Incoko

This Women’s Month, trufm has taken the time to give flowers to phenomenal women, women who  have made a meaningful difference in their communities and continue to inspire generations. Through truShero, we are celebrating women whose contributions have shaped our communities, both before and after democracy. These are women who were nominated by you, our listeners, because you believe their stories deserve to be heard and their contributions deserve to be recognised. Throughout the week, we’ve had the privilege of sitting down with some of these incredible women. Today, we continue that journey with a truly remarkable woman, Mam’ Nombulelo Mado.

For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been running a campaign calling on you to nominate a shero, a woman you believe played a meaningful role in the struggle and liberation of Black South Africans. And what a response we received. We got countless voice notes and nominations, each one telling the story of a remarkable woman whose contribution deserves to be remembered and celebrated. We would have loved to have every single woman you nominated here with us, but sadly, we couldn’t. Today, however, we are honoured to be joined in studio by one of those incredible women, a woman whose story, contribution and journey deserve to be heard. Mam’ Lulama Mbeja.

There are clear laws governing elections The right for South Africans to participate in free and fair elections is set out in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The Electoral Act (73 or 1998) outlines the provisions governing national and provincial elections. The Municipal Electoral Act (27 of 2000) outlines the provisions governing municipal elections. The acts also list the behaviours that are illegal before and during an election. Your vote is kept secret Voters can take part in elections without the fear of others knowing who they voted for Elections are held regularly South Africans vote in both national and provincial elections, and in municipal elections. Each are held every five years. Elections are held regularly South Africans vote in both national and provincial elections, and in municipal elections. Each are held every five years. You have choices: Elections are held regularly South Africans vote in both national and provincial elections, and in municipal elections. Each are held every five years. There are many political parties to choose from. Anyone can form a party or be a candidate in an election and you can support or belong to any political party. Everyone who is registered to vote can vote: Every registered voter’s name appears on a voters’ roll. Only registered voters can vote. If you aren’t able to be in your voting district on the day of elections, you can apply for a special vote that allows you to vote in your voting station before the election.

A free and fair election is defined as an election in which "coercion is comparatively uncommon". A free and fair election involves political freedoms and fair processes leading up to the vote, a fair count of eligible voters who cast a ballot, a lack of electoral fraud or voter suppression, and acceptance of election results by all parties. An election may partially meet international standards for free and fair elections or may meet some standards but not others.

Today, we’re talking about something that many people experience at work, but not everyone feels  safe enough to talk about. Corporate bullying and the abuse of power in the workplace. For some employees, going to work is not simply about deadlines, meetings and getting the job done.  It can mean walking into an environment where they feel isolated, intimidated, undermined or constantly targeted by someone who has power over them. And  sometimes, that person is a manager or even someone in senior leadership. The difficult part is that workplace bullying doesn’t always look like shouting or obvious confrontation. It can be subtle. It can show up through exclusion, humiliation, passive-aggressive behaviour, unfair  treatment, harassment, or constantly making someone feel like they are not good enough.

Today’s show is powered by HOLLYWOOD Foundation, Bambelela Awards.Welcome to our special broadcast coming to you from the Abbotsford Christian Centre in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London, here in the Buffalo City Metro.Today, we are here for the Eastern Cape Bambelela Business Seminar and Exhibition Session, hosted by the Hollywood Foundation, under a powerful theme: “Giving Hope to Those Who Dare to Try... #HoldOn!” And that message speaks directly to the reality of entrepreneurship. Starting a business takes courage, but keeping that business going through challenges, uncertainty and setbacks takes even more courage. Bambelela is about recognising those entrepreneurs who continue to hold on, keep pushing, and dare to build something of their own. Throughout the programme, we’ll be speaking to entrepreneurs, business leaders, stakeholders and some of the people behind the Bambelela initiative, hearing their stories, learning from their experiences and exploring the opportunities available to small businesses.

