Advertise on podcast: 947 Drive with Thando

It’s been a busy day at the Madlanga Commission, with developments around two witnesses at the centre of some of the evidence being heard by the inquiry. Mpumalanga taxi boss Oupa “Bafana” Sindane’s WhatsApp messages are now being presented to the Commission as it examines his alleged links to people in the taxi industry and individuals accused of being hitmen. His attempt to stop the use of those messages was also unsuccessful in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria today. And then there’s Feroz Khan, who was expected to appear before the Commission but did not, after his application to postpone his appearance was dismissed. The Commission has now directed that criminal charges be laid against him. We’re speaking to EWN reporter Karinda Jagmohan for more on what has been happening at the Madlanga Commission today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you feel like your money is being stretched further and further these days, there is a lot happening in the economy that could explain why. Earlier today, Statistics South Africa told us that consumer inflation has climbed to 4.4%; meaning prices, overall, are rising faster than they were a month earlier. And then, just a short while ago, the South African Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.5%. Now, you might hear those numbers and think, “What does any of this have to do with me?” Quite a lot. Because these decisions can eventually determine how much you pay to borrow money, how much your monthly repayments cost, how much businesses pay to operate and, ultimately, how much you have left in your pocket at the end of the month. So, at a time when South Africans are already trying to make their money go further, are we heading into another squeeze, and what should households be watching? Independent economist Xhanti Payi joins us to unpack it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the drive with Thando today we ask what is the strangest experience you have had in a taxi. We hear from a wide variety of people who have some very interesting stories from all around Johannesburg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 59-year-old police lieutenant-general has been arrested over allegations involving the grooming of a 16-year-old girl and the rape of an 18-year-old woman, with his expected appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court yet to take place. While speculation continues over the officer’s identity, EWN says it has independently established who he is but cannot publish his name at this stage because the case involves a minor. EWN journalist Alpha Ramushwana joined us to unpack what is known about the arrest, the delayed court appearance and how the case relates to the Recommendations Task Team established following the Madlanga Commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thando and Msizi are in discussion with Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, an activist and former Member of the National Assembly of South Africa, on this instalment of Your Story. Ndlozi's journey is a testament to the complexities of the country's history and the ongoing struggle for unity and self-sufficiency.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and overlook the little things that make a big difference in our communities. But what happens when those little things add up and become a bigger issue? Thando, Msizi, and the listeners delve into the world of municipal bylaws and how they impact our safety and comfort in living. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the country gears up for municipal elections, a pressing question has been on the minds of many: what role do municipal bylaws play in maintaining law and order? Thando and Msizi are in conversation with Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) Chief of Police Patrick Jaca about municipal bylaws.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Naked Wheel Talk, Thando and Msizi chatted to car content creator Jacob Moshokoa about what motorists need to know when an older vehicle’s factory warranty, service plan, and maintenance plan expire. The conversation unpacked what this means for owners who want to keep their cars for longer, including the costs and responsibilities they may need to take on. Listeners were also invited to shape future Naked Wheel Talk conversations by submitting the car questions and topics they want the show to tackle. Anouschka Cowley asked her question and won R1000 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes it takes an outsider to notice the things we’ve stopped seeing in our own country. Thando came across a video of an American sharing his observations about South Africa, and some of the things he pointed out are so normal to us that we barely even notice them. So we want to know: what have tourists or visitors taught you about South Africa that you’d never really thought about before? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inquest into Anele Tembe’s death has heard that Kiernan “AKA” Forbes made a frantic call to staff at Cape Town’s Pepperclub Hotel moments before her fatal fall. A hotel employee testified that Forbes sounded panicked and said someone was on the balcony and wanted to jump; while still on the call, she heard a scream or loud voice followed by a loud bang. The testimony comes as the Forbes family has decided not to be represented at the inquest, despite AKA’s father previously indicating that he would testify. Thando and the team chat to Ntuthuzelo Nene from EWN to recap the story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Mthombeni and former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth have announced that they are expecting their first child together. Mthombeni revealed the pregnancy on Instagram with three pairs of trainers and the caption, “Tiny kicks are officially on the way.” The announcement comes four years after their relationship first made headlines during the controversial “cheesecake-gate” scandal, with the couple now raising a blended family together Thando and the team explore some stories in which 2 people have gotten together while being with other people and it has worked out See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cape Town is looking to tighten the rules around Airbnb and other short-term rentals, with new registration requirements and possible changes to how some properties are rated. Thando and the team, caught up with Ash Muller to unpack what the proposed regulations could mean for homeowners, renters and Cape Town’s booming tourism industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation explored some of the biggest insecurities men face, from appearance, hair loss and body image. It also looked at how men are increasingly taking care of themselves through grooming, fitness, skincare, mental health support and being more open about the pressures and insecurities they experience See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.