The moments worth hearing, as they happen.

Maimane: coalition talks need a program of action, not just positions

Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane says coalition deals must fix municipalities and warns against racial polarisation and transactional seat trading.

“That it will be exactly what you and many South Africans fear: that question of just let's just divide our positions and hope for the best. You talk about that program of action.”

Tatjana Smith's lawyer: swimming federation gag clause silences athletes

Attorney Vian Spies says Swimming SA withheld Arena sponsorship details and an athlete agreement bars media comment on the federation.

“Now, the decision by South Africa's most decorated Olympian Tatjana Smith to swim for the Netherlands has reignited, I think, a much wider debate about how this country is treating its sporting talent from with her.”

Red meat levy: R200m over four years, industry says it can't wait for government

Red Meat Industry Services CEO Dewald Olivier explains the extended levy, its budget and why industry funds biosecurity itself.

“We have had this levy for the past four years as well. So it's nothing new. It's just an extension of a current levy that we are already running.”

Township turnout lags suburbs in Gauteng and Cape Town alike

GCRO's Graham Gotz says suburban turnout hit about 70% against about 50% in Soweto, and the gap persists in Cape Town's Langa.

“No real surprise there, but here in Gauteng, turnout in some affluent suburbs reaching something like 70% compared with an average of around 50% in Soweto.”

Binance hack began with fake job interview and malware on engineer's laptop

A digital assets expert says a DevOps engineer's laptop was compromised via fake job interviews, leading to $6.36bn stolen in 20 minutes.

“But effectively, what happened is the most likely point based on the investigation conducted by Binance themselves, is one of the engineers.”

Rob Davies: Africa's critical minerals boom is no guarantee, so industrialise

Former trade minister Rob Davies says Africa holds 34% of critical mineral reserves but must add value as technology and recycling cut demand.

“Implementation of strategies. But I do think there are a couple of things that make it a bit different and more imperative this time around.”

Absa fraud chief: scammers hijack emotion so victims stop thinking

Absa's Karen Gilmore says 85% feel able to spot scams, yet fear, excitement and affection let fraudsters manipulate them.

“To date stories. Now, most of us believe we are clever to recognize a scam, all well and good, but new research suggests there's a dangerous gap between confidence and reality.”

Wits professor: Joburg's R10bn union wage deal is unlawful and unfunded

Prof Alex van den Heever says Joburg's pre-election wage commitment of about R10 billion breaches the MFMA, and the next mayor inherits it.

“Someone who's been watching this is Professor Alex van den Heffer, an adjunct professor at the Wits School of Governance. Alex, welcome back to the”

Fourteen days to form coalitions pushes parties to chase posts, not plans

A Sabi Strategy Group director says the 14-day window before councils sit should be 30, as in the Coalitions Bill, as European talks take months.

“But I think it will make sense and it will be a lot less messy for it to be driven at national level, especially given the 14 days deadline and the time that's ticking on when councils have to be constituted.”

Only 7% of South Africans trust every Black Friday discount

A One Day Only survey finds shoppers doubt online specials, with retailers accused of inflating original prices before Black Friday.

“A new survey suggests more than a third believe online specials are misleading, and just 7%, I'll say that again, 7% trust every Black Friday discount.”

Stanlib economist: cheaper oil could mean rate cuts by next year

Stanlib's Kevin Lings says a falling oil price could cut petrol costs, lower inflation and shift the Reserve Bank toward rate cuts.

“In conversation now with Kevin Lings, chief economist at Stanlib. Kevin, welcome. Are we looking at a genuine turning point here in fuel prices or, as I've just suggested, maybe a temporary reprieve?”

ActionSA's Beaumont: Zille is a bridge too far, but no ANC mayor either

ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont says Helen Zille is a red line for the party and it will not create an ANC mayor in Johannesburg.

“The party leader has effectively ruled out working with Helen Zille. Michael Beaumont, is that a principled position or a personal feud holding Johannesburg hostage? It's a principled position.”

Analyst sets out three Johannesburg coalition scenarios, with a DA-ActionSA sweep

Sam Mkukele of Mkokele Advisory weighs the likeliest coalitions for Johannesburg, from an anti-DA gang-up to a DA-ActionSA deal.

“And obviously, with the caveat that counting is continuing, but looking at what we know so far, how realistic or what do you think the most realistic coalition is that could eventually govern Johannesburg within the…”

Analyst: Ramaphosa must carry the blame for ANC's slide below 40%

Wits' TK Pooe says the ANC's decline dates to 2016 and Ramaphosa, as the constant president, shares the burden, and should have stepped down.

“So let's begin our post-election coverage with TK Puer, who is Associate Professor at the Witz School of Governance. So let's get straight into it, TK, and welcome and thank you.”

Kolbe's first story to his biographer was a failure, not a triumph

Co-author David O'Sullivan says Cheslin Kolbe began his book with a hurdles disaster in childhood rather than a World Cup highlight.

“David O'Sullivan is the co-author of Cheslin Kolbe, Sidestepping the Odds, and joins me now to explore the making of a sporting icon. David, how much of his success then can be traced directly?”

