listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith MangopeÂ
METRO FM Talk with Faith MangopeÂ
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.
KwaThema Woman Accused of Staging Her Own Kidnapping Remains in Custody
A woman accused of staging her own kidnapping is back in the spotlight, but beyond the criminal charges, the case raises an important question: what is the cost of false kidnapping reports? In KwaThema, a 37-year-old woman who was initially reported kidnapped has been arrested after police investigations allegedly uncovered a plan to fake her abduction with the help of an accomplice. The alleged scheme was reportedly intended to extort money from her cousin. Cases like this highlight the potential consequences of deliberately misleading the police, from wasting valuable investigative resources to diverting attention away from genuine kidnapping cases where victims may be in immediate danger. As the legal process unfolds, we look at the impact of false reports on law enforcement and the people who depend on police to find their missing loved ones.
After 8 is After 8: The Hidden Health Risks of Snuff
Snuff has been part of many South African households and communities for generations. For some people, it is an everyday habit. For others, it carries a much deeper meaning, rooted in culture, tradition and, in certain practices, spirituality and the relationship with the ancestors. It is often shared among family members, offered to elders and used in traditional settings. But while the practice may be familiar, how much do we really know about what snuff does to the body? Snuff is a tobacco product, and depending on the type and how it is used, it can expose users to nicotine and other potentially harmful substances. Nicotine is addictive, and smokeless tobacco products have been linked to a range of health risks, including damage to oral health. Yet there are people who may assume that because snuff is not smoked, it is less harmful, or that a product used for generations cannot pose a serious health threat. So, what does the scientific evidence actually tell us? Are people aware of the risks associated with nasal snuff compared with oral snuff? What happens when regular use becomes dependence, and what are the possible long-term consequences? And how do we have an honest conversation about these dangers without dismissing the cultural significance snuff holds for many people? Tonight, we separate perception from medical evidence and examine the hidden health risks of snuff, what users need to know, and whether enough is being done to educate our communities.Â
Godongwana’s Mini-Budget: Fuel Relief, Debt and the Fight for Economic Growth
South Africans struggling with the rising cost of living could get some temporary relief, following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, delivered in Parliament today. The government has announced a temporary reduction in the fuel levy, cutting the levy on diesel by R3 per litre and petrol by R1.50 per litre from the 4th of November until the 1st of December, before the relief is reduced in December and January. The intervention comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push up global oil prices, putting additional pressure on households and businesses already battling the high cost of living. But beyond the immediate relief at the pumps, the mini-budget presents a broader picture of the state of South Africa’s economy and government’s ability to manage its finances. Godongwana says the country has made progress in stabilising public debt, with improved revenue collection creating room for government to respond to economic pressures. However, the economic outlook remains challenging, with growth now forecast at just 1.2% for 2026, down from the 1.6% projected in February. Government is also setting aside R10-billion to respond to potential droughts and other risks associated with El Niño. The question now is whether these measures will translate into meaningful relief for ordinary South Africans, while creating the conditions for stronger economic growth, job creation and better service delivery. With municipal elections approaching and persistent concerns about unemployment, infrastructure and the performance of local government, how much confidence should South Africans take from the finance minister’s latest assessment of the economy? And what will it take to turn improved public finances into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives?
After 8 Is After 8: ILLEGAL MINING IN LIMPOPO - Atok’s Residents Against Illegal Chrome Mining
The impact of illegal mining on residential communities, residents’ safety, alleged intimidation and the effectiveness of law enforcement.Communities in Atok, Limpopo, are facing the consequences of illegal chrome mining, with residents raising concerns about the impact on their homes, land, livelihoods and safety. For some residents, the fight is no longer simply about illegal mining. It is about reclaiming their land, protecting their families and understanding why operations they consider unlawful continue despite their complaints to the authorities. On Metro FM Talk with Faith Mangope-McKenna, the conversation will explore the human cost of illegal chrome mining, the power dynamics that may allow these operations to continue, and the challenges communities face when they believe the authorities have failed to intervene effectively. The discussion will also examine the responsibilities of mining regulators, local government and law enforcement, as well as the broader implications for communities living alongside mining activities. We are joined by David van Wyk who is a Mining researcher and analyst . Formerly with the Bench Marks Foundation but till an advisor to them and Zethu Hlatshwayo - National Spokesperson for the National Association of Artisanal Miners.
Tshwane water crisis - Residents feel failed after mass gastrointestinal illness cases
Residents in Zithobeni, on the outskirts of Tshwane, said they feel failed by the government after not being warned that their drinking water was unsafe, despite it being linked to a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. Hundreds of people have fallen ill, with 408 cases reported between 7 and 18 October.Most of those affected are children under four, with authorities still warning residents not to use tap water for anything other than flushing toilets.Later today the health department reported a drop in Bronkhorstspruit gastrointestinal cases. We are joined by Aaron Maluleka - MMC for Housing and Human Settlement in the City of Tshwane and leader of executive business to tell us more.
