listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: ARE YOU OKAY? THE CONVERSATION WE OFTEN AVOID
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time when we are encouraged to talk about something that many of us still find incredibly difficult to say out loud — suicide. And perhaps the hardest part is that sometimes, the people we lose are not people we thought were struggling. They could be the colleague who arrived at work every morning, the friend who was always making everyone laugh, the parent who kept the household going, or the person who kept saying, “I’m fine,” even when they weren’t. But talking about suicide cannot simply be about what happens after someone dies. It has to be about what happens before — the moments when someone is struggling, withdrawing, feeling overwhelmed or losing hope. Do we know how to recognise when someone needs help? Do we know what to say without making things worse? And importantly, are we creating spaces where people feel safe enough to say, “I am not okay”? Today, we want to have an honest conversation about suicide — not to sensationalise it, but to understand it. We’ll look at some of the warning signs, the role that families, friends and communities can play, and where people can turn when they feel that they simply cannot carry what they are carrying anymore.
Beyond the Outrage: Why Does the Cycle Keep Repeating?
Nine women. Nine bodies found in the Ekurhuleni area — and once again, a country is asking the same questions: Who killed them? Why were they killed? Could this have been prevented? And perhaps the bigger question — what happens after the outrage dies down? Because this is a cycle South Africans know far too well. A woman is killed, there is public outrage, politicians make statements, police announce investigations and arrests are made — and then, weeks or months later, another woman is dead and we find ourselves having essentially the same conversation all over again. At the same time, the language coming from authorities is coming under scrutiny, particularly when women are told about the precautions they should take to keep themselves safe. So tonight, we want to have a difficult conversation with women's rights activists and organisations: Are we dealing with individual crimes, or are we looking at a deeper systemic failure in how South Africa responds to violence against women? What should the police be saying and doing differently? And at what point does repeated outrage have to translate into measurable change? We also will be getting an update from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WILLS WEEK - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ( Advocate Kanyane Mathibe )
We spend our lives working, building businesses, buying homes and providing for our families — but how many of us have actually made a plan for what happens to all of it when we're gone? This week is National Wills Week, and it's a good opportunity to have that conversation. Because saying “my family knows what I want” may not be enough. What happens to your house? Your savings? Your business? Who looks after your children? And what happens when there are children from different relationships or family members who all believe they were promised something? So tonight we're talking about why having a will matters, what happens when you die without one, and how something as simple as putting your wishes on paper could prevent confusion, conflict — and possibly a very ugly family fight.
HOW TO CATCH A SERIAL KILLER - VIEWS FROM A RETIRED DETECTIVE ( Bushie Engelbrecht )
Eight women dead in and around Ekurhuleni in less than two months. Their bodies have been found in places including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and Kwa-Thema — some partially clothed, some with visible injuries. Among them was 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after going for a run in Kempton Park. The discoveries have raised fears that there could be a serial killer operating in the area. But police have been careful not to confirm that theory, saying investigators are still establishing whether these cases are connected. What they have confirmed is that there are similarities between some of the cases, that a specialised investigation is under way, and that the police have now offered a R400,000 reward for information that could help solve the murders. So what is the investigation actually telling us at this point? What evidence is being examined? How do investigators determine whether seemingly separate murders are connected — and what could link these women’s deaths?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: AI: PROMISE OR PERIL?
Artificial intelligence is no longer something we only see in science fiction. It is writing our emails, creating images, helping doctors analyse information, powering businesses and increasingly making decisions that affect our everyday lives. But as AI becomes more powerful, some of the very people building these systems are sounding the alarm. The recent resignation of an AI researcher over concerns that technology companies are racing to develop increasingly advanced systems has once again raised a frightening question: what happens if we build artificial intelligence that becomes more capable than we are — and eventually becomes impossible to control? Is the fear of AI destroying humanity grounded in science, or are we allowing the most extreme scenarios to overshadow the enormous potential of this technology? And perhaps most importantly, who is making sure that the race to develop AI does not move faster than our ability to control it?
8TH BODY HAS BEEN DISCOVERED ( POLICE SPOKESPERSON ATHLENDA MATHE )
Police have stressed that they have not established that the cases are connected, and they have warned against jumping to the conclusion that a serial killer is operating in the area. But investigators have acknowledged that there are similarities between some of the cases — and they are now examining everything from the locations and timelines to victim profiles, forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding each death. Police say a multidisciplinary team has been assembled, involving detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and investigative psychology specialists. But for women living in these communities, the investigation is happening against a backdrop of very real fear. Some residents say they no longer feel safe walking alone to work, exercising outdoors or moving around their neighbourhoods in the early morning or evening. So, what exactly do we know about these deaths at this point? What similarities have investigators identified? And importantly, at what point can police legitimately begin talking about a pattern — rather than a series of separate tragedies?
