listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
After 8 Is After 8: When winning becomes everything — the pressure on young athletes
Imagine a child who spends hours training, sacrifices weekends with friends, balances schoolwork with competitive sport and knows that a place in the first team could determine their future opportunities. Now imagine that same child making a mistake during an important match. Instead of simply being disappointed, they are terrified of going home because they know their parents will be angry, their coach may drop them, or their teammates may lose respect for them. For that child, sport is no longer just about playing, learning and enjoying the game. It has become a test of their worth. So, how do we get the balance right? How do we raise children who are ambitious and competitive but who also understand that losing is part of sport, resting is not weakness, and being dropped from a team does not make them failures? How can parents recognise when their child needs support rather than another motivational speech? And what responsibility do schools and coaches have to protect the wellbeing of the young people entrusted to them? Tonight, we're looking at the darker side of competitive youth sport and asking how we can equip parents to support their children's ambitions without sacrificing their mental health. Joining us is Dr Bonginkosi Mafuze, head of the Sports and Exercise Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the South African Society of Psychiatrists.
ConCourt Rules in ANC’s Favour in Candidate List Dispute
The African National Congress has won a major legal battle against the Electoral Commission of South Africa, with the Constitutional Court ruling in its favour in a dispute over 181 of its candidates who were excluded from contesting the upcoming local government elections. At the centre of this dispute was a crucial final step on the IEC’s online nomination system. The ANC had uploaded its candidates’ details and paid the required deposits, but failed to click the “submit as final” button before the deadline. The IEC rejected the nominations, and the Electoral Court initially upheld that decision. The ANC then took the matter to the country’s highest court, arguing that a technical requirement on an online system should not prevent its candidates from contesting the elections. The Constitutional Court has now ordered the IEC to take the necessary steps to include the affected candidates on the ballot papers ahead of the November 4 elections. But what does this judgment mean for the enforcement of electoral deadlines, the independence of the IEC and the principle that all political parties must play by the same rules? And does this ruling resolve the controversy, or does it raise further questions about the ANC’s candidate nomination process? We discuss the implications of this landmark decision.
After 8 is After 8: What Is Fear Stopping You From Doing?
Imagine looking back on your life ten years from now and realising that some of the things you wanted most never happened — not necessarily because you lacked the talent, the qualifications, the resources or the opportunity, but because you were too afraid to try. Afraid to fail. Afraid to be rejected. Afraid to disappoint your family. Afraid of what people would say if you stepped outside the life they expected you to live. For many of us, fear influences decisions in ways we do not even recognise. It can keep us in jobs where we are unhappy, prevent us from speaking up when we are being mistreated, stop us from pursuing relationships we want or make us abandon our dreams before we have even started. We become so focused on everything that could go wrong that we never consider what might go right. And even when we have overcome challenges before, that confidence does not always follow us into the next chapter of our lives. But is fear always something we need to overcome, or are there times when it is warning us to slow down and think carefully? And if we are honest with ourselves, how much of what we call being realistic is actually fear of the unknown? Tonight, we are talking about the fears that hold us back, the opportunities we miss because of self-doubt, and how we begin to move forward even when we are not entirely confident. Joining us is Kim Vermaak, whose reflections on fear and personal progress open up an What Is Fear Stopping You From Doing? Kim Vermaak - Emotional Intelligence Specialist important question for all of us: Are you making decisions based on what you truly want, or on what you are afraid might happen?
THE COUNTDOWN TO THE POLLS — IS THE IEC READY?