Shadrack Sibiya Denied Bail
Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, 59, has been denied bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.He faces charges of sexual grooming, human trafficking and reckless handling of a firearm. He is accused of raping an 18- year-old woman and sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl. The State opposed bail, arguing that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses or flee the country. The magistrate agreed that he posed a risk to witnesses and could tamper with evidence, including allegedly disposing of cellphone evidence. The court’s decision: Sibiya will remain in custody because he failed to prove exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail. The allegations against him have not yet been proven in court.We are joined by SABC news Journalist Refilwe Mekoa and Chad Thomas who is Organised Crime investigator at IRSForensic Investigations.
After 8 Is After 8: Petrol Is Up. Food Is Up. Can Your Small Business Survive One More Shock?
Small businesses are already under pressure as rising fuel prices, food costs and operating expenses eat into their profits. For many entrepreneurs, there is very little room to absorb another financial shock. A break-in, stolen equipment,damaged stock or even a few days of forced closure could threaten the survival of a business that is already struggling to stay afloat but when every rand counts, what should business owners prioritise? Is insurance an unnecessary expense when cash flow is tight, or could cutting back on protection leave a business exposed to even greater financial losses? We speak to Junior Mlondobuzi, founder of Entresure, about the risks facing small businesses, the cost of being unprepared and the practical steps entrepreneurs can take to protect their livelihoods in an increasingly expensive operating environment.Â
The Tshwane police warn of scammers impersonating SAPS officers
Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine has warned the public about scammers posing as police officers to intimidate and extort money from unsuspecting victims. The fraudsters allegedly phone people, claiming warrants of arrest have been issued against them. They then send fake arrest warrants via WhatsApp and demand payment to have criminal charges dropped or warrants cancelled. SAPS warns the public: -Do not pay anyone demanding money to cancel a warrant or drop charges. -Do not share personal or banking details with suspicious callers. -Verify claims directly with your local SAPS station commander. -Keep telephone numbers, WhatsApp messages and fraudulent documents as evidence. -Report suspected scams to the police. Major-General Thine stressed that a document sent via WhatsApp that resembles an official arrest warrant does not prove its authenticity. Remember: Police impersonation is being used to threaten and defraud the public. Stay vigilant, verify before acting, and do not be intimidated into paying.Captain Johan Van Dyk -Tshwane District Communications Officer
Former President Thabo Mbeki testifies before TRC cases inquiry
Former President Thabo Mbeki has denied that his administration interfered in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes, insisting that decisions to prosecute rest with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry probing delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes, Mbeki said neither he as the president nor his cabinet had the authority to direct prosecutors to pursue or abandon criminal cases. Ackermann previously told the inquiry that a lawyer who represented apartheid generals Jan Wagener told him of high-level discussions involving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Police Service (SAPS), African National Congress (ANC) leaders and former presidents Mbeki and FW de Klerk. We are joined by Political reporter at the SABC Busi Bopela & Prof. Ntsikelelo Breakfast - Political analyst and Acting Director of the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University to help us with this discussion.Â
After 8 Is After 8: When winning becomes everything — the pressure on young athletes
Imagine a child who spends hours training, sacrifices weekends with friends, balances schoolwork with competitive sport and knows that a place in the first team could determine their future opportunities. Now imagine that same child making a mistake during an important match. Instead of simply being disappointed, they are terrified of going home because they know their parents will be angry, their coach may drop them, or their teammates may lose respect for them. For that child, sport is no longer just about playing, learning and enjoying the game. It has become a test of their worth. So, how do we get the balance right? How do we raise children who are ambitious and competitive but who also understand that losing is part of sport, resting is not weakness, and being dropped from a team does not make them failures? How can parents recognise when their child needs support rather than another motivational speech? And what responsibility do schools and coaches have to protect the wellbeing of the young people entrusted to them? Tonight, we're looking at the darker side of competitive youth sport and asking how we can equip parents to support their children's ambitions without sacrificing their mental health. Joining us is Dr Bonginkosi Mafuze, head of the Sports and Exercise Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the South African Society of Psychiatrists.
