Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

R150 Million Unused While Learners Go Hungry

Loading player...
South Africa’s schooling crisis just got worse. Seven provincial education departments left R150 million unspent money meant to feed children, build classrooms and improve maths and science education. The Department of Basic Education’s latest annual report paints a bleak picture, with Limpopo topping the list, failing to use nearly R70 million in grants. That includes over R33 million for the school nutrition programme - in a country where learners are going hungry. With more than 31,000 teaching posts still vacant and overcrowded classrooms the norm, the failure to use these funds has sparked outrage. This story puts the spotlight on a broken system, where money meant to change lives is left sitting in government coffers. Phemelo speaks to Equal Education Researcher, Sam Beynon.
15 Oct 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Music Feature :The Power of Music

This week, Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal explores the extraordinary power of music and the role it has played in shaping social and political movements across the globe. From songs of protest and resistance to anthems of hope and identity, he unpacks how artists have used their music to challenge injustice,…
2 Jul 4PM 19 min

What to Watch: The Four of Us on e.tv

Looking for your next binge or a movie worth seeing? Leroy Marc is back with this week's top entertainment picks, reviewing the new e.tv telenovela The Four of Us, the big-screen releases Supergirl and A Crime, plus plenty of other must-watch recommendations.
2 Jul 3PM 21 min

Gauteng's Social Development budget?

Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, joined Phemelo to unpack the department's 2026/27 Budget Vote tabled before the Gauteng Legislature. The conversation explored the province's plans to strengthen social protection, tackle poverty, support vulnerable communities, invest in youth development, fight substance abuse, empower people living with disabilities and build…
2 Jul 2PM 17 min

Joburg residents face higher electricity bills

Johannesburg households are paying more for electricity after City Power's new tariffs came into effect this week. The utility says the 8.63% increase will help fund infrastructure upgrades and improve service reliability, while protecting vulnerable households through its Free Basic Electricity Programme. But the hike comes as City Power continues…
2 Jul 2PM 21 min

Government's late payments continue to hurt small businesses

The Public Service Commission says government's failure to pay suppliers within 30 days remains a major concern, leaving many small businesses struggling to survive. National Treasury's latest figures show unpaid invoices worth R15.5 billion, with provincial departments responsible for nearly all of the backlog. Phemelo speaks to Public Service Commission…
2 Jul 2PM 6 min
All episodes