Today’s show is powered by HOLLYWOOD  Foundation, Bambelela Awards. Our special broadcast coming to you  from the Abbotsford Christian Centre in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London, here in the Buffalo City Metro. Today, we are here for the Eastern Cape Bambelela Business Seminar and Exhibition Session, hosted by the Hollywood Foundation, under a powerful theme: “Giving Hope to Those Who Dare to Try... #HoldOn!” And that message speaks directly to the reality of  entrepreneurship. Starting a business takes courage, but keeping that business going through challenges, uncertainty and setbacks takes even more courage. Bambelela is about recognising those entrepreneurs who continue to hold on, keep pushing, and dare to build something of their own.

The Department of Higher Education and Training in terms of Section 26c of the Skills Development Act of 1998. It is mandated to create and maintain a database of qualified Artisans in the country. The registration serves the following several key purposes: · To enable DHET to have a register of both foreign and national artisans within the country, supporting better industry planning · To assure industry that any artisan employed from the register has authenticated qualifications. · To help DHET determine the need for and grow the capacity of mentors for the mentoring of artisan learners · To assist DHET in determining targets for training programs aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified artisans within the industry. · Establish a framework for the professionalization of artisan development practices in South Africa.

An electoral code of conduct for candidates is a set of binding rules ensuring free, fair, and orderly elections by promoting tolerance, peaceful campaigning, and open debate. Candidates must adhere to these rules—typically from election proclamation until results—by avoiding violence, voter intimidation, bribery, defamation, and destruction of opponent materials. The Code is a set of rules on how the parties and candidates must conduct themselves: Speak out against political violence and threats against other parties, candidates, the Electoral Commission (IEC), members of the public and the media. • Let the authorities know about planned marches or rallies. • Communicate with other political parties and candidates about planned political events.  • Recognise the authority of the IEC. • Work with the IEC structures and allow them to perform their duties. • Work with the police in their investigation of election crime and violence; and • Accept the results of the election or challenge the results in court

An electoral code of conduct for candidates is a set of binding rules ensuring free, fair, and orderly elections by promoting tolerance, peaceful campaigning, and open debate. Candidates must adhere to these rules typically from election proclamation until results by avoiding violence, voter intimidation, bribery, defamation, and destruction of opponent materials. The Code is a set of rules on how the parties and candidates must conduct themselves: Speak out against political violence and threats against other parties, candidates, the Electoral Commission (IEC), members of the public and the media.  • Let the authorities know about planned marches or rallies. • Communicate with other political parties and candidates about planned political events. • Recognise the authority of the IEC.  • Work with the IEC structures and allow them to perform their duties.  • Work with the police in their investigation of election crime and violence; and  • Accept the results of the election or challenge the results in court

On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to oppose the extension of Pass Laws to women. Their courage became one of South Africa's defining moments, giving birth to the phrase: "Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo." While history remembers the leaders of that march, thousands of women quietly carried the struggle in homes, schools, churches, factories and communities. Many are still alive today. Many have never told their stories. Many may never have the opportunity. As South Africa marks 70 years since that defining moment, trufm believes now is the time to preserve these living stories before history loses them forever. 

Compilation of interviews from the 3rd day of the DHET career fest in Hermanus (WC)

welcome to the Youth Ke Yona segment of Incoko, proudly brought to you by SABC Education in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission, the IEC. This is episode 7 and we are focusing on Candidate Nomination.    Local government elections give every eligible South African an opportunity to shape the future of their community. But before voters cast their ballots, there is an important process that determines who appears on the ballot paper, candidate nominations. Today we'll unpack who can be nominated as a candidate, the qualifications and requirements for becoming a councillor, the difference between ward and proportional representation councillors, and what independent candidates need to do to contest an election.

Have you registered yet? Do you know how to check  your registration status, update your details if you've  moved, or find out whether you need to re-register?  These are some of the questions we'll be answering  today.  Joining is a representative from the Independent  Electoral Commission the IEC, Mr Masindi  Mosehana, who will guide us through everything you  need to know about voter registration, online     registration, updating your information, and why  every eligible young person should make their voice  count.  We also want to hear from you. Have you  registered? Did you use the online registration  system? Share your experience by calling us,  sending a WhatsApp voice note, or commenting on  our social media platforms.

