listen to METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: When Life Sends You Back Home
For many adults, moving back home is never part of the plan. Whether it’s because of financial hardship, divorce, job loss, mental exhaustion, grief, or simply life not working out the way they imagined — returning to your parents’ house or family home can feel deeply emotional. There’s often shame attached to it. People worry about being judged by relatives, neighbours, or even old friends who think going back home means you’ve “failed.” But beyond the embarrassment, there’s also the difficult adjustment of losing independence, adapting to changed family dynamics, and trying to rebuild your life while feeling emotionally stuck between adulthood and starting over. Tonight we unpack the hidden emotional weight of going back home as an adult — and ask whether society has made people feel too ashamed to admit they need help.
Ramaphosa Finally Pulls the Plug on Sisisi Tolashe ( Lumka Oliphant Former Social Development spokesperson )
Ramaphosa Finally Pulls the Plug on Sisisi Tolashe President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally acted against embattled Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe — removing her from office after explosive allegations of misconduct and abuse of state resources. The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Ramaphosa dismissed Tolashe in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution, following mounting pressure over claims that she accepted two luxury Chinese SUVs allegedly meant for the ANC Women’s League and failed to declare them to Parliament. But the scandal doesn’t stop there. Investigations also revealed that a department-employed “food aide” was allegedly working at Tolashe’s private home in East London and forced to pay R7,000 a month into the minister’s daughter’s account to help cover household expenses. Now, with public outrage growing and questions mounting about accountability in government, Ramaphosa has appointed Sindisiwe Chikunga as acting minister while a permanent replacement is considered.
Fraud Accused But Returning To Work? The Ekurhuleni Controversy Raising Questions About Accountability ( INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST MODIBE MODIBA )
Imagine this: a city manager accused of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice appears in court — and days later could be back behind the desk overseeing municipal operations. That’s the controversy unfolding in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, where embattled city manager Kagiso Lerutla is reportedly set to return to work despite his legal troubles. The story has sparked outrage and debate across Gauteng. Critics argue this reflects a culture where politically connected officials continue operating with little consequence, while supporters insist that being charged does not automatically mean someone is guilty. But beyond the politics, ordinary residents are asking a simpler question: who is protecting public money and public trust? At a time when municipalities are battling allegations of corruption, financial instability, and collapsing infrastructure, this case has become bigger than one individual. It’s now about whether South Africa’s local governments have effective systems to deal with officials facing serious criminal allegations — or whether loopholes continue to allow accused officials to remain in powerful positions.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Pay Fair Bill: Justice for Workers or a Threat to Jobs and Business Stability?
South Africa’s deep wage inequality could soon face one of its biggest legal challenges yet. A proposed “Pay Fair Bill” is sparking fierce national debate after calls for companies to publicly disclose salary structures, justify pay gaps, and strengthen equal-pay protections in the workplace. Supporters say the bill is long overdue in a country where Nexecutives often earn millions while ordinary workers struggle to survive on stagnant salaries. But critics argue the legislation could create chaos for businesses, expose confidential salary information, and even discourage companies from hiring.
Phala Phala Returns: ActionSA’s Criminal Charges Against Ramaphosa
The Phala Phala saga is refusing to die down... and now, it’s taking another dramatic turn. Opposition party ActionSAsays it will officially file criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the controversial farm theft scandal that has haunted his presidency for years. The party claims the President may have violated the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, committed perjury, fraud, and allegedly made false statements to police regarding the exact amount of money stolen during the 2020 burglary at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. According to recent reports, the amount stolen may have been significantly more than what was initially disclosed publicly. Now this is important because the timing could not be more politically explosive. Just days ago, the Constitutional Court reignited pressure around the Phala Phala matter, reopening questions about accountability, transparency, and whether Parliament acted correctly when it previously blocked impeachment proceedings. So tonight we ask: Is this genuine accountability finally catching up with the President... or is this becoming a politically weaponised battle ahead of future elections?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: If you could introduce ONE Rule for People Wanting to Run Municipalities, What Would it Be?
South Africa’s local government system could soon undergo major changes as the revised Draft White Paper on Local Government has officially been opened for public comment by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The review aims to fix long-standing problems in municipalities — from poor service delivery and corruption to political interference and failing infrastructure. One of the biggest talking points is the push for more capable, accountable and professional municipal leadership. Proposed reforms include competency-based recruitment, clearer separation between politicians and administrators, stronger ethical oversight, and assigning powers based on a municipality’s actual capacity to deliver.
