AREA CODE

IN CONVERSATION WITH SIYABONGA MOSES NKAMBAKO- PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN UNION OF STUDENTS(SAUS)

More than 40,000 students across 76 higher education institutions were improperly funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), with the value of the funding estimated at about R5.1 billion. The figure, which dates back to findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), has now become part of a…

20 Aug 10 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH DR RENATA MAHARAJ- HEADOF MEDICAL AFFAIRS AT NOVARTIS(SOUTH AFRICA)

As South Africa marks Women’s Month, a period that commemorates the historic 1956 Women’s March and its demand for dignity, equality and basic rights, another question continues to confront the country: how equal is access to life-saving healthcare? For thousands of South African women diagnosed with breast cancer, the answer…

20 Aug 10 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH THAKHANI KHOROMMBI

Health experts and government officials are calling for a stronger focus on prevention, healthier lifestyle choices and harm reduction as South Africa continues to face a growing burden of chronic diseases. The call was made at the Wellness Collective Summit, hosted by WomenCan at Pere House on Tuesday. The event…

19 Aug 14 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH INNOCENT MOLOI

A Muslim social worker’s firearm licence application was reportedly rejected after she was allegedly told that her application photograph, in which she was wearing a hijab, “may not be accepted”. The incident has raised questions about whether South African law allows religious head coverings in firearm licence photographs and whether…

19 Aug 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH REFILOE NT'SEKHE

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has 170 critical frontline posts currently vacant, including 102 social worker positions and 74 child and youth care worker positions. These professionals provide essential services to vulnerable residents, including children affected by abuse and neglect, victims of gender-based violence, older people and communities dealing…

19 Aug 9 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH Onwabile Lubhelwana

The Gauteng Department of Education is investigating allegations of sexual harassment involving an educator and a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner at Minerva Secondary School. According to the department, the alleged inappropriate communication between the educator and the learner began in June 2026 and reportedly continued through WhatsApp and other interactions…

19 Aug 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH TIEGO KHOZA- POLITICAL ANALYST

Today’s proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry placed alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala firmly in the spotlight. Appearing under subpoena at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, Matlala repeatedly invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination when questioned about the controversial R360 million SAPS Medicare24 tender, a contract…

18 Aug 8 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH PHUTHANANG MOTSIELWA- TAX EXPERT

South Africa’s gig economy is expanding rapidly, with more people earning money outside their monthly salaries through Uber driving, freelancing, content creation, tutoring, or selling products online. SARS requires all of this income to be declared, regardless of the amount. Failure to declare can lead to audits, penalties, and backdated…

18 Aug 16 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH Priscilla Molepo

Today, we’re talking about something that affects almost every part of our lives money. From budgeting and saving to debt, financial pressure and planning for the future, financial wellness is not just about how much money you make, but how you manage, understand and feel about your money. 13:10 Joining…

17 Aug 19 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH TIEGO KHOZA- POLITICAL ANALYST

Jacob Zuma is back on the campaign trail — and he is not pulling his punches. Speaking in the Eastern Cape, Zuma attacked President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling him a “crook” and questioning his leadership of the country. But the interesting story isn’t simply “Zuma attacks Ramaphosa.” The bigger question is:…

17 Aug 5 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH PHETO NTABA-SPOKESPERSON OF THE NATIONAL CONSUMER'S COMISSION(NCC)

You probably know the routine: your phone rings, you don’t recognise the number, you answer — and someone wants to sell you insurance, a funeral policy, a cellphone contract or some other product. You block the number, and then another one calls the next day. But the bigger issue isn’t…

17 Aug 7 min

IN CONVERSATION KEVIN CHAPLIN- MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE AMY FOUNDATION

What if changing one young person’s life could change an entire family? That is the philosophy behind Kevin Chaplin’s work with the South African Ubuntu Foundation and the Amy Foundation — organisations focused on youth skills, employment, entrepreneurship and social cohesion. But his story starts somewhere unexpected: a successful career…

17 Aug 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH TARZAN

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.

14 Aug 17 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH HERMAN MASHABA

ActionSA has raised concerns over the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey figures from Statistics South Africa, which show that Johannesburg lost 28,000 jobs between April and June 2026. The party says the figures point to a broader failure by government to address unemployment, poverty and economic insecurity. ActionSA argues that…

12 Aug 8 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH LUNGELO MKAMBA

The South African Social Security Agency in Gauteng has clarified the qualifying criteria and assessment process for Disability Grant applications, particularly the role of the means test. The Disability Grant is intended to provide financial assistance to qualifying South African citizens, permanent residents and recognised refugees between the ages of…

12 Aug 12 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH INNOCENT MOLOI

South Africa has a strong legal framework aimed at protecting women against discrimination and promoting equality in the workplace. Despite these protections, women continue to face challenges such as unequal pay, pregnancy discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment when returning from maternity leave. The Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination in…

12 Aug 9 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH Brenda Van Zyl, Founder and Financial Adviser for Financial Services

Financial literacy among South African youth and students is increasingly urgent, with only about half of the population considered financially literate. For students relying on NSFAS or bursaries, the ability to budget, save, and avoid debt traps is critical to building resilience and preparing for life beyond graduation. In South…

11 Aug 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH Ernst Van Zyl Head of Public Relations at Afriforum.

Good morning South Africa. A major legal battle is unfolding in the Western Cape High Court today as the Democratic Alliance, AfriForum, and the Institute of Race Relations challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Expropriation Act. Signed into law in January 2025, the Act sets out rules for land expropriation without compensation,…

11 Aug 6 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH Jabu Ndlovu, Seasoned Insurance Expert

Insurance is becoming a central part of financial planning for young South Africans as they begin to acquire assets, start businesses, and take on family responsibilities. Unlike previous generations who often delayed insurance until later in life, today’s youth are engaging with policies earlier, driven by digital accessibility, rising financial…

11 Aug 11 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH NALEDI SETZIN

Naledi is a young writer and aspiring storyteller whose passion lies in creating imaginative worlds through poetry, novels and narrative dialogues. She draws inspiration from her everyday surroundings, transforming ordinary experiences into compelling stories that encourage readers to reflect, question and interpret her work in their own unique ways. Through…

5 Aug 4 min