Point of View with Phemelo Motene
Point of View with Phemelo Motene, delves into the day’s current affairs, touching on real issues and sharing expert advice on the audience questions between 8pm to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays.
Goodman Gallery drops Venice Biennale artist Gabrielle Goliath
Just days after being chosen to represent South Africa at the 2026 Venice Biennale, acclaimed artist Gabrielle Goliath was dropped by her longtime gallery, a move that shocked the art world. As questions of censorship, power and artistic freedom collide, Phemelo unpacks the fallout with art historian and freelance writer…
Madlanga Commission Phase One: Red flags for justice system integrity
An independent interim analysis of the Madlanga Commission proceedings warns of deep institutional risks, political interference and possible law-enforcement capture. While not ruling on guilt, the report raises urgent concerns about governance failures that could undermine South Africa’s criminal justice system. Phemelo is joined by Public Interest SA chairperson Tebogo…
International stories wrap
From Iran’s role in a joint naval exercise to Uganda’s election landscape and Donald Trump’s controversial Peace Board appointments, we unpack the global stories making headlines. Phemelo is joined by senior research fellow Thembisa Fakude for insight and context.
Ekurhuleni mayor linked to murder scene nearly two years later
Fresh revelations place Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza at the scene of DJ Bongani Mfito’s murder, a fact never disclosed to police at the time. With the case now reopened and linked to another high-profile killing, serious questions are being asked about police failures, political power and who was protected. Phemelo…
SAHRC exposes systemic failure and R1 billion corruption in North West scholar transport
As learners return to class, a damning SAHRC report reveals how broken scholar transport in the North West is failing children daily. From unroadworthy vehicles and unsafe conditions to over R1 billion paid for services never delivered, the Commission says government departments violated learners’ rights at every turn. Phemelo speaks…
Thirteen pupils killed in Vaal scholar transport crash
A routine school run ended in heartbreak in Vanderbijlpark, where 13 pupils lost their lives after a scholar transport minibus taxi was collided with a truck. As families mourn and survivors fight for recovery, Gauteng leaders admit long-standing loopholes in private scholar transport may have cost young lives. Phemelo speaks…
No breath, no drive: Santaco moves to stop drunk taxi drivers
Imagine taxis that simply won’t start if the driver has been drinking. That’s the plan from Santaco, which is rolling out breathalyser devices across its fleet to crack down on drunk driving. Drivers will have to pass a breath test before setting off and retest along the way. With the…
Whistleblowers at risk: ActionSA pushes for tougher protection laws
Blowing the whistle on corruption in South Africa can cost you your life and ActionSA says that has to change. The party has unveiled a new “Fallen Whistleblowers’ Bill” aimed at strengthening protection for those who expose corruption and even rewarding them for doing so. This comes after the murder…
Two weeks in the dark: DA takes Tshwane power woes to NERSA
After residents and businesses in East Lynne were left without electricity for two weeks, the DA says enough is enough. The party is preparing a formal complaint to energy regulator NERSA, accusing the City of Tshwane of failing to meet its licence conditions to provide a reliable power supply. DA…
Music Feature: Building artists, not just hits
What does it really take for artists to thrive? In this week’s music feature, musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal dives into the idea of building a creative ecosystem that truly supports artistic growth. With music from Adele, Raye, Jessie J and more, the conversation explores creativity, sustainability and what the…
What to Watch: Big screens, bold stories and live theatre Not sure what to watch next?
Leroy Marc breaks it down in this week’s What to Watch. From the cinematic thrills of Primate and Greenland 2 currently in theatres, to the powerful stage production Marabi at the Market Theatre from 29 January to 15 February, Leroy helps you decide what’s worth your time.
Legal Matters: When clients sue, and the cost of skipping work
In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks two eye-opening cases: a Road Accident Fund client who takes legal action against their own attorney, and a workplace dispute involving absenteeism and gross insubordination. She also answers some of your pressing legal questions breaking down what your rights are and where…
Alcohol tax hike sparks tension between Treasury, industry and health activists
A brewing showdown is unfolding as National Treasury weighs a possible increase in alcohol taxes. While excise duties are usually adjusted in line with inflation, any hike above that could push up the price of beer, wine and spirits and ignite fierce opposition from the alcohol industry. Producers warn higher…
Nearly 3,000 pupils still without school placements in Gauteng
Parents and anxious pupils are spending hours and in some cases days in queues as nearly 3,000 learners remain without school placements in Gauteng. At the Morningside Teaching Centre, families from Midrand, Alexandra, Ivory Park and Tembisa arrived before sunrise, hoping for answers for the 2026 school year. Some parents…
Hope on the horizon for Hammanskraal as clean water inches closer
After years of broken promises and unsafe water, there’s fresh hope for Hammanskraal residents. The City of Tshwane says construction of the long-awaited Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant has now been technically completed a major milestone in the fight for clean, reliable drinking water. Mayor Nasiphi Moya has welcomed the…
Book Feature: Your Health Starts in Your Gut
Phemelo is joined by dietician and author Mpho Tshukudu to discuss her book, Your Health Starts in Your Gut, a practical guide to understanding why gut health is central to overall wellbeing. The book explores the links between gut health and conditions ranging from digestive and autoimmune diseases to mental…
Matric 2025: Record Results, Ongoing Challenges
South Africa’s Class of 2025 has reached a major milestone, achieving a record 88% matric pass rate, the highest in the country’s history. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube says this was also the largest matric cohort ever, with over 900,000 learners writing the final exams. KwaZulu-Natal topped the provincial…
International Wrap: Global Flashpoints in Focus
From political shifts in Venezuela and Nigeria to tensions in Iran and the state of US–South Africa diplomatic relations, Phemelo is joined by Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude, for a wide-ranging discussion on the international developments shaping the global agenda.
Matric Class of 2025 Makes History with Record-Breaking Pass Rate. 2/2
South Africa’s Matric Class of 2025 has rewritten the record books, achieving the highest pass rate in the country’s history. Just over 88% of the more than 700,000 learners who sat for the exams passed, with 656,000 crossing the finish line. Announcing the results in Johannesburg, Basic Education Minister Siviwe…
Empty Seats, Loud Message: ANC January 8 Rally Highlights Declining Support
Sparse crowds and subdued energy at the ANC’s January 8 birthday celebrations have once again raised questions about the party’s grip on its support base. Political analysts say the poor turnout at the 114th anniversary rally in Moruleng, outside Rustenburg, reflects growing voter disillusionment fuelled by unmet promises and service…