Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

From world-class Pretoria showgrounds to a dilapidated mess

Loading player...
The City of Tshwane had grand plans to turn the old Pretoria showgrounds into a commercial mixed-use precinct. However, nothing has come of these plans. The Pretoria Show Grounds, which changed its name to the Tshwane Events Centre, was a world-class facility which hosted numerous events. In 2004, for example, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) decided to use its premises as its nerve centre before, during and after the April general elections. However, it has been so neglected and vandalised over the last few years that the IEC had to find a new elections results centre for last year’s elections. Phemelo speaks to MMC Corporate and Shared Services City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
16 Apr 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

MK Party’s Bongani Baloyi eyes Joburg top job

Phemelo is joined by MK Party Johannesburg mayoral candidate Bongani Baloyi to unpack the party’s plans for the city. Baloyi became South Africa’s youngest executive mayor when he was appointed at 26 in 2013, serving as Midvaal mayor.
14 Sep 4PM 51 min

DALRO extends deadline for emerging visual artists

Emerging and developing South African visual artists now have until 18 September to apply for the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award. The programme offers mentorship, professional development and residencies to help artists build sustainable careers, with 10 finalists set to be selected. Phemelo speaks to DALRO Managing Director Laz…
14 Sep 4PM 9 min

South Africans see stagnation, but young people still hold on to hope

South Africa’s latest Indlulamithi Barometer shows 72% of indicators point to continued economic stagnation, while younger South Africans remain more hopeful about the country’s future. The perception survey also found that 52% expect the country to move towards the Vulture Culture scenario, characterised by populist politics and state capture. Phemelo…
14 Sep 3PM 9 min

Missing runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo identified

The body of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has been positively identified by her family, days after she went missing following a run in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park. Her death comes after five similar cases in and around Kempton Park, although police have not confirmed a connection. Phemelo speaks to Elizabeth’s uncle…
14 Sep 3PM 41 min

Milton Nkosi on Africa, Journalism and the Stories That Shaped Us

Phemelo is joined by award-winning journalist and former BBC Africa Bureau Editor Milton Nkosi. With more than three decades in journalism, Nkosi has reported on some of South Africa’s defining moments, from the final years of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s release to the country’s first democratic elections. We reflect on…
10 Sep 3PM 42 min
All episodes