As South Africa continues to grapple with an unemployment rate sitting at 31.4%, and millions of others choosing to not seek employment, we are in conversation with Political Analyst, Thobani Zikalala as we unpack the relevance and power of organised labour. Trade unions have long played a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages and improved working conditions, but in today’s shifting labour landscape, their role is being tested with the rise of casual work, labour brokering and short-term contracts is changing the way people work, often leaving workers without stability or protection. These trends are not only reshaping the economy, but also fragmenting the workforce, making it harder for workers to organise and speak with one collective voice. So, what does this mean for the future of organised labour? Are trade unions still equipped to respond to these challenges?

As South Africa continues to grapple with an unemployment rate sitting at 31.4%, and millions of others choosing to not seek employment, we are in conversation with Political Analyst, Thobani Zikalala as we unpack the relevance and power of organised labour. Trade unions have long played a critical role in advocating for workers&rsquo; rights, fair wages and improved working conditions, but in today&rsquo;s shifting labour landscape, their role is being tested with the rise of casual work, labour brokering and short-term contracts is changing the way people work, often leaving workers without stability or protection. These trends are not only reshaping the economy, but also fragmenting the workforce, making it harder for workers to organise and speak with one collective voice. So, what does this mean for the future of organised labour? Are trade unions still equipped to respond to these challenges?

Workers Day reflections: the future of organised labour

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just stay healthy, protein has become one of the most talked-about nutrients. But how much protein do we really need, and are we getting it right? For many, protein is often associated with meat. But with rising food costs, health concerns, and a growing interest in plant-based eating, more South Africans are starting to look beyond the braai for their protein intake. We are in conversation with Dietician and Human Nutrition Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Moloko Mehlape on how much protein your body actually needs, and the different sources you can turn to for a balanced diet.

Whether you&rsquo;re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just stay healthy, protein has become one of the most talked-about nutrients. But how much protein do we really need, and are we getting it right?&nbsp;For many, protein is often associated with meat. But with rising food costs, health concerns, and a growing interest in plant-based eating, more South Africans are starting to look beyond the braai for their protein intake.&nbsp;We are in conversation with Dietician and Human Nutrition Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Moloko Mehlape on how much protein your body actually needs, and the different sources you can turn to for a balanced diet.

How much protein do you need every day?

Plans to build a new university in Ekurhuleni have once again come under the spotlight, but progress appears slower than many had hoped. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has confirmed that a final location for the proposed University of Science and Innovation has still not been identified, citing a budget shortfall delaying key feasibility work.  The project, first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa back in 2020, was meant to address a major gap as Ekurhuleni remains the only metro in South Africa without a university. But with construction now only realistically expected to begin in 2029, questions are being raised about delays, funding, and whether the government can deliver on its promises. We are in conversation with Thato Masekoa who is the President of The South African Union of Students as we look at the ongoing issues affecting access to quality higher education. 

Plans to build a new university in Ekurhuleni have once again come under the spotlight, but progress appears slower than many had hoped. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has confirmed that a final location for the proposed University of Science and Innovation has still not been identified, citing a budget shortfall delaying key feasibility work.&nbsp; The project, first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa back in 2020, was meant to address a major gap as Ekurhuleni remains the only metro in South Africa without a university. But with construction now only realistically expected to begin in 2029, questions are being raised about delays, funding, and whether the government can deliver on its promises. We are in conversation with Thato Masekoa who is the President of The South African Union of Students as we look at the ongoing issues affecting access to quality higher education.&nbsp;

Access to higher education: Ekurhuleni university: Minister Manamela unveils bold plans amid funding hurdles

Siki Jo-An, is an internationally acclaimed South African singer, actress, and educator. Born and raised in Kwa-Zakhele Township, Port Elizabeth, she began performing at the age of six and gained global recognition when she entered The Voice South Africa in 2019. Her work spans international touring, cruise-ship performances, luxury brand entertainment, corporate events, television, theatre, Journalism, radio, and education. She joins us in studio as she takes us through her musical journey.

