Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Inside the mystery of planeloads of Palestinians arriving in South Africa

Loading player...
Two chartered flights carrying Palestinians fleeing Gaza have quietly landed at OR Tambo International Airport in the past three weeks triggering confusion and concern among local authorities. Rumours first surfaced around 6 November on civil-society WhatsApp groups: a plane of Palestinian families had arrived in Johannesburg with just seven days of accommodation booked at Airbnbs and hotels and no clear plan beyond that. By 11 November, NGOs led by Gift of the Givers went public, revealing that 176 Palestinians mostly mothers, fathers and children had been brought to South Africa under circumstances they say raise “serious concern about Israeli involvement”. The group was reportedly forced to leave all luggage behind, arriving with no clothing, toiletries or medication beyond what they wore. In the absence of official support, civil society and everyday South Africans stepped in, supplying essentials, shelter and financial assistance. Phemelo speaks to Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude for analysis on recent developments.
17 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Day Three of Escalation: What We Know About the US–Israel–Iran Conflict

Tensions continue to escalate on day three of the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel, following confirmation that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting US military assets across the Gulf and sites in…
2 Mar 3PM 17 min

Health Feature: Inside the Future of Hair Health Innovation

What does the future of hair restoration look like? Phemelo Motene sits down in studio with globally recognised physician and entrepreneur Kyjuan H. Brown. From AI-driven hair analysis and advanced restoration techniques to empowering salon professionals and medical practitioners, Dr Brown shares how science, innovation and entrepreneurship are transforming hair…
2 Mar 3PM 13 min

Building Collapse in Ormonde: Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue

At least six people have died and two remain trapped following a building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg. Emergency Management Services rushed to the scene at Amethyst Business Park in the early hours of the morning, with search-and-rescue operations still underway. Authorities say the focus remains on locating survivors…
2 Mar 3PM 16 min

Phala Phala Report Declassified, But Not Fully Public

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has confirmed that its long-classified report into the Phala Phala farm robbery has been declassified - with significant limitations. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the report, which probes the conduct of police officers linked to the 2020 robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm,…
2 Mar 3PM 8 min

What To Watch: Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, Isitha Sabantu

Looking for something fresh to stream or see on stage? Leroy Marc has got you covered. On Netflix, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model revisits the cultural juggernaut that shaped reality TV and fashion - and unpacks the controversy behind the glamour. Also streaming is Joe’s College Road Trip,…
26 Feb 3PM 26 min
All episodes