THE BEST ROUTE

Prisca won tickets, but when Lilly called her office to get in touch, nobody seemed to know who she was! 😂 We launched Operation Finding Prisca, and guess what? WE FOUND HER! Join us on The Best Route as we unpack this hilarious mystery. RISE fm

Fridays just got louder on The Best Route! Join Nosipho Psyfer and Lilly Wa Gamakofane for our weekly Karaoke Feature, where we bring the vibes, sing our favourite hits, and celebrate the music we all love. Whether you're hitting every note or just singing your heart out, it's all about having fun and ending the week on a high note! RISE fm

Today on The Best Route, we speak to Lucky Sambo Buchir as we celebrate Event Organisers Day. We explore what it takes to plan successful events, manage tight budgets, handle difficult clients, and navigate last-minute changes while ensuring every event runs smoothly. RISE fm

Reports have been circulating that Emaswati received $500 each during King Mswati III’s visit to Taiwan, sparking curiosity about what really happened and how those present reacted. We speak to Phephisa Nxumalo, who was there in Taiwan, to get a firsthand account of the atmosphere, establish whether the reported payments took place, who received the money, and the story behind the gesture. How muc...

Good news for prospective students! The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has announced that students will no longer have to pay an application fee when applying to the institution, making the application process more accessible to young people hoping to further their studies. However, the university has also warned students and parents to be cautious of scammers demanding money in exchange for admis...

South African pop meets international appeal as celebrated singer Nádine joins forces with Bo, the lead vocalist of Denim, for their debut single, “We Are the Fire.” Blending contemporary pop with South African soul, the uplifting track celebrates energy, unity and connection. This New Music Friday, we speak to Nádine & Bo about the inspiration behind their collaboration, the story behind the sing...

From the beats that shook dance floors to the legacy that made Black Motion a household name, the duo gave us unforgettable music. But now that Thabosmol is exploring his solo journey, one question remains: Who really carried the Black Motion magic? 🤔 Is it Thabosmol, the percussionist and producer bringing a new sound to the table, or is the magic bigger than just one person? 📻 Catch Thabosmol...

When you dial 10111, how long does it take for the police to arrive? Are they at your gate in minutes, or are you still waiting when the drama is already over? 😂 The Best Route wants to hear from you! Have the police ever responded quickly when you needed them, or did you end up waiting forever? 📲 WhatsApp us: In your neighbourhood, are the police quick to respond, or do you have to pray, wait a...

As we observe Mental Health Month, The Best Route speaks to psychologist Katlego Moagi about grief, loss and the impact they have on our mental and emotional well-being. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no single way to navigate it. From losing a loved one to dealing with unexpected life changes, we explore how to cope with loss, support those who are grieving, and recognise whe...

Today on The Best Route, we speak to Thabosmol, also known as Thabo Smol Mabogwane, one half of the legendary South African Afro-house duo Black Motion. His solo album, Di Thupa Tsa Smol, is being considered in the Best Alternative Jazz Album category for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards. We explore his musical evolution beyond house music, the inspiration behind the album, and what this milestone co...

In celebration of National Sneakers Day, we caught up with Tsepiso Ronny Makhubedu, entrepreneur and owner of Tshepi Sneaker Cleaner, based at Karino Beach Carwash in Mkhatsini, Mpumalanga. He shared practical tips on how to properly care for our sneakers, keep them clean and fresh, and maintain different materials, from everyday sneakers to premium leather and suede footwear. We also explored the...

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is encouraging healthy eating, regular physical activity and counselling as the first approach to managing obesity in children and teenagers, with weight-loss medication considered for some adolescents when supervised lifestyle changes have not been effective. In this discussion, Mahlatse Bongi Laka from MBL Dietitians unpacks what this means for parents, how to...

Podcast Description What does it mean to seek asylum in South Africa, and how is an asylum seeker different from someone entering the country illegally? In this podcast, we unpack the meaning of asylum, explore the latest ruling and its implications, and discuss what the changes could mean for people seeking protection from persecution, as well as South Africa’s already pressured Home Affairs syst...

Mpumalanga’s population has been growing, and we’re looking at how the province has changed over the past five years. We’ll be speaking to Stats SA to understand what is driving this growth whether it’s natural population growth, migration, development and economic opportunities, or a combination of factors. RISE fm

The City of Mbombela has launched its Arbor Month awareness campaign, distributing 300 spekboom trees to motorists and pedestrians to encourage residents to plant and care for indigenous trees. We’ll be speaking to Ms Robin Luyt, Acting Chief Director for Environmental Affairs, about Agriculture’s involvement in the initiative, the importance of planting indigenous trees, and how trees such as spe...

Kamagugu Inclusive School principal Elmon Masane Jomo has been recognised for his commitment to inclusive education after winning the Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership category at the 2026 National Teaching Awards Provincial Ceremony. We spoke to Principal Jomo about this special achievement, his journey in education, and what it means to create a school environment where every learner...

Money Smart Week South Africa encourages consumers to strengthen their financial knowledge and confidence, especially as the cost of living continues to put pressure on households. On The Best Route with Lilly Wa Ga Makofane and the team, we speak to Khayalakhe Ndlovu, Consumer Education Analyst at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, about practical ways to manage financial pressure, make bett...

Sitintile Secondary School and Hoërskool Sybrand van Niekerk will represent Mpumalanga at the National Road Safety Competition on 28 September after winning the provincial PET competition. The Grade 10 and 11 learners impressed judges with research-based solutions to road safety challenges in their communities. RISE fm

The KaNyamazane Community Health Centre clinic committee recently hosted a successful fun walk for senior citizens aged 60 and above, promoting healthy ageing, physical activity and community participation. While organisers expected around 100 participants, an impressive 205 elderly residents joined the initiative. The overwhelming turnout has encouraged organisers to consider making the fun walk...

We caught up with Conrad, the ventriloquist behind the much-loved Chester, to chat about his upcoming show at The Capital. He takes us behind the scenes of his unique craft, shares more about his journey with Chester, and gives us a taste of what audiences can expect from the exciting live performance. RISE fm

For many South Africans, the workplace is a significant part of everyday life — but what happens when that environment becomes a source of fear, stress and emotional distress? Corporate bullying can take many forms, including verbal abuse, victimisation, isolation, passive-aggressive behaviour, harassment and cyberbullying. The impact can affect employees’ confidence, wellbeing, productivity and o...

South African creatives are navigating a rapidly changing industry as Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly common in music, design and promotional content. Guitarist, composer, producer and author Billy Monama recently made his position clear, saying he is “officially boycotting” being featured on posters created using AI. He argues that AI-generated promotional material can undermine the...

Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa has officially been inaugurated as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). She assumed the position in October 2025 and brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, research and institutional management. The inauguration marks the formal installation of Prof Meyiwa as UMP’s academic leader, with her inaugural address outlini...

We caught up with the team at News Café Witbank for a fun game of “Can You Call Your Work Play?” We put them on the spot to see how they really feel about their jobs, their workplace and what makes work enjoyable. RISE fm

It’s time to get personal and have some fun with RnB DJ Nonhlanhla Luthando on Celebrity Rush Connection! From choosing between coffee and tea to revealing her biggest fear, hidden talent and what’s always in her bag, we’re getting to know the personality behind the decks. RISE fm