listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: FROM KRAALS TO CONCRETE: IS URBANISATION CHANGING HOW WE CONNECT WITH OUR HERITAGE?
For generations, the idea of “home” for many South African families has meant more than the house where you grew up. It could mean the rural homestead — the place where your grandparents lived, where family rituals were performed, where the umsamo was kept, where the kraal formed part of the homestead, and where children were taught customs and traditions by the elders around them. But South Africa has changed dramatically. Millions of us now live in cities, far away from those rural homes. We have moved for education, work and better opportunities, and many of our children are being raised in apartments, townhouses and suburban homes where some of the physical spaces associated with traditional practices simply don't exist. So what happens to our relationship with culture when we are physically separated from the places where that culture has traditionally been practised? Can you maintain a strong connection to your heritage when the ancestral home is hundreds of kilometres away? And what happens to practices like imbeleko, family rituals and the role of the umsamo when there is no longer a rural homestead at the centre of everyday family life? Today, we're asking whether modernisation and urbanisation are changing not only where we live, but how we understand, practise and pass on our heritage to the next generation.
Financial Sector Conduct Authority ( Ms. Alicia Moses - Designation: Manager: Consumer Education, FSCA )
For millions of South Africans, the Two-Pot Retirement System has changed the way we think about our retirement savings. Since 2024, members have been able to access a portion of their retirement savings when they need financial relief. And when you're dealing with debt, school fees, household expenses or simply trying to make it through the month, that money can be very tempting. But accessing your retirement savings isn't simply a case of taking money that is sitting there waiting for you. There are tax consequences, there may be fees, and every withdrawal potentially reduces what you will have available when you retire. And beyond withdrawals, consumers also need to know whether the money being deducted from their salaries is actually being paid into their retirement funds. So, how do you know when a withdrawal is worth considering, what are you actually giving up when you take that money now, and what should you do if the numbers on your payslip don't match your retirement fund records? Today, we're unpacking what every retirement fund member should know before making that decision.
REVISITING THE FLAG DEBATE ON HERITAGE DAY ( Bandile Magibili )
Every time we see the South African flag flying, particularly during Heritage Month, we’re reminded of the country we became in 1994 — a country emerging from apartheid and attempting to build a new national identity. But how much do we actually know about the history behind the flag itself? The official historical account credits the late State Herald Frederick Gordon Brownell with designing the flag that was unveiled in 1994. But an independent researcher, Bandile Magibili, has spent years investigating the process that led to the flag’s adoption, and he says there are still questions that deserve closer examination. Among them: what happened to the designs submitted by members of the public during the transition to democracy, how were those submissions assessed, and how exactly did the final design emerge? At the centre of his research is Eastern Cape artist Thembani Hastings Mqhayi, who maintains that he submitted five designs during that public process. Magibili is now taking the research into international academic spaces, including Mauritius, arguing that the documentary evidence should be subjected to independent scholarly scrutiny. So today, we're asking a fascinating question about one of the most recognisable symbols of our democracy: what does the evidence actually tell us about the origins and authorship of South Africa's national flag?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: HOW ARE WE GRIEVING AS A COUNTRY?
South Africa is a country that has experienced a tremendous amount of loss. We lose people to illness, accidents, crime, suicide and violence — and for many families, one loss can come before they have even had the opportunity to process the one that came before it. Yet life carries on. We go back to work, we raise our children, we pay the bills and somehow, we are expected to keep functioning. So what does all of this loss do to us emotionally? Are we actually processing our grief, or have we become accustomed to simply carrying it? And is there such a thing as a country becoming collectively exhausted from grief? Today, we want to look at how we are grieving as a nation — the ways we deal with loss, the things we don't talk about, and whether some of us are carrying unresolved grief without even realising it. We're joined by psychologist, author and mental-health advocate Dr. Better, whose new book Reflections of a Grieving Therapist draws on her years of helping people navigate pain and loss, as well as her own experience of grief.
Mpox Cases Rise to 22 in South Africa: What You Need to Know
South Africa’s confirmed Mpox cases have now risen from 18 to 22, with four new laboratory-confirmed infections recorded as of Tuesday. The majority of the cases are concentrated in the Western Cape, which accounts for 18 of the 22 cases, while Gauteng has recorded three and KwaZulu-Natal one. One of the newly confirmed cases is a 47-year-old man from Cape Town who had travelled to Spain earlier this month and was initially classified as a probable case while authorities waited for laboratory results. The other new infections include two imported cases involving a German and a Norwegian citizen. The Department of Health says it is working with the NICD, the WHO and provincial health authorities on contact tracing and enhanced surveillance. So, while the numbers remain relatively small, authorities are watching the situation closely, particularly because cases are being detected across more than one province. What does this increase mean for the public, how does Mpox spread, what symptoms should people be looking out for, and at what point should someone seek medical attention?
