As the Christmas season fills the air with joy and celebration, gospel music often becomes the soundtrack to our festive gatherings, lifting spirits and bringing people together in harmony and gratitude. The timeless messages of faith, hope, and love in gospel songs resonate deeply during this season of giving and reflection. In this special time, we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible Dr. Winnie Mashaba, whose powerful voice and soul-stirring music have touched the hearts of millions across South Africa and beyond. With a career spanning over two decades, Winnie’s contributions to gospel music continue to inspire and uplift. 

As the Christmas season fills the air with joy and celebration, gospel music often becomes the soundtrack to our festive gatherings, lifting spirits and bringing people together in harmony and gratitude. The timeless messages of faith, hope, and love in gospel songs resonate deeply during this season of giving and reflection. In this special time, we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible Dr. Winnie Mashaba, whose powerful voice and soul-stirring music have touched the hearts of millions across South Africa and beyond. With a career spanning over two decades, Winnie&rsquo;s contributions to gospel music continue to inspire and uplift.&nbsp;

In the Spotlight: Dr. Winnie Mashaba

The Department of Energy has officially gazetted the commencement date for the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August. The Act will come into effect on 1 January 2025, with the exception of amendments to the definitions of "reticulation" and "distribution power systems" in section 1. These definitions will be enforced on a date to be determined by the president through a proclamation in the government gazette. Bongi Gwala spoke to Prof. Sampson Mamphweli.

The Department of Energy has officially gazetted the commencement date for the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August. The Act will come into effect on 1 January 2025, with the exception of amendments to the definitions of "reticulation" and "distribution power systems" in section 1. These definitions will be enforced on a date to be determined by the president through a proclamation in the government gazette. Bongi Gwala spoke to Prof. Sampson Mamphweli.

Electricity Regulation Amendment Act Effective from 01 January

Lajawi Hair Salon or better known as Lajawi Beauty Café is thee spot to be to get top of the range beauty service. Founded by hairstylist and entrepreneur, Jawad, Lajawi’s credo is to provide custom services that meet the unique needs of each client. Beyond styling, they offer intrinsic advice on maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. They recognize that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and their approach reflects a commitment to enhancing and accentuating individual beauty. Bongi Gwala sits down with founder and stylist, Jawad Maphoto. 

Lajawi Hair Salon or better known as&nbsp;<a href="https://lajawihair.com/">Lajawi Beauty Caf&eacute;</a>&nbsp;is thee spot to be to get top of the range beauty service. Founded by hairstylist and entrepreneur, Jawad, Lajawi&rsquo;s credo is to provide custom services that meet the unique needs of each client. Beyond styling, they offer intrinsic advice on maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. They recognize that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and their approach reflects a commitment to enhancing and accentuating individual beauty. Bongi Gwala sits down with founder and stylist, Jawad Maphoto.&nbsp;

Entrepreneurial Edge: Lajawi Beauty Cafe

Nonkululeko Gobodo is the CEO of AWAKENED Global, a social initiative. She is the former Chairman, and founder of SizweNtsalubaGobodo, now SNG Grant Thornton, the largest, black auditing and accounting firm in South Africa. Nonkululeko is the first black woman to qualify as a chartered accountant in South Africa, in 1987. She is an author of a book, “Awakened to my true self”, which was launched in October 2022. 

Nonkululeko Gobodo is the CEO of AWAKENED Global, a social initiative. She is the former Chairman, and founder of SizweNtsalubaGobodo, now SNG Grant Thornton, the largest, black auditing and accounting firm in South Africa. Nonkululeko is the first black woman to qualify as a chartered accountant in South Africa, in 1987. She is an author of a book, &ldquo;Awakened to my true self&rdquo;, which was launched in October 2022.&nbsp;

Leadership Dialogue: Nonkululeko Gobodo

The Constitutional Court has granted blind and visually impaired individuals legal protection to convert copyrighted works into accessible formats without requiring permission from copyright holders. This follows a long-standing legal battle initiated by Blind SA, represented by Section27, which had challenged the discriminatory provisions of South Africa's Copyright Act. The court's interim order, issued on December 13, 2024, temporarily amends the Copyright Act to include an exception for blind and visually impaired persons, pending a final decision on the matter. Bongi Gwala spoke to Section27 Human Rights Lawyer – Faatima Laher.

