The Democratic Alliance remains in the GNU but has pulled out of the National Dialogue and plans to oppose budgets tied to corruption-accused ministers. The ANC calls the move disruptive to the coalition. Tensions followed President Ramaphosa’s dismissal of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition Andrew Whitfield over unauthorised international travel. The DA calls it politically motivated and demands action against corrupt ministers. The big question: What are your views on the state of the GNU following the fallout around the axing of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield? To unpack this, we are joined by research consultant and Professor Emeritus at Wits University Susan Booysen, and independent analyst Khaya Sithole, as well as the Digital Audience.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called strikes on Iran a "spectacular military success" in defence of its ally, Israel. The U.S. dropped bombs on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday. The U.S. has now been squarely thrust into an escalating Middle East conflict. Iran's Foreign Minister has said the administration in Washington "is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression." The big question now is what Iran's response will be? Given the state of play, how much room is left for diplomacy? To unpack this and more, we have Seyed Hoseini, who is the founder of the Islamic Centre for Africa, as well as former Israeli Senior Military Prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Maurice Hirsch. We are also joined by Political Analyst Prof. Christopher Isike, and foreign policy and political analyst Sanusha Naidu. The digital audience also weighs in.

On the eve of Youth Day, It's Topical brings you a special live broadcast from the Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto. The museum stands as a reminder of the youth freedom struggle of the past, while their contemporaries are faced with an economic and job crisis. Which bold, new ideas could rewrite the job story for South Africa's youth, who are facing record-breaking unemployment levels? To unpack this, we are joined by NYDA board member, Thulisa Ndlela - EmpowerYouth Lead's Azande Ralephenya and economic analyst, Thabiso Mongane.

On this episode, we explore the blurring lines between online personas and real-life identity. As more South Africans - especially the youth - spend time online, are we losing touch with who we really are? We unpack the psychological toll of chasing likes, followers, and digital validation, and ask: What happens when the internet becomes more real than reality? We also look at the darker side of life online - catfishing, cyberstalking, and digital addiction - and offer expert advice on how to protect yourself in the virtual world. In studio, we’re joined by Oreeditse Gill, social media personality and influencer. Joining us virtually via Teams: Dr Namosha Veerasamy, Principal Researcher at the CSIR, and Dr Khosi Jiyane, a Clinical Psychologist. Plus, our digital audience weighs in with their own experiences and questions.

As South Africa reels from the tragic murder of Olorato Mongale, attention urgently shifts to the safety of women in public spaces and online platforms. With rising reports of dating scams and targeted attacks in places like shopping malls, the country faces mounting pressure to act decisively. Joining us on the panel are Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga; Security Strategist and Retired Interpol Ambassador Andy Mashaile; and GBVF Activist Norma Uhuru Mbele, along with insights from our digital audience.

Is South Africa better or worse off following Wednesday's meeting in the White House between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump? What are the political and economic consequences of this meeting? What was it like being in that room? What trade deals are in the pipeline? To unpack this issue we have Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau who was in the Oval House, as well as South African expat Sean Jacobs, who is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of International Affairs at The New School University in New York. The Digital Audience also weigh in.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for a high-stakes diplomatic visit to meet US President Donald Trump, attention turns to what South Africa must prioritise in this critical engagement. With economic uncertainty, global misinformation, and domestic challenges piling up, Ramaphosa faces pressure to defend national sovereignty, clarify land reform policies, and strengthen trade ties - especially under frameworks like AGOA. Tonight, we unpack what’s at stake: Should Ramaphosa confront controversial narratives, including false claims of genocide? How does SA safeguard its policy independence while maintaining global partnerships? And can this visit help reposition the country on the world stage in a meaningful way? Joining us on the panel are Khulekani Mathe, CEO of Business Unity South Africa; J. Brooks Spector, former US Diplomat and Associate Editor at Daily Maverick; and Dr. Thapelo Tselapedi, Academic at Rhodes University’s Political & International Studies Department, along with insights from our digital audience.

Employment Equity in the Spotlight. As South Africa awaits the High Court’s judgment on the Democratic Alliance’s legal challenge to the Employment Equity Amendments Act, the nation grapples with the future of workplace transformation. Tonight, we unpack the contentious Section 15a, which grants the Minister of Labour authority to set national numerical targets for equitable representation in all economic sectors — a move the DA calls overreach and “social engineering,” while the Minister defends it as essential progress toward redressing historic inequalities. Joining us on the panel are Advocate Tertius Wessels, managing director at Strata-G Labour Solutions; Karabo Khakhau, DA National Spokesperson; and Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson. The digital audience also weighs in.