POWER Breakfast

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Wycliffe Nduga Ouma – Financial Economist and Researcher at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at Wits, about how South Africa may be overlooking the important role played by non-profit organisations in helping young people find work, largely because there is limited reliable data on how many jobs the sector actually creates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, about how the department hosted an official ceremony yesterday at its head office in Johannesburg to hand over operating licences to eligible minibus and scholar transport operators. This initiative spans four major regions — Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, West Rand, and Sedibeng — marking a significant milestone in the provincial government’s efforts to streamline and formalise the transport sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mncedisi Vilakazi – Deputy Director-General (DDG): Sustainable Fiscal Resource Management for the Gauteng Provincial Government, about how the Gauteng Provincial Government has tabled a budget of more than R549 billion over the next three years, with a strong focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and improving service delivery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Brooks Spector – International Relations Analyst, about how the United States has expressed growing frustration with South Africa over what it describes as Pretoria’s failure to act on a set of key policy requests delivered nearly a year ago. Speaking at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus, Leo Brent Bozell III, who has been in South Africa for just over three weeks, outlined both his optimism for US–South Africa cooperation and his concerns over policy and political inconsistencies that could threaten investor confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Tshiamo “Tshitshi” Makamedi about how he made history at the prestigious Joburg Open 2026 by performing the ceremonial opening tee shot — a role traditionally reserved for the city’s Executive Mayor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Nhlalwenhle Princess Shongwe – Attorney and Director of NP Shongwe Attorneys Inc, about how the civil rights movement Not In My Name International is calling on the South African justice system to strengthen the enforcement of protection orders. This demand follows a tragic femicide in Meyerton, where a woman was allegedly murdered by her husband despite having sought legal protection multiple times.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Nomusa Dube-Ncube about the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference, and Career Festival 2026 taking place in Durban from 8–12 March, hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mr James Ndlebe – Director for Education Management and Governance Development (EMGD) at the Department of Basic Education (DBE), about how recent research from TPN Credit Bureau highlights a systemic crisis within South Africa’s public school admissions process, with address fraud evolving from an occasional occurrence into a widespread issue. Statistics from various institutions show that, in one surveyed school, 40% of applications contained deceptive residency details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to David Skhosana – MK Party Member of Parliament, and Sipho Seepe – Political Analyst, about how members of the ad hoc committee investigating corruption within the criminal justice system are taking a firm stand on executive accountability. They insist that President Cyril Ramaphosa receive no special treatment from Parliament and should face the full weight of the investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Ian Cameron – Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, about how the South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing a financial crisis following a botched firearms contract initiated by former commissioner Gen Khehla Sitole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Sibongile Maseko – General Secretary of the Greater Johannesburg Learner Transport Organisation, about how the Greater Gauteng Learner Transport Organisation (GGLTO) has launched an investigation into a disturbing viral video that shows a schoolgirl being assaulted and subsequently run over by a minibus taxi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a historic shift for South African democracy, the Portfolio Committee on the Presidency was established on March 6, 2026. This ends a three-decade gap in which the nation’s highest office operated without a dedicated parliamentary watchdog. Following its formation, Parliament has officially elected a chairperson to lead the new oversight body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Karabo Ozah – Director of the Centre for Child Law, about how a complex legal battle is unfolding in the Durban High Court after a Ballito couple applied for a court order compelling an Indian woman to allow a DNA test on her eight-year-old son, amid claims that the child may have been born from their embryo following a possible fertility clinic error nearly a decade ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.