The Alternative Breakfast

JSB HEALTH: World No Tobacco Day 2025

GUEST: Prof. Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Director of the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) and the Head of the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria, Director of ATIM

As World No Tobacco Day 2025 approaches, the global theme, “Unmasking the appeal: exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products,” sounds a vital alarm for South Africa. New research shows tobacco use is surging—especially among youth—driven by the tobacco industry's deceptive marketing, flavoured products, and influencer campaigns. A staggering 14.9 million South Africans now smoke, with e-cigarette use rising among young people. Advocacy groups under the Protect Our Next coalition are sounding the alarm, staging public "crime scenes" and urging stronger regulation. With youth health on the line, the call for urgent action has never been louder—or more critical.

THOUGHT LEADERS, STORYTELLERS AND GRIOTS Thoughtleaders,
Storytellers and Griots: The Slap, the President, and the Kremlin: When Scandal
Meets Spin with

Guest: Gillian Schutte is a South African writer, filmmaker

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: The Voice That Rewrote Africa
with Alexandra Willis is a freelance researcher/writer. 

CIVIC EDUCATION: Social housing is essential, but should it be rental-
only? with Ash Muller - Property Consultant