Point of View with Phemelo Motene
Point of View with Phemelo Motene, delves into the day’s current affairs, touching on real issues and sharing expert advice on the audience questions between 8pm to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays.
Move to open sex offenders register gains momentum
There’s a breakthrough in the push to make South Africa’s National Register for Sex Offenders public. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed a draft law is in the works potentially ending years of secrecy around convicted offenders. Advocates say opening the register could better protect women and children, giving communities,…
Textbook tender under scrutiny as Gwarube calls in Treasury
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is escalating concerns over a controversial textbook tender now under the spotlight. She’s asked Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to bring in National Treasury to probe alleged procurement irregularities, after reports a little-known publisher, registered just days before the bid, secured a major slice of the…
Music Feature: Afro-Soul Divas (Continued)
In this week’s Music Feature, Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal continues his celebration of South Africa’s Afro-Soul divas, spotlighting timeless sounds from Unathi Nkayi, Leomile, Siphokazi, and Sibongile Khumalo, including tracks like We Thembisisle, Lerato Le Felile, Ndiyabulela, and Mayihlome, among others.
Child Health and Nutrition
Phemelo speaks to Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, Executive Director at Grow Great, about child health and nutrition in South Africa, and the ongoing national drive to cut and ultimately halve childhood stunting in the post-democracy era.
State of Healthcare and Access to Health Services
Phemelo is joined by ActionSA MP and medical doctor Dr Kgosi Letlape to unpack the current state of South Africa’s healthcare system, with a sharp focus on access to services and whether inequality in care delivery still persists for disadvantaged communities post-1994.
State of Education and the Experiences of Young People
Education activist and Social Justice Assembly coordinator Noncedo Madubedube joins Phemelo in conversation about the realities facing South Africa’s education system, and what life looks like for young people navigating learning and opportunity 32 years into democracy.
State of Higher Education 32 Years Post-Democracy
Phemelo sits down with award-winning marketer and newly appointed Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University, Thebe Ikalafeng, to reflect on his new role and take stock of higher education in South Africa 32 years into democracy and how far transformation in the sector has really come.
Music Feature: celebrating South Africa’s Afro-soul divas - Part 2
This week’s music feature with musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal shines a spotlight on South Africa’s Afro-soul divas, exploring the sound and influence of artists such as Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai. The segment revisits standout tracks including A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, Masibambaneni and Emini, among others,…
BOOK FEATURE: Soweto Stories co-editors join Phemelo Motene live to share tales of resilience, humour and hope
The Kaya 959 Book Club feature co-editors Zwelibanzi Mntambo and Thabo Ndabeni, who offer listeners a window into the making of the anthology. The stories they chose, the writers they worked with, and what it means to document Soweto through lite
Jagersfontein disaster case delayed
The long-running court battle over the deadly Jagersfontein dam collapse has been pushed back to August in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein. Eight accused - both individuals and companies face serious charges including murder and damage to property following the 2022 tragedy that left widespread destruction in its…
Legal Matters: bail blow, RAF claims and missing millions
In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana breaks down a string of headline-grabbing cases - from why Magistrate Thandi Theledi denied Fannie Nkosi bail, to using couriers to submit RAF claims, and the dismissal of a cash-in-transit employee linked to a missing R1.3 million.
Constitutional Court rules Human Rights Commission cannot issue binding directive
The Constitutional Court has ruled that the South African Human Rights Commission cannot issue binding directives, saying the watchdog must turn to the courts to enforce its recommendations. The judgment stems from a dispute over restricted access to borehole water on a farm, where an SAHRC order was ignored. The…
Cape Town clinic fraud probe over stolen patient files
A fraud investigation is underway in Cape Town after allegations that clinic staff are selling patient folders to help people illegally access social grants. Patients say missing files have blocked them from receiving legitimate support, with some claiming they were told their records had been sold. The claims have raised…
Amnesty warns of global human rights backsliding
Amnesty International has sounded the alarm over what it calls a “perilous new era” for global human rights, driven by attacks on international law and multilateralism. In its latest global report covering 144 countries, the organisation warns that governments, corporations and anti-rights movements are undermining accountability systems. However, it notes…
Three dead in suspected food-borne outbreak in Limpopo
Three people have died and 32 others hospitalised following a suspected food-borne illness outbreak in Limpopo. Health officials say at least 71 cases have been identified, all linked to a funeral held on 18 April in Ga-Maja village. Patients presented with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever, with…
Tshwane allocates over R2bn for water and power upgrades
The City of Tshwane has earmarked more than R2 billion to upgrade water and electricity infrastructure, with a focus on long-struggling areas like Hammanskraal. Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says new pump stations are among the key interventions aimed at stabilising supply. The metro also plans to phase out privately…
Masemola case postponed to May
The criminal case against Police National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has been postponed to 13 May in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Masemola faces four counts linked to alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act over a controversial R360 million SAPS contract awarded to alleged underworld figure Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala…
Roelf Meyer’s US posting sparks political storm
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Roelf Meyer as ambassador-designate to the United States is stirring fierce debate. The veteran politician’s nomination has divided opinion, with critics questioning whether he can rebuild trust in Washington following last year’s diplomatic fallout. Supporters, however, see a seasoned negotiator. Phemelo speaks to Global…
Fears of ‘another Esidimeni’ over patient relocation
Alarm bells are ringing over plans to move 172 mental health patients from a Johannesburg facility, with the DA warning of echoes of the Life Esidimeni tragedy. Concerns centre on a lack of transparency, questionable readiness of alternative placements, and limited consultation with families. The party says patient safety must…
South Africa hosts global water quality summit
South Africa is taking centre stage in shaping global water standards as the South African Bureau of Standards hosts top international experts in Pretoria. The high-level meeting brought together delegates from nearly 40 countries to refine how water quality is measured and managed -from drinking water to environmental systems. The…