The best of POWER Perspective

South Africa’s small businesses are at the heart of economic growth, with support from the Department of Small Business Development helping SMMEs access funding, mentorship, and new markets. These initiatives have created thousands of jobs while expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs. Yet challenges around finance, compliance, and sustainability remain. Industry leaders including Lungani Nene- founded Spot-On Fire Controls, Qinisile Delwa -Deputy Director-General (DDG): Enterprise Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at South Africa's Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), and Jedd Harris is the Chief Strategy Officer at Sourcefin unpack the sector’s progress, challenges, and future growth.

The Life and Legacy of Mosiuoa Lekota trace the remarkable journey of a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to South Africa’s liberation and democratic development. From enduring imprisonment on Robben Island for his anti-apartheid activism to serving as Premier of the Free State and later Minister of Defence under Thabo Mbeki, Lekota remained a steadfast voice in national politics. As a co-founder of Congress of the People (COPE), his legacy reflects both the sacrifices of the liberation struggle and the complexities of South Africa’s evolving democracy. We paid tribute to his life and impact with Teboho Loate, Leader of COPE; Thomas Mofokeng, COPE Gauteng Provincial Chairperson; Nkenkwe Nkomo, former Robben Island prisoner; Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, Chairperson of Council at the Robben Island Ex-Political Prisoners Institutional Forum; and Saths Cooper, post-apartheid psychologist and activist.

Herman Mashaba is a South African entrepreneur and politician, best known as the leader of ActionSA and the former Executive Mayor of Johannesburg. Known for his outspoken stance on governance, service delivery, and anti-corruption, Mashaba positions himself as a decisive leader committed to restoring accountability and rebuilding South Africa’s economic and urban future.

Vuyolwethu “Vuyo” Zungula, leader of the African Transformation Movement, rose from Mthatha to become a vocal advocate for ethical governance, economic justice, and youth empowerment. Known for challenging corruption and demanding accountability, Vuyolwethu “Vuyo” Zungula has positioned himself as a bold voice for transformation in South African politics, shaping national debates and pushing for reforms both locally and across the African continent.

South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour has intensified inspections in the construction sector, urging companies to prioritise hiring South Africans after more than 50 undocumented workers were discovered on sites. Employers found violating labour and immigration laws could face fines or imprisonment. However, unions argue penalties remain too lenient. Inspector-General Aggy Moiloa joins labour leaders and activists to unpack the implications of the crackdown.

Resilience and bouncing back: life rarely goes as planned—careers stall, opportunities vanish, dreams are delayed. In these moments, do we freeze or pivot? Explore strategies for recovery and growth with mental health researcher Dr. Sam Zungu-Fidelis and Congolese-Iranian filmmaker Priscilla Kounkou, founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, as they unpack the power of resilience and reinventing yourself amid setbacks.

SIU visa corruption probe ignites national debate on religious regulation. Exposing Home Affairs officials and religious leaders, the investigation raises urgent questions on oversight versus freedom of religion in South Africa. Pastor Bert Pretorius (SACOFF), ATM’s Vuyo Zungula, ACDP’s Rev Kenneth Meshoe, Prof Musa Xulu, Pastor Mpfariseni Makhuba (SACD), and Adv Michael Swain, Executive Director of FORSA were o PowerPerspective with Colleen Makhubele. 

Getting candid with Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo. Best known as the host of Moja Love’s Sizok’thola, Khumalo shifts from anti-drug activism to ActionSA’s political frontline in one of Gauteng’s most unstable metros. His rise signals a new era where media visibility and crime-fighting shape political power. But controversy trails his campaign. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Cllr Nkalankala Ntombela (NFP) and AIC’s Sivuyile Ngodwana on PowerPerspective. 

Ambition does not end at the altar. For many women, marriage marks the start of negotiating personal dreams within shared responsibilities and expectations. While driven women are celebrated, the real cost of pursuing ambition as a wife and mother is rarely discussed. We unpack the sacrifices, support systems and strain behind success with WIPHOLD founding member and CEO Gloria Serobe, alongside married media personalities Lerato and Phetola Makhetha.

ANC regional chair and Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku has been elected unopposed as the new Deputy Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, a position recently introduced in council. Backed by the ANC and coalition partners including the PA and Al Jama-ah, her election was swift, though the DA abstained. Tonight, she outlines her plans to clean up the city and reflects on the state of the coalition that secured her leadership role.

The United States and Israel launched their most ambitious strikes on Iran in decades, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a move that reshapes global geopolitics. The offensive marks a major foreign-policy gamble for U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his earlier “peace president” messaging and calls for diplomacy. We unpack the fallout and implications with geopolitics expert Chloe Maluleke and UN Political Peace & Security chief Zaheer Laher.

Despite the scale of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) sweeping across South Africa, the Gauteng provincial government has stated that compensating livestock farmers is not an immediate priority.

