The Talking Point

Guest: Shirley Mlombo: Provincial Manager for the Commission's North West Office

Guest: Tinyiko Mathe, Donor Relations Practitioner at South African National Blood Services

Guest: Vhalinavho Khavhagali: Country Representative for South Africa for  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Guest: Neale Hill: President, Ford Motor Company Africa operations

Guest:  Maoto Molefane:Acting DDG: Investment and Spatial Industrial Development, The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition ( the DTIC

Guest: Adv Stephanie Fick: Executive Director of the accountability division at OUTA

Guest: Ayesha Laher: Director at AHL Water & Water Expert

 Samantha Andreas, Founder of Shas Enterprise joins Joanne Joseph in studio to speak on the impact of trusted food brands on small food businesses. 

Communities in Cape Town are concerned about the impact of large data centers where service delivery has been poor. Joanne Joseph speaks to the lead attorney on the data centers matter at the Legal Resources Centre, Kimal Harvey.

Head of Register Integrity at SARS, Narcizio Makwakwa speaks to Joanne Joseph about who is liable when employers do not pay over taxes and UIF contributions deducted from the employees to the taxman

Principal Researcher at the CSIR Dr Ntombi Mathe speaks to Joanne Joseph about the inaugural Science Month to make science more relatable to help raise the next generation of innovators.

Mining company, De Beers has decided to suspend production at Venetia Mine for two years as a result of the proliferation of lab-grown diamonds. Joanne Joseph speaks to Wits University's Professor Mervin Naidoo.

An urgent recall has been issued for several popular weight-loss and diabetes medicines. The country's medicines regulator says the products could put patients at risk—and healthcare providers who ignore the warning could face disciplinary action.  Guest: Mr Vincent Tlala: CEO and Registrar at the South African Pharmacy Council,

The death toll from this year's winter initiation season has climbed to 43, despite dozens of arrests and the closure of illegal initiation schools. As authorities intensify their crackdown, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says the government cannot fight this battle alone, urging parents to take greater responsibility in choosing safe, legal initiation schools for their children.  Guest: Zolile Williams: Cogta MEC in the Eastern Cape   

Exposing organised crime is one thing—defeating it is another. Mbhazima Shilowa says lasting success depends not on individuals, but on building institutions that can investigate, prosecute and punish criminals without fear or favour.  Guest: Mbhazima Shilowa:  Former Gauteng Premier,  

As the world marks World Youth Skills Day, one question stands out: how do we prepare young people for the future when millions of South African learners don't even have a desk to learn at? Education advocates say before we talk about AI and digital skills, we need to fix the basics in our classrooms.  Guest: Talita Boodhram: founder of MiDesk Global  

Is South Africa losing track of its legal firearms? A sharp drop in licence renewal applications has reignited the debate over gun control, with Gun Free South Africa warning of growing risks, while firearm owners blame bureaucratic failures and legal confusion.  Guest: Claire Taylor: Gun violence prevention consultant at Gun Free SA      

In this week's finance segment, Sandy van der Zandel joins us once again, standing in for Bryan Hirsch. Today, we discussed an important topic: “If You Died Tomorrow… Would Your Family Be Financially Secure?” We explore why financial planning is essential and the steps you can take today to help protect your loved ones future. Guest: Sandy van der Zanden: Wealth Management, Anchor Capital

The country's parental leave framework is going to change radically after parts of it were found to be unconstitutional. Joanne Joseph gets clarity on the judgment from Neo Moleko, a Senior Associate at Mary Jane Mphahlele Attorneys

A study from UCT has found that the ground beneath the Karoo basin can result in earthquakes should fracking be explored in the area. Joanne Joseph speaks to Prof Alastair Sloan who co-authored the study

Community Development Coordinator and Facilitator at Nal’ibali, Madoda Ndlakuse speaks to Joanne Joseph about their programme to get men to start reading clubs in their communities   

Sandile Motha, Journalist with the Mail and Guardian speaks to Joanne Joseph about the wall collapse in Inanda, KZN at a Shembe Church gathering

The US plans to impose an additional 12.5% tariff on South African goods. Joanne Joseph speaks to Chief Director: Bilateral Trade Relations (Rest of the World) at the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, Malose Letsoalo for clarity on this.  