South Africa is officially in the final stretch towards the 2026 Local Government Elections, with just 21 days to go before voters head to the polls on the 4th of November. The Electoral Commission says preparations are gathering pace, with more than 66 percent of the country's 79 million ballot papers already printed, thousands of electoral officials recruited, and infrastructure being put in place at nearly 24,000 voting stations. But one of the most striking figures in the IEC's latest update is the number of approved special vote applications. More than 2.65 million applications have been approved — an increase of 131 percent compared with the 2021 local government elections. What is driving this dramatic increase, and does the Commission have the capacity to accommodate every eligible voter who has been approved for a special vote? The IEC is also preparing its election results system, working with political parties to test its integrity and reliability, and stepping up efforts to combat disinformation. So, as the countdown begins, how ready is the Commission, what safeguards are in place to protect the credibility of the results, and what must voters do to ensure they are able to cast their ballots? We speak to a representative of the Electoral Commission.
SASSA Sets the Record Straight: Who Qualifies for Social Grants in South Africa?
South Africa’s social grant system is once again at the centre of a heated debate, particularly as tensions around immigration and access to public services continue to rise. There are growing concerns among some South Africans about whether foreign nationals are benefiting from social grants while millions of people in this country continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living. But what is fact, and what is misinformation? The South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, says it does not pay social grants to undocumented foreign nationals. Its spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi, says only qualifying refugees receive grants, with 1,815 refugees currently benefiting from the system — a figure he says contradicts the numbers circulating on social media. This clarification comes after a Constitutional Court ruling that changed how asylum seekers must be allowed to access South Africa’s asylum determination process. But being allowed to apply for asylum does not automatically grant someone refugee status or citizenship. So, who actually qualifies for social assistance, what are the rules governing foreign nationals, and how can the public distinguish between legitimate concerns and misleading claims? We speak to SASSA about what the law says and how the grant system works.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: MATERNAL BUFFERING — WHEN MOTHERS GO WITHOUT SO THEIR CHILDREN CAN EAT
There is a reality many mothers live with but rarely talk about — going without so their children don’t have to. It’s a phenomenon known as maternal buffering, where mothers sacrifice their own basic needs, including food and water, to ensure their children have something to eat and drink. When there isn’t enough food on the table, a mother may tell her children she has already eaten, skip a meal or drink less water so that her children can have more. For many women, this isn’t a once- off sacrifice; it’s a daily reality shaped by poverty, financial pressures and the responsibility of keeping a family going. But what does this kind of sacrifice do to a mother’s physical and emotional well-being? Why do so many women feel compelled to put their children’s needs ahead of their own, even when it means going hungry? And how do we begin to address a reality where mothers are forced to choose between feeding their children and feeding themselves? Tonight, we unpack maternal buffering, the hidden cost of maternal sacrifice, and what it tells us about hunger, motherhood and the support available to women raising families.
Ekurhuleni Women’s Murders: Does the Latest Arrest Bring the Family Closer to Justice?
The arrest of three suspects in connection with the smartwatch belonging to murdered Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has brought a new development in a case that has left a family grieving and a community demanding answers. The 38- year-old mother was last seen on 9 September when she left her home for her usual run. When she failed to return, her eight-year-old daughter alerted relatives, and a search was launched. Her body was discovered three days later behind a hotel in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park. Now, more than a month after her death, three men have appeared in court over the alleged possession, acquisition and disposal of her Garmin smartwatch. But there is a crucial distinction: none of them has been charged with her murder. While the arrests may offer investigators important leads, the question of who killed Tsontso remains unanswered. How does her family feel about these latest developments? Do they see the arrests as progress, or are they still waiting for the answers and accountability they desperately need? And with several women murdered in Ekurhuleni in recent months, can the police reassure families that these investigations are moving closer to justice? We speak to the family of Elizabeth Moselakgomo about their reaction to the arrests, their expectations of investigators, and the long road ahead.
When a Teacher Becomes a Threat: Educator Dismissed for Harassing Learner with Special Needs
Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of educating, guiding and protecting learners, particularly those who may be more vulnerable and require additional support. But what happens when the very person entrusted with that responsibility crosses the line? A Western Cape teacher has been dismissed with immediate effect after admitting to sexually harassing an 18-year-old learner at Axios School of Skills and Neurodiverse Center. According to an arbitration award by the Education Labour Relations Council, Xolile Duma repeatedly made romantic advances towards the learner, sent her WhatsApp messages and asked her to give him a chance. The learner attends a school catering for pupils with cognitive difficulties. The commissioner found the educator’s conduct improper, disgraceful and unacceptable, ruling that he was unsuitable to work with children. The case raises serious questions about professional boundaries, the protection of learners with special needs, and the consequences when educators abuse the trust placed in them. What safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable learners, and how can schools ensure that children are safe in the very environments designed to help them thrive?