ConCourt Rules in ANC’s Favour in Candidate List Dispute
The African National Congress has won a major legal battle against the Electoral Commission of South Africa, with the Constitutional Court ruling in its favour in a dispute over 181 of its candidates who were excluded from contesting the upcoming local government elections. At the centre of this dispute was a crucial final step on the IEC’s online nomination system. The ANC had uploaded its candidates’ details and paid the required deposits, but failed to click the “submit as final” button before the deadline. The IEC rejected the nominations, and the Electoral Court initially upheld that decision. The ANC then took the matter to the country’s highest court, arguing that a technical requirement on an online system should not prevent its candidates from contesting the elections. The Constitutional Court has now ordered the IEC to take the necessary steps to include the affected candidates on the ballot papers ahead of the November 4 elections. But what does this judgment mean for the enforcement of electoral deadlines, the independence of the IEC and the principle that all political parties must play by the same rules? And does this ruling resolve the controversy, or does it raise further questions about the ANC’s candidate nomination process? We discuss the implications of this landmark decision.
After 8 is After 8: What Is Fear Stopping You From Doing?
Imagine looking back on your life ten years from now and realising that some of the things you wanted most never happened — not necessarily because you lacked the talent, the qualifications, the resources or the opportunity, but because you were too afraid to try. Afraid to fail. Afraid to be rejected. Afraid to disappoint your family. Afraid of what people would say if you stepped outside the life they expected you to live. For many of us, fear influences decisions in ways we do not even recognise. It can keep us in jobs where we are unhappy, prevent us from speaking up when we are being mistreated, stop us from pursuing relationships we want or make us abandon our dreams before we have even started. We become so focused on everything that could go wrong that we never consider what might go right. And even when we have overcome challenges before, that confidence does not always follow us into the next chapter of our lives. But is fear always something we need to overcome, or are there times when it is warning us to slow down and think carefully? And if we are honest with ourselves, how much of what we call being realistic is actually fear of the unknown? Tonight, we are talking about the fears that hold us back, the opportunities we miss because of self-doubt, and how we begin to move forward even when we are not entirely confident. Joining us is Kim Vermaak, whose reflections on fear and personal progress open up an What Is Fear Stopping You From Doing? Kim Vermaak - Emotional Intelligence Specialist important question for all of us: Are you making decisions based on what you truly want, or on what you are afraid might happen?
THE COUNTDOWN TO THE POLLS — IS THE IEC READY?
South Africa is officially in the final stretch towards the 2026 Local Government Elections, with just 21 days to go before voters head to the polls on the 4th of November. The Electoral Commission says preparations are gathering pace, with more than 66 percent of the country's 79 million ballot papers already printed, thousands of electoral officials recruited, and infrastructure being put in place at nearly 24,000 voting stations. But one of the most striking figures in the IEC's latest update is the number of approved special vote applications. More than 2.65 million applications have been approved — an increase of 131 percent compared with the 2021 local government elections. What is driving this dramatic increase, and does the Commission have the capacity to accommodate every eligible voter who has been approved for a special vote? The IEC is also preparing its election results system, working with political parties to test its integrity and reliability, and stepping up efforts to combat disinformation. So, as the countdown begins, how ready is the Commission, what safeguards are in place to protect the credibility of the results, and what must voters do to ensure they are able to cast their ballots? We speak to a representative of the Electoral Commission. Â
SASSA Sets the Record Straight: Who Qualifies for Social Grants in South Africa?
South Africa’s social grant system is once again at the centre of a heated debate, particularly as tensions around immigration and access to public services continue to rise. There are growing concerns among some South Africans about whether foreign nationals are benefiting from social grants while millions of people in this country continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living. But what is fact, and what is misinformation? The South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, says it does not pay social grants to undocumented foreign nationals. Its spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, says only qualifying refugees receive grants, with 1,815 refugees currently benefiting from the system — a figure he says contradicts the numbers circulating on social media. This clarification comes after a Constitutional Court ruling that changed how asylum seekers must be allowed to access South Africa’s asylum determination process. But being allowed to apply for asylum does not automatically grant someone refugee status or citizenship. So, who actually qualifies for social assistance, what are the rules governing foreign nationals, and how can the public distinguish between legitimate concerns and misleading claims? We speak to SASSA about what the law says and how the grant system works.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: MATERNAL BUFFERING — WHEN MOTHERS GO WITHOUT SO THEIR CHILDREN CAN EAT
There is a reality many mothers live with but rarely talk about — going without so their children don’t have to. It’s a phenomenon known as maternal buffering, where mothers sacrifice their own basic needs, including food and water, to ensure their children have something to eat and drink. When there isn’t enough food on the table, a mother may tell her children she has already eaten, skip a meal or drink less water so that her children can have more. For many women, this isn’t a once- off sacrifice; it’s a daily reality shaped by poverty, financial pressures and the responsibility of keeping a family going. But what does this kind of sacrifice do to a mother’s physical and emotional well-being? Why do so many women feel compelled to put their children’s needs ahead of their own, even when it means going hungry? And how do we begin to address a reality where mothers are forced to choose between feeding their children and feeding themselves? Tonight, we unpack maternal buffering, the hidden cost of maternal sacrifice, and what it tells us about hunger, motherhood and the support available to women raising families.
