HOT 102.7FM HOT 1027 NOT BREAKING NEWS

HOT 1027 NOT BREAKING NEWS

Not every story worth telling is breaking news.

At HOT1027 News, we look beyond the headlines to find the people, moments and ideas that deserve to be heard. From extraordinary South Africans changing lives in their own communities to remarkable journeys, inspiring breakthroughs, forgotten history and fascinating conversations, we tell the stories that often slip beneath the news cycle.

Our team believes journalism should do more than inform. It should inspire, challenge, connect and occasionally restore your faith in humanity.

These are the stories that make us laugh, think, wonder and hope. They're the stories that remind us that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.

Because sometimes, the stories that matter most... are Not Breaking News.
Weekly English South Africa Entertainment News · Documentary
1,016 Episodes
1 – 20

HOT1027 listeners transform the Frida Hartley Shelter in time for Mandela Day

Despite an incredibly tight deadline, the HOT1027 team has transformed one of Johannesburg's oldest women's shelters, in time for Mandela Day. For more than a century, the Frida Hartley Shelter in Yeoville has been helping women and children escape unimaginable hardship— without government funding. HOT1027's Tara Penny has more from…
17 Jul 3 min

Mandela Day 2026: Making the Frida Hartley Shelter even more sustainable

Ahead of Mandela Day, the HOT1027 is spending the day at one of Johannesburg's most remarkable places. For more than a century, the Frida Hartley Shelter in Yeoville has been helping women escape abuse, homelessness and despair, while giving them the skills, confidence and support to build a new life…
17 Jul 3 min

World Snake Day: Separating Fact from Fear

Today is "World Snake Day" — and while they’re among the most feared creatures on the planet, snakes may also be among the most misunderstood. Far from being villains, they protect our food, help control disease and could even hold clues to new life-saving medicines. HOT1027’s Tara Penny caught up…
16 Jul 2 min

The Mystery behind the 99 year old Gauteng Memorial

Alongside the railway line between Mapleton and Glenroy stations near Alberton, stands a lonely memorial stone in the veld. Its inscription, written in four South African languages, commemorates the deaths of 22 black South Africans 99 years ago — but offers few clues about who they were or how they…
8 Jul 1 min

SA's "KG" hopes to reclaim her wheelchair doubles title

If you’re missing a South African presence at the FIFA World Cup, you might want to switch over to Wimbledon — where one of our brightest tennis stars is chasing more silverware. Kgothatso “KG” Montjane is hoping to reclaim her women’s wheelchair doubles title — and perhaps add the singles…
7 Jul 1 min

Unhinged: Episode 20: Recovery IS possible

Every family here in South Africa has been touched by addiction in some way. Over the past month, we've heard stories of children entering rehabilitation before they've even started high school, parents watching helplessly as addiction tears families apart, treatment centres stretched beyond capacity and criminal syndicates making billions of…
30 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 18: "Everyone deserves a second chance"

A Joburg pupil recovering from addiction says rehab taught her that everyone deserves a second chance. After trauma, addiction and dropping out of school, Sihle believed her future had disappeared. But today, she's eight months sober — and dreaming of becoming a psychologist. HOT1027's Tara Penny has the story…
29 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 17: "You can get a court order"

One of the most heartbreaking realities of addiction is that many people who need help simply don't believe they have a problem. So what can families do when a loved one refuses treatment? HOT1027's Tara Penny reports…
29 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 16: "Support vs Enabling"

For families living with addiction, helping a loved one often feels like the only compassionate thing to do. But addiction specialists are warning that, despite the best intentions, some forms of help can actually keep addiction alive. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look…
27 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 15: "The early warning signs"

Addiction doesn't usually begin with a dramatic collapse. It often starts with small changes that are easy to explain away. And according to addiction specialists, one warning sign stands above all the others. HOT1027's Tara Penny takes a look…
26 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 14: "It started out with vaping..."

Today is "International Day Against Drug Abuse” and a Joburg teenager is celebrating an important milestone...Three months sober. And he says his addiction journey began with something many young people see as harmless. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports…
26 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 13: "You have to treat the whole person"

Experts say one of the biggest mistakes families can make is believing addiction is the only problem. Because for many people entering treatment, substance abuse is only one part of a much bigger picture. HOT1027's Tara Penny reports…
26 Jun 2 min

A Star is Born: Episode 30: George Michael: "Grief changed my perspective"

Today would have been the 63rd birthday of one of Pop music’s most gifted stars. From Wham!'s carefree optimism to the soul-baring honesty of "Faith", "Fast Love" and "Careless Whisper", George Michael sold more than 100 million records. But behind the fame was a man searching for acceptance, purpose and…
25 Jun 3 min

Unhinged: Episode 11: "I was living in a Joburg power box"

A recovering heroin addict - who once lived inside an electricity box here in Northriding - has told HOT1027 News she had completely given up on life before a stranger stopped at a traffic light and offered to help. Today, on the eve of "International Drug Addiction Awareness Day", she's…
25 Jun 2 min

Unhinged: Episode 10: "It was do or die..."

Addiction has the power to destroy relationships, careers and families. But experts say sobriety is possible — and sometimes all it takes - is one decision to change the course of a life. Ahead of "Drug Addiction Awareness day" later on this week, we're looking at the crisis in our…
24 Jun 2 min
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