METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Born in Exile, Shaped by Struggle
Freedom. For many South Africans, it’s something we live every day. But for others, it was something they had to imagine — from thousands of kilometres away. This Freedom Month, we bring you the voices of South Africans who were born and raised in exile — a generation shaped by distance, by struggle, and by a deep longing for a home they had never truly known. Among them, legendary jazz musician Malusi Gwangwa, alongside others who carry stories of resilience, identity, and return. What does it mean to grow up dreaming of a country you’ve never seen? And when freedom finally comes... does reality live up to that dream? Malusi Gwangwa was born in 1978 in Botswana into a politically conscious family. He is the son of an activist father, whose involvement in political or liberation-related work shaped much of the family’s early life circumstances.
Malaria on the Rise: A Growing Health Warning for Gauteng ( TEBOGO MATJOKOTJA - GAUTENG HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROGRAM MANAGER )
Now, it might not be something many people in Gauteng think about often—but health officials are raising concern over a sharp rise in malaria cases in the province. In just the first three months of this year, more than 400 cases and 11 deaths have already been recorded. That’s a significant jump compared to the same time last year. And what’s driving this increase? Travel—particularly to high-risk areas like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and even across the border into Mozambique. So what should you be looking out for, and how can you protect yourself and your family—especially if you’re planning a trip?
Policing the Police: Allegations at the Top of SAPS
Serious allegations have emerged at the highest level of South Africa’s police leadership—claims of corruption, political interference, and the protection of criminal elements within the very institution meant to uphold the law. Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Daphney Manamela has accused National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola of shielding corrupt officers and interfering in key investigations. She claims her suspension came after she acted against extortion networks, and that a specialised task team probing serious crimes was dismantled soon after. Manamela further alleges that Masemola and a senior officer accepted a multi-million rand bribe linked to a high-profile murder and corruption case—claims both have firmly denied. Police say the allegations are serious and have committed to investigating them. But with Masemola also due in court in connection with a R360-million tender, questions are mounting about accountability at the very top. Tonight, we ask: who polices the police?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Falling Forward: Turning Failure into Fuel
Failure… it’s the one thing we all try to avoid, yet somehow, it finds every single one of us. Whether it’s a business that didn’t take off, a dream that fell apart, or a moment where life simply didn’t go according to plan… failure can feel like the end of the road. But what if it’s not? What if failure is not a full stop—but a comma… a pause before something greater? Tonight, we’re flipping the narrative. We’re talking about what it really means to fall—and more importantly, how to rise. Because behind every success story, there’s often a chapter we don’t talk about enough… the chapter of things going wrong. We’re joined by a motivational speaker and entrepreneur who knows this journey all too well. Someone who has faced setbacks, learned the hard lessons, and found a way to turn failure into fuel. So we want to hear from you too—how did you fail, and how did you turn things around?
Malema Sentenced: Justice Served or Political Shockwave?
Tonight, South Africa finds itself at a political crossroads. The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, has been sentenced to five years direct imprisonment by the East London Magistrates Court — a ruling that not only shakes the foundations of his political career but could redraw the country’s political landscape entirely. This follows his conviction under the Firearms Control Act after firing a rifle at a packed rally in Mdantsane back in 2018 — an incident that many will remember from the viral video that sparked national outrage. But this is no longer just about the law. With this sentence exceeding the 12-month threshold, Malema automatically loses his seat in Parliament — raising urgent questions about leadership within the EFF, the future of opposition politics, and whether this moment signals accountability… or political fallout. So tonight we ask: is this justice taking its course, or the beginning of a major political vacuum in South Africa?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: A Controversial Appointment: Can Roelf Meyer Fix SA–US Relations?
It’s an appointment that’s already dividing opinion across the political spectrum. President Cyril Ramaphosa has named Roelf Meyer—a key figure from the final years of apartheid—as South Africa’s new ambassador to the United States. The reaction has been mixed. Some see Meyer as a seasoned negotiator with the experience needed to repair strained diplomatic ties. Others question whether his political past—and shifting affiliations—make him the right person to represent a democratic South Africa on the global stage. The appointment comes at a critical time. Relations between Pretoria and Washington have been under pressure, particularly after the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and amid tensions with US President Donald Trump. So tonight, we ask: is this a strategic move to stabilise relations—or a controversial gamble that raises more questions than answers?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The Silence Around Male Survivors
Sexual abuse is often spoken about—but not always fully understood. When we talk about survivors, the focus is usually on women and children. But there’s another reality that remains largely hidden, uncomfortable, and often dismissed: men who have been sexually assaulted or abused by women. For many of these men, the trauma is compounded by silence—by stigma, disbelief, and the pressure to conform to ideas of masculinity that say men cannot be victims. Some are laughed off, others are told they should have wanted it, and many never speak at all. Tonight, we open up a difficult but necessary conversation. What does abuse look like from a male perspective? Why is it so hard for men to come forward? And what happens when society refuses to see them as survivors?
