Expressions

Is the South African law biased? June is Men's Health Month, an observance aimed at raising awareness about preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Men are often the perpetrators of GBV and femicide in South Africa. However, men are also victims of abuse and social injustice. On this episode of Expressions, we will try to give men a platform to voice out their concerns and views on social matters. Men are usually overlooked in the media and the law

Depression among South African youth is a growing concern, and it's driven by a complex mix of social, economic, and psychological factors. Many young people grow up in broken homes or without present fathers, which creates emotional instability. Parents who are emotionally unavailable, absent due to work, or who grew up in trauma themselves may struggle to provide mental and emotional support. Social media also creates unrealistic expectations, as youth constantly compare themselves to celebrities and influencers who appear to live “perfect” lives. There is a major disconnect between today’s youth and their parents which is rooted in culture, history, and changing times.

As South Africa marks the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising and 25 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa, Expressions seeks to unpack the relevance of June 16 on the modern youth. The show also seeks to unpack the challenges that are faced by the modern youth in comparison to the youth of Yesteryear. Schools are plagued by violence, rapes and dropouts.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa remain deeply troubling and persistent issues. The recent tragic case of Olerato, alongside the discovery of lifeless female bodies in Sandton in May, underscores a terrifying pattern of violence that disproportionately affects women and girls across the country. The brutal murder of Olerato Mongale, who was reportedly killed after meeting a man she connected with online , has once again highlighted the pervasive and alarming issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa . This tragedy underscores the urgent need for both individual vigilance and collective action to combat the scourge of GBV and femicide in the country .

The International Day of the Boy Child 2025 commemoration will be an assembly of three generations of men, with some legends and influential male role models media personalities, artists and sports personalities attending. The DBE and its partners intend to leverage the International Day of the Boy Child to address the systemic educational, psychological as well as social challenges facing boys in South Africa.

In South Africa, millions of young people face challenges every day. But some face battles you can’t see. One of those battles… is Lupus. It can cause pain, fatigue, rashes, joint swelling, and even damage to the kidneys, heart, or brain. And most people with Lupus are young women – especially women of colour. Lupus often begins in the teenage years or early 20s, with young women of African, Asian, and mixed descent at higher risk. Many young people with Lupus experience extreme fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (often a “butterfly” rash across the cheeks), sensitivity to sunlight, and hair loss. Some may face organ damage over time if not diagnosed and treated early. Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are also common due to the emotional burden of living with a chronic illness. Social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialists can delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural areas. As Expressions we ask do you know about Lupus.

Creatives have been pleading with the Department of Arts and Culture to formalize the South African industry or create a Trade union that can protect the rights of entertainers in the country Formalizing the South African entertainment industry involves developing a structured and regulated environment to support growth, promote decent work, and ensure fair practices. This includes establishing clear legal frameworks, fostering industry organizations, and promoting access to funding and training programs.

History has taught that while the interest of workers is to earn dignified wages, the interests and the priority of the employer is on profit maximisation at the expense of the working class. We also draw lessons on the paradigm shift of the trade union posture from advocating for the interests of the working class into the party politics and employer interests.Expressions ask : Should young people still join trade unions ? Let’s take a look at views on the ground prepared by our producer Mziyanda Mbedla.

Freedom Day, observed annually on April 27 in South Africa, commemorates the nation's first democratic elections in 1994. This pivotal event marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of equality and democracy. Engaging youth in discussions about Freedom Day is essential for fostering an understanding of the country's history and the ongoing journey toward social justice. This week on Expressions, we look at challenges faced by young people at present, such as water and sanitation at our schools and also take a look at what strides have been taken to build a non-racial democracy.

It’s scary what young people are going through in their quest to get justice. Adding to the crisis is the outcome of the rape and human trafficking case against televangelist Timothy Omotoso and two others which is seen as discouraging to individuals who want to report sexual assault and gender-based crimes. On Expressions we ask: Is the South African Justice system failing GBV victims? Adding to the crisis is the outcome of the rape and human trafficking case against televangelist Timothy Omotoso and two others which is seen as discouraging to individuals who want to report sexual assault and gender-based crimes. On expressions we ask: Is the South African Justice system failing GBV victims?

South Africa's youth unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world, with recent figures showing that more than 60% of young people are unemployed. This staggering statistic has left many young South Africans desperate for work, and online job platforms often seem like a viable solution. The lure of a job in a different country, a well-paying opportunity, or the chance to work remotely makes these online job offers highly attractive to job seekers. However, youth unemployment has also attracted a surge in fraudulent job offers, often disguised as legitimate opportunities. These scams prey on vulnerable individuals, promising easy jobs with high pay, but in reality, they lead to financial loss, exploitation, or even human trafficking.

Why do protests in South Africa turn violent? Why do protesters stop children and youth from gong to school? How can South Africans protest peacefully and not infringe on young people’s right to life, to access education, health care and other rights as per constitution. We have just celebrated Human Rights Day, and one of the rights enshrined in our constitution is the right to protest. Kanti ke South Africa has been dubbed "the protest capital of the world", with one of the highest rates of public protests in the world. It is often argued that the rate of protests has been escalating since 2004.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, SAHPRA, has raised concerns, warning that Ozempic is not registered for weight loss in South Africa and could pose serious health risks when used without medical supervision. But what are these health risks? What are the short- and long-term effects of using this drug for weight loss? how is this trend affecting people who need the drug for diabetes management?  Charlotte Meschede, a diabetes and dietitian specialist unpack.

Did you know that creating, distributing and being in possession of child sexual abuse materials which many call child pornography is a criminal offence punishable by law? The recent arrests of Darren Wilken and Tiona Moodley who was found with more than 10 million videos and images of child sexual abuse material, large sums of cash and drugs is one of many that South Africans have witnessed in the period of six months, igniting calls for more action to put an end to this heinous crime that exploits the most vulnerable part of society which i

Gang members in south Africa are getting younger and younger. Gangs in South Africa have been fueled by poverty, unemployment, and social marginalization, especially in Black and Coloured communities. On average gang members join gangs at a very young age (adolescence stage) The killing of a 22-year-old gang leader and his 27-year-old accomplice in Verulam, after an exchange of gunfire with members of the SAPS. How does a 22 year old become a gang leader? These are young people that were supposed to be striving to change the face of South Africa

The latest research from the Zero Dropout Campaign reveals that an alarming 40% of South African learners who start Grade 1 do not progress to matriculation. This high dropout rate is attributed to various challenges, including insufficient financial support, inadequate educational resources, limited parental guidance, and social pressures such as teenage pregnancy. The discussion features insights from Colin Wardle of the Zero Dropout Campaign and Realeboga Mageledise from Equal Education.