POWER Breakfast

South Africa’s anti-corruption architecture has a new oversight mechanism. Newly appointed IDAC Ombudsman Judge Takalani Raulinga outlines the vision for the Office of the Ombudsman and how it will strengthen independent accountability, transparency and public confidence in the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The African Transformation Alliance says it has been vindicated by the Public Protector’s findings on child deaths linked to foodborne illnesses and the regulation of foreign-owned spaza shops. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula joins us to explain why the party believes the report supports its long-standing calls for stronger government action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual initiation season continues to raise serious concerns, with 43 deaths recorded nationally, including 17 in the Eastern Cape. We discuss what’s driving these fatalities, the role of illegal initiation schools, and what can be done to make the practice safer while respecting cultural traditions. We speak to Inkosi Zwelizolile Lutuka. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With government facing growing fiscal pressure and demand for social assistance continuing to rise, ensuring that grants reach the correct beneficiaries has become increasingly important. Social Development Minister Dina Pule says strengthening social grant reviews is one of her key priorities as government works to protect the integrity of the social assistance system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With government facing growing fiscal pressure and demand for social assistance continuing to rise, ensuring that grants reach the correct beneficiaries has become increasingly important. Social Development Minister Dina Pule says strengthening social grant reviews is one of her key priorities as government works to protect the integrity of the social assistance system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions has rejected government’s decision to accept a US$1.5 billion, or about R25 billion, Development Policy Loan from the World Bank. SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi explains why the federation believes the loan could have serious implications for the country’s economy and policy direction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues hearing evidence from the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption. IDAC Head Andrea Johnson is expected to testify on the directorate’s investigations and its role in matters before the Commission. Legal analyst Lawson Naidoo joins us to unpack the significance of today’s proceedings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa’s Chapter 9 institutions have launched a landmark National Inquiry into the country’s criminal justice response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The inquiry will assess whether survivors are receiving the protection, support and justice promised by the Constitution, with a particular focus on their lived experiences before cases even reach the courts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice remains out of reach for the victims of the deadly Usindiso Building fire after the Gauteng High Court once again postponed judgment in the case against the alleged arsonist. Human rights activist Andy Chinnah, who has worked closely with survivors and bereaved families, joins us with the latest developments and what this latest delay means for those still waiting for closure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Power Breakfast listener Siyabonga shared his struggle to find appropriate support for his son, who has reading and writing difficulties. His story struck a chord with listeners across the country. This morning, the University of Pretoria steps in with expert advice and practical assistance, offering hope not only to Siyabonga’s family but to many others facing similar challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power Breakfast's Thabiso TT Tema had a lively chat with this week's little human, the witty Xania Olifant from Alexander.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a year since the July 21 protest action that led to dozens of arrests. Today, 61 accused are expected back in court as legal proceedings continue. We unpack the latest developments in the case and what today’s appearance means for those facing charges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joins us to unpack bold new plans aimed at transforming the Port of Cape Town into a world-class gateway for trade and tourism. We discuss what’s proposed, the expected economic impact, and what it could mean for jobs, investment and the city’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Luthuli Foundation, together with a high-level delegation from the Nobel Foundation and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, officially launches the Year of Luthuli 2027 and a global campaign to reclaim Chief Albert Luthuli’s legacy. The event follows the landmark High Court ruling that overturned the apartheid-era version of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate’s death. We speak to Sandile Luthuli and a representative from the Nobel Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mzwandile Banjathwa – Campaign Coordinator at Corruption Watch, about how corruption in South Africa’s education system remains deeply entrenched, with recent developments suggesting the problem is evolving rather than declining.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Isaac Mahamba – Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), about how motorists have raised concerns over the reported use of private or unmarked vehicles at traffic stops across parts of Johannesburg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Ongama Mtimka – Political Analyst, about the political developments making headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ariella Scher from Open secretsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Gareth Cremen – Partner: Business Rescue, Restructuring, Insolvency and Insurance at Cox Yeats, about how a recent judgment by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) is drawing attention beyond legal circles, raising broader economic questions about where money ultimately ends up when financial systems across countries intersect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Tebogo Letsie – Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, about how a fresh controversy has emerged in South Africa’s skills development system after Democratic Alliance MP Karabo Khakhau submitted a formal letter to Parliament, demanding immediate oversight of the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Jeremy Michaels – Commission Spokesperson, and Andy Mashaile – Security Strategist, about what has been achieved so far at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has now adjourned its public hearings for a two-week recess, with the last sitting held on Tuesday and the next session scheduled for 7 April 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Deputy Chief Electoral Officer: Outreach, Dr Victor Shale, about how the Electoral Commission of South Africa will host a major research seminar to deliberate on the findings of the latest Voter Participation Survey (VPS) ahead of the 2026/27 Local Government ElectionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Andile Zulu – Energy Democracy Programmes Officer at the Alternative Information and Development Centre, about how, in a landmark decision for transparency in South Africa’s energy sector, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed Eskom’s appeal against a High Court order requiring the utility to disclose its coal and diesel supply contracts to civil rights group AfriForum. The ruling, handed down on 23 March 2026, brings an end to Eskom’s attempt to keep the details of these multibillion-rand agreements confidential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Karabo Khakhau, DA National Spokesperson, about how a major financial controversy has emerged within South Africa’s education and training sector following reports that more than R637 million in public funds allocated to the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) cannot be properly accounted for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Acting DDG Mr Solly Molayi – Responsible for Social and Population Statistics, about how South Africa is undergoing a quiet but significant shift in how people approach relationships, with fewer citizens choosing to marry and more opting to divorce. The latest Marriages and Divorces 2024 data released by Statistics South Africa paints a picture of a country where traditional unions are steadily losing ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mooketsi Tebogo Molebatsi – Divisional Head: Office of the Deputy Executive Mayor, City of Tshwane, about how the City of Tshwane has come under intensified scrutiny over its water tanker expenditure, as questions mount around governance, procurement processes, and the sustainability of relying on emergency water supply measures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political battle erupts in Tshwane over R777 million water tanker spending. @ThabisoTema is in conversation with Cilliers Brink.