1. Final Voter Registration Weekend   The final voter registration weekend takes  place on 1 and 2 August 2026.    This is the last opportunity to register or  update your voter details before the  municipal elections on 4 November 2026.   2. Why Register to Vote?   Voting is a constitutional right.    Registering allows you to have a say in how  your community and country are governed.    Elections affect everyday issues such as  service delivery, healthcare, education and  local development.     2 | Page     If you don't vote, others make decisions on  your behalf.    Democracy depends on active citizen  participation.   3. Who Can Register?   South African citizens with a valid ID can  register.    Accepted identification includes:   o Green barcoded ID book   o Smart ID card   o Valid Temporary Identity Certificate  (TIC).   4. When Should You Update Your Registration?  You need to update your details if:   You have moved to a new address.    Your address is incomplete or missing.    You have received a new ID number.    Your ward or voting district boundaries have  changed.   5. How to Check Your Registration Status    Listeners can check whether they are registered by:   Visiting the IEC website.    Using the My IEC portal.    Sending an SMS with their ID number.    Using the IEC WhatsApp chatbot.    Downloading the IEC mobile app.    Visiting a local IEC office or voting station  during registration weekend.   6. How Do You Know if You Need to Re-register?  You may need to re-register if:   You've moved to another voting district.    Your voting district has changed.    Your registered voting station no longer  matches your residential address.   The easiest way is to check your details on the My  IEC portal and compare your registered voting  district with your current address.           3 | Page    7. Youth and Civic Participation   Young people are highly connected through  technology.    Social media can be used to encourage  friends and family to register.    Registering is the first step in making your  voice count and shaping the future.   8. Accessibility   The IEC provides assistance for persons with  disabilities.    Registration can be completed online or in  person at local IEC offices.   Key Takeaway  Registering to vote is more than administrative  process. It is the first step in participating in South  Africa's democracy. By making sure your registration  details are correct before the final registration  weekend, you'll be ready to cast your vote in the  upcoming municipal elections and have a say in the  future of your hands. 

Our topic today is Apply now! Campaign in south Africa: A student access and career development intervention within the post-school education and training (pset) system. Today we are going to discuss the importance of apply now! Campaign in south Africa: A student access and career development intervention within the post-school education and training (pset) system. I hope you will be empowered in today’s show. South Africa's Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system plays a critical role in expanding educational opportunities, developing skills, and supporting socio-economic development. However, one of the recurring challenges facing the sector has been the large number of learners who delay applying to post-school institutions until after the release of matric results. This has historically resulted in overcrowding at institutions, long registration queues, unsuccessful admissions, and confusion among prospective students regarding available educational pathways. In response to these challenges, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) launched the Apply Now! Campaign in 2012. The campaign was designed to encourage learners to apply early for admission to institutions within the PSET system while simultaneously promoting career guidance and informed educational decision-making. The initiative later evolved into the Apply Now! / Khetha Career Guidance Campaign, reflecting the importance of linking application behaviour with career development support.

As we commemorate TVET Month, we shine the spotlight on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges—institutions that play a pivotal role in developing the skills, competencies, and workforce needed to drive economic growth and social development. In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the TVET sector as a key driver of skills development, employment creation, and economic participation. This commitment was further echoed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Honourable Buti Manamela, during his Budget Vote Speech. Today, TVET colleges are increasingly becoming institutions of first choice, offering quality, industry-relevant programmes that equip students with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. More importantly, they are emerging as the home of inclusive occupational training in South Africa.

As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, there is an important process taking place before anyone casts a vote, the nomination of candidates. How do political parties choose their candidates? Can an independent candidate contest an election? What are the requirements, and why does the nomination process matter? Today, we'll unpack everything you need to know about candidate nominations, the different types of municipal councils, who qualifies to stand for election, and the key milestones leading up to Election Day.

Today we shine the spotlight on a powerful initiative  that is helping to shape the next generation of  leaders in the Chris Hani District. Through Human  Rights Clubs established in schools across the  Emalahleni Local Municipality, Izwi Mentorship Hub  is empowering young people with knowledge,  leadership skills and a deeper understanding of themselves  constitutional rights and responsibilities. Recognising the need to create meaningful  engagement beyond the classroom, the organisation  introduced the Human Rights Workshop Programme,  bringing together learners, educators, traditional and  faith leaders, civil society organisations, government  institutions and community members on one  platform. In partnership with the South African  Human Rights Commission, the programme aims to  develop Human Rights Ambassadors who will  champion justice, equality, dignity and social  cohesion within their schools and communities

Today we're talking about something that gives every  South African the opportunity to have a say in the  future of their community and the country, registering  to vote.  The final voter registration weekend is almost here,  and if you're 16 years or older, you can register as a  voter. While you can only vote once you're 18,  registering early means you're already taking an  important step towards participating in our democracy.  Have you registered yet? Do you know how to check  your registration status, update your details if you've  moved, or find out whether you need to re-register?  These are some of the questions we'll be answering  today.

As we know, choosing a career can be one of the  biggest decisions a young person will ever make,  and having access to the right information, guidance  and opportunities can make all the difference. This  coming week, thousands of young people in the  Overberg District of the Western Cape will have  exactly that opportunity through the Career Festival,  an initiative that brings together education  institutions, government departments, employers and  industry experts under one roof.  The festival will take place from the 27th to the 31st  of July, beginning at Myezo Senior Secondary  School in Grabouw, where more than 4,000 learners  will participate over two days. It then moves to  Qhayiya Senior Secondary School in Hermanus,  young people will have the opportunity to explore  pathways into education, skills development,  entrepreneurship and the world of work. This of  course is brought to you by the Department of Higher  Education and Training in partnership with SABC  education and trufm.

Today we're talking about a responsibility that gives  every South African the opportunity to shape the  future of our country, registering to vote.   Many people understand the importance of voting,  but before you can cast your ballot, you first need to  be registered on the voters' roll. Whether you're  registering for the first time, checking your  registration status, or updating your details after  moving to a new area, today's discussion will help  you understand the process and why it matters.  Joining us in studio is a representative from the  Independent Electoral Commission, the IEC, who will  answer some of the most common questions about  voter registration ahead of the upcoming Local  Government Elections.

Our topic today is “Volunteering and Community Service as Part of Career Development.” We will discuss how volunteering and community service can help young people grow, learn new skills and prepare for the world of work. Volunteering and community service involve giving your time and skills to help others or support your community without getting paid. These activities can help young people gain experience, build confidence, learn important workplace skills and meet new people. Taking part in volunteering and community service can open doors to future opportunities and help young people make a positive difference in their communities.

This another informative episode of Khetha. Our topic today is “Digital skills for the modern workplace”. Today we are going to discuss the importance of Digital skills for modern workplace. In today's rapidly evolving digital world, technology plays a central role in how organizations operate and how employees perform their jobs. Digital skills refer to the knowledge and abilities required to use digital technologies, tools, and platforms effectively in the workplace. These skills range from basic computer literacy and online communication to advanced competencies such as data analysis, cybersecurity awareness, and the use of artificial intelligence.

Livestock theft remains one of the biggest challenges  facing farmers across South Africa, costing the  agricultural sector millions of rand every year.  While traditional methods of protecting livestock still  have their place, technology is creating new ways to  stay one step ahead of criminals. KhuselaGuard is an  AI-powered livestock security system, designed  specifically for South African farming conditions. Combining real-time GPS tracking, artificial intelligence,  solar-powered smart collars, and instant theft alerts, it  gives farmers the ability to monitor their animals around  the clock, even in remote, off-grid areas.   Today, we're unpacking how this locally engineered  innovation could change the way livestock security is  approached in South Africa. In the studio, we have the  founder of cyberneticsdesigns, Lihle Mayila

