METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Is democracy failing South Africans… or are South Africans giving up on democracy?
A new report commissioned by the Electoral Commission of South Africa has revealed a troubling reality—more and more South Africans are losing faith in the country’s democracy. From rising unemployment and failing service delivery to corruption and inequality, many feel the system is no longer working for them. But what does that really mean? Is it frustration with leadership, broken promises, or a deeper sense that ordinary voices simply don’t matter anymore? Tonight, we want to hear from you. Have you lost hope in South Africa’s democracy—and if so, why? What has changed for you?
Burning Neglect: Mthatha Government Building Fire Raises Red Flags on State Infrastructure ( DR MALCOM FIGG - DA MP )
A devastating fire has ripped through the Botha Sigcau building in Mthatha—a key government complex housing multiple state departments—raising serious concerns about the state of public infrastructure. As officials begin assessing the full extent of the damage, questions are mounting about whether this was a tragic accident or a disaster long in the making. Tonight, we examine what went wrong, who should be held accountable, and whether this incident exposes a deeper crisis in how government infrastructure is managed across the country.
Crisis at the Top: SAPS Leadership Under Fire as Charges Mount ( INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES WILLEM ELS )
South Africa’s policing leadership is facing one of its most serious crises in recent years, as questions mount over integrity, accountability, and the future of the force. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia is set to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing concern over developments within the South African Police Service. This follows confirmation that National Commissioner Fannie Masemola has been served with a summons to appear in court over alleged procurement-related offences linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala. While Masemola remains in his position for now, the unfolding situation has raised alarm at the highest levels of government. Tonight, we unpack what this means for the stability of the police service, the implications for leadership at the top, and whether this moment signals a deeper institutional crisis that requires urgent reform.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: BREAST REDUCTION - ESSENTIAL OR COSMETIC?
For many women, breast reduction surgery is not about aesthetics—it’s about relief. Relief from chronic back pain, neck strain, and the daily physical discomfort that can significantly affect quality of life. Yet, despite clear medical motivations and support from specialists, many patients say they are struggling to access this procedure through their medical aid. We’ve heard from listeners who describe a frustrating process of applications, rejections, and delays—even when doctors have confirmed that the surgery is medically necessary. So tonight, we ask: why is a procedure that can alleviate serious health issues still being treated as cosmetic? And what options do patients have when they feel their medical aid is failing them?
We Unpack The Role of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers
As we mark World Consumer Rights Day, the spotlight turns to the rights we often take for granted—and the systems in place to protect them. Many South Africans may not realise that when they have disputes with banks, insurers, or financial service providers, there are independent bodies designed to step in and help. These are the financial ombud schemes, and they play a critical role in resolving complaints, holding institutions accountable, and ensuring that consumers are treated fairly. But how many people actually know how to access these services, or even that they exist? Tonight, we unpack the role of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers, the types of complaints they handle, and how this system can empower you as a consumer to seek justice without the cost and complexity of going to court.
Generals in the Dock: Senior SAPS Officers Arrested in R360 Million Tender Scandal
A major corruption scandal has rocked the ranks of the South African Police Service, with twelve senior officers—including high-ranking generals—set to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates Court today. The arrests, carried out by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, are linked to a controversial R360 million police tender awarded to Medicare24. At the centre of the case is alleged cartel figure Vusimuzi Matlala, who is accused of securing the lucrative contract with the help of insiders within the police. Investigators believe the deal was riddled with irregularities and may have involved kickbacks, raising serious questions about corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement. Tonight, we unpack the details of this explosive case, what it reveals about accountability within the police, and whether this marks a turning point in the fight against corruption in South Africa.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: From Relief to Responsibility: Will South Africa’s Jobseeker Grant Deliver?
South Africa is preparing for a major shift in its social support system, as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is set to be overhauled and redesigned into a jobseeker’s grant under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration. The change is being pitched as a way to more actively support young people in need, helping them bridge the gap between unemployment and opportunity. But with millions still out of work across the country, questions abound: will this new grant genuinely empower recipients to find sustainable employment, or is it simply a rebranding of an ongoing social crisis? Tonight, we examine both sides of the debate—exploring the potential benefits of incentivising job-seeking, the risks of leaving vulnerable groups behind, and what this move really tells us about South Africa’s fight against unemployment and economic inequality.
