listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Safe Drinking Water Becomes an Extra Expense
Water is one of life's most basic necessities. It is something we need every day, and something most of us expect to access simply by turning on a tap. But for an increasing number of South Africans, drinking water is becoming an expense they have to budget for. More people are opting to buy bottled water rather than drink the water supplied to their homes, raising questions about public confidence in municipal water supplies and concerns about the quality of the water reaching our taps. This is happening at a time when households are already under immense financial pressure. The cost of food, electricity, transport and other essentials continues to stretch household budgets. Now, for some families, buying water has become another expense they cannot easily avoid. But what happens to those who cannot afford to buy bottled water? Are they expected to take their chances with the water coming out of their taps, or should they be able to trust that the water supplied to their homes is safe to drink? Tonight, we look at the growing concerns around drinking water in South Africa and what this means for ordinary households. We speak to WaterCAN about water quality, public trust and the state of our municipal water systems, and to the South African Human Rights Commission about the right to safe drinking water and the responsibilities of government. Because in a country where access to water is a basic human right, we have to ask: why are people increasingly feeling the need to pay extra for water they can trust?
The Father Behind The Viral Video (SIDNEY HILL)
There are moments in life when everything changes in a matter of seconds. One moment, you are leaving home with your children, going about an ordinary day. The next, you are fighting for your life — and doing everything you can to make sure your children survive. That is what happened to 52-year-old Sidney Hill, a father who was leaving his home in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, with his two children when they were confronted by alleged hijackers on the 9th of October. One suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at his son, while another opened fire on him. Hill returned fire, fatally wounding one of the alleged attackers. He was also injured in the exchange. The dashcam footage of that terrifying encounter has since gone viral, with many people debating what happened and how Hill responded. But behind the footage is a father whose children witnessed something no child should have to experience. In the aftermath, his children have struggled with fear and trauma, and the family is trying to find a way forward. Tonight, we want to look beyond the viral video and the headlines. We want to hear from the father himself — about the moment he feared for his children's lives, the instinct to protect them, and the emotional toll of surviving an ordeal that could have ended very differently. Sidney Hill joins us for a deeply personal conversation about fatherhood, trauma and what it means to protect the people you love most.
Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices (POLITICAL ANALYST AND DIRECTOR AT RIVONIA CIRCLE - TESSA DOOMS)
Women make up more than half of South Africa’s electorate. Their votes have the power to influence the direction of our country, shape political leadership and determine which issues receive attention. Yet, despite this significant voting power, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, and many continue to live in fear of gender-based violence, struggle with economic inequality and carry the burden of raising children in communities where basic services and opportunities are often inadequate. As we approach the local government elections, we have to ask: are political parties doing enough to protect and empower women, or are women’s votes being taken for granted? Beyond the promises made during election campaigns, what are parties offering women in practical, measurable terms? And what should women be looking at when deciding which party deserves their vote? Tonight, we explore the power of the women’s vote, the issues that matter most to women and the questions every woman should be asking before she heads to the ballot box.
After 8 is After 8: A Second Chance? Is South Africa Harder on Women Who Have Been Incarcerated?
When a woman is released from prison, she has served her sentence. But does society believe she deserves another chance? For many women, the journey back into society can be just as difficult as the time they spent behind bars. They return to communities where their past may follow them, employers who may be reluctant to hire them, and families who may struggle to trust them again. But is the road to rebuilding a life particularly difficult for women? Beyond finding employment and financial stability, many must also confront expectations around motherhood, caregiving and what it means to be a respectable woman. A mother returning home may have to rebuild her relationship with children she left behind. A daughter or sister may find that her family has not forgiven her. And even when a woman is committed to changing her life, the stigma attached to incarceration can make it difficult to move forward. So, how accepting is South African society of women who have been incarcerated? Are women judged more harshly than men for the same mistakes, particularly when those mistakes challenge society’s expectations of how women should behave? And when we speak about rehabilitation and second chances, are we genuinely creating opportunities for these women to rebuild their lives, or are we continuing to punish them long after their sentences have ended? Tonight, we examine the realities of life after incarceration for women, the role of gender and social stigma, and whether South Africa is truly prepared to welcome them back into society.
