POWER Breakfast

The recent public concern over the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products, sparked by a study conducted at the University of the Free State, requires careful contextualisation. According to experts, while the study highlights the presence of these chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners, the findings do not suggest immediate harm, nor do they warrant changes in consumer behaviour. Thabiso Tema spoke to Jack Biko President of the South African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG).

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A Soweto teenager was forced to seek emergency medical treatment after a teacher allegedly lashed her 92 times with a pipe. The brutal punishment was reportedly sparked by a minor academic infraction: exceeding the required word count on an essay. The assault left the student, whose identity is being protected, with severe blisters and blood clots on her left hand that required professional hospital care. Thabiso Tema spoke to Pumlani Xaba Interim Chair Sephima Education Crisis Committee.

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The Gauteng Provincial Government will formally take full ownership of the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link on 28 March 2026, concluding the 19½‑year Bombela Concession Agreement and completing all financial obligations associated with the multibillion‑rand public‑private partnership (PPP) project. This milestone marks the end of what was once the largest provincial transport infrastructure investment in democratic South Africa. Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, confirmed at a recent briefing that the rapid rail system which links Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport will be a fully paid‑up asset of the province. Thabiso Tema spoke to Tshepo Kgobe CEO, Gautrain Management Agency.

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The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has sharply escalated into one of the most serious military confrontations in the region in years, disrupting daily life, international travel and trapping foreign nationals including South Africans far from home. Over the past few days, coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian military targets have triggered broad regional retaliation, widespread airspace closures and significant disruption to global travel. Thabiso Tema spoke to Paula Slier A veteran journalist, foreign correspondent and former Middle East bureau chief and head of Africa for RT and Ofer Nieman, Israel based Journalist.

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (IPID) report into the controversial 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm has been formally declassified, but it remains inaccessible to the public. Thabiso Tema spoke to Lizzy Suping IPID Spokesperson.

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A political storm has erupted in Gauteng over the funding of Quintile 5 schools, with more than 10 000 residents backing a Democratic Alliance (DA) petition opposing what the party calls “cruel” budget cuts. The DA claims the cuts will erode education standards and force schools to cut essential programmes — a claim that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly denied. Thabiso Tema spoke to Michael Waters DA Gauteng spokesperson for Education.

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Unathi Lutshaba – Executive Director for SACO, about how South Africa’s Cultural, Creative and Sports Industries (CCI&S) have proven to be a significant driver of economic growth, contributing an estimated R271.2 billion to the country’s GDP in 2023, or roughly 3.9% of total economic output, according to the latest research from the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO).

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Chrispin Phiri – DIRCO Spokesperson, about how at least two South African men have died in Russia after being recruited to fight in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed on Thursday

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Thabiso Tema, POWER BREAKFAST host, speaks to Xola Nqola – Member of the Ad Hoc Committee, and David Skhosana, about how, while appearing before a parliamentary committee on police corruption, O’Sullivan walked out of the hearing midway through, claiming he had a flight to catch.

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