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

Matlala details R15m loan to service SAPS contract

Alleged tender kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission he borrowed R15 million from North West businessman Suleman Carrim to service his Medicare 24 contract with the SAPS. Matlala’s testimony has been postponed to next Monday, pending an affidavit on issues surrounding the contract. He declined to answer…
17 Aug 2PM 5 min

POV PROFILE: Kelebogile Marope Wins 2026 FNB Art Prize

Contemporary artist Kelebogile Marope has been named the winner of the 2026 FNB Art Prize, recognised for her distinctive approach to sculpture and her ability to push the boundaries of the traditionally male-dominated medium. Now in its 19th edition, FNB Art Joburg continues to champion Africa’s creative talent and cultural…
13 Aug 3PM 40 min

WHAT TO WATCH: End of Oak Street, Brink of War, Umtheto

Leroy Marc brings you his latest entertainment picks, reviewing The End of Oak Street, Brink of War, Umtheto and Sarajevo, alongside other films and theatre productions worth checking out. From the big screen to the stage and Netflix, Phemelo and Leroy unpack what should be on your watchlist this week.
13 Aug 2PM 20 min

Tackling Gang Violence Through Public Consultation

Gang violence has reached crisis levels, particularly in the Cape Flats, prompting Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police to launch an in-depth inquiry into the scourge. The committee says the process must go beyond consultation and focus on finding lasting solutions, with victims, communities, civil society and other stakeholders brought into…
13 Aug 2PM 12 min

EmpowaWomen Celebrates 10 Years with City of Her

EmpowaWomen is marking a decade of championing women’s leadership with the launch of City of Her a movement designed to connect women to leadership opportunities, influential networks, markets and funding. The initiative will officially launch at the 10th Annual EmpowaWomen Leadership Summit in Randburg later this month. Phemelo speaks to…
13 Aug 2PM 6 min
All episodes