POWER Breakfast

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Emerald Van Zyl – Financial Investigator, about how the R60 billion class action lawsuit against South Africa’s major banks has finally reached a critical turning point after more than eight years of legal preparation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to National Planning Commissioner Sue Bannister about how the National Planning Commissioner has issued a sharp call to action, warning that South Africa’s economic growth and service delivery are being stifled by a "reactive" culture of infrastructure neglect. Speaking from a local government perspective, Bannister emphasized that the next four yea...

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Nkululeko Xhelithole – Lungelo Lethu Human Rights Foundation, about how hundreds of homeowners are taking four major banks to court after their houses were taken away and sold for much less than they were actually worth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA National Spokesperson, about how four individuals, including two current SASSA officials and one former employee, were arrested on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for their alleged involvement in a R4.9 million fraud scheme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Prof Matebese, Political Analyst, about how Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2026 Budget Speech earlier yesterday. This budget is particularly significant as it is the second full budget under the 7th Administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU), and it signals a shift from "austerity" toward growth and stability. See omnystudio.com...

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Nompumelelo Nyathi-Mohohlwane, lead researcher at the Department of Basic Education, about how the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has expressed significant concern over the high cost of grade repetition, which currently consumes roughly 8% of its budget. According to the DBE’s Funda Uphumelele report — a national survey of reading o...

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Bobby Ramagwede, AA CEO, about how the Automobile Association (AA) is raising red flags after the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro performed poorly in the latest "Safer Cars for Africa" crash tests. The vehicle received a disappointing two-star rating for adult protection because it lacks side head protection for passengers in both the front and back. See omnystudio....

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mosepedi Sanane, NUM Kimberley Regional Secretary, about how, following a fatal underground accident and a prolonged period of financial instability, the Ekapa Mine has reportedly shut down permanently. The company has applied for voluntary liquidation, citing an inability to meet its debts or maintain safe operations. See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

As South Africa approaches this year’s budget speech on 25 February 2026, attention often focuses on unemployment, national debt, and inequality. Yet one policy with the potential to improve the lives of South Africans—particularly the poorest—rarely receives the spotlight it deserves: the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), better known as the sugary drinks tax. Thabiso Tema spoke to Z...

South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the National Gambling Board (NGB) have launched a coordinated response to a growing crisis: tertiary students using their education allowances to gamble on online betting platforms. The partnership aims to protect students from gamblingrelated harm, safeguard public education funds, and promote responsible financial behaviour a...

Panyaza Lesufi delivered the 2026 State of the Province Address at NASREC yesterday, highlighting the Gauteng Government’s achievements, ongoing challenges, and plans for the year ahead. Speaking before members of the legislature, political leaders, business representatives, and civil society, Lesufi emphasised the province’s commitment to socio- economic transformation, job creation,...

Recent public debate following parliamentary discussions on the employment of foreign nationals at universities has sparked concern that South Africa may be favouring international academics over local talent. In a country grappling with persistently high unemployment, such perceptions can quickly become politically charged. However, available data and the existing legal framework suggest that the...

South African law enforcement is under intense scrutiny after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (IPID) 2024/25 annual report revealed that 97 members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) face allegations of sexual violence or rape nationwide. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dr Bandile Masuku Committee chair for The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Saf...

Thabiso Tema in conversation with Hitekani Makamu  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, a group of approximately 20 studentssubmitted a memorandum to the Dean of Student Affairs. Their primary demands included the universal registration of all students and a two-week extension of the current registration period. The Dean issued a formal response yesterday, clarifying that students must meet specific academic and eligibility criteria to qualify for funding. Thabiso Tema spo...

In a major step toward curbing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa is set to receive a record-breaking delivery of one million vaccine dosesthis Saturday. Supplied by BioGenesis Bago, this shipment represents the largest single import of FMD vaccines in the country's history. Thabiso Tema spoke to Angus Williamson Vice Chair...

According to the latest Allianz Country Risk analysis, South Africa’s political risk profile is currently defined by a delicate balancing act within the Government of National Unity (GNU). While the formation of this coalition in 2024 provided a much-needed stabilizer for investor confidence, Allianz points out that deep-seated ideological divisions and historical polarization remain signifi...

Six years after President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a directive for lifestyle audits, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has yet to subject a single prosecutor to financial scrutiny. This prolonged delay has drawn sharp criticism from Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamoloko Kubayi, who expressed deep concern over the agency's lack of transparency and the internal "pushback" pre...

On Tuesday, February 17th a mudslide at the 890-meter level of the Joint Shaft Mine in Kimberley, trapped five mineworkers. Ekapa Minerals confirmed that search and rescue operations remain ongoing following the "mud rush," with extensive drilling and dewatering activities currently underway. These efforts are being conducted under extremely challenging conditions, with all actions coordinated thr...

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Ms Khadija K. Jamaloodien - Chief Director: Health Product Procurement, National Health Department, about how the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are calling for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the Health Department’s antiretroviral (ARV) drug tenders, citing serious concerns over the integrity of the 2025 procurement process. &nbsp...

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to John Steenhuisen, the Minister of Agriculture, about how he is set to receive the first large consignment of high-potency Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines at OR Tambo International Airport this Saturday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Nahil Shanta, journalist from Sudan, about how a UN fact-finding mission has concluded that the atrocities committed during the siege and fall of el-Fasher point to genocide. After an 18-month blockade, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the Darfur city in late October, marking one of the most brutal chapters in Sudan’s three-ye...

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Economist at Econometrix, about how data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) this week paints a picture of an economy that is finally catching its breath, signalling a fragile but welcome stabilisation across key financial sectors in South Africa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa’s electricity sector is entering a decisive phase, with reform efforts gaining traction after years of instability, policy uncertainty and rolling power cuts. A new report released by Krutham and commissioned by the South Africa Electricity Traders Association (SAETA) argues that the country now has a clear opportunity to consolidate recent gains and secure long-term energy reli...

TT was in conversation with  Ofentse Letsoalo  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.