The People’s Voice – Are Municipalities Listening to Residents?
Local government is the sphere of government closest to the people. It is responsible for delivering basic services, maintaining roads, ensuring reliable water and electricity, and keeping communities clean and safe. But for many residents, the reality is far removed from these promises. From service delivery failures and deteriorating infrastructure to concerns about accountability, communities are increasingly questioning whether their municipalities are meeting their needs. Tonight, we speak to a political analyst to unpack the state of local government, examine the political and governance issues behind these challenges, and ask what needs to change. We also want to hear from you, the listeners: What are the biggest challenges facing your community, and do you believe your municipality is listening?
Ramaphosa Deploys 510 SANDF Soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal Amid Anti-Immigration Violence
South Africa’s anti-immigration protests have once again raised serious questions about public safety, law enforcement and the protection of foreign nationals. President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 510 members of the South African National Defence Force to KwaZulu-Natal to support police in maintaining law and order under Operation Prosper. The move follows violent protests in Durban, where businesses were looted, property was damaged and a foreign national was reportedly beaten to death by a mob. The government has linked the unrest to misinformation surrounding a Constitutional Court judgment on the Refugees Act, which has fuelled tensions around asylum seekers and immigration. The deployment, which is expected to cost more than R34 million and run until the end of November, comes just days before the local government elections. But the question is whether deploying soldiers will be enough to prevent further violence, or whether it risks treating the symptoms of a much deeper problem. What is driving these protests, how much of the anger is rooted in legitimate concerns about immigration and service delivery, and where does legitimate protest end and criminality begin? We examine whether the military presence can restore calm, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that the responsibility for enforcing immigration laws remains with the state, rather than vigilante groups.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE WHEN VEHICLES GO MISSING IN SAPS CUSTODY?
When the police seize or take possession of your vehicle, you would reasonably expect it to be kept safe until it is returned to you. But what happens when the very institution entrusted with protecting your property fails to do so? A Gauteng High Court has held the Minister of Police liable after a woman’s 2014 Volkswagen Golf was stripped of critical components while stored at a South African Police Service facility in Pretoria West. When Suzette Ropafadzo Paradza went to collect her vehicle, the engine was missing. Further inspection revealed that the gearbox, alternator, starter and catalytic converter had also disappeared. The court refused to enforce an indemnity Paradza had signed when collecting the vehicle, finding the Minister liable for the loss. The ruling raises serious questions about the security of vehicles held as police exhibits, the effectiveness of SAPS storage facilities and the accountability of officials responsible for safeguarding seized property. So, how widespread is the problem of theft and stripping of vehicles held in police custody? Who should be held accountable when critical vehicle parts disappear from state-controlled facilities, and what recourse do motorists have when their property is damaged or stolen while in the hands of law enforcement? We speak to MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, about the implications of this judgment and what needs to change to protect motorists and restore public confidence. PHAKAMILE HLUBI-MAJOLA - SPOKESPERSON - MOTOR INDUSTRY STAFF ASSOCIATION.
From Political Mobilisation to Criminal Charges — Where Is the Legal Line?
In a democracy, the right to protest, criticise government and mobilise people around a political cause is fundamental. But where does that right end, and when can words spoken at a rally, statements made in public or messages posted on social media become evidence in a criminal case? South Africa’s July 2021 unrest brought these questions into sharp focus, with the prosecution of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla over alleged incitement linked to the unrest placing the relationship between political speech and criminal liability under scrutiny. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. The central issue is not simply whether someone called on people to mobilise, but what they said, what they intended, and whether the legal requirements for the alleged offences can be established. Tonight, we speak to a legal analyst about the charges, the evidence prosecutors must present, and the point at which political mobilisation can cross the line into criminal conduct. MELUSI XULU, LEGAL ANALYST AT DONDA ATTORNEYS INC.