Siki Jo-An, is an internationally acclaimed South African singer, actress, and educator. Born and raised in Kwa-Zakhele Township, Port Elizabeth, she began performing at the age of six and gained global recognition when she entered The Voice South Africa in 2019. Her work spans international touring, cruise-ship performances, luxury brand entertainment, corporate events, television, theatre, Journalism, radio, and education. She joins us in studio as she takes us through her musical journey.

Hanging out with Siki Jo-An 

What does dignity really look like in today’s workplace? Is it a payslip… or something deeper? Can you earn a good salary, yet still feel invisible, unheard, or undervalued? And what responsibility do employers carry in shaping environments where people feel not just productive but seen, respected, and secure? As we mark Workers’ Day, these questions take on new urgency. Recent research by the International Labour Organisation reveals a sobering reality: psychosocial risks such as long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace bullying are linked to more than 840,000 deaths each year and 45 million years of healthy life lost. We’re unpacking these issues and exploring what healthier, more humane workplaces could look like with Clinical Psychologist,  Dr Keitumetse "Tumi" Mashego.

What does dignity really look like in today&rsquo;s workplace? Is it a payslip&hellip; or something deeper? Can you earn a good salary, yet still feel invisible, unheard, or undervalued? And what responsibility do employers carry in shaping environments where people feel not just productive but seen, respected, and secure? As we mark Workers&rsquo; Day, these questions take on new urgency. Recent research by the International Labour Organisation reveals a sobering reality: psychosocial risks such as long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace bullying are linked to more than 840,000 deaths each year and 45 million years of healthy life lost. We&rsquo;re unpacking these issues and exploring what healthier, more humane workplaces could look like with Clinical Psychologist,&nbsp; Dr Keitumetse "Tumi" Mashego.

Workers Day: What do healthier, more humane workplaces could look like

Across Southern Africa, a growing number of researchers point to a shift in leadership away from the selfless, service-driven ethos that defined the liberation struggle. The first generation of leaders were often guided by an emotional commitment to humanity, grounded in sacrifice and collective freedom. But many argue that those who followed have, at times, embraced a more opportunistic style of politics focused on personal power, wealth, and influence. But the post-liberation era is fundamentally different. Today’s leaders are not confronting a single, visible enemy like apartheid. Instead, they must navigate complex realities, economic inequality, global markets, internal party dynamics, and the everyday demands of governance. In that shift, moral clarity can blur, and space for opportunism can emerge. So, what kind of leadership do these times call for? And more importantly, what systems, accountability, and civic culture are needed to cultivate truly selfless leaders today? We are in conversation with Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.

Across Southern Africa, a growing number of researchers point to a shift in leadership away from the selfless, service-driven ethos that defined the liberation struggle. The first generation of leaders were often guided by an emotional commitment to humanity, grounded in sacrifice and collective freedom. But many argue that those who followed have, at times, embraced a more opportunistic style of politics focused on personal power, wealth, and influence. But the post-liberation era is fundamentally different. Today&rsquo;s leaders are not confronting a single, visible enemy like apartheid. Instead, they must navigate complex realities, economic inequality, global markets, internal party dynamics, and the everyday demands of governance. In that shift, moral clarity can blur, and space for opportunism can emerge.&nbsp;So, what kind of leadership do these times call for? And more importantly, what systems, accountability, and civic culture are needed to cultivate truly selfless leaders today? We are in conversation with Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.

Quality of leadership in post apartheid South Africa

Born in Soweto and raised in Pretoria, our next guest is more than just a musician, she’s a visionary. A Xitsonga Afrofuturistic artist, chef, singer-songwriter, and entrepreneur, she’s driven by innovation and rooted in culture. Blending the richness of traditional Xitsonga heritage with the smooth textures of African rhythms, jazz, and Neo Soul, she’s redefining what storytelling sounds like in the modern age.