BUSINESS PROFILE: Terry Mavundla is The Founder and CEO of Wisolve (Pty) Ltd
As South Africa continues to position itself as a growing hub for innovation and digital solutions, one entrepreneur is carving out space in the highly competitive ICT sector. Terry Mavundla is the founder and CEO of Wisolve (Pty) Ltd, a Durban-based mobile app development and software programming company that’s steadily making its mark. With a vision to compete at the highest level in the tech industry, Wisolve is not just building apps—it’s developing solutions tailored to modern business needs in an increasingly digital world. We’re joined now by Terry to unpack the journey behind building a tech company in South Africa, the challenges of breaking into the ICT space, and what it takes to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry.
Crowned or Controversial? Inside the ‘Nigerian King’ Dispute in the Eastern Cape
A controversial alleged coronation in the East London—now officially known as KuGompo—has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the rule of law, cultural legitimacy, and diplomatic sensitivity. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has come out strongly against what it calls the unlawful installation of a so-called ‘Nigerian king’ on South African soil, warning that such actions could undermine both democratic principles and established traditional leadership systems. The department has now escalated the matter, bringing in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to engage diplomatically, while political voices like the African Transformation Movement have condemned the move as a blatant disregard for the country’s legal and cultural frameworks. But beyond the headlines, this incident raises deeper questions: who has the authority to recognise traditional leadership in South Africa? And what happens when cultural practices, migration, and law collide?
Gunned Down in Broad Daylight: Are South Africa’s Lawyers Becoming Targets?
A brazen daylight shooting in the heart of Johannesburg has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity and raised fresh fears about the safety of professionals on the frontlines of high-stakes disputes. A 35-year-old woman, believed to be a lawyer representing mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater, was gunned down near the offices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in what police say was a targeted attack. The killing comes just months after the assassination of prominent insolvency attorney Bouwer van Niekerk, highlighting what many are calling a growing and deeply worrying trend—lawyers increasingly finding themselves in the firing line. While the motive behind this latest killing remains unclear, speculation is already mounting around the labour dispute the victim was handling at the time. Tonight, we ask: are South Africa’s legal professionals becoming soft targets in a climate of rising tension and high-value disputes? And what does this mean for justice, accountability, and the rule of law?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Justice in Limbo: How South Africa’s Forensic Backlog is Leaving Families Without Answers
Across South Africa, thousands of families are waiting—not just for answers, but for justice. A growing backlog in critical forensic processes, from autopsies and toxicology reports to ballistics and DNA testing, is causing severe delays in criminal investigations and court proceedings. At the centre of this crisis are institutions like the South African Police Service and the National Forensic Science Laboratories, where capacity constraints, resource shortages, and systemic inefficiencies are slowing down the delivery of crucial evidence. These delays don’t just affect investigations—they stall prosecutions, weaken cases, and in some instances, allow suspects to walk free. But beyond the legal implications, there is a deeper human cost. Families are left in limbo, unable to bury loved ones, finalise estates, or find closure. Tonight, we ask: what is causing this forensic backlog—and who is being held accountable for a system that is failing both victims and justice?
R630 Million Missing: Inside the Collapse of Accountability at ETDP SETA ( DA MP KARABO KHAKHAU )
More than R630 million meant to fund opportunities for young South Africans has simply disappeared—without a trace. That’s according to damning findings by the Auditor-General of South Africa into the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority. Auditors say they could not verify how a staggering R637.6 million in discretionary grants was spent, due to missing records and a complete breakdown in internal controls. These are funds that were supposed to go towards bursaries, internships, and skills development programmes at a time when youth unemployment in South Africa remains critically high. Instead, what’s emerged is a picture of systemic governance failure, weak oversight, and a lack of accountability—with no clear consequences for those responsible. Tonight, we ask: how does money meant to empower a generation simply vanish—and who, if anyone, will be held accountable?
Click, Pay, Complain: Are Online Shoppers Really Protected in South Africa? ( CGSO CEO QUEEN MUNYAI )
As South Africans increasingly turn to online shopping for convenience, questions are being raised about whether consumer protection laws are keeping up with the digital age. To mark World Consumer Rights Day, the National Consumer Commission and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud have released a joint position paper highlighting growing concerns around unfair business practices in e- commerce. The report points to a surge in complaints ranging from misleading advertising and non-delivery of goods to refund delays and counterfeit products sold through third-party platforms. It also exposes a major gap in accountability, with regulators warning that current legislation has not kept pace with how consumers shop today. At the centre of the debate is whether online platforms should be held responsible when transactions go wrong—and what reforms are needed to better protect consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Rights, Health, and Dignity
Menstruation and reproductive health affect millions of women and girls in South Africa — yet for many, they remain daily struggles with far-reaching consequences. Period poverty leaves girls missing school and women unable to live with dignity, while endometriosis, a chronic and often invisible condition, can go undiagnosed for years, affecting education, work, and quality of life. Tonight, we examine these issues through a human rights lens: how access to menstrual products, healthcare, and awareness isn’t just a health matter — it’s a question of equality, dignity, and justice. We’ll explore what’s being done, where gaps remain, and what needs to change to ensure that women and girls can live fully without barriers imposed by their biology.
