5 Mid Mornings

In South Africa, Justice Desk Africa stands by survivors of GBV in their pursuit for justice. Speaking to us is Senior Programme Coordinator, Clarice Louw. We learn about the Mbokodo Programme - for women - as well as the iNtsika yeThemba project - addressing toxic masculinity as a contributing factor of GBV.

A friend of mine lent her neighbour a really good quality blender for a party they were hosting. A few days later it was returned looking clean and normal. Months later, when she went to use it again, she realised it wasn’t actually her original blender at all. The neighbour had broken the expensive one and quietly replaced it with a much cheaper model, hoping she wouldn’t notice.

If you borrow something and break it, is replacing it with a cheaper version ever okay, or do you owe the exact same item back, no excuses?

With half of South Africa's Clubfoot cases going untreated, CEO and Founder of STEPS, Karen Moss joins us for a deep dive into her editorial. We unpack the consequences of unreliable data in the country's disability data and a surveillance approach that could remedy that issue.

A woman in New York went viral this week after her date left his phone open and she saw his ChatGPT history. It turned out he wasn't just using it for work; he was using AI to write all his texts to her, including the deep, emotional ones.

Question of the Day: If you found out the person you were falling for was using AI to write their "deep" romantic messages to you, would you feel betrayed, or would you just be impressed they put in the effort to "edit" their personality?

Is it acceptable to open and start snacking on a bag of chips or a drink in the grocery store before you've paid for it, as long as you intend to scan the empty wrapper at the till?

A woman made headlines for sending her friends a "calendar invite" three months in advance just to grab coffee, sparking a debate about whether adult friendships have become "too scheduled" and business-like.

The Question: Has "scheduling" killed the fun of friendship? Do you prefer a friend who texts "I'm outside, come out" or a friend who sends a calendar invite for a Tuesday in three weeks?

Advocate Mary Taylor walks us through the police station and into the courtroom for survivors who reach out to the organisation. We also learn that some courts are starting to specialize in GBV cases and prioritize survivors' ability to be protected by the law.

The Story: After being "ghosted" following three expensive dates, a man decided he wasn't going to take the "silent treatment" lying down. He sent the woman an actual invoice for his half of the dinners and drinks, totaling about R2,500. He claimed that since she "terminated the trial period without notice," she should reimburse the investment. She shared the invoice online to mock him, but surprisingly, a lot of people are siding with the guy.

If someone ghosts you after you've paid for multiple dates, do they owe you a refund? Is sending an invoice for a "failed" romance a genius move or the most desperate thing you’ve ever heard?

People are getting way too comfortable cancelling plans over very minor things

I’m all for people advocating for their needs and taking care of themselves. But people are getting way too comfortable cancelling plans over very minor things. Not feeling like leaving the house, not wanting to drive ten minutes, deciding last minute that it’s too much. That’s inconsiderate, especially when you made the plans. Part of caring about people is sometimes mildly inconveniencing yourself. Emergencies, real responsibilities, or genuine changes are understandable. Cancelling last minute with no apology because you just don’t feel like it isn’t. This is about a growing pattern, not one isolated situation.

You Matter Foundation AfricaAs the academic year begins, many young South Africans are without school supplies and You Matter Foundation Africa's Founder and Executive Director, Mpuseng Mosupye joins us for a conversation about the School Supply Drive. We also learn about the resources it takes for the organisation to help those in need.