Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Inside the mystery of planeloads of Palestinians arriving in South Africa

Loading player...
Two chartered flights carrying Palestinians fleeing Gaza have quietly landed at OR Tambo International Airport in the past three weeks triggering confusion and concern among local authorities. Rumours first surfaced around 6 November on civil-society WhatsApp groups: a plane of Palestinian families had arrived in Johannesburg with just seven days of accommodation booked at Airbnbs and hotels and no clear plan beyond that. By 11 November, NGOs led by Gift of the Givers went public, revealing that 176 Palestinians mostly mothers, fathers and children had been brought to South Africa under circumstances they say raise “serious concern about Israeli involvement”. The group was reportedly forced to leave all luggage behind, arriving with no clothing, toiletries or medication beyond what they wore. In the absence of official support, civil society and everyday South Africans stepped in, supplying essentials, shelter and financial assistance. Phemelo speaks to Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude for analysis on recent developments.
17 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

HRDC Summit 2026 focuses on skills for a changing economy

Government has unveiled a renewed push to align education and training with the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy through the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). Chaired by the Deputy President and overseen by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, the council says its mission is to unlock…
17 Apr 5AM 17 min

What to Watch: new films and stage highlights

In this week’s entertainment roundup, Leroy Marc reviews You, Me and Tuscany and Exit 8, both currently screening in cinemas. He also previews Albie Sachs, Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance, which runs at Theatre on the Square from 5 to 24 May, along with other picks to keep an eye…
17 Apr 5AM 17 min

Music Feature: celebrating South Africa’s Afro-soul divas

This week’s music feature with musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal shines a spotlight on South Africa’s Afro-soul divas, exploring the sound and influence of artists such as Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai. The segment revisits standout tracks including A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, Masibambaneni and Emini, among others,…
17 Apr 6AM 9 min

Tshwane CFO suspended as Madlanga Commission fallout deepens

The City of Tshwane has suspended its chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, placing him on precautionary suspension pending an investigation linked to allegations emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed the decision followed a council meeting where representations were considered in line with disciplinary regulations for…
17 Apr 5AM 17 min

Malema claims “hidden hand” after sentencing outside East London court

EFF leader Julius Malema has alleged political interference in his prosecution, telling supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court that a “hidden hand” is driving efforts to derail his political career and weaken the party ahead of the 2026 local elections. This comes after he was sentenced to five years’…
17 Apr 5AM 28 min
All episodes