listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The Witchcraft Stigma Crisis: Can South Africa End Witchcraft-Related Violence?
Tonight we confront a disturbing reality that many believe belongs in the past — the brutal killing of elderly women accused of witchcraft. Despite South Africa’s democracy and constitutional protections, witchcraft-related violence continues to haunt rural communities, where fear, stigma, poverty and lack of education often collide. Why are vulnerable elderly women still becoming targets, and what will it take to stop these killings?
IEC LAUNCHES VOTER CAMPAIGN BUT WILL PEOPLE TURN OUT IN THEIR NUMBERS?
South Africa’s democracy was built on the promise that every voice matters — but more and more people are choosing silence at the ballot box. In the 2024 national elections, less than half of eligible voters actually voted, raising serious concerns about trust in the political system, confidence in leadership, and whether citizens still believe their vote can bring meaningful change. Tonight, we unpack the growing voter apathy in South Africa, what it says about the state of our democracy, and whether political leaders — and institutions like the IEC — have done enough to earn the public’s trust. We’re joined by Ground Work Collective CEO, Mbali Ntuli.
Living In Fear: Gauteng’s Kidnapping Crisis Deepens ( CRIMINOLOGIST UNISA PROFESSOR JACOB MOFOKENG AND CRIME EXPERT THABANG BOGOPA )
Tonight, we confront a terrifying reality unfolding in Gauteng — a province now recording an average of 27 kidnappings every single day. These are not random crimes anymore. Experts say kidnapping syndicates have evolved into sophisticated criminal businesses, targeting ordinary South Africans through hijackings, social media traps, dating apps, and even ransom schemes designed to drain victims’ bank accounts within hours. Tonight we ask: Why is kidnapping escalating so rapidly in South Africa? Are criminal syndicates outsmarting law enforcement? And how do ordinary citizens protect themselves in a society where fear is becoming part of daily life?
RISE Mzansi’s Joburg Gamble: Can Lukhona Mnguni Fix Johannesburg? (
Tonight, Johannesburg’s political battlefield takes another dramatic turn. RISE Mzansi has officially announced political analyst and public policy expert Lukhona Mnguni as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. Known for holding politicians accountable from the outside, Mnguni now wants to step directly into the arena — promising ethical leadership, competent governance and a reset for a city battered by corruption scandals, collapsing infrastructure, water shortages, electricity failures and coalition chaos. But can an analyst successfully transition into executive leadership? And does Johannesburg still believe any politician can truly rescue South Africa’s economic hub?
KARABO KHAKHAU UNFILTERED
Tonight, we sit down with one of the Democratic Alliance’s most outspoken and fast-rising young voices in Parliament — Karabo Khakhau. Fearless, confrontational, and often controversial, Khakhau has become one of the loudest figures in the fight against alleged corruption inside South Africa’s SETA system — a battle that has placed her directly in the political spotlight. Over the past year, she has pushed aggressively for accountability around Sector Education and Training Authorities, accusing political elites of turning institutions meant to empower young South Africans into what she calls “cash cows for cadres.”
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: AFRICA DAY SPECIAL — IS XENOPHOBIA UN-AFRICAN?
Tonight, as millions across the continent marked Africa Day — a day meant to celebrate unity, liberation, solidarity and the dream of Pan-Africanism — South Africa once again finds itself confronting uncomfortable questions about who belongs, who is welcome, and whether the ideals of African unity still hold meaning in modern Africa. DR MALUSI MNCUBE - RESEARCH ASSOCIATE AND AUTHOUR - UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG DR KGOSI LETLAPE - ACTION SA MP MENZI KA GUDU MASEKO - REVOLUTIONARY CULTURAL ACTIVIST AND AFRIKOLOGIST
SECURITY UPGRADE IN KRUGER PARK AFTER KILLING OF TWO INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS ( Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp )
Earlier today, SANParks confirmed a major escalation in security operations within the Kruger National Park following the killing of two international tourists in the Pafuri Section. The couple’s bodies were discovered on Friday after they failed to return to their accommodation as scheduled, triggering a large-scale search operation that ended in tragedy. SANParks says it is now deploying additional rangers and strengthening surveillance and early warning systems across the park in response to the incident. Limpopo police have opened two cases of murder and hijacking, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the couple’s death. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has extended his condolences to the grieving family, as authorities move to reassure both local and international visitors about safety in one of the country’s most visited tourism destinations.
