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.
Western Cape learner admissions row sparks heated parliamentary debate
Allegations of racial profiling in Western Cape school admissions came under the spotlight in Parliament, with lawmakers demanding accountability following a court ruling that found parts of the province’s admissions system unconstitutional. While Education MEC David Maynier dismissed the scrutiny as politically motivated, critics argue the system unfairly disadvantages black,…
Legal Matters: Expropriation, contract clauses and detainees’ rights
This week on Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana broke down key legal issues, including how courts interpret contract clauses, when expropriation may be unlawful, and whether detainees can use Kindle e-readers to prepare for trial. She also tackled listeners’ legal questions and offered practical insights into navigating complex legal challenges.
SIU uncovers bursary scandal in Free State Premier’s Office
A probe by the SIU has revealed that millions of rand in Free State bursary funds were allegedly awarded to officials’ relatives, deceased individuals, foreign nationals and other ineligible beneficiaries. The investigation also found irregular expenditure and unaccounted-for funds sitting in university accounts, raising serious concerns about how money meant…
Tshwane eyes investment boost through human settlements summit
The City of Tshwane hosted a Human Settlements Symposium aimed at attracting investment, accelerating housing development and driving spatial transformation. Phemelo speaks to MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka about the city’s plans to reshape communities and unlock growth.
International stories making headlines
From developments involving the US and Mexico to tensions in the Middle East and the latest from Russia, Phemelo unpacks the biggest global stories shaping the news agenda with global affairs specialist, Dr Terence McNamee.
Makashule Gana elected to lead Ramaphosa impeachment inquiry committee
Rise Mzansi Chief Whip Makashule Gana has been elected chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee, which will consider whether there are grounds to recommend President Cyril Ramaphosa’s removal from office. Phemelo speaks to Gana about the negotiations behind his election and the work that lies ahead.
Tonjeni retirement may end disciplinary case over Sibanyoni matter
The retirement of former Mpumalanga Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni could effectively bring an end to disciplinary action linked to her handling of the high-profile Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni extortion case. Tonjeni stepped down amid scrutiny over her controversial court decisions, while legal questions remain about accountability after retirement. Phemelo speaks to…
Ian Cameron: Cape Flats needs policing, not political motorcades
With gang violence continuing to plague the Cape Flats, DA MP Ian Cameron says communities need more detectives, visible policing and crime-fighting resources, not political convoys and symbolic security visits. Phemelo speaks to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police about tackling crime on the ground.
Metrobus cuts services as rising diesel costs bite
Thousands of Johannesburg commuters could face longer waits and fewer buses after Metrobus announced service reductions from Monday. The transport operator says years of budget cuts and escalating diesel prices have forced it to scale back off-peak and low-demand routes. Phemelo speaks to Metrobus Managing Director Dr Bongani Radebe about…
DA lays criminal charges over luxury jet trip and alleged tender links
Fresh questions are being raised over a R3.5 million private jet trip to London taken by former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi. The DA has opened criminal charges against Mashazi and businessman Ze Nxumalo following reports alleging links between the trip and companies that secured municipal tenders. Phemelo gets…
Joburg tables R97.1bn budget as city battles financial pressure
The City of Johannesburg has unveiled a R97.1 billion budget aimed at stabilising finances while maintaining service delivery. Deputy Mayor and Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku says the budget prioritises infrastructure, essential services and long-term financial sustainability despite mounting concerns about the metro’s fiscal health. Phemelo speaks to Masuku about how…
Music Feature: Celebrating Marvin Gaye
This week’s music feature sees musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal honour legendary soul icon Marvin Gaye with a tribute to his timeless classics, including What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues.
What to Watch: Star Wars, Pressure and Rise ’76 reviewed
In this week’s What to Watch feature, film critic Leroy Marc unpacks the latest entertainment picks, including Star Wars and Pressure, both now showing in cinemas, as well as Rise ’76 at the Market Theatre from 17–19 June.
EFF backs ANC to pass Joburg’s R97.1bn budget
Johannesburg Council has passed the city’s R97.1 billion “pro-poor” budget after the EFF voted alongside the ANC in a 139–92 decision. The heated debate saw the DA and ActionSA slam the budget, while the IFP urged councillors to treat the city’s finances as a “moral obligation.” In a moment that…
Legal Matters: Divorce, maintenance and sequestration disputes
On this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana tackles sequestration abuse, maintenance and university fees, divorce-related balloon payment disputes, and answers listeners’ pressing legal questions.
Phala Phala showdown and ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni back in court
Phemelo unpacks two high-profile legal battles with legal expert Mpumelelo Zikalala. Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni returns to court over allegations of extorting more than R2 million from a mining businessman, while President Cyril Ramaphosa moves to challenge the Phala Phala Section 89 report in court, warning he may…
Pressure mounts for tougher alcohol tax measures
The South African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa is urging civil society groups, health experts and community organisations to weigh in on National Treasury’s alcohol tax review. Proposed changes include higher taxes linked to alcohol strength and possible minimum pricing measures aimed at reducing alcohol harm. Phemelo speaks to SAAPA…
IEC kicks off 2026 local elections campaign
South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections are officially underway after the IEC launched its nationwide voter awareness campaign ahead of the 4 November polls. IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo says the campaign aims to mobilise voters, especially young people under the banner “Get Up, Show Up, Vote.” Phemelo speaks to Co-operative…
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says government efforts to reform hospital procurement systems were already underway before the Public Protector’s findings into the delayed repairs at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Following a joint oversight visit with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Phemelo speaks to Motsoaledi about the hospital’s future, accountability and…
Ramakgopa and Morero move closer on Joburg’s Eskom crisis
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero appear to have found common ground on the city’s mounting Eskom debt. The two announced plans for Eskom and the City of Johannesburg to work together on fixing billing failures, technical losses and wider electricity challenges. Phemelo speaks to Mayor Morero…