AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: HAS THE SPIRIT OF UBUNTU LEFT TOWNSHIP ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

Ubuntu is one of the values South Africans often pride themselves on – the idea that our humanity is interconnected and that we have a responsibility to look after one another. Historically, township businesses were not just places where people bought and sold goods. They were also part of the social fabric of communities. Entrepreneurs were neighbours, employers, mentors and, sometimes, the people residents turned to when they were in trouble. But has that relationship changed? In today's increasingly competitive and economically challenging environment, are township entrepreneurs still driven by a sense of collective responsibility, or has the pursuit of individual success taken precedence over community upliftment? Philanthropy and entrepreneurship need not exist in separate worlds. Businesses can create wealth while also addressing social challenges, supporting vulnerable households and investing in the communities that sustain them. Yet, with poverty, unemployment and inequality continuing to affect township communities, one has to ask whether the spirit of giving back is still alive, and whether it is being practised in meaningful and sustainable ways. One man whose life offers an extraordinary case study is Alexandra's Linda Twala, affectionately known as the Godfather of Alexandra. For nearly six decades, he has combined entrepreneurship with philanthropy, providing food assistance to elderly residents, helping families who cannot afford to bury their loved ones, supporting vulnerable people and creating opportunities for young people. Much of this work is financed from his own pocket, alongside occasional sponsorships and donations. So, is Linda Twala an example of what township entrepreneurship should look like, or is he part of a generation of community-minded entrepreneurs whose values are slowly disappearing? What does it take to build a business while remaining invested in the wellbeing of the people around you? We speak to Linda Twala about entrepreneurship, Ubuntu, philanthropy and the responsibility of business to give back.

The Legal Rights of Foreign Shop Owners Versus Community Activism (MELUSI XULU - ATTORNEY - AT DONDA ATTONEYS)

The growing tensions between foreign-owned businesses and anti-immigration activists in South Africa are once again raising difficult questions about the rule of law, constitutional rights and the limits of community action. Several foreign shop owners have approached the courts in an attempt to obtain legal protection against Phakel Umthakathi Ndabandaba and seven other activists. The shop owners are seeking an interdict amid allegations of intimidation and actions targeting their businesses. The case brings into focus a fundamental question: Can individuals or community groups take it upon themselves to investigate immigration violations, shut down businesses or prevent foreign nationals from operating, even where they believe the law is being broken? South Africa has laws governing immigration, business compliance and the operation of commercial premises. But those laws also establish processes and identify which authorities have the power to enforce them. Being concerned about undocumented immigration or alleged illegal business operations does not automatically give private citizens the authority to enforce the law themselves. Tonight, we speak to a legal expert about the case, the grounds for the court application, the rights of the affected shop owners and where the law draws the line between legitimate protest and unlawful conduct.

Hawks Arrest 10th Suspect in Alleged Russia-Ukraine Recruitment Case (HAWKS SPOKESPERSON COLONEL KATLEGO MOGALE)

The Hawks have arrested a tenth suspect in connection with an alleged recruitment operation involving foreign nationals who were reportedly attempting to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. The 38-year-old foreign national was arrested on Wednesday night, following an intelligence-driven operation involving the Hawks, Interpol and other law enforcement agencies. This follows the arrest of nine Zimbabwean nationals earlier this week at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg. The suspects are accused of attempting to leave the country to join the conflict and face charges under South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. The arrests have once again raised serious questions about recruitment networks allegedly operating in South Africa, how vulnerable individuals are being persuaded to join foreign conflicts, and whether people are being lured with promises of lucrative employment and military training, only to find themselves on the frontlines of a war. How extensive are these recruitment networks, who is behind them, and what responsibility does South Africa have in preventing its citizens and foreign nationals from being drawn into overseas conflicts?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Does Theology Still Matter in Modern Society?