SAPS Forensic Captain in Court After Early Morning Arrest Over Justice Obstruction Allegations ( SAPS NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON ATHLENDA MATHE )
Earlier this morning, a senior police captain attached to the SAPS Forensic Sciences Laboratory made a brief court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates Court following a dramatic arrest that has sent shockwaves through the policing community. The officer was arrested at his home on Friday morning by the Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team, marking the first arrest to directly stem from testimony and findings linked to the commission. He faces charges of defeating the ends of justice in what investigators say are linked to several high-profile murder cases. During the arrest operation, authorities reportedly confiscated key state-related materials, including ballistic reports, ammunition, and other evidential items considered crucial to ongoing investigations. Police say the seizure forms part of efforts to establish whether there was interference or mishandling of critical forensic evidence. As we come on air tonight, the case is now firmly before the courts, with investigators tightening the net on what could be a deeper pattern of obstruction within the justice system.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Buried Differently: Are Vertical Graves the Future of Township Burials?
As cemeteries in townships continue to run out of space, funeral industry leaders are proposing a controversial alternative: vertical burials — a system already used in countries like Colombia and parts of Asia and Europe. The idea would see graves stacked above one another in specially designed burial structures, using far less land than traditional cemeteries. Supporters argue that South Africa’s growing population, overcrowded townships, and rising burial costs make it necessary to rethink how the dead are laid to rest. Some even believe vertical burials could become a culturally acceptable alternative to cremation. But critics say the proposal clashes with African cultural and spiritual traditions around ancestry, land, and dignity in death. Others fear it could commercialise mourning and disconnect families from sacred burial practices that have existed for generations. ON THE LINE: DR NOMFUNDO MCOYI-ZONDO - SOUTH AFRICAN FUNERAL PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION MENZI KA GUDU MASEKO - REVOLUTIONARY CULTURAL ACTIVIST AND AFRIKOLOGIST.
Silenced by Bullets? The Assassination of Activist Thato Molosankwe Raises Fears Over Speaking Out ( PASTOR LESIBA KGWELE - CONVENER OF THE MORAL REGENERATION MOVEMENT - NORTH WEST PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE )
The killing of North West activist Thato Molosankwe has sent shockwaves through Mahikeng and reignited fears about the dangers faced by outspoken community voices in South Africa. Molosankwe was gunned down inside his home in Lomanyaneng after armed men allegedly stormed in and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene. Nothing was stolen, and his family believes the murder was carefully planned — an assassination meant to silence a man who spent years exposing corruption, service delivery failures and political wrongdoing. Known for his fearless activism and strong social media presence, Molosankwe became a prominent voice for frustrated residents in Mahikeng. He frequently challenged local authorities and spoke openly about issues many feared to confront. His family says he understood the risks that came with his activism and often spoke about death as an inevitability if he continued speaking out. Now, questions are mounting over whether South Africa is becoming increasingly dangerous for activists, whistleblowers and community leaders who challenge powerful interests. As police continue investigations with no arrests yet made, many are asking: who benefits when outspoken voices are permanently silenced?
