On Monday, South Africa marks the country's transition from the oppressive apartheid regime to a free democratic country, and in commemoration of the first democratic elections on the 27 April 1994 that gave birth to our constitutional democracy. But the question is, how much are we still carrying, from our past? Is part of the solution to know each other's cultural heritage, start understanding what makes the other person tick and by doing so, respecting each other. As South Africans, do you think we have a common heritage? What is it? How do we celebrate our 'South Africaness'? Freedom should mean emancipation from poverty, unemployment... But also racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. To unpack this issue, we are joined virtually by Prof Armand Bam who is the Head of Social Impact and Postgraduate Diploma Leadership Development for NPOs at Stellenbosch Business School. We also have Asanda Ngoasheng who is a Political Analyst, academic and diversity expert. The live studio also weighs in.

Julius Malema's gun discharge case - very much still in the spotlight. Lawyers for the Economic Freedom Fighters' leader say they are confident that the five-year imprisonment sentence he was handed will be overturned in the appeal process in the higher courts. You'll remember that Malema was granted leave to appeal his sentence but the court denied leave to appeal the conviction. The EFF maintains that this case has been pursued in a highly politicised environment. The National Prosecuting Authority has also put out a statement noting with concern the circulation of content on a social media, in which statements contain serious threats directed at a Prosecutor involved in a matter. They say they strongly condemns any form of intimidation or threats against its prosecutors. So, this week we ask - As the Julius Malema firearm case enters the appeal process, what stands out to you most about how it's being handled? To unpack this issue we are joined by Kaizer Kganyago who is the National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson. Inam Kula is a member of the EFF Central Command Team.And Ebrahim Harvey is a Political Analyst and author. The studio audience also weigh in

Geordin Hill-Lewis served as Chief of Staff to former DA leaders Helen Zille and Mmusi Maimane. He was the youngest Member of Parliament when elected in 2011, at the age of 24. Now 39, he takes over the reins from John Steenhuisen as the new leader of the Democratic Alliance. The question now is: what does the future hold for the DA under Hill-Lewis’ leadership?

The Strait of Hormuz. A critical global chokepoint. Very much in sharp focus. Reporting this weekend... Iran authorising the passage of vessels carrying essential goods to its ports through the Strait. This is according to a letter cited by Iran's Tasnim news agency. The reporting goes on to say the letter indicates that ships heading to Iranian ports, including those currently in the Gulf of Oman, must coordinate with authorities and comply with established protocols to transit the strait. How consequential will this be? It normally carries about a fifth of the world's total oil trade. So, as fuel and food prices rise amidst the ongoing war on Iran, how are you adjusting your spending and what interventions do you expect from government to ease the pressure? To unpack this we are joined by Prof Patrick Bond (Political Economist from the University of Johannesburg), Thembisa Fakude who is a Senior Research Fellow and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues, and Social Commentator Donovan Williams. We also take your calls.

Policing the police! Senior officers arrested on a procurement-related matter. National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola is also scheduled for a court appearance in April, but today General Masemola disputed he has been charged, just summoned. What do you make of the latest developments? And in the context of ongoing probes, how do you interpret the recent charges and arrests of senior police officials? To unpack this we are joined by Patriotic Alliance MP, Ashley Sauls. DA's Spokesperson on Police, Lisa Schickerling and the IFP's MP, Albert Mncwango. The public also calls in.

"There can be no doubt that over the past 30 years, we have done much to restore the dignity of millions of South Africans as we emerged from the shadow of apartheid. But restitution is the unfinished business of our democracy. There can be no peace, no progress without justice." President Cyril Ramaphosa during his Human Rights Day address. South Africa is also marking the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution this year. Momentous occasion! However, following Human Rights Day on Saturday - in your day to day life, where do you feel your rights are being undermined and what rights are empowering you to flourish? To help unpack this issue, we are joined by Seth Mazibuko who is a former Robben Island inmate, 1976 student leader, and the patron and historian of the Seth Mazibuko Foundation, Prof Tshepo Madlingozi is the Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission and Dr Pali Lehohla is the Former Statistician General of South Africa. He is joining us via Zoom alongside the Digital Audience.

In this episode of IT’S TOPICAL, we examine the deployment of 2,200 members of the South African National Defence Force to support the South African Police Service in combating violent crime and illegal mining. Mandated to defend and protect the Republic and its people, the SANDF is now being called upon to assist in addressing these challenges in communities across the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and the Western Cape. As soldiers take to the streets, questions arise about what this means for communities and whether such deployments are an effective response to rising crime. Joining the discussion are Dakota Legoete, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and Prof Lindy Heinecken from the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University. Our live audience from affected areas also weigh in.

In this episode of IT’S TOPICAL, we examine the escalating crisis in the Middle East as hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran continue to unfold, raising concerns about regional stability, international law and the prospects for peace. With thousands of South Africans having registered their presence across the region, the conflict has also sparked anxiety at home, as travel disruptions and safety concerns affect citizens and families with loved ones in the Middle East. South Africa has called for renewed diplomatic efforts, referencing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and emphasising the need for mediation and a peaceful resolution. But as tensions persist and retaliation continues, questions remain about the rules governing self-defence, sovereignty and the broader implications for the global rules-based order. Our guests are DIRCO Chief of State Protocol Clayson Monyela, UJ Political Economist Prof Patrick Bond and SABC International News Correspondent Sophie Mokoena. We are also joined by South Africans caught up in the Middle East conflict.