Sanele Dube, National spokesperson and Gauteng Convenor for March and March speaks about the killing of its Ekurhuleni leader, Andile Somgxada. Dube explains that leaders in the organisation have been receiving death threats

The tragic deaths of Jayden Adams and Luqobo "Bibo" Makwedini have sparked an outpouring of grief across South Africa. But beyond the tributes, they've also raised important questions about the immense physical and mental demands placed on young athletes. Are we doing enough to protect their wellbeing, both on and off the field? Sports psychologist and Senior Lecturer at Unisa, Dr Koketjo Tsebe, joins us to unpack the pressures facing today's sporting stars.  Guest: Dr Koketjo Tsebe: Sports Psychologist/ Senior Lecturer (Unisa)  

It's been a heartbreaking few days for South African sport. In the space of just days, the country has lost two young athletes with bright futures ahead of them. Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams, fresh from representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, has died suddenly, while the rugby community is mourning Luqobo "Bibo" Makwedini, who collapsed after a training session. Their deaths have left teammates, supporters and the nation asking how such promising lives could be cut so tragically short.  Guest: Benjamin Leshoro: Sports Journalist

Teenage pregnancy remains one of South Africa's most persistent social challenges, and the latest figures suggest the crisis is far from over. LoveLife says the number of teenage pregnancies continues to climb, with research published in the South African Medical Journal indicating that girls in rural communities are bearing the brunt of the problem. So, why are current interventions falling short, and what more needs to be done?  Guest: Shaheda Omar: Clinic Director: Teddy Bear Foundation Guest: Phelisa Mashiyi: Social Worker, Callas Foundation   

We've often spoken on this programme about the dangers faced by public servants who refuse to bend the rules. Now, those threats appear to be escalating. The City of Cape Town says it's dealing with a growing number of cases involving officials who are being intimidated simply for doing their jobs. It's raising serious questions about the safety of those tasked with upholding the law and protecting the public interest.  Guest: JP Smith: MAYCO Member for Safety and Security  

Imagine trying to run a social service organisation without knowing whether you'll have any funding. That's the reality facing dozens of NGOs in Gauteng. Seven months after submitting their business plans to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, many say they're still waiting for an answer. Their financial year started three months ago, but uncertainty continues to hang over the organisations that provide vital services to some of the province's most vulnerable communities.  Guest: Nolusindiso Mhlauli-Mzimela, Executive Director of Ekupholeni Guest: Lisa Vetten: research associate of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies and a research consultant in the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Humanities,  

As political parties gear up for the 2026 local government elections, they're also revealing who they believe should lead from the front. The Democratic Alliance has made its intentions clear in KwaZulu-Natal, confirming that Chris Pappas will once again be its mayoral candidate for the uMngeni Local Municipality. The announcement comes as campaigning begins to gather momentum ahead of the 4 November polls.  Guest: Chris Pappas: Democratic Alliance mayoral candidate for the uMngeni Local Municipality in Kwazulu Natal    

Dr Dimitri Liakos, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at WDGMC with fellowship training inreconstructive microsurgery and super microsurgery speaks to Joanne Joseph about the innovative surgery that helped a 12-year old living with Moebius syndrome

Dr Imran Keeka, KZN Legislature Health Portfolio Chairperson gives Joanne Joseph feedback on the crisis at Usher Memorial Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Joanne Joseph profiles Retang Phaahla, Co-founder of Setšong Tea Crafters and 2025 Bold Woman Award winner and  Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, Founder and CEO of Hazile Group and recipient of the 2025 Bold Future Award  