The Constitutional Court has granted blind and visually impaired individuals legal protection to convert copyrighted works into accessible formats without requiring permission from copyright holders. This follows a long-standing legal battle initiated by Blind SA, represented by Section27, which had challenged the discriminatory provisions of South Africa's Copyright Act. The court's interim order, issued on December 13, 2024, temporarily amends the Copyright Act to include an exception for blind and visually impaired persons, pending a final decision on the matter. Bongi Gwala spoke to Section27 Human Rights Lawyer &ndash; Faatima Laher.

ConCourt hands down temporary order amending Copyright Act favouring the blind and visually impaired

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji VII as the Queen of the Balobedu Royal nation. The recognition marks the end of a long and contentious court battle that saw siblings pitted against each other. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr Mathole Motshekga, the queen's chief council and Ditebogo Mabulana, academic from UNISA.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji VII as the Queen of the Balobedu Royal nation. The recognition marks the end of a long and contentious court battle that saw siblings pitted against each other. Lerato Mbele spoke to Dr Mathole Motshekga, the queen's chief council and Ditebogo Mabulana, academic from UNISA.

Culture Corner: Ramaphosa Recognizes The Balobedu Queenship

In Western Cape, about 800 children are in conflict with the law and are filling up the provincial Department of Social Development’s youth & childcare centres, with the department saying the numbers were increasing. The department funds 49 NPO-run child and youth care centres and has nine of its own. According to it, 624 children were placed in its own-run centres under the Children's Act and 806 under the Child Justice Act during the 2023/24 financial year. Lerato Mbele was joined by Claire Taylor, reseracher at Gun Free SA and Willem Els, senior coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies.

In Western Cape, about 800 children are in conflict with the law and are filling up the provincial Department of Social Development&rsquo;s youth &amp; childcare centres, with the department saying the numbers were increasing. The department funds 49 NPO-run child and youth care centres and has nine of its own. According to it, 624 children were placed in its own-run centres under the Children's Act and 806 under the Child Justice Act during the 2023/24 financial year. Lerato Mbele was joined by Claire Taylor, reseracher at Gun Free SA and Willem Els, senior coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies.

Youth Crime Rises in Western Cape while Children Want to be Saved from Gang Violence

In a race that promises to be as thrilling as the Formula 1 championship itself, South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda are all vying to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Africa. With Africa being the only continent absent from the F1 calendar, the stakes are high as each country presents its own unique appeal to bring the iconic motorsport event to the continent. South Africa has long been considered the front-runner, but Morocco and Rwanda have emerged as formidable contenders, each with their own strategies and ambitions for securing the prestigious event. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Gary Rathbone, Founder of Sportscape Media & Former Sabc Sports General Manager.

In a race that promises to be as thrilling as the Formula 1 championship itself, South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda are all vying to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Africa. With Africa being the only continent absent from the F1 calendar, the stakes are high as each country presents its own unique appeal to bring the iconic motorsport event to the continent. South Africa has long been considered the front-runner, but Morocco and Rwanda have emerged as formidable contenders, each with their own strategies and ambitions for securing the prestigious event. Lerato Mbele was in conversation with Gary Rathbone, Founder of Sportscape Media &amp; Former Sabc Sports General Manager.

Three African Countries Competing To Host Formula One Grand Prix

Docotela (formerly Deep Medical Therapeutics), is a health tech company that aims to create more affordable and accessible primary healthcare services in South Africa. The Docotela platform swiftly connects patients with doctors while giving access to affordable healthcare services. The founder, Dineo Lioma is an entrepreneur and MedTech innovator who is inspired by innovation and the creation of high-impact businesses that create employment and improve healthcare in Africa. 

