The Jet Set Breakfast

Guest: Concord Nkabinde - veteran bass guitarist Guest:  Kahn Morbee - singer-songwriter best known as the magnetic frontman of The Parlotones Guest: Sipho Hotstix Mabuse -An iconic multi-instrumentalist, Mabuse has also mastered the flute, piano, saxophone, kalimba, timbales, and African drums  

Guest: Prof. JP van Niekerk - Editor Emeritus at the South African Medical Journal Assisted dying (AD) is one of the most complex and emotionally charged debates in modern medicine, ethics, and law. It raises profound questions about autonomy, dignity, compassion, and the role of healthcare in end-of-life decisions. While 15 countries have legalized some form of AD, none are in Africa—yet South Africa, with its progressive constitution and rights-based legal framework, is poised to become the first. The debate is deeply polarized, with advocates citing human dignity and personal choice, while opponents warn of ethical slippery slopes and societal risks. As legal battles intensify, South Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads.  

Guest: Jeffrey Rakabe-author of Led By Shepherds; An initiate’s Memoir  #WORDDomination this week, we look into a book by …. Through education, literature, and the quiet strength of women in his life, Rakabe confronts the deeply ingrained misogyny within initiation culture and its possible ties to gender-based violence. This brave and honest account challenges cultural silence, urging society to reexamine harmful traditions and embrace healing through dialogue and awareness.

Guest: Terry Bell - South Africa-based journalist commentator and author specialising in political and economic analysis and labour matters For Workers month we take a look at trade unions in 2025- the question looms large: are trade unions still relevant in today’s world? Once powerful forces for justice and equality, many unions now appear weakened, bureaucratic, and disconnected from the realities of modern workers. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes labour markets and inequality deepens, the role of organised labour is under scrutiny. In South Africa, unions helped secure democracy but now face declining influence, political entanglements, and internal divisions. Yet signs of renewal exist—new grassroots movements and worker-led initiatives are emerging. The future of unions may depend on their ability to return to core principles and adapt meaningfully.

GUEST-Acclaimed narrative therapist and psychosocial specialist Ncazelo Mlilo JSB COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Mlilo was honoured with the People’s Choice awards for non-profit and social enterprise women in therapy and counselling services.- Let’s talk about NPO Phola     

Guest: Sandile Mkhize is the Wings for Life World Run Ambassador   A Wings for Life World Run experience helped Sandile feel that he could be part of society again, today he is a passionate ambassador for the event. A horrific motorbike accident in 2013 saw Sandile Mkhize break his back in three places. For over two years he was in and out of hospital

GUEST- Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders USA On 3 May 2025, World Press Freedom Day focused on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme "Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media." The event highlighted how AI had increasingly shaped the way news was produced, distributed, and consumed, raising important questions about the future of press freedom. While AI offered significant potential for enhancing journalistic processes, it also brought new challenges related to misinformation, censorship, and the loss of human oversight in reporting. 

Guest:  Wilmi Dippenaar- Chief Executive Officer at South African Parenting Programme Implementers Network (Sappin) Kelly Smith and her co-accused have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court has found that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, sold the then six-year-old girl for the purposes of exploitation.  Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court has found that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn sold the six-year-old girl for exploitation. This case has not only shaken the country to its core, but it also brings critical questions on child safety, parenthood, access to legal services and trafficking to the fore. We have brought together a panel that will reflect on the two-month trial, what we have learned and how our communities can play a great role in being their children's keepers. We are joined by...  

GUEST: Shareen Richter - International Laughter Professor Shareen Richter is a globally certified Laughter Coach, TEDx speaker, and workplace wellness expert with over 20 years’ experience. She has trained thousands of individuals across continents and has been featured on leading media platforms sharing her contagious passion for mental wellness through the power of laughter. As South Africans face ongoing economic stress, emotional fatigue, and the relentless effects of daily pressures, wellness expert and international Laughter Coach Shareen Richter is bringing a timely reminder to the nation: laughter truly is the best medicine.  

Guest: Michael Atkins - Elections Analyst In today's Civic Education, we talk about municipalities and what happens when a councillor can no longer hold their position. A by-election is held for a specific ward. What is the process? Who is responsible for holding? Do people still participate in these smaller elections that impact service delivery in their neighbourhoods? To tell us more about how these 

Guest: Dr Shaheda Omar - Executive Director of the TeddyBear Foundation  Kelly Smith and her co-accused have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court has found that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, sold the then six-year-old girl for the purposes of exploitation.   Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court has found that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn sold the six-year-old girl for exploitation. This case has not only shaken the country to its core, but it also brings critical questions on child safety, parenthood, access to legal services and trafficking to the fore. We have brought together a panel that will reflect on the two-month trial, what we have learned and how our communities can play a great role in being their children's keepers. We are joined by...  

Guest: Adv. Chris Maree - Family Advocate-Chris Maree. I was with the Office of the Family Advocate for 23 years and Head of the Pretoria Office of the Family Advocate for 16 years.I am now in private practice practising Family Law Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn have been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court has found that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn sold the six-year-old girl for exploitation. This case has not only shaken the country to its core, but it also brings critical questions on child safety, parenthood, access to legal services and trafficking to the fore. We have brought together a panel that will reflect on the two-month trial, what we have learned and how our communities can play a great role in being their children's keepers. We are joined by...    