Universities are traditionally regarded as institutions where society interrogates ideas, challenges established thinking and prepares future generations to understand the world around them. But what happens when certain fields of knowledge begin to lose their place in these institutions? Across the higher education sector, theology departments are facing questions about their relevance, financial sustainability and whether they still meet the needs of modern students. Some universities have moved towards closing, restructuring or reducing theology programmes, prompting a wider debate about the place of religion and faith in contemporary society. Theology is often associated with the training of pastors, priests and other religious leaders. However, the discipline extends far beyond the pulpit. It engages with questions of morality, ethics, justice, human rights, suffering, identity and the relationship between humanity and the divine. It has also played a significant role in shaping historical movements, political thought, education and social development. So, if universities are moving away from theology, are they simply responding to changing student interests and economic realities, or are we gradually losing an important academic space for examining some of society's most fundamental questions? Tonight, we want to interrogate whether theology still has a place in modern universities and society. Is it an outdated discipline struggling to compete with more commercially relevant qualifications, or does it offer a form of knowledge that remains essential, particularly in societies where religion continues to influence people's lives, values and decisions? And perhaps more importantly, can we separate the study of theology from religious indoctrination and recognise it as an important academic discipline?

DIABETES: THE SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT – WHY SOUTH AFRICANS ARE AT RISK OF GOING BLIND

South Africa is facing a diabetes epidemic, and the consequences are becoming increasingly worrying. More than 2.3 million working- age adults in the country are living with diabetes – that is roughly one in every 16 people. But while much of the conversation around diabetes focuses on blood sugar levels, medication and diet, there is another devastating complication that is often overlooked: blindness. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss, with research indicating that one in three people living with diabetes already shows signs of diabetic retinopathy – a condition in which high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. What makes this particularly dangerous is that the damage can happen silently. You could be losing your eyesight without experiencing pain or even noticing changes in your vision. As we mark World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November, the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa is calling for routine eye examinations to become part of diabetes care, warning that by the time someone notices their vision deteriorating, some of the damage may already be irreversible. So, how many South Africans are unknowingly putting their eyesight at risk? Are we doing enough to detect and prevent diabetes-related blindness, and why is a simple retinal examination potentially the difference between maintaining your independence and losing your sight?

SAFETY CONCERNS AS CHERY AND OMODA RECALL MORE THAN 23,000 VEHICLES IN SOUTH AFRICA

More than 23,000 Chery and Omoda vehicles sold in South Africa are being recalled following concerns about potentially dangerous manufacturing defects affecting their braking systems and rear axles. The National Consumer Commission has confirmed that the recall affects three models: the Chery Tiggo 4, Omoda C5 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0. The concerns are particularly serious because, in some vehicles, faulty welding on the rear axle could cause it to dislodge, potentially resulting in the collapse of the rear suspension. In other models, a front brake pipe could wear against the turbocharger, resulting in brake-fluid leaks and reduced braking performance. The recall affects 23,667 vehicles nationally, with all inspections and necessary repairs expected to be carried out at no cost to consumers. But this raises important questions about vehicle safety, quality control and the responsibility manufacturers have to protect motorists. How serious are these defects? What should owners do if they drive one of the affected models? And how confident can consumers be that their vehicles are safe on South African roads?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: SOUTH AFRICA IS THE WORLD’S ONLINE GAMBLING CAPITAL – WHAT IS DRIVING THE BETTING BOOM?

South Africa is topping a rather concerning global ranking – we are officially the country with the highest participation in online gambling worldwide. According to the figures, 32.3% of South African internet users aged 16 and older engage in online gambling at least once a month. That's almost one in three internet users. And this is not happening in isolation. The country's betting industry has experienced explosive growth, with revenue reportedly increasing by more than 1,400% between 2018 and 2023. Sports betting and the growing accessibility of online platforms are among the major drivers. But what does this say about our relationship with gambling? Is online betting becoming a form of entertainment, a way for people to supplement their incomes, or are we increasingly turning to gambling in the hope of escaping financial hardship? And perhaps more importantly, what are the social and economic consequences of a country so heavily invested in betting?