The South African Judiciary’s long-standing calls for independence are bearing fruit. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, in his 2026 Budget Speech. announced that over the medium term, R883 million was shifted from the Department of Justice to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ).

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has opened an investigation into nine sanitary pad and panty liner suppliers, after a University of the Free State study found endocrine-disrupting chemicals in several products that are available countrywide, reports.

The 2026 Local Government Elections will be a crucial test of democratic accountability at municipal level, where service delivery failures have eroded public trust. Electoral reform debates — including automatic voter registration and changes to by-elections — aim to improve participation, transparency and stability. Ultimately, strengthening political accountability will depend not just on reforms to the system, but on ethical leadership and active citizen engagement.

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted government’s focus on strengthening whistleblower protection through the proposed Whistleblower Protection Bill. The Bill aims to criminalise retaliation and provide practical support for those who report wrongdoing, placing accountability on employers.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced sweeping reforms aimed at stabilising provinces and rescuing struggling municipalities, marking what could be one of the most significant shifts in intergovernmental funding in recent years.

If you find out your unborn baby has a chromosomal anomaly or other condition that will cause disability, it can be a very difficult time, especially if you’re not prepared for the news.

Tempers flared at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry during the fifth day of testimony by suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya. The friction intensified as Sibiya continued to testify regarding his relationship with his subordinate, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi. Nkosi stands accused of acting as a middleman between Sibiya and alleged criminal tender tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Various civil society organisations are protesting outside the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday to oppose the City of Cape Town's planned auction of more than 50 parcels of public land.

At ward level, the City is designed to depend on its 135 ward committees — statutory bodies led by ward councillors and made up of community representatives — to manage service delivery concerns. These committees are intended to serve as the first point of contact between residents and the municipality.

Tessa Dooms speaks to MMC for finance Jongizizwe Dlabathi. 

Every February the Minister of Finance presents his budget speech in Parliament for the upcoming fiscal year. This is not the final budget but a proposal that has to be scrutinised and approved by Parliament.

Informal traders in the City of Joburg are expected to march to Braam Park on Thursday to protest against what they describe as harassment and ill-treatment of legal informal traders operating within the Inner City Improvement District by the Johannesburg metro police and the municipality.

Love Notes brings Karabo Mogane and Zamo Dlamini together for an intimate Afro-Soul & R&B experience, with soulful duets, heartfelt ballads, and raw, unforgettable live performances.

Zimbabwe’s 25-year delay in national health insurance hinders Universal Health Coverage. Political, economic, and institutional barriers leave citizens paying out-of-pocket, risking financial hardship. 

On 10 February, the world marked a defining moment in history, Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, a turning point that reshaped South Africa and the global struggle for justice. As the organisation founded by Nelson Mandela himself to protect and advance the rights of children, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund is uniquely placed to move this moment beyond commemoration and into urgent, present-day relevance. 

South Africa’s ability to properly plan and deliver services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is significantly hindered by the absence of dependable, detailed data.

Shadrack Sibiya rejects misconduct charges over 121 dockets, telling the Madlanga Commission he acted lawfully and is being politically targeted to remove him from SAPS leadership.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a new social grant this year, a promise he has made in several recent SONAs. The initiative aims to expand income support for vulnerable South Africans. Kelle Howson, Labour and Social Security Senior Researcher at the Institute for Economic Justice, highlights the potential impact this grant could have on poverty alleviation and social protection.

Shockingly, 6 in 10 women who gave birth in Gauteng and KZN experienced obstetric abuse, including verbal, physical, or neglectful treatment. This underscores the urgent need for safe, respectful maternal care in South Africa. Nonkululeko Mbuli, Advocacy and Communications Strategist at Embrace, calls for immediate action to protect mothers’ rights and dignity in healthcare facilities. 

The report tracks 340+ SA leaders on X, revealing that while a few engage actively, most broadcast without responding. Digital presence in 2025 is crucial for accountability and democracy.

Abahlali baseMjondolo leader Zweli “Khabazela” Mkhize was shot and killed in eNkanini, Gauteng, sparking calls for a transparent investigation into targeted violence against activists.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) campuses have been disrupted by student protests over accommodation and funding issues, prompting the High Court to grant an urgent interdict against student organisations, whilst student leaders maintain that no classes will commence until their demands are met.

Ahead of SONA 2026, young leaders take to the studio demanding more than political rhetoric. Khustaz Mtwentwe of Stand Up SA, Philani Qwabe of Reclaim SA, and SAUS spokesperson Thato Mosekoa unite to call for urgent job creation, practical skills development, and meaningful economic inclusion. They argue that dignity comes from opportunity, not empty promises, and challenge government to deliver real change for South Africa’s youth.

