The Talking Point

China and South Africa have built increasingly close ties over the years, with Chinese companies investing heavily in the country and South Africa remaining China’s biggest trading partner on the continent. But beyond the headlines and handshakes, what does this relationship really mean for South Africa and Africa? Is it a partnership of mutual benefit — or is there a more complicated story behind the growing influence of the world’s second-largest economy?  Guest: Professor Adekeye Adebajo, Senior Research Fellow, University of Pretoria 

Thousands of dead fish have reportedly washed ashore in recent days, with many believed to be sardines. The grim discovery has been reported at beaches including Pollock, Hobie, Kings and Humewood, raising serious questions about what could be behind it. Scientists are now investigating the cause — but what exactly is happening beneath the surface?  Guest: Dr Janet Claire Coetzee: Fisheries Scientist · South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment 

If you're sick and tired of those random calls interrupting your day — from companies trying to sell you something you never asked for — you're certainly not alone. Unwanted calls are on the rise, with Truecaller South Africa reporting a 25% increase in just one year. But here’s the bigger concern: spam calls may be more than just an irritation. Some could be the first step in a much more serious criminal scam.  Guest: Mmathebe Zvobwo: Director of Market Development for South Africa at Truecaller 

Mpumalanga Provincial Government launches a 12-month Real Estate Learner-ship Programme today, Wednesday, 2 September. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu will officially launch the programme, aimed at empowering young people from previously disadvantaged communities and transforming the real estate industry. Already implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, the programme has benefited more than 500 young people. Guest: Mr Sibusiso Dhladhla: CEO: Services SETA Welcome to another edition of our finance segment with Bryan Hirsch, Financial Advisor at Bryan Hirsch Colley and Associates. As we reach the end of the month, Bryan is back with the questions you’ve been asking most — and, more importantly, the answers and practical tips you need to make smarter financial decisions and stay on track with your financial journey. Guest: Bryan Hirsch, Financial advisor at Bryan Hirsch Colley and Associates

AI-enabled glasses, smartwatches, earbuds and even rings can now access, record and process sensitive business information, yet many companies still don’t treat them as part of their technology environment. So, are wearables becoming the next major cybersecurity and governance blind spot? Guest: Tebogo Sibidla: Director at Werksmans Attorneys    

Mpumalanga Provincial Government launches a 12-month Real Estate Learner-ship Programme today, Wednesday, 2 September. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu will officially launch the programme, aimed at empowering young people from previously disadvantaged communities and transforming the real estate industry. Already implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, the programme has benefited more than 500 young people. GUEST: Hon. Thembi Simelane: Minister of Human Settlements

Mpumalanga Provincial Government launches a 12-month Real Estate Learner-ship Programme today, Wednesday, 2 September. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu will officially launch the programme, aimed at empowering young people from previously disadvantaged communities and transforming the real estate industry. Already implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, the programme has benefited more than 500 young people. Guest: Mr Thulasizwe Thomo: Mpumalanga MEC Public Works, Roads, and Transport   

Business Tech tells us that The City of Cape Town is budgeting 8-billion rand to invest in solar energy, so it doesn’t have to depend on Eskom anymore. The City plans to buy solar power from independent power producers in the next 2-decades. Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis joins me with the details. Guest: Geordin Hill-Lewis: Mayor of Cape Town  

Welcome to another edition of our finance segment with Bryan Hirsch, Financial Advisor at Bryan Hirsch Colley and Associates. As we reach the end of the month, Bryan is back with the questions you’ve been asking most — and, more importantly, the answers and practical tips you need to make smarter financial decisions and stay on track with your financial journey. Guest: Bryan Hirsch, Financial advisor at Bryan Hirsch Colley and Associates

Mpumalanga Provincial Government launches a 12-month Real Estate Learner-ship Programme today, Wednesday, 2 September. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu will officially launch the programme, aimed at empowering young people from previously disadvantaged communities and transforming the real estate industry. Already implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, the programme has benefited more than 500 young people. GUEST: Ms Gugu Mashiteng is the current Head Official of the Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury   

Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, Prof Renata Schoeman speaks to Joanne Joseph about a new treatment approach which offers hope to adults with ADHD

Director of Social Cohesion and Equity at the Department of Basic Education, Likho Bottoman and FEDSAS Deputy CEO, Riaan van der Bergh on regulations to be developed for teachers to engage learners on digital platforms  

SABC News reporter, Michael Mdluli speaks to Joanne Joseph about his visit to the Siboshwa Primary School in Mpumalanga. Gerald Sambo, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Education responds to the challenges at the school.

Sharonne Adams, Head of Portfolio at the Auditor General South Africa  shares insights on the work of the Auditor General of South Africa's office.

A devastating flood disaster has struck the Nepal-Tibet border, leaving hundreds dead or missing — and now, six South Africans have reportedly been unaccounted for. As rescuers race against time and fears grow over the possible collapse of a dam, the full scale of the disaster is still unfolding. Gift of the Givers is on standby and are in contact with Nepalese disaster management authorities. But with no official call yet for international assistance, teams have been advised not to deploy until the situation becomes clearer. Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of @GiftoftheGivers  

A detailed Daily Maverick exposé paints a troubling picture of widespread disarray in the province’s ambulance fleet. Reports suggest some vehicles are out of service awaiting repairs, while others are parked at public facilities but cannot be deployed because essential equipment is missing. Meanwhile, emergency services staff are said to be deeply demoralised. So, is the province’s emergency response system in crisis? Guest: Dr Mthandeki Xamlashe: Acting HOD the Eastern Cape Department of Health  

Is the Suez Canal making a comeback? After months of avoiding the Red Sea because of security and political tensions, shipping companies appear to be cautiously returning to one of the world’s most important trade routes. But with uncertainty still hanging over the region, how confident can they be that the route is safe — and what could this mean for freight costs, shipping times and the price of goods reaching markets around the world?  Guest: Unathi Sonti: Executive Chairperson, Maritime Business Chamber

If you’re a parent in the Eastern Cape, has your child’s education been affected by the underfunding of public schools? It’s a question that goes to the heart of a major legal battle, after the Eastern Cape High Court stepped in and ruled that the failure to properly fund public schools in the province is unconstitutional and unlawful. The Citizen reports that the government has been ordered to address the crisis — and now, the spotlight is on what happens next. We’re about to hear from two of the parties at the centre of this fight, as we unpack what the court ruling means for schools, parents and, most importantly, the learners whose futures are at stake. Guest: Cecile Van Schalkwyk: Senior Attorney at the Legal Resources Centre Basil Manuel: Executive Director, National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA (Naptosa)  

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Procedural Law at UP, Dr Llewelyn Curlewis is helping Koketso Sachane understand “marital rape” from a legal standpoint. The topic emanated from a listener who was concerned about proving consent within a marriage

Finance Corner: “Debt is a tool, not a life sentence. Managed well, it can build wealth. Managed badly, it can steal your future.” Wealth Manager at Anchor Capital Sandy van der Zanden speaks on using debt to build wealth.  

Cape Town clinics are seeing a surge in cervical cancer screenings.Koketso Sachane gets more details from Caroline Neumuller, a Clinical Medical Officer at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.     

Infrastructure is pivotal for economic growth in the country. Koketso Sachane is in conversation with Infrastructure Specialist, Lufuno Ratsiku.  

Unpacking the hidden truth behind the South African cannabis industry with Cannabis Lawyer (Legal Activist), Gareth Prince on the Daily Discourse with Koketso Sachane    

SABC News reporter, Sibahle Motha gives Koketso Sachane an update on Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's testimony.  There seems to be confusion on whether or not he instructed his legal team to withdraw from the commission with fear of incriminating himself should he continue to give evidence.

