The Best of POWER Breakfast

South African homeowners with non-compliant or unregistered solar systems face growing financial risks, including fines of up to R30,000, voided insurance claims, and forced panel removals costing over R100,000 in estates. The race to move away from an unstable national power grid has sparked a massive rooftop solar boom across South Africa. POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema speaks to Eskom Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy analyst Chris Yelland responds to EskomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pitso Mosimane is on the verge of making a sensational return to the Bafana Bafana hot seat after the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Executive Committee gave the green light for his appointment. POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema speak to Mahlatse Mphahlele, sports journalist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lehlohonolo Thobela, weather forecaster and meteorologist for the South African Weather Service speaks to POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema following the SAWS advising the public and farmers to take necessary precautions, as it forecasts a cold front accompanied by a cut-off low expected to affect the Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, southern parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, persisting into Tuesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The KwaZulu-Natal Premier's office says 18 councillors have been assassinated since the 2021 Local Government Elections, making the province the epicentre of such killings. POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema speaks to KZN Premier Thami Ntuli See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists in South Africa are making strides in transforming lives through scientific projects that leave a lasting social and economic impact. Among those driving the change is Keitumetse Molamu, head of Engineering and Technology Development at the NRF-SARAO, which is the National Research Foundation (NRF), which manages the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). She joins POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema to talk about her journey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite regulations designed to protect consumers, many South Africans continue to receive unwanted telemarketing calls. Why does this keep happening, what rights do consumers have, and what can be done to curb nuisance calls? Amdel CEO Bheki Ndabandaba joins Thabiso “TT” Tema on the Power Breakfast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema is in conversation with the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury agrees to release R7.1bn in withheld municipal grants, subject to conditions. Thabiso Tema is speaking to Former Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, Prof Alex Van Den Heever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran joins us from Africa Rail to discuss his Vision 2050 presentation, outlining plans for greater rail integration across the continent, improved connectivity and sustainable funding to modernise Africa’s rail network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Treasury has withheld funding from municipalities that have failed to meet key governance and financial management requirements. COSATU’s Zwelinzima Vavi shares his views on what this means for service delivery, accountability and struggling communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human Rights Commission continues its inquiry into rising food prices. We discuss what the hearings have revealed and what interventions could make nutritious food more affordable for vulnerable households. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A farming family is changing lives by opening their property to children from surrounding townships, offering free sports activities in a safe and inspiring environment. We hear how their passion for sport is creating opportunities and building stronger communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Boitumelo Semeto Makokotlela CEO -South African Health Products Regulatory Authority -SAHPRA Talks to us about the dangers of these medicines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Christopher isike, International relations Expert- University of PTA  zooms in the SA/France relation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Aaron Motswoaledi, Health Minister speaks to Power Breakfast host Thabiso TT Tema about the department’s pro active plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Simon Strachan, CEO, South African Private Practitioners Forum (SAPPF) believes that South Africans are paying more out of their own pockets for healthcare as medical costs continue to rise. Dr Simon Strachan joins us to discuss the growing financial burden on households and proposals to fund a package of essential healthcare services through a social solidarity model that could improve access while keeping healthcare sustainable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Margaret Monyani, Executive Director, OLAM Africa Research Institute says Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way governments, businesses and citizens interact. As South Africa develops its national AI policy, how can the country ensure innovation is balanced with ethical governance and public trust? Dr Margaret Monyani explores the country’s AI policy journey, the lessons emerging from the process, and why evidence-based policymaking is essential for shaping the future of AI in South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite widespread claims that the AARTO demerit system came into effect on 1 July, the demerit points system will only be implemented in 2027. So what exactly changed this month? Monde Mkalipi, spokesperson of AARTO joins us now to unpack the latest phase of AARTO, what motorists should know now, and what lies ahead before demerit points are introduced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EBOLA Update @ThabisoTema is in conversation with Clinical Infectious diseases Epidemiologist, Prof Salim Abdool KarimSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soweto Games Foundation CEO, Andile Gaelesewesays Athletes, volunteers, local businesses and community members are expected to take part in the Soweto Games 2026, a major grassroots sporting and community development initiative aimed at promoting youth empowerment, healthy lifestyles and social cohesion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gilbert Chisenga-a prominent Civil society activist in Zambia says what makes this story extraordinary is that it is about far more than a burial. It is the culmination of a bitter political rivalry between Zambia’s sixth president, Edgar Lungu, and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, a rivalry that has dominated Zambian politics for more than a decade See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says the investigation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to improve governance and professionalise local government administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The controversy has sparked outrage in Parliament, where lawmakers are demanding answers over allegations of corruption, tender irregularities, wasteful expenditure and a lack of accountability.  The Defence portfolio Committee Chair Dakota Legoete speaks to ThabisoTT Tema on Power Break FastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just fourteen years old, Zwelo Mabuza is proving that determination, discipline and resilience can overcome even the toughest obstacles. The talented young athlete has emerged as one of South Africa’s most inspiring sporting stories, excelling in both karate and golf while navigating the unique challenges associated with autism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Denise Newfields from Phenduka Literacy and Maths NPC speaks to POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema on whether remedial learning save a generation of learners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TT in conversation with POWER Kids Phathu and Rori. