listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WOMEN BEYOND IN BLUE, BEYOND THE BADGE
For generations, women in South Africa have fought for the right to be seen, heard and respected in spaces that were once considered the preserve of men. Few professions embody that struggle more than policing. Every day, women in blue put on their uniforms and step into some of the country's most difficult and dangerous situations. They comfort victims, investigate crimes, protect communities, lead specialised units and carry the enormous responsibility of upholding the law while often balancing the demands of motherhood, family life and public service. This Women's Month, we are taking time to honour the women who serve behind the badge. Beyond the uniform, beyond the rank and beyond the statistics, we want to hear the stories of resilience, sacrifice, courage and determination that have shaped their journeys. At a time when South Africans are demanding safer communities and stronger institutions, these women continue to stand on the front lines, often facing danger, criticism and immense pressure. Yet they remain committed to serving their communities with dignity and pride. Tonight, we celebrate the women in blue who continue to prove that strength and compassion can exist side by side.
Classrooms, Citizenship and the Constitution: Who Should Be Allowed to Teach?
The debate around employment, immigration and citizenship in South Africa has once again found its way into the education sector. The March and March movement has called for teaching posts to be reserved exclusively for South African citizens, arguing that local job opportunities should be protected. However, the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa, better known as NAPTOSA, has firmly rejected those calls. The organisation says threats and intimidation have no place in a profession governed by the rule of law and has emphasised that employment decisions must remain consistent with the country's legislation and constitutional values. As emotions continue to run high and questions around unemployment, immigration and labour rights dominate the national conversation, we ask whether this debate is really about jobs, the law, or something much deeper.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: IDAC Under Fire: When the Watchdog Becomes the Story
Tonight, we turn our attention to an institution that was created to protect South Africans from corruption, abuse of power and political interference, but which now finds itself at the centre of some of the very allegations it was established to investigate. The Independent Directorate Against Corruption, better known as IDAC, is facing one of the biggest credibility crises in its history. Explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has exposed allegations of witness intimidation, docket manipulation, fabricated statements, abuse of authority and serious procedural failures within the organisation itself. This evening, we'll be joined by a security expert, a political analyst and an independent commentator who has closely followed developments at the commission. Together, we'll unpack what this means for the country's anti-corruption efforts, the future of Crime Intelligence and the damage that is done when institutions tasked with protecting democracy begin to lose the public's trust.
Helen Zille returns to the battlefield: Can she fix Johannesburg? ( Hellen Zille )
Love her or loathe her, one thing is undeniable: Helen Zille knows how to command attention. Tonight, one of South Africa's most recognisable and outspoken politicians joins us as she attempts to write what could be the next chapter in her long and often controversial political career. From exposing the truth behind Steve Biko's death as a journalist, to becoming mayor of Cape Town, premier of the Western Cape and leader of the Democratic Alliance, Zille has spent decades at the centre of South African politics. Now, at the age of 75, she is setting her sights on Johannesburg, a city she says is in desperate need of rescue. Ahead of the Democratic Alliance's national manifesto launch on 8 August, Zille has placed the slogan "Get Joburg Working" at the centre of her campaign, promising to tackle crumbling infrastructure, unreliable service delivery, corruption and what the party describes as a culture of political patronage. But this campaign is about more than policy. Zille's social media campaign has once again placed her squarely in the national spotlight, with energetic videos, sharp political commentary and her trademark ability to generate both admiration and outrage in equal measure. Tonight, we'll ask whether Helen Zille believes Johannesburg can really be turned around, whether South Africans are buying into her message and why she believes she remains the right person for one of the country's toughest jobs.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Power Without Protection – The Hidden Cost of Being a Woman in African Politics
For decades, African women have fought for the right to be seen, heard and represented in the spaces where decisions are made. Today, more women are serving in parliaments, leading political movements and occupying positions of power than ever before. But while the numbers may be improving, the reality behind those statistics tells a very different story. Across the continent, women who dare to enter politics continue to face barriers that many of their male counterparts never have to contend with. They are questioned about their appearance rather than their policies, criticised for choosing careers over traditional expectations and subjected to relentless abuse, both online and in person. Some have been threatened, intimidated and even forced to abandon their political ambitions altogether. From South Africa to Nigeria, from Zimbabwe to Uganda, women are increasingly using social media platforms, grassroots activism and community networks to challenge the status quo and demand equal representation. Yet many argue that the system itself remains deeply unequal and that genuine transformation remains frustratingly slow. As South Africa marks Women's Month, we ask an important question: Have African women truly gained political power, or are they still being forced to fight for a seat at the table?
