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.
Joburg settles R5.25bn Eskom debt
The City of Joburg has paid Eskom more than R5.25 billion in overdue electricity bills, averting the threat of power cuts. The payment follows mediation between the city, City Power and Eskom to resolve long-standing billing disputes. Phemelo speaks to Joburg Mayor Dada Morero about the settlement and what comes…
US-Canada Trade War Escalates
Trade tensions between the US and Canada have intensified after Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canada has vowed to retaliate dollar-for-dollar from 8 September, targeting sectors including steel, dairy, agriculture and electronics. The move follows the collapse of trade talks, with Canadian Prime…
Madlanga Commission Rejects Cat Matlala Postponement
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been ordered to continue testifying at the Madlanga Commission after commissioners rejected his lawyers’ second bid for a postponement. His legal team cited difficulties consulting with him in prison and threatened further legal action. Matlala is also expected to invoke his right against self-incrimination during his…
SANDF Finally Gets R823m for Operation Prosper
The SANDF has finally received the R823 million allocated for Operation Prosper, five months after the deployment began. The funding delay has raised questions about government planning and the risks of deploying soldiers without timely financial support. Phemelo speaks to Standing Committee on Appropriations chairperson Mmusi Maimane about the funding…
Santarama Miniland Hijacked for Private Gain
Once a major Joburg tourist attraction, Santarama Miniland at Wemmer Pan has been stripped of its famous miniature landmarks and allegedly taken over as a private events venue. Parties, corporate functions and picnics are reportedly being hosted on the municipal-owned property, with the City allegedly receiving no rental or service…
ANC Reheats Election Promises in 2026 Manifesto
The ANC has launched its 2026 local government election manifesto, promising to fix struggling municipalities, improve service delivery and tackle corruption. But with support falling to 45.59% in 2021, the party is under pressure to turn familiar promises into action. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the ANC’s shortcomings, while using “clock…
The Places That Honour: Recognising Women’s Contributions Through Geographical Names
How do we preserve women’s contributions to South Africa’s history through the names of our streets and public spaces? Phemelo speaks to Lorraine Shabangu of the Gauteng Geographical Names Committee about the significance of geographical naming, including the recent naming of Winnie Mandela Drive, and the importance of public participation.
Adv. Madonsela Rejects Ramaphosa’s Impeachment Committee Objections
Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC has rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa’s objections to his appointment as evidence leader for Parliament’s Impeachment Committee. Legal expert Bophelo Seleke unpacks the President’s concerns around an alleged conflict of interest, Madonsela’s response and what this could mean for the committee’s work.
Legal Matters: Medical negligence, licence centre bribes and fraudulent court orders
On this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks cases involving prescription and medical negligence, “cold drink money” at a driver’s licence centre, and fraudulent court orders. She also answers some of your burning legal questions.
City Power warns of planned power cuts as Alexandra residents urged to pay for electricity
City Power has warned of planned electricity interruptions across several Johannesburg suburbs from 17 to 23 August as it carries out maintenance to improve network reliability. Meanwhile, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is urging Alexandra residents to pay for electricity as the city tackles frequent outages, illegal connections and overloaded infrastructure…
More than 109 dangerous and illegal items seized at three Joburg schools
More than 109 prohibited items have been seized during unannounced searches at three high schools in Alexandra. Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says learners found with illegal weapons or substances must face criminal charges. The SAPS-led operation targeted East Bank, Realogile and Alexandra High Schools, with items including bullets, knives,…
Health Committee steps up oversight at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee is calling for continued improvements in service delivery, governance and operational capacity at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Following an oversight visit, the Committee assessed progress on fire remedial works, as well as conditions affecting patients and staff at the major…
Public Protector flags systemic failures in NSFAS funding
More than 40,000 students at 76 higher education institutions were improperly funded to the value of about R5.1 billion, according to findings cited by the Public Protector. The investigation has uncovered broader concerns around NSFAS administration, governance, funding and oversight, with more than R2 billion reportedly recovered. Speaking to Phemelo,…
ANC Caucus calls for Burke’s removal from finance committees
The ANC Caucus is calling for DA MP Dr Mark Burke to be removed from Parliament’s finance-related committees over allegations linked to his fintech company, Kastelo. The allegations, reportedly contained in a Reserve Bank affidavit, concern the movement of capital across borders and possible breaches of exchange control regulations, involving…
Ramokgopa slams municipalities over electricity tariffs
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is taking aim at municipalities for increasing electricity tariffs to offset the cost of non-paying customers. Ramokgopa says the practice unfairly burdens customers who pay their bills and contributes to growing municipal debt to Eskom. The minister says proposed changes to the Electricity Pricing…
SADC Summit focuses on migration, security and jobs
SADC leaders are meeting in Durban for the 46th Ordinary Summit, with migration, regional security, economic development and job creation high on the agenda. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to take over as chair of the 16-member bloc, with South Africa leading SADC for the next year. Ramaphosa says migration…
Iran warns of possible offensive action against US
Iran is signalling it could take a more offensive approach in its conflict with the United States as a ceasefire agreement expires. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it is ready to respond to any US ground operations, with officials warning of “strategic surprises”. Tensions remain high over the Strait…
State allowed to reopen Usindiso fire case
The state has been given the go-ahead to reopen its case against Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, accused of setting fire to the Usindiso building in Johannesburg, where 76 people died in August 2023. The move follows discrepancies over the identities of some of the victims. Mdlalose faces 76 murder charges, as…
Court orders Manamela to reinstate NSFAS board
The High Court has ordered Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to reinstate the NSFAS board, while suspending the appointment of Professor Sizwe Mathebula as administrator. The court questioned the minister’s failure to consult the board and raised concerns about Mathebula’s suitability to oversee billions in public funds, citing adverse findings…
Matlala details R15m loan to service SAPS contract
Alleged tender kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission he borrowed R15 million from North West businessman Suleman Carrim to service his Medicare 24 contract with the SAPS. Matlala’s testimony has been postponed to next Monday, pending an affidavit on issues surrounding the contract. He declined to answer…