South Africa’s unemployment crisis deepens – More than 8.5 million people without jobs

South Africa’s unemployment crisis is showing little sign of easing, with the latest figures revealing that more than one in three people in the labour force are still without a job. Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the official unemployment rate increased from 33.6% in the second quarter to 33.7% in the third quarter of 2026. That translates to approximately 8.6 million people who are unemployed. What's particularly concerning is that while the economy added 101,000 jobs during the quarter, the number of unemployed people also increased by 97,000. In other words, we're creating jobs, but we're simply not creating them fast enough to absorb the growing number of people entering the labour market. The situation is even more troubling when we consider the millions of people who have become discouraged and have stopped looking for work altogether. So what is going wrong? Is this a reflection of an economy that simply cannot generate enough jobs, or are there deeper structural problems preventing South Africans from accessing employment? And what does it take to turn these numbers around? 

Zoleka Lisa Designation: Vice President, Corporate Affairs, South African Breweries (SAB)

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SHIFT: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR GLOBAL MARKETS AND SOUTH AFRICAN INVESTORS?

The results of the US midterm elections are sending ripples through financial markets, with investors now trying to understand what a shift in political power in Washington could mean for the global economy. The Democratic Party's victory, which saw it take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, is a significant setback for President Donald Trump and introduces a new political dynamic: a Republican president who will have to contend with a Democratic-controlled Congress. But beyond the political implications, there are potentially significant economic consequences. According to an analysis by Morningstar, the change in congressional control could affect everything from the booming artificial intelligence industry and technology investments to government borrowing, the US debt ceiling and the country's fiscal policy. Greater regulatory scrutiny of data centres and AI infrastructure could introduce uncertainty for investors, while political gridlock could make it more difficult to pass major economic legislation. And with concerns about America's growing debt and continued government borrowing, questions remain about the long-term stability of its financial markets. The US remains one of the biggest drivers of the global economy, meaning developments in Washington rarely stay in Washington. So what should investors be watching, how exposed are emerging markets to these political developments, and what could this mean for South Africa's economy, the rand and local investment portfolios?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Beyond The Controversy – Understanding Voter Apathy

South Africa has just come out of another election, but while millions of people made their way to the polling stations, there were many others who deliberately chose to stay away. And that decision has once again brought the question of voter apathy into the spotlight. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been at the centre of a heated public debate after openly stating that he intentionally did not vote. His comments have attracted strong reactions, with some questioning how anyone who understands the country's political history and the sacrifices made for democracy could choose not to exercise their democratic right. But Ndlozi is certainly not alone. There are South Africans from different backgrounds, including highly educated and politically conscious citizens, who have become so disillusioned with the political system that they no longer see the value in voting. So, what happens when citizens no longer believe that their vote can change anything? Is this a protest against political parties, a rejection of the political establishment, or simply a growing sense of hopelessness about the country's future? Tonight, we speak to someone who deliberately chose not to vote and bring in political analysts to unpack what is driving this disengagement, what it says about the state of our democracy, and whether political parties should be worried about an electorate that is increasingly choosing to stay away.

Coalition Politics: Who Will Partner With Whom, and What Will South Africa’s Political Landscape Look Like?

With the 2026 local government election results pointing to fragmented political representation across several municipalities, attention is now shifting from the ballot box to the coalition negotiating tables. Across the country, no single party may have the numbers needed to govern in certain municipalities, leaving political parties with the difficult task of finding partners, negotiating compromises and securing positions of power. The big question is: who is likely to partner with whom? Could we see unlikely alliances between political rivals? Will the ANC and DA find themselves working together in some municipalities, while pursuing completely different coalition arrangements elsewhere? Could parties such as ActionSA, the EFF, IFP, Patriotic Alliance and smaller regional formations emerge as kingmakers? There are also different coalition models on the table, from broad governments of local unity and confidence-and-supply agreements to formal multi-party coalitions. But how sustainable are these arrangements, particularly given South Africa's history of coalition instability, political fallouts and collapsing municipal governments? We examine the possible coalition configurations emerging across the country, the political calculations informing these negotiations, which partnerships are realistic and which are unlikely, and what parties might have to concede to secure power. Ultimately, are political parties negotiating in the interests of communities, or are we about to witness another round of political horse-trading that could leave municipalities paralysed?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The business of being family | SURVIVING BUSINESS WITH FAMILY