A City on the Brink or a City on the Rise? ( JOHANNESBURG MAYOR DADA MORERO )
Just one day after delivering what may be his final State of the City Address as Johannesburg mayor, Dada Morero joins us at a time when many residents are asking a simple but urgent question — is the city truly recovering, or are leaders painting over a deepening crisis? In an address delivered at the historic Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin in the newly renamed Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct, Mayor Morero struck an optimistic tone. He spoke of Johannesburg as “Africa’s richest city,” highlighted migration figures suggesting more people are choosing Joburg over Cape Town, and defended his administration’s record on jobs, infrastructure and economic resilience. But outside the hall, many residents are still grappling with collapsing infrastructure, failing service delivery, water shortages, potholes, power outages, hijacked buildings, and growing frustration over the city’s governance. All of this while Johannesburg faces a looming R5.2 billion Eskom debt threat that could have devastating implications for the metro. And then there were the political undertones — with Morero taking swipes at Cape Town and the DA, while Helen Zille sat in the audience to a chorus of boos. Was this a farewell speech focused on legacy building, or an attempt to shape the political narrative ahead of local government elections? Tonight, we speak directly to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero about his legacy, the criticism surrounding his administration, and whether the city he says is “on the rise” is the same Johannesburg residents experience every day.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The End of “Pointless Presence”? Rethinking the South African Workplace
Tonight we ask whether the daily commute is becoming an unnecessary burden in a country already battling rising living costs. With fuel prices climbing yet again, more workers are questioning why they are expected to sit in traffic for hours — only to spend the day doing work that could easily be done remotely. It’s a debate increasingly being described as the end of “pointless presence” — the idea that employees must physically be at the office simply to be seen, rather than because the work actually requires it. Companies across South Africa and around the world are now rethinking traditional office culture, with many shifting toward hybrid and remote work models. But while some employers say flexibility boosts productivity and wellbeing, others argue that in- person collaboration remains essential. So tonight, we unpack whether businesses are finally embracing a new way of working — or whether outdated ideas about supervision and visibility are still shaping the modern workplace.
State of the City or State of Crisis? Political Parties React to Dada Morero’s Address ( ACTION SA LEADER HERMAN MASHABA )
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has delivered what could be one of the most politically significant State of State of the City or State of Crisis? Political Parties React to Dada Morero’s Address the City Addresses of his term — attempting to reassure frustrated residents that the city is turning a corner despite mounting crises around water, electricity, finances and collapsing service delivery. The mayor also highlighted intensified operations in the inner city targeting illegal activity and undocumented foreign nationals — an issue that continues to divide political parties and residents alike. But opposition parties argue that the speech offered promises without clear solutions, especially as communities continue to grapple with dry taps, power uncertainty, potholes, deteriorating infrastructure and concerns over governance failures. Tonight, we unpack the political reaction to the mayor’s address and ask whether Joburg residents heard a credible recovery plan — or simply election-season messaging ahead of local government polls.
Justice Delayed, Justice Derailed? The NPA Under Pressure After Joe “Ferrari” Case Struck Off The Roll ( LEGAL EXPERT NTHABISENG DABAZANA )
Questions are now being raised about accountability inside South Africa’s criminal justice system after the extortion case against alleged taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and three co-accused was struck off the court roll — not because evidence was tested, but because of delays linked to the state itself. The matter took a dramatic turn at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court when prosecutor Mkhuselo Ntaba failed to appear despite reportedly informing the court beforehand that he would not be able to attend. The magistrate not only struck the case off the roll due to what was described as an unreasonable delay, but also held the prosecutor in contempt of court and issued a warrant for his arrest. Now the National Prosecuting Authority says it is studying the ruling and considering its next steps — raising wider questions about prosecutorial conduct, court management, and whether high-profile criminal matters are being undermined by procedural failures. To help us unpack the legal implications of this decision, the powers available to the NPA, and what this means for the future of the case against Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his co-accused.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The Gold Mafia: How Organised Crime Profits from South Africa’s Zama Zama Crisis ( Graham Coetzer - AUTHOR OF NEW BOOK “ZAMA ZAMA INSIDE THE ILLICID MINING UNDERWORLD”. )
Tonight, we go far beyond the headlines and deep into South Africa’s illegal mining underworld — a world of abandoned shafts, armed syndicates, underground economies and communities living in fear. Journalist and author Graham Coetzer takes us behind the scenes of years spent embedded with zama zama networks, private security teams and police raids in some of the country’s most dangerous illegal mining hotspots.
