listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The business of being family | SURVIVING BUSINESS WITH FAMILY
Going into business with family can seem like the perfect arrangement. You already know each other, there is an established level of trust, and you share a common history. But what happens when the business starts testing the very relationship it was built on? When disagreements over money, unequal workloads, decision-making and business direction begin to spill into family relationships? For many siblings, doing business together can become a complicated balancing act between protecting the bottom line and preserving family ties. So, how do you survive doing business with your sibling without allowing business disagreements to destroy your relationship? And can a sibling partnership really thrive when family and finances are involved?
The battle for municipalities – what will the final results mean for South Africa?
Vote counting is still underway following South Africa's local government elections, and while the early results show the African National Congress narrowly ahead of the Democratic Alliance, it is important to stress that these numbers are far from final. The picture could change significantly as more voting districts report their results, particularly in major provinces such as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where some of the country's biggest metropolitan municipalities are located. But even at this preliminary stage, the results are raising important questions about the country's changing political landscape. The ANC, which has governed South Africa since 1994, appears to be facing another significant test of its support, while the DA is showing signs of making gains. Other political players, including the MK Party, the EFF and smaller parties, could also influence the eventual balance of power. What makes these elections particularly important is that they are about more than which party comes out on top nationally. They are about who will govern our cities and municipalities, who will have the numbers to form councils, and whether South Africa is heading towards another period of complex coalition politics. So, what can we responsibly read into these early numbers, and what should we be watching as counting continues?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: SOUTH AFRICA’S HIV RESPONSE: WHAT ARE WE GETTING WRONG, AND WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE TO END AIDS BY 2030?
South Africa has made significant strides in the fight against HIV, with millions of people accessing antiretroviral treatment and major advances in prevention. Yet, despite these gains, the country continues to face persistent challenges, including new infections, treatment interruptions, stigma, unequal access to healthcare and people falling through the cracks of the treatment system. So, where are we getting it wrong? Are our prevention strategies reaching the people who need them most? Why are so many people still not accessing or remaining on treatment, and are we doing enough to address the social and economic factors that drive new infections? Beyond medical interventions, what needs to change at a policy and leadership level? What responsibility do government, healthcare institutions, community organisations and influential leaders have in closing these gaps? And, with 2030 approaching, are we doing enough to ensure that ending AIDS as a public health threat becomes a reality rather than just a global target?
THE ECONOMICS OF THE VOTE : ARE SOUTH AFRICANS STILL INVESTED IN THE VOTE?
Today, millions of South Africans are heading to the polls to elect the leaders who will govern their municipalities over the next five years. But beyond the political parties, campaign promises and competition for power, there is another important story unfolding today: the story of voter participation. How many South Africans will actually make their way to the voting stations, and what will their participation – or absence – tell us about the state of our democracy? South Africa is grappling with high unemployment, poverty, inequality, struggling municipalities and a rising cost of living. These are not abstract political issues; they are everyday economic realities that affect how people live, work and survive. For many voters, the question is whether their vote can translate into better services, economic opportunities and improved living conditions. But for others, years of unfulfilled promises may have created a sense that voting makes little difference. So, as we cast our ballots today, what does voter turnout tell us about the country's political and economic mood? Is there still hope that the ballot can change people's economic circumstances, or are South Africans increasingly losing faith in the ability of political leadership to improve their lives?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Children Cross the Line: A 14-Year-Old Accused of Sexually Harassing a Teacher
When we talk about sexual harassment in schools, the conversation often centres on learners being victimised by teachers or other adults. But what happens when the roles are reversed? When the alleged perpetrator is a child, and the victim is an adult entrusted with educating and guiding that child? A disturbing incident in the Free State has brought this uncomfortable question into focus. A 14-year-old Grade 7 learner at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School in Botshabelo is accused of sexually harassing a teacher, prompting the provincial Education MEC to condemn the alleged conduct and reaffirm that abuse of teachers will not be tolerated. But beyond the incident itself, there are bigger questions we need to confront. What does it say about a society when a child of just 14 is allegedly engaging in behaviour of this nature towards an adult? Where are children learning about sexual behaviour, boundaries and power? Are parents, schools and communities doing enough to teach respect and appropriate conduct? And could this be a reflection of a deeper moral and social crisis in our society? Tonight, we unpack what may be driving such behaviour among young people, the responsibility of parents and communities, and what moral regeneration should look like in a society increasingly confronted with questions about discipline, values and accountability.
