All Episodes

Energy drinks are a favourite among many teenagers, but are they doing more harm than good? England is moving to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s, citing growing health concerns.

Some traders in Kimberley are counting the cost after surprise compliance raids by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and law enforcement agencies.

A Gauteng family is fighting to keep their children in school after falling behind on private school fees. The case has landed in court, with two matric learners' futures hanging in the balance as they risk being barred from writing their final exams.

Illegal mining is costing South Africa far more than stolen minerals. New estimates suggest the country is losing tens of billions of rand every year, while thousands of jobs disappear and communities are left facing growing safety and security risks. So, what is the true cost of illegal mining, and what will it take to stop it?

The fight against corruption has scored another major victory. Assets worth nearly R326 million linked to the Hangwani Morgan Maumela case have been frozen after a court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit a preservation order. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has welcomed the ruling, calling it an important step in holding those accused of corruption to account.

A concerned listener brought this issue to our attention a few weeks ago, and it raises important questions about how independent schools are being treated. Despite a court ruling in their favour, several Johannesburg schools say they're still being billed by the City as if they were public enterprises, leaving them with crippling property rates bills. We invited the City of Johannesburg to respond, but it has declined our invitation, saying the matter is still before the courts.

One listener raised an important question with us last week: what does the return of El Niño mean for South Africa? From rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells to the impact on food production, this climate pattern has far-reaching consequences. To unpack what lies ahead for our environment and our agriculture sector, we're joined by two experts.

Nearly six decades after the death of Chief Albert Luthuli, new calls are growing to revisit one of South Africa's most contested chapters of history. The Luthuli Foundation says it's time to rewrite the official record, insisting the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former ANC President-General was murdered in 1967, not killed in an accident. This year's commemoration aims to honour his legacy while renewing the push for the truth about his death.

Cat Matlala back in court for assassination attempt

History Preservation: Digitising Mandela interviews

The invisible children: South Africa’s late birth registration backlog

Lying on about a medical certificate can get you arrested

Koeberg nuclear leak contained but workers exposed

Medical certificates under scrutiny

Hammanskraal gets new water infrastructure

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has released a scathing report highlighting severe shortcomings in police stations and correctional facilities across North West. The findings reveal widespread infrastructure failures, overcrowding, staff shortages and inadequate resources that undermine service delivery, detainee welfare and the effective functioning of the criminal justice systems

Tomorrow, the 18th of July is Mandela Day. And as with every year, South Africans are being called to give off their time and expertise. But there’s one way of heeding that call by simply rolling up your sleeves - quite literally, to save 3 lives. Donor Relations Practitioner at South African National Blood Services, Tinyiko Mathe, joins us to explain

Mandela Day: “One Legacy. One Planet. One Tree at a Time.”

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), cordially invites stakeholders, investors, infrastructure developers, industry leaders, and policymakers to attend South Africa's 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Infrastructure & Investment Conference.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), cordially invites stakeholders, investors, infrastructure developers, industry leaders, and policymakers to attend South Africa's 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Infrastructure & Investment Conference.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), cordially invites stakeholders, investors, infrastructure developers, industry leaders, and policymakers to attend South Africa's 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Infrastructure & Investment Conference.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), cordially invites stakeholders, investors, infrastructure developers, industry leaders, and policymakers to attend South Africa's 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Infrastructure & Investment Conference.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has launched an urgent High Court application to suspend Phase 2 of the amended Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, arguing that government has activated the new enforcement regime before implementing the legal safeguards required by the legislation.

The Citizen’s run an interesting piece about the importance of groundwater. It suggests that the big challenge of the 21st century isn’t just building larger dams or pipelines. It’s about ensuring water security by focusing on groundwater. Water security expert, Ayesha Laher joins us to explain

The impact of trusted food brand recalls on small businesses in the food sector

Communities concerned about the impact of large data centres where service delivery has been poor

Liability when employers do not pay over taxes and UIF contributions

Inaugural Science Month

Impact of Lab-grown diamonds on the diamond mining industry

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Finance: “If You Died Tomorrow… Would Your Family Be Financially Secure?”

Parental leave changes at hand

Earthquake fault might save Karoo from fracking

Men encouraged to start reading clubs

One dies after Inanda Wall Collapse

US plans to impose more tariffs on SA

March and March Ekurhuleni leader killed

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Facial animation surgery allow a 12-year old for the first time

Accountability hour: Usher memorial Hospital had a broken X-ray machine

Bold Woman awards recipients

Corruption at SAFA impacting football & the 2010 R100m football development debacle

Free State primary school incomplete 5 years after it was demolished

Landlords in KZN need to ensure their tenants are legally in the country

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

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

Dozens of municipalities are facing a funding crunch after the National Treasury temporarily suspended grants to 69 councils over financial mismanagement and wasteful spending

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.

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.

Lifestyle audits for SAPS would assist in returning respect and integrity to the police force

Financial Corner:  “Are You Rich… or Just Earning a Good Salary?

Higher Education Institutions are embracing AI-use by students

Con Court rules that parts of the Refugee act are unlawful

Lifestyle audits for public servants have increased

New car sales soar in SA

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.

