Out-of-control incidents of food poisoning push the President to address the nation. Then, violence erupts once more in Mozambique. Later, the SAPS is watching – your TikToks, that is. But first, as taps begin to run dry in parts of Johannesburg, some are sounding the alarm… With about 35% of the metro’s drinkable water lost due to leaks and illegal connections, city management is quickly running out of road to turn things around.

Cape Town’s criminal underworld is up for grabs following Mark Lifman’s murder. Then, caught in a debt spiral – it’s time for government to clean house. Later, spam calls be gone! And how well do you know your national symbols? But first: it’s been called one of the biggest, most dramatic political comebacks in recent history. As Donald Trump wins a second term in the Oval Office, his election victory reveals a lot about the American voter. With just over half of the US population saying...

Another tender, another scandal. But it might not be too late. Then, it’s back to school for ANC members. We ask: what’s the point? Later, the US elections are here and it could be an uncomfortably close race. And a win for families as Tiger Brands offers to pay up. But first: this past week’s mini-budget was hardly one for the history books. With a strong emphasis on early retirement and public-private partnerships when it comes to infrastructure projects, we unpack some of the key points.

All for show… Why this year’s BRICS Summit felt rather pointless. Later, why hundreds of medical professionals are fleeing to Canada. Then, society is seemingly calling it quits on news. Why that’s a problem. And how one women’s vision reshaped the mental health conversation in South Africa. But first, another girl found dead at the hands of a depraved man. The country recoiled in horror as 6-year-old Amantle Samane was raped and murdered in Orlando East in Soweto last week. She becomes yet...

Budget cuts threaten to decimate our already fragile education sector. Later, express kidnappings are on the rise – we look at the stats. Then, a national hero – why rape survivor Alison Botha needs your help. And it’s bye-bye Karpowership! But first, more than 100 days in, our government of national unity is teetering on the edge as various political parties struggle to meet each other halfway. From the highly controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill to National Health Insurance –...

An organisation being torn apart from the inside – what the conflict between two ANC heavyweights reveals about the party. Then, another fail for former Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane. Later, the US hurricanes serve as a sobering preview of things to come. And a Minister on a mission – Gayton McKenzie delivers on his promises. But first, now that the City of Tshwane has a new mayor at the helm, two coalition role players are pulling in two very different directions. On the one hand, we...

The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, making it the largest living space on our planet. It’s a vast world, largely unexplored, and has the ability to both soothe and terrify. Embracing both these on a daily basis is Zandile Ndlovu, lovingly known by many as The Black Mermaid. Conservationist, activist, filmmaker, author, and South Africa’s first black female freediving instructor, Zandi has now added one more title to her long list of achievements – penguin warrior. We sit down with...

The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, making it the largest living space on our planet. It’s a vast world, largely unexplored, and has the ability to both soothe and terrify. Embracing both these on a daily basis is Zandile Ndlovu, lovingly known by many as The Black Mermaid. Conservationist, activist, filmmaker, author, and South Africa’s first black female freediving instructor, Zandi has now added one more title to her long list of achievements – penguin warrior. We sit down with...

Labour Department raids expose dodgy employers. Then, the Lusikisiki Massacre reignites the illegal firearms conversation… Later, the tenth of October is D-day for Durban as taps run dry. And a fascinating study on how viable a universal grant could be in South Africa. But first, the City of Tshwane finds itself rudderless once more as city mayor Cillier Brink is kicked from his mayoral seat. However, he might still make a triumphant return… Meanwhile, a few more candidates are waiting in the...

While the GNU looks healthy more than 100 days in, the same can’t be said for provincial government… Then, from Palestine to Lebanon – why President Ramaphosa believes South Africa could play an integral mediation role. Later, why Eskom’s proposed tariff hikes won’t address the real issue… Also, are we turning a corner in the fight against rhino poaching? And we find inspiration in the stories of 35 trailblazers under 35. But first, as pressure mounts on the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa...

Beware the lemon… A cautionary tale when it comes to buying a second-hand car. Then, another state-owned enterprise – this time to tackle our water woes. Also, how exploding pagers and walkie-talkies pave the way for a new kind of warfare. Later, how the world’s smelliest fruit is contributing to skyrocketing coffee prices. And the wheels of justice turn slowly – but at least, they’re turning. But first, just over two weeks into its existence, the two-pot retirement fund has already led to...

Something is rotten in the state of… Joburg. From libraries to roads and everything in between – we look at the Joburg Files. Then, Helen Joseph Hospital hell. Later, wage negotiation season is officially open. Why public servants are fighting an uphill battle. We also discuss the rather bizarre US presidential debate. And a lesson in zen – how breathing and hamsters can help you chill. But first, we reflect on Pravin Gordhan's legacy.

