METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

Across South Africa, thousands of families are waiting—not just for answers, but for justice. A growing backlog in critical forensic processes, from autopsies and toxicology reports to ballistics and DNA testing, is causing severe delays in criminal investigations and court proceedings. At the centre of this crisis are institutions like the South African Police Service and the National Forensic Science Laboratories, where capacity constraints, resource shortages, and systemic inefficiencies are slowing down the delivery of crucial evidence. These delays don’t just affect investigations—they stall prosecutions, weaken cases, and in some instances, allow suspects to walk free. But beyond the legal implications, there is a deeper human cost. Families are left in limbo, unable to bury loved ones, finalise estates, or find closure. Tonight, we ask: what is causing this forensic backlog—and who is being held accountable for a system that is failing both victims and justice?

More than R630 million meant to fund opportunities for young South Africans has simply disappeared—without a trace. That’s according to damning findings by the Auditor-General of South Africa into the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority. Auditors say they could not verify how a staggering R637.6 million in discretionary grants was spent, due to missing records and a complete breakdown in internal controls. These are funds that were supposed to go towards bursaries, internships, and skills development programmes at a time when youth unemployment in South Africa remains critically high. Instead, what’s emerged is a picture of systemic governance failure, weak oversight, and a lack of accountability—with no clear consequences for those responsible. Tonight, we ask: how does money meant to empower a generation simply vanish—and who, if anyone, will be held accountable?

As South Africans increasingly turn to online shopping for convenience, questions are being raised about whether consumer protection laws are keeping up with the digital age. To mark World Consumer Rights Day, the National Consumer Commission and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud have released a joint position paper highlighting growing concerns around unfair business practices in e- commerce. The report points to a surge in complaints ranging from misleading advertising and non-delivery of goods to refund delays and counterfeit products sold through third-party platforms. It also exposes a major gap in accountability, with regulators warning that current legislation has not kept pace with how consumers shop today. At the centre of the debate is whether online platforms should be held responsible when transactions go wrong—and what reforms are needed to better protect consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Menstruation and reproductive health affect millions of women and girls in South Africa — yet for many, they remain daily struggles with far-reaching consequences. Period poverty leaves girls missing school and women unable to live with dignity, while endometriosis, a chronic and often invisible condition, can go undiagnosed for years, affecting education, work, and quality of life. Tonight, we examine these issues through a human rights lens: how access to menstrual products, healthcare, and awareness isn’t just a health matter — it’s a question of equality, dignity, and justice. We’ll explore what’s being done, where gaps remain, and what needs to change to ensure that women and girls can live fully without barriers imposed by their biology.

Water is a fundamental human right in South Africa, guaranteed by our Constitution of South Africa. Yet, as supply pressures mount and restrictions hit some areas, a difficult question arises: are we, the public, doing enough to protect it? Tonight, we explore the tension between rights and responsibility. While some communities still struggle for clean, reliable water, others are accused of overuse, waste and illegal connections. How do we balance access with accountability — and can South Africa sustain its water future without a major shift in behaviour?

There’s growing concern at the pumps, with reports of fuel shortages emerging in parts of the country — but government is urging calm. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says fuel supply remains stable in the short term, despite several petrol stations across provinces including Gauteng and the Western Cape running out of certain grades of diesel. Behind this is a bigger global story. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices above 100 dollars a barrel, creating uncertainty in international markets and raising concerns about supply chains worldwide. Government says it has secured fuel shipments and has plans in place to manage potential risks — but at the same time, it is warning that South Africans could soon feel the impact through higher fuel prices. So tonight we ask: Should South Africans be worried about fuel supply — or is the real pressure still to come at the pump?

It’s been some time since devastating floods tore through parts of Limpopo, but for many residents, the disaster is far from over. While the floodwaters may have receded, the damage they left behind continues to shape daily life. Homes were swept away, belongings destroyed, and entire communities displaced. Today, some families are still living in temporary shelters — including community halls — with little certainty about when they will be able to return home, or what they will return to. For many, everything they built over years is gone. As attention shifts away from the immediate crisis, questions remain about recovery, support and rebuilding. What assistance has reached affected communities? Is it enough? And how do people begin again after losing so much?

