Comedy has the power to make us laugh, but behind every great comedian is an incredible storyteller. Our next guest is proof that talent knows no limits. From commanding the stand-up stage with his signature physical comedy to delivering unforgettable performances. We are hanging out with Panch Gasela who is a Johannesburg-based actor, comedian, director and filmmaker whose career continues to reach new heights. Panch joins us to talk about his journey, the evolution of South African comedy, and what's next for him.

Comedy has the power to make us laugh, but behind every great comedian is an incredible storyteller. Our next guest is proof that talent knows no limits. From commanding the stand-up stage with his signature physical comedy to delivering unforgettable performances. We are hanging out with Panch Gasela who is a Johannesburg-based actor, comedian, director and filmmaker whose career continues to reach new heights. Panch joins us to talk about his journey, the evolution of South African comedy, and what's next for him.

THE ART OF COMEDY: Panch Gasela 

Every scar tells a story. Some are visible, while others are hidden beneath smiles, silence and the pressure to "be strong." For many young people, struggles with anxiety, depression, peer pressure and self-harm are carried alone because they don't feel they have a safe space to speak.

A community initiative called Beautiful Scar is changing that narrative. Founded by Rethabile Lechela seven years ago, the programme encourages young people to turn their pain into purpose by creating spaces where they can speak openly about their experiences, access support and connect with organisations that can help. Beyond conversations, the initiative also gives back through projects like sanitary pad drives and soup kitchens, proving that healing happens not only through words but through community.

This morning, we're joined by the founder of Beautiful Scar to explore why creating safe spaces for honest conversations is more important than ever before. 

Every scar tells a story. Some are visible, while others are hidden beneath smiles, silence and the pressure to "be strong." For many young people, struggles with anxiety, depression, peer pressure and self-harm are carried alone because they don't feel they have a safe space to speak.
A community initiative called Beautiful Scar is changing that narrative. Founded by Rethabile Lechela seven years ago, the programme encourages young people to turn their pain into purpose by creating spaces where they can speak openly about their experiences, access support and connect with organisations that can help. Beyond conversations, the initiative also gives back through projects like sanitary pad drives and soup kitchens, proving that healing happens not only through words but through community.
This morning, we're joined by the founder of Beautiful Scar to explore why creating safe spaces for honest conversations is more important than ever before.&nbsp;

Feel Good: Rethabile Lechela

They say it only takes one person to change the trajectory of an entire family. But what happens when you're that person? The one expected to earn the degree, build the wealth, heal the trauma, support everyone financially, and create opportunities that previous generations never had. Being the so-called "generational curse breaker" is often celebrated, but behind the success can be immense pressure, guilt, burnout, and the feeling that there's no room to fail. We are in conversation with Empowerment coach, Muvumbi Ndzalama Ngwenya on the pressure that comes with being the generational curse breaker as we focus on love, marriage an increased divorce rates.   

They say it only takes one person to change the trajectory of an entire family. But what happens when you're that person? The one expected to earn the degree, build the wealth, heal the trauma, support everyone financially, and create opportunities that previous generations never had. Being the so-called "generational curse breaker" is often celebrated, but behind the success can be immense pressure, guilt, burnout, and the feeling that there's no room to fail. We are in conversation with Empowerment coach, Muvumbi Ndzalama Ngwenya on the pressure that comes with being the generational curse breaker as we focus on love, marriage an increased divorce rates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The pressure that comes with being the generational curse breaker - divorce or lack of marriage 

Whether your relationship lasted a few years or a lifetime, the absence left behind after losing a partner can feel overwhelming. The routines, conversations, and dreams you shared suddenly change, leaving many people trying to navigate a new reality without the person they loved. How do we cope with the weight of that loss? What does healing look like when grief comes in waves? And how can we truly support someone who is learning to live again after such a profound loss? We are in conversation with Identity and Worth Restoration Life Coach,  Coach Thabiso Hadebe about how to create the life you want after losing a spouse.

Whether your relationship lasted a few years or a lifetime, the absence left behind after losing a partner can feel overwhelming. The routines, conversations, and dreams you shared suddenly change, leaving many people trying to navigate a new reality without the person they loved.&nbsp;How do we cope with the weight of that loss? What does healing look like when grief comes in waves? And how can we truly support someone who is learning to live again after such a profound loss?&nbsp;We are in conversation with Identity and Worth Restoration Life Coach,&nbsp; Coach Thabiso Hadebe about how to create the life you want after losing a spouse.