Going into business with family can seem like the perfect arrangement. You already know each other, there is an established level of trust, and you share a common history. But what happens when the business starts testing the very relationship it was built on? When disagreements over money, unequal workloads, decision-making and business direction begin to spill into family relationships? For many siblings, doing business together can become a complicated balancing act between protecting the bottom line and preserving family ties. So, how do you survive doing business with your sibling without allowing business disagreements to destroy your relationship? And can a sibling partnership really thrive when family and finances are involved?

The battle for municipalities – what will the final results mean for South Africa?

Vote counting is still underway following South Africa's local government elections, and while the early results show the African National Congress narrowly ahead of the Democratic Alliance, it is important to stress that these numbers are far from final. The picture could change significantly as more voting districts report their results, particularly in major provinces such as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where some of the country's biggest metropolitan municipalities are located. But even at this preliminary stage, the results are raising important questions about the country's changing political landscape. The ANC, which has governed South Africa since 1994, appears to be facing another significant test of its support, while the DA is showing signs of making gains. Other political players, including the MK Party, the EFF and smaller parties, could also influence the eventual balance of power. What makes these elections particularly important is that they are about more than which party comes out on top nationally. They are about who will govern our cities and municipalities, who will have the numbers to form councils, and whether South Africa is heading towards another period of complex coalition politics. So, what can we responsibly read into these early numbers, and what should we be watching as counting continues?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: SOUTH AFRICA’S HIV RESPONSE: WHAT ARE WE GETTING WRONG, AND WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE TO END AIDS BY 2030?

South Africa has made significant strides in the fight against HIV, with millions of people accessing antiretroviral treatment and major advances in prevention. Yet, despite these gains, the country continues to face persistent challenges, including new infections, treatment interruptions, stigma, unequal access to healthcare and people falling through the cracks of the treatment system. So, where are we getting it wrong? Are our prevention strategies reaching the people who need them most? Why are so many people still not accessing or remaining on treatment, and are we doing enough to address the social and economic factors that drive new infections? Beyond medical interventions, what needs to change at a policy and leadership level? What responsibility do government, healthcare institutions, community organisations and influential leaders have in closing these gaps? And, with 2030 approaching, are we doing enough to ensure that ending AIDS as a public health threat becomes a reality rather than just a global target?

THE ECONOMICS OF THE VOTE : ARE SOUTH AFRICANS STILL INVESTED IN THE VOTE?

Today, millions of South Africans are heading to the polls to elect the leaders who will govern their municipalities over the next five years. But beyond the political parties, campaign promises and competition for power, there is another important story unfolding today: the story of voter participation. How many South Africans will actually make their way to the voting stations, and what will their participation – or absence – tell us about the state of our democracy? South Africa is grappling with high unemployment, poverty, inequality, struggling municipalities and a rising cost of living. These are not abstract political issues; they are everyday economic realities that affect how people live, work and survive. For many voters, the question is whether their vote can translate into better services, economic opportunities and improved living conditions. But for others, years of unfulfilled promises may have created a sense that voting makes little difference. So, as we cast our ballots today, what does voter turnout tell us about the country's political and economic mood? Is there still hope that the ballot can change people's economic circumstances, or are South Africans increasingly losing faith in the ability of political leadership to improve their lives?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Children Cross the Line: A 14-Year-Old Accused of Sexually Harassing a Teacher

