The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has reportedly set-in motion a R30 million project towards the establishment of a National Philharmonic Orchestra due to be announced on Thursday. Concerns have been raised by parliamentarians and the music industry, especially considering the recent R22 million flag project, which resulted in public outrage in May. Thabiso Tema spoke to the CEO of the New Mzansi Orchestra, Bongani Tembe.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has reportedly set-in motion a R30 million project towards the establishment of a National Philharmonic Orchestra due to be announced on Thursday. Concerns have been raised by parliamentarians and the music industry, especially considering the recent R22 million flag project, which resulted in public outrage in May. Thabiso Tema spoke to the CEO of the New Mzansi Orchestra, Bongani Tembe.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you’re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you&rsquo;re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

The Best of POWER Breakfast

POWER Breakfast

Department of Arts & Culture’s plan to establish R30m National Philharmonic Orchestra

TT in conversation with  Rirange Tshimange.

TT in conversation with &nbsp;Rirange Tshimange.

PowerKidz with TT and Rirange Tshimange.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Jabulani Khumalo, Chairperson of GASBOC, and Siyabonga Zenande Hlathi, National Coordinator of COSAS, about how the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has intensified its stance on the ongoing scholar transport crisis, formally calling for a total shutdown of all Gauteng schools. As of 9 February 2026, the student body argues that it is “unjust and unacceptable” for academic activities to proceed while thousands of learners remain stranded at home.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Jabulani Khumalo, Chairperson of GASBOC, and Siyabonga Zenande Hlathi, National Coordinator of COSAS, about how the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has intensified its stance on the ongoing scholar transport crisis, formally calling for a total shutdown of all Gauteng schools. As of 9 February 2026, the student body argues that it is &ldquo;unjust and unacceptable&rdquo; for academic activities to proceed while thousands of learners remain stranded at home.

COSAS WANTS A TOTALLY SHUTDOWN - Siyabonga Zenande Hlathi National Coordinator of COSAS

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mr Tseliso Maqubela, Deputy Director-General: Mineral and Petroleum Regulation, about how, as Mining Indaba 2026 unfolds in Cape Town, the focus is not just on how much mineral wealth Africa possesses, but on whether that wealth is being converted into sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and strategic influence. South Africa, as one of the continent’s leading mining economies, is at the centre of this discussion.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mr Tseliso Maqubela, Deputy Director-General: Mineral and Petroleum Regulation, about how, as Mining Indaba 2026 unfolds in Cape Town, the focus is not just on how much mineral wealth Africa possesses, but on whether that wealth is being converted into sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and strategic influence. South Africa, as one of the continent&rsquo;s leading mining economies, is at the centre of this discussion.

As Mining Indaba 2026 unfolds in Cape Town, the focus is not just on how much mineral wealth Africa possesses, but on whether that wealth is being converted into sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, and strategic influence. South Africa, as one of the continent’s leading mining economies, is at the centre of this discussion.

Department of Arts & Culture’s plan to establish R30m National Philharmonic Orchestra

In 1 playlist(s)

POWER Breakfast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips