listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Funding Fails, Survival Takes Over: Why Are Students Selling Weed, Alcohol and Food Just to Stay in University?
Tonight's conversation begins with a difficult and deeply uncomfortable question: what happens when students run out of money, but refuse to give up on their dreams? South Africa has spent years encouraging young people to pursue higher education, telling them that qualifications are the key to opportunity, success and social mobility. But for thousands of postgraduate students, the reality is very different. Once their undergraduate studies end, so does much of the financial support available to them. The result is that many find themselves trapped between crushing debt, rising living costs and an uncertain future. According to a recent investigation by Daily Maverick, some students have started small businesses selling food and hair products, while others have admitted to selling alcohol and marijuana simply to survive. Their argument is simple: if there is no money for rent, transport, food or tuition, then survival becomes the priority. Tonight, we ask whether South Africa is pushing desperate students towards illegal activities. Are these students criminals, or are they casualties of a broken system? Joining us to unpack this story is the journalist behind the investigation, Siyabonga Goni.
Corruption Crackdown in Ekurhuleni: Accountability or Just the Tip of the Iceberg?
The City of Ekurhuleni finds itself at the centre of yet another corruption scandal after three senior officials were dismissed following allegations of fraud and corruption. The dismissals come at a time when the metro is already battling a growing list of investigations involving some of its highest-ranking officials, including former city managers, senior legal officials and members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. For residents, the latest developments raise difficult questions. How deeply rooted is corruption within one of South Africa’s largest municipalities? How much public money has been lost, and what impact has this had on basic services such as water, electricity, housing and road infrastructure? And perhaps most importantly, are these dismissals evidence that accountability is finally taking hold, or are they simply another chapter in a much bigger story of alleged corruption within the metro? Tonight, we examine the implications of the latest developments and ask what it will take to restore public trust.
Who Really Controls Cape Town? The Battle Over Power, Property and Planning
When we think about who shapes our cities, we often think of mayors, councillors and government officials. But behind the scenes, there are powerful bodies that determine where homes are built, where businesses operate and how billions of rands in development money are spent. Tonight, we turn our attention to an explosive Daily Maverick investigation that raises serious questions about the City of Cape Town's Municipal Planning Tribunal, an institution that critics say has become too powerful, too insulated and too influential. The investigation alleges that some members have effectively become "members for life", prompting concerns about transparency, accountability and the concentration of power in a city often praised for its governance. Joining us now is the journalist behind the investigation, Kevin Bloom, to help us understand exactly what was uncovered, why it matters and what it could mean for the future of urban development in South Africa.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Title: Is Food the New Medicine? The Healing Power of Everyday Herbs
Long before modern medicine, communities across Africa and around the world relied on herbs, roots and plants not just to treat illness, but to promote health and wellbeing. Today, science is increasingly examining what traditional healers have known for generations—that many everyday herbs contain powerful compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune- supporting properties. From rosemary and thyme to ginger, garlic and turmeric, could the ingredients sitting in our kitchens be doing far more than adding flavour to our meals? And how can we harness their benefits safely and effectively? Joining us this evening is Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, a registered phytotherapist and herbalist at Spier Wines.
South Africa and Nigeria: Can We Fight Crime Without Fueling Xenophobia?
South Africa and Nigeria are trying to reset their relationship after growing tensions over crime, migration and public safety. This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa's Special Envoy, Minister Ronald Lamola, met with Nigerian officials in Abuja to discuss some difficult issues—among them organised crime, the controversial "Igbo King" saga in the Eastern Cape, and the role of law enforcement in tackling criminal syndicates. But the government is also drawing a clear line: while criminals must face justice, no nationality should be blamed for the actions of a few, and xenophobia can never be the answer. So what came out of these talks? Will they improve cooperation between the two countries, and what does it mean for South Africans? We unpack that with Chrispin Phiri from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Reclaiming the Township Economy: Can South Africans Make Spaza Shops Thrive Again?
