MD & Chairperson, Martina Biene, born in 1974, the same year Volkswagen launched the iconic Golf 1, Martina Biene’s life and career are intrinsically linked to the evolution of VW’s compact cars. Raised in a working-class family in Hanover, Germany, she was surrounded by the automotive world from a young age. Many of her friends had parents working at the nearby VW commercial vehicle plant, making cars a recurring theme throughout her childhood. While her first toy car was an Audi, Martina’s path ultimately led her to the brand that would shape her career: Volkswagen.

MD &amp; Chairperson, Martina Biene, born in 1974, the same year Volkswagen launched the iconic Golf 1, Martina Biene’s life and career are intrinsically linked to the evolution of VW’s compact cars. Raised in a working-class family in Hanover, Germany, she was surrounded by the automotive world from a young age. Many of her friends had parents working at the nearby VW commercial vehicle plant, making cars a recurring theme throughout her childhood. While her first toy car was an Audi, Martina’s path ultimately led her to the brand that would shape her career: Volkswagen.

Every weekday morning, POWER Talk host Iman Rappetti treats her listeners to an in-depth take on an issue close to her heart. At turns solemn, playful and impassioned, Iman's evocative "poems" are her listeners' favourite way of starting the day. You can find them updated daily in this podcast.

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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.

The best of POWER Talk

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Leadership Dialogue:  Volkswagen Group South Africa 

The brains behind Beauty on TApp, Mathebe Molise has crafted the unique beauty business and has excelled as an entrepreneur. Having paid attention to studies that have shown black women spending more on beauty products than any other demographic group, this sparked the idea behind Mathebe’s business. Black women are often under-served and under-represented by mainstream beauty brands and this was the gap that Beauty on Tapp seeks to close. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with founder & CEO of Beauty on TApp. 

The brains behind Beauty on TApp, Mathebe Molise has crafted the unique beauty business and has excelled as an entrepreneur. Having paid attention to studies that have shown black women spending more on beauty products than any other demographic group, this sparked the idea behind Mathebe’s business. Black women are often under-served and under-represented by mainstream beauty brands and this was the gap that Beauty on Tapp seeks to close. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with founder &amp; CEO of Beauty on TApp.

Entrepreneurial Edge: Beauty on TApp

At COP29, the Minister of South Africa, Dr. D George, addressed the critical moment the world faces regarding climate change, particularly its impact on developing nations. He highlighted how climate change exacerbates inequalities, especially for developing economies, and how increasing geopolitical tensions risk further deepening the divide between developed and developing nations. In this context, COP29 presents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen institutional frameworks that support climate action and sustainable development. Lerato Mbele spoke to Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative.

At COP29, the Minister of South Africa, Dr. D George, addressed the critical moment the world faces regarding climate change, particularly its impact on developing nations. He highlighted how climate change exacerbates inequalities, especially for developing economies, and how increasing geopolitical tensions risk further deepening the divide between developed and developing nations. In this context, COP29 presents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen institutional frameworks that support climate action and sustainable development. Lerato Mbele spoke to Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative.

COP29 to Wrap Tomorrow, Key Outcomes for SA

The proposed Marriage Bill aims to create a unified system that governs all types of marriages in South Africa. Proponents argue that it addresses the inequalities of the current system, which treats different forms of marriage — civil, customary, and Muslim — differently. Lerato Mbele spoke to Nkosi Nonkonyama, Chairperson of the Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa (Contralesa) and Ganief Hendricks, president of Al Jama- Ah. 

The proposed Marriage Bill aims to create a unified system that governs all types of marriages in South Africa. Proponents argue that it addresses the inequalities of the current system, which treats different forms of marriage — civil, customary, and Muslim — differently. Lerato Mbele spoke to Nkosi Nonkonyama, Chairperson of the Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa (Contralesa) and Ganief Hendricks, president of Al Jama- Ah.

Leadership Dialogue: Volkswagen Group South Africa

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