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mr Mondli Gungubele – Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, about how Postbank SOC Ltd has reached a significant milestone after being officially registered as a licensed financial services provider (FSP) by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), marking an important step in its long-standing ambition to become a fully-fledged state-owned bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Johan Burger – Former Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), about how KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Sibusiso Mkhwanazi will remain at the helm of policing in the province after authorities confirmed the renewal of his contract for another five-year term, with his current contract set to expire at the end of March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Prof Magnus Killander – International Human Rights and Comparative Constitutional Law Researcher at the University of Pretoria, about how South Africa’s landmark genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) continues to draw global attention, with new legal developments and geopolitical tensions shaping the trajectory of the proceedings in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Isaac Sayed – ATAAM Holdings, which provides free security services in the area, about how residents of the Johannesburg suburb of Eldorado Park are grappling with fear and frustration following a deadly shooting that left two people dead and six others wounded late on Saturday night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela – Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, about how South Africa’s first-ever National Transport Conference (NTC) has opened at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, investors, academics, and civil society representatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Terry Tselane – Executive Chairperson of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa, about how the South African government is considering introducing a minimum electoral threshold for political parties seeking representation in municipal councils, a move that could significantly reshape the country’s local government electoral system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Minister Thembi Simelane – Minister of Human Settlements, and Mmamoloko Kubayi – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, about how families of victims whose cases from South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) remain unresolved have launched a searing critique of the state’s handling of a judicial inquiry into stalled apartheid-era prosecutions, accusing the government of “abandoning” them after decades of waiting for justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Solly Malatsi – Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, about how the future of the South African Post Office (SAPO) has once again come under scrutiny after its business rescue practitioners signalled a possible move to liquidate the struggling state-owned entity if no additional financial support is secured from government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Wisani Baloyi – SAHRC Spokesperson, about how, in a landmark moment for human rights and food justice in South Africa, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched a National Investigative Hearing into the country’s food systems, with sessions taking place from 12–13 and 16–20 March 2026 in Johannesburg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANC in Johannesburg moves to recall Mayor Dada Morero• PA backs US envoy Bozell in row over the “Kill the Boer” chant• US defends Israel against South Africa’s allegation of genocide filed at the top UN court Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Professor Steven Friedman – Political Analyst and Researcher at the University of Johannesburg, about the political news that has been trending over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Hubert Kabasu Babu Katulodi – Congolese Writer and Analyst of African Politics, about how voters in the Republic of the Congo headed to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to extend the rule of veteran leader Denis Sassou Nguesso, one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Avhapfani Tshifularo – CEO of the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA), about how the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) has moved to calm public concerns following recent reports of increased demand and fears over fuel availability. Rather than a physical shortage of petrol and diesel, FIASA says the industry is tightening how much fuel large buyers can purchase outside of contracted amounts — a step meant to prevent panic buying and artificial scarcity in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TT in conversation with POWER Kid, Warona Maake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Thato Mahapa – Family Lawyer, about how a divorced man has failed in his bid to be exempted from financially supporting his ex-wife’s children. The Western Cape High Court ruled that his conduct amounted to taking on a parental role and that withdrawing support would not be in the best interests of the children, aged 14 and 16, who had grown accustomed to the lifestyle he provided. The court also emphasised that children’s constitutional right to parental care can extend to step-parents who act in place of a biological parent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Ms Melissa Erra – Acting CEO of the National Skills Fund, about how the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference, and Career Festival 2026, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, concluded yesterday, marking the successful culmination of five days of competitions, conferences, and career-focused activities for young South Africans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Guy Leitch – Aviation Analyst and Editor of SA Flyer, about how South African Airways (SAA) has become the latest carrier to succumb to the pressure of soaring jet fuel prices. Despite an earlier commitment to keep fares stable, the national airline has reversed its stance and announced the implementation of a fuel surcharge on new bookings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mr Rhulani Mathebula – Executive Manager for Electricity at NERSA, about how NERSA has officially approved Eskom’s electricity tariff hikes for the 2026/27 financial year. Following a meeting on 5 March 2026, the regulator approved an average increase of 8.76% for Eskom’s direct customers, which will take effect on 1 April 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Prof Bruce Mellado – Professor of Physics at Wits University who runs an air quality monitoring programme across Gauteng, about how Johannesburg residents have raised concerns after a strong sulphur odour, often compared to the smell of rotten eggs, spread across parts of the city. The smell has triggered widespread reports of headaches, chest tightness, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort. The latest surge in air pollution has prompted public frustration over the recurring nature of the problem and its impact on residents’ daily well-being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Senator Douglas Mwonzora – President of the Movement for Democratic Change, about how Human Rights Watch reported that Zimbabwean authorities are deploying violence and intimidation against those opposing constitutional amendments intended to extend the president’s time in office. The proposed changes, which received Cabinet approval last month, could allow 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until at least 2030, effectively extending his leadership beyond the current legal term limit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Shaquill Kasan – Community Leader in the Housing Portfolio at the Gauteng Housing Crisis Committee (GHCC), and Ian Cameron – Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, about how, on 11 March 2026, soldiers from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) arrived in Eldorado Park, a suburb of Johannesburg, as part of a government initiative to bolster the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in tackling rising crime. The deployment forms part of “Operation Prosper,” a nationwide strategy announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his recent State of the Nation Address, aimed at combating gang violence, illegal mining, and organised crime across multiple provinces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.