Over-insurance can lead to delayed claims, disputes over payouts, or even policies being cancelled because someone had multiple funeral covers or didn’t disclose all their existing cover. Families often discover too late that what seemed like protection has become confusion, frustration and loss of trust. This is why the FSCA has embarked on this funeral insurance campaign to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities when buying funeral insurance. To talk about this interesting topic, we are going to be joined by Mr Lyndwill Clarke from the FSCA.

South Africa’s long-awaited tobacco control laws are back in the spotlight, as the Department of Health signals it is willing to make key adjustments following public feedback. At the centre of the conversation is the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, a piece of legislation that has been years in the making and aims to tighten regulations around tobacco and nicotine products — including cigarettes, vapes and other electronic delivery systems. Now, after the latest round of consultations, government is proposing changes, including clearer distinctions between combustible and non-combustible products, with the possibility that some could be exempt from certain restrictions. But while some aspects of the Bill — like banning smoking in indoor public spaces and restricting sales to minors — have found support, others remain highly contested.

New developments emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry are raising important questions about the intersection of law, politics and justice in South Africa. At the centre of the discussion is Musa Khawula, who is currently in custody facing a range of charges, including alleged bail violations, failure to appear in court and more serious offences linked to a 2021 incident. While these charges are before the courts, recent testimony at the Commission has introduced another layer to the story — allegations that there may have been political or executive influence in the manner of his arrest and continued detention. Those implicated in these claims have not yet had an opportunity to respond. At the same time, there are also questions being raised about the nature of some of the charges Khawula faces, particularly those considered to be speech-related, and whether the legal processes followed have been proportionate and consistent. So tonight, we take a step back and ask: What do we know so far, what remains unclear, and how should the system respond when such serious allegations are raised? And ultimately, how do we ensure that both accountability and fairness are upheld within South Africa’s justice system?

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? 

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.

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.

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? 

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

The South African National Defence Force has now touched down in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. Soldiers have begun going door-to-door as part of a major security intervention aimed at tackling gangsterism and violent crime in the area. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing during the State of the Nation Address that the military would be deployed to crime-ridden communities in Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape under Operation Prosper. Around 550 soldiers have been deployed in Gauteng, with the operation expected to run for a full year and cost more than R80 million in the province alone. The soldiers are working alongside the South African Police Service to try and stabilise communities that have been gripped by violent crime. But the big question tonight is this: what does it say about the state of policing in South Africa when the army has to be called into our neighbourhoods? Is this a necessary intervention to protect residents, or does it signal a deeper failure of law enforcement and social policy in our country?

Let’s be honest for a moment. Many of us love to say South Africa is the most beautiful country in the world. We celebrate the mountains, the coastlines, the wildlife and the landscapes. But take a closer look at some of our streets, parks and taxi ranks, and a different picture emerges — one filled with plastic bags, takeaway containers and bottles thrown onto the ground. And the big question is: why? Because littering is one of those behaviours that almost everyone agrees is wrong, yet it continues to happen everywhere. People will sometimes throw rubbish on the ground even when a bin is a few metres away. So what drives that behaviour? Is it laziness? Is it frustration with failing municipal services? Or is it something deeper — a sense that public spaces don’t really belong to us?

War in the Middle East is usually something South Africans experience through the price of petrol — but could it also shape the price of your next home? A new analysis by Jonathan Kohler, CEO of Landsdowne Property Group, suggests that rising oil prices linked to conflict involving Iran could ripple through the South African economy and influence our housing market in an unexpected way. Higher fuel prices could keep inflation elevated, forcing the South African Reserve Bank to delay interest-rate cuts. That might slow the property recovery slightly — but paradoxically create a brief window for buyers before the next growth phase of the market begins. So what exactly does a geopolitical crisis thousands of kilometres away mean for South African home buyers and investors? And is this really the moment to get into the property market? To unpack this, we’re joined by Jonathan Kohler from Landsdowne Property Group.

Tonight we turn to the escalating violence in the Middle East — a conflict that continues to claim civilian lives and deepen divisions across the world. Here in South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has issued a stark warning, saying the region is “on the brink of catastrophe” with potentially severe global consequences. It’s a statement rooted in the legacy of Nelson Mandela — a leader who believed deeply in dialogue, reconciliation and the protection of human dignity, even in the most entrenched conflicts. But what does that legacy demand of the world today? And what responsibility do global leaders carry in pushing for peace and protecting civilians caught in the crossfire? We will be joined by a representative from the Nelson Mandela Foundation to unpack their call for urgent de-escalation and what meaningful steps toward peace might look like.

