It’s one of South Africa’s fastest-growing health threats, but it rarely gets the urgency of other crises.
Diabetes is quietly affecting millions of people across the country, many of whom don’t even know they have it. By the time it’s diagnosed, complications like blindness, amputations, and kidney failure have
already set in. In a healthcare system already under pressure, the real question is—are we taking this
crisis seriously enough, or are we only reacting when it’s too late? 

It&rsquo;s one of South Africa&rsquo;s fastest-growing health&nbsp;threats, but it rarely gets the urgency of other crises. Diabetes is quietly affecting millions of people across&nbsp;the country, many of whom don&rsquo;t even know they have&nbsp;it. By the time it&rsquo;s diagnosed, complications like&nbsp;blindness, amputations, and kidney failure have already set in. In a healthcare system already under&nbsp;pressure, the real question is&mdash;are we taking this crisis seriously enough, or are we only reacting when&nbsp;it&rsquo;s too late?&nbsp;

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Diabetes: South Africa’s Silent Health Crisis

Growing anger is spilling onto social media as clients of Standard Bank claim they’ve lost life-changing
sums of money in suspicious transactions—some allegedly happening without their knowledge and in
locations they were never present. While customers describe drained pension payouts and rapid
withdrawals into multiple accounts, the bank insists the most widely shared case dates back over a decade and was thoroughly investigated, with regulators finding no evidence of fraud.

Growing anger is spilling onto social media as clients&nbsp;of Standard Bank claim they&rsquo;ve lost life-changing sums of money in suspicious transactions&mdash;some&nbsp;allegedly happening without their knowledge and in locations they were never present. While customers&nbsp;describe drained pension payouts and rapid withdrawals into multiple accounts, the bank insists&nbsp;the most widely shared case dates back over a decade&nbsp;and was thoroughly investigated, with regulators&nbsp;finding no evidence of fraud.

Standard Bank “Missing Money” Claims ( Johan Brouwer Manager Adjudication National Financial ombud Scheme South Africa )

The fight against corruption in South Africa has once again taken centre stage, this time in the Randburg Magistrates Court, where bail has been denied to a suspect linked to the assassination of whistleblower Marumo Phenya. Phenya was gunned down in 2022 after exposing an alleged multi-million rand tender fraud within the Department of Home Affairs. Today’s court decision marks a significant moment in a case that has come to symbolise both the dangers faced by whistleblowers and the long road to justice for those who dare to speak out.

The fight against corruption in South Africa has once&nbsp;again taken centre stage, this time in the Randburg&nbsp;Magistrates Court, where bail has been denied to a&nbsp;suspect linked to the assassination of whistleblower&nbsp;Marumo Phenya. Phenya was gunned down in 2022&nbsp;after exposing an alleged multi-million rand tender&nbsp;fraud within the Department of Home Affairs. Today&rsquo;s&nbsp;court decision marks a significant moment in a case&nbsp;that has come to symbolise both the dangers faced by&nbsp;whistleblowers and the long road to justice for those&nbsp;who dare to speak out.

Norman Kgosiyagofa Montjane ( Attorney for the Phenya Family )

As South Africa marks Human Rights Day this week, many are reflecting on the rights guaranteed in our Constitution — among them, the right to access sufficient water. Yet for many residents in Gauteng, the reality tells a very different story. Communities are dealing with dry taps, water shedding, and aging infrastructure that is struggling to keep up with demand. So tonight we ask: if water is a basic human right, why are so many South Africans struggling to access it? Is this simply an infrastructure crisis, or are we witnessing a failure to uphold one of the most fundamental rights tied to dignity, health, and survival? 

As South Africa marks Human Rights Day this week, many are reflecting on the rights guaranteed in our Constitution &mdash; among them, the right to access sufficient water. Yet for many residents in Gauteng, the reality tells a very different story. Communities are dealing with dry taps, water shedding, and aging infrastructure that is struggling to keep up with&nbsp;demand.&nbsp;So tonight we ask: if water is a basic human right, why&nbsp;are so many South Africans struggling to access it? Is&nbsp;this simply an infrastructure crisis, or are we&nbsp;witnessing a failure to uphold one of the most&nbsp;fundamental rights tied to dignity, health, and&nbsp;survival?&nbsp;

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: If Water is a Basic Human Right, why are so many South Africans struggling to access it?

