Africa’s economy is inching forward — but only just. New numbers from Statistics South Africa show GDP grew by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, slightly better than the 0.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter. The gains were driven mainly by finance, trade and agriculture, while manufacturing continued to shrink. So the economy is technically growing — but is this meaningful progress, or just another example of South Africa’s slow-growth trap?

Africa&rsquo;s economy is inching forward &mdash; but only just. New numbers from Statistics South Africa show GDP grew by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, slightly better than the 0.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter. The gains were driven mainly by finance, trade and agriculture, while manufacturing continued to shrink. So the economy is technically growing &mdash; but is this meaningful progress, or just another example of South&nbsp;Africa&rsquo;s&nbsp;slow-growth trap?

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

ISAAC KHAMBULE - PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL ECONOMY - UJ

Navigating discipline during holiday periods like Easter can be especially challenging for many
families. With schools closed, routines disrupted, and children spending more time at home, parents often find themselves juggling the need to maintain structure while also allowing space for rest,
celebration, and family bonding. The usual rules and schedules that help guide behaviour during the school term can become blurred, leading to increased screen time, irregular sleep patterns, and, in some cases, more conflict between parents and children. For many parents, the pressure is twofold: wanting their children to enjoy the holiday while still reinforcing boundaries and good behaviour. This balancing act can be complicated by factors such as fatigue, financial stress, or the expectation to travel and host family gatherings. Children, on the other hand, may test limits more during this time, pushing boundaries as they adjust to the lack of routine. This conversation aims to unpack how parents can discipline effectively without being overly harsh, how to set realistic expectations during the holidays, and how to maintain consistency in a more relaxed environment. With insights from a social worker, we’ll also explore healthier discipline strategies, communication techniques, and ways to strengthen parent-child relationships during what should be a joyful, but often stressful, time for families.

Navigating discipline during holiday periods like&nbsp;Easter can be especially challenging for many families. With schools closed, routines disrupted, and&nbsp;children spending more time at home, parents often&nbsp;find themselves juggling the need to maintain&nbsp;structure while also allowing space for rest, celebration, and family bonding. The usual rules and&nbsp;schedules that help guide behaviour during the school&nbsp;term can become blurred, leading to increased screen&nbsp;time, irregular sleep patterns, and, in some cases,&nbsp;more conflict between parents and children.&nbsp;For many parents, the pressure is twofold: wanting&nbsp;their children to enjoy the holiday while still&nbsp;reinforcing boundaries and good behaviour. This&nbsp;balancing act can be complicated by factors such as&nbsp;fatigue, financial stress, or the expectation to travel&nbsp;and host family gatherings. Children, on the other&nbsp;hand, may test limits more during this time, pushing&nbsp;boundaries as they adjust to the lack of routine.&nbsp;This conversation aims to unpack how parents can&nbsp;discipline effectively without being overly harsh, how&nbsp;to set realistic expectations during the holidays, and&nbsp;how to maintain consistency in a more relaxed&nbsp;environment. With insights from a social worker, we&rsquo;ll&nbsp;also explore healthier discipline strategies,&nbsp;communication techniques, and ways to strengthen&nbsp;parent-child relationships during what should be a&nbsp;joyful, but often stressful, time for families.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Holiday Discipline Dilemma: How Do Parents Set Boundaries Without Ruining the Break?

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has made a bold—and controversial—move to keep his fragile
government afloat. In a bid to secure support and avoid a budget crisis, Lesufi has handed over the
powerful finance portfolio to the Economic Freedom Fighters, placing their provincial leader in charge of a staggering R179 billion budget. The decision comes amid mounting pressure, with coalition partners threatening to block the provincial budget—an outcome that could have paralysed
service delivery across Gauteng. But while the move may buy political stability, it also raises serious concerns about governance, accountability, and whether key decisions are now being driven by
survival rather than strategy. So tonight, we ask: is this a necessary compromise to keep government functioning—or a risky political trade-off that could come at a cost to taxpayers?

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has made a&nbsp;bold&mdash;and controversial&mdash;move to keep his fragile government afloat. In a bid to secure support and&nbsp;avoid a budget crisis, Lesufi has handed over the powerful finance portfolio to the Economic Freedom&nbsp;Fighters, placing their provincial leader in charge of a&nbsp;staggering R179 billion budget.&nbsp;The decision comes amid mounting pressure, with&nbsp;coalition partners threatening to block the provincial&nbsp;budget&mdash;an outcome that could have paralysed service delivery across Gauteng. But while the move may buy political stability, it also raises serious concerns about governance, accountability, and&nbsp;whether key decisions are now being driven by survival rather than strategy.&nbsp;So tonight, we ask: is this a necessary compromise to&nbsp;keep government functioning&mdash;or a risky political&nbsp;trade-off that could come at a cost to taxpayers?

Power, Politics and the Purse: Lesufi’s High-Stakes  Gamble to Save Gauteng ( POLITICAL ANALYST - PROF BOITUMELO SENOKOANE )

South African Airways says it’s back in the black—but are the numbers telling the full story? In its latest annual report, South African Airways claims a R162 million profit. But a deeper dive into the figures suggests something very different: a possible R1-billion operating loss hidden behind complex
accounting and one-off gains. From conflicting profit figures to basic reporting errors, and even a disclaimer from the Auditor-General of South Africa, serious questions are now being raised about the airline’s transparency and financial health. Critics say once you strip away asset sales—like valuable airport slots—the reality is far less optimistic. So tonight, we ask: is SAA truly on the road to
recovery—or are South Africans being sold a financial illusion that could once again come back to haunt taxpayers?

South African Airways says it&rsquo;s back in the black&mdash;but&nbsp;are the numbers telling the full story? In its latest&nbsp;annual report, South African Airways claims a R162&nbsp;million profit. But a deeper dive into the figures&nbsp;suggests something very different: a possible&nbsp;R1-billion operating loss hidden behind complex accounting and one-off gains.&nbsp;From conflicting profit figures to basic reporting&nbsp;errors, and even a disclaimer from the Auditor-General&nbsp;of South Africa, serious questions are now being&nbsp;raised about the airline&rsquo;s transparency and financial&nbsp;health. Critics say once you strip away asset&nbsp;sales&mdash;like valuable airport slots&mdash;the reality is far&nbsp;less optimistic.&nbsp;So tonight, we ask: is SAA truly on the road to recovery&mdash;or are South Africans being sold a financial&nbsp;illusion that could once again come back to haunt&nbsp;taxpayers?

ISAAC KHAMBULE - PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL ECONOMY - UJ

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