South Africa is a country wrestling with deep challenges — poverty, inequality, unemployment, corruption, and communities that often feel abandoned by those in power. In moments like these, many people look to the church for moral leadership. Over the weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the funeral of American civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, praising his legacy of faith-driven activism. Jackson stood in the tradition of Martin Luther King Jr. — clergy who didn’t just preach on Sundays but challenged injustice head-on. But it raises an uncomfortable question here at home: have South Africa’s church leaders lost their prophetic voice? In a nation battling corruption, gender violence, and crushing inequality, should pastors and bishops be speaking louder — even if it means confronting political power? Tonight we ask: does faith demand activism, and have our church leaders become too silent?

South Africa’s labour laws could soon see one of the biggest overhauls in years — and the public now has a chance to weigh in. Government has published the Labour Laws Amendment Bill for public comment, proposing sweeping changes to how workplaces operate, from retrenchement pay and parental leave to protections for gig workers like Uber drivers and delivery riders. Supporters say the reforms will modernise labour laws and extend protections to workers in today’s changing economy. Critics warn some changes could make it easier for companies to dismiss employees or raise costs for employers. So tonight we ask: will these changes protect workers — or make it harder for businesses to create jobs?

More than 200 suspects who escaped from police custody in South Africa are still on the run tonight. That’s according to figures presented to Parliament, showing that 284 detainees escaped police cells between April and December last year — and only 82 have been caught again. Which raises some uncomfortable questions: how do hundreds of people simply walk out of police custody? Are our holding cells failing, are police overstretched, or is something else going on inside the system? Tonight we ask: when suspects escape before their day in court, who is accountable — and what does it mean for public safety?

For decades, alcohol has been woven into South Africa’s social fabric — from celebrations and braais to weekend nights out with friends. But a quiet shift appears to be happening among younger people. More and more are choosing to go sober, and they’re documenting the journey using apps that track every alcohol-free day, every rand saved and every health improvement along the way. It’s part of a growing global movement often called the “sober curious” lifestyle. But what’s driving it here at home? Is it about protecting mental health, escaping the pressures of hangover culture, or simply the reality that nights out have become too expensive? In a country often described as a drinking nation, the rise of sober young people could signal a deeper cultural shift in how the next generation socialises, spends money and takes care of their wellbeing.

It’s a case that shocked the country — and one that many felt had gone quiet for far too long. Today, there has finally been movement in the murder of businessman and whistleblower Marumo Eric Phenya, who was gunned down in 2022 after exposing alleged irregularities in a multi-million rand Home Affairs tender. Earlier today, a 30-year-old man, Minenhle Mthembu, appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. You may remember that last year, we brought you an exclusive interview with Phenya’s widow, who spoke about the threats they received before his assassination and the painful wait for justice. Now, with this arrest, some might say the wheels of justice are finally turning — but this is only the beginning. The Phenya case has once again shone a harsh light on the dangers faced by whistleblowers in South Africa and across the continent. If it took years for even one arrest in such a high-profile case, the question we must ask tonight is: are we truly protecting those who risk everything to expose corruption?

Well… it seems the flight has landed and the apology has arrived. Controversial forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan made a return to Parliament this morning after last week’s rather dramatic exit — the kind where he stood up mid-questioning, grabbed his bag and headed for the door because, according to him, there was a flight to catch. The problem? The committee hadn’t dismissed him yet. Cue a tense standoff with MPs, including EFF leader Julius Malema telling him to sit down, while others warned a case could be opened. Fast-forward to today and O’Sullivan is back before the ad hoc committee, apologising in a letter sent overnight and ready to finish his testimony. The question now is whether this return will bring closure to the drama — or simply the next act.

We’re diving into a story that hits at the heart of family, culture, and the law. Many South Africans have been following the sibling maintenance debate — a legal question about whether one sibling can be compelled to financially support another. But beyond the courts, there’s a deeper question: from an African perspective, guided by Ubuntu, aren’t we all morally obliged to care for one another? We explore where cultural duty ends and legal responsibility begins. Is the law simply formalising a tradition that has always existed in our communities, or is it asking siblings to carry a burden that goes beyond what’s expected? Stay with us as we unpack this compelling issue and hear what it really means for families across South Africa.

