As South Africa approaches the local government elections, political parties are issuing sweeping manifestos filled with high-level promises. Yet, behind the official rhetoric lies a distinct gap: the systematic neglect of South Africa's micro-economies and frontline social safety nets. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Mandla Nkosi – chairperson for Real Reform for ECD, Brian Phaaloh South African Informal Traders Forum and Melithemba Mmnguni – Secretary General for E-hailing Partners Council.

As South Africa approaches the local government elections, political parties are issuing sweeping manifestos filled with high-level promises. Yet, behind the official rhetoric lies a distinct gap: the systematic neglect of South Africa's micro-economies and frontline social safety nets. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Mandla Nkosi &ndash; chairperson for Real Reform for ECD, Brian Phaaloh South African Informal Traders Forum and Melithemba Mmnguni &ndash; Secretary General for E-hailing Partners Council.

POWER Perspective is a talkback that typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of “Perspectivians” and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

POWER Perspective is a talkback that typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of &ldquo;Perspectivians&rdquo; and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

POWER Perspective

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Minority Sectors Manifestos: E-Hailers; Homeless people ; ECDC; Informal Traders - demand answers from parties ahead of local elections

A Sunday Times investigation has revealed that South African government departments and state-owned entities channelled nearly R70 billion to service providers through contract expansions and extensions between October 2023 and March 2026. These variations frequently bypassed fresh competitive tender processes. Eskom accounted for the vast majority of this expenditure, responsible for approximately R41 billion—nearly 60% of the total amount—across roughly 3,000 identified contract changes. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Zama Titi, Procurement Expert, Wayne Duvenhage, CEO Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse – OUT and Barren Bergman DA MP and Spokesperson on Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation.

A Sunday Times investigation has revealed that South African government departments and state-owned entities channelled nearly R70 billion to service providers through contract expansions and extensions between October 2023 and March 2026. These variations frequently bypassed fresh competitive tender processes. Eskom accounted for the vast majority of this expenditure, responsible for approximately R41 billion&mdash;nearly 60% of the total amount&mdash;across roughly 3,000 identified contract changes. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Zama Titi, Procurement Expert, Wayne Duvenhage, CEO Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse &ndash; OUT and Barren Bergman DA MP and Spokesperson on Planning, Monitoring &amp; Evaluation.

Nearly R70bn spent through government contract expansions, investigation finds

When South Africa embarked on its post-apartheid democratic journey, it struck a foundational compromise etched into the national memory: full, public truth in exchange for amnesty. Yet for hundreds of families who surrendered their right to immediate criminal justice, that promise transformed into a multi-decade silence. The TRC Cases Inquiry—the Khampepe Commission—confronts this enduring shadow, probing why approximately 300 priority dockets referred for prosecution lay dormant for over twenty years while state institutions defaulted on their constitutional duties. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Dr. Marjorie Jobson, National Director at Khulumani Support Group, Adv. Mayenzeke Chiya and Tiego Khoza, Political Analyst.

 

When South Africa embarked on its post-apartheid democratic journey, it struck a foundational compromise etched into the national memory: full, public truth in exchange for amnesty. Yet for hundreds of families who surrendered their right to immediate criminal justice, that promise transformed into a multi-decade silence. The TRC Cases Inquiry&mdash;the Khampepe Commission&mdash;confronts this enduring shadow, probing why approximately 300 priority dockets referred for prosecution lay dormant for over twenty years while state institutions defaulted on their constitutional duties. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Dr. Marjorie Jobson, National Director at Khulumani Support Group, Adv. Mayenzeke Chiya and Tiego Khoza, Political Analyst. 
&nbsp;

The TRC cases inquiry and the ongoing questions around accountability and justice for victims of apartheid-era crimes.

The Educators’ Union of South Africa has rejected a ruling by the South African Council of Educators (SACE) that seeks to police the behaviour of teachers outside of school hours. In contrast, the National Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) supports SACE’s code of professional ethics, which expects educators to adhere to standards of good conduct both on and off duty. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Sandile Ntshalintshali Assistant Manager for Legal and Ethics South African Council for Educators (SACE) and Andrew Goldberg, Labour Lawyer.

The Educators&rsquo; Union of South Africa has rejected a ruling by the South African Council of Educators (SACE) that seeks to police the behaviour of teachers outside of school hours. In contrast, the National Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) supports SACE&rsquo;s code of professional ethics, which expects educators to adhere to standards of good conduct both on and off duty. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Sandile Ntshalintshali Assistant Manager for Legal and Ethics South African Council for Educators (SACE) and Andrew Goldberg, Labour Lawyer.

Minority Sectors Manifestos: E-Hailers; Homeless people ; ECDC; Informal Traders - demand answers from parties ahead of local elections

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