AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Tobacco Bill or Criminal Windfall?

South Africa’s proposed Tobacco Control Bill has ignited a heated national debate, with critics arguing that while it is designed as a public health measure, it may unintentionally strengthen the country’s already booming illicit cigarette trade. The Bill is described not as a solution to smoking, …

STATE OF JOURNALISM IN SA - THE BROWN ENVELOPE ( Reggy Moalusi - SANEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR )

A high-stakes investigation by the Special Investigating Unit has placed prominent journalist Makhudu Sefara at the centre of allegations involving the misappropriation of National Lottery funds, money intended to uplift vulnerable communities. In response, Sefara has stepped aside from his leaders…

Will South Africans cope with the fuel hike? ( Ndumiso Khubeka- Economist )

Further financial pressure is on the cards for consumers come this Wednesday after the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department announced an increase in fuel prices. Both grades of petrol will increase by R3, 27c a litre, while diesel will increase by R6, 19c a litre. The price adjustment comes a…

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Love or Fear? Why “Forever” Feels So Heavy Today

“Forever” used to sound romantic. Now, for many people... it sounds terrifying. Think about it—how many times have you heard someone say, “I’m just not ready”, or “I don’t want anything serious right now”? Are we really not ready... or are we just scared? Scared of choosing the wrong person. Scared…

Trusted to Heal, Accused of Harm: Can Patients Still Feel Safe in Our Healthcare System?

In a case that is both deeply disturbing and profoundly unsettling, a 69-year-old doctor in Madadeni, KwaZulu-Natal, has been arrested following allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple female patients under the guise of medical care. According to police, the alleged abuse took place over se…

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Young, White, and Reckoning with Apartheid: Does Apology Still Matter?

A growing number of young white South Africans are starting to interrogate their identity and role in a post-apartheid society, sparking difficult but necessary conversations about history and responsibility. For some, this reflection has led to a firm view that white South Africans should openly a…

R12 Billion Border Overhaul: Real Reform or Another Costly Fix? ( Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato )

The South African government is betting big on its borders, with a R12.5 billion plan to overhaul six of the country’s busiest land ports of entry — from Beitbridge Border Post to Lebombo Border Post — in what Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber calls a “game-changer” for trade, security, and effi…

R1.6 Billion Textbook Tender Under Scrutiny ( LUKHANYO VANGQA - DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON )

South Africa’s education system is once again under the spotlight tonight, as questions mount over a multi-billion rand textbook procurement process. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has now requested that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initiate an urgent investigation into alleged irregu…

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The 24-Hour Myth: When Waiting Costs Lives in Missing Persons Cases

We take on one of the most dangerous misconceptions in missing persons cases in South Africa — the so-called “24-hour rule.” Many still believe you have to wait a full day before reporting someone missing. But the truth is: there is no waiting period. Police are legally required to open a case imme…

Gauteng’s Education MEC, Lebogang Maile

Tonight, we turn our attention to a growing crisis that is unfolding inside classrooms across Gauteng — one that is quietly shaping the future of millions of children. Over the past three decades, learner numbers have surged from just over 1.4 million in 1995 to more than 2.8 million today, but the…