After 8 Is After 8: Adoption, Women’s Rights and Reproductive Autonomy: What the Supreme Court of Appeal Judgment Means for Women and Children
The decision to place a child for adoption is one of the most deeply personal decisions a woman can make. Yet, for some women navigating South Africa’s adoption system, that decision can become a difficult encounter with the very institutions meant to provide support and protection. Questions about a woman’s circumstances, her choices and her reasons for considering adoption can raise serious concerns about dignity, privacy and the right to make decisions about her own reproductive life. The Women’s Legal Centre has welcomed a significant Supreme Court of Appeal judgment that dismissed an appeal by the Minister of Social Development. The ruling confirmed that government social workers had unlawfully interfered in adoption processes and found the Department of Social Development’s adoption guidelines unconstitutional. The judgment raises important questions about the limits of state intervention, the rights of women considering adoption and whether the policies governing adoption in South Africa adequately protect those rights. So, what exactly did the court find unlawful, and how were the dignity and privacy of the two women involved violated? How does this judgment strengthen women’s reproductive autonomy while ensuring that the best interests of children remain central to adoption decisions? And what does it mean for the future of adoption law and policy in South Africa? We discuss these questions and more with the Women’s Legal Centre, unpacking the significance of the judgment and the protections women should expect when making decisions about adoption.
The State of Our Municipalities: Who Is Being Held Accountable?
Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people. They are responsible for the services that shape our everyday lives — from the water that comes out of our taps and the electricity that powers our homes, to the roads we drive on, the rubbish collected from our streets and the sewage systems that protect our communities. Yet, across South Africa, residents continue to grapple with failing infrastructure, water shortages, sewage spills, potholes and allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. For many communities, the frustration is not simply about the absence of services, but about paying for services they do not consistently receive. The question is whether these failures reflect a shortage of resources, a lack of capable leadership, political interference or an accountability system that is simply not working. Year after year, municipal audit findings raise concerns about financial controls, irregular expenditure and the management of public funds. Yet residents are still waiting for meaningful improvements, while some municipalities struggle to meet even their most basic obligations. With local government elections approaching, we examine the state of our municipalities, the people and institutions responsible for their performance, and whether political leaders are being held accountable for the conditions in which communities live. What should voters be looking at when assessing the performance of their local government? And what must change to ensure that municipalities become The State of Our Municipalities: Who Is Being Held Accountable? Zolani Zoyani Local government expert. accountable, financially sustainable and capable of delivering the services residents are entitled to? We speak to an expert about the
After 8 is After 8: A legal battle over the right to read
For millions of blind and visually impaired people around the world, access to books remains a significant barrier to education, employment and full participation in society. Estimates suggest that only between 1% and 7% of published works are available in accessible formats, including braille, large print and other formats that people with visual impairments can use. An international agreement known as the Marrakesh Visually Impaired Persons Treaty aims to address this inequality by making it easier for countries to share accessible books across borders, allowing people to access a much wider range of reading material. South Africa has expressed its intention to join this treaty for years, but its accession remains outstanding. Now, Blind SA, represented by SECTION27, has taken the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mpho Parks Tau, to court over his decision to delay the process until the Copyright Amendment Bill becomes law. The organisation argues that a Constitutional Court order handed down in May 2025 already provides the necessary copyright exceptions to facilitate access to accessible-format works and their cross-border exchange. So, why has South Africa still not joined an agreement that could open the doors to international digital libraries? What are the consequences of this delay for blind and visually impaired South Africans, particularly learners, students and people who rely on accessible reading material? And what does this legal challenge mean for the government’s responsibility to ensure equal access to information? We speak to SECTION27 about the court challenge, the law and what needs to happen next.