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Professor Susan Booysen, political analyst, and Adv Lufuno Nevondwe, constitutional law expert, about how the Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced significant changes to its representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying the reshuffle is aimed at strengthening the party’s contribution to government and delivering on the mandate it received from more than 3.5 million voters in the 2024 general elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Prof Justin Visagie, Associate Professor at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, about how, as South Africa marked Youth Day 2026, a sobering reality emerged from the latest labour market statistics: nearly half of the country’s young people are neither studying, working nor receiving any form of training.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Professor Susan Booysen, political analyst, and Adv Lufuno Nevondwe, constitutional law expert, about how the Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced significant changes to its representation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying the reshuffle is aimed at strengthening the party’s contribution to government and delivering on the mandate it received from more than 3.5 million voters in the 2024 general elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Sakhiseni Nxumalo, multi-award-winning journalist from News24, about how a growing humanitarian and security crisis is unfolding at the Sherwood Hall transit site in Durban, where thousands of Malawian nationals remain stranded while awaiting repatriation to their home country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Vena Chueu, Deputy Chairperson of Literacy4Life, about how South Africa is facing renewed concern over literacy levels in primary schools, with international assessments showing that the majority of learners are still unable to read for meaning by the time they reach Grade 4.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Samukelisiwe Msane, Candidate Attorney at the Equal Education Law Centre, about how questions are being raised about the legal boundaries governing schools that request immigration documentation from foreign learners after admission, and whether the absence of such documents could ever justify exclusion from school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Rebone Tau, political commentator, about how the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expelled Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela with immediate effect, saying both members were found guilty of violating the party’s constitution and undermining organisational discipline and unity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Robin-Duke Madlala, founder of sports website Sportswire and senior journalist, about how South Africa held Czechia to a 1–1 draw in a tightly contested 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A clash, with midfielder Teboho Mokoena converting a late penalty to secure a valuable point for Bafana Bafana.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli about how he has described the growing number of Malawian nationals gathered at Sherwood Hall in Durban as a humanitarian crisis requiring urgent intervention from government and international partners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Vally Padayachee, power and energy expert, former Executive Manager at Eskom, and former Senior Executive at City Power Johannesburg, about how residents of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) could soon be required to pay a once-off application fee of approximately R2 400 and a recurring monthly levy of R463 if they wish to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and connect them to the municipal electricity grid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Reatlegile Rammuki, AI for Social Impact Enthusiast, about how he has been selected to attend the prestigious MIT Jameel Clinic AI and Health Summer Bootcamp at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in July 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Richard Hoal, Partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys, about how South Africans living in communities affected by flooding, collapsing riverbanks, exposed sewer systems and deteriorating public infrastructure have received a significant legal victory after a landmark court ruling confirmed that residents can compel multiple government entities to take responsibility for infrastructure failures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Benji Shulman, Executive Director of the Middle East Africa Research Institute, about how the United States and Iran have announced what both sides are describing as a historic peace agreement, raising hopes that months of conflict that shook the Middle East and disrupted global energy supplies may finally be coming to an end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Phethiwe Matutu, CEO of Universities South Africa (USAf), about how a growing debate is unfolding over the practice of public universities withholding graduation certificates from students who have completed their studies but still owe outstanding fees. At the heart of the controversy is a staggering student debt burden estimated at R55 billion, according to figures presented by Universities South Africa (USAf) to Parliament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Siyabonga Moses Nkambako, President of the South African Union of Students (SAUS), about how, as South Africa commemorates Youth Day and reflects on the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, attention is turning to the future of young people and the role that education plays in shaping their opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Luyanda Jonas, President of the South Africa–China Youth Federation (SACYF), about how a new partnership between South African and Chinese organisations is expected to create approximately 1,500 work opportunities for young South Africans in the water sector, while also seeking to address some of the country’s pressing water management challenges through skills development, technology transfer, and research collaboration.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FEEL GOOD WEDNESDAY: Zuko Tisani Falls Short of Everest Summit And Rises Stronger @ThabisoTema is in conversation with with Entrepreneur, Forbes 30 under 30 and Everest Climber, Zuko Tisani.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema in conversation with POWER Kid Otondwa Masutha AKA OttySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Adv Mojankunyane Gumbi about how, as South Africa prepares to commemorate Youth Day on 16 June, members of the Moroka High School Class of 1976 are reflecting on a generation whose lives were shaped by the inequalities of apartheid education and whose experiences form part of the broader history of youth resistance and resilience in South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Lawson Naidoo, Executive Director of CASAC, about how President Cyril Ramaphosa’s efforts to halt Parliament’s revived impeachment process over the Phala Phala scandal have triggered an unprecedented constitutional and political confrontation between the country’s head of state and National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, exposing tensions within the African National Congress (ANC) and raising important questions about parliamentary independence and accountability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Professor Loren Landau, Senior Researcher at the African Centre for Migration and Society at Wits University, about how the Department of Home Affairs has proposed sweeping reforms to South Africa’s immigration, citizenship and refugee protection framework through its Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Reuben Maleka, PSA General Manager, about how the Public Servants Association (PSA) has proposed the introduction of a hybrid work model across South Africa’s public service, arguing that flexible working arrangements could help ease the financial burden on workers while improving efficiency and reducing operational costs for government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TT speaks to South African paediatric cardiologist Professor Liesel Zühlke about her groundbreaking work in improving care for children with rheumatic heart disease. Her work has earned her the prestigious UNESCO L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science  Award  for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.