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.
Batohi Withdraws & Complaint Against IDAC Head
Two major legal stories dominate this week. First, former NDPP Shamila Batohi refuses to return to the Nkabinde Inquiry, citing procedural unfairness. Then, Public Interest SA files a corruption complaint against IDAC head Andrea Johnson. Legal analyst Mpumelelo Zikalala breaks down the implications for the NPA and the justice system.
Makhudu Sefara Responds to SIU Claims
Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara is pushing back against SIU allegations that funds from a 2018 community media training project were misappropriated. SANEF’s Hopewell Radebe joins us to unpack the SIU’s findings.
Acting Police Commissioner Grilled in Parliament
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane appeared before the Police Portfolio Committee today. Committee member Dereleen James joins us to discuss the key issues raised, policing challenges, and the accountability questions facing SAPS leadership.
Bellarmine Mugabe Fined and Set for Deportation
A South African court has fined Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe R600,000 and ordered his deportation to Zimbabwe, while his cousin Tobias Matonhodze begins a three‑year prison term. Kaya News reporter Karinda Jagmohan breaks down the charges, the February shooting incident, and what the ruling means for the high‑profile Mugabe family.
Inside the Tolashe SUV Switcheroo
Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis unpacks the deepening scandal around Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, who returned only one of the two Chinese‑donated SUVs meant for the ANC Women’s League.
Trump security under review after White House dinner shooting scare
Security around US President Donald Trump is under fresh review after a shooting scare at a high-profile Washington dinner. An armed suspect managed to get close to a packed venue before being stopped leaving one federal agent injured. While Trump has praised the Secret Service response, officials are now reassessing…
Book Feature: Love
What does love reveal about who we are and who we become? Author Nthikeng Mohlele joins Phemelo to unpack his latest novel Love, a bold and genre-bending story that follows the chaotic life of Sebastian Salt. Blending romance, crime, and speculative fiction, the book dives deep into desire, morality, and…
OUTA pushes back against Joburg’s ‘red tape’ on solar
Frustration is mounting over Johannesburg’s new solar approval rules. OUTA says City Power’s six-step process is excessive, costly, and out of touch with residents already battling unreliable electricity and rising tariffs. The watchdog argues the system adds unnecessary delays for households turning to solar out of necessity, not luxury. Phemelo…
Move to open sex offenders register gains momentum
There’s a breakthrough in the push to make South Africa’s National Register for Sex Offenders public. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed a draft law is in the works potentially ending years of secrecy around convicted offenders. Advocates say opening the register could better protect women and children, giving communities,…
Textbook tender under scrutiny as Gwarube calls in Treasury
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is escalating concerns over a controversial textbook tender now under the spotlight. She’s asked Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to bring in National Treasury to probe alleged procurement irregularities, after reports a little-known publisher, registered just days before the bid, secured a major slice of the…
Music Feature: Afro-Soul Divas (Continued)
In this week’s Music Feature, Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal continues his celebration of South Africa’s Afro-Soul divas, spotlighting timeless sounds from Unathi Nkayi, Leomile, Siphokazi, and Sibongile Khumalo, including tracks like We Thembisisle, Lerato Le Felile, Ndiyabulela, and Mayihlome, among others.
Child Health and Nutrition
Phemelo speaks to Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, Executive Director at Grow Great, about child health and nutrition in South Africa, and the ongoing national drive to cut and ultimately halve childhood stunting in the post-democracy era.
State of Healthcare and Access to Health Services
Phemelo is joined by ActionSA MP and medical doctor Dr Kgosi Letlape to unpack the current state of South Africa’s healthcare system, with a sharp focus on access to services and whether inequality in care delivery still persists for disadvantaged communities post-1994.
State of Education and the Experiences of Young People
Education activist and Social Justice Assembly coordinator Noncedo Madubedube joins Phemelo in conversation about the realities facing South Africa’s education system, and what life looks like for young people navigating learning and opportunity 32 years into democracy.
State of Higher Education 32 Years Post-Democracy
Phemelo sits down with award-winning marketer and newly appointed Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University, Thebe Ikalafeng, to reflect on his new role and take stock of higher education in South Africa 32 years into democracy and how far transformation in the sector has really come.
Music Feature: celebrating South Africa’s Afro-soul divas - Part 2
This week’s music feature with musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal shines a spotlight on South Africa’s Afro-soul divas, exploring the sound and influence of artists such as Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai. The segment revisits standout tracks including A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, Masibambaneni and Emini, among others,…
BOOK FEATURE: Soweto Stories co-editors join Phemelo Motene live to share tales of resilience, humour and hope
The Kaya 959 Book Club feature co-editors Zwelibanzi Mntambo and Thabo Ndabeni, who offer listeners a window into the making of the anthology. The stories they chose, the writers they worked with, and what it means to document Soweto through lite
Jagersfontein disaster case delayed
The long-running court battle over the deadly Jagersfontein dam collapse has been pushed back to August in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein. Eight accused - both individuals and companies face serious charges including murder and damage to property following the 2022 tragedy that left widespread destruction in its…
Legal Matters: bail blow, RAF claims and missing millions
In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana breaks down a string of headline-grabbing cases - from why Magistrate Thandi Theledi denied Fannie Nkosi bail, to using couriers to submit RAF claims, and the dismissal of a cash-in-transit employee linked to a missing R1.3 million.
Constitutional Court rules Human Rights Commission cannot issue binding directive
The Constitutional Court has ruled that the South African Human Rights Commission cannot issue binding directives, saying the watchdog must turn to the courts to enforce its recommendations. The judgment stems from a dispute over restricted access to borehole water on a farm, where an SAHRC order was ignored. The…