KwaThema Woman Accused of Staging Her Own Kidnapping Remains in Custody
A woman accused of staging her own kidnapping is back in the spotlight, but beyond the criminal charges, the case raises an important question: what is the cost of false kidnapping reports? In KwaThema, a 37-year-old woman who was initially reported kidnapped has been arrested after police investigations allegedly uncovered a plan to fake her abduction with the help of an accomplice. The alleged scheme was reportedly intended to extort money from her cousin. Cases like this highlight the potential consequences of deliberately misleading the police, from wasting valuable investigative resources to diverting attention away from genuine kidnapping cases where victims may be in immediate danger. As the legal process unfolds, we look at the impact of false reports on law enforcement and the people who depend on police to find their missing loved ones.
After 8 is After 8: The Hidden Health Risks of Snuff
Snuff has been part of many South African households and communities for generations. For some people, it is an everyday habit. For others, it carries a much deeper meaning, rooted in culture, tradition and, in certain practices, spirituality and the relationship with the ancestors. It is often shared among family members, offered to elders and used in traditional settings. But while the practice may be familiar, how much do we really know about what snuff does to the body? Snuff is a tobacco product, and depending on the type and how it is used, it can expose users to nicotine and other potentially harmful substances. Nicotine is addictive, and smokeless tobacco products have been linked to a range of health risks, including damage to oral health. Yet there are people who may assume that because snuff is not smoked, it is less harmful, or that a product used for generations cannot pose a serious health threat. So, what does the scientific evidence actually tell us? Are people aware of the risks associated with nasal snuff compared with oral snuff? What happens when regular use becomes dependence, and what are the possible long-term consequences? And how do we have an honest conversation about these dangers without dismissing the cultural significance snuff holds for many people? Tonight, we separate perception from medical evidence and examine the hidden health risks of snuff, what users need to know, and whether enough is being done to educate our communities.
Godongwana’s Mini-Budget: Fuel Relief, Debt and the Fight for Economic Growth
South Africans struggling with the rising cost of living could get some temporary relief, following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, delivered in Parliament today. The government has announced a temporary reduction in the fuel levy, cutting the levy on diesel by R3 per litre and petrol by R1.50 per litre from the 4th of November until the 1st of December, before the relief is reduced in December and January. The intervention comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push up global oil prices, putting additional pressure on households and businesses already battling the high cost of living. But beyond the immediate relief at the pumps, the mini-budget presents a broader picture of the state of South Africa’s economy and government’s ability to manage its finances. Godongwana says the country has made progress in stabilising public debt, with improved revenue collection creating room for government to respond to economic pressures. However, the economic outlook remains challenging, with growth now forecast at just 1.2% for 2026, down from the 1.6% projected in February. Government is also setting aside R10-billion to respond to potential droughts and other risks associated with El Niño. The question now is whether these measures will translate into meaningful relief for ordinary South Africans, while creating the conditions for stronger economic growth, job creation and better service delivery. With municipal elections approaching and persistent concerns about unemployment, infrastructure and the performance of local government, how much confidence should South Africans take from the finance minister’s latest assessment of the economy? And what will it take to turn improved public finances into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives?
After 8 Is After 8: ILLEGAL MINING IN LIMPOPO - Atok’s Residents Against Illegal Chrome Mining
The impact of illegal mining on residential communities, residents’ safety, alleged intimidation and the effectiveness of law enforcement.Communities in Atok, Limpopo, are facing the consequences of illegal chrome mining, with residents raising concerns about the impact on their homes, land, livelihoods and safety. For some residents, the fight is no longer simply about illegal mining. It is about reclaiming their land, protecting their families and understanding why operations they consider unlawful continue despite their complaints to the authorities. On Metro FM Talk with Faith Mangope-McKenna, the conversation will explore the human cost of illegal chrome mining, the power dynamics that may allow these operations to continue, and the challenges communities face when they believe the authorities have failed to intervene effectively. The discussion will also examine the responsibilities of mining regulators, local government and law enforcement, as well as the broader implications for communities living alongside mining activities. We are joined by David van Wyk who is a Mining researcher and analyst . Formerly with the Bench Marks Foundation but till an advisor to them and Zethu Hlatshwayo - National Spokesperson for the National Association of Artisanal Miners.