Women are still earning 26% less than their male counterparts. Haley Parry, Head of Financial Education at Worth is in conversation with Koketso Sachane and Phemelo Motene

Sharonne Adams, Head of Portfolio at the Auditor General South Africa explains the staff complement at the office of the Auditor General of South Africa and the significance of each role

As SA fm celebrates 90 years of existence, we bring back old voices that helped shape the station. Koketso Sachane is in conversation with former SAfm presenter, Phemelo Motene

Corporate bullying has caused many employees to dread going to work and leading to some health challenges. The South African Institute of Employee Relations Professionals (SAIERP) has now started a helpline. Koketso Sachane and Phemelo Motene speak to the Executive Chairman, Lwandile Hasheni.

Founder and activist of One Force SA, Eugene Dooms speaks to Koketso Sachane about the Westbury community being under siege as gang violence escalates

Manager of Financial Consulting at DebtBusters, JP Lombard elaborates on South Africans earning over R50,000 facing debt repayments exceeding their income 

The Supreme Court of Appeal prepares to hear the state’s appeal in the SRD grant case on 25 August. Koketso Sachane is in conversation with #PayTheGrants campaign spokesperson and coordinator, General Moyo on social assistance and access to income support

ANC NEC member, Dr Dickson Masemola speaks to Koketso Sachane about the party's manifesto launch and answers the question why the party is yet to announce mayoral candidates. Prof Bheki Mngomezulu, Director at the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (CANRAD) at Nelson Mandela University, gives analysis on the ANC manifesto

Edwin Naidu, Head of Higher Education Media Services with publisher ednews.africa speaks to Jon Gericke on the Pretoria High Court decision to struck off the matter.  

Proteas wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta has been honoured with the prestigious Makhaya Ntini and he joins Jon Gericke 

Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships at Investec South Africa speaks to Jon Gericke on the development of women's golf in SA.  

Jon Gericke looks at the electoral landscape of SA with Dr. Delta Milayo Ndou, Research and Programmes Lead at the Political Campaigns Resource Hub  

Jon Gericke unpacks the successes and failures of Operation Vulindlela with Martin Kingston: Executive Chairman, Rothschild & Co South Africa and Kulekani Mathe: BUSA CEO  

Shirley Mlombo, North West Provincial Manager of the South African Human Rights Commission speaks to Jon Gericke about the SAHRC report findings into Matlosana Municipality in the North West.  

Joanne Joseph is joined by former SAfm presenter Krivani Pillay on her journey in the media space and SAfm.

Veronica Mente, EFF and SCOPA Member speaks to Joanne Joseph on the NPA's decision to not prosecute some high-profile cases.  

Feedback: Hospital Transport for Kokstad elders Last week, a caller sent a message around hospital transport shortage, Dr Imran Keeka: Chairperson of the KZN Health Portfolio provides us with feedback.

Joanne Joseph speaks to Christo van der Rheede, CEO of the FW de Klerk on the possible exclusion of coloured youth on Afrikaans institutions of higher learning

Lorna Sithole, Marketing Director at Just Power Mzansi speaks to Joane Joseph about the importance of the public participation in  

Joanne Joseph  reflect on the mandate of the organisation with Dr. Thami Zikode - Head of Audit 

Zanyiwe Nthatisi Asare, AI & Digital Policy Expert speaks more on this with Joanne Josephs 

 One of our biggest fears around the deteriorating relationship between the Trump regime in the United States and South Africa, was that we were going to be excluded from the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, but it looks like the agreement would be extended by two month. Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, Wandile Sihlobo explains why this would be great for South African farmers

World Humanitarian Day. Joanne Joseph is in conversation with Jean- Nicola Paquet-Rouleau, ICRC head of delegation, Pretoria Region

Could cheaper electricity be on the horizon? Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa held a media briefing on the country's revised electricity pricing-policy. Electricity prices have risen by 97-percent in the last 19-years, and that's pushed inflation up by a whopping 150-percent in the last few years. Joanne Joseph is in conversation with Energy Analyst, Tshepo Kgadima.