A recent study by Trade Intelligence shows that 39% of online betters are gambling more than they did a year ago, what’s more is that people are prioritising betting over basics, like groceries. Salem Nyati, Consumer Financial Education Specialist at Momentum Group Foundation talks about factors behind the continued rise in gambling, including the proliferation of online betting platforms and the cost-of-living squeeze. Kaya FM

As property prices continue to climb across South Africa, the dream of home ownership is drifting further out of reach for many first-time buyers. In that environment, repossessed properties are increasingly being marketed as a smart shortcut into the market, discounted, distressed sales that appear to offer instant value. Tonight Rowan Terry, Legal Counsel at TPN Credit Bureau unpacks a critical question: Are repossessed properties a genuine pathway to wealth creation or a costly misstep for buyers who don’t do their homework? Kaya FM

South Africa’s labour market showed modest signs of relief in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey. The official unemployment rate declined slightly to 31.4%, marking the second consecutive quarterly decrease and the lowest reading since mid-2020. This was supported by a modest increase of 44,000 in employed persons, while the number of unemployed fell by 172,000. Solly Molayi, Acting Deputy Director-General of Population and Social Statistics at Statistics South Africa joins KayaBiz to unpack the survey. Kaya FM

With the Q4 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics South Africa, the national conversation is once again focused on the headline unemployment rate. However, the deeper story emerging from recent labour-market trends points to far more consequential questions about youth exclusion, job quality, long-term unemployment, and the country’s economic trajectory into 2026. Gugulethu and Dr Linda Meyer, MD Rosebank College discuss whether the latest unemployment rate reflects genuine recovery or continued structural stagnation. Kaya FM

Two of South Africa's (SA) biggest trade unions have rejected an improved 6% salary increase offer from state-owned power utility Eskom, their representatives said this Tuesday. Eskom has dragged on Africa's largest economy for years, owing to power cuts and the company's financial troubles, but improved performance from its coal-fired power stations has halted outages and brought the first annual profit in eight years. Khangela Baloyi, NUM National Energy Sector Coordinator explains why this 6% offer, above inflation at 3.6%, is still unacceptable to NUM. Kaya FM

The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) is pushing back hard against proposed liquor licence fee increases by the Gauteng Liquor Board, warning that the move could cripple thousands of township-based micro and small businesses. Jongikhaya Kraai, Spokesperson, Gauteng Liquor Traders Association discuss what a sustainable licensing fee look like for township-based micro businesses. Kaya FM

As the tax year closes on 28 February 2026, there’s one group of South Africans who need to pay particularly close attention, those earning extra income on the side. Tax Expert, Mandilakhe Nontenja helps listeners understand how your hustle affects your tax bill, and how to manage it smartly. Kaya FM

According to the Afrika Tikkun Foundation, nearly five million young South Africans become economically invisible this February as universities reach capacity, job opportunities tighten, and thousands of matriculants and graduates find no clear pathway forward. Dr Nellie Zembe, Group Head: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning explain s why this happens and ways to tackle. Kaya FM

Ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 25 February Budget Speech, there is growing concern that taxpayers may be heading into what tax specialist Lance Collop describes as a “Silent Budget” — a year in which take‑home pay declines even without headline tax rate increases. Lance joins KayaBiz. Kaya FM

Gugulethu and Telecoms analyst, Dobek Pater take a closer look at the latest developments in South Africa’s telecom sector, following recent results and trading updates from major players. Telkom is expected to report stronger earnings since December, Cell C has released its first results since listing on the JSE, and Vodacom continues to focus on its Egyptian operations. Meanwhile, MTN is making headlines with its planned acquisition of the IHS Tower company. Kaya FM