POWER Breakfast

Gauteng Education Transport Services (GETS) has issued a formal notice to parents and guardians regarding a planned scholar transport shutdown scheduled for today, 13 February 2026. This service suspension will affect both GETS-affiliated operators and non-affiliates throughout the Gauteng Province. The organization has organized this action to address critical challenges facing the industry, including regulatory uncertainties and operational requirements that impact the safety and sustainability of learner transport. Thabiso Tema spoke to Pilane Ramarutsi - Deputy General Secretary Gauteng Education Transport Service (GETS).

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In a major push to reclaim the streets, SAPS will conduct Operation Shanela today in a crackdown on the violent crime wave gripping Eldorado Park. Situated on the south-western edge of Soweto, the township is struggling under a massive influx of drugs that has fuelled a brutal territorial gang violence between two rival gangs: the Varados and the Fast Guns. Thabiso Tema spoke to Shaquill Kasan Community Leader in the Housing Portfolio Gauteng Housing Crisis Committee (GHCC) and Isaac Sayed ATAAM Holdings Provides free Security for councillors and community of greater Eldorado Park.

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The stage is set for a high-stakes State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026, a year where the political landscape has shifted from a single-party dominant system to the complex, often friction-filled reality of the Government of National Unity (GNU). As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to take the podium at the Cape Town City Hall, he does so under the shadow of his own 2025 "Grand Promise"—a commitment to turn the GNU from a fragile political experiment into a "delivery machine" for jobs, energy security, and radical infrastructure growth. Thabiso Tema spoke to Sinawo Thambo – EFF National Spokesperson and Abel Tau – MK Party Gauteng Spokesperson.

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Vodacom Business, Affordable Connectivity & Digital Transformation for Education South Africa’s education sector is rapidly moving toward a more digital future but for many schools, universities, and learners, the cost of data remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing online learning. With more teaching, homework, assessments, administration, and student support services taking place online, reliable and affordable data has become a critical part of the learning experience. Recognising this challenge, Vodacom Business has stepped in as a key partner in driving digital transformation across basic and higher education. Thabiso Tema spoke to Mncedisi Mayekiso Managing Executive: Direct Sales for Vodacom Business and Samantha Pillay Acting Executive Head for Vodacom Business.

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The relationship between the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and South African universities reveals a systemic "triangular" tension between the funder (NSFAS), the institutions, and the students. Thabiso Tema spoke to Waseem Carrim NSFAS Acting CEO.

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TT in conversation with  Rirange Tshimange.

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Jabulani Khumalo, Chairperson of GASBOC, and Siyabonga Zenande Hlathi, National Coordinator of COSAS, about how the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has intensified its stance on the ongoing scholar transport crisis, formally calling for a total shutdown of all Gauteng schools. As of 9 February 2026, the student body argues that it is “unjust and unacceptable” for academic activities to proceed while thousands of learners remain stranded at home.

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Mr Tseliso Maqubela, Deputy Director-General: Mineral and Petroleum Regulation, about how, as Mining Indaba 2026 unfolds in Cape Town, the focus is not just on how much mineral wealth Africa possesses, but on whether that wealth is being converted into sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and strategic influence. South Africa, as one of the continent’s leading mining economies, is at the centre of this discussion.

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Jabulani Khumalo, Chairperson of GASBOC, and Siyabonga Zenande Hlathi, National Coordinator of COSAS, about how the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has intensified its stance on the ongoing scholar transport crisis, formally calling for a total shutdown of all Gauteng schools. As of 9 February 2026, the student body argues that it is “unjust and unacceptable” for academic activities to proceed while thousands of learners remain stranded at home.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Sean Phillips, Director-General of Water and Sanitation, about how many people in cities, towns and villages are experiencing increasingly frequent water shortages as a result of failing infrastructure, despite the President’s promise of clean water for every citizen.

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