For generations, the township tuck shop was more than just a place to buy bread, milk or airtime. It was the heartbeat of many communities—a family business passed down through generations, a source of employment, and a symbol of local entrepreneurship. But over the years, many South African-owned shops struggled to survive. Rising operating costs, crime, limited access to finance, shrinking profit margins and fierce competition forced many owners to close their doors or rent out their businesses. In their place, foreign nationals—particularly Somali traders—built highly organised supply chains and business models that allowed them to thrive where many locals could not. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted once again. Following recent anti-immigration protests, some of these township shops now stand vacant after foreign operators left certain communities. Rather than allowing those businesses to remain closed, the KwaZulu-Natal government, under the leadership of Premier Thami Ntuli, is launching an ambitious initiative to help South Africans reclaim their place in the township economy. Working alongside private-sector partners, including Checkers, Uber Eats and other stakeholders, the programme aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the support they need to build sustainable township businesses. But can South Africans succeed where many previously struggled? Or does rebuilding township retail require much more than simply handing back the keys?
Can Entrepreneurs Save Local Government? ( Rali Mampeule, founder of the South African Entrepreneurs Movement )
As South Africa edges closer to another round of local government elections, the familiar campaign promises are already beginning to dominate the political landscape. Parties will once again pledge to fix roads, restore basic services, create jobs and stimulate local economies. Yet despite these commitments, many municipalities continue to battle financial distress, failing infrastructure, high unemployment and declining investor confidence. The question many South Africans are asking is whether the country needs a different kind of leadership—one that includes not only politicians, but also the entrepreneurs and business leaders who create jobs and keep local economies alive. The newly established South African Entrepreneurs Movement believes that for too long, those who build businesses have been excluded from the decisions that shape the economy. The movement argues that entrepreneurs—from township business owners and informal traders to industrialists and professionals—should have a direct voice in government policy and leadership. It is calling for qualified business leaders to occupy key positions in municipalities, state-owned entities and government, while advocating for a permanent partnership between entrepreneurs and the state. As South Africa prepares to choose its next generation of local leaders, we ask whether entrepreneurship could become one of the defining political forces in rebuilding municipalities and driving economic growth. Joining us this evening is Rali Mampeule, founder of the South African Entrepreneurs Movement.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Young Innovators Using AI to Solve South Africa's Biggest Challenges
Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a threat to jobs or a tool that makes life more convenient. But a new generation of South African innovators is proving that AI can also be a powerful force for good. Tonight, we spotlight two remarkable young professionals whose work is changing lives in very different ways. One is an Eastern Cape computer science student who transformed his love for his blind grandmother into an award-winning invention—AI-powered smart glasses that recognise faces, identify objects, read text aloud and help visually impaired people navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. His innovation has demonstrated how technology can restore dignity and improve accessibility for thousands of South Africans living with visual impairments. Joining him is Sanel'Ekhaya, founder of PROXICOM (Pty) Ltd, whose engineering consultancy is embracing artificial intelligence to modernise South Africa's mining sector. By integrating AI into engineering consultancy, quality assurance and technical inspection services, his company is helping clients make faster, data-driven decisions, improve project quality, strengthen compliance and enhance safety across mining operations. Together, these young professionals represent a new generation of problem-solvers who are proving that AI isn't just about writing essays or generating images—it's can improve lives, strengthen industries and build a more innovative South Africa.
JSC Recommends Suspension of Eastern Cape Judge President
The future of one of South Africa's most senior judges now hangs in the balance. The Judicial Service Commission has formally advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, pending Parliament's decision on whether he should be impeached. The recommendation follows the JSC's finding that Mbenenge is guilty of gross misconduct after a landmark judicial tribunal found he sexually harassed his secretary, Andiswa Mengo, through explicit messages and unwanted advances. While Mbenenge is challenging that finding in court and insists he has been treated unfairly, the case has become one of the most significant tests of accountability within South Africa's judiciary. If the National Assembly ultimately votes by a two-thirds majority to remove him, Mbenenge could lose not only his position but also the lifelong benefits attached to judicial office.
PIC in Turmoil: Can South Africa Trust the Guardian of R3 Trillion?
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the institution responsible for managing more than R3 trillion in assets on behalf of millions of South Africans, is once again under intense scrutiny. The asset manager, which invests the pensions of government employees and plays a significant role in the country's financial markets, is facing a deepening leadership crisis. Chief Executive Officer Patrick Dlamini has been placed on precautionary suspension while the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has launched an investigation into the organisation. At the same time, six board members have resigned in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about governance, stability and accountability at one of Africa's largest asset managers. The developments have reignited questions about whether the PIC has learnt the lessons from the commission of inquiry that exposed governance failures several years ago. What does this latest instability mean for the institution, for investors, and for the public servants whose retirement savings are entrusted to the PIC?
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.
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