A Transnet employee is under fire after allegedly mocking a child with a disability on social media, triggering public outrage and an internal investigation. The incident has ignited debate around digital conduct, workplace accountability, and the limits of free expression online. HR Generalist and Personal Branding Specialist Kabelo Mogotsi weighs in on reputational risk, ethical responsibility, and how employers should respond.

South African author Zukiswa Wanner recounts her arrest and detention by Israeli forces following her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. In her new book, Flotilla: A Journey of Conscience, she reflects on activism, solidarity with Palestine, and the personal cost of protest at sea. Wanner shares the emotional and political impact of the experience, offering a firsthand account of courage, resistance, and conscience.

South Africa’s foreign policy is navigating a shifting global order, balancing national interests with a commitment to multilateralism. From strengthening BRICS and AU partnerships to expanding trade and promoting peace and stability, SA is asserting its voice in a complex multipolar climate. Following its election to the AU Peace and Security Council, we speak to DIRCO Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri about what this means for the country and the continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin have pledged support for the process of returning 17 South African men who have been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, following an urgent plea from their families. The development raises complex diplomatic and legal questions. We unpack the geopolitical and foreign policy implications with International Relations analyst Lwazi Somya.

On Day 2 of his testimony, controversial forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan dismissed claims that he infiltrated IPID, calling them a “blatant lie.” He also denied targeting former Acting National Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane to pave the way for former IPID head Robert McBride. We unpack the implications of these allegations with Safety and Security expert Dr Mxolisi Mathebula.

Disability, Access and Campus Transformation: New UCT research highlights how on-campus sport empowers students with disabilities, fostering inclusion, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging. The study shows how sport challenges systemic barriers and drives meaningful transformation in higher education spaces. We speak to Dr Muya Koloko, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in UCT’s Division of Disability Studies, about the impact and the path forward.

As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address in Cape Town, political parties, unions and civil society are sharpening their expectations. Political analyst Dr Metji Makgoba unpacks the political stakes and policy signals to watch, while community organiser Nkosikhona Swaartbooi reflects on grassroots demands for jobs, service delivery, accountability and tangible change that speaks to everyday struggles.

Controversial private forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan’s murky past and arrival in South Africa were questioned in parliament during the Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption allegations. His role in capturing the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has raised serious concerns. Safety and security expert Dr Mxolisi Mathebula weighs in on the implications for oversight, accountability, and trust in investigations affecting law enforcement integrity.

Johannesburg’s deepening water crisis has left suburbs facing multi-day outages. WaterCAN’s Dr Ferrial Adam warns residents are nearing “Day Zero” and urges a national disaster declaration to mobilize emergency resources and strengthen water management.

Gun violence is a serious public health emergency endangering communities. Gun Free South Africa urges the WHO to declare it a global health crisis and push coordinated prevention. Reflecting South Africa’s experience, the 2025 SONA promise to bolster the Detective Service with 4,000 personnel shows decisive action. Claire Taylor, Researcher and Policy Analyst, emphasizes that tackling illegal firearms and preventing diversion of legal guns is crucial to reducing violent crime and saving lives.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) has called for a full, independent audit of all City of Johannesburg (CoJ) properties following revelations of an explosive land fraud scandal. The party warns that growing evidence points to widespread and systematic corruption, including the illegal sale of municipal land and buildings. BOSA Gauteng Provincial MPL Ayanda Allie says urgent intervention is needed to protect public assets, restore accountability, and ensure those implicated are held to account.

Apple is reportedly planning to open CarPlay to third-party, voice-controlled AI apps, a move that could transform the in-car experience. This tech feature explores what AI-powered CarPlay could mean for South African drivers, from smarter navigation and hands-free assistance to concerns around data privacy and connectivity. Motoring expert Pogiso Dibakoane weighs in on whether local vehicles, networks, and digital infrastructure are ready to support this next evolution in automotive technology.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is investigating 1,055 parents and unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries linked to more than R126 million in irregular funding. The probe follows findings of misrepresentation and possible fraud in financial aid applications. While some funds have been repaid, criminal prosecution remains a possibility where fraud is proven. SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says accountability processes are ongoing to recover public funds and uphold the integrity of NSFAS.

ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo was present at the scene of a fatal shooting in Linden, where a Nigerian national was killed. While ActionSA has claimed the deceased was a drug dealer, police have not confirmed these allegations. The incident has sparked public concern and calls for clarity. ActionSA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Spokesperson Siyanda Makhubo says the party is cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.

For the first time in South Africa’s history, the national minimum wage has breached the R30 mark. From March 1, 2026, the floor will be set at R30.23 per hour, a R1.44 increase from the current R28.79. While celebrated by unions as a milestone for worker dignity, employers are sounding the alarm, warning that this well-intentioned hike could deepen the country’s profound unemployment crisis.