HOT 1027 NOT BREAKING NEWS

Doctors are urging women to start thinking about healthy ageing long before they consider themselves old. They say the foundations for heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and physical decline can be laid decades before symptoms appear. But importantly — many of those risks can also be changed. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

Women are being urged to stop treating sleep as a luxury. A leading Johannesburg sleep specialist says many women are sacrificing hours of sleep every night to juggle work, children and household responsibilities - without realising the damage it's doing to their health. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

Today, Madonna turns 68. She’s sold more than 300-million records, reinvented herself across five decades and changed the rules for women in popular music. But the Queen of Pop didn’t arrive with money, connections or an easy road to fame. Her story is one of extraordinary ambition, survival — and an almost stubborn refusal to be told who she should be. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...

Orphaned elephants are getting a major boost, hospice patients are receiving vital oxygen support , and 65 rescued cats have been given a lifeline — all thanks to the generosity of HOT1027 listeners. It's been another rewarding week making a meaningful difference through Hot Cares here on HOT1027 - to the tune of R652 000. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look...

Doctors are warning women not to gamble with their health by buying weight-loss injections from unlicensed suppliers. While medicines like Ozempic and Mounjaro can be life-changing for the right patients - under the right supervision - a growing black market in counterfeit products is putting lives at risk right here in Joburg. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

Joburg volunteers are racing against time to save 65 cats found living in appalling conditions on the outskirts of Honeydew. Some were riddled with fleas and open sores, others were painfully thin, with serious dental problems — and one had been living with a fractured jaw. HOT1027’s Tara Penny is with them...

A Johannesburg dermatologist is urging women to pay closer attention to new or changing marks on their skin. As we put women's health under the microscope this month, experts are warning South Africa's high UV exposure and outdoor lifestyle make skin cancer an important health risk — yet many people still associate a visit to the dermatologist with "cosmetic treatments" rather than cancer prevention. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...

Women are being urged to stop thinking about exercise simply as a way to lose weight. Physiotherapists here in Joburg say regular movement can protect everything - from our hearts and bones, to our sleep and mental health. And we don't need punishing workouts to reap the benefits. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...

Today is World Elephant Day, and a Johannesburg couple is embarking on an extraordinary race to raise awareness - and hopefully funding - for South Africa's first dedicated elephant orphanage. They'll travel from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit using almost every mode of transport imaginable - from skateboard, train and plane to motorcycle and classic car... all for a good cause HOT1027's Tara Penny has more...

At what age should a girl or young woman first see a gynaecologist? It's a question many parents — and young women themselves — aren't quite sure how to answer. As part of our Women's Month focus, we're roping in the experts to fill in the blanks. HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more…

Working through exhaustion has become a badge of honour for many women here in South Africa. But health experts say that's a dangerous mindset. And as we mark Women's Month, doctors are warning that burnout isn't just affecting women's mental wellbeing...it's increasing their risk of heart disease, disrupting their sleep and eroding their overall health. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

One of the biggest myths surrounding breast cancer is that it will happen to someone else. This Women's Month, HOT1027 is bringing in the experts to help women take charge of their health. And when it comes to breast cancer, early detection can make all the difference. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

Today would have been Whitney Houston's 63rd birthday. She sold more than 220 million records, won six Grammy Awards and gave the world classics like Saving All My Love For You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You. But behind one of the greatest voices in music history was a woman battling the pressures of fame and, ultimately, addiction. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

A little boy once given just months to live is getting life-changing care, a teenager will soon hear the world clearly again and vulnerable children now have a safe new place to play — all thanks to the kindness of HOT1027 listeners. It's been another rewarding week, making a meaningful difference with HOT Cares here on HOT1027 to the tune of R300 000. HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more…

Doctors are raising the alarm over a growing number of women and teenage girls taking up vaping, many of whom, would never have considered smoking a cigarette. Doctors warn the perception that vaping is a "safer" alternative is fueling a new generation of nicotine addiction— with potentially serious long-term health consequences. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look...

Many women think heart disease is something to worry about later in life. But cardiologists say that's one of the biggest misconceptions putting women at risk. They warn, the foundations of heart disease are often laid decades before the first symptoms ever appear. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

Johannesburg doctors are urging women to stop dismissing symptoms they've long been told are "just part of being a woman". For generations many women have accepted painful periods, bladder leaks, exhaustion and even brain-fog as simply part of life. But this women's month, specialists say too many are suffering in silence with conditions that CAN and SHOULD be treated. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

A Joburg pathologist says she diagnoses women in their thirties with breast cancer almost every week— and some patients are even younger. Yet many women still believe cancer is something that only happens later in life, or to people with a family history. As we zone in on women’s health this August, we’re looking at the myths that could be costing women precious time. HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more...

