The big 'T' word. Tariffs. Imposed by the United States - not only on South Africa - but also on a significant number of its trade partners. It's set to come into effect this week. Government said it will continue negotiating with the U.S. regarding the 30 percent tariff. That basically means that all channels of communication remain open. But what happens in the interim, if these tariffs go ahead. Will there be support for affected local companies? To unpack this issue, we are joined by Partner at Webber Wentzel, Meluleki Nzimande who specialises in international trade and investment law. Also on the panel are political economist, Bongani Mahlangu and Cobus Kok, the founder and managing director at Macadamia Services Management. The Digital Audience also weigh in.

What's taking up most of the oxygen here in South Africa of late? Crime. Serious allegations of corruption. This country is dealing with what some might describe as a complex and pervasive web of crime. How connected is this web of crime? Also, to what extent is politics killing policing? To discuss this, we have Criminologist Prof Kholofelo Rakubu. We also have Organised Crime Investigator Chad Thomas from the from IRS Forensic Investigations, and the Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) Lawson Naidoo, as well as Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis. The digital audience also weigh in.

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.