Allegations of political affiliation and possible electoral misconduct (ZUKILE MAJOVA, NEWS DIRECTOR AT SCROLLA AFRICA)
As South Africans head to the polls, the independence, impartiality and credibility of the Electoral Commission are once again under scrutiny. Social media posts circulating in the Eastern Cape have raised serious allegations about the conduct of some IEC officials, with claims of multiple incidents that could amount to breaches of electoral laws and regulations. Among the allegations is that some officials deployed to oversee the electoral process are allegedly known members or supporters of the ANC, SADTU and COSATU. These claims raise important questions about the neutrality of election officials, particularly at a time when public confidence in the electoral process is critical. It is important to stress that these are allegations circulating online and have not, at this stage, been independently established. But how much of what is being reported is supported by evidence? Who is investigating these claims, and what mechanisms exist to ensure that IEC officials remain politically impartial? We speak to an editor who has been tracking these developments in the Eastern Cape to unpack what has emerged and what it could mean for the integrity of the elections.
What does South Africa's removal from AGOA mean for our economy? (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXPERT OSCAR VAN HEERDEN)
South Africa's trade relationship with the United States has taken another significant blow, with the US administration officially removing the country from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, better known as AGOA. For years, AGOA has provided eligible African countries with preferential, largely duty-free access to the American market for thousands of products. For South Africa, this has been an important trade arrangement, particularly for industries such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, clothing and textiles, and other manufactured goods. But what does losing that access actually mean for South Africa? Are we now facing higher tariffs on our exports, and how much more expensive will it become for South African businesses to sell their products in the United States? More importantly, what does this mean for jobs, investment and an economy that is already struggling to create employment? There are also broader geopolitical questions. Is this simply a trade dispute, or are we witnessing a deterioration in diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington that could have consequences far beyond trade? Tonight, we unpack the economic implications of South Africa's removal from AGOA, the industries and workers who could bear the greatest cost, and what government can realistically do to protect South Africa's access to one of the world's biggest consumer markets.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: BEYOND THE POLITICAL PARTIES – WHAT DO SOUTH AFRICANS WANT?
With just a few days to go before South Africans head to the polls, the question confronting many voters is a simple one: Who deserves my vote? This election comes at a time when the political landscape is increasingly crowded, with more parties, new political movements and a wider range of choices competing for the attention of the electorate. But having more options does not necessarily make the decision easier. For some voters, the challenge is deciding who to trust. For others, it is weighing up the promises being made against the realities they experience every day. Is it the rising cost of living, unemployment, crime, corruption, housing or the persistent failure to deliver basic services that will ultimately determine how people vote? And how much influence does a party's track record have compared to its election promises? As the final countdown to election day begins, we want to understand what is happening in the minds of voters, particularly those who are still undecided. We speak to a political analyst about the issues shaping voter behaviour, the mood of the electorate and what could ultimately swing the vote.
