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.
Music Feature: Celebrating the timeless legacy of Bob Marley
This week’s music feature shines the spotlight on reggae legend Bob Marley, as musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal revisits the life, music and enduring influence of the global icon. From anthems like Three Little Birds, Redemption Song, Buffalo Soldier and Is This Love, the feature explores how Marley’s music transcended borders…
What To Watch: Thrillers, theatre and powerful storytelling take centre stage
This week on What to Watch, Leroy Marc rounds up the hottest releases and must-see productions. From the tense big-screen thrillers In the Grey and Obsession, currently showing in cinemas, to the moving documentary Dr Mbongeni Ngema by filmmaker Lindani Mbense, screening at the Market Theatre from 30 May -…
Joburg mourns cultural powerhouse Maria McCloy
The South African entertainment and fashion industry is mourning the loss of trailblazing media personality Maria McCloy, who has died at the age of 50 following heart failure. McCloy passed away at a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday evening, with her family confirming the heartbreaking news on Wednesday. Born in the…
Trump gets the red-carpet treatment in China - but tensions simmer beneath the smiles
Donald Trump received a lavish welcome from Chinese President Xi Jinping during a high-stakes visit that could reshape relations between the world’s two biggest powers. From military honours and cheering schoolchildren waving US and Chinese flags, to glowing compliments exchanged between the leaders, the symbolism was impossible to miss. Trump…
Ramaphosa finally axes embattled Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe
After months of mounting pressure, President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Sisisi Tolashe as Minister of Social Development. The Presidency confirmed the shake-up on Thursday, appointing Sindisiwe Chikunga as acting minister while a permanent replacement is considered. Tolashe’s tenure had been overshadowed by allegations of corruption, controversial appointments and questions over…
Legal Matters: From disputed wills to dismissals over driver’s tests
This week on Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana breaks down major legal cases making headlines - from disciplinary procedures involving the Legal Practice Council, to disputes over the validity of wills and witness signatures. The discussion also explores access to court records during review proceedings, and a shocking case where a…
State slams MP Fadiel Adams in explosive bail hearing
The state has come out strongly against granting bail to NCC leader and MP Fadiel Adams, accusing him of undermining the justice system. During a tense hearing in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, prosecutors argued that “an MP and lawmaker gave the court a middle finger” as they detailed allegations linked…
Sassa calms fears over grants as Postbank court fight continues
Millions of South Africans can breathe a little easier after Sassa assured beneficiaries that grant payments will continue despite its escalating legal battle with Postbank. The Constitutional Court has ordered the bank to keep processing payments while the dispute over Sassa’s cancelled contract plays out in court. Concerns were raised…
Parliament grills IPID over classified Phala Phala report
Questions are mounting in Parliament over the controversial classification of IPID’s Phala Phala report, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia insisting there was no political interference from the ministry. The report, which probed how police handled the alleged theft of $580 000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm, found…
Book Feature: Milani’s Gift
What happens when a child with a beautiful talent is too afraid to share it with the world? Milani’s Gift tells the touching story of Milani, a shy young girl who loves singing quietly at home alongside the sounds of the morning rooster and birds in her father’s chicken coop…
ActionSA heads to police over ‘new’ Phala Phala claims targeting Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing renewed pressure as ActionSA prepares to lay criminal charges linked to the controversial Phala Phala farm saga. The party claims the amount stolen during the 2020 burglary may have been as high as R15 million, far more than previously reported and says this raises serious…
R80bn spent, but where are the commuters? SA’s struggling BRT systems spark outrage
South Africans are demanding answers after revelations that nearly R80 billion has been spent on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems over the past two decades, despite relatively low commuter uptake. The controversy gained momentum following concerns over near-empty Rea Vaya stations in Johannesburg, with critics questioning whether taxpayers are getting…
Johannesburg shelters stretched as winter cold drives more people indoors
As icy temperatures grip Johannesburg, homeless shelters are battling growing pressure with more vulnerable people seeking warmth and safety. NGOs say beds, blankets and resources are being stretched as demand rises across the city. Phemelo speaks to Homeless Programme leader at PEN, Katleho Ncaphe, about the harsh realities shelters face…
Teen pregnancy rates plunge in SA - but experts are puzzled by the sharp drop
A dramatic decline in teenage pregnancies across South Africa has left researchers both encouraged and searching for answers. A new study published in the South African Medical Journal found births among girls aged 10 to 19 dropped by 16% between 2021 and 2025, with pregnancies among girls aged 10 to…
Ramaphosa digs in: ‘I will not resign’ after ConCourt ruling
President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear - he has no plans to step down following the Constitutional Court’s explosive ruling on the handling of the Phala Phala scandal. In a brief address to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa said nothing in the judgment compels him to resign and confirmed…
Music Feature: Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder
This week’s music feature shines the spotlight on legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. Musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal unpacks some of the icon’s timeless classics, including Sir Duke, Isn't She Lovely, Knocks Me Off My Feet and Another Star, exploring the artistry and influence behind the music.
What to Watch: Big screen drama and stage action this week
From gripping cinema releases to adrenaline-filled theatre productions, this week’s What to Watch has something for everyone. Leroy Marc reviews Animal Farm and Silent Friend, both now showing in cinemas, while Mortal Kombat brings high-energy action to the Market Theatre from 8 May 2026.
Joburg residents could pay 66% more before even opening a tap
Johannesburg households may soon face a massive hike in water charges, with the city proposing a 65.6% increase to its monthly water demand management levy from July 2026. The fee charged regardless of how much water residents use could jump from just over R65 to nearly R108 a month as…
Storm chaos shuts schools in parts of Western and Eastern Cape
Deadly weather conditions have forced schools across parts of the Western and Eastern Cape to close as authorities race to protect pupils and staff from severe flooding and snowfall. The South African Weather Service has issued Orange Level 8 warnings as a powerful cut-off low-pressure system batters the country, with…
‘I did not mislead Parliament’: Tolashe pushes back on vehicle controversy
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is standing her ground, rejecting claims that she misled Parliament over two luxury vehicles allegedly linked to the ANC Women’s League. Appearing before MPs, Tolashe addressed a string of governance concerns - from disputed appointments to food aid issues - but it’s the vehicle saga…