In this special crime-focused extended episode, we ask how a Memorandum of Understanding can potentially turn the tide against crime in the Western Cape. Then, no one is safe from extortion rackets - not even schools... Later, why are food poisoning incidents on the rise? And how one man turned personal tragedy into triumph for hundreds of disabled children nationwide. But first, amaPanyaza is here to stay! Why is Panyaza Lesufi not willing to let go of his beloved crime prevention unit?

An SOE shakeup is welcomed by most – so is it a move in the right direction? Then, from podcasts to politics – what Roman Cabanac’s controversial appointment says about the DA. Later, do we have a compromised Minister of Justice? And bringing the gees to the Paralympics in Paris. But first, as we celebrate day 160 of no loadshedding, it seems South Africa has reached a crucial turning point in our 17-year-long energy crisis. Pessimists will say: don’t hold your breath, while optimists (such...

Scorpions 2.0 is a go after years of delays… Then, the forgotten continent – mpox shows how Africa is often overlooked. Later, a win for South Africans as inflation hits a three-year low. And forget about free Willy. It’s free Charlie the Elephant! But first, as many South Africans struggle to come to terms with the murder of 16-year-old Deveney Nel earlier this month, and the family of slain Pastry Princess, Thembekile Letlape, try and come to terms with her death at the hands of an alleged...

Out with the old and in with the… uhm, new? Dada Morero takes over as Joburg mayor. Then, the latest unemployment figures highlight the desperate situation so many South Africans find themselves in. Later, a new Human Trafficking report places South Africa at the centre of criminal networks operating across the continent. And does a sperm donor a father make? A recent ruling says: no. But first: Floyd Shivambu – one of the founding members of the Economic Freedom Fighters – defected in...

From Khayelitsha shootout to courtroom misfire – why an open-and-closed case was scrapped from the roll. Later, a worsening scholar transport crisis is putting our children at risk. Then, xenophobic bullies take aim at a Miss SA contestant, while xenophobes in the UK wreak havoc. And an Olympics of a different kind as space geeks unite in Cape Town. But first, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party continues making headlines for all the wrong reasons – this time for its seemingly out-of-the-blue decision...

The youth are getting thrifty – how Gen Z and Millennials are reclaiming their financial power. Then, Kabelo Gwamanda must go! But is he the only one to blame for Joburg’s ruin? Later, an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga. How did government miss it? And gold, silver and bronze – our Olympic athletes are bringing home the medals. But first, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (known as AGOA) is once again topping the agenda as the United States is seemingly warming to the idea...

Is government’s plan to get off the greylist being hampered by some estate agents and lawyers? Then, we talk about the p-word – no, not that one. We ask whether privatisation is the answer. Later, chartreuse green, coconut trees and brats – Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign is giving. And welcome to the International Space Station. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave… But first, as Carte Blanche wraps up its two-part investigation into extortion rackets in the...

The GNU looks stable, but some GPUs are seemingly headed for the ICU. Then, why it’s time for the EFF to speak up about VBS.Later, Independent Media’s big blunder as a bizarre campaign targets the wrong man. And with the Paris Olympics just days away, we focus on the star South African athletes going for gold. But first, Parliament is in session and there’s a lot of work to be done. Why last week’s Opening of Parliament Address gives us hope for the next five years…

The Gauteng Cabinet is crumbling as the ANC, DA and EFF struggle to see eye-to-eye. Then, starting claims made by the former CEO of VBS Mutual Bank. But are these just the ramblings of man desperate for a lighter sentence? Why appointing a jaded former judge to the JSC has experts concerned. And some closure in the Life Esidimeni tragedy. But first, just days into his tenure as new Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie ruffled a few feathers.

Two South African engineers continue to languish in an Equatorial Guinea prison – now, the UN says: release them. From a disastrous debate to concerning moves by the US Supreme Court – is the American dream fading? Then, nuclear rhino horn and taxing cow farts – we look at the more quirky solutions to combat poaching and climate change. But first, we finally have a Cabinet – and it’s a biggie! With President Ramaphosa adding two ministers and seven deputy ministers, South Africa’s national...

Hospitals under siege – why it’s time to pay attention to cyberattacks on healthcare systems. From chatbots to image generators and transcription tools – AI is here to stay, and South Africans are loving it. Then, protests in Kenya continue as the youth say: no more. Later, how a simple tech solution is keeping moms-to-be safe. And why a Hilux bakkie named Edna captured the hearts of many. But first, it’s a case of on again, off again... Why did a seemingly solid GNU fall to pieces within a...

Another week, another blow to independent media. We send out an SOS. Comparing apples and pears… literally. The Competition Commission warns fresh produce wholesalers to stop its anti-competitive practices. Later, Ray Mahlaka tells us why he believes Transnet is about to stage the biggest turnaround in business history. And women in Soweto are saying: Funk It, I’m Walking. But first: it was a lavish affair, but now the real work begins. Now that the presidential inauguration is behind us, and...