POLICE ASSURE SOUTH AFRICANS OF ELECTION SECURITY AS COUNTRY HEADS TO THE POLLS
With just days to go before South Africans head to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the country's security forces say they are ready to protect the electoral process. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, NATJOINTS, has activated its national and provincial operational structures, with law enforcement agencies preparing for deployments across all nine provinces. This follows months of planning, intelligence gathering and security assessments aimed at identifying potential threats that could disrupt the elections. But the security preparations come against a backdrop of concerns around political intimidation, community tensions, service delivery protests, violence and possible disruptions at voting stations. NATJOINTS says voting stations have undergone security assessments, with deployments informed by their respective risk levels. The South African National Defence Force has also indicated its readiness to support the police in identified hotspot areas should the need arise. Authorities say they will be monitoring developments in real time and have specialised units and contingency plans in place to respond to incidents. During Sunday's media briefing, the security cluster sought to assure the country that measures are in place to protect voters, election officials and electoral infrastructure. But just how prepared are our law enforcement agencies for what could be a particularly volatile election period? And what happens when political contestation spills over into violence or threatens people's right to vote freely? We unpack the country's state of security readiness ahead of the elections.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Safe Drinking Water Becomes an Extra Expense
Water is one of life's most basic necessities. It is something we need every day, and something most of us expect to access simply by turning on a tap. But for an increasing number of South Africans, drinking water is becoming an expense they have to budget for. More people are opting to buy bottled water rather than drink the water supplied to their homes, raising questions about public confidence in municipal water supplies and concerns about the quality of the water reaching our taps. This is happening at a time when households are already under immense financial pressure. The cost of food, electricity, transport and other essentials continues to stretch household budgets. Now, for some families, buying water has become another expense they cannot easily avoid. But what happens to those who cannot afford to buy bottled water? Are they expected to take their chances with the water coming out of their taps, or should they be able to trust that the water supplied to their homes is safe to drink? Tonight, we look at the growing concerns around drinking water in South Africa and what this means for ordinary households. We speak to WaterCAN about water quality, public trust and the state of our municipal water systems, and to the South African Human Rights Commission about the right to safe drinking water and the responsibilities of government. Because in a country where access to water is a basic human right, we have to ask: why are people increasingly feeling the need to pay extra for water they can trust?
The Father Behind The Viral Video (SIDNEY HILL)
There are moments in life when everything changes in a matter of seconds. One moment, you are leaving home with your children, going about an ordinary day. The next, you are fighting for your life — and doing everything you can to make sure your children survive. That is what happened to 52-year-old Sidney Hill, a father who was leaving his home in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, with his two children when they were confronted by alleged hijackers on the 9th of October. One suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at his son, while another opened fire on him. Hill returned fire, fatally wounding one of the alleged attackers. He was also injured in the exchange. The dashcam footage of that terrifying encounter has since gone viral, with many people debating what happened and how Hill responded. But behind the footage is a father whose children witnessed something no child should have to experience. In the aftermath, his children have struggled with fear and trauma, and the family is trying to find a way forward. Tonight, we want to look beyond the viral video and the headlines. We want to hear from the father himself — about the moment he feared for his children's lives, the instinct to protect them, and the emotional toll of surviving an ordeal that could have ended very differently. Sidney Hill joins us for a deeply personal conversation about fatherhood, trauma and what it means to protect the people you love most.
Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices (POLITICAL ANALYST AND DIRECTOR AT RIVONIA CIRCLE - TESSA DOOMS)
Women make up more than half of South Africa’s electorate. Their votes have the power to influence the direction of our country, shape political leadership and determine which issues receive attention. Yet, despite this significant voting power, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, and many continue to live in fear of gender-based violence, struggle with economic inequality and carry the burden of raising children in communities where basic services and opportunities are often inadequate. As we approach the local government elections, we have to ask: are political parties doing enough to protect and empower women, or are women’s votes being taken for granted? Beyond the promises made during election campaigns, what are parties offering women in practical, measurable terms? And what should women be looking at when deciding which party deserves their vote? Tonight, we explore the power of the women’s vote, the issues that matter most to women and the questions every woman should be asking before she heads to the ballot box.
After 8 is After 8: A Second Chance? Is South Africa Harder on Women Who Have Been Incarcerated?