Ekurhuleni Women’s Murders: Does the Latest Arrest Bring the Family Closer to Justice?
The arrest of three suspects in connection with the smartwatch belonging to murdered Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has brought a new development in a case that has left a family grieving and a community demanding answers. The 38- year-old mother was last seen on 9 September when she left her home for her usual run. When she failed to return, her eight-year-old daughter alerted relatives, and a search was launched. Her body was discovered three days later behind a hotel in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park. Now, more than a month after her death, three men have appeared in court over the alleged possession, acquisition and disposal of her Garmin smartwatch. But there is a crucial distinction: none of them has been charged with her murder. While the arrests may offer investigators important leads, the question of who killed Tsontso remains unanswered. How does her family feel about these latest developments? Do they see the arrests as progress, or are they still waiting for the answers and accountability they desperately need? And with several women murdered in Ekurhuleni in recent months, can the police reassure families that these investigations are moving closer to justice? We speak to the family of Elizabeth Moselakgomo about their reaction to the arrests, their expectations of investigators, and the long road ahead.
When a Teacher Becomes a Threat: Educator Dismissed for Harassing Learner with Special Needs
Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of educating, guiding and protecting learners, particularly those who may be more vulnerable and require additional support. But what happens when the very person entrusted with that responsibility crosses the line? A Western Cape teacher has been dismissed with immediate effect after admitting to sexually harassing an 18-year-old learner at Axios School of Skills and Neurodiverse Center. According to an arbitration award by the Education Labour Relations Council, Xolile Duma repeatedly made romantic advances towards the learner, sent her WhatsApp messages and asked her to give him a chance. The learner attends a school catering for pupils with cognitive difficulties. The commissioner found the educator’s conduct improper, disgraceful and unacceptable, ruling that he was unsuitable to work with children. The case raises serious questions about professional boundaries, the protection of learners with special needs, and the consequences when educators abuse the trust placed in them. What safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable learners, and how can schools ensure that children are safe in the very environments designed to help them thrive?
After 8 is After 8: The Long Walk to Learn — Is Scholar Transport Reaching the Children Who Need It?
For thousands of South African schoolchildren, the journey to education begins with a long walk. Before the sun rises, children in rural villages and under-resourced communities are already on the road, walking kilometres to get to school. Some travel along isolated roads, others navigate busy highways, exposing themselves to safety risks just to access what should be a basic right. And by the time they reach the classroom, some are already exhausted before the school day has even begun. South Africa’s Constitution guarantees every child the right to basic education, but that right means little if a child cannot safely get to school. Scholar transport is a critical intervention designed to help eligible learners overcome geographical and financial barriers. Yet questions remain about whether the system is adequately meeting the needs of learners, particularly those in rural communities, and what happens to children who fall outside the criteria or are left without transport. Tonight, we examine the realities facing learners who walk long distances to school. How does this affect their safety, attendance and academic performance? What responsibility do government departments have to ensure that eligible learners receive transport? And ultimately, can we claim to provide equal access to education when the journey to the classroom is already an obstacle?
Thulani Shongwe: Is He Ready to Govern Ekurhuleni?
The race to govern Ekurhuleni is heating up ahead of South Africa’s local government elections, with political parties putting forward candidates who say they have what it takes to turn the city around. Among them is Thulani Shongwe, a Member of Parliament representing the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, who has been selected as the party’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni. Shongwe has positioned himself as an anti-corruption crusader, promising to hold corrupt politicians and tenderpreneurs accountable. But leading a metropolitan municipality requires more than identifying wrongdoing and making political promises. It demands an understanding of municipal finances, strong administrative oversight, sound leadership and the ability to deliver basic services to millions of residents. Ekurhuleni is a major economic hub, yet residents continue to raise concerns about service delivery, housing, water, electricity, infrastructure and safety. As the city prepares for the next chapter of local government, the question is whether Shongwe has the experience, the policies and the practical plan required to address these challenges. What would he prioritise in his first 100 days? How would he fund his proposals? And what distinguishes his approach from that of the political leaders who have governed the city before him? Tonight, we speak to Thulani Shongwe about his ambitions for Ekurhuleni, the MK Party’s plans for the metro, and the evidence behind his promises. We also examine the leadership question at the heart of his candidacy: what makes him the right person for the job, and how should residents judge whether he is ready to govern?
Save video to ...