Tensions are escalating within the African National Congress in Johannesburg, as the party moves to
recall Mayor Dada Morero. The decision follows a contentious regional conference in December,
disputes over internal elections, and allegations that the mayor may have been behind a court challenge to the conference results. Regional ANC leaders say Morero’s continued presence undermines party unity and threatens effective governance. With similar political shake-ups happening across Gauteng municipalities, questions are mounting over thestability of local leadership and the impact on service delivery.

Tensions are escalating within the African National&nbsp;Congress in Johannesburg, as the party moves to recall Mayor Dada Morero. The decision follows a&nbsp;contentious regional conference in December, disputes over internal elections, and allegations that&nbsp;the mayor may have been behind a court challenge to&nbsp;the conference results. Regional ANC leaders say&nbsp;Morero&rsquo;s continued presence undermines party unity&nbsp;and threatens effective governance. With similar&nbsp;political shake-ups happening across Gauteng&nbsp;municipalities, questions are mounting over thestability of local leadership and the impact on service&nbsp;delivery.

PROFESSOR DIRK KOTSE - UNISA

South Africa is facing a crisis of accountability in its municipalities. Recent reports reveal that over R62
billion in irregular expenditure has accumulated over the past five years, with almost 99% of it written off or condoned without proper investigation. At a time when communities are grappling with failing
infrastructure, water insecurity, and collapsing service delivery, this rampant financial recklessness is
nothing short of a betrayal of public trust. Tonight, we ask: how did South Africa get here, and what needs to be done to restore financial discipline and ensure that public money serves the people, not disappears into bureaucratic loopholes?

South Africa is facing a crisis of accountability in its&nbsp;municipalities. Recent reports reveal that over R62 billion in irregular expenditure has accumulated over&nbsp;the past five years, with almost 99% of it written off or&nbsp;condoned without proper investigation. At a time&nbsp;when communities are grappling with failing infrastructure, water insecurity, and collapsing service&nbsp;delivery, this rampant financial recklessness is nothing short of a betrayal of public trust. Tonight, we&nbsp;ask: how did South Africa get here, and what needs to&nbsp;be done to restore financial discipline and ensure that&nbsp;public money serves the people, not disappears into&nbsp;bureaucratic loopholes?

Tebogo Khaas Chairperson, Public Interest SA

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that thousands of people on social media believe you’re a murderer. Your name, your face and your reputation circulating online — all because strangers on the internet think they’ve solved a crime. That’s exactly what happened to Sollange Williams. After a disturbing video of an Uber driver being strangled to death by a man believed to have a female accomplice began circulating online, social media users started trying to identify the woman in the footage. Before long, many claimed it was Sollange. The accusations spread rapidly, and with them came threats and harassment. Now, the woman at the centre of those claims has had to turn to the South African Police Service to clear her name and protect her safety. Tonight we speak
directly to Sollange Williams about what it’s like to be falsely accused in the court of social media — and whether this growing trend of online “detectives” is putting innocent lives at risk.

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that&nbsp;thousands of people on social media believe you&rsquo;re a&nbsp;murderer. Your name, your face and your reputation&nbsp;circulating online &mdash; all because strangers on the&nbsp;internet think they&rsquo;ve solved a crime. That&rsquo;s exactly&nbsp;what happened to Sollange Williams. After a&nbsp;disturbing video of an Uber driver being strangled to&nbsp;death by a man believed to have a female accomplice&nbsp;began circulating online, social media users started&nbsp;trying to identify the woman in the footage. Before&nbsp;long, many claimed it was Sollange. The accusations&nbsp;spread rapidly, and with them came threats and&nbsp;harassment.&nbsp;Now, the woman at the centre of those claims has had&nbsp;to turn to the South African Police Service to clear her&nbsp;name and protect her safety. Tonight we speak directly to Sollange Williams about what it&rsquo;s like to be&nbsp;falsely accused in the court of social media &mdash; and&nbsp;whether this growing trend of online &ldquo;detectives&rdquo; is&nbsp;putting innocent lives at risk.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Forgiveness in Relationships

Another dramatic development in the shocking insurance-linked murder case that has gripped the
country. A seventh suspect connected to the alleged R10-million insurance fraud syndicate in Polokwane has now handed himself over to police. Authorities say the accused are linked to a string of brutal killings where victims were allegedly burned, strangled and even stabbed — all believed to be part of a scheme to cash in on life insurance policies. Police say the alleged mastermind is a former police sergeant, Rachel Kutumela, who was arrested in October 2024 along with members of her family. Now, her brother Robbert Shokane is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, joining six other accused already facing 47 charges, including nine counts of murder. As investigations continue and more cases are being probed, questions remain about how such an alleged syndicate operated — and whether there could be even more victims.