Menopause is often spoken about in whispers, if it's  spoken about at all. Yet it is a natural stage of life  that every woman will experience. Despite affecting  more than a billion women around the world, many  still enter this transition feeling confused,  unprepared, and alone. From the subtle changes of  perimenopause to life after the final menstrual  period, understanding what's happening to the body  can transform fear into confidence. Today, we're joined by specialist obstetrician and  gynaecologist Dr Nontembeko Somlota, author of the  new book Decoding Menopause: A Woman's Guide  to Understanding Hormones, Navigating Transitions,  and Thriving Beyond Midlife. Drawing on years of  clinical experience, Dr Somlota takes readers  through every stage of the menopause journey,  explaining the hormonal changes, addressing  common symptoms, exploring treatment options, and  providing practical, evidence-based guidance to help  women take control of their health and wellbeing.

Our topic today is “Making the most of your winter holidays”. Today we are going to discuss the importance of making the most of your winter holidays and how that can help one to understand the importance of using their time wisely during winter holidays. Winter holidays are a special time for students to take a break from schoolwork and relax after a busy term. They provide an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoy fun activities, and explore new interests. However, making the most of the winter holidays involves more than just resting. Students can use this time to develop new skills, stay active, catch up on reading, and prepare for the next school term. By balancing relaxation with productive activities, students can enjoy a rewarding and memorable winter holiday.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to  dream big and make informed decisions about their  future, but for many learners, access to career  guidance and mentorship remains out of reach.  That's where the Futurewize Ikamva Lethemba  Project comes in. Through free career counselling,  psychometric assessments, and guidance for  learners in disadvantaged schools, the initiative is  helping young people discover their potential and  prepare for the world beyond the classroom. Today,  we're talking about the impact of this important work,  and how individuals and organisations can partner to  invest in brighter futures, one learner at a time. We’re joined by Mr Alan Mthokozisi Nyoni Registered  Counsellor and Futurewize Director for  communications.

We are now entering into an exciting moment of our program and today’s episode  of Khetha is brought to you by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in  partnership with SABC Education. Today we’re diving into an important topic that shapes the  futures of many—career practitioner capacity building. Simply put, this is about equipping the  people who guide others in their career journeys with the right skills, knowledge, and tools to  do their job effectively. In a world where jobs are constantly changing and new opportunities  are emerging, career practitioners like teachers, counsellors, and employment officers play a  vital role in helping individuals make informed decisions. Strengthening their capacity means  better guidance, better choices, and ultimately a stronger, more skilled workforce.

Thank you for joining us for another informative episode of Khetha brought to you by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in partnership with SABC Education. Today we are discussing Entrepreneurship for Youth; a topic that is becoming increasingly important as young people seek innovative ways to create employment opportunities, generate income, and contribute to economic development. Youth entrepreneurship empowers young people to transform their ideas into successful businesses while helping to address unemployment and poverty.

Many South Africans understand the importance of casting a ballot on election day, but fewer know when they need to update their registration details, how to check their voter status, or what the process looks like if they are living outside the country. These are practical questions that can make the difference between participating in an election and missing the opportunity altogether. With local government elections on the horizon, it is more important than ever to ensure that your information is correct and that you are ready when the time comes to vote. Whether you are registering for the first time, have recently moved to a new address, or simply want to confirm your details, today's discussion will help you understand the process.

Registering to vote is the most fundamental form of citizen participation in a democracy. It is the primary mechanism through which citizens express their preferences and influence the direction of local governance. By registering to vote in local government elections, citizens have the power to choose representatives who align with their values and priorities, shaping policies that directly affect their communities. Voting ensures that elected officials are accountable to the community and encourages them to act in the public's best interest. The act of voting also reinforces civic responsibility, reminding citizens that their involvement is crucial to the health and vitality of the democratic process.