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.

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.

A high-profile theft first brought to light at the Madlanga Commission has now taken centre stage in court. At the heart of the case is the alleged theft of nearly R15 million worth of precious gems from a Killarney home three years ago

It's a tragedy South Africa has never forgotten—the death of young Michael Komape, who drowned in a pit toilet at his school in Limpopo. More than a decade later, the country is still working to eliminate unsafe sanitation in schools.

South Africa's gambling laws could soon be getting a major overhaul. The National Gambling Policy Council wants to fast-track new legislation, tighten advertising rules and strengthen oversight of the industry.

Serious concerns are being raised about conditions at the Epping Centre in Cape Town. Civil society organisation Gift of the Givers says the situation is dire for the roughly 1,500 migrants currently being housed there while they await repatriation to their home countries across the continent. Let's get the latest on what's happening.

Last week, one of our listeners raised concerns about ongoing issues with funeral services provider AVBOB's online portal. Clients say they've been unable to log in, access their policy information, or carry out basic transactions

The June 30 protests didn't just unfold on South Africa's streets—they also played out across social media. According to the Institute for Security Studies, alongside the mass demonstrations in several provinces, there was a coordinated online campaign designed to amplify the protesters' key messages and shape the public narrative.

Infrastructure isn't just about roads, bridges and buildings—it's about public safety, economic growth and trust

Infrastructure isn't just about roads, bridges and buildings—it's about public safety, economic growth and trust. As South Africa grapples with infrastructure failures and delayed projects, government, industry and experts are coming together to find practical solutions at the Public Works and Infrastructure Summit under the theme: "From Collapse to Confidence."

Infrastructure isn't just about roads, bridges and buildings—it's about public safety, economic growth and trust. As South Africa grapples with infrastructure failures and delayed projects, government, industry and experts are coming together to find practical solutions at the Public Works and Infrastructure Summit under the theme: "From Collapse to Confidence."

Public Interest SA has expressed concern over the low arrest rate in Gauteng shooting cases, saying weak witness protection and delays in forensic processing are undermining justice

Government says it's stepping up efforts to tackle undocumented migration. After visiting the Beitbridge Border Post and the temporary repatriation centre in Musina, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says more than 30,000 undocumented foreign nationals have already been repatriated from eThekwini, with authorities describing the operation as one of the largest coordinated migration efforts in South Africa.

A landmark ruling from the Constitutional Court could reshape the future of affordable housing in South Africa.

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) says the loss of 80,000 jobs in the first quarter of the year should be the country's primary concern, warning that worsening unemployment and declining worker incomes are fuelling social instability

Infrastructure isn't just about roads, bridges and buildings—it's about public safety, economic growth and trust.

The National Consumer Commission is urging owners of certain Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles to have their cars inspected after a safety defect linked to a potential engine oil leak was identified. The recall affects selected models sold in South Africa between 2024 and 2027.

New Social Development Minister Dina Pule is stepping into a department that NGOs describe as neglected and inefficient — and they say she cannot afford a slow start

A decade of research points to a notable shift in South Africa's social attitudes. New findings from The Other Foundation and the Human Sciences Research Council show growing acceptance of LGBTI people

South African researchers are helping to reshape the global fight against tuberculosis. Groundbreaking research led by Wits University, in partnership with the Department of Health and supported by USAID, has simplified TB treatment by reducing the number of pills patients need to take—making it easier to complete treatment and improving outcomes. The breakthrough is now influencing how TB is treated around the world.

Mental health is a conversation we've been shining a spotlight on in recent weeks, and today's focus comes through the pages of a deeply personal story.

After months of delays, the long-awaited report into the fitness of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke has finally landed on President Cyril Ramaphosa's desk.

The spotlight is back on Parliament's probe into alleged corruption within South Africa's law enforcement agencies.

Financial Corner with Sandy Van Der Zanden

Impact of the June 30th Marches on Business

TM foundation on the June 30th Marches

Local Government in a transitional period ahead of elections

Department of Employment and Labour threatens to deregister the  Public Servants Association of SA

The long-awaited June 30 deadline has finally arrived, and we're checking in with key organisations, including ANC, to find out what's happening on the ground and the impact of todays happenings.

The anti-migration protests are now underway across parts of the country, and the South African Human Rights Commission is urging marchers to remain calm, peaceful, and to respect the rule of law. As tensions rise, what can we expect from today's demonstrations?

The long-awaited June 30 deadline has finally arrived, and we're checking in with key organisations, including kopanang africa against Xenophobia ( KAAP), to find out what's happening on the ground and the impact of today's happenings.

The scars of the 2021 July unrest still run deep in South Africa's road freight industry. With protests taking place today, transporters are once again on high alert, mindful of the truck burnings, looting, and disruptions that brought supply chains to a standstill five years ago. How prepared is the industry this time around?

The long-awaited June 30 deadline has finally arrived, and we're checking in with key organisations, including Rivonia Circle, to find out what's happening on the ground.

March and March ready for June 30th marches

Bafana Bafana knocked out of the 2026 World Cup