SEVEN WOMEN, ONE COMMUNITY AND GROWING FEAR ( AMBASSADOR ANDY MASHAILE - Strategic Analyst and Security Strategist )
SEVEN women are now dead — their bodies discovered in different parts of Ekurhuleni over roughly two months. And while investigators are still working to establish exactly what happened to each of these women, a growing sense of fear is taking hold among residents — particularly women who now say they are changing the way they move through their own communities. The latest discovery was made this morning in Kwa-Thema, Springs, near the Blesbokspruit River. It comes as police continue investigating the deaths of five other women whose bodies were found around Kempton Park and surrounding areas. Police have stressed that they have not established that the cases are connected, and they have warned against jumping to the conclusion that a serial killer is operating in the area. But investigators have acknowledged that there are similarities between some of the cases — and they are now examining everything from the locations and timelines to victim profiles, forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding each death. Police say a multidisciplinary team has been assembled, involving detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and investigative psychology specialists. But for women living in these communities, the investigation is happening against a backdrop of very real fear. Some residents say they no longer feel safe walking alone to work, exercising outdoors or moving around their neighbourhoods in the early morning or evening. So, what exactly do we know about these deaths at this point? What similarities have investigators identified? And importantly, at what point can police legitimately begin talking about a pattern — rather than a series of separate tragedies?
ROMANCE SCAMS: THE BLACK AXE CONNECTION ( IRS FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR CHAD THOMAS )
The United States is seeking the extradition of six Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa, who are accused of being part of a sophisticated international romance scam operation. US authorities allege that the suspects used fake online identities to develop relationships with victims, manipulate their emotions and ultimately defraud them of money. South African police say the case is linked to the notorious Black Axe organised crime network, raising questions about how criminal syndicates are using technology and social media to operate across borders. But beyond the arrests, this case shines a light on a growing and deeply personal form of crime — romance fraud. What makes these scams particularly dangerous is that the criminals aren't simply stealing money; they are first building trust and emotional connections with their victims. They may spend weeks or months communicating with someone, creating the illusion of a genuine romantic relationship before asking for financial assistance. So, how sophisticated are these networks, how difficult are they to detect, and why do people continue to fall victim to them despite increasing awareness of online scams?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Beyond the Classroom: What Should Parents Really Look For?
It’s that time of year when parents are visiting schools, attending open days and trying to make one of the most important decisions they will make on behalf of their children: Which school is going to give my child the best possible start in life?And for many parents, the decision can come down to very practical things — the school fees, academic results, the quality of the classrooms, sporting facilities, safety, class sizes and perhaps even how impressive the school looks when you walk through its gates. But should we be looking beyond what we can immediately see? Because a good school is not simply one that produces children who perform well in examinations. We also need to ask whether our schools are developing children who can think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, work with others, manage their emotions, deal with failure and adapt to a world that is changing incredibly quickly. With technology and artificial intelligence transforming the workplace, some of the skills our children will need in adulthood may not even be the skills we were taught when we were at school. So, as parents attend open days this month, what should they actually be looking for? What questions should they be asking teachers and school management? And how can parents tell the difference between a school that simply looks impressive and one that is genuinely investing in the development of the whole child?
