POWER Talk

PRASA is planning to restore; limited service; on four of its primary long-distance routes next year, aiming to revitalize a rail network that has been largely dormant. However, this comeback faces significant mechanical hurdles. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Lucky Zondi, national sector coordinator for passenger rail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Ombudsman has concluded that critical safety failures were a direct contributor to the death of Lerato Mohlamme, a psychiatric patient at George Mukhari Academic Hospital. The findings, released this Monday, emerged from a comprehensive investigation into patient safety incidents across Gauteng. The report details a tragic 2024 incident where a fire broke out in a hospital ward; while 17 other patients were successfully evacuated, Mohlamme did not survive. Mondli Makhanya spoke to Health Ombudsman - Professor Taole Mokoena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has issued a sharp condemnation following the installation of a Nigerian traditional leader in East London, Eastern Cape, an event the party has labeled a "dangerous precedent." On March 19, 2026, ATM Member of Parliament Vuyo Zungula shared an official statement via his X account, rejecting the March 14 coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko under the title “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London.” Mondli Makhanya spoke to, ATM Member of Parliament Vuyo Zungula and Edoseghe Prince Erhahon who is the Publicity Secretary for Nigerian Union South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump intensified global tensions on Saturday by issuing a stark ultimatum to Tehran, threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Islamic Republic does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. This aggressive rhetoric prompted an immediate and defiant response from Iranian leadership, who vowed to redouble their strikes against U.S. and Israeli energy installations and other critical infrastructure in retaliation. Mondi Makhanya spoke to Thembisa Fakude Senior Researcher and Director at AfrasidSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hubert Kabasu Babu Katulondi Congolese political analyst, writer, and journalist speaks to POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya, Voters in the Republic of Congo will be heading to the polls in a presidential election this weekend, with the outcome of the vote all but a foregone conclusion as the country’s longtime leader faces little opposition in the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waseem Carrim, NSFAS acting CEOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ofer Nieman, Israel based Journalist , Prof David Monyae is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg and Dr Dick Forslund, Senior Economist at AIDC and member of Zabalaza for SocialismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya is in conversation with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) following a press briefing announcing preparations for the 2026 Local government elections. Mamabolo outlines issues pertaining to the upcoming voter registration dates, new technologies introduced to make registration and voting secure, fair and seamless and the eminent announcement of election dates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

POWER Talk show host Mondli Makhanya speaks to Business day journalist Mudiwa Gavaza and Thinus Ferreira, an independent TV critic, writer and journalist on the state of streaming Tv services in South Africa and what the competition means for the South African national broadcaster See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi speaks to POWER Talk show host Mondli Makhanya on concerns around sanitary pads safety after a University of Free State research showed presence of endocrine disputing chemicals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya is in conversation with the CEO of Afriforum Kallie Kriel on the Expropriation Act, Farm murders – white genocide claims, allegations that journalists possibly paid to discredit AfriForum and moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya speaks to The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba , Archbishop of Cape Town and primate of Southern Africa  on justice, freedom and an update on the National Dialogue See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa's constitution turns 30 years. POWER Talk host Mondli Makhanya talks to Deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Executive secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African constitition and Commissioner at the SAHRC Chris Nissen about the gaps, reflections and progress made over the past three decades See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vision Sugar allegedly hijacked Tongaat Hulett by buying discounted bank debt and triggering a R11.7 billion repayment demand to push the company toward liquidation instead of recovery. POWER Talk show host Bongi Gwala speaks to Amabhungane investigative journalist Sam Sold as South Africa races to save 134-year-old sugar giant with 2 million-ton milling capacity from shutdownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The veteran civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, who has died aged 84, made historywhen he stood for the White House in 1984 and 1988. He was not the first African American toseek the US presidency, but he was the first to mount a serious challenge, breaking through racial barriers, securing millions of votes and, at one point, becoming frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi speaks to Ambassador Barbra Masekela, South African poet, educator, and activist(Ambassador to France and UNESCO in 1995)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NHI Developments: Where are we now? POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi speaks to Dr Katlego Mothudi, Managing Director of the Board of Healthcare Funders, Dr Donald Gumede NHCPA National Health Care Professionals Association chairman and Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa from the South African Medical Association about the progress of implementing NHI in South AfricaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Gideon Bruckner, state veterinarian and Dr Mmatlou Kalaba is a senior analyst and executive director at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy(BFAP) join POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on a special on Foot and Mouth disease. South Africa has faced widespread outbreaks, notably in 2024-2025, spreading from endemic zones into commercial farms via illegal movements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has announced an increase in the statutory National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 2026, raising it from R28.79 