PHALA PHALA JUDGMENT: RAMAPHOSA REFUSES TO RESIGN AS IMPEACHMENT PROCESS RETURNS ( POLITICAL ANALYST SANDILE SWANA )
South Africa’s political landscape has once again been thrown into uncertainty after President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that he will not resign following the landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa on the Phala Phala matter. The apex court ruled that Parliament’s decision in 2022 not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry was flawed and must be set aside — effectively reopening the door to a Section 89 impeachment process. Now, while the President insists the judgment does not make any finding of guilt against him, critics argue that the political and moral implications are enormous.
8.1 Million Unemployed: Is South Africa Sitting on a Social Time Bomb? ( MATSHIDISO LENCOASA - BUDGET ANALYST AT SECTION 27 AND MEMBER OF THE BUDGET JUSTICE COALITION )
Tonight we ask the difficult questions: has South Africa normalised mass unemployment? Are political leaders failing to grasp the urgency of the crisis? And in a country where millions remain excluded from economic participation, how long before unemployment becomes not just an economic problem — but a serious social and political threat?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA NOT SIGNING
* The President acknowledged that the independent panel found prima facie evidence that he may have committed serious misconduct and may have violated the Constitution. * The panel also found he may have: * Acted inconsistently with his office. * Exposed himself to a potential conflict between official duties and private business interests. * He explained that in December 2022, the National Assembly voted not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry. * The Constitutional Court of South Africa has now ruled that: * Parliament’s 2022 process was flawed
Township Millions Missing? BOSA Demands Answers on R36 Million Gauteng Economic Development Scandal ( AYANDA ALLIE - BUILD ONE SOUTH AFRICA MPL )
Serious questions are being raised about money that was meant to uplift township businesses and create jobs in Gauteng. The Build One South Africa party, BOSA, is demanding a full forensic investigation into the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and its partner, Family Tree Holdings, over what it calls a R36 million corruption scheme linked to the Township Economic Partnership Fund. Now according to allegations, projects that were supposed to empower local entrepreneurs and support township retailers may have failed dismally, with claims of misleading information, dysfunctional facilities, and promises that never materialised. One of the projects under scrutiny is the Thokoza mini-distribution centre, which allegedly did not operate as intended and failed to benefit local shop owners. And here’s another layer to the story — BOSA says a report into the matter was promised by former Finance MEC Lebogang Maile and was expected in December 2025, but the public is still waiting. So tonight we ask: where did the money go, who must be held accountable, and are township development funds becoming easy targets for corruption?
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: “What’s Your Secret Side Hustle or Hidden Life?”
You spend eight hours a day sitting next to someone at work thinking you know them... meanwhile that same person could be body-slamming strangers in a wrestling ring on Saturday nights. Imagine finding out your quiet HR manager enters arenas wearing a cape and calling himself “The Destroyer.” Suddenly those Monday meetings make a lot more sense. Today we’re diving into the secret lives people live after hours — because some people clock out of the office and straight into an entirely different world. We’ll be chatting to two professionals who are also wrestlers when the work day ends, and we want to know from YOU: what’s your hidden side hustle or double life that your coworkers would never expect?
Fadiel Adams Arrested: Political Targeting or Obstruction of Justice?
The arrest of Fadiel Adams has sparked major political controversy after the Political Killings Task Team linked him to allegations of fraud and obstructing the course of justice. Police claim Adams interfered with investigations into the murder of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa by allegedly engaging with a convicted hitman during a critical stage of the investigation. But Adams insists he is being politically targeted, accusing police of intimidation, secrecy, and running a smear campaign against him. The outspoken NCC leader says he feared for his life and believes he would not have made it safely to KwaZulu-Natal had he been arrested quietly. Tonight we unpack the claims, the politics, and the growing tensions between Adams and law enforcement. BRUCE HENDRICKS - FROM HENDRICKS HARMSE ATTORNEYS- AND THE LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF FADIEL ADAMS
Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the Constitutional Court as it finally delivers judgment in the explosive Phala Phala saga ( ATM leader Vuyo Zungula )
Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the Constitutional Court as it finally delivers judgment in the explosive Phala Phala saga — a case that has hovered over President Cyril Ramaphosa for nearly four years. At the centre of it all: questions about millions of rand in foreign cash stolen from the president’s Limpopo game farm, whether Parliament failed in its oversight role, and whether the president should have faced an impeachment inquiry. The case was brought by the African Transformation Movement and the Economic Freedom Fighters after MPs voted against adopting the Section 89 panel report. Tonight… we speak to ATM leader Vuyo Zungula about what’s at stake politically, constitutionally, and for public trust in government. More than 500 days after arguments were heard, South Africa may finally get clarity on one of the country’s biggest political scandals. The Constitutional Court is expected to hand down judgment tomorrow in the Phala Phala matter — the legal challenge brought by the African Transformation Movement and the Economic Freedom Fighters over Parliament’s decision not to pursue impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The controversy stems from the theft of large sums of US dollars from the president’s farm and allegations of a cover-up involving state resources. Joining us now is ATM leader Vuyo Zungula to unpack why his party took this fight all the way to the apex court — and what outcome they’re hoping for.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Positive Fatherhood Critical in Dealing with the Country's Violence Crisis
Positive, consistent fatherhood and the presence of male role models are being positioned as critical, preventative tools in tackling South Africa's high rates of violence. With over 60% of South African children growing up without their biological fathers, initiatives such as the Heartlines Fathers Matter campaign highlight that "social fathers"—uncles, grandfathers, and mentors—are essential in modeling non-violent behavior, empathy, and emotional control for the next generation. That’s what we’re discussing this evening in our After 8 segment as we look to unpack the role of fathers and father figures in reducing violent behaviour in the country.