Five Women. One Terrifying Question - Kempton Park Women’s Deaths & Elizabeth Moselakgomo
Five women. Five bodies. And a community increasingly asking the same question: what is happening to women in and around Kempton Park? The discovery of another woman’s body in the Olifantsfontein area has intensified concern, coming after the deaths of four women whose bodies were found in and around Kempton Park. The cases have raised fears that the women may have been targeted by the same perpetrator, with some questioning whether South Africa could be dealing with a serial killer. But police have urged caution, saying it is too early to make that connection and that investigations are still under way. So what do investigators know at this stage? Are there similarities between the cases, and are police investigating them as potentially connected? And critically, what is being done to identify the victims and find whoever may be responsible? We begin with Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe to establish what we know, what we don't know, and where the investigation goes from here.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: What Would Chris Hani Make of South Africa Today? ( LINDIWE HANI )
More than three decades after the assassination of Chris Hani, his name continues to occupy a unique place in South Africa’s political history. He was remembered not only as a commander of Umkhonto weSizwe and a leading figure in the liberation struggle, but as a man who was seen by many as principled, disciplined, humble and deeply committed to the ordinary South African. Hani spoke openly about inequality, poverty, corruption and the responsibility of those in power to serve the people — issues that remain painfully relevant today. And perhaps that is why, in the South Africa of 2026, there is renewed value in looking back at what became known as the Hani Memorandum — his reflections on the direction of the liberation movement and the kind of society he believed South Africa should become. We are grappling with unemployment, poverty, inequality, a cost-of-living crisis, failing public services and growing frustration with political leadership. So the question is not simply what would Chris Hani have thought of South Africa today? It is whether some of the principles and warnings contained in his political thinking still offer us a mirror for where we are — and perhaps a roadmap for where we should be going. Today, we speak to Lindiwe Hani, Chris Hani’s daughter, about the man behind the revolutionary icon, the values he instilled in his family, and what she believes his legacy means in a country still struggling with many of the socioeconomic challenges he fought against.
ANC Candidate-List Battle: Election Readiness, Localised Manifesto and the Fight for the Metros ( ANC Deputy Secretary-General Cde Nomvula Mokonyane )
The ANC’s preparations for the local government elections have been clouded by a battle with the Electoral Commission over its candidate lists. The party has been fighting to have its candidates accepted, raising questions about its internal processes and readiness for an election in which every municipality and ward will be closely contested. At the same time, the ANC has chosen to localise its election manifesto, tailoring its promises to the particular challenges facing different municipalities and metros. So, why was this approach necessary, what is the party’s strategy for the metros, and can a more locally focused manifesto help it reconnect with voters? We’re joined by the ANC to unpack the candidate-list battle, its manifesto and its broader strategy going into the local government elections.
ZERO ALCOHOL LIMIT: CAN SA REALLY ENFORCE IT? ( Kashifa Ancer - campaign manager - Rethink Your Drink -the DG Murray Trust )
South Africa is moving closer to a zero-alcohol limit for motorists, with government pursuing amendments to Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act. The proposed changes would effectively mean that drivers cannot legally consume any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The Transport Department says the move is necessary to tackle drunk driving, which remains a major contributor to road deaths. Between March and the end of August this year, more than 18,000 people were arrested for drunk driving, accounting for around a third of all traffic arrests during that period. But while there is broad support for tougher action against drunk driving, the big question is whether South Africa has the capacity to enforce a zero-tolerance law consistently. Government itself has acknowledged that effective road safety depends heavily on having enough traffic officers, resources and visible policing, particularly at night when many crashes occur. So, is changing the law enough — or could a zero-alcohol limit become another regulation that looks good on paper but proves difficult to enforce on the ground?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: City Life, Alcohol and Unborn Lives: Is Urbanisation Changing South Africa’s FASD Crisis?
Today is World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Day — a day observed globally to raise awareness about the lifelong impact of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. FASD is entirely preventable, yet it remains a significant public-health challenge, particularly in South Africa, where some communities have among the highest recorded rates of FASD in the world. But as our cities grow and more people move into urban areas, are we paying enough attention to the social pressures that can influence alcohol use during pregnancy? Does rapid urbanisation — with its unemployment, poverty, stress, changing social networks and greater availability of alcohol — create conditions that could put more unborn children at risk? Today, we're asking whether the FASD crisis is also becoming an urbanisation story.
POLITICALLY HOMELESS: WHO REPRESENTS SOUTH AFRICANS?
South Africa is heading towards another crucial local government election, with more than 500 political parties registered in the country. On paper, that sounds like democracy offering voters more choice than ever before. But a new Ipsos survey suggests that more choice does not necessarily mean more representation. According to the Ipsos Khayabus: Pulse of the People study, 47% of South Africans say there is no political party that represents their views. Almost half the country, in other words, feels politically homeless. And this comes at a time when many communities are becoming increasingly frustrated by the very issues local government is supposed to address — water, electricity, roads, housing, jobs and basic service delivery. Only 38% of respondents believe their local municipalities are doing their jobs well, while 38% of eligible voters say they have no interest in politics or elections at all. Yet, despite the frustration and disconnection, there is still a remarkable contradiction: 64% say they want to vote in the upcoming local government elections. So, if South Africans are unhappy with political parties, distrustful of institutions and disappointed by municipalities — why do so many still want to vote? Are voters losing faith in politicians, but not necessarily in democracy itself? And perhaps most importantly: who exactly represents the millions of South Africans who feel politically homeless?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Can South Africa Read Its Way Out of Crisis? World Literacy Day Puts Africa's Education Emergency Under the Spotlight
Today, as the world marks International Literacy Day, South Africa is being forced to confront a difficult question: what does it mean to have millions of children in school, but still have far too many struggling to read and understand what they are reading? Literacy is more than recognising words on a page—it is the foundation upon which education, employment, economic participation and social mobility are built. Yet South Africa's reading crisis has repeatedly raised alarm, particularly following the PIRLS 2021 results, which highlighted the serious learning challenges facing the country's children. On International Literacy Day, the conversation is therefore not simply about celebrating the ability to read and write, but about confronting the consequences of a generation that may move through the education system without acquiring the foundational skills needed to succeed in school, the workplace and an increasingly digital world. Government literacy programmes, including adult education initiatives such as Kha Ri Gude, have attempted to widen access, but the challenge remains enormous.
