With Local Government Elections set for 4 November, there's growing concern that many young South Africans are tuning out of the democratic process. The South African Local Government Association, SALGA, says youth participation remains worryingly low and is using Youth Month to change that. Councillor Lucky Sele, Salga youth Commission Chairperson joins Joanne Joseph to give more details of their initiative.

Anxiety is often seen as a women’s health issue, but the numbers tell a different story. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group says one in five men experience anxiety. Yet many men suffer in silence, reluctant to seek help or talk about their mental health. Experts believe women are diagnosed more frequently not necessarily because they experience anxiety more often, but because they are more likely to reach out for support. So, are we overlooking a growing mental health crisis among men? 

Guest: Dr Alicia Porter: Member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists

Calling all South African writers! If you've been dreaming of seeing your work in print, this could be your opportunity. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, together with the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors’ Association of South Africa (ANFASA), has reopened applications for the DSAC Publishing Hub. Since its launch three years ago, the initiative has helped bring numerous local stories to life, and it's once again inviting authors to submit manuscripts for publication — particularly those written in South Africa’s indigenous languages. It's a chance not only to become a published author, but also to help preserve and promote the country's rich linguistic heritage. 

Guest: Prof Sihawukele Ngubane: Chairperson, Academic  and  Non-fiction authors association of South Africa,

Yesterday, the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education told us it had closed schools in three districts as a powerful cold front moved in, bringing heavy rain and dangerous weather conditions. Since then, the rain has not let up. Rivers are rising, roads are being submerged, and parts of the province are already experiencing flooding, raising concerns about the impact on communities, infrastructure, and learners. 

Guest: Pheello Oliphant: Eastern Cape Cogta Spokesperson

For many South Africans, failing service delivery has become more than just a frustration — it has become a legal battle. Faced with crumbling roads, persistent water and electricity outages, blocked stormwater drains and deteriorating municipal services, residents' associations and ordinary citizens are increasingly taking municipalities to court — and in many cases, winning. But while court victories may force action, the question remains: are they delivering lasting solutions, or simply highlighting a deeper crisis in local government? 

Guest: Charissa Paige-Green: a partner in the Public Law Department at HBG Schindlers Attorneys,

President Cyril Ramaphosa has awarded two Stellenbosch University academics the nation’s highest civilian honours, recognising their groundbreaking contributions to science and society. Among them is world-renowned bioinformatician Professor Tulio de Oliveira, whose pioneering work in tracking and identifying COVID-19 variants placed South Africa at the forefront of global pandemic response efforts. 

Guest: Professor Tulio de Oliveira: Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University

Guest: Dr Buhle Makhanya: psychologist

Parenting Corner: Privileged Children: Did we over provide as parents?

Crime stats recently revealed that the incidence of kidnapping in Johannesburg has gone up five-fold. But it's not just a Johannesburg phenomenon. The entire province is affected, with The Sowetan telling us that 27 kidnappings occur in Gauteng every day. So what, or who exactly is behind this surge?

Guest: Prof. Jacob Mofokeng: Crime and security expert, Department of Criminology and Security Science: UNISA

The Daily Maverick has now reported that 761 social workers are being forced to cover the whole country, while thousands more are needed to assist children who attend public schools countrywide. Recently, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube admitted that her department just doesn't have the money to afford more social workers.

Guest: Trienie Drotschie, CEO of Tutela

Guest: Celeste Honewill, Deputy Director of Tutela's Early Intervention Services Department

Guest: Terence Khala: Media Liaison Officer for the Department of Basic Education 

If you were a student beneficiary of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, it may be worth looking into whether you overpaid your study loan, and could be entitled to a refund. NSFAS is busy trying to trace all the beneficiaries to whom it loaned money for their studies before 2010.

Guest: Ishmael Mnisi: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Spokesperson