Phala Phala Fallout: IPID Report Raises New Questions ( ATM’s Vuyo Zungula )
A fresh chapter in the Phala Phala saga is raising serious questions about the rule of law—and whether it was followed at the highest levels of policing. A newly released report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has found that members of the Presidential Protection Service conducted what it describes as an unlawful, off-the-books investigation into the 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm. According to the report, no formal criminal case was ever opened, despite the theft of large sums of foreign currency. Instead, officers allegedly used state resources to track suspects across provinces and even beyond South Africa’s borders—without proper authorisation or legal process. The findings raise troubling questions about how such a significant case could bypass standard procedures. And while the report details alleged misconduct by senior officers, it stops short of answering one of the biggest questions: what did the President know? As political and legal pressure mounts, tonight we unpack what this report reveals—and what it could mean for accountability within law enforcement and the presidency.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Rewriting the Past: Should South Africa Change Its History Curriculum?
What should South African children learn about their past—and who gets to decide? Government has opened the door to a major shift in how history is taught in schools, with Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube proposing a new curriculum that places Africa at the centre of the story. The draft, now open for public comment, suggests teaching South African history from before 1652, and shifting focus away from topics like the American civil rights movement, towards Africa’s own liberation struggles. It’s a move some say is long overdue—part of a broader effort to decolonise education and ensure that learners understand their own history first. But others are asking whether this risks narrowing perspectives, or even politicising what is taught in classrooms. So tonight, we ask: should South Africa rewrite its history curriculum to be more African-centred—or should it remain globally balanced? What does a truly inclusive history look like?
A City for Tourists? Inside Cape Town’s Housing Crisis ( JOHNATHAN KOLHER - CEO - Landsdowne Property Group )
Cape Town is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world—but for many who live there, it is becoming increasingly unlivable. In the heart of the city, just minutes from the ocean, modern apartment blocks stand tall—sleek, desirable, and out of reach for the very people who work there. Instead, many of these homes are being reserved for tourists, with short-term rentals dominating the market. In some parts of the city centre, as much as 70 percent of residential housing is now used for visitors rather than residents. For thousands of Capetonians, this has meant being pushed further and further out—away from jobs, schools, and essential services—into long daily commutes that can stretch for hours. Critics argue that this is not just an economic issue, but a continuation of spatial inequality rooted in apartheid, where people of colour were forced to the margins of the city. City leaders, including Geordin Hill-Lewis, say tourism is vital to the economy, bringing in jobs and billions in revenue. But for many residents, the question is becoming unavoidable: who is Cape Town really being built for?
Gifts, Power and Accountability: The Tolashe Controversy ( ACTION SA - Dereleen James MP )
A senior government minister is under mounting pressure tonight, facing serious allegations that strike at the heart of accountability and transparency in public office. ActionSA has laid criminal charges against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, accusing her of misleading Parliament and failing to declare luxury gifts reportedly worth close to a million rand. The controversy centres on two SUVs allegedly received from Chinese officials. While the Minister told Parliament the vehicles were donated to the ANC Women’s League, that claim is now being disputed. The league says it has no record of the vehicles, and reports suggest they were instead registered in the names of the Minister’s children—with one already sold. ActionSA has now taken the matter further, opening a criminal case, and filing complaints with both the Public Protector and Parliament’s Ethics Committee. Tonight, the questions are stark: was this a failure of disclosure—or something far more serious? And what does this say about accountability at the highest levels of government?
Battle for the DA: Dyonase Throws His Hat into the Ring ( SIBUSISO DYONASE DA LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE )
The race for leadership within the Democratic Alliance is heating up ahead of its highly anticipated federal congress this weekend—and a new contender is stepping forward with confidence and conviction. Sedibeng Caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase has declared his intention to run for the party’s top position, saying, “I have trained myself for this moment.” It’s a bold statement as he prepares to go head-to-head with Geordin Hill-Lewis, one of the party’s most prominent and established leaders. The congress, set to take place in Midrand, is expected to shape the future direction of the DA at a time when South Africa’s political landscape is shifting rapidly. Dyonase says his journey within the party has equipped him for the challenge, and he is placing his faith in what he describes as a fair and open internal process—one that allows leaders to step forward and be tested. But beyond the contest itself lies a bigger question: what kind of leadership does the DA need right now? As Dyonase speaks of unity, youth engagement, and reaching underserved communities, the spotlight is not just on who wins—but on how the party positions itself in a country hungry for service delivery and political renewal.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Grief doesn’t just take away the people we love—it changes the people we become
Losing a parent is one of the most profound losses many of us will ever face. It shakes the foundation of who we are, how we see the world, and how we connect with others. But what we don’t often talk about is how that loss quietly seeps into our romantic relationships—how it changes the way we love, the way we trust, and even the way we show up for our partners. For some, grief creates distance—walls built out of pain, silence, and the fear of losing someone again. For others, it deepens connection, creating a longing for closeness, reassurance, and emotional safety. Some relationships survive the storm, while others struggle under the weight of unspoken grief. Tonight, we explore this deeply human experience. How does losing a parent reshape the way we love? Can grief bring people closer, or does it slowly pull them apart? And how do couples navigate a loss that changes everything—often without warning?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: South Africa’s Immigration White Paper
South Africa is on the brink of one of its biggest immigration overhauls since democracy. Cabinet has approved a sweeping Immigration White Paper that could fundamentally change who gets to enter, live, and work in the country. From stricter asylum rules to a proposed points-based system that favours skilled migrants, government says the changes are about protecting national security while boosting the economy. But critics warn this could shut the door on vulnerable people seeking refuge, and deepen tensions around foreign nationals already living in South Africa. So what exactly is changing, who stands to benefit — and who could be left behind?
