Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

HEALING HOUR: Overcoming addiction and finding your peace.

Loading player...
Born in Tembisa, he’s the eldest of three kids. Thabang entered the film industry when he was just 15 years old – he hosted the kids show K-TV on MNet. His love for TV and film took over his life, and made it an easy choice to attend the National School Of The Arts, where he majored in arts. The director has won multiple awards, including the Best Short Film at Sithenghi Film Festival (Jameson Award).

He’s directed some of South Africa’s most popular soapies, including Jacob’s Cross , Zone 14 and The Lab. His big break came when he directed his first feature film, Happiness Is A Four-Letter Word, which starred Khanyi Mbau, Renate Stuurman and Mmabatho Montsho. The film drew more than 45 000 viewers on its first three days at the cinema. The movie also went on to get him a nomination at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best First Feature Film by a Director.
24 Jan 2023 8AM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Wrap of the Week’s Top Stories

Kaya News Anchor Katleho Sekhotho takes us through the headlines that dominated the news cycle. From Matlala’s appearance before the Madlanga Commission, which left more questions than answers, to the latest developments in coalition talks as the ANC weighs its political options. Also in focus, former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe…
13 Nov 6AM 22 min

Judge accused of racism by clerk

A Judicial Conduct Tribunal is investigating Eastern Cape Judge Belinda Hartle over allegations that she made a racist remark to a registry clerk in May 2025. Hartle denies the allegation, but the Judicial Service Commission has found a prima facie case against her. A finding of gross misconduct could have…
13 Nov 6AM 12 min

Classics on Turf presents A Sibongile Khumalo Celebration

A special concert celebrating the life and musical legacy of legendary South African singer Sibongile Khumalo takes place at the Market Theatre, in collaboration with Classics on Turf. The performance brings together musicians and singers who worked with Khumalo, revisiting her contributions to jazz, opera, art song and indigenous music…
12 Nov 1PM 8 min

Sudan’s drone attacks intensify as deadly assault reported in Kenya

Drone strikes on power stations and civilian infrastructure are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with UNICEF warning that armed drones are increasingly putting children and communities at risk. Meanwhile, eight people, including two police reservists and five construction workers, have been killed in an attack by suspected al-Shabaab militants…
11 Nov 1PM 14 min

Nearly 1.8 million abandoned 10111 calls raise concerns over police response

Nearly 1.8 million calls to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) 10111 emergency line went unanswered or were abandoned during the 2025/26 financial year, with the national abandonment rate standing at approximately 20%. SAPS has acknowledged that staffing at emergency call centres is severely inadequate, raising concerns about the ability…
11 Nov 1PM 10 min
All episodes