The Great Return? South Africans Recalibrating Where They Call Home ( Wise Move CEO Chante Venter )
For years, the Western Cape was seen as South Africa’s promised land — drawing thousands of semigrants chasing safety, lifestyle and better governance. But new data now suggests the tide may be turning. A report tracking more than 30,000 household moves across the country reveals a sharp increase in people relocating back to Gauteng, with affordability pressures and economic realities reshaping migration patterns. Experts say this is no longer just a story about people leaving provinces behind — it’s about South Africans constantly recalibrating their lives in response to rising living costs, job opportunities and long-term sustainability. So what is driving this “return migration,” and what does it reveal about the state of South Africa’s economy and quality of life?
When Does Neglect Become Abuse? The Omphile Sethole Case Sparks National Debate ( Dr Shaheda Omar from the Teddy Bear Clinic )
South Africans are once again confronted with difficult questions around child safety, supervision and neglect following the disappearance of two-year-old Omphile Sethole in Limpopo. The child vanished from her home in Ga-Mabuela village earlier this month, and now her own grandparents have been arrested and charged with child neglect. Experts say neglect is one of the most common — yet least understood — forms of child abuse because unlike physical violence, its scars are often invisible. But when does poverty and desperation become criminal neglect? And are communities and social services doing enough to protect vulnerable children before tragedy strikes? We unpack the growing crisis of child neglect in South Africa.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Thirty Years Into Democracy: Why Are Children Still Using Dangerous Pit Toilets?
More than three decades into democracy, thousands of South African children — particularly in rural and no-fee schools — still attend schools without safe and dignified sanitation. Despite repeated promises from government to eradicate pit toilets, many learners continue to use dangerous and illegal facilities that expose them to disease, injury and even death. In parts of the Eastern Cape, organisations like SOS NPO (Save Our Schools) are stepping in where the state has seemingly failed, demolishing unsafe pit toilets and replacing them with sustainable sanitation systems, boreholes and handwashing stations. Their work in schools such as Babheke Primary School in Lusikisiki highlights the daily reality faced by learners who still lack clean water, safe toilets and proper hygiene infrastructure. Tonight we ask: how is it possible that basic sanitation remains a crisis in democratic South Africa — and why are communities and NGOs carrying a burden government promised years ago to solve?
The State of Township Entrepreneurship: Is Government Missing the Mark?
Township entrepreneurship has long been spoken about as the engine that could drive South Africa’s economic recovery — creating jobs, keeping money circulating locally and giving young people alternatives to unemployment. But across many townships, business owners say the reality looks very different. Government support programmes that once promised to empower small businesses have either collapsed, become inaccessible, or failed to respond to what entrepreneurs actually need on the ground. From container businesses standing empty, to funding programmes weighed down by red tape, many township entrepreneurs say they are surviving despite government support — not because of it. Tonight we ask: does government truly understand township entrepreneurship, or are policies being designed far away from the realities of the kasi economy?
Brown Mogotsi’s bail application in staged assassination case set for 25 May ( SAPS NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON ATHLENDA MATHE )
North West businessman Brown Mogotsi is back in the spotlight — this time appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court after being arrested over allegations that he staged an assassination attempt against himself. The alleged incident, which happened in Vosloorus last year, initially sent shockwaves through political and business circles after Mogotsi claimed he had narrowly escaped death. But now the state says the entire attack may have been fabricated. His legal team is pushing for a quicker bail process, while prosecutors insist they need more time to verify his North West address before deciding their position on bail. The case has once again pulled the Madlanga Commission into the headlines, along with explosive claims of political manipulation, bias and attempts to secure damaging evidence against other businessmen linked to the ANC.
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