Another dramatic development in the shocking&nbsp;insurance-linked murder case that has gripped the country. A seventh suspect connected to the alleged&nbsp;R10-million insurance fraud syndicate in Polokwane&nbsp;has now handed himself over to police. Authorities&nbsp;say the accused are linked to a string of brutal killings&nbsp;where victims were allegedly burned, strangled and&nbsp;even stabbed &mdash; all believed to be part of a scheme to&nbsp;cash in on life insurance policies. Police say the&nbsp;alleged mastermind is a former police sergeant,&nbsp;Rachel Kutumela, who was arrested in October 2024&nbsp;along with members of her family. Now, her brother&nbsp;Robbert Shokane is expected to appear before the&nbsp;Polokwane Magistrate&rsquo;s Court on Friday, joining six&nbsp;other accused already facing 47 charges, including&nbsp;nine counts of murder. As investigations continue and&nbsp;more cases are being probed, questions remain about&nbsp;how such an alleged syndicate operated &mdash; and&nbsp;whether there could be even more victims.

POLICE SPOKESPERSON ATHLENDA MATHE

South Africa is taking its place at the centre of one of the most important global conversations of our time — the future of artificial intelligence. A leading local expert, Professor Vukosi Marivate from the University of Pretoria, has been appointed to a prestigious new scientific panel established by the United Nations to guide how the world governs AI. The 40-member panel, created by the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year, brings together top global experts to assess the risks, opportunities and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Marivate’s appointment not only places South Africa firmly on the global AI map, but also ensures that African perspectives — including the development of technology for African languages and contexts — are part of shaping how this powerful technology will be regulated and used worldwide.

South Africa is taking its place at the centre of one of&nbsp;the most important global conversations of our time &mdash;&nbsp;the future of artificial intelligence. A leading local&nbsp;expert, Professor Vukosi Marivate from the University&nbsp;of Pretoria, has been appointed to a prestigious new&nbsp;scientific panel established by the United Nations to&nbsp;guide how the world governs AI. The 40-member&nbsp;panel, created by the United Nations General&nbsp;Assembly earlier this year, brings together top global&nbsp;experts to assess the risks, opportunities and societal&nbsp;impact of artificial intelligence. Marivate&rsquo;s appointment&nbsp;not only places South Africa firmly on the global AI&nbsp;map, but also ensures that African perspectives &mdash;&nbsp;including the development of technology for African&nbsp;languages and contexts &mdash; are part of shaping how&nbsp;this powerful technology will be regulated and used&nbsp;worldwide.

PROFESSOR VUSI MARIVATE

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that thousands of people on social media believe you’re a murderer. Your name, your face and your reputation circulating online — all because strangers on the internet think they’ve solved a crime. That’s exactly what happened to Sollange Williams. After a disturbing video of an Uber driver being strangled to death by a man believed to have a female accomplice began circulating online, social media users started trying to identify the woman in the footage. Before long, many claimed it was Sollange. The accusations spread rapidly, and with them came threats and harassment. Now, the woman at the centre of those claims has had to turn to the South African Police Service to clear her name and protect her safety. Tonight we speak directly to Sollange Williams about what it’s like to be falsely accused in the court of social media — and
whether this growing trend of online “detectives” is putting innocent lives at risk.

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that&nbsp;thousands of people on social media believe you&rsquo;re a&nbsp;murderer. Your name, your face and your reputation&nbsp;circulating online &mdash; all because strangers on the&nbsp;internet think they&rsquo;ve solved a crime. That&rsquo;s exactly&nbsp;what happened to Sollange Williams. After a&nbsp;disturbing video of an Uber driver being strangled to&nbsp;death by a man believed to have a female accomplice&nbsp;began circulating online, social media users started&nbsp;trying to identify the woman in the footage. Before&nbsp;long, many claimed it was Sollange. The accusations&nbsp;spread rapidly, and with them came threats and&nbsp;harassment.&nbsp;Now, the woman at the centre of those claims has had&nbsp;to turn to the South African Police Service to clear her&nbsp;name and protect her safety. Tonight we speak&nbsp;directly to Sollange Williams about what it&rsquo;s like to be&nbsp;falsely accused in the court of social media &mdash; and whether this growing trend of online &ldquo;detectives&rdquo; is&nbsp;putting innocent lives at risk.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: Social Media Vigilantism and False Accusations

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

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