For many people, academia seems like a prestigious career—but behind the lecture halls and research papers, a growing number of academics say they're battling impossible workloads, mounting pressure and toxic workplace cultures. So serious are these concerns that they're now the focus of a forthcoming book. Its author, Research Associate at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, Dr Beata Buhlungu, has been examining what she describes as the ill-treatment of academics at South Africa's institutions of higher learning. 

Guest: Dr Beata Buhlungu: Research Associate · GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science

A conversation on financial abuse yesterday sparked an important question: How many couples really think through the financial consequences of the marriage contract they sign? For many, it's a decision made once—but one that can shape your financial future for years to come. As we mark Women's Month, we're unpacking the issues that affect women's financial security, including the difference between marrying in community of property and by antenuptial contract, and why that choice could make all the difference if a marriage comes to an end. 

Guest: Tshepo Mojapelo, Director at Mojapelo Attorneys

Imagine missing an entire school year—not because you don't want to learn, but because you simply can't get to school. That's the reality for 50 learners at Qhayi-yalethu High School in Tsitsikamma, where the lack of scholar transport has kept many out of the classroom since the start of the year. Parents have been forced to dig deep to cover transport costs, but for many families, it's an expense they simply can't sustain. 

Guest: Unathi Binqose: Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson

The gender pay gap - lower earnings than men over a period of time mean women have less to put away.

Guest: Bryan Hirsch: Bryan Hirsch Colley & Associates (BHCA)

As SAfm marks the start of its 90th birthday celebrations this August, we're also shining a spotlight on Women's Month and one of the most overlooked forms of gender-based violence: financial abuse. Tomorrow, the Gordon Institute of Business Science hosts its inaugural Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Conference, where Nedbank Chief Marketing Officer Khensani Nobanda will join a thought-provoking panel asking a difficult but necessary question: Are some banking practices unintentionally trapping survivors in cycles of financial dependence, instead of helping them rebuild their lives? 

GUEST: Khensani Nobanda: Chief Marketing Officer at Nedbank

The magic of theatre is meant to be experienced by everyone—but for many people living with disabilities, the curtain often comes down before they even get through the door. From physical barriers to limited accessible performances, the theatre space still has a long way to go. As we continue to push for greater inclusion, we're asking: what will it take to make the performing arts truly accessible to all? 

Guest: Kamogelo Molobye: lecturer, wits school of arts 

For decades, filmmaking has been one of the most expensive forms of storytelling. But with rapid advances in technology—especially artificial intelligence and virtual production—that's beginning to change. Virtual studios are emerging in South Africa and around the world, allowing filmmakers to create stunning, hyper-realistic worlds without ever leaving the studio. As the lines between the real and the digital continue to blur, the big question is: how will this technology reshape the future of filmmaking? 

Guest: Eileen Sandrock: MediaValley transformative Executive Director and COO

Themba Sibeko: Creative Director & Producer in Film and Television Industry

She’s one of South Africa’s finest stage and screen actresses, but for SAfm listeners, she’s also a familiar and much-loved voice. A former SAfm presenter whose storytelling still graces our airwaves through our book readings, she recently captivated audiences with her performance of In the Shadow of the Springs I Saw by Barbara Adair, effortlessly bringing every character to life with a remarkable range of accents. It's a pleasure to welcome the exceptionally talented Dr Fiona Ramsay. 

Guest: Dr Fiona Ramsay: Former Safm Presenter

The magic of theatre is meant to be experienced by everyone—but for many people living with disabilities, the curtain often comes down before they even get through the door. From physical barriers to limited accessible performances, the theatre space still has a long way to go. As we continue to push for greater inclusion, we're asking: what will it take to make the performing arts truly accessible to all? 

Guest: Neka Da Costa: lecturer, Wits school of arts 

Imagine being prescribed antibiotics for a serious infection... only to discover they no longer work. It may sound like a future problem, but it's already happening. Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise, allowing the bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause disease to outsmart the medicines designed to kill them. The Conversation warns this growing threat could make once-routine infections far more difficult—and even impossible—to treat. Just how serious is the problem, and what can be done to stop it? 

Guest: John Paul Makumbi Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University