Docotela (formerly Deep Medical Therapeutics), is a health tech company that aims to create more affordable and accessible primary healthcare services in South Africa. The Docotela platform swiftly connects patients with doctors while giving access to affordable healthcare services. The founder, Dineo Lioma is an entrepreneur and MedTech innovator who is inspired by innovation and the creation of high-impact businesses that create employment and improve healthcare in Africa.&nbsp;

Innovation Wednesday: Docotela

On 15 December, a South African Ambassador to Morocco, Edris Ebrahim, packed his bags to return home in Pretoria after unsuccessfully attempting to improve relations with Morocco. Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco were formally established in 1991 when a South African Interest Office opened in Rabat on 2 September 1991.

On 15 December, a South African Ambassador to Morocco, Edris Ebrahim, packed his bags to return home in Pretoria after unsuccessfully attempting to improve relations with Morocco. Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco were formally established in 1991&nbsp;when a South African Interest Office opened in Rabat on 2 September 1991.

The Complexities of South Africa and Morocco Relations

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

After four decades as one of the leading Sunday newspaper staples in South Africa, City Press will print its final edition on 22 December 2024. The decision marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on the print version of the newspaper to embrace the digital future - a bold leap forward in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For generations of readers, City Press was more than a newspaper; it was a trusted voice, reliable guide and mirror reflecting the triumphs and trials of South Africans. This next step promises to preserve that legacy, while amplifying its reach and impact in the digital age. Lerato Mbele spoke to Mondli Makhanya, journalist and editor-in-chief at City Press. 

After four decades as one of the leading Sunday newspaper staples in South Africa, City Press will print its final edition on 22 December 2024. The decision marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on the print version of the newspaper to embrace the digital future - a bold leap forward in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For generations of readers, City Press was more than a newspaper; it was a trusted voice, reliable guide and mirror reflecting the triumphs and trials of South Africans. This next step promises to preserve that legacy, while amplifying its reach and impact in the digital age. Lerato Mbele spoke to Mondli Makhanya, journalist and editor-in-chief at City Press.&nbsp;

The Masterclass: Dissecting South Africa's Media Evolution

There are growing calls by civil society organizations, activists and sex workers for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take urgent steps to mandate the department of justice and constitutional development to fast-track the sex work law reform process and decriminalize sex work.

There are growing calls by civil society organizations, activists and sex workers for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take urgent steps to mandate the department of justice and constitutional development to fast-track the sex work law reform process and decriminalize sex work.

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers: Calls To Decriminalize Sex Work In SA

As summer sets in, beaches across the Western Cape and Durban are bustling with visitors keen to enjoy the coast. Municipalities have assured the public that water quality is safe, but experts warn that some of these assurances may be misleading due to varying testing methods and infrastructure challenges. Concerns about the accuracy of water quality reports, especially regarding bacterial contamination, have emerged. 

As summer sets in, beaches across the Western Cape and Durban are bustling with visitors keen to enjoy the coast. Municipalities have assured the public that water quality is safe, but experts warn that some of these assurances may be misleading due to varying testing methods and infrastructure challenges. Concerns about the accuracy of water quality reports, especially regarding bacterial contamination, have emerged.&nbsp;

The State of SA Beaches

POWER Talk

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.

Leadership Dialogue:  Volkswagen Group South Africa 

Cecilia Veronica "CeCe" Peniston born September 6, 1969) is an American singer and former beauty queen. In the early 1990s, she achieved notable success with five number-one hits on the U.S. *Billboard* Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Her signature song, "Finally," peaked at number 5 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and reached number 2 on the UK Top 75.

Cecilia Veronica "CeCe" Peniston born September 6, 1969) is an American singer and former beauty queen. In the early 1990s, she achieved notable success with five number-one hits on the U.S. *Billboard* Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Her signature song, "Finally," peaked at number 5 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and reached number 2 on the UK Top 75.

