Kaya 959

More than 1,000 jobs could be on the line after De Beers announced it will suspend production at its Venetia mine for two years. The company says the decision is driven by weak global demand for natural diamonds, falling prices and growing competition from lab-grown stones. Venetia is South Africa's largest diamond mine and a major employer, raising concerns about the impact on workers, surrounding communities and the country's mining sector. Phemelo Motene speaks to mining expert David van Wyk about the reasons behind the decision and what it means for the industry. www.kaya959.co.za · Kayafm

As forecasts point to a possible El Niño-driven drought during South Africa's next summer crop season, questions are growing about what it could mean for food prices. While droughts typically reduce agricultural output and push up the cost of food, experts say this time the country may be better prepared. Above-average rainfall over the past season has boosted soil moisture and dam levels, while healthy grain reserves could help cushion consumers from sharp price increases. Phemelo speaks to Senior Agricultural Economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, Thabile Nkunjana, about what South Africans can expect. www.kaya959.co.za · Kayafm

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has accused the City of Johannesburg of failing residents at the Shalazile Informal Settlement, despite spending R121 million on an electrification project. Following an oversight visit, Mashaba raised concerns over allegations of excessive spending, persistent power outages and poor living conditions, saying families continue to live without adequate sanitation, drainage and reliable basic services. The settlement was established to house survivors of the 2023 Usindiso building fire, but residents say they remain neglected. Phemelo speaks to ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba about the findings and the allegations against the city. www.kaya959.co.za · Kayafm

Johannesburg is grappling with a deepening electricity crisis, with more than 1,200 power outages reported in just two weeks, leaving thousands of residents and businesses in the dark. Concerns are mounting over City Power's ability to respond, amid claims of idle repair teams, shortages of critical equipment and allegations of corruption. Some communities have endured blackouts for weeks, while reports of cable theft, extortion and recurring infrastructure failures have added to residents' frustrations. Phemelo Motene speaks to Daily Maverick journalist Anna Cox about what's driving the crisis and what needs to change. www.kaya959.co.za · Kayafm

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has told the Khampempe Commission that the democratic state should never have paid the legal fees of former apartheid-era Security Branch officers accused of torture, kidnapping and murder. Cele says those accused of crimes committed under apartheid should have funded their own legal defence, arguing it was unjust for taxpayers to carry the cost. While acknowledging that court rulings compelled SAPS to cover the legal fees, Cele says he remains deeply opposed to the practice. Phemelo Motene speaks to Kaya News reporter Keneiloe Huma for the latest from the commission. www.kaya959.co.za · Kayafm

President Cyril Ramaphosa is asking the Western Cape High Court to stop Parliament's impeachment process from moving forward until the court decides whether the Section 89 Independent Panel report was lawful. The President argues that allowing the inquiry to continue before his review application is heard would cause him "severe" and irreparable harm. Meanwhile, the Impeachment Committee is continuing preparations for its inquiry, despite the ongoing legal challenge. Phemelo Motene speaks to legal expert Bophelo Seleke unpacking the constitutional and legal implications of the case. www.kaya959.co.za · Kayafm

Telkom CEO Serame Taukobong discusses the company’s landmark R100 million pledge to launch the Telkom AI Institute — a national platform aimed at building AI and digital skills, accelerating innovation, and expanding participation in the digital economy. He explains why “connectivity without capability only gets South Africa halfway there,” how AI is creating a new digital divide, and what the Institute means for young people, small businesses, and the country’s Vision 2030 ambitions. www.kaya959.co.za

South Africa’s youth still want financial independence, homeownership, stability and long‑term security — but the path is tougher. Standard Bank’s Tshiamo Molanda breaks down the latest Youth Barometer findings, showing how young people are adapting rather than lowering their ambitions. From strategic credit use and rising first‑time homeownership to digital‑first payments, side hustles and value‑driven car buying, this episode explores how Gen Z is navigating adulthood in a changing economy. www.kaya959.co.za · Kaya FM

DataEQ analysed more than 79,000 customer complaints across Facebook, X and Hellopeter — and the results are stark: every ISP in South Africa recorded negative operational sentiment. Managing Director Sarah Lamb unpacks why service channels are failing, why billing errors and cancellations are spiralling, and how outages turn into multi‑week frustrations. She also explains how AI could resolve nearly a third of ISP issues at first contact www.kaya959.co.za · Kaya FM

Africa is producing more blockchain innovation than ever — but attracting less investment. In this panel discussion, Absa’s Rob Downes explains why Africa may be “the world’s most mispriced blockchain market,” while Bitexen SA CEO Mark Diuga breaks down how tokenisation and trusted digital infrastructure could reshape access to real‑world assets. www.kaya959.co.za · Kaya FM