Welcome to Incoko with Entle Kat Katsikatsi (standing in for Zizipho ZIps Mpopoma), today we are in week 21 of the  KHETHA programme, brought to you by the  Department of Higher Education and Training  (DHET) in partnership with SABC Education and  trufm.  While qualifications open doors, employers  increasingly want candidates who can communicate  effectively, solve problems, work with others, and  adapt to changing environments. So, what exactly  makes someone employable in today's job market,  and how can job seekers improve their chances of  securing meaningful work? Joining us on the line is  Romeo Nkwale from DHET.

This Program is proudly brought to you by SABC  Radio Education in partnership with the IEC at (this  radio station) SABC Education. Enriching minds,  Enriching lives. Get Up. Show Up. Vote As South Africa continues to strengthen its  democracy; young people have a crucial role to play  in shaping the future of their communities and the  country at large. One of the most important ways to  make your voice heard is by registering to vote and  participating in elections. Today, we unpack everything young people need to  know about voter registration, who qualifies to  register, where and how to register, and why voting  remains one of the most powerful tools for driving  change and accountability.

The transition from education to employment remains  one of the biggest challenges facing many young South  Africans. While qualifications are important, employers  are increasingly looking for graduates who can combine  academic knowledge with practical workplace  experience. Recently, the South African Qualifications Authority  highlighted the need to keep qualifications relevant to  the changing world of work, announcing that more than 1  100 outdated qualifications will be phased out. SAQA also  emphasized the importance of ensuring that young  people graduate with skills and work experience that  make them more employable. One of the keyways this is being achieved is through  Work-Integrated Learning, which provides students with  valuable workplace exposure while completing their  studies. For many TVET students, this practical experience  serves as a critical bridge between the classroom and the  job market

We are now entering into an exciting moment of our program and today’s  episode of Khetha is brought to you by the Department of Higher Education and Training  (DHET) in partnership with SABC Education and trufm. Today, our guest from the  Department of Higher Education and Training - Khetha, will provide guidance to our listeners  on job hunting, the factors to consider when seeking employment, and a variety of other  related issues that will be beneficial to them in their job search. This topic has come at a  more critical moment when South Africa is grappling with a high rate of unemployment  especially for the youth. We do understand that finding a job can be challenging, however,  with the right information, preparation, and persistence, they can improve your chances of  accessing opportunities and building successful careers. 

When it comes to building wealth, many people focus  on earning, saving, and investing, but often overlook  one of the most important aspects of financial  security, protecting what they've worked so hard to  build and ensuring it benefits future generations.  Today, we're joined by a leading voice in estate  planning and fiduciary services, Zola Mbatha. An admitted attorney of the High Court, fiduciary  specialist, compliance expert, and founder of Legacy  Yezibaya, Zola has become a trusted source of legal  and financial education for South Africans.   Affectionately known by many as "The Minister of  Estate Planning," she has dedicated her career to  helping ordinary people understand complex issues  such as wills, deceased estates, inheritance,  property ownership, and long-term wealth protection.

Welcome to the Thursday edition of Incoko, Youth Ke Yona, we empower young people with the knowledge they need to participate meaningfully in our democracy. When we talk about elections, many people immediately think about national and provincial elections. However, the elections that often have the most direct impact on our daily lives are local government or municipal elections. These elections determine who will make decisions about the services we rely on every day, from water, sanitation and refuse collection, to roads, housing and community development. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, it is important that citizens, especially young people and first-time voters, understand how these elections work, the different types of municipal elections, and why every vote matters. Today, we unpack Local Government and Municipal Elections. We will explore how metropolitan, local and district municipalities are elected, the relationship between local and district councils, and why active participation in municipal elections is essential for building stronger communities

Every five years, South Africans are allowed to make  their voices heard by choosing the leaders who will  represent them in local government. These are the  people responsible for decisions that directly affect  our daily lives, from water and sanitation to roads,  electricity, refuse removal, housing, and community  development.   Yet many people still ask: What exactly are municipal  elections? How do they work? Why are they  important? And how can ordinary citizens participate  in shaping the future of their communities?   Today, we unpack the world of Local Government  and Municipal Elections. We will explore the different  types of municipal elections, the relationship  between local and district municipalities, how  councillors are elected, and what it takes for political  parties and independent candidates to contest  elections.