A Fight for Water Ends in Tragedy: Questions Surround the Death of a KwaZulu-Natal Resident
The struggle for access to water has once again exposed the devastating consequences of South Africa's ongoing service delivery crisis. A family in Adams Mission, south of Durban, is demanding answers after 38-year-old Celani Zungu was killed in an incident involving an eThekwini municipal water tanker. According to his family, Zungu had joined fellow residents who believed the tanker had arrived to provide water to the entire community, only to discover that it was allegedly delivering water to a single household. An argument reportedly broke out, and moments later, Zungu was run over by the truck. His family claims the vehicle moved over him more than once. Police have opened a culpable homicide case, while the municipality has launched its own investigation into the incident.
Court Reinstates PIC CEO Patric Dlamini After Suspension Ruled Unlawful
The leadership crisis at the Public Investment Corporation, the institution responsible for managing more than R3 trillion in public funds, has taken another dramatic turn. The Gauteng High Court has ruled that the precautionary suspension of chief executive Patrick Dlamini was unlawful and invalid, ordering his reinstatement. Dlamini was suspended last month after allegations of impropriety surfaced through a whistleblower report, but the court found that the board had failed to comply with both the Public Investment Corporation Act and its own internal governance procedures. The judgment raises important questions about governance, accountability and political tensions at one of the country’s most influential financial institutions.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Locked Out of the Workplace: The South Africans Who Have Never Had a Job
South Africa's unemployment crisis is often measured in percentages, statistics and quarterly reports. We hear about millions of people who are unemployed, but hidden behind those numbers is an even more troubling reality. There is a growing group of South Africans who have never had any kind of formal employment. They have never walked into an office for their first day of work, never attended a staff meeting, never signed an employment contract and never received a payslip. For many of them, unemployment is not something that happened after losing a job. It is the only reality they have ever known. Research shows that the longer people remain outside the labour market, the harder it becomes for them to enter it. Employers often demand experience, but how do you gain experience when nobody is willing to give you an opportunity in the first place? As the years pass, many young people are left feeling discouraged, isolated and uncertain about their future. Tonight, we want to put human faces to these statistics. We will be speaking to a young South African who has never had formal employment to understand the emotional, social and financial toll of being excluded from the world of work. We will also be asking an important question: what practical steps can young people take to improve their chances of becoming employable in an increasingly competitive economy?
The Road to the 2026 Local Government Elections: Are South Africans Ready to Vote?
The race towards South Africa's local government elections is gathering momentum, and today the Independent Electoral Commission has provided a clearer picture of who is stepping forward to participate in the country's democracy. During a media briefing earlier today, the IEC revealed that around 291,000 first-time voters have registered ahead of the November polls, with more than 200,000 of those registrations completed online. The commission says an additional 2.1 million voters have been added to the voters' roll since the 2024 national elections, with KwaZulu-Natal recording one of the strongest responses from younger voters during the final registration weekend. More than 20,000 voting stations were opened across the country over the weekend, with the IEC reporting that more than 99 percent of them opened on time. Although the in-person registration period has come to an end, online registration remains available until the election date is officially proclaimed. The commission says this remains a crucial opportunity for eligible South Africans to register, update their details and ensure that they are assigned to the correct voting district. To help us unpack what these numbers tell us about voter participation and whether young South Africans are becoming more politically engaged, we are joined by ...
Fuel Shock Absorber: Can Treasury's R10 Billion Plan Protect South Africans From Rising Petrol Prices?
South Africans have become used to the monthly ritual of holding their breath as fuel prices are adjusted. And while motorists are celebrating a drop in the price of petrol this month, government is already looking beyond the immediate relief. National Treasury has announced plans to set aside R10 billion to help shield the country from sudden spikes in global oil prices, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten supply routes and destabilise markets. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the money will be channelled into the Equalisation Fund, which is designed to absorb some of the impact of dramatic price fluctuations. But the move raises important questions. Will it provide lasting relief for ordinary South Africans, or is it merely a temporary fix to a much bigger problem?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Funding Fails, Survival Takes Over: Why Are Students Selling Weed, Alcohol and Food Just to Stay in University?
