listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
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.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Life Sends You Back Home
For many adults, moving back home is never part of the plan. Whether it’s because of financial hardship, divorce, job loss, mental exhaustion, grief, or simply life not working out the way they imagined — returning to your parents’ house or family home can feel deeply emotional. There’s often shame attached to it. People worry about being judged by relatives, neighbours, or even old friends who think going back home means you’ve “failed.” But beyond the embarrassment, there’s also the difficult adjustment of losing independence, adapting to changed family dynamics, and trying to rebuild your life while feeling emotionally stuck between adulthood and starting over. Tonight we unpack the hidden emotional weight of going back home as an adult — and ask whether society has made people feel too ashamed to admit they need help.
Ramaphosa Finally Pulls the Plug on Sisisi Tolashe ( Lumka Oliphant Former Social Development spokesperson )
Ramaphosa Finally Pulls the Plug on Sisisi Tolashe President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally acted against embattled Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe — removing her from office after explosive allegations of misconduct and abuse of state resources. The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Ramaphosa dismissed Tolashe in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution, following mounting pressure over claims that she accepted two luxury Chinese SUVs allegedly meant for the ANC Women’s League and failed to declare them to Parliament. But the scandal doesn’t stop there. Investigations also revealed that a department-employed “food aide” was allegedly working at Tolashe’s private home in East London and forced to pay R7,000 a month into the minister’s daughter’s account to help cover household expenses. Now, with public outrage growing and questions mounting about accountability in government, Ramaphosa has appointed Sindisiwe Chikunga as acting minister while a permanent replacement is considered.
Fraud Accused But Returning To Work? The Ekurhuleni Controversy Raising Questions About Accountability ( INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST MODIBE MODIBA )
Imagine this: a city manager accused of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice appears in court — and days later could be back behind the desk overseeing municipal operations. That’s the controversy unfolding in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, where embattled city manager Kagiso Lerutla is reportedly set to return to work despite his legal troubles. The story has sparked outrage and debate across Gauteng. Critics argue this reflects a culture where politically connected officials continue operating with little consequence, while supporters insist that being charged does not automatically mean someone is guilty. But beyond the politics, ordinary residents are asking a simpler question: who is protecting public money and public trust? At a time when municipalities are battling allegations of corruption, financial instability, and collapsing infrastructure, this case has become bigger than one individual. It’s now about whether South Africa’s local governments have effective systems to deal with officials facing serious criminal allegations — or whether loopholes continue to allow accused officials to remain in powerful positions.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Pay Fair Bill: Justice for Workers or a Threat to Jobs and Business Stability?
South Africa’s deep wage inequality could soon face one of its biggest legal challenges yet. A proposed “Pay Fair Bill” is sparking fierce national debate after calls for companies to publicly disclose salary structures, justify pay gaps, and strengthen equal-pay protections in the workplace. Supporters say the bill is long overdue in a country where Nexecutives often earn millions while ordinary workers struggle to survive on stagnant salaries. But critics argue the legislation could create chaos for businesses, expose confidential salary information, and even discourage companies from hiring.
Phala Phala Returns: ActionSA’s Criminal Charges Against Ramaphosa
The Phala Phala saga is refusing to die down... and now, it’s taking another dramatic turn. Opposition party ActionSAsays it will officially file criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the controversial farm theft scandal that has haunted his presidency for years. The party claims the President may have violated the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, committed perjury, fraud, and allegedly made false statements to police regarding the exact amount of money stolen during the 2020 burglary at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. According to recent reports, the amount stolen may have been significantly more than what was initially disclosed publicly. Now this is important because the timing could not be more politically explosive. Just days ago, the Constitutional Court reignited pressure around the Phala Phala matter, reopening questions about accountability, transparency, and whether Parliament acted correctly when it previously blocked impeachment proceedings. So tonight we ask: Is this genuine accountability finally catching up with the President... or is this becoming a politically weaponised battle ahead of future elections?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: If you could introduce ONE Rule for People Wanting to Run Municipalities, What Would it Be?
South Africa’s local government system could soon undergo major changes as the revised Draft White Paper on Local Government has officially been opened for public comment by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The review aims to fix long-standing problems in municipalities — from poor service delivery and corruption to political interference and failing infrastructure. One of the biggest talking points is the push for more capable, accountable and professional municipal leadership. Proposed reforms include competency-based recruitment, clearer separation between politicians and administrators, stronger ethical oversight, and assigning powers based on a municipality’s actual capacity to deliver.
PHALA PHALA JUDGMENT: RAMAPHOSA REFUSES TO RESIGN AS IMPEACHMENT PROCESS RETURNS ( POLITICAL ANALYST SANDILE SWANA )
South Africa’s political landscape has once again been thrown into uncertainty after President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that he will not resign following the landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa on the Phala Phala matter. The apex court ruled that Parliament’s decision in 2022 not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry was flawed and must be set aside — effectively reopening the door to a Section 89 impeachment process. Now, while the President insists the judgment does not make any finding of guilt against him, critics argue that the political and moral implications are enormous.
8.1 Million Unemployed: Is South Africa Sitting on a Social Time Bomb? ( MATSHIDISO LENCOASA - BUDGET ANALYST AT SECTION 27 AND MEMBER OF THE BUDGET JUSTICE COALITION )
Tonight we ask the difficult questions: has South Africa normalised mass unemployment? Are political leaders failing to grasp the urgency of the crisis? And in a country where millions remain excluded from economic participation, how long before unemployment becomes not just an economic problem — but a serious social and political threat?
Save video to ...