After 8 is After 8: The Long Walk to Learn — Is Scholar Transport Reaching the Children Who Need It?
For thousands of South African schoolchildren, the journey to education begins with a long walk. Before the sun rises, children in rural villages and under-resourced communities are already on the road, walking kilometres to get to school. Some travel along isolated roads, others navigate busy highways, exposing themselves to safety risks just to access what should be a basic right. And by the time they reach the classroom, some are already exhausted before the school day has even begun. South Africa’s Constitution guarantees every child the right to basic education, but that right means little if a child cannot safely get to school. Scholar transport is a critical intervention designed to help eligible learners overcome geographical and financial barriers. Yet questions remain about whether the system is adequately meeting the needs of learners, particularly those in rural communities, and what happens to children who fall outside the criteria or are left without transport. Tonight, we examine the realities facing learners who walk long distances to school. How does this affect their safety, attendance and academic performance? What responsibility do government departments have to ensure that eligible learners receive transport? And ultimately, can we claim to provide equal access to education when the journey to the classroom is already an obstacle?
Thulani Shongwe: Is He Ready to Govern Ekurhuleni?
The race to govern Ekurhuleni is heating up ahead of South Africa’s local government elections, with political parties putting forward candidates who say they have what it takes to turn the city around. Among them is Thulani Shongwe, a Member of Parliament representing the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, who has been selected as the party’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni. Shongwe has positioned himself as an anti-corruption crusader, promising to hold corrupt politicians and tenderpreneurs accountable. But leading a metropolitan municipality requires more than identifying wrongdoing and making political promises. It demands an understanding of municipal finances, strong administrative oversight, sound leadership and the ability to deliver basic services to millions of residents. Ekurhuleni is a major economic hub, yet residents continue to raise concerns about service delivery, housing, water, electricity, infrastructure and safety. As the city prepares for the next chapter of local government, the question is whether Shongwe has the experience, the policies and the practical plan required to address these challenges. What would he prioritise in his first 100 days? How would he fund his proposals? And what distinguishes his approach from that of the political leaders who have governed the city before him? Tonight, we speak to Thulani Shongwe about his ambitions for Ekurhuleni, the MK Party’s plans for the metro, and the evidence behind his promises. We also examine the leadership question at the heart of his candidacy: what makes him the right person for the job, and how should residents judge whether he is ready to govern?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WHEN SCHOOL GOES WRONG: WHAT RECOURSE DO PARENTS HAVE?
When parents drop their children at school, they do so believing that their children are going into a place where they will be protected, supervised and cared for. But when something goes terribly wrong, parents are often left asking a devastating question: who is responsible? Five-year-old Manqoba Mnisi died after an incident at Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville. His mother is still seeking answers about what happened to her child, while an independent investigation looks into the circumstances surrounding his death and whether there were failures in the duty of care owed to him. But Manqoba’s story raises questions that go far beyond one family. When a child is seriously injured or dies at a public school, what rights do parents have? Who can be held accountable, and what should happen when parents feel that the school or authorities have failed to give them answers?
TWO YEARS ON: MATRIC LEARNERS FINALLY CLEARED (Thato Gaffane from SECTION27)
Imagine writing your final matric exams, waiting for the results that could determine the next chapter of your life — only to be told that your results are being withheld because you are suspected of cheating. That is what happened to 50 former matric learners from Baphutheng Senior Secondary School in Limpopo, whose 2024 results were withheld after they were accused of “group copying” in Business Studies and Economics. For almost two years, these young people were left in limbo — unable to properly move forward with their studies and plans for the future. Now, the Limpopo High Court has cleared the learners and ordered that their results and National Senior Certificates be released without adverse endorsements. The case was brought by SECTION27, which argued that the learners had been subjected to an unfair and unlawful process. Tonight, we speak to Thato Gaffane from SECTION27 about what this judgment means — and whether the way South Africa deals with alleged examination cheating is fair to learners who are accused.
