A new South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) study on festive-season well-being reveals that, despite the expectation of joy, many South Africans experience significant emotional strain during the holidays — from anxiety over finances and exhaustion to loneliness and depression. The “Festive Feeling” survey shows that financial worries, social pressures, and emotional fatigue shape diverse experiences, with some thriving, others barely coping, and many feeling disconnected. Our conversation with SADAG’s Cassey Chambers will unpack these findings, explore mental-health trends over the festive period, and discuss how individuals and communities can access support and manage stress effectively.
GUEST: Cassey Chambers - SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group)

A new South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) study on festive-season well-being reveals that, despite the expectation of joy, many South Africans experience significant emotional strain during the holidays &mdash; from anxiety over finances and exhaustion to loneliness and depression. The &ldquo;Festive Feeling&rdquo; survey shows that financial worries, social pressures, and emotional fatigue shape diverse experiences, with some thriving, others barely coping, and many feeling disconnected. Our conversation with SADAG&rsquo;s Cassey Chambers will unpack these findings, explore mental-health trends over the festive period, and discuss how individuals and communities can access support and manage stress effectively. GUEST: Cassey Chambers - SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group)

THE MORNING BRIEF

Complex Emotions Facing South Africans During the Festive Season — Insights from SADAG

Ensuring Scholar Transport Safety – Following recent incidents and the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community safety MEC Mathye’s commitment to stricter monitoring and compliance.
MEC’s response to the recent scholar transport accidents highlighted in The Citizen.
Measures being taken to enforce roadworthiness and driver permit compliance.
Deployment of traffic officers and police to monitor scholar transport routes.
Advice to parents on checking operator permits, driver IDs, and vehicle service records.
Broader accountability and contracting reforms to ensure safe transport for learners in 2026.
Guest: Stephen Matjena - HOD at the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community safety

Ensuring Scholar Transport Safety &ndash; Following recent incidents and the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community safety MEC Mathye&rsquo;s commitment to stricter monitoring and compliance. MEC&rsquo;s response to the recent scholar transport accidents highlighted in The Citizen. Measures being taken to enforce roadworthiness and driver permit compliance. Deployment of traffic officers and police to monitor scholar transport routes. Advice to parents on checking operator permits, driver IDs, and vehicle service records. Broader accountability and contracting reforms to ensure safe transport for learners in 2026. Guest: Stephen Matjena - HOD at the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community safety

Ensuring Scholar Transport Safety – Following recent incidents and the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community safety MEC Mathye’s commitment to stricter monitoring and compliance

The Information Regulator has applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal against a recent High Court ruling that allowed the Department of Basic Education to publish matric results in newspapers using pupils’ examination numbers, arguing this approach may violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The appeal suspends the High Court order, meaning the enforcement and infringement notices issued to the department remain in effect pending the outcome. Tonight’s conversation with Basil Manuel of NAPTOSA will explore what this appeal could mean for learners, how to balance transparency and data privacy, and the practical challenges of disseminating exam results securely and fairly.
GUEST: Basil Manuel - NAPTOSA

The Information Regulator has applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal against a recent High Court ruling that allowed the Department of Basic Education to publish matric results in newspapers using pupils&rsquo; examination numbers, arguing this approach may violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The appeal suspends the High Court order, meaning the enforcement and infringement notices issued to the department remain in effect pending the outcome. Tonight&rsquo;s conversation with Basil Manuel of NAPTOSA will explore what this appeal could mean for learners, how to balance transparency and data privacy, and the practical challenges of disseminating exam results securely and fairly. GUEST: Basil Manuel - NAPTOSA

Information Regulator Seeks Leave to Appeal Against Ruling on Publishing of Matric Results

A 55-year-old man in the Free State has been arrested and linked through DNA evidence to at least eight rapes and robberies spanning more than two decades after posing as a “prophet” and using ritual-style deceptions to target victims, often in graveyards. Police uncovered the pattern following a recent attack on a 21-year-old woman in Bloemfontein, and further forensic work has connected him to cases dating back to 1999. The suspect, who was reportedly out on parole when the recent incident occurred, will face multiple charges as authorities urge other potential victims to come forward. Tonight’s discussion with SAPS will explore the investigation, the exploitation of religious authority to commit crime, and police efforts to support victims and protect communities.
GUEST: Sgt Mahlomola Kareli - Police Spokesperson, SAPS

A 55-year-old man in the Free State has been arrested and linked through DNA evidence to at least eight rapes and robberies spanning more than two decades after posing as a &ldquo;prophet&rdquo; and using ritual-style deceptions to target victims, often in graveyards. Police uncovered the pattern following a recent attack on a 21-year-old woman in Bloemfontein, and further forensic work has connected him to cases dating back to 1999. The suspect, who was reportedly out on parole when the recent incident occurred, will face multiple charges as authorities urge other potential victims to come forward. Tonight&rsquo;s discussion with SAPS will explore the investigation, the exploitation of religious authority to commit crime, and police efforts to support victims and protect communities. GUEST: Sgt Mahlomola Kareli - Police Spokesperson, SAPS

Complex Emotions Facing South Africans During the Festive Season — Insights from SADAG

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THE MORNING BRIEF

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