The Alternative Breakfast

JSB CONVERSATION – We speak to Lauren Fitchet-Hall about why nearly 30% of South African teens are struggling with mental health, and what parents, schools and communities can do to create safer, more supportive environments for young people

JSB ECONOMY: Township economy strategist Kabelo Kale unpacks how circular economy thinking, media, and creativity can transform township assets into sustainable local livelihoods.

JSB WORD DOMINATION: Previews the 2026 Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers, founded by Barbara Masekela and hosted by University of Johannesburg, highlighting its theme of intergenerational wisdom and its celebration of women’s literary voices with a keynote by Petina Gappah at the Joburg Theatre with NOMONDE NDWALAZA who is Part of the Johannesburg Festival of Women Writers Media team

Lethabo Sekhu, Chief Operating Officer of Credipple, joins Jet Set Breakfast to unpack why South African employers need move beyond qualification-first hiring and prioritise job readiness as youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa.

JSB Community: We speak to co-founder of the Riky Rick Foundation, Louisa Zondo about how the Riky Rick & Anton Chaka Memorial Forest turns activism into action by linking land justice, mental health, youth culture and ecological repair in the Eastern Free State

JSB THOUGHTLEADERS: We are joined by Basier Dramat, CEO of Cornerstone Institute, unpacking why Enoch Godongwana’s latest budget keeps higher education funding locked into public universities, leaving thousands of academically eligible but financially excluded students without viable study pathways.   

CIVIC EDUCATION: A civic conversation unpacking the growing reality of student gambling and what the partnership between the National Gambling Board and National Student Financial Aid Scheme means for protecting young people, with insights from spokesperson Mr Lungile Dukwana.

Waste Innovation Challenge: The Mr Price Foundation and Universities South Africa have launched the Waste Innovation Challenge to empower students to turn plastic waste into viable green businesses, with insights from their programme manager Dudu Mathabela

JSB CONVERSATION: A practical property conversation unpacking the realities of disputes in sectional title living — from levies and rules to ombuds and courts — with insights from Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty Property Group 083 805 6814

WORD DOMINATION Echoes of Identity: A Cultural Awakening in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga with poet Sabelo Soko    

THOUGHTLEADERS, STORYTELLERS OPINION MAKERS AND GRIOTS:Hidden Dangers in SA Sanitary Products Spark Public Outrage- should all sanitary pads be recalled? with Dr Ruth Apostolov- internationally recognised South African humanitarian, UN Global Humanitarian Award recipient, and Head of the She PowHer Foundation

A conversation with Zukile Siyaphi, founder of Ndofire Silent Moves Chess Club, on how a grassroots Soweto chess movement is shaping young minds, building safe community spaces, and raising funds to create a permanent chess hub.