Stacey & J Sbu

Every Wednesday, the little ones of our province melt our airwaves with their cuteness. It’s a chance for the kids of KZN to share something with us.

This week, Aunty Stacey and Uncle J Sbu asked the kids of KZN: If you could make up a new holiday, what would it be called, and how would we celebrate?

Here's what your little ones had to say!

Stacey Norman and J Sbu hosted a discussion with listeners about the impact of over-commercialising residential areas. The conversation was prompted by recent changes in places like Umhlanga, where new business developments, including a proposed casino, have sparked debate among residents.

Listeners described the transformation of quiet, seaside towns into busy commercial centres, raising concerns about increased traffic, noise, and pressure on local infrastructure. Stacey shared her own experiences of water, sewage, and traffic issues, noting that the area’s infrastructure now struggles to cope with the growing number of businesses and visitors.

On Friday, as anticipation built across KwaZulu-Natal, our Sports Lead Nick Tatham gave us an inside look at the Springboks’ mindset. The team’s focus was evident even before kick-off, and by Saturday evening, their determination had been emphatically proven on the field.

Now, with such a powerful display behind them, the big questions emerge. What does this dominant win signal for the Springboks going forward, and how much of a statement have they made to the rest of the rugby world? Nick, in studio as always, unpacks the atmosphere, the achievement and the road ahead.

Today on Confessions with Stacey and J Sbu, listeners were taken on an emotional journey through the story of a graduate who has been unemployed for five years. The reason, however, is not what the parents believe. While they attribute the ongoing job search to a difficult market, the real cause is a secret that has weighed heavily on their child’s conscience.

The confession, read aloud by J Sbu, reveals that during varsity, the confessor was arrested for drinking and driving. A night in jail was followed by a late uncle’s intervention, who paid the fine and promised to keep the incident from the confessor’s parents. Since then, every job application has been hindered by a criminal record, leaving the graduate at home, unable to explain the true reason for their struggle.

Stacey and J Sbu open the floor to listeners. Some callers suggest that the confessor should investigate whether the record can be expunged, while others, particularly parents, express the pain of being kept in the dark. The emotional toll of maintaining such a secret is discussed, with many agreeing that the burden of the lie can be worse than the original mistake.

Legal perspectives are shared, noting that expungement is not automatic and can take up to ten years, requiring legal assistance and transparency.

ECR NewsWatch's Nushera Soodyal sits down with Stacey and J Sbu to unpack one of the most talked-about testimonies before the commission of inquiry: National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola’s claims about the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.

Masemola testified that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to dissolve the specialised unit in December last year was unlawful, arguing that the minister overstepped his mandate. According to Masemola, operational decisions like creating or dissolving units fall under his authority as commissioner, while the minister’s role is limited to shaping broad policing policy.

Adding weight to his argument, SAPS legal head General Petronella van Rooyen told the commission that Mchunu acted outside his powers. Masemola revealed that he even turned to President Cyril Ramaphosa for intervention, only to be told that the president would speak to Mchunu, a move that ultimately did not change the outcome.

Earlier testimony by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also suggested that the disbandment could have been influenced by powerful figures seeking to derail investigations into a high-profile murder syndicate.

Listen in as Nushera breaks down the explosive details, legal complexities and the bigger questions about accountability in South Africa’s policing system.

Join Stacey and J Sbu as they break down the latest developments in the high-stakes Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. With expert insights from the East Coast Radio Newswatch team, this episode unpacks explosive claims of corruption, political interference, and criminal syndicates infiltrating South Africa’s justice system. Discover what’s at stake, who the key players are, and why this commission matters to every South African. Tune in for a compelling, accessible look at a story gripping the nation.

Ever wished your washing would dry, steam, and fold itself? Or that a tap could pour you a glass of wine after a long day? Join Stacey and J Sbu as they celebrate new beginnings, homeownership, and the wildest household gadgets you can imagine! From dishwashers to dream machines, our East Coast listeners share the appliances that would change their lives. Tune in for laughs, relatable rants, and a little bit of magic, only on East Coast Radio!

