Government appears to be moving to respond to growing public pressure around jobs and funding priorities. Investigative publication GroundUp has revealed that the Gauteng Department of Social Development will no longer fund non-South African social workers through organisations receiving provincial grants. According to the new funding conditions introduced by the department, NGOs will be prohibited from using government grant money to pay non-South African employees — a move that is already sparking debate around immigration, labour rights, and service delivery. 

Guest: Fatima Shaik: Executive Director, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)

Guest: Dloze Matooane: Spokesperson for Social Development MEC, 

South African soldiers have been deployed to help fight gangsterism under Operation Prosper — but reports now suggest some of them are living in anything but prosperous conditions. Independent Newspapers says troops stationed at Fort iKapa are facing dire living conditions, prompting the South African National Defence Union to threaten legal action against the Defence Department if urgent intervention doesn’t happen soon. 

Guest: Advocate Pikkie Greef: National Secretary, SA National Defence Union (Sandu)

For years, many South Africans have argued that spaza shop owners don’t just need motivation — they need funding, training and proper business support. Now the government is putting serious money on the table, with nearly R180 million earmarked to support more than 2 300 spaza shops nationwide. But there’s a major stumbling block: many applicants failed to meet legal compliance requirements, slowing down the rollout of this much-needed initiative.

Guest: Nkosikhona Mbatha, Acting CEO of Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA)

South Africans are carrying a heavy burden right now. From rising unemployment — especially among young people — to deepening poverty and inequality, soaring fuel prices, and growing tensions around migration, many are asking: what kind of country are we becoming? Is this a difficult chapter that will eventually pass, or are we entering a longer period of social and economic instability? This morning, we unpack the mood of the nation and where South Africa may be headed next. 

Guest: Justice Malala: Political Analyst

Child stunting remains one of South Africa’s most devastating hidden crises. It’s a condition that doesn’t just affect a child’s physical growth — it can permanently impact brain development, learning ability and long-term wellbeing. The DG Murray Trust says it’s intensifying efforts to tackle the problem, which is often driven by poor nutrition, repeated infections and a lack of proper early childhood support and stimulation. 

Guest: Liezel Engelbrecht: Nutrition Lead of the Hold My Hand Accelerator, incubated by DG Murray Trust (DGMT)

African Transformation Movement spokesperson Zama Ntshona speaks to

Joanne Joseph ahead of the first PhalaPhala impeachment meeting.

City of Joburg's Deputy Mayor and MMC of Finance, Loyiso Masuku speaks Joanne Joseph about the R97.1 Billion budget passed by the city.

DA National spokesperson, Jan De Villiers speaks to Joanne Joseph about the first meeting of the PhalaPhala impeachment committee

Petroleum retailers are struggling to keep their doors open. Chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association, Henry van der Merwe speaks to

Joanne Joseph about petrol stations in rural areas opting to close at night because of reduced sales

Operation Smile SA's Executive Director, Sarah Scarth speaks to Joanne Joseph about the campaign that concluded on the 31st of May, where the organisation ensured that 40 children got corrective surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate at the Mandela Children's Hospital