METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: MENTAL WELLNESS
In South Africa there are 23 suicides a day recorded and 230 serious attempts. More than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), with conditions such as anxiety and depression inflicting immense human and economic tolls. As we move into 2026, mental wellness is more critical than ever. The landscape is rapidly changing, with a complex mix of new difficulties and groundbreaking solutions. In essence, 2026 will see mental health becoming deeply embedded in daily life and organizational culture, driven by personalization, technology, and a broader understanding of well-being.
SIBAHLE MOTHA - POLITICS JOURNALIST AT SABC NEWS SANDILE SWANA – POLITICAL ANALYST
We’re wrapping for 2025 here on METRO FM Talk and we’ll be doing that by taking a look at what we can expect in 2026! From politics and the upcoming local government elections to mental health trends and careers in tech, we’re gearing up for 2026! First we look at Polictics in 2026! We’re heading into an election year so the different politicians and political parties will be on our doorsteps and timelines trying to get our attention. The 2024 General Elections were very significant in our democratic history, will the downward trend continue for the ANC or will they course correct in time for the 2026 Local Government elections? Which parties will make their mark by gaining a metro? We discuss all this and more.
TEBOHO TWALA - FOUNDER AND CEO OF ZAKHAA
ZAKHAA is a pioneering South African fintech start-up focused on enabling digital access within the informal economy, and has been recognised as the “Most Disruptive Fintech in Shaping the Informal Economy” at the Absa Commercial Payments Awards in association with Visa.
NICOLAAS VAN DER WATH - SENIOR ECONOMIST AT THE BUREAU FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH
SA Economy 2026 South Africa experienced economic growth averaging at 0.5% in the first three quarters of 2025 with projections predicting that economy will grow below 1% by the ned of the year. Experts say that the country the country needs the economy to grow at 3% at least in order for us to start seeing significant changes in the economy. The current economic growth rate amoungst the best performing emerging economies is at around 4%, can South Africa start making moves in this direction in 2026 ad what needs to change in order to realise significant growth?
MMA 2026 Media Launch
“A two-hour live special from the MMA 2026 Media Launch"
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Racial Inequality and Redistribution in Post- Apartheid South Africa
Following the abolishment of all discriminatory laws, South Africa’s first universal democratic election took place in 1994 and marked the end of centuries of institutions that legally favored White settlers and their descendants at the expense of other racially identified groups. We will also cross reference the ANC NGC that is underway. What is their stance on addressing inequality in the country.
MR ZINCEDILE TIYA - SECRETARY GENERAL LAWYER NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEMOCRATIC LAWYERS HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL (NATIONAL COUNCIL)
Corrupt prosecutors and lawyers are paid ridiculous retainer fees by dangerous criminals to secure bail for these lawbreakers, who afterwards return to communities and recommit crime. This is contained in a classified report penned by suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel following oversight engagements with head honchos of the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence (SAPS-CI).
YOLISA PILISO/ EQUAL EDUCATION RESEARCHER
The Western Cape High Court finds the Western Cape Education Department's Learner Admissions’ system unfairly discriminates against Black and marginalised learners | Equal Education Law Centre.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The Impact of Materialism on How We Choose Our Role Models
Who are the role models in our current society? ‘Have the characteristics of what makes a role model changed? Are we inspired by good ethics and morals or are we choosing role models based on material things like looks, money and fame? What is the impact of role models in shaping a society?
KHOSI ZWANE - FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF PHIKELA KHOMUNICATIONS
BUSINESS PROFILE: PHIKELA KHOMUNICATIONS Focuses on helping businesses, organisations and individual professionals thrive in the ever-changing media landscape. They provide insights based strategic guidance, innovative solutions, research, and expert talent management to drive success.
COMMISSIONER DONNA MAKOBOKA -MEMBER OF THE CRL COMMISSION
Traditional leaders have raised concerns that the Traditional Healers Act “promotes cases of rape” instead of preventing them, allowing bogus healers to abuse unsuspecting people. A program focusing on abuses in sacred, religious and spiritual spaces has been launched by The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities - the CRL Rights Commission - following the rise in reports of abuses in sacred and traditional healing spaces. Various healers attended the launch of the program and addressed regulatory changes needed in the space and the need for leaders who are spiritually gifted to be running the regulatory bodies.