Grief after losing a spouse: How to create the life you want after losing a spouse 

Education has always been one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity but for many young people, access to quality support, mentorship, and exposure can determine whether their potential is realised. Today, we’re speaking to a young leader who is passionate about changing that narrative. From growing up in Kathu to pursuing Electrical Engineering and building a vision centred around empowering young people, our guest believes that investing in education, STEM, and youth leadership is key to building South Africa’s future. We’ll explore  Stella Mkhehlane’s journey as a young entrepreneur, the importance of creating pathways into science and technology careers, and how young people can us AI as a study partner.

Education has always been one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity but for many young people, access to quality support, mentorship, and exposure can determine whether their potential is realised.&nbsp;Today, we&rsquo;re speaking to a young leader who is passionate about changing that narrative. From growing up in Kathu to pursuing Electrical Engineering and building a vision centred around empowering young people, our guest believes that investing in education, STEM, and youth leadership is key to building South Africa&rsquo;s future.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll explore &nbsp;Stella Mkhehlane&rsquo;s journey as a young entrepreneur, the importance of creating pathways into science and technology careers, and how young people can us AI as a study partner.

Women in STEM & Entrepreneurship

When we talk about parenting in Black families, certain stereotypes often dominate the conversation. We've all heard phrases like "Black parents don't apologise," "Children must be seen and not heard," or "Because I said so." While these sayings don't represent every family, they have shaped how many of us understand authority, discipline and respect. But as a new generation of parents emerges, many are asking a different question: Can accountability strengthen, rather than weaken, the parent-child relationship? Is saying "I was wrong" a sign of losing authority, or does it teach children one of life's most valuable lessons that everyone is responsible for their actions, regardless of age? Research on healthy parenting consistently shows that children thrive when they feel heard, respected and emotionally safe, while clear communication and accountability help build trust within families. We are in conversation with Life Coach, Zanele Maluleka as we explore how Black families can move beyond stereotypes and create homes where respect goes both ways, difficult conversations are welcomed, and accountability becomes a family value instead of a punishment.

When we talk about parenting in Black families, certain stereotypes often dominate the conversation. We've all heard phrases like "Black parents don't apologise," "Children must be seen and not heard," or "Because I said so." While these sayings don't represent every family, they have shaped how many of us understand authority, discipline and respect.&nbsp;But as a new generation of parents emerges, many are asking a different question: Can accountability strengthen, rather than weaken, the parent-child relationship? Is saying "I was wrong" a sign of losing authority, or does it teach children one of life's most valuable lessons that everyone is responsible for their actions, regardless of age?&nbsp;Research on healthy parenting consistently shows that children thrive when they feel heard, respected and emotionally safe, while clear communication and accountability help build trust within families.&nbsp;We are in conversation with Life Coach, Zanele Maluleka as we explore how Black families can move beyond stereotypes and create homes where respect goes both ways, difficult conversations are welcomed, and accountability becomes a family value instead of a punishment.

How to get parents to understand accountability 

We remember the life and legacy of Don Mattera, who was a towering figure in South African literature, journalism and cultural history. Known affectionately as Bra Don, Mattera was a poet, activist and storyteller whose work captured the pain, resilience and dreams of a nation living under apartheid. Born Donato Francisco Mattera in Johannesburg, his identity reflected the rich complexity of South Africa itself - a heritage that apartheid tried to simplify, but could never erase. Through poetry, journalism and his autobiography Memory is the Weapon, Mattera showed that memory itself could become an act of resistance. His words documented the lives, struggles and hopes of ordinary people, ensuring that history would not forget them. Today we reflect on the legacy of a man who believed that culture could be a weapon, storytelling could be a form of freedom, and that the fight for justice continues through the stories we choose to remember. Joining us to unpack the life, work and enduring influence of Don Mattera is Apartheid Museum Curator of exhibitions & education at Apartheid Museum, Emilia Potenza. 