In The Spotlight Cece Peniston

In this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge, we talk to Precious the Planner who is one of Southern Africa’s top sought after Luxury Wedding Planner & Event Designer with over 12yrs as an entrepreneur and 8yrs experience in Corporate. Precious is the Founder & CEO of Precious Celebrations a renowned planning, designing and production boutique agency specializing in luxury weddings, bespoke celebrations, brand experiences and gifting from planning, designing and production.

In this week’s Entrepreneurial Edge, we talk to Precious the Planner who is one of Southern Africa’s top sought after Luxury Wedding Planner &amp; Event Designer with over 12yrs as an entrepreneur and 8yrs experience in Corporate. Precious is the Founder &amp; CEO of Precious Celebrations a renowned planning, designing and production boutique agency specializing in luxury weddings, bespoke celebrations, brand experiences and gifting from planning, designing and production.

Entrepreneurial Edge Precious Celebrations

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. He is just the second president in US history to win a second non-consecutive term in office after being defeated – the first was Grover Cleveland in 1892. Four years after leaving the White House, Donald Trump is set to move back in, after millions of Americans voted to give him a second chance. Lerato Mbele spoke to Elvis Mugari, Pan African Researcher and Political Analyst. 

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. He is just the second president in US history to win a second non-consecutive term in office after being defeated – the first was Grover Cleveland in 1892. Four years after leaving the White House, Donald Trump is set to move back in, after millions of Americans voted to give him a second chance. Lerato Mbele spoke to Elvis Mugari, Pan African Researcher and Political Analyst.

Why Americans Voted for Trump, Again

A passionate entrepreneur and devoted parent, Mondli Magwaza co-founded Black African Organics in 2016 alongside Ndo Magwaza, the couple, married for 11 years, started their Black African Organics business in the spare bedroom of their apartment, fueled by their commitment to quality and sustainability.

A passionate entrepreneur and devoted parent, Mondli Magwaza co-founded Black African Organics in 2016 alongside Ndo Magwaza, the couple, married for 11 years, started their Black African Organics business in the spare bedroom of their apartment, fueled by their commitment to quality and sustainability.

Entrepreneurial Edge: Black African Organics

Lerato Mbele speaks to Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and CEO of Legends Barber in this week's edition of the entrepreneurial edge. 

Lerato Mbele speaks to Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and CEO of Legends Barber in this week's edition of the entrepreneurial edge.

The Entrepreneurial Edge: Legends Barber

Lerato Mbele speaks to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen. 

Lerato Mbele speaks to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen.

In conversation with Ashor Sarupen

Lerato Mbele speaks to composer, singer, tv show judge, producer and curator, Msaki.

Lerato Mbele speaks to composer, singer, tv show judge, producer and curator, Msaki.

In The Spotlight: Msaki

Lerato Mbele speaks to NUMSA Spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi Majola about the latest developments in the Ford Motor Company strike. Striking members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA are today set to return to work a week after they downed tools in support of their demands for profit sharing. The union negotiated that Ford pay workers R20 000 each as a deadlock-breaking mechanism and to pay these monies as soon as possible following the return of workers to the workplace.

Lerato Mbele speaks to NUMSA Spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi Majola about the latest developments in the Ford Motor Company strike. Striking members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA are today set to return to work a week after they downed tools in support of their demands for profit sharing. The union negotiated that Ford pay workers R20 000 each as a deadlock-breaking mechanism and to pay these monies as soon as possible following the return of workers to the workplace.

Ford workers persist in strike despite court order

Lerato Mbele speaks to Lehlohonolo Thobela, a South African Weather Service Forecaster and Dr Peter Johnston, a Climate Scientist and Researcher from the University of Cape Town about climate change.

Lerato Mbele speaks to Lehlohonolo Thobela, a South African Weather Service Forecaster and Dr Peter Johnston, a Climate Scientist and Researcher from the University of Cape Town about climate change.

South Africa’s climate change problem

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.

POWER Talk

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