Global Recession and Depression

Guest: Zimasa Vabaza - Economist, content strategist and entrepreneur

In the opinion of some economic analysts, there's a growing concern about a potential global recession or even depression in 2025. This would be the first of its kind since 2007. What are the signs of a recession? What does a depression look like almost 100 years since the last event? One of the trigger points may be the current trade war and the slowing global demand for products. Closer to home, these global trading conditions are already showing signs of weakening emerging markets. South Africa has faced its own challenges with the US politically which has cast doubt on existing trade agreements

Is it time to take a bold stand about smartphones in schools?

Guest: Former police commissioner Riah Phiyega- she is now the CEO of 

Safer  SA Foundation

 Smartphones have become a near-permanent fixture in students’ lives, shaping how they learn, communicate, and navigate the world. But as concerns grow over declining academic performance, rising mental health challenges, and increasing digital distractions, the question arises: is it time to take a bold stand on smartphone use in schools? While technology has its benefits, the constant presence of smartphones in classrooms is disrupting focus, hindering social interaction, and exposing students to risks like cyberbullying. As educators and parents grapple with these challenges, a growing movement is calling for clear boundaries and policies that prioritize learning, wellbeing, and meaningful connection.

Guest: Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School

Despite one-third of South Africans experiencing a mental health condition and more than 27% of South Africans affected by depression, only 5% of the national healthcare budget is allocated to mental health services. 

Community: - The role and importance of BRAIN BREAKS – how to stretch, move and play your way to optimal productivity at school and work with Gemma Thompson - Head of Development at Good Work 

Civic Education: CheatGPT crisis – SA universities faced with a burgeoning degree of AI-written academic assignments with Charne Lavery, associate professor in English at the University of Pretoria

: Thought leaders ,storytellers and griots:  Stressed and overextended’: nearly ‘half of SA teachers’ eye exit in 10 years with Dr Helen Hofmeyr, lead author of The Teacher Preferences and Job Satisfaction report

Guest: Nico Smith, Petrol Head

GUEST Presenter: KatlegoDanke who is a SAFTA award winning Actress, director, producer, TV Host, MC, Motivational Speaker, Mother

Guest:  Richard Hay is the curator of the Future Africa Campus gardens and the Future Africa Indigenous and Orphan Crops Collection of the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Garden

 The University of Pretoria’s Giving Garden remains true to its name. In 2024 it provided around 100 community food gardens in Gauteng with free cuttings, seedlings and tubers of lesser-known and easily grown crop plants. Situated in the heart of the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Garden on the Hatfield Campus, it is also a valuable space for practical training and research on edible orphan and indigenous crops for UP students and staff.

Guest:  Professor Steve Tollman, Director of the SAMRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit

International researchers have introduced two improved tests that could precisely detect cognitive dysfunction in older African adults.

These new tools, part of a comprehensive set of 29 assessments, improve upon conventional dementia evaluations commonly used in developed regions