WHEN THE POLICE ARE THE PERPETRATORS: 116 RAPE CASES INVOLVING OFFICERS (IRS Forensic investigator Chad Thomas)
When you call the police, you’re supposed to believe that you’re calling people who are there to protect you — particularly when you’re a woman reporting violence or sexual assault. But what happens when the person accused of that violence is wearing the same uniform you’re turning to for help? New figures from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate are raising serious questions about police conduct and accountability. IPID recorded 116 rape cases involving police officers in the 2025/26 financial year, up from 95 the previous year. And perhaps even more disturbing is that 72 of those cases allegedly involved officers who were on duty at the time, while 44 involved officers who were off duty. These are allegations — they are not findings of guilt — but they raise a very difficult question about public trust. South Africa is already battling extraordinarily high levels of gender-based violence, so what does it mean when some of the people accused of committing these crimes are members of the institution victims are expected to turn to for protection? And if a woman is afraid that the person she's reporting may know the police station, the officers and the system she is relying on, how does that affect her willingness to report? Forensic investigator Chad Thomas joins us now to unpack these figures and what they say about policing, accountability and the fight against GBV.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: THE MISSING MIDDLE: CAN BETTER HEALTH INFORMATION BRIDGE THE GAP?
For millions of South Africans, accessing healthcare isn’t always as simple as making an appointment with a doctor. Private healthcare can be expensive, public facilities can be difficult to navigate, and for many people, the first place they turn to when they have a health concern is the internet — where reliable medical information can be buried beneath misinformation, complicated medical terminology and sometimes dangerous advice. So what happens to the person who needs answers, but doesn't know where to find trustworthy information? Medical doctors in the country are coming up with innovative ways of tackling this gap by either grouping the,selves into organisations and significantly cutting down their consultation fees - while others are creating platforms where patients can access information easily and reliably. Some are getting criticised by their very own colleagues for disrupting the industry. What is the solution to tackling the missing middle and should government jump on board.
New Asylum Rules: Will Home Affairs Be Overwhelmed?
South Africa’s asylum system is facing a major test. New rules mean that anyone who presents themselves at a refugee reception office and says they want to apply for asylum must be allowed to lodge that application — even if they entered the country illegally, have no visa, entered somewhere other than a port of entry, or failed to report to Home Affairs within five days of arriving. The change follows a Constitutional Court ruling that struck down parts of the Refugees Act that had restricted access to the asylum system. But while the ruling is aimed at ensuring that people who genuinely need international protection aren't shut out of the process, Home Affairs itself is warning of a serious consequence — the system could be overwhelmed by the numbers. Deputy Director-General for Operations Thulani Mavuso says refugee reception offices cannot simply turn people away or impose quotas, even when officials suspect someone may be an economic migrant rather than a genuine asylum seeker. So how will Home Affairs separate legitimate claims from abuse of the system — and does the department have the capacity to process potentially thousands more applications?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Women Look Beyond Public Hospitals: Can They Trust the Midwife They Choose?
For many women, giving birth is supposed to be one of the most important and protected moments of their lives. But for some expectant mothers, the experience of dealing with overcrowded public hospitals, long waiting times, understaffing and the fear of not receiving the care they need has pushed them to look for alternatives — including independent midwives. But what happens when the person you have trusted with your life and the life of your unborn child is not who you thought they were? Our guest today is journalist and filmmaker Tarryn Crossman, who spent years investigating the case of a midwife accused of putting mothers and babies at risk. Her investigation became the book Undelivered. It raises a much bigger question: when women lose faith in the public healthcare system and seek alternatives, how do they know that the person offering them a different kind of care is qualified, legitimate and safe? And why can it be so difficult for families to get answers when something goes terribly wrong?