Political Parties sign IEC’s Electoral Code of Conduct. Can it restore trust?
With just 42 days to go before South Africans head to the polls for the local government elections, political parties and independent candidates have now put pen to paper, committing themselves to the IEC’s Electoral Code of Conduct. On the face of it, signing a code may sound like a routine part of the election calendar — but this is essentially a commitment about how political parties conduct themselves between now and Election Day. The Code requires contestants to reject political violence, intimidation and threats, respect voters and opponents, and campaign in a way that allows South Africans to make their choices freely. And this year, there is another major issue on the table: disinformation. The IEC’s new provisions require parties and candidates to verify information before sharing it and to correct false or misleading information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it. So, what does this commitment actually mean for political parties on the ground? What happens when a party or candidate crosses the line? And, importantly, in an election increasingly fought on social media, how do we distinguish robust political debate from misinformation and deliberate attempts to mislead voters? Those are some of the questions we’re putting to our guest today.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Are Our Screens Changing Our Eyes? The Global Rise of Myopia
We spend hours looking at screens — our phones, tablets, laptops and televisions. And for children, that screen time is increasingly happening from a very young age. But could the way we live — spending more time indoors and focusing on things close to our faces — actually be changing the way our eyes develop? We’re talking about myopia, or short-sightedness, where people can see things close up but struggle to see clearly in the distance. It is becoming increasingly common around the world, particularly among children and young people. One widely cited global projection estimates that by 2050, almost half of the world’s population could be myopic — close to five billion people. And this isn't simply about needing a stronger pair of glasses. Severe myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions, including retinal problems and retinal detachment. So, as we mark Eye Care Awareness Month, we're asking: are we raising a generation that is becoming increasingly short-sighted — and what can parents and adults do about it?
Dr Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety
What does it tell us about crime in Gauteng when one precinct records 76 kidnapping cases in a single quarter? And perhaps more importantly, what sits behind that number? The latest SAPS statistics show that Kempton Park recorded 76 kidnappings between April and June 2026, compared with 48 in the same period last year. At provincial level, Gauteng recorded 2,367 cases — the highest provincial total in the country for that quarter. The Gauteng Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety says kidnapping cannot be viewed in isolation. Its stakeholder engagement heard about cases involving hijacking-related kidnappings and ransom demands, including a reported R5-million demand in Bekkersdal and R3-million demand in Roodepoort. That points to a broader criminal ecosystem involving organised crime and the exploitation of victims for financial gain. But for residents, statistics ultimately translate into a much more basic question: how safe are we, and what is being done differently now that these hotspots have been identified? The committee is calling for stronger intelligence gathering, better coordination between law-enforcement agencies, targeted operations and greater engagement with communities. So, what does an effective response actually look like — and why has kidnapping become such a significant challenge in Gauteng? We're joined by Dr Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety.
CAN CAPE TOWN UNLOCK MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS? ( Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis )
The housing crisis in Cape Town is about more than simply building houses — it is also about where people can afford to live, how close they are to jobs and whether the city has enough affordable rental stock to keep up with demand. Today, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the City wants to use its Township Development Fund to support small-scale developers who are already building rental accommodation in informal settlements. The idea is to help these developments become safer, legal and properly connected to municipal services, including sewerage. The announcement comes as the city grapples with rapid population growth and growing pressure on housing and infrastructure. The City says there is a pipeline of more than 14,000 affordable housing units on land being released or packaged for development, while it estimates that around 70% of future housing demand will fall within the affordable bracket. So, can supporting township-based and micro-developers help address the housing shortage — and crucially, can it create housing that working-class Capetonians can actually afford, in areas where they can access jobs and transport? And what happens to people already living in informal settlements while these longer-term developments are being planned?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Should Matric Dances Be Scrapped — Or Should Learners Have To Earn The Right To Celebrate?
For many South African teenagers, the matric dance is one of those moments they have been dreaming about for years. The dress, the suit, the photographs, arriving with your friends, celebrating the end of 12 years of schooling — it is supposed to be a night to remember. But should that celebration come with conditions? Should you have to earn your matric dance through good marks, good behaviour and discipline? That question has been thrust into the spotlight after a principal at Milner High School in Klerksdorp cancelled this year’s matric farewell following poor academic performance and concerns about learner behaviour. Seventy-two out of 186 Grade 12 learners failed their Term 2 examinations, while the principal also raised concerns about learners bunking classes and missing additional lessons, as well as disruptive behaviour during the so-called 40 Days celebrations. So where do we draw the line? Is cancelling the dance a legitimate way of teaching accountability — that privileges come with responsibility — or are we punishing an entire group of young people for the actions and academic performance of some? And what about the learner who worked hard, attended every class and performed well? Tonight, we ask: should matric dances be scrapped altogether, or should they remain an important rite of passage — perhaps with a different approach to how they are earned and celebrated?