Tshwane water crisis - Residents feel failed after mass gastrointestinal illness cases
Residents in Zithobeni, on the outskirts of Tshwane, said they feel failed by the government after not being warned that their drinking water was unsafe, despite it being linked to a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. Hundreds of people have fallen ill, with 408 cases reported between 7 and 18 October.Most of those affected are children under four, with authorities still warning residents not to use tap water for anything other than flushing toilets.Later today the health department reported a drop in Bronkhorstspruit gastrointestinal cases. We are joined by Aaron Maluleka - MMC for Housing and Human Settlement in the City of Tshwane and leader of executive business to tell us more.
Shadrack Sibiya Denied Bail
Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, 59, has been denied bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.He faces charges of sexual grooming, human trafficking and reckless handling of a firearm. He is accused of raping an 18- year-old woman and sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl. The State opposed bail, arguing that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses or flee the country. The magistrate agreed that he posed a risk to witnesses and could tamper with evidence, including allegedly disposing of cellphone evidence. The court’s decision: Sibiya will remain in custody because he failed to prove exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail. The allegations against him have not yet been proven in court.We are joined by SABC news Journalist Refilwe Mekoa and Chad Thomas who is Organised Crime investigator at IRSForensic Investigations.
After 8 Is After 8: Petrol Is Up. Food Is Up. Can Your Small Business Survive One More Shock?
Small businesses are already under pressure as rising fuel prices, food costs and operating expenses eat into their profits. For many entrepreneurs, there is very little room to absorb another financial shock. A break-in, stolen equipment,damaged stock or even a few days of forced closure could threaten the survival of a business that is already struggling to stay afloat but when every rand counts, what should business owners prioritise? Is insurance an unnecessary expense when cash flow is tight, or could cutting back on protection leave a business exposed to even greater financial losses? We speak to Junior Mlondobuzi, founder of Entresure, about the risks facing small businesses, the cost of being unprepared and the practical steps entrepreneurs can take to protect their livelihoods in an increasingly expensive operating environment.
The Tshwane police warn of scammers impersonating SAPS officers
Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine has warned the public about scammers posing as police officers to intimidate and extort money from unsuspecting victims. The fraudsters allegedly phone people, claiming warrants of arrest have been issued against them. They then send fake arrest warrants via WhatsApp and demand payment to have criminal charges dropped or warrants cancelled. SAPS warns the public: -Do not pay anyone demanding money to cancel a warrant or drop charges. -Do not share personal or banking details with suspicious callers. -Verify claims directly with your local SAPS station commander. -Keep telephone numbers, WhatsApp messages and fraudulent documents as evidence. -Report suspected scams to the police. Major-General Thine stressed that a document sent via WhatsApp that resembles an official arrest warrant does not prove its authenticity. Remember: Police impersonation is being used to threaten and defraud the public. Stay vigilant, verify before acting, and do not be intimidated into paying.Captain Johan Van Dyk -Tshwane District Communications Officer
Former President Thabo Mbeki testifies before TRC cases inquiry
Former President Thabo Mbeki has denied that his administration interfered in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes, insisting that decisions to prosecute rest with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry probing delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes, Mbeki said neither he as the president nor his cabinet had the authority to direct prosecutors to pursue or abandon criminal cases. Ackermann previously told the inquiry that a lawyer who represented apartheid generals Jan Wagener told him of high-level discussions involving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Police Service (SAPS), African National Congress (ANC) leaders and former presidents Mbeki and FW de Klerk. We are joined by Political reporter at the SABC Busi Bopela & Prof. Ntsikelelo Breakfast - Political analyst and Acting Director of the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University to help us with this discussion.
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