listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Are We Replacing Therapists with AI? Has ChatGPT Become South Africa's New Counsellor?
More and more South Africans are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for advice on anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief and even major life decisions. It's free, available 24 hours a day, and unlike therapy, there's no waiting list. But mental health professionals are raising serious concerns, warning that AI can give misleading advice, reinforce harmful thinking and completely miss the warning signs when someone is in crisis. Some overseas cases have even linked chatbot interactions to tragic outcomes, prompting lawsuits against AI developers. So tonight we're asking: Has AI become your therapist? Have you ever turned to ChatGPT or another AI chatbot for advice about your personal life or mental health? What happened? Did it genuinely help you, or did it make things worse?
“Mind–Body Connection: The Power Through Thought.”
Today we explore the inspiring topic, “Mind–Body Connection: The Power Through Thought.” Joining us is Pratiba Daya, National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. She will share insights on how our thoughts shape our emotions, health, and overall well-being, and how positive, peaceful thinking can help us lead happier, more balanced lives. We invite you, our listeners, to be part of the conversation by sending in your questions, reflections, and experiences as we discover together the remarkable power of the mind–body connection.
Another Deadly Initiation Season: Why Are Young Men Still Dying? ( Dr. Tshimangadzo Edward Mafadza is the Chief Executive Officer )
The winter initiation season is meant to mark the journey from boyhood to manhood, but for dozens of South African families, it has instead become a season of mourning. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed that 43 initiates have died during this year's winter initiation season, with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape recording the highest number of fatalities. Authorities say illegal initiation schools, negligence and poor oversight continue to fuel these preventable deaths, despite years of promises to improve safety. Tonight we ask: How many more young lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken? Is government failing to shut down illegal initiation schools, or is this a problem that requires stronger accountability from traditional leaders, parents and communities?
R7.3 Billion in Debt, Just R2 Billion in the Bank: Is Ekurhuleni Running Out of Money? ( INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST MODIBE MODIBA HAS BEEN TRACKING THIS STORY )
Imagine owing more than three times the amount of money you have in your bank account. That's the reality facing the City of Ekurhuleni, which reportedly owes R7.3 billion while holding just R2 billion in available cash. Critics warn that the city's financial position threatens essential services, while others argue municipalities across the country are under growing pressure from rising costs, poor revenue collection and ageing infrastructure. So, who's to blame for Ekurhuleni's financial crisis, and more importantly, who will pay the price if the city can't turn things around? Tonight, we unpack what this means for residents, businesses and the future of local government in South Africa.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: A Bigger Claims Limit, But Will It Deliver Real Justice?
For years, many South Africans have simply walked away from money owed to them because taking someone to court often costs more than the claim itself. Whether it's an unpaid debt, a landlord refusing to return a deposit, a contractor who took your money and disappeared, or a business that breached a contract, the legal system has often felt too expensive and too intimidating for ordinary people. The Small Claims Court was created to change that by allowing people to represent themselves without paying legal fees. Now, government has expanded its reach even further by increasing the maximum amount that can be claimed from R20,000 to R30,000. On paper, this sounds like a major victory for access to justice, opening the doors to thousands more South Africans who previously fell outside the court's limits. But does simply raising the threshold solve the real problems? What about long waiting times, a lack of public awareness, limited court resources, and the fact that winning a case doesn't always mean you'll actually get paid? Tonight we ask: Has government made justice more accessible, or is this just a bigger promise inside the same struggling system?
Poet, Activist... Mayor? Ntsiki Mazwai's Political Leap
For years, she's been one of South Africa's loudest and most unapologetic voices. Whether she's taking on politicians, challenging social norms, or sparking fierce debates on social media, Ntsiki Mazwai has never been afraid to tell those in power exactly where they're getting it wrong. But now, she's making a bold move. Instead of criticising from the sidelines, she's stepping into the political arena herself, announcing that she wants to become Johannesburg's next mayor under the Land Party banner. She says she's done being an "armchair critic" and is ready to lead one of Africa's most troubled cities—a city battling failing infrastructure, water shortages, crime, decaying roads, and collapsing service delivery. The question is: does speaking truth to power prepare you to become power? Can someone with no experience in government bring fresh thinking to a city that's been through one coalition after another? Or is this simply another celebrity entering politics without a clear plan? Well, she's joining us in studio this evening to answer those questions herself. Ntsiki Mazwai, welcome to Metro Talk.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Poison in the Pot: The Hidden Danger Lurking in Cheap Cookware
For many South Africans, buying an affordable cooking pot from a roadside trader or informal market is simply a matter of survival. When you're feeding a family on a tight budget, spending hundreds or even thousands of rands on branded cookware isn't an option. But health experts are now warning that what seems like a bargain could come at a devastating cost. Many of these so-called artisan or three-legged cast pots are made from recycled scrap metal or coated with unsafe paints, and they may contain dangerous levels of lead, arsenic and other toxic heavy metals. Every time food is cooked in these pots, those toxins can leach into meals and accumulate in the body over time. The consequences can be severe, ranging from kidney damage and developmental delays in children to reproductive problems and even lifelong neurological damage. So how widespread is this problem, how can consumers tell the difference between safe and unsafe cookware, and what should government be doing to protect vulnerable communities? We're unpacking the issue tonight.