Specialises in IT consulting, software development, and training solutions for SMMEs. ThunaPoint, the company’s current SaaS product, is a comprehensive cemetery management system designed to streamline operations for memorial parks. Building on a foundation of successful web development projects for individuals and startups, NUZTEK now focuses its expertise on providing software solutions for SMMEs and local governments.

If you clean a government hospital, guard a public building, fix a municipal road or provide IT support to a department — but you’re not actually employed by the state — this story could change your life. The EFF has introduced an Insourcing Bill in Parliament that could force government departments to stop outsourcing essential services and instead hire workers directly. The party argues this will end exploitation, cut out middlemen, and clamp down on tender corruption. But critics warn it could put even more strain on an already stretched public wage bill.

South Africa continues to mourn the passing of veteran freedom fighter and political leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, who died at the age of 77 following a period of illness. Lekota was a towering figure in the country’s liberation struggle, spending years imprisoned on Robben Island for his anti-apartheid activism before emerging to help shape South Africa’s democratic future. In the years after 1994, he served in several key leadership roles, including as the first Premier of the Free State, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, and later Minister of Defence. In 2008, he co-founded the Congress of the People after breaking away from the African National Congress, marking a significant moment in post-apartheid political history. As tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum, many are remembering Lekota not only as a seasoned politician, but as a man whose life spanned the darkest days of apartheid and the hopeful dawn of democracy.

They stand at our gates. They patrol our streets. They protect our homes, our malls, our office parks — often in the dead of night while the rest of us sleep. But behind the uniform and the badge, many private security guards in South Africa are fighting a silent battle of their own. Across the country, allegations of non-compliance by some private security companies are leaving guards exposed — working long hours for modest pay, only to discover that no contributions were ever made to their provident fund or UIF. That means when injury strikes, when contracts end, or when retirement comes knocking, there is nothing to fall back on. Tonight, we ask: who is protecting the protectors?

Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee met yesterday to deliberate on the dramatic walkout by forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan during last week’s hearings into allegations linked to Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The committee is now considering its next steps after O’Sullivan abruptly left proceedings while still under oath, before being formally excused by the chairperson. Some Members of Parliament are calling for him to be subpoenaed to return and complete his testimony, arguing that his departure undermined Parliament’s oversight process. Others maintain that while his conduct was controversial, it may not amount to a criminal offence.

Questions of accountability are mounting after a building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, claimed the lives of eight people. The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that the structure will be demolished after it was found to be unsafe and built without approved plans. Mayor Dada Morero says the city is still trying to identify and trace the owners of the building, which he says flouted city by-laws and building control regulations. An independent investigation is now under way, and the city has announced it will lay formal charges against those responsible, including the construction company. As authorities investigate what led to the deadly collapse, families of the victims — including foreign nationals from Lesotho — have yet to be located. We unpack what went wrong and what steps the city says it will take next.

Tonight, the spotlight is on mothers across South Africa who are taking a bold stand against systemic failures in maternal healthcare. Known as #LaundryDay, this growing movement sees women and activists bringing their stories directly to the National Department of Health in Pretoria. Hospital bedsheets, bearing testimonies of abuse, neglect, and humiliation experienced during childbirth in public facilities, are being displayed outside the department’s offices — a powerful, visual call for urgent reform. Led by Embrace, the Movement for Mothers, and supported by civil society organisations, the picket coincided with Reproductive Health Month. It comes ahead of the release of South Africa’s first prevalence study on obstetric violence, which found that six in ten women who gave birth in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal over the past ten years experienced some form of mistreatment. The activists are calling on the Department of Health to acknowledge obstetric violence as a systemic problem, implement Respectful Maternity Care across all facilities, and strengthen accountability mechanisms for mothers’ safety and dignity. #LaundryDay is more than a protest — it’s a movement turning women’s lived experiences into data-driven demands that cannot be ignored. We speak to organisers and mothers leading #LaundryDay to hear firsthand why this movement is growing and what change they hope to see in South Africa’s maternity wards.