Water Rights vs Responsibility ( Vanessa Stippel (Water Management Lecturer) - Emeris )
Water is a fundamental human right in South Africa, guaranteed by our Constitution of South Africa. Yet, as supply pressures mount and restrictions hit some areas, a difficult question arises: are we, the public, doing enough to protect it? Tonight, we explore the tension between rights and responsibility. While some communities still struggle for clean, reliable water, others are accused of overuse, waste and illegal connections. How do we balance access with accountability — and can South Africa sustain its water future without a major shift in behaviour?
PROF ISAAC KHAMBULE - PROF OF POLITICAL ECONOMY - UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
There’s growing concern at the pumps, with reports of fuel shortages emerging in parts of the country — but government is urging calm. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says fuel supply remains stable in the short term, despite several petrol stations across provinces including Gauteng and the Western Cape running out of certain grades of diesel. Behind this is a bigger global story. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices above 100 dollars a barrel, creating uncertainty in international markets and raising concerns about supply chains worldwide. Government says it has secured fuel shipments and has plans in place to manage potential risks — but at the same time, it is warning that South Africans could soon feel the impact through higher fuel prices. So tonight we ask: Should South Africans be worried about fuel supply — or is the real pressure still to come at the pump?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: We Check in on The Aftermath of The Floods — and ask: What does Recovery Really look like when the Cameras are Gone?
It’s been some time since devastating floods tore through parts of Limpopo, but for many residents, the disaster is far from over. While the floodwaters may have receded, the damage they left behind continues to shape daily life. Homes were swept away, belongings destroyed, and entire communities displaced. Today, some families are still living in temporary shelters — including community halls — with little certainty about when they will be able to return home, or what they will return to. For many, everything they built over years is gone. As attention shifts away from the immediate crisis, questions remain about recovery, support and rebuilding. What assistance has reached affected communities? Is it enough? And how do people begin again after losing so much?
Lyndwill Clarke Designation: Head of Consumer Education Department
Over-insurance can lead to delayed claims, disputes over payouts, or even policies being cancelled because someone had multiple funeral covers or didn’t disclose all their existing cover. Families often discover too late that what seemed like protection has become confusion, frustration and loss of trust. This is why the FSCA has embarked on this funeral insurance campaign to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities when buying funeral insurance. To talk about this interesting topic, we are going to be joined by Mr Lyndwill Clarke from the FSCA.
Public Health vs Personal Choice ( THABANG BHEBE - FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR - CLEAN THE AIR CAMPAIGN )
South Africa’s long-awaited tobacco control laws are back in the spotlight, as the Department of Health signals it is willing to make key adjustments following public feedback. At the centre of the conversation is the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, a piece of legislation that has been years in the making and aims to tighten regulations around tobacco and nicotine products — including cigarettes, vapes and other electronic delivery systems. Now, after the latest round of consultations, government is proposing changes, including clearer distinctions between combustible and non-combustible products, with the possibility that some could be exempt from certain restrictions. But while some aspects of the Bill — like banning smoking in indoor public spaces and restricting sales to minors — have found support, others remain highly contested.
TEBOGO KHAAS - PUBLIC INTEREST SOUTH AFRICA
New developments emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry are raising important questions about the intersection of law, politics and justice in South Africa. At the centre of the discussion is Musa Khawula, who is currently in custody facing a range of charges, including alleged bail violations, failure to appear in court and more serious offences linked to a 2021 incident. While these charges are before the courts, recent testimony at the Commission has introduced another layer to the story — allegations that there may have been political or executive influence in the manner of his arrest and continued detention. Those implicated in these claims have not yet had an opportunity to respond. At the same time, there are also questions being raised about the nature of some of the charges Khawula faces, particularly those considered to be speech-related, and whether the legal processes followed have been proportionate and consistent. So tonight, we take a step back and ask: What do we know so far, what remains unclear, and how should the system respond when such serious allegations are raised? And ultimately, how do we ensure that both accountability and fairness are upheld within South Africa’s justice system?
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