Tonight's conversation begins with a difficult and deeply uncomfortable question: what happens when students run out of money, but refuse to give up on their dreams? South Africa has spent years encouraging young people to pursue higher education, telling them that qualifications are the key to opportunity, success and social mobility. But for thousands of postgraduate students, the reality is very different. Once their undergraduate studies end, so does much of the financial support available to them. The result is that many find themselves trapped between crushing debt, rising living costs and an uncertain future. According to a recent investigation by Daily Maverick, some students have started small businesses selling food and hair products, while others have admitted to selling alcohol and marijuana simply to survive. Their argument is simple: if there is no money for rent, transport, food or tuition, then survival becomes the priority. Tonight, we ask whether South Africa is pushing desperate students towards illegal activities. Are these students criminals, or are they casualties of a broken system? Joining us to unpack this story is the journalist behind the investigation, Siyabonga Goni.
Corruption Crackdown in Ekurhuleni: Accountability or Just the Tip of the Iceberg?
The City of Ekurhuleni finds itself at the centre of yet another corruption scandal after three senior officials were dismissed following allegations of fraud and corruption. The dismissals come at a time when the metro is already battling a growing list of investigations involving some of its highest-ranking officials, including former city managers, senior legal officials and members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. For residents, the latest developments raise difficult questions. How deeply rooted is corruption within one of South Africa’s largest municipalities? How much public money has been lost, and what impact has this had on basic services such as water, electricity, housing and road infrastructure? And perhaps most importantly, are these dismissals evidence that accountability is finally taking hold, or are they simply another chapter in a much bigger story of alleged corruption within the metro? Tonight, we examine the implications of the latest developments and ask what it will take to restore public trust.
Who Really Controls Cape Town? The Battle Over Power, Property and Planning
When we think about who shapes our cities, we often think of mayors, councillors and government officials. But behind the scenes, there are powerful bodies that determine where homes are built, where businesses operate and how billions of rands in development money are spent. Tonight, we turn our attention to an explosive Daily Maverick investigation that raises serious questions about the City of Cape Town's Municipal Planning Tribunal, an institution that critics say has become too powerful, too insulated and too influential. The investigation alleges that some members have effectively become "members for life", prompting concerns about transparency, accountability and the concentration of power in a city often praised for its governance. Joining us now is the journalist behind the investigation, Kevin Bloom, to help us understand exactly what was uncovered, why it matters and what it could mean for the future of urban development in South Africa.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Title: Is Food the New Medicine? The Healing Power of Everyday Herbs
Long before modern medicine, communities across Africa and around the world relied on herbs, roots and plants not just to treat illness, but to promote health and wellbeing. Today, science is increasingly examining what traditional healers have known for generations—that many everyday herbs contain powerful compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune- supporting properties. From rosemary and thyme to ginger, garlic and turmeric, could the ingredients sitting in our kitchens be doing far more than adding flavour to our meals? And how can we harness their benefits safely and effectively? Joining us this evening is Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, a registered phytotherapist and herbalist at Spier Wines.
South Africa and Nigeria: Can We Fight Crime Without Fueling Xenophobia?
South Africa and Nigeria are trying to reset their relationship after growing tensions over crime, migration and public safety. This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa's Special Envoy, Minister Ronald Lamola, met with Nigerian officials in Abuja to discuss some difficult issues—among them organised crime, the controversial "Igbo King" saga in the Eastern Cape, and the role of law enforcement in tackling criminal syndicates. But the government is also drawing a clear line: while criminals must face justice, no nationality should be blamed for the actions of a few, and xenophobia can never be the answer. So what came out of these talks? Will they improve cooperation between the two countries, and what does it mean for South Africans? We unpack that with Chrispin Phiri from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Reclaiming the Township Economy: Can South Africans Make Spaza Shops Thrive Again?