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Today we Introduce the IEC as we talk about the IEC Mandate

Today we have Phathi the Medium. Our conversation  is around stagnation, ebomini or spiritually.     Phathi the Medium is a prominent psychic medium,  spiritual advisor, mental health advocate and  traditional healer. She is no stranger to the show,  offering spiritual readings, guidance, and ancestral  space cleansing. 

Have you ever wondered who makes sure that our higher education institutions provide learners with quality education? Who checks that your qualification means something, not just locally, but globally too? That organisation is called the Council on Higher Education (CHE)… or simply, the CHE. Sizwe Diba from CHE joined us in this conversation.

As the world rapidly advances through the era of the  Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology is becoming  more integrated into our everyday lives than ever  before. From artificial intelligence and smart devices  to automated homes and digital identities, innovation  is reshaping how we live, work, and connect. But alongside these advancements comes a growing  concern around cybersecurity, privacy, and digital  safety. While many people focus on large-scale cyberattacks and data breaches, there are important  issues we often overlook, particularly the human  element, the safety of connected homes, and the  risks associated with AI-powered systems.

Africa’s maritime and blue economy sector continues to  grow as a major driver of trade, employment,  infrastructure development, and regional integration.   With more than 90 percent of the continent’s imports  and exports transported by sea, the maritime industry  plays a critical role in shaping Africa’s economic future.  However, despite this growth, persons with disabilities  remain significantly underrepresented across maritime  employment, enterprise development, leadership, and  decision-making spaces. The Maritime Indaba for Persons with Disabilities seeks  to change that narrative by positioning disability  inclusion as a central part of Africa’s maritime  development agenda. T

Joining us is Lebo Seoheng, who serves as  the Advocacy, Communication and Prevention  Manager in the National Responsible Gambling  Programme. As concerns continue to grow around underage  gambling and gambling addiction among young  people, the programme has been engaging schools  through its Taking Risks Wisely School Edition  campaign, aimed at educating learners about the  dangers of illegal gambling, peer pressure, risky  behaviour, and the importance of making informed  life choices. This initiative also focuses on harm reduction,  emotional wellbeing, and ensuring that young people  understand the support systems available to them  and their families.

It is time for another exciting episode brought to you by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) with SABC Education. Today we will be talking about Pre-2009 Qualifications (also known as legacy qualifications on the NQF). The aim of this show is to create awareness among learners and everyone that from 2012 onwards, pre-2009 qualifications (those registered under the SAQA Act 58 of 1995) have undergone successive extensions on their registration end dates. A final transition from pre-2009 qualifications to Occupational Qualifications was called for by the Minister of Higher Education and Training in 2020in Government Gazette 44031, It is important that the general public understands the transition from pre-2009 qualifications to the current Occupational Qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), bringing clarity to the lifespan of these registered qualifications.

The Department of Basic Education has published the draft BELA regulations on the management of learner pregnancy for public comment, opening up an important national conversation about how schools respond to learner pregnancy, learner rights, and the responsibilities of educators and parents alike. The proposed regulations aim to ensure that pregnant learners are not excluded from school, while also setting out clearer procedures for support, accountability, and child protection, especially in cases involving minors. To help us unpack what these draft regulations could mean for schools, families, and learners here in the province, we are joined by Velani Mbiza Gola, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, and media liaison officer for MEC Fundile Gade.

We turn our attention to a growing threat that is quietly  making its way into our communities, counterfeit goods that go  far beyond fake labels and cheap knockoffs. From food sold  on the streets to illicit alcohol and everyday household  products, these items are not only undermining the economy,  they are putting lives at serious risk. Across South Africa, authorities are raising concern about the  dangers linked to these goods, including serious health  complications like Foodborne illness and even Alcohol  poisoning. At the same time, this illegal trade continues to fuel  criminal networks and strip the economy of much needed  revenue. To help us unpack the scale of this issue, the risks involved, and what is being done to protect communities; we are joined  by Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Provincial Police Spokesperson in the Eastern Cape.