Born in Soweto and raised in Pretoria, our next guest is more than just a musician, she&rsquo;s a visionary. A Xitsonga Afrofuturistic artist, chef, singer-songwriter, and entrepreneur, she&rsquo;s driven by innovation and rooted in culture. Blending the richness of traditional Xitsonga heritage with the smooth textures of African rhythms, jazz, and Neo Soul, she&rsquo;s redefining what storytelling sounds like in the modern age.

Hanging out with Rivoningo

We often hear couples say, “our values just don’t align,” as if it’s the final verdict on love. But sometimes it’s a surface-level explanation for something deeper. Whether it's an inability, or sometimes an unwillingness, to truly understand and accept each other? How much does value alignment really matter in a relationship? And when differences show up, are they a dealbreaker or an opportunity for growth?We’re in conversation with Lulama Mthembu as we unpack the role values play in shaping, strengthening, and sometimes straining our relationships.

We often hear couples say, &ldquo;our values just don&rsquo;t align,&rdquo; as if it&rsquo;s the final verdict on love. But sometimes it&rsquo;s a surface-level explanation for something deeper. Whether it's an inability, or sometimes an unwillingness, to truly understand and accept each other?&nbsp;How much does value alignment really matter in a relationship? And when differences show up, are they a dealbreaker or an opportunity for growth?We&rsquo;re in conversation with Lulama Mthembu as we unpack the role values play in shaping, strengthening, and sometimes straining our relationships.

How much does value alignment really matter in a relationship?

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and hibernate a little but that doesn’t mean you want to spend all your time stuck in the kitchen. With the days getting shorter, the nights feeling longer, and just about everyone battling a sniffle or two, comfort food becomes essential but so does convenience. So how do you create warm, hearty meals that don’t break the bank or take hours to prepare? We’ve enlisted the help of award-winning chef Melusi Twala, who joins us to share simple, budget-friendly tips to help you elevate your winter dishes without the stress.

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and hibernate a little but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you want to spend all your time stuck in the kitchen. With the days getting shorter, the nights feeling longer, and just about everyone battling a sniffle or two, comfort food becomes essential but so does convenience. So how do you create warm, hearty meals that don&rsquo;t break the bank or take hours to prepare? We&rsquo;ve enlisted the help of award-winning chef Melusi Twala, who joins us to share simple, budget-friendly tips to help you elevate your winter dishes without the stress.

Winter warmers on a budget

The Eastern Cape Department of Health is reporting encouraging progress in the fight against teenage pregnancy, with new data showing a steady decline in both child and adolescent births across the province. Figures from the 2025/26 financial year reveal a significant drop in births among girls aged 10 to 14, with numbers falling well below targets in the final quarter. There’s also been a gradual but consistent decline among teenagers aged 15 to 19,  pointing to progress, but also highlighting the need for sustained efforts. So what’s driving this change? And how are initiatives like Youth Zones, improved access to reproductive health services, and stronger collaboration between government and communities shaping these outcomes? We unpack this conversation and what it means for young people, public health, and the broader fight against gender-based violence. We are joined by Camagwini Mavovana who is the Eastern Cape Department of Health's Spokesperson

The Eastern Cape Department of Health is reporting encouraging progress in the fight against teenage pregnancy, with new data showing a steady decline in both child and adolescent births across the province. Figures from the 2025/26 financial year reveal a significant drop in births among girls aged 10 to 14, with numbers falling well below targets in the final quarter. There&rsquo;s also been a gradual but consistent decline among teenagers aged 15 to 19,&nbsp; pointing to progress, but also highlighting the need for sustained efforts. So what&rsquo;s driving this change? And how are initiatives like Youth Zones, improved access to reproductive health services, and stronger collaboration between government and communities shaping these outcomes? We unpack this conversation and what it means for young people, public health, and the broader fight against gender-based violence. We are joined by Camagwini Mavovana who is the&nbsp;Eastern Cape Department of Health's Spokesperson

Teenage Pregnancy Decline in the  Eastern Cape

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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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