POWER Breakfast

POWER Breakfast host Thabiso Tema is in conversation with Ofer Nieman an Israeli based journalist after the announcement of the ceasefire. The ceasefire has brought relief but doesn’t signify peace. Tensions remain high as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu views it as temporary, with far-right allies pushing for renewed conflict after 42 days. Hamas claims victory, and the US reports it has replenished fighters despite Israel’s efforts to eradicate the group. Decades of peace attempts have failed, and the ongoing violence has deepened the hatred between Israelis and Palestinians.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matome Chiloane, MEC Of Basic Education

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Nasiphi Moya, Tshwane Mayor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thabiso Tema caught up with the Education department's MEC, Matome Chiloane

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The reconstruction of Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg has encountered significant delays following the termination of the contract with the initial contractor, Step-Up Engineering. This decision was made by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) due to unsatisfactory progress on the rehabilitation project.  The delays stem from a gas explosion in July 2024 that caused substantial damage to the street. In response, the City of Johannesburg announced a R196 million rehabilitation initiative to restore the affected area.  Thabiso Tema spoke with Kenny Kunene, Joburg Transport MMC.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norton Rose Fulbright, a prominent international law firm, has initiated legal action against the South African government, challenging the recently implemented Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legal sector code. The firm contends that the new regulations impose “unreasonable and unrealistic” targets on large law firms, potentially hindering their ability to secure work and maintain client relationships.  The B-BBEE legal sector code, gazetted in September 2024, sets specific ownership and management targets aimed at increasing black representation within the legal industry. Norton Rose Fulbright argues that these targets are impractical for large law firms and could result in a loss of business to consulting firms and other professional services providers not subject to the same stringent requirements.  Thabiso Tema spoke with Benedict Phiri, Founder and Managing Director of IusPrudentia. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa looks set to go for weeks without the lotto, which could reduce much-needed funding for dozens of social welfare, education, sporting and cultural organisations. Good causes in jeopardy as Lotto delay drags on United Civil Society in Action, representing NGOs, warns effects could be devastating for crucial money flows. This means charities, sports federations, and other good causes that have previously benefited from the lottery’s R1.4bn annual contributions could face funding shortfalls. Nonprofit organizations, particularly those dependent on lottery funding, say the delays threaten their survival. Parks Tau, social development minister, warned in April that funds would dry up by June. Thabiso Tema spoke with Alan Beesley, ActionSA Member of Parliament and Tebogo Sithathu, Chairperson United Civil Society in Action (UCSA) 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delivering the annual January 8th Statement at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the ANC “faces an existential crisis” wherein it must finally renew itself in order to survive.   Ramaphosa delivered the party’s first January 8th Statement since its historic defeat in the May 2024 elections, and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), with a particular decisiveness and intensity. Thabiso Tema spoke with Lukhona Mnguni, Political Analyst .

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has acknowledged the improved salary offer from the government and believes the minimal gap between the parties’ positions provides a basis for further engagement.  In an update to its members on Friday, the union said salary negotiations in the public sector resumed on Wednesday at the Public Sector Co-ordinating Bargaining Council and the employer’s revised offer included a 5% increase for 2025/2026, up from the previous offer of 4.7%. According to the union, the employer said increases for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 will be based on the projected consumer price index (CPI). The employer said the base housing allowance will increase from R1,784.55 to R1,900 in April and a further increase in line with CPI will be implemented in July.  Thabiso Tema spoke with Joseph Mashigo, PSA Chief Negotiator.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It will take R12m and, if all goes according to plan, 16 days to rescue the estimated 550 illegal miners trapped inside the Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein, says the company heading the job. However, heavy rain is already complicating preparations for the rescue operation involving a huge piece of equipment – believed to be a mobile rescue winch – that will be lowered into the mine ventilation shaft. It is due to be deployed from Johannesburg. The illegal miners are trapped up to 3km into the cavern at a rate of about 0.6m a minute – allowing for bad weather – the team could retrieve about 55 people an hour, according to Mines Rescue Services (MRS) CE Mannas Fourie. Thabiso Tema spoke with Mannas Fourie, Chief Executive Officer, Mines Rescue Services, South Africa .

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.