For years, South Africans have grown accustomed to headlines about economic stagnation, unemployment, load shedding and shrinking opportunities. Yet the latest figures from Statistics South Africa offer a glimmer of hope. The economy expanded by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth and suggesting that, despite significant challenges, South
Africa may be finding its footing. Strong performances in finance, agriculture, trade and transport helped drive the expansion, demonstrating resilience in sectors that continue to keep the economy moving forward. But while economists may welcome the numbers, many South Africans are asking a different question: if the economy is growing, why does daily life still feel so difficult? Unemployment remains stubbornly high, the cost of living continues to squeeze households, and many communities are yet to experience tangible benefits from economic growth. Tonight, we unpack what these GDP figures really mean. Is South Africa finally turning a corner, or are the gains too modest to make a meaningful difference in people's lives? And how do we ensure that economic growth translates into jobs, investment and improved living standards for all?

For years, South Africans have grown accustomed to headlines&nbsp;about economic stagnation, unemployment, load shedding and&nbsp;shrinking opportunities. Yet the latest figures from Statistics South Africa offer a glimmer of hope. The economy expanded by 0.5% in&nbsp;the first quarter of 2026, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of&nbsp;growth and suggesting that, despite significant challenges, South Africa may be finding its footing. Strong performances in finance,&nbsp;agriculture, trade and transport helped drive the expansion,&nbsp;demonstrating resilience in sectors that continue to keep the&nbsp;economy moving forward.&nbsp;But while economists may welcome the numbers, many South&nbsp;Africans are asking a different question: if the economy is growing,&nbsp;why does daily life still feel so difficult? Unemployment remains&nbsp;stubbornly high, the cost of living continues to squeeze households,&nbsp;and many communities are yet to experience tangible benefits from&nbsp;economic growth. Tonight, we unpack what these GDP figures really&nbsp;mean. Is South Africa finally turning a corner, or are the gains too&nbsp;modest to make a meaningful difference in people's lives? And how&nbsp;do we ensure that economic growth translates into jobs, investment&nbsp;and improved living standards for all?

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

South Africa’s Economy Grows Again — But Is the Recovery  Reaching Ordinary Citizens? ( Isaac Khambule is a professor of political economy at the University of Johannesburg )

Incidents of bullying, classroom violence, learner misconduct, and even allegations of corporal punishment continue to raise concerns about safety in South African schools. In response, some have
suggested that CCTV cameras be installed inside classrooms to provide accountability, protect both learners and teachers, and offer evidence when disputes arise. Supporters argue that cameras could
deter bad behaviour and help create safer learning environments. But not everyone agrees. Many teachers and unions argue that constant surveillance could undermine trust, violate privacy, and
create a culture where educators feel monitored rather than supported. Would CCTV cameras make classrooms safer, or would they turn schools into surveillance zones that damage the relationship between teachers and learners?

BASIL MANUEL
- NATIONAL
PROFESSIONAL
TEACHERS’
ORGANISATION
OF SOUTH
AFRICA.

LERATO
LUFUNO
MONGUNI -
PRESIDENT OF
SOUTH
AFRICAN
SOCIETY OF
HISTORY
TEACHING
(SASHT).

 

Incidents of bullying, classroom violence, learner misconduct, and&nbsp;even allegations of corporal punishment continue to raise concerns&nbsp;about safety in South African schools. In response, some have suggested that CCTV cameras be installed inside classrooms to&nbsp;provide accountability, protect both learners and teachers, and offer&nbsp;evidence when disputes arise. Supporters argue that cameras could deter bad behaviour and help create safer learning environments.&nbsp;But not everyone agrees. Many teachers and unions argue that&nbsp;constant surveillance could undermine trust, violate privacy, and create a culture where educators feel monitored rather than&nbsp;supported. Would CCTV cameras make classrooms safer, or would&nbsp;they turn schools into surveillance zones that damage the&nbsp;relationship between teachers and learners?
BASIL MANUEL - NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS&rsquo; ORGANISATION OF SOUTH AFRICA.
LERATO LUFUNO MONGUNI - PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY OF HISTORY TEACHING (SASHT).
&nbsp;

AFTER IS AFTER 8: CCTV in Classrooms: Protecting Learners or Policing Teachers?