National Assembly Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation (Mr Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo)
SA–US Relations: Is Diplomatic Tension Reaching a Breaking Point? South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with the United States is facing another difficult moment. US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III has now been formally reprimanded by DIRCO for the third time in just nine months, with the department describing his conduct as undiplomatic. The latest dispute comes after a series of increasingly public disagreements over issues including South Africa’s domestic policies, its foreign policy positions and the ambassador’s public criticism of the South African government. And now, Bozell himself is pushing back, arguing that he has been treated disrespectfully by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. At the same time, Parliament says it wants DIRCO to explain exactly what led to this latest démarche. So, are we looking at a normal diplomatic disagreement that can still be resolved through engagement, or are we seeing a deeper deterioration in relations between Pretoria and Washington? And importantly, what room does South Africa have to push back while still protecting a critical bilateral relationship?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WHERE IS YOUR UMBILICAL CORD BURIED? THE TRADITION, THE LAND AND THE MEANING OF HOME.
WHERE IS YOUR UMBILICAL CORD BURIED? And does that place still connect you to where you come from? For generations, in some African families and communities, the umbilical cord wasn’t simply something that was cut away and discarded after birth. It could be buried in or around the family homestead — returning a part of the newborn to the earth and symbolising a connection to family, ancestry, land and home. But as childbirth has moved increasingly into hospitals and clinics, that practice has changed. The cord is often treated as medical waste, and for many families, there is no longer a physical ritual connecting the newborn to a particular piece of land. So tonight, we’re asking whether something meaningful has been lost — or whether our understanding of home and belonging has simply evolved. Where is your umbilical cord buried? What does that place mean to you? And what happens to that connection when you are born in Johannesburg, raised in Durban, your parents come from Limpopo or Zimbabwe, and you may never even live on the land where your cord was buried?
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF WARFARE LOOK LIKE — AND IS AFRICA READY FOR IT?
The way countries prepare for conflict and security threats is changing rapidly. Drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and electronic warfare are no longer things we only associate with science fiction or distant wars. We are seeing relatively small and inexpensive unmanned technologies being used in real conflicts, changing how surveillance, intelligence and military operations are carried out. But what does this technological shift mean for Africa? Many countries on the continent already face serious security challenges, while also operating with limited defence budgets. Can African countries afford to fall behind technologically, and should we be investing more in developing our own defence technologies rather than relying heavily on equipment from other countries? We’re having that conversation today — looking at how technology is changing modern warfare, what South Africa’s role could be, and whether our defence industry can become part of both our security and economic future.
RECORD FUEL PRICES: HOW MUCH MORE CAN SOUTH AFRICANS AFFORD?
South African motorists are heading into October facing the prospect of the most expensive petrol prices in the country’s history — and the latest numbers suggest the pain at the pumps could be even greater than initially expected. Data from the Central Energy Fund at the end of September shows an under-recovery of R3.12 a litre for 95 petrol and R2.93 for 93 petrol. If those figures were carried through to the final adjustment, petrol could rise by around R3 a litre, potentially pushing the price of 95 petrol to around or above the R30-a-litre mark. Diesel is also facing significant increases, with under-recoveries ranging between R2.73 and R3.13 a litre. And this comes after motorists have already endured a succession of fuel-price shocks this year. Petrol 95 reached a record R28.06 a litre inland in June, before easing in July and August, only to climb again in September. So what does another R3 increase actually mean for the average South African household? How much more will it cost to fill a family car? What happens to people who have no choice but to drive to work every day? And with diesel prices also under pressure, could we see the impact spreading into the cost of taxis, buses, food deliveries and the goods sitting on supermarket shelves? Tonight, we unpack what is driving this latest fuel shock — and what South Africans should expect when they fill up in October.
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