AREA CODE

In Conversation With Karen Farred CEO of Girls and Boys Town South Africa

As South Africa marks the 32nd International Day of Families, organisations working with vulnerable children are calling for greater attention to the growing impact of inequality, family instability, and social hardship on child well-being. Observed globally under the theme “Families, Inequalities and Child Well-Being,” this year’s commemoration shines a spotlight…

26 May 14 min

In Conversation With Abdullah Navlakhi- Central Johannesburg CPF

For thousands of students living and studying around Auckland Park, Braamfontein, Brixton, and Melville, daily life has become increasingly shaped by one reality: fear. Students from institutions such as the University of Johannesburg and University of the Witwatersrand have repeatedly raised concerns about robberies, muggings, hijackings, and violent crime happening…

26 May 8 min

In Conversation With Persy Qamata- CEO of BRO

South Africa’s e-hailing industry continues to evolve rapidly as local platforms attempt to challenge dominant global players in a market shaped by affordability concerns, driver frustrations, commuter safety, and increasing competition. BRO E-Hailing is one of several emerging South African platforms positioning itself as a locally focused alternative within the…

26 May 9 min

In Conversation With Dr Kgosi Letlape- Action SA representative

The crisis surrounding Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is once again under the spotlight after ActionSA announced plans to approach the Hawks over alleged misconduct linked to the hospital’s fire repair project. This follows a damning report by the Public Protector, which reportedly uncovered maladministration, irregularities, weak financial controls, project…

26 May 10 min

In Conversation With Goodenough Mashego- political analyst

Political parties in Parliament have finally submitted their representatives for the Section 89 impeachment committee tasked with investigating President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal — ending weeks of delays that drew criticism from opposition parties and governance analysts. The committee follows a Constitutional Court ruling earlier this month…

26 May 13 min

In Conversation With Foster Mohale- Departmental Spokesperson (Department of Health)

The National Department of Health has moved to reassure the public that forensic pathology services across South Africa remain fully operational despite sporadic picketing actions by forensic pathology staff in some provinces. According to the Department, the demonstrations are linked to labour-related grievances involving forensic pathology officers and are being…

25 May 10 min

In Conversation With Crezane Bosch MPL DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety

Newly released fourth-quarter crime statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) have once again placed Gauteng at the centre of South Africa’s kidnapping crisis. According to the statistics covering January to March 2026, Gauteng accounted for 54.8% of all kidnapping cases recorded nationally, with an average of 27 kidnappings…

25 May 8 min

In Conversation With Thamsanqa Mathiso Chief Commercial officer at City Power

City Power says it is beginning to see significant progress in reducing electricity losses across Johannesburg, following a series of interventions aimed at improving revenue collection, billing accuracy, infrastructure protection, and customer compliance. According to the utility’s latest year-to-date performance figures, electricity losses dropped from approximately 40.53% in July 2025…

25 May 7 min

In Conversation With Tiego Khoza- political analyst

The Phala Phala saga has once again returned to the centre of South Africa’s political debate after ANC veteran and businessman Tokyo Sexwale publicly challenged President Cyril Ramaphosa’s explanation of the controversial scandal involving the theft of foreign currency from the president’s Limpopo farm. Speaking during an interview on the…

25 May 5 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH SYDNEY BALOYI

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.

22 May 9 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH XOLANI FIHLA

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.

22 May 3 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH PHASIKA

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.

22 May 19 min

In Conversation With Odirile Mariri, Project Coordinator at the National Business Initiative

South Africa’s transition toward a green economy is generating growing demand for new skills, services, and enterprise opportunities. However, for many young people in township communities, significant structural barriers continue to limit access to these opportunities, making meaningful participation in the emerging green economy difficult. The National Business Initiative, a…

20 May 9 min

In Conversation With Foster Mohale, Departmental spokesperson for Health

The Department of Health has acknowledged the recent Constitutional Court judgment handed down on Monday, 18 May, which declared sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 unconstitutional and invalid. The court found that these sections were irrational and unjustifiably limited the constitutional right to freely…

20 May 8 min

In Conversation With Michael Waters, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Education

The Democratic Alliance has formally submitted a petition with more than 16,000 signatures to the Gauteng Education Portfolio Committee, calling for the immediate reversal of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s 64% budget cuts to Quintile 5 public schools. The petition, launched in January 2026, follows concerns raised by schools, parents, and…

20 May 8 min

In Conversation With Mike Moriarty, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has welcomed the dismissal of the Gauteng Gambling Board Chief Executive Officer, Karabo Thuladu Mbele, saying the decision is long overdue. According to the DA, allegations of corruption, fraud, and abuse of office at the GGB were first raised by whistle-blowers as far back as…

20 May 8 min

In Conversation With Omogolo Taunyane, ActionSA Joburg Campaign Manager

ActionSA Mayoral Candidate, Herman Mashaba, is expected to deliver the Real State of the City Address, where he will brief the media and residents on the current condition of Johannesburg. According to ActionSA, the address will focus on what the party describes as the severe decline in service delivery since…

20 May 13 min

In Conversation WIth Shaakera Subjee Educational Psychologist

As South Africa marks Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2026, growing attention is being placed on the mental wellbeing of young people, particularly adolescent girls navigating increasingly complex emotional, academic, and social pressures. Research from the South African Medical Research Council indicates that approximately 10.1% of young people experience…

19 May 11 min

In Conversation With Alex Bouche - Director of the Kingsmead Book Fair

The Kingsmead Book Fair returns for its 14th annual edition on Saturday, 23 May 2026, bringing together authors, readers, publishers, educators, and literary enthusiasts for one of Johannesburg’s prominent literary events. Hosted by Kingsmead College in association with Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Fasken, Exclusive Books, and media partner Hot…

19 May 11 min

In Conversation With Dennis Bloem- Activists/citizens

Political tensions surrounding businessman and political figure Brown Mogotsi have intensified following growing calls for the courts to deny him bail after his recent arrest on serious charges. The organisation argues that Mogotsi’s alleged conduct reflects a broader culture of political arrogance, impunity, and abuse of public institutions. The statement…

19 May 11 min