Stacey and J Sbu received an interesting confession today. The confession came from a woman in her late twenties who revealed the pressure she faces at every family gathering, constantly being asked when she plans to have children. Overwhelmed by the repeated questioning, she admitted to lying to her family, telling them she cannot have children, when in reality, she simply does not want children at this time. She described feeling both guilty and relieved—guilty for the lie, but relieved that the questions had finally stopped.

Stacey and J Sbu opened the discussion to their audience, inviting listeners to weigh in. The responses were heartfelt and varied. Patty from Queensborough expressed deep empathy, noting that even after having a child, the questions often continue, shifting to when the next child will come. Patty emphasised that such personal matters should not be up for public discussion, highlighting the pain that could be caused if someone truly could not have children.

J Sbu admitted feeling uncomfortable about the need to lie, especially about something as sensitive as infertility, but acknowledged the intense pressure that can drive someone to such lengths. He pointed out that many people struggle with fertility, and lying about it can be a difficult choice, but sometimes it feels like the only way to find relief.

Another listener, Samantha from Richards Bay, shared her own approach to intrusive questions, saying she responds with humour or deflection, such as asking, “When are you going to die?” to highlight the inappropriateness of such personal enquiries. She and Stacey discussed how these questions often come from people who may not have much else to talk about, and how similar comments are made about weight or other personal matters.

Other callers reflected on cultural expectations and the pressure to have children, especially from older family members who want to see grandchildren. Some suggested setting clear boundaries with family, while others emphasised that decisions about having children are deeply personal and should not be subject to outside pressure.

Stacey summed up the sentiment by stating that everyone’s life journey is unique, and personal choices about parenting are not anyone else’s business. The conversation highlighted the importance of respecting boundaries and supporting individuals in making decisions that are right for them.

On a recent episode of the Kiddies Hotline, Stacey and J Sbu invited young listeners to share their favourite school subjects and the secrets behind their academic success. The segment was filled with charming and insightful responses from children eager to reveal what helps them excel in the classroom.

One caller shared that Afrikaans is her top subject, attributing her success to her mother’s fluency and frequent use of the language at home. Another enthusiastic participant, Amelia, a 12-year-old in grade six, impressed the hosts with her all-round excellence in English, Afrikaans, arts and music. When asked for her secret, Amelia simply credited listening in class, trying her best, and asking teachers for help when needed.

Other children chimed in with their own strategies. Sky Niro said math was his favourite, and he achieves high marks by studying diligently and paying attention in class. Sophia named art as her top subject, while P, also 12, excelled in Natural Science and Technology as well as Geography, emphasising the importance of revising before exams.

The Kiddies Hotline showcased that, for many children, attentive listening, active participation, and a little help from family are the keys to academic achievement.

The boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred, especially since the pandemic. Stacey and J Sbu recently tackled the contentious issue of being contacted by employers after hours, sparking a lively debate among listeners.

Many employees feel pressured to be available at all times, fearing they may be seen as uncooperative if they do not respond to work messages outside of office hours. Stacey noted that this expectation is particularly strong for senior staff, while J Sbu highlighted the anxiety caused by that late-night “ping” from the boss.

Listeners shared their own strategies for setting boundaries. Kim explained how she began ignoring after-hours calls from her manager, only responding during work hours. This approach eventually led her boss to stop calling outside of office time. Another listener, a teacher, refuses to reply to parents’ messages after leaving school, emphasising the importance of personal time.

Both hosts agreed that while some professions require after-hours availability, most employees are entitled to disconnect. Legal advice confirmed that, in South Africa, there is no law mandating after-hours work, except in emergencies.

Ultimately, the consensus was clear: setting and respecting boundaries is essential for wellbeing, and employees should not feel guilty for protecting their personal time.