to R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked. POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Zanele Sabela, COSATU National spokesperson about wht this meansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a monumental stride towards combating one of the continent's most pressing health crises, South Africa has launched the BRILLIANT 011 first-in-human clinical trial at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) site at Groote Schuur Hospital. POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi speaks to Prof Nigel Garret, Chief Scientific officer at the the Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Innovative Building Technologies Summit 2026 @MbuyiseniNdlozi is in conversation with MEC of Gauteng, Tasneem Motara and the MEC of Human Settlements in Free State, Teboho Mokoena about the importance of the summit. #POWERTalk @The_DHSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme of the Innovative Building Technologies Summit 2026 is “Mainstreaming Innovative Building Technologies in Human Settlements.” @MbuyiseniNdlozi is in conversation with Chief Director responsible for Affordable Housing in the National Department of Human Settlements, Monwabisi Maclean. #POWERTalk @The_DHSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rudi Dicks , the Head of the Project Management Office in the Private Office of the President, speaks to POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Operation Vulindlela third-quarter performance report released: Progress report on Operation Vulindlela's Q3 shows the country's reform agenda is on track, with green shoots & job creation targets - tell me all the latest on this. but write like its a research paper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa declared the top diplomat at Israel's embassy persona non grata on Friday and ordered him out within 72 hours, a move that could worsen strained relations with the United States. POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi speaks to Prof David Monyae, an associate Professor of political science and Internationalrelations at the University of JohannesburgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was in conversation with Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa’s participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos has yielded a range of political, economic and strategic outcomes, particularly in shaping international perceptions and strengthening engagement with global investors and policymakers. While Davos is not typically a platform where formal agreements are signed, its value lies in agenda-setting, confidence-building and relationship-deepening — areas in which South Africa’s delegation focused its efforts. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Dirco Spokesperson, Chrispin PhiriSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases for public office-bearers in South Africa following the annual review process conducted by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers. These increases apply to the 2025/26 financial year and take effect from 1 April, with the adjustments backdated to the start of the financial year. The approval was formalised through a presidential determination published in the Government Gazette, as required by law. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with SAFTU General Secretary- Zwelinzima Vavi  and JOASA President, Neelan Karikan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British American Tobacco South Africa, commonly referred to as BATSA, has announced that it will cease all local cigarette manufacturing and close its only production plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng, by the end of 2026. This represents a major shift for the company, which has had a manufacturing presence in South Africa for decades. While this move marks the end of local production, BATSA will continue to operate in South Africa by importing and distributing its products, rather than producing them domestically. This is a strategic decision driven largely by economic and market realities rather than a full corporate exit from the country. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Tax Justice SA, Yusuf Abramjee and South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, Francios van de Merwe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic learner transport accident that occurred in Vanderbijlpark on the morning of 19 January has once again placed the safety of scholar transport in South Africa under intense scrutiny. The crash, involving a scholar transport minibus and a heavy vehicle, resulted in the deaths of several learners and left others critically injured while they were travelling to school. Beyond the immediate loss of young lives, the incident has exposed deep-seated and long-standing systemic failures within the country’s learner transport system.  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Wheel Well Founder, Peggie Mars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has been formally classified as a national disaster following extensive assessments by South Africa’s disaster management authorities. This classification reflects the scale, severity and impact of the floods, which have gone beyond the capacity of provincial and municipal governments to manage using their own resources. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Head of National Disaster Management Centre, Dr Elias Sithole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), succeeding Advocate Shamila Batohi, who retired in January 2026 after serving in the position since 2018. Batohi’s tenure was marked by a determined effort to restore the credibility and independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with CSAC Executive Director, Lawson Naidoo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Associate Editor of the Daily Friend, and defence analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, Ricardo Teixeira.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, and Transport Deputy. Minister, Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have announced the re-election of South Africa back into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly - held at its headquarters in London, on Friday, 28 November 2025. South Africa was a member of the IMO Council for 22 years, since 1999. It has, however, been out in the cold since 2021 after not being re-elected into the Council. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khomotso Johannes Phahlane is a former senior officer of the South African Police Service. He served in various roles over his career, including constable, detective, personnel manager, and later as head of the SAPS Forensic Services Division. He was appointed Acting National Commissioner of the police in October 2015 after the suspension of the previous commissioner. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is In conversation with Former Acting National Police Commissioner, General Kgomotso Phahlane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The African National Congress enters this period facing critical questions about its internal cohesion, its public standing and its ability to renew itself as both a political organisation and as the leading party in government. At the same time, the Government of National Unity continues to demand cooperation, compromise and strategic alignment among parties that have historically been political opponents. The functioning, stability and policy direction of the GNU remain central to the country’s governance and service delivery.   And as we move closer to the upcoming local government elections, communities across the country are asking what practical steps are being taken to strengthen municipalities, ensure accountability, improve service delivery and restore confidence in local governance structures.   Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with African National Congress Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's presidential election, securing another term amid days of unrest across the country. Samia won 98% of the votes in Wednesday's poll, the electoral commission said. In her Saturday victory speech she said the election was "free and democratic", accusing protesters of being "unpatriotic". Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Tanzania Based Journalist, Gabriel Zakaria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came into effect on 10 October 2025, brokered by the United States. The truce includes a halt to large-scale hostilities, the release of hostages and remains, increased humanitarian access to Gaza, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and eventual disarmament of Hamas. Despite the formal truce, both sides have reported ongoing violations and escalations. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with International Relations Strategist, Zeenat Adam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SA Special Risks Insurance Association (Sasria), the state-owned special risks insurer, has still not fully recovered from the R24.3bn loss it suffered in the 2021 riots, but its financial position strengthened last year. Sasria insures against acts of terrorism, labour and civil unrest and riots, events that private sector insurers are unwilling to cover. High levels of poverty and unemployment contribute to the risks it has to deal with. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with SASRIA CEO, Mpumi Tyikwe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court of Malawi has overturned the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd  Bushiri and his wife Mary Bushiri, finding that a magistrate’s decision to hand them over to South Africa was legally unsound, procedurally unfair, and put their lives at risk. In a judgment delivered on Friday, October 31, 2025, Justice Mzonde Mvula ruled that the extradition process “fell short” of the standards required under Malawi law and that the couple had been denied their constitutional right to be heard. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Department of Constitutional Development Spokesperson, Terrence Manase and Legal Analyst, Ian Allis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

General Tau Tshekiso who was also removed in unfavorable circumstances . He speaks to POWER Talk host, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ramadan Ahmed, editor of Sudan horizon.com speaks to POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi following reports of rapid support forces capturing the army headquarters in the city of El Fashrer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stories of Whistleblowers over five years. Dr Ugljesa Radulovic, researcher at the University of Johannesburg and Ben Theron, Founder of Whistleblower house speak to POWER Talk host Mbuyiseni Ndlozi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Removed without warning: Dr Leah Shibambo, former deputy police commissioner speaks to POWER Talk host Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on her exit under Riah Phiyega. Joining in on the conversation is General Tau Tshekiso who was also removed in unfavourable circumstances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi was in conversation with,  Electricity and Energy Minister,  Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senzo Mchunu, the national Police Minister, was placed on special leave following serious allegations of political interference, corruption, and collusion with organised crime. The allegations were first made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that Mchunu ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and interfered in investigations. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with UNISA Senior Policing Lecturer, Dr Mpho Matlala and Criminologist, Prof. Nirmala Gopal.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Mr Imtiaz Fazel, pending a decision in an investigation by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) into the Inspector-General’s conduct. Mbuyiseni Ndlosi is in conversation with UNISA Lecturer at the College of Law: Police Practice Department, Prof. Dumisani Mabunda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In stark contrast to global trends, life expectancy in SA was worse in 2023 than two decades earlier, as a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) undermined the country’s gains against HIV/Aids. Life expectancy in SA fell to 66.55 years in 2023 compared with 67.73 in 1990, according to The Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease study, launched on Sunday at the World Health Summit in Berlin. Global life expectancy increased by almost 10 years over this period, rising from 64.64 years in 1990 to 73.84 years in 2023. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with an extraordinary professor of global health at Stellenbosch University, Prof, Charles Wiysonge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Madlanga Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels about the commission's adjournment due to General Dumisani Khumalo's ill health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with JOASA President, Neelan Karikan about the allegations of bribery involving Magistrates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 POWER Talk host Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with MK party Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela on the party's urgent court application to have the Madlanga commission stopped. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi in conversation with Department of Transport Spokesperson Collen Msibi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.