When a woman is released from prison, she has served her sentence. But does society believe she deserves another chance? For many women, the journey back into society can be just as difficult as the time they spent behind bars. They return to communities where their past may follow them, employers who may be reluctant to hire them, and families who may struggle to trust them again. But is the road to rebuilding a life particularly difficult for women? Beyond finding employment and financial stability, many must also confront expectations around motherhood, caregiving and what it means to be a respectable woman. A mother returning home may have to rebuild her relationship with children she left behind. A daughter or sister may find that her family has not forgiven her. And even when a woman is committed to changing her life, the stigma attached to incarceration can make it difficult to move forward. So, how accepting is South African society of women who have been incarcerated? Are women judged more harshly than men for the same mistakes, particularly when those mistakes challenge society’s expectations of how women should behave? And when we speak about rehabilitation and second chances, are we genuinely creating opportunities for these women to rebuild their lives, or are we continuing to punish them long after their sentences have ended? Tonight, we examine the realities of life after incarceration for women, the role of gender and social stigma, and whether South Africa is truly prepared to welcome them back into society.
The People’s Voice – Are Municipalities Listening to Residents?
Local government is the sphere of government closest to the people. It is responsible for delivering basic services, maintaining roads, ensuring reliable water and electricity, and keeping communities clean and safe. But for many residents, the reality is far removed from these promises. From service delivery failures and deteriorating infrastructure to concerns about accountability, communities are increasingly questioning whether their municipalities are meeting their needs. Tonight, we speak to a political analyst to unpack the state of local government, examine the political and governance issues behind these challenges, and ask what needs to change. We also want to hear from you, the listeners: What are the biggest challenges facing your community, and do you believe your municipality is listening?
Ramaphosa Deploys 510 SANDF Soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal Amid Anti-Immigration Violence
South Africa’s anti-immigration protests have once again raised serious questions about public safety, law enforcement and the protection of foreign nationals. President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 510 members of the South African National Defence Force to KwaZulu-Natal to support police in maintaining law and order under Operation Prosper. The move follows violent protests in Durban, where businesses were looted, property was damaged and a foreign national was reportedly beaten to death by a mob. The government has linked the unrest to misinformation surrounding a Constitutional Court judgment on the Refugees Act, which has fuelled tensions around asylum seekers and immigration. The deployment, which is expected to cost more than R34 million and run until the end of November, comes just days before the local government elections. But the question is whether deploying soldiers will be enough to prevent further violence, or whether it risks treating the symptoms of a much deeper problem. What is driving these protests, how much of the anger is rooted in legitimate concerns about immigration and service delivery, and where does legitimate protest end and criminality begin? We examine whether the military presence can restore calm, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that the responsibility for enforcing immigration laws remains with the state, rather than vigilante groups.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE WHEN VEHICLES GO MISSING IN SAPS CUSTODY?
When the police seize or take possession of your vehicle, you would reasonably expect it to be kept safe until it is returned to you. But what happens when the very institution entrusted with protecting your property fails to do so? A Gauteng High Court has held the Minister of Police liable after a woman’s 2014 Volkswagen Golf was stripped of critical components while stored at a South African Police Service facility in Pretoria West. When Suzette Ropafadzo Paradza went to collect her vehicle, the engine was missing. Further inspection revealed that the gearbox, alternator, starter and catalytic converter had also disappeared. The court refused to enforce an indemnity Paradza had signed when collecting the vehicle, finding the Minister liable for the loss. The ruling raises serious questions about the security of vehicles held as police exhibits, the effectiveness of SAPS storage facilities and the accountability of officials responsible for safeguarding seized property. So, how widespread is the problem of theft and stripping of vehicles held in police custody? Who should be held accountable when critical vehicle parts disappear from state-controlled facilities, and what recourse do motorists have when their property is damaged or stolen while in the hands of law enforcement? We speak to MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, about the implications of this judgment and what needs to change to protect motorists and restore public confidence. PHAKAMILE HLUBI-MAJOLA - SPOKESPERSON - MOTOR INDUSTRY STAFF ASSOCIATION.
From Political Mobilisation to Criminal Charges — Where Is the Legal Line?
In a democracy, the right to protest, criticise government and mobilise people around a political cause is fundamental. But where does that right end, and when can words spoken at a rally, statements made in public or messages posted on social media become evidence in a criminal case? South Africa’s July 2021 unrest brought these questions into sharp focus, with the prosecution of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla over alleged incitement linked to the unrest placing the relationship between political speech and criminal liability under scrutiny. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The central issue is not simply whether someone called on people to mobilise, but what they said, what they intended, and whether the legal requirements for the alleged offences can be established. Tonight, we speak to a legal analyst about the charges, the evidence prosecutors must present, and the point at which political mobilisation can cross the line into criminal conduct. MELUSI XULU, LEGAL ANALYST AT DONDA ATTORNEYS INC.