KAYLYNN PALM - (SPOKESPERSON FOR ACTION SOCIETY) AND NAZIER PAULSEN - (EFF MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT)
472 children have been murdered on the Cape Flats in the last 5 years, with 157 those reported to be as a result of gang violence. Activists and political leaders are raising alarm bells saying that children in the region are living in a war zone. In the last 10 days, at least six children between the ages of four and 16 were victims of violence, including multiple murders and shootings across Cape Town, with communities anxious as the summer school holidays commence. Parliament recently adopted a motion calling for a full, multi-portfolio parliamentary intervention into the ongoing violent crime crisis in Cape Town and across the Western Cape. But will this be enough to save the lives of these vulnerable children?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The Family Secrets We Keep
Family secrets can have huge psychological and spiritual repercussions on family members. Holiday season is when families meet and spend time together, and for many this can be quite distressful as the family secrets cause friction and tension in the homes. It could be: The affair, uncles who rape, the sibling who’s a criminal and the whole family knows... This evening we look at psychological, spiritual and cultural reasons families keep and protect these secrets and the impact it ends up having, even on later generations.
PROF. NTSIKELELO BREAKFAST - POLITICAL ANALYST
The ANC kicked off its National General Council this morning amid rumours of a plot to remove President Ramaphosa, and a crucial build up to the 2026 Local Government Elections - as the party faces the prospect of losing even more votes in the country’s major cities. ANC Secretary General - Fikile Mbalula this meeting “is not the time for leadership battles.” encouraging delegates to put their focus on organisational renewal and preparing the ANC for the upcoming elections.
Marius Van der Merwe, Known as ‘Witness D’, is Inconsolable Following His Fatal shooting
Marius Van der Merwe, a witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption in the police network, was brutally shot dead outside his home in Brakpan, East of Johannesburg, on Friday night, when he was travelling with his wife and two children. He testified at the Madlanga Commission last month, where he blew the lid on allegations of murder and the disposal of a body in a dam involving high-ranking EMPD officers. The public has been cautioned not to conclude the reason behind his killing as he was also at the frontlines of the fight against illegal mining and was contacting reporters to make revelations about officials who are involved in illegal mining.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: MASCULINITY: What is a Measure of a Man in Today’s Society?
Does a man handle his personal, family, and social responsibilities with integrity—owning his mistakes, honouring his commitments, and leading through service rather than ego?
DANIEL DU PLESSIS/ COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AT MILKOR
South Africa’s largest home-grown drone and a standout innovation showcased during the G20 Summit. The Milkor 380, developed entirely in South Africa, represents a significant leap forward in unmanned systems technology. Designed for versatility and reliability, it addresses a wide range of operational needs in both military and civilian contexts. As global leaders convened in South Africa for the G20, this UAV highlighted how local innovation can contribute to international security dialogues, particularly in areas like maritime domain awareness and counter- terrorism.
MMUSI MAIMANE LEADER OF BOSA & MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Parliament rejected Maimane’s bid to have matric pass mark increased to 50% The motion, introduced by BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane, advocated for a gradual increase in the 30% benchmark, saying the low pass rate has wider implications for learners in the future. The motion was defeated by 190 votes to 87, with the ANC, DA, PA, FF Plus and Al Jama-ah voting to retain the current framework. The EFF, IFP and MK Party were among parties that supported Bosa’s proposal.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WHEN “UBUNTU” HURTS
When “Ubuntu” hurts. - Are we compromising on quality service, and/or perpetuating social ills in the name of “Ubuntu”.
SOPHIE MOKOENA/SABC NEWS SPECIALIST CORRESPONDENT
South Africa’s exclusion from this month’s 20 Sherpa meeting in the United States, means that it will be unable to shape or influence important agendas or advance decisions reached at the recent Summit held in Johannesburg.
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