Our Business Review special feature follows four entrepreneurs as they walk us through differing aspects of their industries and the world of entrepreneurship. In this cycle of our conversations with the entrepreneurs, they’ll be telling us how they market their business in a digitally driven environment. Back on Metro FM Talk this evening is KHOSI ZWANE - FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF PHIKELA KHOMUNICATIONS.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply following direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran, marking one of the most serious confrontations between the two regional powers in recent history. After years of indirect conflict fought through cyberattacks, covert operations and regional allies, recent strikes and retaliatory attacks have raised fears of a wider regional escalation. The situation has drawn in global powers and heightened international concern about security, energy markets and diplomatic stability. But how did relations between Israel and Iran deteriorate to this point, who are the key actors involved, and what are the broader geopolitical stakes? And closer to home, what could this mean for South Africa — from economic impacts such as fuel prices and trade, to our diplomatic positioning on the global stage? We’re joined now by international relations expert DR Oscar van Heerden to help us unpack the origins of this conflict, the main players involved, and what developments we should be watching closely.

METRO FM Talk is coming to you live from Sandton this evening as we reveal the nominees for the 2026 METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS! Musically, the country has a lot to celebrate, as our artists continue to release world class music that can be heard across the globe! I’ll be chatting to some executives this evening on what all this means, and I’ll also be wearing a bit of a different hat this evening, catching up with some of your favourite artists and personalities. Get ready for a night of celebrating music, artistry and your favourite station - METRO FM!

MAPHEFO SIPULA - DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIST & HEAD OF RESEARCH & IMPACT AT PROPERTY POINT PROF ANDRE ROUX - ECONOMIST AT STELLENBOSCH BUSINESS SCHOOL

- MK PARTY: DR. THANTI MTHANTI UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY (MK PARTY) CHAIRPERSON OF THE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION SUB-COMMITTEE. ATM: VUYO ZUNGULA, AFRICAN TRANSFORMATION MOVEMENT (ATM) PARLIAMENTARY LEADER - RISE MZANSI - SONGEZO ZIBI, RISE MZANSI LEADER & NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

REACTION TO BUDGET SPEECH FROM POLITICAL PARTIES

The rand and the markets have reacted positively to a 2026 budget which forecast modest annual economic growth of 1.6% and a stabilisation of government debt which remains incredibly high but is expected to drop following the 2025/26 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongoana also announced some relief for tax payers with the government decision to withdraw the 20-billion-rand in tax increases which were provisionally included in the May 2025 Budget. However, did the budget go far enough in addressing the country’s three major economic problems of poverty, unemployment and inequality? Over the next couple of hours we’ll be hearing from different political parties, experts and civil organisations as they react to the 2026 Budget.

Many of us have found ourselves constantly craving unhealthy food and going back for more despite feeling full or having a desire to eat healthier. Well, this could be by design as some evidence reveals that many modern processed foods are explicitly engineered to be "hyper-palatable," designed with specific combinations of salt, sugar, and fat to trigger brain reward pathways that encourage us to keep eating even when we are full.

Water supply was one of the major focus points as Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi delivered his State of the Province Address last night, as he apologised to Gauteng residents who are experiencing water supply issues and announcing plans to remedy the problem following years of outcries from residents. The premier also highlighted the province’s infrastructure issues, with plans to fix ailing roads and dealing with cable theft and vandalism. Opposition parties and some activist groups have criticised the premier for making more promises, saying the time for apologies is over and there is an urgent need for action.

South Africa’s immigration system has been turned into a marketplace where permits and visas are allegedly sold to the highest bidder. That is the stark finding presented before an official inquiry by the Home Affairs department. Delivering an interim report on the issuing of permanent residence permits and visas - Acting Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Leonard Lekgetho, says the SIU has uncovered widespread corruption within Home Affairs. The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, says disciplinary processes against all implicated individuals are ongoing and the Department is looking to cancel over 2 000 study visas that were identified as fraudulently issued through these syndicates.

As we gear up for the budget speech which will be delivered this Wednesday, we’re joined by the Statistician General of South Africa - to take a deep dive into the different numbers that tell the story of where the country is today. We’ll also be joined by other experts for their take on where we’re lagging and what the numbers should look like for us to be a prosperous nation.