Stacey & J Sbu

A disturbing trend has emerged on TikTok, known as "Skinny Tok," where users promote extreme thinness under the guise of wellness and lifestyle advice. This movement, led by a number of influences, has sparked widespread concern about its potential to normalise disordered eating and perpetuate negative body image.

What is Skinny Tok?

Skinny Tok is a trend that promotes extreme calorie restriction and regular body checks, where users document their shrinking bodies. Proponents of this trend share very low-calorie diets and frame weight loss and extreme thinness as the ultimate sign of health.

The trend is currently active on TikTok, with over 74,000 videos shared under the #skinnytok hashtag.

Chief of Clinical Psychology at Turning Point Mental Services, Mrs Mbali Mthembu, highlights the concerning impact of such trends, stating: “Social media platforms like TikTok often present unrealistic beauty standards, glorifying thinness and promoting unhealthy dieting habits. Young people, particularly girls, are frequently exposed to this content, which can trigger disordered eating behaviours like restrictive dieting and excessive exercising.”

The portrayal of these unrealistic beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction among teenagers. They may feel their bodies do not measure up to the ideals they see online, resulting in lower self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Mthembu explains: “Young people begin to think that their body weight is not ideal, even if they are at a healthy weight. They might develop a distorted view of their body shape, leading to dissatisfaction and severe mental health issues.”

Mthembu's practice has seen a rise in cases of young individuals struggling with body image issues and eating disorders.

She notes: “We have observed an increasing number of young people trying to cope with eating disorders. Many feel dissatisfied with their body shape and weight, often influenced by what they consume on social media.”

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. One key strategy is fostering open, non-judgmental discussions about body image and the content young people are exposed to online.

“Encouraging open conversations about how social media can affect their perception of body image is crucial,” Mthembu says. “Reassuring young people and highlighting their positive attributes, unrelated to their body weight, can help build self-esteem.”

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in monitoring their children's media consumption and ensuring they understand the unrealistic nature of the content they view. Mthembu advises, “It's important for parents to check in with their children regularly, discussing their meals and being sensitive about commenting on their body weight. Highlighting other positive features, like their intelligence or kindness, can be more constructive.”

Furthermore, implementing parental control measures to monitor and limit exposure to harmful content can help.

“Parents can use features that block certain content and monitor the amount of time their children spend online. This helps in reducing the exposure to potentially harmful trends such as Skinny Tok,” Mthembu advises.

Education around responsible social media use is also vital. “Teaching young people to critically evaluate the content they come across on social media and understand the unrealistic expectations it sets is essential,” emphasises Mthembu. “Schools can contribute by providing resources and support through counselling services to help reduce the stigma around eating disorders and promote healthy body image.”

Bullying, a significant factor contributing to body image issues, must also be addressed. Providing a safe space where young people can speak openly about their experiences and concerns is crucial. “Allowing children and teenagers to express their worries without judgment can help uncover underlying issues, including bullying, that may contribute to disordered eating,” Mthembu points out.

Patrick Williams owns a stunning restaurant in London inspired by South African cooking. Growing up in Durban, down the South Coast he loved the sunshine and the beach life.

At 17, with no clear direction, Patrick found inspiration in his older brother, a chef working in Cape Town. Moving to live and train with his brother was a significant life change but one filled with promise.

Leaving the familiar shores of Durban for the bustling city of Cape Town was a cultural shift, but Patrick quickly acclimated and thrived. He spent 10 years working with esteemed chefs, where he progressed to junior sous chef. His culinary journey further led him to work with PJ Vadas, another signature restaurant on a South African wine farm.

“ PJ was a bit of a mentor. My brother was a mentor and another good chef friend of mine who, now lives in Australia,” he told East Coast Radio.

At 26, Patrick’s mentors suggested he move overseas to deepen his culinary expertise, with the possibility of returning to head up his own restaurant. Embracing this advice, Patrick relocated to London, a move that would ignite his future successes.

“So I moved over to London,” he shared.

London brought Patrick new culinary experiences and personal milestones. Working with Robin Gill, a chef full of energy and creativity, significantly influenced Patrick's culinary approach. During this period, he also met his now-wife, Amy, a steadfast supporter through the demanding London culinary scene.

With Amy's background in a restaurant family and a career in design, the couple decided to venture into their own culinary enterprise. The idea was born from their shared desire to infuse their heritage and creativity into a unique dining experience.

The South African influence was a central theme, driven by Patrick's pride in his roots and the untapped potential he saw in introducing London to polished South African flavours.

Determined to create a restaurant that stood out, they brainstormed for a name reflecting their vision. The Kudu, a stunning animal and a fitting logo, perfectly encapsulated their South African identity.

Kudu's culinary offerings bear the distinctive mark of Durban’s vibrant spice profile. With a team of South African chefs, the restaurant’s dishes carry regional inspiration. Their newest venture, a dry spice rub monkfish dish, epitomises this blend of authenticity and innovation.

“ There wasn't really anybody doing it on sort of more of a higher end. Not saying that we are a fine dining restaurant, but something that was a bit more polished and it really showcased what South African flavours could be,” he explained.

For Patrick, these touches ensure that their cuisine resonates with familiarity for South African patrons while offering a fresh take on traditional flavours.

Patrick's journey, from the sunny beaches of Durban to the dynamic food scene of London, displays the utmost resilience and passion.

His advice for aspiring chefs is to dive in wholeheartedly, invest in continuous learning, and surround oneself with supportive, like-minded mentors. This relentless pursuit of improvement and community is what fuels Patrick's culinary success.

We caught up with Ash Padayachee, the creator of NeuroGroove SA, who made a catchy Afro-house beat about East Coast Radio’s Stacey and J Sbu.

