Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has been regarded globally as a proponent of human rights and a leader on the African continent. The country has also seen its economy, along with the infrastructure grow dramatically. On the Forum@8 spoke to political analyst, Professor Somadoda Fikeni.

South Africa and 43 other African countries signed a protocol at the African Union summit in Kigali, Rwanda last week, that will enable free movement of people and encourage trade and investment. The declaration is aimed at establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area which will create the world's largest free trade zone after 40 years of negotiations. The African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) is intended to remove barriers to trade, such as tariffs and import quotas, and allow the free flow of goods and services between member countries. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Author of Africa is Open for Business, Victor Kgomoeswana and DDG international trade and economic development, Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter

South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day. This public holiday is a reminder of the tragic Sharpeville massacre and a celebration of South Africa's constitution, which gives equal rights to all. Experts say the country still faces modern day human rights abuses such as Marikana tragedy, racism , high levels of poverty and violence, particularly violence against women and children. According to the South African Human Rights Commission , South Africa has very good infrastructure in terms of laws, policies and institutions but the implementation still remains a problem. On the Forum@8 this morning we look at how far we have come, are Human Rights celebrated by all in South Africa. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to veteran journalist and editor, Joe Thloloe and Writer, rapper and political activist, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.

On the Forum@8 we shine a spotlight on violence against teachers. A week ago, a video showing a pupil throwing what appears to be an exercise book at a teacher in the classroom went viral. In the video the teacher walks out of the classroom. Teachers unions say incidents similar to this one are common in our schools and that teachers are being attacked by learners daily with very little being down to stop this violence. In another incident, A group of teachers is undergoing trauma counselling after being assaulted by learners at Rearabilwe Secondary School in Lehurutse in the North West. Two grade 10 learners, aged 18 and 20, assaulted five teachers after being reprimanded for disrupting teaching by playing loud music on their cellphones. The South African Council of Educators suggest that cameras be installed in schools to curb the violence and learners organisation- COSAS calls for workshops to equip both pupils and teachers on dispute management. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to President of Congress Of South African Students (COSAS), John Macheke,Spokesperson of the South African Council of Educators (SACE), Themba Ndlovu; Secretary of Governors' Alliance, Kathy Callaghan; Spokesperson for the department of basic education,Elijah Mhlanga

Last week we put the spotlight on the burning labour issues in South Africa and this morning we continue the discussion. Government is currently considering changes to South Africa's labour laws. Labour analysts and trade unions say they are concerned about the government's intention to amend the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Bill. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) says the changes will be an attack on the working class as they could limit their right to strike. Meanwhile, Carin Runciman, a Senior Reseacher at the Centre for Social Change, says if these proposed amendments become law it will be a significant defeat for workers. She adds that the details about the country's much-heralded national minimum wage show that, in practice, it may be unenforceable.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi did not mince his words at the opening of the 17th World Conference on Tobacco and Health last week. He has vowed to implement stricter tobacco controls. He's also acknowledged that South Africa has slacked in taking action and has promised much stricter legislation governing tobacco. According to a Health-e report, tobacco consumption has increased by 52 percent in Africa since 1980, and 77 million Africans now smoke. Experts say that if the current trend continues, 500-million Africans will be smoking in the next 30 years, bringing increases in cancer, heart and lung diseases. Elvis preslin spoke to Peter Ucko - CEO Tobacco , Alcohol and Gambling Advisory Advocacy and Action Group and Lorato Mahura - Acting Director for Health Promotion at the National Department of Health