Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the country’s most urgent socio-economic challenges, and its impact goes far beyond just the labour market. As more young people struggle to find stable work, feelings of frustration, exclusion, and disillusionment continue to grow. And that reality is starting to shape how young people engage with politics with some turning away from the ballot box, while others are finding their voice through protests and activism. So, what does this mean for democratic participation and the future of the country’s political landscape? To unpack this, we’re now joined by Lesedi Mpoko.

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the country&rsquo;s most urgent socio-economic challenges, and its impact goes far beyond just the labour market. As more young people struggle to find stable work, feelings of frustration, exclusion, and disillusionment continue to grow. And that reality is starting to shape how young people engage with politics with some turning away from the ballot box, while others are finding their voice through protests and activism. So, what does this mean for democratic participation and the future of the country&rsquo;s political landscape? To unpack this, we&rsquo;re now joined by Lesedi Mpoko.

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

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

The best of POWER Zone

After the day’s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day’s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.

After the day&rsquo;s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day&rsquo;s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.

POWER Zone

POLITICAL ZONE: THE IMPACT OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Over the past few months, a lot of eyes have been on Parliament as the ad hoc committee carried out its work, questioning, debating, and trying to get to the bottom of the accusations made by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. For many of us watching, it raised just as many questions about accountability, transparency, and whether these processes actually serve the public or just play out as political theatre. This conversation isn’t about giving official answers it’s about hearing from young people. How did they experience it? What did it reveal to them about power, politics, and trust in South Africa right now? We are joined by Molatelo Racheku, Founder of the African Youth Advisory Network, Political and Current Affairs Commentator, and Youth Policy Activist and Jacqui Zimba, Author of Tales of the Azanian Princess, Social commentator

Over the past few months, a lot of eyes have been on Parliament as the ad hoc committee carried out its work, questioning, debating, and trying to get to the bottom of the accusations made by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. For many of us watching, it raised just as many questions about accountability, transparency, and whether these processes actually serve the public or just play out as political theatre. This conversation isn&rsquo;t about giving official answers it&rsquo;s about hearing from young people. How did they experience it? What did it reveal to them about power, politics, and trust in South Africa right now? We are joined by Molatelo Racheku, Founder of the African Youth Advisory Network, Political and Current Affairs Commentator, and Youth Policy Activist and Jacqui Zimba, Author of Tales of the Azanian Princess, Social commentator

YOUTH PARLY: REFLECTING ON THE PARLIAMENTARY ED HOC COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS

In today’s fast-paced world, feeling stressed or emotionally overwhelmed has become increasingly common. Whether it’s pressure from school, work, relationships, or personal challenges, many people find themselves struggling to cope. The good news is that there are healthier, more effective ways to manage these feelings strategies that not only help in the moment but also build long-term emotional resilience. Joining us for this conversation is Glynnis Penny, a Burnout and Emotional Recovery Coach, who helps individuals recognize the signs of burnout, rebuild their emotional resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.

In today&rsquo;s fast-paced world, feeling stressed or emotionally overwhelmed has become increasingly common. Whether it&rsquo;s pressure from school, work, relationships, or personal challenges, many people find themselves struggling to cope. The good news is that there are healthier, more effective ways to manage these feelings strategies that not only help in the moment but also build long-term emotional resilience. Joining us for this conversation is Glynnis Penny, a Burnout and Emotional Recovery Coach, who helps individuals recognize the signs of burnout, rebuild their emotional resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.

HEALTH WEDNESDAY: COPING STRATEGIES: BUILDING HEALTHIER WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS AND EMOTIONS

The recent surge in two-pot retirement withdrawals has brought South Africa’s growing financial protection gap into sharper focus. While the system offers much-needed short-term relief for individuals under financial pressure, it also raises important questions about the long-term impact on retirement security. Striking the right balance between immediate financial needs and preserving future stability is becoming increasingly complex and critical. We’d like to explore this dynamic further, and your insights would add meaningful depth to the conversation. Independent Financial Consultant Natalie Lebeloane helps us explore the balance between short-term financial relief and long-term retirement security.

The recent surge in two-pot retirement withdrawals has brought South Africa&rsquo;s growing financial protection gap into sharper focus. While the system offers much-needed short-term relief for individuals under financial pressure, it also raises important questions about the long-term impact on retirement security. Striking the right balance between immediate financial needs and preserving future stability is becoming increasingly complex and critical. We&rsquo;d like to explore this dynamic further, and your insights would add meaningful depth to the conversation. Independent Financial Consultant Natalie Lebeloane helps us explore the balance between short-term financial relief and long-term retirement security.

POLITICAL ZONE: THE IMPACT OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

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