The Daily Discourse

Last week, we started an interesting discussion with financial advisor, Bryan Hirsch, on the issue of saving for your retirement. A few gremlins crept in which made it a little tricky to have a fluid conversation. So we decided to continue with that discussion today. Remember, we're taking your calls and your voicenotes and your WhatsApp texts for Bryan, so if you have any questions, give us a cal...

South Africa's transformation journey is under the spotlight at the 2026 Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference and Awards, currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre. Under the theme, "The Next Phase of Transformation: Inclusive, Investable, Impactful," leaders from business, government and civil society are gathering to move beyond promises and focus on delivery, accountability and measurab...

South Africa's unemployment crisis remains one of the country's most pressing challenges, with millions still unable to find work despite efforts to stimulate economic growth. As government looks for solutions, there are growing calls for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to create jobs and unlock opportunities. Joining us live from the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference...

South Africa's transformation journey is under the spotlight at the 2026 Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference and Awards, currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre. Under the theme, "The Next Phase of Transformation: Inclusive, Investable, Impactful," leaders from business, government and civil society are gathering to move beyond promises and focus on delivery, accountability and measurab...

Social media has become a fixture in the lives of millions of teenagers around the world. But in a move that's likely to spark fierce debate, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that from next year, children under the age of 16 will be barred from using social media platforms. That means teenagers could lose access to apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and others they use every da...

Are boys being left out of important conversations about social responsibility and positive change? It's a concern many of our listeners have raised in recent weeks. One organisation working to address that gap is Primestars, which is actively engaging young men on one of South Africa's most pressing issues—Gender-Based Violence. By involving boys in these critical discussions early on, the...

For many young South Africans, the journey to education is becoming increasingly dangerous. The Citizen reports that the Gauteng Department of Education has identified 245 high-risk schools plagued by violence, bullying and drug abuse. The department warns that these schools are facing a serious safety crisis, raising urgent questions about whether learners can truly thrive in environments where f...

Muhammad Hussein argues that while the youth of 1976 confronted a visible enemy in apartheid and its oppressive machinery, young South Africans today are grappling with challenges that are far less clear-cut. Unemployment, inequality, mental health pressures and economic uncertainty present formidable obstacles—but without a single system or structure to rally against. So, how do today's you...

What began as a search for work ended in tragedy. A family in Kranskop, northern KwaZulu-Natal, is mourning the loss of 44-year-old Sihle Makhaye, who was allegedly lured abroad with promises of employment, only to become entangled in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Yesterday, his remains were finally returned home, bringing some closure to a grieving family while raising fresh questions about the...

The Public Sector Association is proposing that civil servants be allowed to work-from-home for part of the time. The PSA says the rising cost of living is putting increasing pressure on workers, and the public service ought to give particular workers the option of a hybrid working model. Guest: Reuben Maleka: Spokesperson of the Public Service Association (PSA),

Claims of a looming 30 June immigration deadline and warnings of R100,000 fines have sparked anxiety among employers across South Africa. But according to immigration law experts, much of what's circulating online is misleading. While employers already have a legal duty to verify that workers have the right to work in South Africa, there is no government-imposed 30 June deadline, and the hefty fin...

The municipal workers' strike in Pietermaritzburg continues to take its toll, with critical repairs to power infrastructure stalled and residents and businesses in several suburbs left without electricity for days — in some cases, more than a week.  Guest: Anthony Waldhausen, of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics (MARRC) Guest: Cllr Ross Strachan:DA Caucus...

The debate over sex work in South Africa is heading back to the courts, reigniting one of the country's most contested social and legal issues. Later this year, the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) will challenge the government, arguing that sex work should be fully decriminalised. At the same time, advocacy group Embrace Dignity and its allies are set to enter the legal battle...

Counterfeit goods are costing South Africa hundreds of billions of rand, draining revenue from the economy and undermining legitimate businesses. Now, authorities are intensifying the fight against illicit trade. The operation forms part of a broader crackdown aimed at disrupting the growing counterfeit market and protecting consumers, businesses and the fiscus.  Guest: Siphithi Sibeko: SARS...

South Africa's illicit cigarette market has reached crisis levels, with new research revealing that nearly six out of every 10 cigarettes sold in the country are illegal. The findings raise serious concerns about lost tax revenue, organised crime, and public health, while exposing a dramatic shift in the tobacco industry.  Guest: Dr Nicole Vellios, a Senior Research Officer at University of C...

Lorato Trok, Executive Director of the Nal'ibali Trust speaks to Joanne Joseph on literacy, education, child development and community wellbeing across the continent.

This Youth Month, the Human Sciences Research Council has held a youth dialogue on the topic "Soweto 1976 Meets Fees Must Fall: Past and Present Struggles" Panelist Prof Sharlene Swartz - Divisional Executive in the Equitable Education and Economies  research division of the HSRC reflects on the dialogue with Joanne Joseph   

Thembi Siaga Journalist with Limpopo Mirror wrote an explosive article on the state of the Tshilongoni school in Limpopo and he unpack what he observed when he visited the school. In response the Limpopo Department of Education spokesperson, Mike Maringa joined Joanne Joseph

SABC Sport Presenter Thabiso Mosia speaks to Joanne Joseph about the team's performance at its opening game against Mexico.

Following a complaint by a listener on tribunal in Sekhukhune we spoke to the Complainant, Bashimane and  the Director of the Land and Accountability Research Centre at the University of Cape Town Nolundi Luwaya

Salomé Meyer Cancer Alliance Director joined Joanne Joseph on the deepening cancer treatment crisis

Founder of Geza Advisory and Employment Law Specialist , Toto Geza speaks to Joanne Joseph about the quota system measure for the employment of foreign nationals announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and what employers need to do to ensure that they comply with the law.

Criminal Law Expert, William Booth explains what the law says about citizen's arrest.      

Financial advisor at Bryan Hirsch Colley and Associates, Bryan Hirsch discusses investment strategies for those whose primary objective is generating income and explore the options that may be most suitable for their needs.      

Communications Officer at the Lawyers for Human Rights speaks to Joanne Joseph about the transit visa given to refugees and asylum seekers as they enter the country.