We remember the life and legacy of Don Mattera, who was a towering figure in South African literature, journalism and cultural history. Known affectionately as Bra Don, Mattera was a poet, activist and storyteller whose work captured the pain, resilience and dreams of a nation living under apartheid. Born Donato Francisco Mattera in Johannesburg, his identity reflected the rich complexity of South Africa itself - a heritage that apartheid tried to simplify, but could never erase.&nbsp;Through poetry, journalism and his autobiography Memory is the Weapon, Mattera showed that memory itself could become an act of resistance. His words documented the lives, struggles and hopes of ordinary people, ensuring that history would not forget them.&nbsp;Today we reflect on the legacy of a man who believed that culture could be a weapon, storytelling could be a form of freedom, and that the fight for justice continues through the stories we choose to remember.&nbsp;Joining us to unpack the life, work and enduring influence of Don Mattera is Apartheid Museum Curator of exhibitions &amp; education at Apartheid Museum, Emilia Potenza.&nbsp;

What's happening in your city: The Don Mattera Obituary

Zimbabwe’s political landscape has been dramatically reshaped after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments that could see him remain in office until 2030 — a move that has reignited debate about democracy, constitutional reform, and the future of leadership in the country. The amendments effectively remove the uncertainty around the possibility of an early leadership transition, with supporters arguing that the extension provides continuity and stability, while critics warn it weakens democratic principles and limits the opportunity for political renewal.So what does this mean for Zimbabwe’s political future? Has Mnangagwa secured stability, or has this decision fundamentally altered the country’s democratic trajectory? Today we are joined by Zimbabwean based journalist and Lawyer, Takudzwa Hillary Chiwanza and Xolisani Ncube who is also a Zimbabwean based Journalist as unpack how this constitutional move has flipped the political table in Zimbabwe, and what it means for citizens, opposition parties, and the region.

Zimbabwe&rsquo;s political landscape has been dramatically reshaped after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments that could see him remain in office until 2030 &mdash; a move that has reignited debate about democracy, constitutional reform, and the future of leadership in the country.&nbsp;The amendments effectively remove the uncertainty around the possibility of an early leadership transition, with supporters arguing that the extension provides continuity and stability, while critics warn it weakens democratic principles and limits the opportunity for political renewal.So what does this mean for Zimbabwe&rsquo;s political future? Has Mnangagwa secured stability, or has this decision fundamentally altered the country&rsquo;s democratic trajectory?&nbsp;Today we are joined by Zimbabwean based journalist and Lawyer, Takudzwa Hillary Chiwanza and Xolisani Ncube who is also a Zimbabwean based Journalist as unpack how this constitutional move has flipped the political table in Zimbabwe, and what it means for citizens, opposition parties, and the region.

Zimbabwe’s political landscape:  Zimbabwe bill to scrap presidential elections sparks backlash

Politics is often shaped by decisions made in boardrooms and behind closed doors, but the consequences of those decisions are experienced every day by ordinary citizens - in their homes, their communities, and in their access to basic services. Today, we are in conversation with Political Analyst Thobani Zikala as we unpack the Public Protector’s findings following a four-year investigation into service delivery in Langa Flats and parts of Khayelitsha. The investigation concluded that the City of Cape Town failed to progressively provide constitutionally required basic municipal services in the affected communities - a failure the Public Protector found amounted to maladministration.

Politics is often shaped by decisions made in boardrooms and behind closed doors, but the consequences of those decisions are experienced every day by ordinary citizens - in their homes, their communities, and in their access to basic services.&nbsp;Today, we are in conversation with Political Analyst Thobani Zikala as we unpack the Public Protector&rsquo;s findings following a four-year investigation into service delivery in Langa Flats and parts of Khayelitsha.&nbsp;The investigation concluded that the City of Cape Town failed to progressively provide constitutionally required basic municipal services in the affected communities - a failure the Public Protector found amounted to maladministration.

Public Protector's findings challenge DA's governance claims in Cape Town

We are hanging out with Sport Commentator and YouTuber, Babsie Kutlwana as she gives us a wrap of all the sporting news over the past week.

We are hanging out with Sport Commentator and YouTuber, Babsie Kutlwana as she gives us a wrap of all the sporting news over the past week.

Weekend Sport Wrap

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At POWER 98.7, we invite you to join the conversation with Kea Ncube on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

At POWER 98.7, we invite you to join the conversation with Kea Ncube on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

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