Underfunding has resulted in the South African Navy being unable to do repairs and maintenance to their combat vessels and achieving its target of hours at sea for the 2023/2024 financial year. The situation was dire and has severely compromised the Navy’s ability to “fight and win” at sea. On the other hand, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) has expressed concern about the record of the Department of Defence (DoD) and the Department of Military Veterans, regarding their mishandling of public funds. Lerato was in conversation with Chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee On Public Accounts - Songezo Zibi and Senior Professor Department of History [military history], at UFS – Professor André Wessels.

Underfunding has resulted in the South African Navy being unable to do repairs and maintenance to their combat vessels and achieving its target of hours at sea for the 2023/2024 financial year. The situation was dire and has severely compromised the Navy’s ability to “fight and win” at sea. On the other hand, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) has expressed concern about the record of the Department of Defence (DoD) and the Department of Military Veterans, regarding their mishandling of public funds. Lerato was in conversation with Chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee On Public Accounts - Songezo Zibi and Senior Professor Department of History [military history], at UFS – Professor André Wessels.

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Lerato Mbele. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mbele also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Lerato Mbele. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Mbele also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners makes sense of their world.

POWER Talk

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Defence Department in a 'crisis of accountability and funding'

In today’s Masterclass, we delve into The Science Behind Creating Hit Shows, featuring industry trailblazers The Ramaphakela Siblings—Rethabile "Retty" Ramaphakela, Katlego Ramaphakela, and Tshepo Ramaphakela, the dynamic founders of Burnt Onion Productions. Joined by Tebogo Matlwawa, Head of Scripted Content at Multichoice Group and ShowMax, this masterclass dives deep into the creative process, strategies, and innovations that shape some of South Africa's most successful television productions. Whether you're a budding screenwriter, producer, or simply passionate about TV, gain invaluable insights from the experts behind the hit shows that have captured the nation’s imagination. Lerato Mbele spoke to the Ramaphakela siblings and Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle & Mass: South Africa Multichoice Group // ShowMax. 

In today’s Masterclass, we delve into The Science Behind Creating Hit Shows, featuring industry trailblazers The Ramaphakela Siblings—Rethabile "Retty" Ramaphakela, Katlego Ramaphakela, and Tshepo Ramaphakela, the dynamic founders of Burnt Onion Productions. Joined by Tebogo Matlwawa, Head of Scripted Content at Multichoice Group and ShowMax, this masterclass dives deep into the creative process, strategies, and innovations that shape some of South Africa's most successful television productions. Whether you're a budding screenwriter, producer, or simply passionate about TV, gain invaluable insights from the experts behind the hit shows that have captured the nation’s imagination. Lerato Mbele spoke to the Ramaphakela siblings and Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle &amp; Mass: South Africa Multichoice Group // ShowMax.

The Masterclass: The Science Behind Creating Hit TV Shows

In 2024, 882,336 students sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in South Africa, including 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates.For many young South Africans, the moment they receive their Matric results is both exhilarating and overwhelming. Matric marks the end of a chapter—years of formal education, exams, and a structured routine. But it also signifies the beginning of a new, uncharted journey into the "real world." Lerato Mbele was joined by The Connection Space Director (mental health coach) - Claire Terink and Managing Director at The Independent Institute of Education, Rosebank College - Dr Linda Meyer.

In 2024, 882,336 students sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in South Africa, including 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates. For many young South Africans, the moment they receive their Matric results is both exhilarating and overwhelming. Matric marks the end of a chapter—years of formal education, exams, and a structured routine. But it also signifies the beginning of a new, uncharted journey into the "real world." Lerato Mbele was joined by The Connection Space Director (mental health coach) - Claire Terink and Managing Director at The Independent Institute of Education, Rosebank College - Dr Linda Meyer.

Culture Corner: From Matric to The Real World

The Stellenbosch university’s department of electrical and electronic engineering has unveiled the first South African-made humanoid robot. The university is leading the way in humanoid robotics and has proved to be a significant step in the country’s capacity in humanoid robotics. The robot stands at full height with a functional torso with operable arms (both left and right). The humanoid robot can mimic and track human behaviour in real-time as it is equipped with a webcam and advanced software. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr. William Duckitt, Lecturer: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University.

The Stellenbosch university’s department of electrical and electronic engineering has unveiled the first South African-made humanoid robot. The university is leading the way in humanoid robotics and has proved to be a significant step in the country’s capacity in humanoid robotics. The robot stands at full height with a functional torso with operable arms (both left and right). The humanoid robot can mimic and track human behaviour in real-time as it is equipped with a webcam and advanced software. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr. William Duckitt, Lecturer: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University.

Defence Department in a 'crisis of accountability and funding'

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