Many women have been told heavy periods, constant exhaustion, pain during sex, bloating, anxiety and hot flushes are just part of life. But what if they aren't? This women’s month, HOT1027 News is looking at the symptoms too many women have been taught to ignore.

Doctors here in Joburg are warning that far too many women are putting their own health and wellbeing on the back burner. August is Women's Month, and HOT1027 has brought together leading experts to answer the questions every woman should know the answers to. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports....

August is Women’s Month and HOT1027 is putting women’s health in the spotlight. We're looking at everything from the symptoms women dismiss... to the screenings that are postponed... and the questions many are often too embarrassed—or too busy—to ask. HOT1027’s Tara Penny reports …

A determined father is getting the specialist wheelchair he needs to rebuild his life, orphaned rhinos are being given a second chance thanks to the HOT1027 Rhino Rescue Trailer, and an animal shelter can finally strengthen its security after a wave of crime — all thanks to the generosity of HOT1027 listeners. It's been another rewarding week making a meaningful difference with HOT Cares here on HOT1027 to the tune of R200 000. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports...

Today, one of the most distinctive voices of the 80s turns 65. From "Yazoo" to solo classics like "Invisible" and "All Cried Out", Alison Moyet has sold more than 23 million records worldwide — all while refusing to play by the music industry's rules. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look...

Addiction is often seen as a drug problem. But what if the drugs aren't actually the main problem? This month HOT1027 is examining our country’s addiction crisis while roping in those who’ve been there and know how to help. HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more…

Addiction affects millions of South Africans. Yet for many people, asking for help remains one of the hardest steps to take and experts are warning stigma is keeping so many families trapped in silence. In the lead-up to "Drug Addiction Awareness Day", we're looking at substance abuse from every possible angle and roping in the experts all around Gauteng. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look…

Today, Joe Cocker would have turned 82. The man with the gravelly growl and flailing arms had a rare gift — the ability to turn pain into poetry. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...

Today, one of the most influential women in pop music turns 60. For five decades, Janet Jackson has turned pain, control, vulnerability and sheer determination into some of the most defining music — and choreography — of the modern era. From Control and Rhythm Nation to Nasty and Together Again… she didn’t just follow pop culture. She changed it. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look.

Children recovering from life-changing reconstructive surgery are getting vital support, a 12-year-old girl grieving the murder of her mother now has resources to rebuild her life, and vulnerable families will continue receiving warm meals — all thanks to the generosity of HOT1027 listeners. It's been another rewarding week making a meaningful difference with Hot Cares here on HOT1027 to the tune of R121 000. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...

A new South African book is taking a deeply personal look at fatherhood — not through perfect memories, but through the complicated, often messy relationships that shape who we become. ''Lessons from My Father'' brings together voices from across the country — from sports stars to musicians — reflecting on the men who raised them and the legacies they left behind. It’s one of the titles at this month’s Kingsmead Book Fair — in partnership with HOT1027. HOT1027’s Tara Penny caught up with Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse who opens up about his own father in this unique book…

A new South African true-crime book is forcing a deeply uncomfortable question… Could a teenage murder have been prevented if the system had simply done its job? In his latest book, veteran crime journalist Julian Jansen revisits the killing of 16-year-old Deveney Nel, not just to tell her story — but to expose the failures that may have led to her death. It's one of the books being showcased at this month's Kingsmead Book Fair - in partnership with Hot1027. HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more…

Today, Diana Ross turns 82 — and few artists have shaped popular music quite like she has. From a little girl in Detroit’s Brewster housing projects to Motown royalty, movie stardom and a solo career packed with global hits, Ross didn’t just perform the soundtrack of an era — she helped create it. HOT1027’s Tara Penny has more...

It’s autumn on the Highveld — and cosmos flowers are once again blooming in their thousands. No one plants them. No one tends them. They simply appear, year after year. But these delicate flowers aren’t indigenous — and not many people know their roots her in South Africa trace back to war. HOT1027’s Al Prodgers takes a look...

Elton John turns 79 today. From “Rocket Man” to “Your Song”, Elton John has given generations the soundtrack to love, heartbreak, reinvention and survival. But behind the glitter, the fame and the piano hooks was a man searching for something much more human. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...

