Legal expert explains: what is "a state of emergency"?

Loading player...
According to ECR Newswatch the Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says South Africa does not need a state of emergency.

Almost instantly this has caused another divide. Some people are agreeing while others are very against this idea.

Then there are the few of us that have no issue with being willing to admit that we have no idea what a state of emergency really entails?

Cathleen Powell is an Associate Professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town and we spoke to her to find out what does a state of emergency mean for South Africa and what are the consequences?
14 Jul 2021 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Fuel hike chronicles: How the panic at the pump impacted you

Almost every community was on gridlock on Tuesday afternoon until midnight with consumers trying to fill up before these increments were in effect. From out-of-service fuel stations, having to wait for hours in queues, panic filling, to not being able to get home on time because of traffic jam, Stacey…
1 Apr 6 min

Parents Hotline: What life lesson have you given your child?

Every parent has that one lesson they hope their child carries for life, something deeper than “eat your veggies” or “do your homework.” It’s the lesson shaped by your own experiences, the mistakes you’ve made, the values you were raised on, or a moment that changed how you see the…
1 Apr 6 min

Is screen time for children just lazy parenting?

On this week’s Great Drive Debate, we’re tackling a question that’s sitting in almost every household right now. On one side of the argument, critics say screen time has become an easy default, a digital babysitter. It can replace meaningful interaction, limit creativity, and reduce opportunities for kids to develop…
31 Mar 11 min

Fuel price increase for April 2026 confirmed

Just in this afternoon are that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has confirmed that the fuel prices for April 2026 will be adjusted as follows: - Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Three Rands and six-cents per litre (R 3.06 per litre) increase. - Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): Three…
31 Mar 6 min

Fuel shortage panic: Debunking myths in SA

Alright, let’s clear the air, because there’s been a lot of panic around a possible fuel shortage. Here’s what you actually need to know. Last week, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has urged South Africans not to panic. Despite global tensions and conflict in the Middle East,…
30 Mar 4 min