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.
Israel election dispute and uncertainty over South Africa’s AGOA status
Israel’s election commission says the general election results will stand despite allegations of foreign interference, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party questioned the outcome without providing evidence. Meanwhile, South Africa faces uncertainty over its continued eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides preferential access to…
IEC reports over 780,000 special votes on first day
More than 780,000 South Africans cast their ballots on the first day of special voting ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections. The two-day process allows eligible voters who cannot reach polling stations on election day, including the elderly, people with disabilities and essential workers, to vote early. Kaya News reporter…
What voters need to know about South Africa’s 2026 local government elections
With South Africans heading to the polls, Phemelo speaks to Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms about what voters need to know before casting their ballots. They unpack the role of local government, how the voting process works, the powers of councillors and how mayors are elected. The discussion also explores…
WaterCAN calls for urgent intervention in Joburg water crisis
WaterCAN is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Water Coordination Committee (WaterCom) to urgently intervene as parts of Johannesburg endure prolonged water outages, with some communities reportedly without supply for up to 10 days. The organisation says residents are increasingly frustrated, with protests taking place across the city, and is demanding…
SAHRC says Gauteng water crisis is rooted in failing infrastructure
The South African Human Rights Commission says Gauteng’s water crisis is not simply about water shortages, but reflects ageing infrastructure, high water losses and failures in municipal distribution systems. Its 171-page inquiry report highlights persistent interruptions and weaknesses in water and sanitation services across the province’s nine water services authorities…
Joburg water supply shows signs of recovery after weeks of outages -Morero
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero says water supply is beginning to recover in several parts of the city following weeks of disruptions, with improved system capacity and increased bulk water supply. However, restoration remains gradual, and some communities may continue experiencing low pressure and interruptions as reservoirs replenish. Morero has urged…
Kgabi Johanna Meso promises to put community needs first in Ward 100
Independent Ward 100 candidate Kgabi Johanna Meso is seeking to become councillor for Cosmo City and surrounding areas ahead of the 4 November local government elections. Known as “Rakgadi wa Bana”, Meso draws on more than a decade of community work, with a focus on youth development, neighbourhood safety and…
ACCES 2026 connects African music to global markets
ACCES 2026 brings more than 700 music industry professionals from over 45 countries to Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October, creating opportunities for artists to build international audiences and connect with global markets. Phemelo is joined in studio by Your Weekly Touch Up co-founder ByLwansta and Star FM Head of…
DA’s Tyrone Gray targets Mogale City mayoral seat
DA Mogale City mayoral candidate Tyrone Gray joins Phemelo to discuss his candidacy and plans for the municipality ahead of the local government elections. His priorities include tackling corruption, improving law enforcement coordination, attracting investment, using infrastructure to strengthen service delivery and putting residents at the centre of local government.
Oliver and Adelaide Tambo memorial lecture
Phemelo speaks to Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation CEO Natasha Allie about the 2026 Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture theme, The Mirror, Map and Compass, and how self-awareness, ethical leadership and strategic vision can guide governance, accountability and nation-building in uncertain times.
SAMWU vows to continue protest over R5.4bn in City of Joburg benefits
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) says it will continue its fight for outstanding employee benefits linked to a 2016 agreement with the City of Johannesburg. The dispute escalated on Monday when protests disrupted parts of the city, including the M1 highway, and several union members were arrested. SAMWU…
Israel votes in closely contested election
Israelis are voting in a pivotal election, with record turnout reported and neither major political bloc projected to secure the 61 seats needed to form a majority government. The contest is widely viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, with security and democracy central to the campaign…
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,…