Fort Hare in Crisis: Who Pays the Price for Fighting Corruption? ( TEBOGO KHAAS - PUBLIC INTEREST CEO )
The crisis at the University of Fort Hare is once again raising serious and uncomfortable questions—this time not just about corruption, but about leadership, accountability, and the cost of trying to clean up a troubled institution. For years, Fort Hare has been at the centre of allegations involving deep-rooted governance failures, a battle that has already come at a devastating price, including the loss of lives linked to efforts to root out corruption. Against this backdrop, those tasked with reforming the institution have often found themselves walking a dangerous path. Now, the suspension of Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu has added a new layer of controversy. This, despite findings from an internal report that reportedly cleared him of wrongdoing. Critics argue that what is at issue may be no more than a procedural lapse—one that was identified and corrected.
Mia Milan - Editor in Chief and Executive Director at Bhekisisa Center for Health Journalism
South Africa has taken a major step forward in the fight against HIV, but not without setbacks. The country’s first batch of the groundbreaking twice-a-year HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, has finally landed at OR Tambo International Airport — weeks behind schedule and with fewer doses than expected. Backed by funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and approved by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, this new form of PrEP could dramatically reduce new infections. But delays in shipment, regulatory hurdles, and post-import testing now mean South Africans will have to wait even longer for a rollout that was meant to begin this month. Tonight, we unpack what this delay means for a country still battling one of the world’s largest HIV epidemics — and whether this scientific breakthrough can still change the course of history.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Homes for the Poor, Markets of Desperation ( HUMAN SETTLEMENTS MINISTER THEMBI SIMELANE )
Across South Africa, a troubling reality is quietly unfolding in many communities—homes that were meant to restore dignity are changing hands, often informally, and often out of desperation. RDP houses, built as part of government’s promise to provide shelter for the most vulnerable, are increasingly being sold—sometimes illegally, sometimes under pressure, and sometimes simply as a means of survival. In many cases, these homes end up in the hands of foreign nationals, sparking frustration, tension, and difficult conversations in communities already battling poverty, unemployment, and inequality. But beneath the anger and the headlines lies a deeper story. Why are South Africans choosing—or feeling forced—to sell homes that were meant to secure their future? Is it poverty? Is it a lack of understanding of the law? Or is it a system that has failed to support people long after handing over the keys? Tonight, we look beyond the blame and the politics, and ask the hard questions: what is driving this trend, who is benefiting, and what does it say about the state of housing, dignity, and survival in South Africa today?
On the Brink: Trump’s Warning and Rising US–Iran Tensions ( INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXPERT DR OSCAR VAN HEERDEN )
Global tensions are escalating tonight after US President Donald Trump issued a stark and controversial warning directed at Iran. Speaking amid growing instability in the Middle East, Trump said that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran fails to meet a deadline set by his administration. The statement has sent shockwaves across the international community, raising fears of a potential military escalation between the two countries. While details around the ultimatum remain fluid, the remarks are being interpreted as a signal that the United States may be prepared to take drastic action if its demands are not met. Analysts warn that any such move could have far-reaching consequences—not only for the region, but for global security, oil markets, and international diplomacy. As world leaders react and tensions continue to mount, the question now is whether this is a negotiating tactic—or a sign that the situation is on the brink of a dangerous turning point.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Understanding Autism – The Silent Battles Many Families Face
This month marks World Autism Awareness Month — a time to reflect, to learn, and to truly listen to the lived realities of families raising children on the autism spectrum. Behind every child is a parent fighting battles that many do not see. The emotional toll of delayed diagnoses, the financial strain of therapy, the judgment from society, and the constant worry about the future — “Will my child be accepted? Will they be safe? Will they ever be independent?” Today, we open up that conversation. We are joined by parents who live this reality every single day, alongside an expert who will help us understand autism beyond the stereotypes — because awareness is only the beginning, but understanding is what truly makes a difference.
Dozens of undocumented passengers were allegedly discovered on a bus in the Free State ( MIKE MOSIAPATO )
A cross-border bus that had already cleared all official checks at the Beitbridge port of entry is now at the centre of a growing investigation. Authorities say the vehicle passed through immigration and even the weighbridge with all passengers properly documented — but hours later, a shocking discovery was made near Bloemfontein. Thirty-two undocumented passengers were allegedly found on board, raising serious questions about how they got there — and whether there are gaps in South Africa’s border control systems. The Border Management Authority insists that when the bus left Beitbridge, everything was in order. Now, the spotlight is firmly on the driver, who may face charges for aiding and abetting illegal entry into the country.
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