When we talk about sexual harassment in schools, the conversation often centres on learners being victimised by teachers or other adults. But what happens when the roles are reversed? When the alleged perpetrator is a child, and the victim is an adult entrusted with educating and guiding that child? A disturbing incident in the Free State has brought this uncomfortable question into focus. A 14-year-old Grade 7 learner at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School in Botshabelo is accused of sexually harassing a teacher, prompting the provincial Education MEC to condemn the alleged conduct and reaffirm that abuse of teachers will not be tolerated. But beyond the incident itself, there are bigger questions we need to confront. What does it say about a society when a child of just 14 is allegedly engaging in behaviour of this nature towards an adult? Where are children learning about sexual behaviour, boundaries and power? Are parents, schools and communities doing enough to teach respect and appropriate conduct? And could this be a reflection of a deeper moral and social crisis in our society? Tonight, we unpack what may be driving such behaviour among young people, the responsibility of parents and communities, and what moral regeneration should look like in a society increasingly confronted with questions about discipline, values and accountability.

Allegations of political affiliation and possible electoral misconduct (ZUKILE MAJOVA, NEWS DIRECTOR AT SCROLLA AFRICA)

As South Africans head to the polls, the independence, impartiality and credibility of the Electoral Commission are once again under scrutiny. Social media posts circulating in the Eastern Cape have raised serious allegations about the conduct of some IEC officials, with claims of multiple incidents that could amount to breaches of electoral laws and regulations. Among the allegations is that some officials deployed to oversee the electoral process are allegedly known members or supporters of the ANC, SADTU and COSATU. These claims raise important questions about the neutrality of election officials, particularly at a time when public confidence in the electoral process is critical. It is important to stress that these are allegations circulating online and have not, at this stage, been independently established. But how much of what is being reported is supported by evidence? Who is investigating these claims, and what mechanisms exist to ensure that IEC officials remain politically impartial? We speak to an editor who has been tracking these developments in the Eastern Cape to unpack what has emerged and what it could mean for the integrity of the elections.

What does South Africa's removal from AGOA mean for our economy? (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXPERT OSCAR VAN HEERDEN)

South Africa's trade relationship with the United States has taken another significant blow, with the US administration officially removing the country from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, better known as AGOA. For years, AGOA has provided eligible African countries with preferential, largely duty-free access to the American market for thousands of products. For South Africa, this has been an important trade arrangement, particularly for industries such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, clothing and textiles, and other manufactured goods. But what does losing that access actually mean for South Africa? Are we now facing higher tariffs on our exports, and how much more expensive will it become for South African businesses to sell their products in the United States? More importantly, what does this mean for jobs, investment and an economy that is already struggling to create employment? There are also broader geopolitical questions. Is this simply a trade dispute, or are we witnessing a deterioration in diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington that could have consequences far beyond trade? Tonight, we unpack the economic implications of South Africa's removal from AGOA, the industries and workers who could bear the greatest cost, and what government can realistically do to protect South Africa's access to one of the world's biggest consumer markets.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: BEYOND THE POLITICAL PARTIES – WHAT DO SOUTH AFRICANS WANT?

With just a few days to go before South Africans head to the polls, the question confronting many voters is a simple one: Who deserves my vote? This election comes at a time when the political landscape is increasingly crowded, with more parties, new political movements and a wider range of choices competing for the attention of the electorate. But having more options does not necessarily make the decision easier. For some voters, the challenge is deciding who to trust. For others, it is weighing up the promises being made against the realities they experience every day. Is it the rising cost of living, unemployment, crime, corruption, housing or the persistent failure to deliver basic services that will ultimately determine how people vote? And how much influence does a party's track record have compared to its election promises? As the final countdown to election day begins, we want to understand what is happening in the minds of voters, particularly those who are still undecided. We speak to a political analyst about the issues shaping voter behaviour, the mood of the electorate and what could ultimately swing the vote.