“Transformation Code” in The Legal Profession Challenged
The Legal Sector Charter Council says the Legal Sector Code is critical for transformation within the judiciary and legal profession. This comes as several major law firms, including Norton Rose Fulbright (Solidarity Deneys-Reitz), Webber Wentzel, Werksmans Attorneys and Bowmans, challenge the code in the Pretoria High Court. The firms argue that the code, which has been gazetted, is “flawed” and risks harming broad-based transformation in the legal fraternity, rather than enhancing it.
S.A’s Disease Spread Prevention Systems Questioned
Gaps or breaches in disease screening protocols at the country’s ports of entry have been questioned by parliament following the identification of a number cases of the hantavirus in South Africa, which has already claimed at least one life in the country. Responding to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee - Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi emphasised that human-to-human transmission is rare and requires close contact. The committee was also informed that, based on available scientific evidence presented by the department and experts, rodents in South Africa do not carry the Andes strain of hantavirus that has been detected through lab tests. MPs also raised concerns about how a passenger who later deteriorated was able to travel without triggering precautionary measures, and whether sufficient communication protocols were followed between transport operators and health authorities in the country.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: South African Owned Township Businesses in Crisis
Spaza shop associations and township entrepreneurship forums are expressing urgent concerns regarding the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund and this evening we look at some of the challenges faced by locals in building and maintaining spaza shops, as well as, the support needed in order to bolster businesses owned by South Africans in townships.
Mixed Reactions to Manamela Placing NSFAS Under Administration
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela’s decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration has been met with criticism from student bodies, opposition parties, labour unions and civil society organisations. Manamela has defended the move, saying it is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the financial aid scheme. He has appointed Hlengani Mathebula as administrator.
R800 Million Reportedly Spent on Suspended Public Officials
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has added its reaction to a report by the Sunday Times that hundreds of public servants remain suspended with full pay, costing the state about R800 million a year. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, says the committee will request the Minister of Public Service and Administration to brief the committee on the reasons disciplinary matters remain unresolved beyond prescribed timeframes and the corrective steps the department is taking.
AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Tobacco Bill or Criminal Windfall?
South Africa’s proposed Tobacco Control Bill has ignited a heated national debate, with critics arguing that while it is designed as a public health measure, it may unintentionally strengthen the country’s already booming illicit cigarette trade. The Bill is described not as a solution to smoking, but as a “gift to criminals” , warning that stricter regulations, packaging controls, advertising bans, and increased restrictions could push more consumers into the black market rather than reducing demand. This, critics argue, risks expanding the power and profitability of organised criminal syndicates who already dominate the illegal tobacco supply chain. At the heart of the debate is a deeper tension: should South Africa prioritise aggressive public health regulation to reduce smoking rates, or focus on strengthening enforcement first to prevent illicit trade from flourishing? With estimates suggesting that the majority of cigarettes in circulation may already be illegal, opponents of the Bill argue that regulation without enforcement capacity could further weaken the formal industry, cost jobs, and reduce tax revenue. Supporters of the Bill, however, maintain that stronger controls are necessary to protect public health, reduce smoking prevalence, and align South Africa with global tobacco control standards,insisting that enforcement challenges should not delay essential legislation. The question now driving public discourse is whether the Tobacco Bill will reduce harm or unintentionally deepen the influence of the very criminal networks it seeks to undermine.
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