Reward adviser: bonuses in bad times need an exceptionally high bar

Premium Reward Advisors' Dr Mark Busen says executive bonuses amid falling profits must be justified by beating peers.

“Should company executives still receive substantial bonuses when profits are falling, shareholders losing money, and employees facing retrenchments?”

IEC: reprinting 3 million ballots after court ruling caused delays

IEC deputy chief electoral officer says a court order forced a reprint of three million ballots, and choppers were used to cross flooded rivers.

“The IEC. So, Masergo, let me start with the big picture then. Was yesterday's election an operational success or were there more problems perhaps than you had anticipated?”

Wits professor: Trump's midterm loss is a sigh of relief for South Africa

Wits professor John Stremlau says the Democratic midterm win gives South Africa breathing space on trade, urging Ramaphosa to act fast.

“Now, as you will be well aware, Donald Trump has emerged from the US midterm elections politically weakened. But what does that mean for South Africa?”

Ipsos: ANC decline is a long-term collapse, not a slump

Ipsos's Marie Harris says ANC support has fallen at every election since 2016 and the party had no working plan after 1994.

“Or do you think we are witnessing the longer-term collapse of its traditional support base? Honestly, Jeremy, I think it is the longer-term collapse.”

Gambling lawyer: 20% online tax will cost jobs, as UK shows

Gaming lawyer Garen Weitzman argues Treasury's proposed 20% online gambling tax would destroy jobs, citing UK duty rise and Flutter's 1,400 redundancies.

“Now, as you might have read, the National Treasury wants to impose an additional 20% tax on online gambling, arguing it could raise revenue and help tackle gambling-related harm.”

Why 65% back coalitions despite Joburg's five mayors in five years

Ipsos's Marie Harris says voters hold contradictory views on coalitions: they fear one-party patronage but suffer unstable municipal governments.

“Are done in AIST. They're done for short-term gain. Yet, 65% of South Africans, according to your data, support coalition government at municipal level.”

Voters turned away if they go to the wrong station, expert warns

A geospatial expert explains why voting stations changed ahead of local elections, with 1,865 new voting districts and voters only able to vote where registered.

“With South Africans going to the polls on Wednesday, there's an important warning: your voting station may not be where you last cast your ballot.”

Joburg's union wage demand is unlawful because there is no money, says professor

Wits adjunct professor Alex van den Heever says Johannesburg's municipal wage demand cannot lawfully be met as the city has no funds for it.

“So, is this simply a wage dispute or evidence of a municipality that has simply lost control of all of its finances? In that respect, I'm going to talk to Professor Alex van den Heerfer.”

Professor: Durban lacks the integrity and capacity to host an Olympics

UKZN's Brij Maharaj says Durban's 2036 or 2040 Olympic bid risks benefiting developers, citing empty stadiums and the failed Commonwealth bid.

“In that respect, I want to talk to Professor Brij Maharaj from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He's a professor of geography and he specializes in urban governance and local economic development.”

Professor: corruption hurts technology, and technology hurts corruption

UJ's Innocent Musonda says digital tools and AI in construction would expose decisions and bring transparency to infrastructure delivery.

“And I've always argued that, you know, corruption hurts technology, and technology hurts corruption. I've been in me”

Pityana: SA isn't xenophobic, but removing migrants won't create jobs

Anti-apartheid veteran Barney Pityana says anti-migrant violence reflects economic failure, and that having been a refugee, SA must offer humane hospitality.

“Country has become a fundamentally xenophobic society, or are we just mistaking economic desperation for prejudice? Thank you for that, Jeremy.”

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“The future skills that we need, academia needs to come in. And, you know, you're thinking about cyber security.”

BCX says election network has four layers of redundancy

BCX's acting CEO says Telkom's election network is its most advanced yet, with multiple backups, though cyber attacks and disinformation remain risks.

“And behind the results dashboards lies a complex network of systems, of security controls, and technical teams that have got to perform under intense pressure.”

Krugerrand dealers' 5% spread cut to about 1% by ISA Gold

ISA Gold's Aziz Moti explains the gap between buying and selling a Krugerrand and how a R1,000 spread cuts the cost of getting out.

“But buying a Kruger Rand is not quite the same as buying gold at the price quoted on international markets.”

Draft rules could jail you two years for not chipping a rabbit

Dear SA's Chloe Castle says draft animal identification rules covering rabbits and bees are overreach, with costly compliance and harsh penalties.

“Now, draft regulations gazetted earlier this month propose new registration and identification requirements with penalties that could include imprisonment.”

Why SA councils say sewer and rubbish charges are due even if unused

A public law expert explains why courts treat sewer and refuse charges as non-negotiable levies for public health, even with a septic tank.

“Society in South Africa, we tend to trust our governments a lot, actually. And so it's just it goes unchallenged.”

Fuel levy cut lands on election day, and opposition cries electioneering

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's temporary fuel levy cut takes effect on 4 November, the municipal election day; he calls the timing coincidence.