IDAC Under Pressure: Can South Africa's Anti-Corruption Watchdog Deliver? ( Dr Jean Redpath, Senior Researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute )
Over the past year, the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has been positioned as South Africa's answer to tackling high-level corruption and restoring public confidence in the justice system. But instead of only pursuing corruption, the institution now finds itself at the centre of controversy. Today's proceedings at the Madlanga Commission have once again put IDAC under intense scrutiny. Its head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, revealed that she had recused herself from investigations involving senior Crime Intelligence officers because of a conflict of interest, while also defending the unit against allegations that it has been used to pursue politically motivated cases. So, is IDAC facing the growing pains of a new institution taking on powerful interests, or are these controversies undermining its credibility before it has had the chance to establish itself? And what will it take for South Africa's newest anti-corruption body to win the public's trust while remaining independent, effective and free from political interference? Tonight, we unpack the challenges facing IDAC and what they mean for the country's fight against corruption.
Can Frank Chikane Rescue Johannesburg? ( Political Analyst, Prof Boitumelo Senokoane )
Johannesburg could soon have one of South Africa's most respected struggle veterans at the helm. Reverend Frank Chikane, anti-apartheid activist, former Director-General in the Presidency and church leader, is reportedly the African National Congress' preferred candidate to become the party's mayoral face in South Africa's economic capital ahead of this year's local government elections. If confirmed, the move would be far more than a routine political appointment. It would signal the ANC's decision to place experience, credibility and moral authority at the centre of its campaign in a city that has become synonymous with service delivery failures, ageing infrastructure, coalition instability and declining public confidence. But is this a masterstroke that could restore trust in Johannesburg's leadership, or does it raise uncomfortable questions about the ANC's ability to produce a new generation of leaders? Tonight, we unpack what Frank Chikane's reported candidacy could mean for Johannesburg, for the ANC, and for South Africa's political future.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Unsafe to Serve? Public Protector Exposes Deep Failures in School Feeding Programme
South Africans were promised that after last year's devastating food poisoning tragedy that claimed the lives of dozens of children, every possible step would be taken to protect learners. Yet today, the Public Protector has laid bare a picture of neglect that is nothing short of alarming. Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka says the investigation found that only 262 of Gauteng's 1,675 schools participating in the National School Nutrition Programme have valid Certificates of Acceptability. Hundreds of schools reportedly don't even have proper kitchens or safe food preparation areas. These are the very places where children receive the meals many depend on to survive. How can government continue serving food in facilities that fail basic health and safety standards? Who takes responsibility when the systems designed to protect our children are found wanting? Tonight, we unpack the Public Protector's explosive findings and ask whether enough is being done to prevent another tragedy.
Monde Mkalipi - Spokesperson - Road Traffic Infringement Authority
Last week on the programme, we spoke about the growing legal battle over the implementation of AARTO after the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, OUTA, launched an urgent High Court application to stop the second phase of the rollout. OUTA argues that government is enforcing the new system without first putting in place key legal safeguards, including an Independent Appeals Tribunal for motorists. It says this is about protecting the rule of law, while government insists AARTO is essential to improving road safety and driver accountability. Today, we're giving the other side an opportunity to respond. Joining us now is the Road Traffic Infringement Authority to answer the concerns raised by OUTA and explain why it believes the rollout should continue.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Can We Live Meaningful Lives Without God or Spirituality? Does It Really Matter?
Some of humanity's greatest achievements have been inspired by faith. Some of our greatest acts of compassion have come from people who believe deeply in God, while others have come from those who don't believe at all. Across the world, billions of people pray, worship and draw strength from their spiritual beliefs, saying their faith gives them purpose, hope and a moral compass. But millions of others argue that meaning isn't something handed down from heaven—it's something we create ourselves through love, family, kindness, science, philosophy, service and the relationships we build. So, can someone live a deeply meaningful, fulfilling and ethical life without believing in God? Does spirituality offer something unique that cannot be replaced, or are purpose and happiness ultimately human qualities that exist regardless of faith? Tonight, we ask one of life's oldest and most profound questions: does believing in something beyond ourselves really change the way we live?
Maluta Netshaulu, Head of Social Impact Portfolio Development at Nedbank
We’re joined by Maluta Netshaulu, Head of Social Impact Portfolio Development at Nedbank, a leading advocate for South Africa’s green economy and inclusive growth. Following the launch of Nedbank’s Fashion & Clothing Market Access Accelerator in partnership with Fetola at All Fashion Sourcing Summit that happened in Cape Town this week. He will be providing us with some insights on how investing in entrepreneurs within the textile and manufacturing market can drive sustainable livelihoods, create jobs, strengthen local manufacturing and build a more resilient, circular economy. Stay tuned for this conversation next.
