Tribute to Dr Frene Ginwala.

Loading player...
Dr Frene Ginwala: SA loses another giant as stalwart hailed as an iconic leaders of the nation’s liberation struggle

A baobab has fallen. This is how the death of South Africa’s first Speaker of a democratic parliament, Dr Frene Ginwala, has been described. Ginwala died on Thursday evening at the age of 90, following a stroke two weeks ago. Tributes continue to pour in for the stalwart, who has been hailed as one of the foremost iconic leaders of South Africa’s struggle for liberation. President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed Ginwala as a leader who “epitomised the ethos and expectations of our then fledgling Constitution”.

Renowned film producer Anant Singh described Ginwala as a trailblazer who laid the foundation for the workings of the post-apartheid parliament. She was highly respected by Members of Parliament and the South African public during her tenure, which spanned the first 10 years of democracy.
17 Jan 2023 9AM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

International stories wrap

From Iran’s role in a joint naval exercise to Uganda’s election landscape and Donald Trump’s controversial Peace Board appointments, we unpack the global stories making headlines. Phemelo is joined by senior research fellow Thembisa Fakude for insight and context.
19 Jan 3PM 19 min

Goodman Gallery drops Venice Biennale artist Gabrielle Goliath

Just days after being chosen to represent South Africa at the 2026 Venice Biennale, acclaimed artist Gabrielle Goliath was dropped by her longtime gallery, a move that shocked the art world. As questions of censorship, power and artistic freedom collide, Phemelo unpacks the fallout with art historian and freelance writer…
19 Jan 3PM 21 min

SAHRC exposes systemic failure and R1 billion corruption in North West scholar transport

As learners return to class, a damning SAHRC report reveals how broken scholar transport in the North West is failing children daily. From unroadworthy vehicles and unsafe conditions to over R1 billion paid for services never delivered, the Commission says government departments violated learners’ rights at every turn. Phemelo speaks…
19 Jan 3PM 18 min

Madlanga Commission Phase One: Red flags for justice system integrity

An independent interim analysis of the Madlanga Commission proceedings warns of deep institutional risks, political interference and possible law-enforcement capture. While not ruling on guilt, the report raises urgent concerns about governance failures that could undermine South Africa’s criminal justice system. Phemelo is joined by Public Interest SA chairperson Tebogo…
19 Jan 3PM 16 min

Thirteen pupils killed in Vaal scholar transport crash

A routine school run ended in heartbreak in Vanderbijlpark, where 13 pupils lost their lives after a scholar transport minibus taxi was collided with a truck. As families mourn and survivors fight for recovery, Gauteng leaders admit long-standing loopholes in private scholar transport may have cost young lives. Phemelo speaks…
19 Jan 3PM 17 min