source of employment and economic growth for the country. However, small businesses are at severe risk with over 75% of them faced with failure or bankruptcy. That's according to Vuyelwa Nyakaza, Managing Director of development firm - Sukume Consulting. She says although the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector contributes 39% to South Africa's GDP, the failure rate is between 50% - 95% depending on the industry. Nyakaza says it's therefore important that proper research and consultation is carried out by prospective entrepreneurs...

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - International relations expert, Professor John Stremlau believes U.S Vice President, Kamala Harris is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming elections. Harris has picked up dozens of endorsements from members of Congress and key Governors across the country after President Joe Biden announced he will no longer seek re-election. Democrats have netted more than 100 million dollars in online donations in the 24 hours since Biden's exit from the race, indicating a strong belief in Harris. Professor Stremlau says while Harris is yet to be formally nominated, she has the skills set and projected support to outrun Republican Donald Trump in the race to November polls...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Fresh from a trip to Johannesburg where her peer-to-peer workshop was extremely well received, 17-year-old Paetyn Naidoo is now in Durban to share her knowledge of coding. Interested in STEM subjects and computing from a young age, the American-South African has been studying in the U.S and is now on a mission to share her lessons learnt with South Africa's youth. This week she will host a presentation to both educators and learners at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Paetyn says it's important to prepare for the future by grasping the fundamentals of digital literacy...  

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - A PhD project celebrating the Fordsburg Women's Group of the 80's - a civil society group of activists - is expected to be showcased during Women's Month. Entitled "Memory is a Weapon" the project will feature an exhibition, storytelling, biographies, a sari installation and fitness demos. Independent filmmaker and producer Firdoze Bulbulia says she co-ordinated the project to pay tribute to those women activists who fought for a better country...

By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Although brain disorders are emphasised worldwide, neurological diseases are the second leading cause of death globally. That's according to the World Federation of Neurology. The startling statistic comes on the backdrop of World Brain Day that was commemorated yesterday. The Neurological Association of South Africa says neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management. However, not all patients have equal access to early detection and effective management in the country. Dr James Butler, Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa explains...

By Newsbreak Producer South Africa is witnessing a disturbing increase in the number of people being kidnapped, going missing and being used as a commodity. According to advocacy group - Missing Children South Africa, they say that the recent trends have seen an alarming increase which has fallen on deaf ears, urging people to remain aware around their communities for an increase in child abuse, kidnappings, and human trafficking cases. Criminologist and national coordinator Bianca Van Aswegen explains the seriousness of the situation...