Tshwane Budget Speech

Nearly 347,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners have applied for placement in Gauteng public schools for 2027, with more than 800,000 applications submitted overall as parents applied to multiple schools. The figures highlight growing pressure on classroom space, particularly at sought-after schools where demand continues to exceed capacity. Phemelo…

City Power has disconnected electricity to the Children’s Memorial Institute in Parktown, affecting 22 child-care NPOs, special-needs facilities and a provincial hospital laundry. The move follows a disputed R44-million municipal billing debt, with the campus now relying on generators at a reported cost of R30,000 a day. We also look…

Phemelo is joined by EFF Johannesburg mayoral candidate Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, who brings a human-rights approach to the city’s biggest challenges. We unpack her plans to tackle corruption, stabilise coalitions, streamline municipal services and put residents of Joburg at the centre of local government.

Denosa in Gauteng has given the provincial Health Department one month to address critical issues including nursing shortages, vacant posts, hospital management instability, poor infrastructure and shortages of medicines and supplies. The union warns that if these concerns are not addressed, it will take to the streets. Phemelo speaks to…

On this week’s Music Feature, musicologist Dr Sheldon Leal looks at Tupac Shakur’s life, career and lasting influence nearly 30 years after his death. We also reflect on the rapper’s recent murder conviction, following a jury finding Duane “Keffe D” Davis guilty of first-degree murder in Tupac’s killing. We revisit…