In South Africa there are 23 suicides a day recorded and 230 serious attempts. More than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), with conditions such as anxiety and depression inflicting immense human
and economic tolls. As we move into 2026, mental wellness is more critical than ever. The landscape is rapidly changing, with a complex mix of new difficulties and groundbreaking solutions.
In essence, 2026 will see mental health becoming deeply embedded in daily life and organizational culture, driven by personalization, technology, and a broader understanding of well-being.

In South Africa there are 23 suicides a day recorded and 230 serious attempts.&nbsp;More than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, according to new data released by the&nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO), with conditions such as anxiety and depression inflicting immense human and economic tolls.&nbsp;As we move into 2026, mental wellness is more critical than ever. The landscape is rapidly changing, with a&nbsp;complex mix of new difficulties and groundbreaking solutions. In essence, 2026 will see mental health becoming deeply embedded in daily life and organizational culture,&nbsp;driven by personalization, technology, and a broader understanding of well-being.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: MENTAL WELLNESS

We’re wrapping for 2025 here on METRO FM Talk and we’ll be doing that by taking a look at what we can expect in 2026! From politics and the upcoming local government elections to mental health trends and careers in tech, we’re gearing up for 2026! First we look at Polictics in 2026! We’re heading into an election year so the different politicians and political parties will be on our doorsteps and timelines trying to get our attention. The 2024 General Elections were very significant in our democratic history, will the downward trend continue for the ANC or will they course correct in time for the 2026 Local Government elections? Which parties will make their mark by gaining a metro? We discuss all this and more.

We&rsquo;re wrapping for 2025 here on METRO FM Talk and we&rsquo;ll be&nbsp;doing that by taking a look at what we can expect in 2026! From&nbsp;politics and the upcoming local government elections to mental&nbsp;health trends and careers in tech, we&rsquo;re gearing up for 2026!&nbsp;First we look at Polictics in 2026! We&rsquo;re heading into an election&nbsp;year so the different politicians and political parties will be on&nbsp;our doorsteps and timelines trying to get our attention. The&nbsp;2024 General Elections were very significant in our democratic&nbsp;history, will the downward trend continue for the ANC or will&nbsp;they course correct in time for the 2026 Local Government&nbsp;elections? Which parties will make their mark by gaining a&nbsp;metro? We discuss all this and more.

SIBAHLE MOTHA - POLITICS JOURNALIST AT SABC NEWS SANDILE SWANA – POLITICAL ANALYST

ZAKHAA is a pioneering South African fintech start-up focused on enabling digital access within the informal economy, and has been recognised as the “Most Disruptive Fintech in Shaping the Informal Economy” at the Absa Commercial Payments Awards in association with Visa.

ZAKHAA is a pioneering South African fintech start-up focused&nbsp;on enabling digital access within the informal economy, and has&nbsp;been recognised as the &ldquo;Most Disruptive Fintech in Shaping the&nbsp;Informal Economy&rdquo; at the Absa Commercial Payments Awards in&nbsp;association with Visa.

TEBOHO TWALA - FOUNDER AND CEO OF ZAKHAA

SA Economy 2026


South Africa experienced economic growth averaging at 0.5% in
the first three quarters of 2025 with projections predicting that
economy will grow below 1% by the ned of the year. Experts say
that the country the country needs the economy to grow at 3%
at least in order for us to start seeing significant changes in the
economy.
The current economic growth rate amoungst the best
performing emerging economies is at around 4%, can South
Africa start making moves in this direction in 2026 ad what
needs to change in order to realise significant growth?

SA Economy 2026
 South Africa experienced economic growth averaging at 0.5% in the first three quarters of 2025 with projections predicting that economy will grow below 1% by the ned of the year. Experts say that the country the country needs the economy to grow at 3% at least in order for us to start seeing significant changes in the economy. The current economic growth rate amoungst the best performing emerging economies is at around 4%, can South Africa start making moves in this direction in 2026 ad what needs to change in order to realise significant growth?

NICOLAAS VAN DER WATH - SENIOR ECONOMIST AT THE BUREAU FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH

“A two-hour live special from the MMA 2026 Media Launch"

&ldquo;A two-hour live special from the MMA 2026&nbsp;Media Launch"

MMA 2026 Media Launch

Following the abolishment of all discriminatory laws, South Africa’s first universal democratic election took place in 1994 and marked the end of centuries of institutions that legally favored White settlers and their descendants at the expense of other racially identified groups. We will also cross reference the ANC NGC that is underway. What is their stance on addressing inequality in the country.

Following the abolishment of all discriminatory&nbsp;laws, South Africa&rsquo;s first universal democratic&nbsp;election took place in 1994 and marked the end&nbsp;of centuries of institutions that legally favored&nbsp;White settlers and their descendants at the&nbsp;expense of other racially identified groups.&nbsp;We will also cross reference the ANC NGC that&nbsp;is underway. What is their stance on&nbsp;addressing inequality in the country.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Racial Inequality and Redistribution in Post- Apartheid South Africa

Corrupt prosecutors and lawyers are paid ridiculous retainer fees by dangerous criminals to secure bail for these lawbreakers, who afterwards return to communities and recommit crime. This is contained in a classified report penned by suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence
(IGI) Imtiaz Fazel following oversight engagements with head honchos of the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence (SAPS-CI).

Corrupt prosecutors and lawyers are paid&nbsp;ridiculous retainer fees by dangerous criminals&nbsp;to secure bail for these lawbreakers, who&nbsp;afterwards return to communities and recommit&nbsp;crime.&nbsp;This is contained in a classified report penned&nbsp;by suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel following oversight&nbsp;engagements with head honchos of the South&nbsp;African Police Service Crime Intelligence&nbsp;(SAPS-CI).

MR ZINCEDILE TIYA - SECRETARY GENERAL LAWYER NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEMOCRATIC LAWYERS HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL (NATIONAL COUNCIL)

The Western Cape High Court finds the Western Cape Education Department&#39;s Learner
Admissions’ system unfairly discriminates against Black and marginalised learners | Equal
Education Law Centre.

The Western Cape High Court finds the Western&nbsp;Cape Education Department&amp;#39;s Learner Admissions&rsquo; system unfairly discriminates&nbsp;against Black and marginalised learners | Equal Education Law Centre.

YOLISA PILISO/ EQUAL EDUCATION RESEARCHER

Who are the role models in our current society? ‘Have the characteristics of what makes a role model changed? Are we inspired by good ethics and morals or are we choosing role models based on material things like looks, money and fame? What is the impact of role models in shaping a society?

Who are the role models in our current society? &lsquo;Have the&nbsp;characteristics of what makes a role model changed? Are we&nbsp;inspired by good ethics and morals or are we choosing role&nbsp;models based on material things like looks, money and fame?&nbsp;What is the impact of role models in shaping a society?

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: The Impact of Materialism on How We Choose Our Role Models

BUSINESS PROFILE: PHIKELA KHOMUNICATIONS

Focuses on helping businesses, organisations and individual professionals thrive in the ever-changing media landscape. They provide insights based strategic guidance, innovative solutions, research, and expert talent management to drive success.

BUSINESS PROFILE: PHIKELA KHOMUNICATIONS
Focuses on helping businesses, organisations and individual&nbsp;professionals thrive in the ever-changing media landscape.&nbsp;They provide insights based strategic guidance, innovative&nbsp;solutions, research, and expert talent management to drive&nbsp;success.

KHOSI ZWANE - FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF PHIKELA KHOMUNICATIONS

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

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