This winter in KwaZulu-Natal, sugar cane sits uncut in the fields because there is no one to harvest it—a baffling sight in a country where 8.1 million South Africans are searching for work and coming up empty. In one of the most unemployed societies on Earth, essential work is going undone due to what appears on the surface to be a severe labor shortage. At first glance, this dynamic looks like a classic economic paradox. In reality, it signals something far more fundamental: a labor market that has ceased to function as a market altogether. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Dominique Martin – Food and Allied Workers Union, Bennie van Zyl – The Fortress for the Commercial Farmers South Africa and Ntsako Shivambu Political Analystand Halalisani Ndlovu ActionSA Provincial Campaign Manager. 

This winter in KwaZulu-Natal, sugar cane sits uncut in the fields because there is no one to harvest it&mdash;a baffling sight in a country where 8.1 million South Africans are searching for work and coming up empty. In one of the most unemployed societies on Earth, essential work is going undone due to what appears on the surface to be a severe labor shortage. At first glance, this dynamic looks like a classic economic paradox. In reality, it signals something far more fundamental: a labor market that has ceased to function as a market altogether. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Dominique Martin &ndash; Food and Allied Workers Union, Bennie van Zyl &ndash; The Fortress for the Commercial Farmers South Africa and Ntsako Shivambu Political Analyst and Halalisani Ndlovu ActionSA Provincial Campaign Manager.&nbsp;

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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Why eight million unemployed locals aren’t filling the vacant agricultural jobs

Before the 2024 General Election, a Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey revealed a concerning trend: 47% of young South Africans believed their vote would not make a difference. As the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) gears up for its final voter registration round on 1 and 2 August 2026, we must actively counter this disillusionment. We need to amplify messaging that reassures young people that participating in the democratic process will not break the country. Ultimately, it is far better to cast a vote and risk making a mistake than to abstain completely. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Noxolo Gwala - International Programme Officer at Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, Goodenough Mashego – Independent Political Analyst and Lulu White - Election Management Consulting Agency of Africa.

Before the 2024 General Election, a Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey revealed a concerning trend: 47% of young South Africans believed their vote would not make a difference. As the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) gears up for its final voter registration round on 1 and 2 August 2026, we must actively counter this disillusionment. We need to amplify messaging that reassures young people that participating in the democratic process will not break the country. Ultimately, it is far better to cast a vote and risk making a mistake than to abstain completely. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Noxolo Gwala - International Programme Officer at Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, Goodenough Mashego &ndash; Independent Political Analyst and Lulu White - Election Management Consulting Agency of Africa.

What young SA voters can learn from Liberia and Zambia

Parliament's Impeachment Committee is preparing to appeal a recent High Court ruling that placed a temporary hold on public hearings for the Section 89 inquiry into the Phala Phala matter. The ruling, handed down on Friday, brought the committee's scheduled proceedings to an abrupt halt. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Adv Lufuno Nevondwe – Constitutional Law Expert, Dr. Sam Koma – Governance Expert, Ganief Hendricks - AI Jama-ah President and Vuyo Zungula ATM Parliamentary Leader.

Parliament's Impeachment Committee is preparing to appeal a recent High Court ruling that placed a temporary hold on public hearings for the Section 89 inquiry into the Phala Phala matter. The ruling, handed down on Friday, brought the committee's scheduled proceedings to an abrupt halt. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Adv Lufuno Nevondwe &ndash; Constitutional Law Expert, Dr. Sam Koma &ndash; Governance Expert, Ganief Hendricks - AI Jama-ah President and Vuyo Zungula ATM Parliamentary Leader.

Impeachment Committee to appeal WC High Court ruling

Colleen Makhubele is joined by Corporate Governance Expert, Dr Nimrod Mbele as well as Financial Journalist Rob Rose, and Public Servants Asspciation General Manager, Reuben Maleka

Colleen Makhubele is joined by Corporate Governance Expert, Dr Nimrod Mbele as well as Financial Journalist Rob Rose, and Public Servants Asspciation General Manager, Reuben Maleka

Why eight million unemployed locals aren’t filling the vacant agricultural jobs

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