After 8 Is After 8: Adoption, Women’s Rights and Reproductive Autonomy: What the Supreme Court of Appeal Judgment Means for Women and Children
The decision to place a child for adoption is one of the most deeply personal decisions a woman can make. Yet, for some women navigating South Africa’s adoption system, that decision can become a difficult encounter with the very institutions meant to provide support and protection. Questions about a woman’s circumstances, her choices and her reasons for considering adoption can raise serious concerns about dignity, privacy and the right to make decisions about her own reproductive life. The Women’s Legal Centre has welcomed a significant Supreme Court of Appeal judgment that dismissed an appeal by the Minister of Social Development. The ruling confirmed that government social workers had unlawfully interfered in adoption processes and found the Department of Social Development’s adoption guidelines unconstitutional. The judgment raises important questions about the limits of state intervention, the rights of women considering adoption and whether the policies governing adoption in South Africa adequately protect those rights. So, what exactly did the court find unlawful, and how were the dignity and privacy of the two women involved violated? How does this judgment strengthen women’s reproductive autonomy while ensuring that the best interests of children remain central to adoption decisions? And what does it mean for the future of adoption law and policy in South Africa? We discuss these questions and more with the Women’s Legal Centre, unpacking the significance of the judgment and the protections women should expect when making decisions about adoption.
The State of Our Municipalities: Who Is Being Held Accountable?
Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people. They are responsible for the services that shape our everyday lives — from the water that comes out of our taps and the electricity that powers our homes, to the roads we drive on, the rubbish collected from our streets and the sewage systems that protect our communities. Yet, across South Africa, residents continue to grapple with failing infrastructure, water shortages, sewage spills, potholes and allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. For many communities, the frustration is not simply about the absence of services, but about paying for services they do not consistently receive. The question is whether these failures reflect a shortage of resources, a lack of capable leadership, political interference or an accountability system that is simply not working. Year after year, municipal audit findings raise concerns about financial controls, irregular expenditure and the management of public funds. Yet residents are still waiting for meaningful improvements, while some municipalities struggle to meet even their most basic obligations. With local government elections approaching, we examine the state of our municipalities, the people and institutions responsible for their performance, and whether political leaders are being held accountable for the conditions in which communities live. What should voters be looking at when assessing the performance of their local government? And what must change to ensure that municipalities become The State of Our Municipalities: Who Is Being Held Accountable? Zolani Zoyani Local government expert. accountable, financially sustainable and capable of delivering the services residents are entitled to? We speak to an expert about the
After 8 is After 8: A legal battle over the right to read
For millions of blind and visually impaired people around the world, access to books remains a significant barrier to education, employment and full participation in society. Estimates suggest that only between 1% and 7% of published works are available in accessible formats, including braille, large print and other formats that people with visual impairments can use. An international agreement known as the Marrakesh Visually Impaired Persons Treaty aims to address this inequality by making it easier for countries to share accessible books across borders, allowing people to access a much wider range of reading material. South Africa has expressed its intention to join this treaty for years, but its accession remains outstanding. Now, Blind SA, represented by SECTION27, has taken the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mpho Parks Tau, to court over his decision to delay the process until the Copyright Amendment Bill becomes law. The organisation argues that a Constitutional Court order handed down in May 2025 already provides the necessary copyright exceptions to facilitate access to accessible-format works and their cross-border exchange. So, why has South Africa still not joined an agreement that could open the doors to international digital libraries? What are the consequences of this delay for blind and visually impaired South Africans, particularly learners, students and people who rely on accessible reading material? And what does this legal challenge mean for the government’s responsibility to ensure equal access to information? We speak to SECTION27 about the court challenge, the law and what needs to happen next.
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