More and more South Africans are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for advice on anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief and even major life decisions. It's free, available 24 hours a day, and unlike therapy, there's no waiting list. But mental health professionals are raising serious concerns, warning that AI can give misleading advice, reinforce harmful thinking and completely miss the warning signs when someone is in crisis. Some overseas cases have
even linked chatbot interactions to tragic outcomes, prompting lawsuits against AI developers. So tonight we're asking: Has AI become your therapist? Have you ever turned to ChatGPT or another AI chatbot for advice about your personal life or mental health? What happened? Did it genuinely help you, or did it make things worse?

More and more South Africans are turning to artificial intelligence tools&nbsp;like ChatGPT for advice on anxiety, depression, relationship problems,&nbsp;grief and even major life decisions. It's free, available 24 hours a day,&nbsp;and unlike therapy, there's no waiting list. But mental health&nbsp;professionals are raising serious concerns, warning that AI can give&nbsp;misleading advice, reinforce harmful thinking and completely miss the&nbsp;warning signs when someone is in crisis. Some overseas cases have even linked chatbot interactions to tragic outcomes, prompting lawsuits&nbsp;against AI developers. So tonight we're asking: Has AI become your&nbsp;therapist? Have you ever turned to ChatGPT or another AI chatbot&nbsp;for advice about your personal life or mental health? What&nbsp;happened? Did it genuinely help you, or did it make things worse?

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Are We Replacing Therapists with AI? Has ChatGPT Become South Africa's New Counsellor?

Today we explore the inspiring topic, “Mind–Body Connection: The Power Through Thought.” Joining us is Pratiba Daya, National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. She will share insights on how our thoughts shape our emotions, health, and overall well-being, and how positive, peaceful thinking can help us lead happier, more balanced lives. We invite you, our listeners, to be part of the conversation by sending in your questions, reflections, and experiences
as we discover together the remarkable power of the mind–body connection.

Today we explore the inspiring topic, &ldquo;Mind&ndash;Body&nbsp;Connection: The Power Through Thought.&rdquo; Joining us is&nbsp;Pratiba Daya, National Coordinator of the Brahma&nbsp;Kumaris World Spiritual University. She will share insights&nbsp;on how our thoughts shape our emotions, health, and&nbsp;overall well-being, and how positive, peaceful thinking can&nbsp;help us lead happier, more balanced lives.&nbsp;We invite you, our listeners, to be part of the conversation&nbsp;by sending in your questions, reflections, and experiences as we discover together the remarkable power of the&nbsp;mind&ndash;body connection.

“Mind–Body Connection: The Power Through Thought.”

The winter initiation season is meant to mark the journey from boyhood to manhood, but for dozens of South African families, it has instead become a season of mourning. The Department of Cooperative
Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed that 43 initiates have died during this year's winter initiation season, with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape recording the highest number of fatalities.
Authorities say illegal initiation schools, negligence and poor oversight continue to fuel these preventable deaths, despite years of promises to improve safety. Tonight we ask: How many more young lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken? Is government failing to shut down
illegal initiation schools, or is this a problem that requires stronger accountability from traditional leaders, parents and communities?

The winter initiation season is meant to mark the journey from boyhood&nbsp;to manhood, but for dozens of South African families, it has instead&nbsp;become a season of mourning. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed that 43 initiates&nbsp;have died during this year's winter initiation season, with Mpumalanga&nbsp;and the Eastern Cape recording the highest number of fatalities. Authorities say illegal initiation schools, negligence and poor oversight&nbsp;continue to fuel these preventable deaths, despite years of promises to&nbsp;improve safety.&nbsp;Tonight we ask: How many more young lives must be lost before&nbsp;meaningful action is taken? Is government failing to shut down illegal initiation schools, or is this a problem that requires&nbsp;stronger accountability from traditional leaders, parents and&nbsp;communities?

Another Deadly Initiation Season: Why Are Young Men Still Dying? ( Dr. Tshimangadzo Edward Mafadza is the Chief Executive Officer )

Imagine owing more than three times the amount of money you have in your bank account. That's the reality facing the City of Ekurhuleni, which reportedly owes R7.3 billion while holding just R2 billion in
available cash. Critics warn that the city's financial position threatens essential services, while others argue municipalities across the country are under growing pressure from rising costs, poor revenue collection and ageing infrastructure. So, who's to blame for Ekurhuleni's financial crisis, and more importantly, who will pay the price if the city can't turn things around? Tonight, we unpack what this means for residents, businesses and the future of local government in South Africa.

Imagine owing more than three times the amount of money you have in&nbsp;your bank account. That's the reality facing the City of Ekurhuleni,&nbsp;which reportedly owes R7.3 billion while holding just R2 billion in available cash. Critics warn that the city's financial position threatens&nbsp;essential services, while others argue municipalities across the country&nbsp;are under growing pressure from rising costs, poor revenue collection&nbsp;and ageing infrastructure. So, who's to blame for Ekurhuleni's financial&nbsp;crisis, and more importantly, who will pay the price if the city can't turn&nbsp;things around? Tonight, we unpack what this means for residents,&nbsp;businesses and the future of local government in South Africa.

R7.3 Billion in Debt, Just R2 Billion in the Bank: Is Ekurhuleni Running Out of Money? ( INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST MODIBE MODIBA HAS BEEN TRACKING THIS STORY )

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Are We Replacing Therapists with AI? Has ChatGPT Become South Africa's New Counsellor?

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