Blessing Ramoba, Anele Mda and Tshepo Mogano about their contestations for the
upcoming 2024 elections, and what it is exactly that they stand for. Independent candidates not associated with political parties will, for the first time, be allowed to contest the National and Provincial elections during South Africa's 2024 general
elections.

Blessing Ramoba, Anele Mda and Tshepo Mogano about their contestations for the upcoming 2024 elections, and what it is exactly that they stand for. Independent candidates not associated with political parties will, for the first time, be allowed to contest the National and Provincial elections during South Africa's 2024 general elections.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

After 8 is Aftr 8: Independent Candidates: We are joined In-Studio by Independent Candidates

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, but as a “gift to criminals” , warning that stricter regulations, packaging controls, advertising bans, and increased restrictions could push more consumers into the black market rather than reducing demand. This, critics argue, risks expanding the power and profitability of organised criminal syndicates who already dominate the illegal tobacco supply chain. At the heart of the debate is a deeper tension: should South Africa prioritise aggressive public health regulation to reduce
smoking rates, or focus on strengthening enforcement first to prevent illicit trade from flourishing? With estimates suggesting that the majority of cigarettes in circulation may already be illegal, opponents of the Bill argue that regulation without enforcement capacity could further weaken the formal industry, cost jobs, and reduce tax revenue. Supporters of the Bill, however, maintain that stronger controls are necessary to protect public health, reduce smoking prevalence, and align South Africa with global tobacco control standards,insisting that enforcement challenges should not delay
essential legislation. The question now driving public discourse is whether the Tobacco Bill will reduce harm or unintentionally deepen the influence of the very criminal networks it seeks to undermine.

South Africa&rsquo;s proposed Tobacco Control Bill has ignited a heated national debate, with critics arguing that while it is designed as a&nbsp;public health measure, it may unintentionally strengthen the country&rsquo;s already booming illicit cigarette trade.&nbsp;The Bill is described not as a solution to smoking, but as a &ldquo;gift to&nbsp;criminals&rdquo; , warning that stricter regulations, packaging controls,&nbsp;advertising bans, and increased restrictions could push more&nbsp;consumers into the black market rather than reducing demand.&nbsp;This, critics argue, risks expanding the power and profitability of&nbsp;organised criminal syndicates who already dominate the illegal&nbsp;tobacco supply chain.&nbsp;At the heart of the debate is a deeper tension: should South&nbsp;Africa prioritise aggressive public health regulation to reduce smoking rates, or focus on strengthening enforcement first to&nbsp;prevent illicit trade from flourishing? With estimates suggesting&nbsp;that the majority of cigarettes in circulation may already be&nbsp;illegal, opponents of the Bill argue that regulation without&nbsp;enforcement capacity could further weaken the formal industry,&nbsp;cost jobs, and reduce tax revenue.&nbsp;Supporters of the Bill, however, maintain that stronger controls&nbsp;are necessary to protect public health, reduce smoking&nbsp;prevalence, and align South Africa with global tobacco control&nbsp;standards,insisting that enforcement challenges should not delay essential legislation.&nbsp;The question now driving public discourse is whether the Tobacco&nbsp;Bill will reduce harm or unintentionally deepen the influence of&nbsp;the very criminal networks it seeks to undermine.

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

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 leadership roles at both the Sunday Times and the South African National Editors’
Forum, maintaining his innocence while investigations proceed. But this story goes beyond individual accountability. It touches on deeper fractures within the media industry, including a contentious history between Sunday World and GroundUp over lottery-linked advertising and editorial integrity. With SANEF defending its past processes and critics questioning whether enough scrutiny was applied
earlier, the unfolding probe raises urgent questions: Can the media effectively police itself? And what happens when those who shape public narratives become subjects of investigation themselves?

A high-stakes investigation by the Special Investigating Unit&nbsp;has placed prominent journalist Makhudu Sefara at the centre of allegations involving the&nbsp;misappropriation of National Lottery funds, money intended to uplift vulnerable communities. In&nbsp;response, Sefara has stepped aside from his leadership roles at both the Sunday Times and the&nbsp;South African National Editors&rsquo; Forum, maintaining his innocence while investigations&nbsp;proceed.&nbsp;But this story goes beyond individual accountability. It&nbsp;touches on deeper fractures within the&nbsp;media industry, including a contentious history between&nbsp;Sunday World and GroundUp over&nbsp;lottery-linked advertising and editorial integrity. With SANEF&nbsp;defending its past processes and&nbsp;critics questioning whether enough scrutiny was applied earlier, the unfolding probe raises&nbsp;urgent questions:&nbsp;Can the media effectively police itself? And what happens&nbsp;when those who shape public narratives become subjects&nbsp;of investigation themselves?

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

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 as a short-term relief measure to cushion consumers, and motorists remain in place. Fuel levies have been reduced by R3 per litre on petrol and R3, 93c per litre on diesel. The department’s spokesperson, Robert Maake, says new prices will take effect from 6 May 2026. “Both grades of petrol will increase by R3, 27c a litre. Diesel will increase by R6, 19c a litre. Eliminating paraffin will
increase by R4, 22c per litre. The maximum retail price of LP gas will increase by R5, 7c in housing and by R5, 78c in the Western Cape. Slate levy of R1, 23c will be implemented in the price structures of petrol and diesel, with effect from the 6th of May 2026.”

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.&nbsp;The price adjustment comes as a short-term relief measure&nbsp;to cushion consumers, and motorists remain in place.&nbsp;Fuel levies have been reduced by R3 per litre on petrol and&nbsp;R3, 93c per litre on diesel.&nbsp;The department&rsquo;s spokesperson, Robert Maake, says new&nbsp;prices will take effect from 6 May 2026.&nbsp;&ldquo;Both grades of petrol will increase by R3, 27c a litre. Diesel&nbsp;will increase by R6, 19c a litre. Eliminating paraffin will increase by R4, 22c per litre. The maximum retail price of LP&nbsp;gas will increase by R5, 7c in housing and by R5, 78c in the&nbsp;Western Cape. Slate levy of R1, 23c will be implemented in&nbsp;the price structures of petrol and diesel, with effect from the&nbsp;6th of May 2026.&rdquo;

After 8 is Aftr 8: Independent Candidates: We are joined In-Studio by Independent Candidates

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