AARTO in the Dock: Is Government Rushing Road Traffic Reform Without Legal Safeguards?
The implementation of the second phase of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, better known as AARTO, is facing a significant legal challenge. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, or OUTA, has approached the High Court on an urgent basis, asking that the rollout be suspended until government complies with what it says are essential constitutional and legal requirements. At the heart of the dispute is whether motorists are being subjected to a new enforcement regime without the protections Parliament intended them to have. OUTA argues that government has effectively switched on penalties before putting in place key safeguards, including an Independent Appeals Tribunal that would allow motorists to challenge administrative decisions. The organisation insists this is not an attempt to shield reckless drivers from accountability, but rather a fight to ensure that the rule of law applies equally to government itself. So, is this a necessary intervention to protect the rights of ordinary South Africans, or could it delay much-needed reforms aimed at improving road safety and reducing lawlessness on our roads?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Left Behind: The Hidden Struggles of Widowhood in South Africa
When a spouse dies, the funeral eventually comes to an end, the mourners go home, and life appears to move on. But for thousands of widows across South Africa, that's when the real battle begins. Overnight, many women are forced to become the sole providers, caregivers and emotional anchors for families shattered by loss. They are left to comfort children who desperately miss their father, while trying to process a grief so overwhelming that it often becomes a daily struggle just to get out of bed. At the same time, many widows are expected to navigate complicated relationships with in-laws, who in some cases dispute inheritances, lay claim to property, or even force women from the homes they shared with their husbands. Instead of receiving compassion and support, many find themselves isolated, financially vulnerable and fighting simply to survive.
Opposition Parties Oppose Ramaphosa's Bid to Halt the Phala Phala Impeachment Process.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's bid to halt Parliament's impeachment inquiry over the Phala Phala scandal has taken a dramatic turn after a Western Cape High Court judge questioned whether being subjected to an impeachment inquiry would amount to & public humiliation & During proceedings, Judge Matthew Francis drew a comparison with former President Nelson Mandela, who appeared in court and testified in the landmark SARFU case,asking, Mandela went into the witness box, it did not bring the house down. Why would it be different for President Ramaphosa? The exchange came after Ramaphosa's legal team argued that allowing the Section 89 inquiry to proceed before his review application is heard would cause him irreparable reputational harm and subject him to unnecessary public humiliation.
Omotoso Case Back on the Table: Has the NPA Been Given a Second Chance at Justice?
In a major development in one of South Africa's most closely watched criminal cases, the Supreme Court of Appeal has granted the National Prosecuting Authority leave to appeal the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused. The decision effectively revives a case that many believed had reached its conclusion after the Gqeberha High Court acquitted the trio of dozens of charges, including rape, human trafficking, sexual assault and racketeering. The NPA has consistently argued that the trial court made significant errors in law and says the appeal is not about retrying facts but ensuring that the law was correctly applied.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Online Grooming of Children: Are We Doing Enough to Keep Kids Safe?
As children spend more time online for school, entertainment and socialising, the internet has become an essential part of everyday life. But alongside the opportunities it offers comes a growing danger that many families underestimate—online grooming. Predators are increasingly using social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps to build trust with children before manipulating or exploiting them. Often, these interactions happen in secret, making them difficult for parents to detect until it's too late. Tonight, we unpack the reality of online grooming, how offenders target vulnerable children, the warning signs every parent should know, and why open conversations, digital supervision and parental involvement are among the strongest tools to protect children in an increasingly connect world.
One Sick Note After Another – Is the Madlanga Commission Being Delayed by a Pattern of Medical Absences?
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is facing an unexpected obstacle in its pursuit of answers—not legal arguments or procedural challenges, but a growing number of witnesses who are unable to testify because of illness. Over the past few weeks, several key figures expected to appear before the commission have submitted medical certificates at the last minute, raising concerns about whether these are genuine coincidences or part of a worrying trend that is slowing the commission's work. Among those who have failed to appear are Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk, North West businessman Suliman Carrim and, most recently, the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, Advocate Andrea Johnson. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has openly expressed frustration, even describing one medical certificate as "useless" because it provided virtually no meaningful information about the witness's condition or ability to testify.
South Africa on High Alert as Government Screens for Ebola at Ports of Entry ( Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi )
South Africa is stepping up its health security measures as authorities prepare for the possibility of the deadly Ebola virus reaching the country. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says while there are currently no reported Ebola cases in South Africa, government is taking no chances following an outbreak in Uganda. Screening and surveillance measures have been intensified at airports, border posts and other ports of entry, with trained health officials using thermal scanners and symptom assessments to identify possible cases before travellers enter the country. The minister says the country's response is based on scientific risk assessments rather than fear, warning that in an interconnected world, infectious diseases can spread rapidly across borders. This raises important questions about South Africa's readiness to respond to another public health threat. What lessons have been learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and previous Ebola outbreaks? Are border screening measures enough to prevent the virus from entering the country? And how prepared are hospitals and healthcare workers should a suspected case be detected?
Save video to ...