“The Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced temporary fuel levy cuts with reductions taking place on the 4th of November.”

Psychiatrist: money stress and mental illness feed each other

A Mediclinic psychiatrist says financial pressure raises anxiety and depression risk, and illness in turn costs people their jobs.

“Almost half of respondents have never consulted a mental health care provider, while stigma and a fear of judgment remain widespread.”

Mark Barnes: Joburg needs financial restructuring, mayors need experts not friends

Ex-Post Office CEO Mark Barnes argues Johannesburg's finances are so broken that no new mayor can succeed without Treasury-backed restructuring.

“Mark Barnes, welcome to you. And is the thesis of your argument then that Johannesburg is effectively financially bankrupt and doesn't matter which mayor comes in and however competent, it's going to be very difficult…”

Navi Pillay on South Africa: wonderful constitution, very poor delivery

Nobel laureate Navi Pillay says South Africa has strong institutions but little delivery, citing poverty, unemployment and corruption.

“They're not just opportunities, they are legal provisions, a wonderful constitution.”

Food producers' forward buying only shields them for months as El Niño looms

A Ford Asset Management portfolio manager says Astral, Tiger and Premier hedged maize but must pass higher costs to stretched consumers.

“A tiger or a premier rely on that forward buying or hedging before more expensive maize starts to hurt their profits? No, you're quite right. They tend not to buy more than six months ahead of time.”

Navi Pillay defends UN Gaza genocide report against bias claims

Nobel laureate Navi Pillay says her UN commission's two-year report was verified and reads like a court judgment, and invites critics to read it.

“Your UN Commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. What do you say to those who dispute that finding and question the impartiality of your investigation?”

5 million applied, 6,566 hired: retail jobs crisis in numbers

A Job Jack report finds nearly 5 million applications for 6,566 retail and hospitality appointments over 13 months.

“Now, nearly 5 million job applications, more than 867,000 people looking for work, and just 6,566 appointments.”

Pandemic deal stalls as global north and south clash over sharing

AHF Public Health Institute's Diana Tibisejwa says talks on pathogen access and benefit sharing are stuck between wealthy and developing countries.

“Another pandemic agreement that protects wealthy countries and everybody else, developing economies, come second. Sure, thank you so much for reaching out and getting onto this conversation because it's very timely.”

Banks can only repossess your car with a judgment or voluntary return

NFO adjudication manager Johan Brower explains the two lawful routes to repossession and what to demand when someone arrives to collect a car.

“Independently resolves complaints between consumers and financial institutions, including disputes involving banks, vehicle finance repossessions and debt recovery.”

Why SA struggles to turn medical science into biotech businesses

Altera Biosciences co-founder Michael Pepper says patient investment and the ecosystem hold back biotech, despite SA's unique genetic diversity.

“Eventually, make certain cell therapies available to more patients without the usual difficulties of matching donors and recipients.”

Local bus content could lift prices 10% before centralised buying offsets it

The Localisation Support Fund's CEO says higher local content may raise bus costs by up to 10%, offset by centralised procurement savings.

“It could do. And I think this is where we've got to be really strategic with our procurement capability and how we think about this sector.”

New lottery operator: R29-30 of every R100 ticket goes to good causes

Sizakaya Holdings' COO says good causes now get more than the previous 28 rand, with operator margins at about 12 rand per R100.

“Are you able to tell me what percentage of ticket sales then is going to the National Lottery Distribution Fund? How much money that's generated?”

Human Rights Commissioner lists why water authorities fail South Africans

An SAHRC commissioner cites governance failures, corruption, neglected infrastructure and weak finances behind failing water services.

“Hank Bosov is with me now, Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission. Dr. Bosoff, a very warm welcome to you.”

Health funders say medicine price hike came with one week's notice

The Health Funders Association says government approved a 2.88% medicine price rise without consultation or a visible affordability assessment.

“The Health Funders Association says the decision was taken without proper consultation. That is raising serious questions about affordability and transparency.”

Psychiatrist: scholarships tied to performance push young athletes to hide injuries

A psychiatrist tells Money Web at Midday that winning-at-all-costs school sport culture harms children's mental health and urges scholarships not hinge on results.

“Africa is becoming increasingly competitive with scholarships, bursaries, provincial selection, and even social media fame raising the stakes for young athletes. But here's my question: at what cost?”

Just Money survey: 65% struggle monthly, 51% spend over 40% of pay on debt

A Just Money survey finds most respondents struggle each month, with debt servicing swallowing growing shares of take-home pay despite rising incomes.

“I want to tell you about a new Just Money survey. It finds that 65% of respondents struggle financially every month.”

Rethink Your Drink: minimum alcohol pricing won't punish the poor

An alcohol-policy campaigner argues minimum unit pricing would cut heavy drinking and defends it against claims it hurts poorer drinkers.

“So they're calling on the finance minister Enoch Godongwana to use tomorrow's mini-budget to commit to minimum alcohol pricing, targeting cheap, high-strength drinks.”