17 Days of Searching: Remembering Itumeleng Kekana
As the number of women found dead across Ekurhuleni continues to grow, we have heard many of the names, the locations where their bodies were discovered, and the growing fears among communities. But behind every one of those bodies is a woman who had a family, relationships, dreams and a life that existed long before she became part of a police investigation. One of those women was 32-year-old Itumeleng Kekana, originally from QwaQwa in the Free State. She disappeared from Kempton Park on the evening of July 17. Her family spent 17 days searching for her, going from hospitals and clinics to police stations and mortuaries, holding onto the hope that they would find her alive. Instead, they were eventually called to identify her body after it was found near a bridge along the R21. And perhaps because so much attention has understandably focused on the growing number of women being found, Itumeleng herself risks becoming another name in a list. But for her family, she was not a statistic. She was a mother, a daughter, a sister and a woman remembered as humble and loving — and a huge Orlando Pirates supporter. Today, we want to slow down and hear more about Itumeleng: who she was, what happened during those 17 days of searching, and what her family needs answers to now. We speak to the family spokesperson.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: ARE YOU OKAY? THE CONVERSATION WE OFTEN AVOID
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time when we are encouraged to talk about something that many of us still find incredibly difficult to say out loud — suicide. And perhaps the hardest part is that sometimes, the people we lose are not people we thought were struggling. They could be the colleague who arrived at work every morning, the friend who was always making everyone laugh, the parent who kept the household going, or the person who kept saying, “I’m fine,” even when they weren’t. But talking about suicide cannot simply be about what happens after someone dies. It has to be about what happens before — the moments when someone is struggling, withdrawing, feeling overwhelmed or losing hope. Do we know how to recognise when someone needs help? Do we know what to say without making things worse? And importantly, are we creating spaces where people feel safe enough to say, “I am not okay”? Today, we want to have an honest conversation about suicide — not to sensationalise it, but to understand it. We’ll look at some of the warning signs, the role that families, friends and communities can play, and where people can turn when they feel that they simply cannot carry what they are carrying anymore.
Beyond the Outrage: Why Does the Cycle Keep Repeating?
Nine women. Nine bodies found in the Ekurhuleni area — and once again, a country is asking the same questions: Who killed them? Why were they killed? Could this have been prevented? And perhaps the bigger question — what happens after the outrage dies down? Because this is a cycle South Africans know far too well. A woman is killed, there is public outrage, politicians make statements, police announce investigations and arrests are made — and then, weeks or months later, another woman is dead and we find ourselves having essentially the same conversation all over again. At the same time, the language coming from authorities is coming under scrutiny, particularly when women are told about the precautions they should take to keep themselves safe. So tonight, we want to have a difficult conversation with women's rights activists and organisations: Are we dealing with individual crimes, or are we looking at a deeper systemic failure in how South Africa responds to violence against women? What should the police be saying and doing differently? And at what point does repeated outrage have to translate into measurable change? We also will be getting an update from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WILLS WEEK - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ( Advocate Kanyane Mathibe )
We spend our lives working, building businesses, buying homes and providing for our families — but how many of us have actually made a plan for what happens to all of it when we're gone? This week is National Wills Week, and it's a good opportunity to have that conversation. Because saying “my family knows what I want” may not be enough. What happens to your house? Your savings? Your business? Who looks after your children? And what happens when there are children from different relationships or family members who all believe they were promised something? So tonight we're talking about why having a will matters, what happens when you die without one, and how something as simple as putting your wishes on paper could prevent confusion, conflict — and possibly a very ugly family fight.
HOW TO CATCH A SERIAL KILLER - VIEWS FROM A RETIRED DETECTIVE ( Bushie Engelbrecht )
Eight women dead in and around Ekurhuleni in less than two months. Their bodies have been found in places including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and Kwa-Thema — some partially clothed, some with visible injuries. Among them was 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after going for a run in Kempton Park. The discoveries have raised fears that there could be a serial killer operating in the area. But police have been careful not to confirm that theory, saying investigators are still establishing whether these cases are connected. What they have confirmed is that there are similarities between some of the cases, that a specialised investigation is under way, and that the police have now offered a R400,000 reward for information that could help solve the murders. So what is the investigation actually telling us at this point? What evidence is being examined? How do investigators determine whether seemingly separate murders are connected — and what could link these women’s deaths?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: AI: PROMISE OR PERIL?
