POWER Breakfast

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mike Bolhuis – Independent Crime & Security Analyst, about how child identity theft occurs when a minor’s personal information — such as their full name, date of birth, or identity number — is used by criminals to commit financial or legal fraud.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Emerald Van Zyl – Financial Investigator, about how the R60 billion class action lawsuit against South Africa’s major banks has finally reached a critical turning point after more than eight years of legal preparation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to National Planning Commissioner Sue Bannister about how the National Planning Commissioner has issued a sharp call to action, warning that South Africa’s economic growth and service delivery are being stifled by a "reactive" culture of infrastructure neglect. Speaking from a local government perspective, Bannister emphasized that the next four years will be a critical litmus test for the state's ability to move beyond high-level planning and into "execution excellence."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Nkululeko Xhelithole – Lungelo Lethu Human Rights Foundation, about how hundreds of homeowners are taking four major banks to court after their houses were taken away and sold for much less than they were actually worth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA National Spokesperson, about how four individuals, including two current SASSA officials and one former employee, were arrested on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for their alleged involvement in a R4.9 million fraud scheme.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Prof Matebese, Political Analyst, about how Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2026 Budget Speech earlier yesterday. This budget is particularly significant as it is the second full budget under the 7th Administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU), and it signals a shift from "austerity" toward growth and stability.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Dr Nompumelelo Nyathi-Mohohlwane, lead researcher at the Department of Basic Education, about how the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has expressed significant concern over the high cost of grade repetition, which currently consumes roughly 8% of its budget. According to the DBE’s Funda Uphumelele report — a national survey of reading outcomes for Grades 1 through 4 — 15% of Grade 3 learners nationwide were unable to score a single point on reading assessments.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Bobby Ramagwede, AA CEO, about how the Automobile Association (AA) is raising red flags after the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro performed poorly in the latest "Safer Cars for Africa" crash tests. The vehicle received a disappointing two-star rating for adult protection because it lacks side head protection for passengers in both the front and back.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mosepedi Sanane, NUM Kimberley Regional Secretary, about how, following a fatal underground accident and a prolonged period of financial instability, the Ekapa Mine has reportedly shut down permanently. The company has applied for voluntary liquidation, citing an inability to meet its debts or maintain safe operations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As South Africa approaches this year’s budget speech on 25 February 2026, attention often focuses on unemployment, national debt, and inequality. Yet one policy with the potential to improve the lives of South Africans—particularly the poorest—rarely receives the spotlight it deserves: the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), better known as the sugary drinks tax. Thabiso Tema spoke to Zuki Zimela, Communications Manager at HEALA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.