Point of View with Phemelo Motene
Point of View with Phemelo Motene, delves into the day’s current affairs, touching on real issues and sharing expert advice on the audience questions between 8pm to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays.
Lula’s election comeback and fresh protests in France
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a historic fourth term, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff election, although Bolsonaro has challenged the result. Meanwhile, French unions and protest groups are calling for further demonstrations over wages, living costs and public services after nationwide rallies. Phemelo speaks to…
Bronkhorstspruit water contamination cases rise to 833
The number of gastrointestinal illness cases linked to contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit has risen to 833, including 328 children, with three residents currently in hospital. The Department of Water and Sanitation says inadequate chlorination by the City of Tshwane contributed to the crisis, while officials report no deaths. Phemelo speaks…
City Power’s substation tour offers fresh insight into Joburg outages
Johannesburg property owners have gained a closer look at the theft, vandalism and ageing equipment behind prolonged power outages in the inner city. Following a tour of City Power’s Central Substation, Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers Association CEO Mpho Rivers said she was impressed by the engineering team’s expertise and…
SAPS outlines five priorities to tackle festive season crime
The South African Police Service has launched its 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, focusing on organised crime, gender-based violence and femicide, human trafficking and other threats to public safety. Police say the operation demonstrates their readiness to protect communities during the busy festive period. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on…
Week in Review: Budget pressures, Tshwane water crisis and Mbeki’s testimony
Phemelo is joined by Kaya News reporter Katleho Sekhotho to unpack the week’s top stories, including the 2026 Medium-Term Budget, calls for accountability over contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, former president Thabo Mbeki’s testimony before the TRC Cases Inquiry, and CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour’s departure after 43 years with the network.
Medium-Term Budget: What it means for workers and households
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced temporary fuel levy relief, increased funding for municipalities and social services, and additional resources to fight crime in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, South Africa’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.2% for 2026, despite progress in stabilising government debt. Phemelo speaks…
Rand Water warns of looming water crisis as demand hits record levels
Rand Water is warning of possible water supply disruptions as municipalities, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, continue to exceed their allocations. The bulk supplier says it is pumping at maximum capacity, but rising consumption is putting increasing pressure on the system, making it harder to balance supply across the network. Phemelo…
Maile vows tighter teacher checks after Soweto sexual assault allegations
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the department will strengthen background checks on teachers following allegations that a teacher sexually assaulted a Grade 4 pupil at Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto. The accused teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension while disciplinary proceedings continue. Maile is calling for stronger safeguards,…
Sibiya denied bail over witness intimidation and evidence concerns
Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will remain in custody after a Randburg magistrate denied him bail, citing concerns about possible witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence. The court found that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release. Sibiya denies the charges against him and…
Mbeki denies secret deal to shield apartheid-era generals
Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed as a “complete fabrication” allegations that he held secret meetings with former apartheid-era military and police generals to prevent their prosecution for crimes committed under apartheid. Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry, Mbeki denied that such meetings took place as the inquiry investigates alleged…
Tshwane admits negligence after 408 fall ill from contaminated water
The City of Tshwane has admitted negligence after supplying unchlorinated water to Bronkhorstspruit communities for three weeks, with 408 people, mainly children, affected by gastrointestinal illnesses. Mayor Nasiphi Moya says the city ran out of chlorine following a dispute with its supplier, while an investigation found the water source was…
Police committee warns of failures undermining public safety
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has warned that weaknesses in criminal investigations, forensic services, police accountability and financial management continue to undermine public safety and delay justice. The committee is calling for measurable action following its review of key policing institutions, while the Justice Department is working on a draft…
Tshwane water crisis leaves 408 people ill
At least 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported in Tshwane’s Bronkhorstspruit area, with contaminated water identified as the likely source. An investigation found that water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works was not chlorinated between 24 September and 14 October because of problems with the city’s chlorine supplier…
Mbeki to testify as TRC cases inquiry probes apartheid-era prosecutions
Former president Thabo Mbeki is expected to testify before the TRC cases inquiry as it investigates allegations of political interference in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Former president Jacob Zuma’s testimony has been postponed due to ill health, while both former leaders have unsuccessfully sought the recusal of inquiry chairperson…
Profile Feature: Romantha Botha on telling South Africa’s stories
Phemelo is joined in studio by filmmaker, digital creator and speaker Romantha Botha, who uses short-form storytelling to explore South Africa’s history, identity, language and culture. A former journalist, her work includes the Showmax docu-series Sex & Pleasure and kykNET’s Jou Mase Taal. They discuss her journey from journalism to…
ACCES 2026 brings Africa’s music industry together
The Music In Africa Foundation is preparing for ACCES 2026, a pan-African music industry platform connecting professionals, showcasing talent and creating opportunities for growth across the continent. The conference focuses on developing the music industry, supporting emerging artists and strengthening the creative economy. Phemelo speaks to Music In Africa Foundation…
What To Watch: The Other Mommy, Whalefall and Tuesdays with Morrie
On this week’s What To Watch, Leroy Marc reviews The Other Mommy and Whalefall, coming to cinemas in October, and Tuesdays with Morrie, showing at Theatre on the Square from 4 to 22 November 2026.
ConCourt ruling on ANC candidate lists raises questions ahead of elections
The Constitutional Court has ordered the IEC to include 181 ANC councillor candidates previously excluded from the party’s lists, after the ANC blamed technical glitches in the commission’s online system. The ruling has raised concerns about the precedent it could set for electoral deadlines, with the DA questioning its implications…
Zuma’s arms deal corruption trial set for February 2027
Former president Jacob Zuma and French defence company Thales have abandoned further appeals against a ruling clearing the way for the long-delayed arms deal corruption trial to proceed. The National Prosecuting Authority says the trial is now set to begin on 1 February 2027, after more than two decades of…
Tshwane claims financial recovery after R13bn debt burden
The City of Tshwane says its finances have improved since the ANC-ActionSA-led coalition took office, with reduced debt and stronger revenue collection systems. However, Deputy Mayor and Finance MMC Eugene Modise says the metro still needs to improve revenue collection and address its historical debt. Phemelo Motene speaks to Eugene…