Today, one of the smoothest voices — and most unmistakable guitarists — in music turns 83. From the streets of Pittsburgh to global superstardom, George Benson changed the sound of jazz, soul and R&B forever. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look…

Today would've been the 67th birthday of singer and actress Irene Cara — the voice behind two of the most iconic movie songs of the 1980's. From "Fame" to "Flashdance"...her music helped define the sound of an era — winning her an Oscar and a Grammy. She died in 2022 at the age of 63 — after a career that never quite reached the heights many believed it should've. HOT1027’s Natasha Thorp takes a look...

When you hear the word "shebeen", you probably picture an informal tavern in a South African township. But would you associate it with Ireland’s national holiday, St Patrick’s Day? HOT1027’s Al Prodgers explains the surprising link...

A former paramedic battling kidney failure can now continue his life-saving dialysis, a nine-year-old girl with cerebral palsy will soon move independently in her own wheelchair and a hardworking grandmother raising her grandchild has the tools to keep her small business going — all thanks to the generosity of HOT1027 listeners. It's been another rewarding week here at HOT1027making a meaningful difference with Hot Cares to the tune of R226 000. HOT 1027's Tara Penny takes a look...

Today is World Sleep Day — and specialists are warning many South Africans may be sacrificing their health by not getting enough rest. Doctors warn that poor sleep doesn’t just leave you tired the next day — it can weaken your immune system, affect productivity, and increase the risk of serious diseases later in life. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look …

Four South African adventurers are about to tackle South Africa's coastline on jet skis - to highlight the mental health pressures facing our farmers. The ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis continues to devastate parts of our country's livestock industry, with many farmers unable to sell cattle and facing mounting financial losses. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look...

Today would have been Chris Rea’s 75th birthday. The singer , songwriter and guitarist passed away just a few days before Christmas last year, leaving behind a legacy of soundtracks that still land as well today as they did when he wrote them. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look…

Today is World Hearing Day — and South Africa has something extraordinary to celebrate. A Pretoria-based surgeon is being recognised around the world for pioneering a world-first procedure that can cure certain types of deafness. HOT 1027’s Al Prodgers reports...

Coldplay frontman...Chris Martin....turns 49 today. From early criticism to global stadium tours — his band has become one of the biggest in the world. HOT1027’s Natasha Thorp takes a look...

Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died in Los Angeles at the age of 86. His career spanned six decades and spanned a variety of musical genres. HOT1027's Simon Marks has more...

Avalon Cemetery in Soweto is the final resting place of everyday residents, alongside giants of South Africa’s struggle like Hector Pieterson, Joe Slovo and Lilian Ngoyi. But It's also home to a memorial for 616 brave South Africans who have no grave except for the cold sea — they are the men of the SS Mendi who died on this day back in 1917. HOT1027’s Al Prodgers has the story....

A Joburg mom raising 4 children after losing her sister is getting urgent support, a determined matric pupil can now attend the academic camps that could change his future, and more than 200 vulnerable animals in Joburg South will continue to be cared for — all thanks to the generosity of HOT1027 listeners. It's been another rewarding week making a meaningful difference with Hot Cares here on HOT1027 to the tune of R391 000. HOT1027's Tara Penny has more...

A Cold War-era space station hidden in the Magaliesberg is still shaping the world — and even your daily commute. About 50km north-west of Johannesburg, on the R400, stands the giant dish of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory. HOT1027’s Al Prodgers takes a look...

In 1896, only 10 years after the discovery of gold, one of the largest single non-nuclear explosions in history, reverberated across Johannesburg. On this day, 130 years ago, a train loaded with dynamite destined for the mines, blew up in Braamfontein. The blast rattled windows in Pretoria and was heard 200km away in Klerksdorp. HOT1027’s Al Prodgers reports…

Parents are being warned that YouTube Kids is not the safe digital babysitter many believe it is. Experts say disturbing, violent and even sexualised content is slipping past filters often disguised as popular children’s cartoons - and it’s happening fast. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look…

Thousands of runners are nursing stiff legs this morning after crossing the finish line at Joburg’s toughest half marathon. It was a brutal test of endurance yesterday - at the Pirates 21k -powered by Medshield - where an impressive new record was set. HOT1027’s Tara Penny reports...

Ali Campbell turns 67 today. From Birmingham to the world, his band UB40 helped turn reggae into pop history with Ali’s voice right at the centre of it. HOT1027’s Tara Penny takes a look...