Nqobile Ndlovu, Sports Business Researcher & Founder Of Cash N Sport speaks to Joanne Joseph about Fun Valley which was meant to be a high performance centre for football development 

Howard Ndaba, Free State Education spokesperson answers questions around the reconstruction of \Western Holdings Primary school in Welkom  

Nthabiseng Dubazana Director at Dubazana Attorneys speaks to Joanne Joseph about the KZN government  clamping down on landlords housing illegal immigrants  

A core package of essential healthcare services could soon become a reality for South Africans. The Board of Healthcare Funders is exploring a basic set of medical benefits aimed at expanding access to care and advancing Universal Health Coverage.  GUEST: Katlego Mothudi: Managing Director of the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF),

Many South Africans are leaving retirement planning dangerously late. A new Sanlam Benchmark Survey shows most people only start preparing for retirement three years before they stop working, leaving little time to build adequate savings.  GUEST: John Anderson: Managing Executive, Sanlam Corporate:

Dozens of municipalities are facing a funding crunch after the National Treasury temporarily suspended grants to 69 councils over financial mismanagement and wasteful spending. The affected municipalities include several major metros accused of failing to manage public funds responsibly.  GUEST: Miyelani Holeni: Chief Advisor at Ntiyiso Consultancy Group  

An investigation by the Health Ombud has found no evidence that the deaths of six KwaZulu-Natal Health Department employees were linked to victimisation, bullying or poor working conditions. Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena announced the findings yesterday after investigating the deaths of six healthcare workers at six different hospitals.  Guest: Dr Zanele Bikitsha: South African Medical Association (SAMA) Vice Chairperson,   Investments,

An investigation by the Health Ombud has found no evidence that the deaths of six KwaZulu-Natal Health Department employees were linked to victimisation, bullying or poor working conditions. Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena announced the findings yesterday after investigating the deaths of six healthcare workers at six different hospitals.  Guest: Professor Taole Mokoena: The Health Ombud   

Sanjith Hannuman, CEO and Founder of AVIB Consultants speaks to Joanne Joseph about how lifestyle audits would help restore the integrity of the police force (SAPS)

Wealth Management Specialist at Anchor Capital, Sandy Van Der Zanden asks the question “Are You Rich… or Just Earning a Good Salary?

Senior advisor at the Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning, Hanelie Adendorff speaks to Joanne Joseph about how institutions of Higher Education are embracing generative AI  

The Con court finds certain Refugees Act provisions unconstitutional. Joanne Joseph speaks to Dr Roseline Muvhevhi, Postdoc Research Fellow in the Faculty of Law at the University of Fort Hare    

Government plans to implement lifestyle audits for public servants. Joanne Joseph speaks to the Department of Public Service & Administration (DPSA) Chief Director Public Administration Ethics, Dr Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak on the pipelines of the audit process which also includes the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)  

New car sales are rising inthe country. Joanne Joseph speaks to Shinny Gobiyeza, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Automotive Business Council, NAAMSA.    

A landmark Constitutional Court ruling is set to reshape how public land is used for housing in South Africa. Days after the judgment in the long-running Tafelberg case, governments are weighing its implications for future developments. The court found that authorities failed to properly consider whether the Cape Town property could have been used for affordable housing before trying to sell it.  Guest: Tertius Simmers: Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure

For residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, water and power outages have become an all-too-familiar reality. Now, with the crisis reaching breaking point, the metro's acting city manager has reportedly turned to outside experts for help. The move follows persistent service delivery failures that continue to leave thousands of residents without reliable access to basic services. Joseph Tsatsire: Acting executive director for infrastructure and engineering, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality  

South Africa is facing growing diplomatic fallout over rising anti-migrant sentiment. As protests, deportations and mass repatriations intensify, tensions are spilling across the continent. In Nigeria, some lawmakers are now calling for action against South African companies such as MultiChoice and MTN, raising concerns about the broader impact on the country's relationships in Africa.  Guest|: Chrispin Phiri, Ministerial spokesperson of DIRCO