When the findings of the State Capture Inquiry were released, South Africans hoped the era of politically connected individuals receiving lavish benefits from companies seeking government contracts was behind us. The commission laid bare a pattern of corruption in which private businesses allegedly cultivated relationships with public officials through gifts, luxury travel, accommodation and other perks, often in exchange for access and influence over lucrative state tenders. It was a blueprint that cost the country billions and eroded public trust in government institutions. Now, a new controversy has reignited those concerns. Criminal charges have been laid against former City of Ekurhulenicity manager Dr Imogen Mashazi following allegations that IT company XET Solutions funded a R3.35 million private jet trip to London during her tenure. The trip is reportedly linked to municipal contracts awarded to the company, raising uncomfortable questions about whether South Africa is witnessing a repeat of the very practices exposed by the Zondo Commission. Tonight, we ask
whether enough has been done to reform public procurement, and whether local government remains vulnerable to the same corruption networks that defined the state capture era.

When the findings of the State Capture Inquiry were released, South&nbsp;Africans hoped the era of politically connected individuals receiving&nbsp;lavish benefits from companies seeking government contracts was&nbsp;behind us. The commission laid bare a pattern of corruption in which&nbsp;private businesses allegedly cultivated relationships with public&nbsp;officials through gifts, luxury travel, accommodation and other&nbsp;perks, often in exchange for access and influence over lucrative&nbsp;state tenders. It was a blueprint that cost the country billions and&nbsp;eroded public trust in government institutions.&nbsp;Now, a new controversy has reignited those concerns. Criminal&nbsp;charges have been laid against former City of Ekurhulenicity&nbsp;manager Dr Imogen Mashazi following allegations that IT company&nbsp;XET Solutions funded a R3.35 million private jet trip to London&nbsp;during her tenure. The trip is reportedly linked to municipal&nbsp;contracts awarded to the company, raising uncomfortable questions&nbsp;about whether South Africa is witnessing a repeat of the very&nbsp;practices exposed by the Zondo Commission. Tonight, we ask whether enough has been done to reform public procurement, and&nbsp;whether local government remains vulnerable to the same&nbsp;corruption networks that defined the state capture era.

Private Jets, Public Money: Is State Capture Still Alive in Local  Government? ( SUNDAY TIMES SENIOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: SIPHO MASANGO )

South Africans have every reason to be frustrated. We have endured rolling power cuts, rising
unemployment, corruption scandals, failing infrastructure, water shortages, and persistent crime.
In many communities, promises made by leaders have not translated into meaningful change on the ground. It is therefore understandable that public trust in government institutions has declined and that
criticism has become a regular part of our national conversation. But tonight, we want to ask a difficult question: can a nation become so focused on its failures that it loses sight of its successes? From social media posts declaring South Africa a "failed state" to everyday conversations predicting doom, have we become our own harshest critics? While holding government accountable is a cornerstone of democracy, are we also unintentionally damaging investor confidence, discouraging tourism, and reinforcing a global perception that South Africa is beyond repair? How do we balance legitimate criticism with an honest recognition of the progress that has been made since 1994? And what does this constant negativity say about how we see ourselves as South Africans?

South Africans have every reason to be frustrated. We&nbsp;have endured rolling power cuts, rising unemployment, corruption scandals, failing&nbsp;infrastructure, water shortages, and persistent crime. In many communities, promises made by leaders have&nbsp;not translated into meaningful change on the ground.&nbsp;It is therefore understandable that public trust in&nbsp;government institutions has declined and that criticism has become a regular part of our national&nbsp;conversation. But tonight, we want to ask a difficult question: can a&nbsp;nation become so focused on its failures that it loses&nbsp;sight of its successes? From social media posts&nbsp;declaring South Africa a "failed state" to everyday&nbsp;conversations predicting doom, have we become our&nbsp;own harshest critics? While holding government&nbsp;accountable is a cornerstone of democracy, are we&nbsp;also unintentionally damaging investor confidence,&nbsp;discouraging tourism, and reinforcing a global&nbsp;perception that South Africa is beyond repair? How do&nbsp;we balance legitimate criticism with an honest&nbsp;recognition of the progress that has been made since&nbsp;1994? And what does this constant negativity say&nbsp;about how we see ourselves as South Africans?

South Africa’s Economy Grows Again — But Is the Recovery Reaching Ordinary Citizens? ( Isaac Khambule is a professor of political economy at the University of Johannesburg )

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