For generations, the township tuck shop was more than just a place to buy bread, milk or airtime. It was the heartbeat of many communities—a family business passed down through generations, a source of employment, and a symbol of local entrepreneurship. But over the years, many South African-owned shops struggled to survive. Rising operating costs, crime, limited access to finance, shrinking profit margins and fierce competition forced many owners to close their doors or rent out their businesses. In their place, foreign nationals—particularly Somali traders—built highly organised supply chains and business models that allowed them to thrive where many locals could not. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted once again. Following recent anti-immigration protests, some of these township shops now stand vacant after foreign operators left certain communities. Rather than allowing those businesses to remain closed, the KwaZulu-Natal government, under the leadership of Premier Thami Ntuli, is launching an ambitious initiative to help South Africans reclaim their place in the township economy. Working alongside private-sector partners, including Checkers, Uber Eats and other stakeholders, the programme aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the support they need to build sustainable township businesses. But can South Africans succeed where many previously struggled? Or does rebuilding township retail require much more than simply handing back the keys?
Can Entrepreneurs Save Local Government? ( Rali Mampeule, founder of the South African Entrepreneurs Movement )
As South Africa edges closer to another round of local government elections, the familiar campaign promises are already beginning to dominate the political landscape. Parties will once again pledge to fix roads, restore basic services, create jobs and stimulate local economies. Yet despite these commitments, many municipalities continue to battle financial distress, failing infrastructure, high unemployment and declining investor confidence. The question many South Africans are asking is whether the country needs a different kind of leadership—one that includes not only politicians, but also the entrepreneurs and business leaders who create jobs and keep local economies alive. The newly established South African Entrepreneurs Movement believes that for too long, those who build businesses have been excluded from the decisions that shape the economy. The movement argues that entrepreneurs—from township business owners and informal traders to industrialists and professionals—should have a direct voice in government policy and leadership. It is calling for qualified business leaders to occupy key positions in municipalities, state-owned entities and government, while advocating for a permanent partnership between entrepreneurs and the state. As South Africa prepares to choose its next generation of local leaders, we ask whether entrepreneurship could become one of the defining political forces in rebuilding municipalities and driving economic growth. Joining us this evening is Rali Mampeule, founder of the South African Entrepreneurs Movement.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Young Innovators Using AI to Solve South Africa's Biggest Challenges
Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a threat to jobs or a tool that makes life more convenient. But a new generation of South African innovators is proving that AI can also be a powerful force for good. Tonight, we spotlight two remarkable young professionals whose work is changing lives in very different ways. One is an Eastern Cape computer science student who transformed his love for his blind grandmother into an award-winning invention—AI-powered smart glasses that recognise faces, identify objects, read text aloud and help visually impaired people navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. His innovation has demonstrated how technology can restore dignity and improve accessibility for thousands of South Africans living with visual impairments. Joining him is Sanel'Ekhaya, founder of PROXICOM (Pty) Ltd, whose engineering consultancy is embracing artificial intelligence to modernise South Africa's mining sector. By integrating AI into engineering consultancy, quality assurance and technical inspection services, his company is helping clients make faster, data-driven decisions, improve project quality, strengthen compliance and enhance safety across mining operations. Together, these young professionals represent a new generation of problem-solvers who are proving that AI isn't just about writing essays or generating images—it's can improve lives, strengthen industries and build a more innovative South Africa.
JSC Recommends Suspension of Eastern Cape Judge President
The future of one of South Africa's most senior judges now hangs in the balance. The Judicial Service Commission has formally advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, pending Parliament's decision on whether he should be impeached. The recommendation follows the JSC's finding that Mbenenge is guilty of gross misconduct after a landmark judicial tribunal found he sexually harassed his secretary, Andiswa Mengo, through explicit messages and unwanted advances. While Mbenenge is challenging that finding in court and insists he has been treated unfairly, the case has become one of the most significant tests of accountability within South Africa's judiciary. If the National Assembly ultimately votes by a two-thirds majority to remove him, Mbenenge could lose not only his position but also the lifelong benefits attached to judicial office.
PIC in Turmoil: Can South Africa Trust the Guardian of R3 Trillion?
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the institution responsible for managing more than R3 trillion in assets on behalf of millions of South Africans, is once again under intense scrutiny. The asset manager, which invests the pensions of government employees and plays a significant role in the country's financial markets, is facing a deepening leadership crisis. Chief Executive Officer Patrick Dlamini has been placed on precautionary suspension while the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has launched an investigation into the organisation. At the same time, six board members have resigned in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about governance, stability and accountability at one of Africa's largest asset managers. The developments have reignited questions about whether the PIC has learnt the lessons from the commission of inquiry that exposed governance failures several years ago. What does this latest instability mean for the institution, for investors, and for the public servants whose retirement savings are entrusted to the PIC?
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