South Africans are reporting potholes, water outages, failing clinics and electricity problems through every available channel—from ward meetings and municipal hotlines to WhatsApp groups and social media. Yet, despite record levels of public participation, many communities say nothing changes. A new study by the University of Johannesburg suggests the problem isn't that citizens aren't speaking up, but that government isn't acting on the information it receives

Guest: Dr Lesedi Matlala: UJ's governance and public policy researcher  

• Oil prices slip but remain on track for weekly advance 
• Meta ramps up AI monetisation drive
• Market update

The high-stakes impeachment trial of Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte and its implications for the country's political future

The latest exchange between Iran and the United States, where a fragile ceasefire appears to be unravelling, threatening regional stability and the world's energy supply.

Guest: Dr Joan Swart - Researcher in Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch 

The Legal Practice Council has approached the High Court in Johannesburg seeking to have former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane struck from the roll of advocates. The LPC argues that she is no longer a fit and proper person to practise, citing findings related to her conduct and her impeachment from office in 2023. 

Guest: Ignatius Briel -  Director of the Gauteng Legal Practice Council 

Reality Check with Abongile Xhantini: Difference Compassion as DNA of true Diversity - What if compassion is not an emotion, but the architecture of a thriving society? 

Guest: Abongile Xhantini - Founder Veritas Inclusion Advisory 

A long-awaited investigation into the deaths of six healthcare workers in KwaZulu-Natal has found no evidence directly linking the deaths to workplace bullying. But the report paints a troubling picture of South Africa's public health system, highlighting severe staff shortages, mounting workloads, poor infrastructure and inadequate support for frontline healthcare workers.

Guest: Russell Rensburg - Director of Rural Health Advocacy Project

Guest: Ogalaletseng Gaarekwe - Deputy-Director General: Intergovernmental Relations for National Treasury RSA

Guest: Dumisani Magagula – General Secretary of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union 

Guest: Thabiso Ndebele - Managing Director of Ntiyiso's Revenue Consulting division

Built in Mzansi: How VFusion Cosmetics has built a skincare brand blending indigenous South African herbal wisdom with modern science. She has included her community to grow and source the ingredients and become active participants in the growth of the business.

Guest: Mathapelo Mutuku  - Founder of VFusion Cosmetics 

How AI can help businesses save time, improve productivity, analyse information and automate routine tasks.

Guest: Prof. Yudhvir Seetharam, Head of Analytics, Insights and Research at FNB Business

Guest: Thapelo Mohapi, the General-Secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo 

Guest: Professor Joleen Steyn Kotze - Chief Research Specialist in Democracy and Citizenship at the Human Sciences Research Council