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.
Did Ramaphosa act in bad faith? Lawyer questions Phala Phala panel report
President Cyril Ramaphosa is challenging the findings of the Phala Phala panel, arguing it failed to properly consider whether he acted deliberately or in bad faith. The president’s review application is being heard in the Western Cape High Court, with his legal team questioning the panel’s conclusion that he had…
Kaya 959 in Kenya with Doctors Without Borders
Across Africa, chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise, putting growing pressure on already stretched health systems. In Kenya’s Homa Bay County, Doctors Without Borders is bringing care closer to patients in rural communities, helping with early diagnosis, treatment and regular follow-ups. Phemelo speaks to Kaya News…
Zuma Foundation to lay criminal case against Justice Sisi Khampepe
The Jacob Zuma Foundation says it will open a criminal case against retired Justice Sisi Khampepe, after the Constitutional Court dismissed Zuma and Thabo Mbeki’s bid to have her recused from the TRC Cases Inquiry. The Foundation also plans to approach the Judicial Services Commission, accusing Khampepe of unlawful and…
Students carry the cost of NSFAS funding cap
The NSFAS accommodation cap was meant to keep student housing costs under control, but Parliament has heard it may be doing the opposite. Instead of lowering rents, the cap has become a “price signal” for some providers, leaving students to cover the shortfall and, in some cases, take on debt…
Matlala trial: Paramedic says Kekana alleged police assault
A paramedic who treated Musa Kekana hours after his arrest told the Johannesburg High Court that he alleged police had assaulted him. The claim forms part of a trial-within-a-trial over the admissibility of evidence obtained after Kekana’s arrest. He and his four co-accused face 25 charges, including 11 counts of…
New rules proposed for teacher-pupil WhatsApp chats
WhatsApp is now part of everyday school life, but where should the line be drawn between teachers and learners? The Department of Basic Education is preparing new guidelines to set clearer boundaries around teacher-learner communication on WhatsApp and social media, aimed at preventing inappropriate relationships and abuse. Phemelo speaks to…
Safe and sound? South Africans aren’t convinced.
Stats SA’s latest crime figures show a drop in housebreaking and property theft, but can we really say South Africans are safer? With several declines not statistically significant, the numbers may not tell the full story. Phemelo speaks to Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.
Rotavirus season: Protect your children
The 2026 rotavirus season is underway, with a sharp rise in cases reported in Pretoria and one death recorded. Parents are urged to make sure children are vaccinated and to watch closely for signs of dehydration, especially when vomiting and diarrhoea occur. Phemelo spoke to NICD Centre for Enteric Diseases…
Tshwane city manager cleared in Rooiwal tender probe
Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler has been cleared of all 21 charges in an investigation into the controversial multi-million-rand Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant tender. The EFF had accused Mettler of shielding officials implicated in the tender and obstructing efforts to recover irregular expenditure. Phemelo spoke to ANC councillor and MMC…
South Africa accuses Israel of breaching ICJ orders
South Africa has filed a dossier with the International Court of Justice, alleging that Israel continues to violate binding orders aimed at protecting Palestinians in Gaza. The submission calls for Israel’s full compliance with the court’s provisional measures as the genocide case continues. Phemelo spoke to University of Johannesburg Senior…
‘We’re prisoners in our own homes’ - Westbury residents
Westbury residents say they are living in fear as gang violence and gun battles continue to grip the Johannesburg community, with shootings increasingly spilling into broad daylight. Residents, community leaders and officials gathered this week to confront the crisis and find ways to curb the violence. Phemelo spoke to Gauteng…
Zuma and Mbeki lose bid to remove Khampepe
Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have failed in their bid to have retired Justice Sisi Khampepe removed from the inquiry into alleged political interference in apartheid-era TRC cases. The Constitutional Court has allowed Khampepe to remain as chair, while granting Zuma and Mbeki leave to appeal parts of…
EFF bid to oust National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza defeated
The EFF’s bid to remove National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has been defeated by 282 votes to 101. Julius Malema accused Didiza of protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC. The motion was supported by MKP, ACDP, ATM, NCC and UAT. Phemelo speaks to Legal Expert Bophelo Seleke and EFF…
South Sudan President Salva Kiir in SA for official visit
South Sudan President Salva Kiir is in South Africa for high-level talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the country prepares for elections later this year. The visit comes amid concerns over violations of the revitalised peace agreement and tensions with the main opposition. Phemelo speaks to Africa correspondent Nixon Katembo.
R370 SRD grant rules challenged
The future of the R370 SRD grant is under scrutiny as government appeals a High Court ruling that found it should be treated as a permanent social grant. The Institute for Economic Justice says government must justify limits on who qualifies and ensure fair access. Phemelo speaks to IEJ Senior…
Ramaphosa calls for political unity to tackle SA water crisis
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa can tackle its water crisis through the same coordinated approach used to address load shedding. He says the National Water Action Plan targets poor infrastructure, municipal failures, corruption and criminality. Phemelo speaks to WaterCan Executive Director, Dr Ferrial Adam.
Home Affairs warns deportation costs could hit key programmes
The Home Affairs Committee is concerned that R341 million spent on increased deportations could force the department to divert funds from planned programmes. It says the department’s annual deportation budget is already depleted and is calling for a sustainable plan to address the pressure. Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mosa Chabane joins…
Joburg settles R5.25bn Eskom debt
The City of Joburg has paid Eskom more than R5.25 billion in overdue electricity bills, averting the threat of power cuts. The payment follows mediation between the city, City Power and Eskom to resolve long-standing billing disputes. Phemelo speaks to Joburg Mayor Dada Morero about the settlement and what comes…
US-Canada Trade War Escalates
Trade tensions between the US and Canada have intensified after Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canada has vowed to retaliate dollar-for-dollar from 8 September, targeting sectors including steel, dairy, agriculture and electronics. The move follows the collapse of trade talks, with Canadian Prime…
Madlanga Commission Rejects Cat Matlala Postponement
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has been ordered to continue testifying at the Madlanga Commission after commissioners rejected his lawyers’ second bid for a postponement. His legal team cited difficulties consulting with him in prison and threatened further legal action. Matlala is also expected to invoke his right against self-incrimination during his…