Artificial intelligence is no longer something we only see in science fiction. It is writing our emails, creating images, helping doctors analyse information, powering businesses and increasingly making decisions that affect our everyday lives. But as AI becomes more powerful, some of the very people building these systems are sounding the alarm. The recent resignation of an AI researcher over concerns that technology companies are racing to develop increasingly advanced systems has once again raised a frightening question: what happens if we build artificial intelligence that becomes more capable than we are — and eventually becomes impossible to control? Is the fear of AI destroying humanity grounded in science, or are we allowing the most extreme scenarios to overshadow the enormous potential of this technology? And perhaps most importantly, who is making sure that the race to develop AI does not move faster than our ability to control it?
8TH BODY HAS BEEN DISCOVERED ( POLICE SPOKESPERSON ATHLENDA MATHE )
Police have stressed that they have not established that the cases are connected, and they have warned against jumping to the conclusion that a serial killer is operating in the area. But investigators have acknowledged that there are similarities between some of the cases — and they are now examining everything from the locations and timelines to victim profiles, forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding each death. Police say a multidisciplinary team has been assembled, involving detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and investigative psychology specialists. But for women living in these communities, the investigation is happening against a backdrop of very real fear. Some residents say they no longer feel safe walking alone to work, exercising outdoors or moving around their neighbourhoods in the early morning or evening. So, what exactly do we know about these deaths at this point? What similarities have investigators identified? And importantly, at what point can police legitimately begin talking about a pattern — rather than a series of separate tragedies?
SEVEN WOMEN, ONE COMMUNITY AND GROWING FEAR ( AMBASSADOR ANDY MASHAILE - Strategic Analyst and Security Strategist )
SEVEN women are now dead — their bodies discovered in different parts of Ekurhuleni over roughly two months. And while investigators are still working to establish exactly what happened to each of these women, a growing sense of fear is taking hold among residents — particularly women who now say they are changing the way they move through their own communities. The latest discovery was made this morning in Kwa-Thema, Springs, near the Blesbokspruit River. It comes as police continue investigating the deaths of five other women whose bodies were found around Kempton Park and surrounding areas. Police have stressed that they have not established that the cases are connected, and they have warned against jumping to the conclusion that a serial killer is operating in the area. But investigators have acknowledged that there are similarities between some of the cases — and they are now examining everything from the locations and timelines to victim profiles, forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding each death. Police say a multidisciplinary team has been assembled, involving detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and investigative psychology specialists. But for women living in these communities, the investigation is happening against a backdrop of very real fear. Some residents say they no longer feel safe walking alone to work, exercising outdoors or moving around their neighbourhoods in the early morning or evening. So, what exactly do we know about these deaths at this point? What similarities have investigators identified? And importantly, at what point can police legitimately begin talking about a pattern — rather than a series of separate tragedies?
ROMANCE SCAMS: THE BLACK AXE CONNECTION ( IRS FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR CHAD THOMAS )
The United States is seeking the extradition of six Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa, who are accused of being part of a sophisticated international romance scam operation. US authorities allege that the suspects used fake online identities to develop relationships with victims, manipulate their emotions and ultimately defraud them of money. South African police say the case is linked to the notorious Black Axe organised crime network, raising questions about how criminal syndicates are using technology and social media to operate across borders. But beyond the arrests, this case shines a light on a growing and deeply personal form of crime — romance fraud. What makes these scams particularly dangerous is that the criminals aren't simply stealing money; they are first building trust and emotional connections with their victims. They may spend weeks or months communicating with someone, creating the illusion of a genuine romantic relationship before asking for financial assistance. So, how sophisticated are these networks, how difficult are they to detect, and why do people continue to fall victim to them despite increasing awareness of online scams?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Beyond the Classroom: What Should Parents Really Look For?
It’s that time of year when parents are visiting schools, attending open days and trying to make one of the most important decisions they will make on behalf of their children: Which school is going to give my child the best possible start in life?And for many parents, the decision can come down to very practical things — the school fees, academic results, the quality of the classrooms, sporting facilities, safety, class sizes and perhaps even how impressive the school looks when you walk through its gates. But should we be looking beyond what we can immediately see? Because a good school is not simply one that produces children who perform well in examinations. We also need to ask whether our schools are developing children who can think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, work with others, manage their emotions, deal with failure and adapt to a world that is changing incredibly quickly. With technology and artificial intelligence transforming the workplace, some of the skills our children will need in adulthood may not even be the skills we were taught when we were at school. So, as parents attend open days this month, what should they actually be looking for? What questions should they be asking teachers and school management? And how can parents tell the difference between a school that simply looks impressive and one that is genuinely investing in the development of the whole child?
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