“They Can Kill Me”: Transport Department whistleblower Esethu Hasane on alleged irregularities ( Esethu Hasane )
A senior government official has made chilling allegations about what he describes as questionable spending within South Africa's Department of Transport—and now, he says, he fears for his life. Research Director Esethu Hasane is blowing the whistle on communications contracts allegedly worth around R15 million, including livestreaming services that he claims cost the department hundreds of thousands of rand, despite attracting very few viewers. Hasane alleges that some procurement processes may have been structured in ways designed to avoid scrutiny, and says his attempts to raise objections internally have resulted in threats and hostility. Now, his warning is deeply concerning: “They can kill me.” But the Department of Transport has rejected allegations that he was victimised and says an independent investigation into the financial irregularity allegations is already underway. So tonight we ask: What protection do whistleblowers really have when exposing alleged corruption—and why do so many say speaking out comes with a personal cost?
After 8 is After 8: CORRECT THE MAP: HAS THE WORLD MADE AFRICA LOOK SMALL?
For generations, we’ve looked at the world through maps and accepted what we see as reality. Europe appears enormous, Greenland looks almost as big as Africa, while the African continent often appears smaller than it actually is. But what if the map we grew up with has been giving us a distorted picture of the world? The United Nations has now backed a push to promote map projections that represent Africa’s size more accurately, reigniting a much bigger conversation about how the continent has been portrayed to the rest of the world. Because this is not only about geography. Maps are powerful. They influence how we understand countries, continents and their importance in the global order. And for a continent with more than 1.4 billion people, vast natural resources and 54 countries, the question is whether Africa has also been made to look smaller in our minds than it really is. So, if the map has distorted Africa’s physical size, have we also underestimated its political, economic and geopolitical significance? And perhaps the bigger question is: has Africa been made to feel small for far longer than it has actually been?
South Africans are earning, but increasingly struggling to keep up ( Andiswa Sibhukwana - Competition Commission Economist and Co- author of the report )
The cost of simply getting through the month is becoming increasingly expensive for South Africans. Electricity and water prices are climbing, fuel and transport costs are putting pressure on household budgets, and those increases are filtering through to the price of basic goods and services. The latest Competition Commission Cost of Living Report paints a worrying picture — showing that many of the essentials households cannot live without are rising faster than overall inflation. Electricity prices, for example, increased by 8.1% in the year to July, while water tariffs rose by 10.1%. And this is not just about paying more at the till or a higher municipal bill. When the cost of fuel rises, it affects transport, distribution and ultimately the price of the goods we buy. So, as incomes struggle to keep pace, the question is: how much more pressure can the average South African household absorb before the cost of living becomes simply unaffordable?
After 8 is After 8: Spring Day Celebrations gone too far?
Spring Day is meant to signal a new season — warmer weather, brighter days and, for many young people, the familiar tradition of splashing water. But this year, celebrations in parts of Tshwane have sparked serious concern after videos showed people being targeted without consent, vehicles being stopped, public transport damaged and commuters caught in the chaos. The issue took a tragic turn in Refilwe, Cullinan, where 21-year-old Tshepang Nyathi was allegedly stabbed to death after an altercation involving a 53-year-old man who was allegedly targeted with water. The suspect has been arrested and is expected to face a murder charge. Tshwane Bus Service says two buses were put out of operation after the celebrations, affecting more than 300 passengers, including pupils and students. So, has a harmless tradition crossed a line? Should water-splashing games be banned, regulated through designated spaces, or is the real issue a lack of respect for consent, public property and safety? Let’s talk about it.
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