"I've been professionally DJing for many years. I started in my early teens, so it's been roughly about 25 years of being in the music industry. So the track 'Stacey and J Sbu' was inspired by the energy and the vibe that they bring to the drive time show," the Pietermaritzburg native said.

According to Padayachee, he was inspired by their electric chemistry and how they're unapologetically themselves.

"They represent such a strong part of KZN culture, so I wanted to capture that feeling in a track that's sort of like a beat that feels like a Friday afternoon, windows down, volume up kind of vibe. It's a celebration of who they are and what they mean to so many listeners across the province," said Padayachee.

He explained that the Drive Team’s energy after a long day at work “brings your vibe back.”

After learning that Stacey and J Sbu heard his song, he said: "I think it's also that they've listened to it and the fact that they enjoy it. I think I'm excited to know that somebody out there is, you know, appreciating the work that we do."

Every Wednesday, Stacey and J Sbu open the hotline for the kids of KZN to share their thoughts on air.

This week, J Sbu was on his own but that didn't stop him from chatting with the little ones of our province.

He opened the hotline by asking the minis of our province who their best friends are and why?

We received a number of answers that ranged from adorable to down right emotional!

J Sbu even shared a voicenote from his son, Zanda.

If you missed it live, tune in!

Ahead of J Sbu's birthday this weekend, the team spoke all things gifting.

Speaking about his experience of never really receiving what he's wanted, J Sbu asked you, the people of KZN, about gifting.

Stacey Norman weighed in, sharing that she usually tells people what she wants, so she's never disappointed by the gift.

You shared your thoughts and the results were conflicting.

If you missed it live, listen in!

There are celebrations all around for Northlands Primary School as their team, Smooth Sailors, achieved top honours at the Open Africa Championship (OAC) of the First Lego League (FLL).

The league was held from 7 to 9 May 2025 in Cape Town and teams from 42 countries were in attendance.

Out of the 106 teams who were invited, globally, the Smooth Sailors from Northlands Primary School were the highest-ranked SA team. They earned second place in the “Core Values” category.

Principal Mr Alistair Naidu shared praise for the team’s amazing achievement, saying: “Smooth Sailors have not only made us proud as a school, but also as a country. Their recognition at an international level speaks volumes of their dedication, humility, and ability to lead with purpose. This is the kind of global excellence we are cultivating at Northlands.”

Team lead and coach Mr. Steven Kent shared that the First Lego League was more than just coding. “It’s a gateway to lifelong learning. We’re building a generation that is curious, empathetic, and eager to solve real-world challenges. Smooth Sailors have shown that South African youth can compete with the world’s best and excel,” said the proud coach.

At just eight-years-old, Emily Eloff is making waves in the BMX racing world.

Currently ranked number one in South Africa in her age group, Emily has been passionate about BMX racing since the age of five.

"I think I am very brave, not scared and I love riding my bike very fast," she says, attributing her success to her bravery and dedication to training.

Emily's journey began when she was just four-years-old, watching her friend Chad race his BMX. She nagged her parents to buy her a BMX bike and on her fifth birthday, she got one. Despite falling during her first race, Emily was determined to continue riding.

"I fell during my very first race but I was brave and didn’t want to stop riding," she recalls.

Now, Emily is set to take her talents to the international stage, competing in the UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 29 July to 3 August, 2025.

"I am very excited to go on an aeroplane and race my BMX overseas for South Africa," she says, admitting to getting butterflies in her tummy when thinking about it. "I can’t wait to meet all my BMX heroes."

As a role model for young girls, Emily encourages others to take up the sport.

"I would like it if I could get more girls to come and race BMX with me. It is exciting and so much fun," she says. Her advice to younger kids is to visit a BMX track and watch the racers in action.

To make her dream a reality, Emily's family is looking to raise R80,000 to cover expenses such as travel, competition fees and race kit. With the support of donors, Emily will be able to represent South Africa with pride on the international stage.

Since the kiddos of KZN haven't had a holiday in a few weeks, Stacey and J Sbu tried to bring magic back into their lives.

This Wednesday, Stacey and J Sbu asked the little ones of the province what they think is the most magical place in the world before asking where they'd like to go.

We heard quite a few impressive answers, including Hawaii!

One things for sure, these littles are smarter than we think.

If you missed it live, tune in!

We've heard our fair share of crazy things, but this phenomenon left Stacey flabbergasted!

J Sbu, in conversation, revealed that he sends money to his partner monthly and referred to this sum as an allowance.

This conversation took a turn as they asked you, the people of KZN, to weigh in.

If you missed it live, tune in!

Stacey and J Sbu received the following confession, which started tearing them apart!

Take a look:

"With Mother’s Day this weekend we need some help with a confession from one of our listeners:

I’m a co-parent, and I’m conflicted about Mother’s Day.

I’ll be honest I’m not sure what the “right” thing to do is anymore.

We have been separated for years now, and our child is in their teens. Last year, I sent flowers to my ex from our child. It’s something I’ve always seen done in my family the kids give their mom flowers, even if someone else helps make it happen. I thought I was just continuing that tradition, showing our child what appreciation looks like.

But now I’m wondering: is it still appropriate?

My ex doesn’t expect it, and they don’t do anything for me on Father’s Day, which is okay I’m not keeping score. But I do wonder if it’s overstepping, like I’m forcing my family’s values onto a situation that’s changed. I’m not trying to send mixed signals or stir up old feelings; I just want our child to grow up seeing that honouring your parent, even in small ways, matters.

Still, I keep asking myself: Is this a kind gesture or could it come across as something else? Please help co-parent Dad"

YOU weighed in to help Anonymous. If you missed it live, tune in!