GUEST Marcus Botha - Head of Corporate Tax Consulting at BDO and was previously the South African Leader of Tax Reporting & Strategy (TRS) at PwC and Head of Tax Risk at one of the big four banks. He has extensive experience in tax strategy, tax related internal audit, governance and enterprise risk management. The scrapping of South Africa’s proposed VAT increase from 15% to 15.5% has been met with relief by consumers and businesses alike. Initially introduced in the 2025 National Budget to help plug a R58 billion deficit, the reversal spares households—especially low- and middle-income families—from further financial strain amid rising living costs. Businesses benefit from avoiding system overhauls and pricing adjustments, although some now face the cost of reverting premature changes. While legal complexities remain around the timing of the reversal, the government’s message is clear: the VAT rate will stay at 15%, at least for now

Guest: World Wide Fund for Nature- CEO Morné du Plessis A fierce legal and environmental battle has erupted over plans by Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital (ARC) to mine phosphate within the boundaries of the ecologically vital West Coast National Park. The Kropz Elandsfontein mine, majority-owned by ARC, seeks to access phosphate deposits in land that conservationists say is critical to biodiversity and protected under international environmental agreements. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has accused Kropz of sidestepping legally mandated biodiversity offsets and undermining conservation laws. The case raises profound questions about mining in protected areas, corporate accountability, and the cost of sacrificing nature for economic gain

Jud Cornell mentor to Ukwanda Puppetry 

Prof. Martin Wiegt - Professor of Mathematics in the Mandela Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences at the Nelson Mandela University

Dr. Khosi Jiyane – Clinical Psychologist 

Maphoka 'Puky' Ramokoatsi, Director of Programmes.at Kick4Life Foundation

Gugu Zondi, Manager: Integrated Catchment Management at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo

Guest: Sophila Motsumi - founder of Otsile Bokamoso (translation: the future is bright) Our next guest started an after-school support organization after volunteering at a primary school and noticing the pupils were struggling with reading and writing. Her organization opened its doors in 2018 with the aim of helping Grade 1 to Grade 3. The organization has helped 2000 learners so far and employed four people to help their work in the town of Dealesville, Free State. In 2023, her organization received support from the Letsatsi Solar Park Trust and they have committed to help combat early school drop-outs in the small farming town. To tell us more, we are joined by... 

Guest: Hannelie Warrington-Coetzee is a Johannesburg-based visual artist and honorary research fellow at the Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand. Our guest today is Johannesburg-based visual artist and honorary research fellow at the Global Change Institute. Her work blends environmental science with socially engaged art, focusing on site-specific interventions in public and natural spaces. Driven by a deep respect for nature, she uses reclaimed industrial waste and nature-based solutions to explore ecological innovation. Coetzee’s collaborative practice connects communities, landscapes, and unlikely partners—human and non-human alike. Her recent projects, including the Alexandra River Creature Series, reflect her commitment to co-learning, empathy, and environmental action through art. Her work continues to resonate globally through exhibitions and residencies.

GUEST: Dr. Sandra Lai, a senior scientist at Oxford University’s WildCRU research unit - Their research on carnivore ecology in extreme environments provides valuable insights into the behaviour, movement, and ecological roles of species like the dire wolf. By examining trophic interactions and social dynamics in living carnivores, their work helps reconstruct the life-history traits and ecosystem functions of extinct species such as Canis dirus. ANGLE: Why are these news a big deal Has the dire wolf been resurrected?   Prof Nic Rawlence - Director: Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the Department of Zoology, University of Otago (New Zealand). Associate Professor Nic Rawlence is the Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the University of Otago in New Zealand. He uses ancient DNA and palaeontology to reconstruct prehistoric ecosystems; how these ecosystems adapted to Earths dynamic geological, climatic and human history; and how this information can be used to inform evidence-based conservation management of endangered species and ecosystem restoration. ANGLE: The history of dire wolves - what was their purpose in the ecosystem Will dire wolves and mammoths roam again? What was the dire wolf?    Prof. Yolandi Coetzer - Associate Professor of Philosophy at the North West University.Prof. Yolandi M. Coetser is an Associate Professor at NWU and founding chair of the Southern African Society for Environmental Philosophy. Her research focuses on animal and environmental ethics, biodiversity conservation, and interdisciplinary approaches that align with the UN’s sustainability goals, blending philosophy with ecological and social justice. Colossal Biosciences' project to revive the once-extinct dire wolf could also prevent existing but endangered animals from slipping into extinction themselves. The direwolves will live on protected land while they grow to their adult size. Let us listen back to an interview on how this project came together. Audio courtesy of Time Magazine.

GUEST: Chris Pappas - Mayor of Umgeni Local Municipality Our next guest argues that if we are serious about service delivery, we need to equip and support local municipalities. He shares his insights on local governance: who holds the purse strings, explains how the levels of government work together , how municipality collects its revenue and accountability. He argues that South Africa can use local government as a centre for revenue collection. To share his insights and his recommendations, we are joined by

Global Recession and Depression Guest: Zimasa Vabaza - Economist, content strategist and entrepreneur In the opinion of some economic analysts, there's a growing concern about a potential global recession or even depression in 2025. This would be the first of its kind since 2007. What are the signs of a recession? What does a depression look like almost 100 years since the last event? One of the trigger points may be the current trade war and the slowing global demand for products. Closer to home, these global trading conditions are already showing signs of weakening emerging markets. South Africa has faced its own challenges with the US politically which has cast doubt on existing trade agreements

Is it time to take a bold stand about smartphones in schools? Guest: Former police commissioner Riah Phiyega- she is now the CEO of  Safer  SA Foundation  Smartphones have become a near-permanent fixture in students’ lives, shaping how they learn, communicate, and navigate the world. But as concerns grow over declining academic performance, rising mental health challenges, and increasing digital distractions, the question arises: is it time to take a bold stand on smartphone use in schools? While technology has its benefits, the constant presence of smartphones in classrooms is disrupting focus, hindering social interaction, and exposing students to risks like cyberbullying. As educators and parents grapple with these challenges, a growing movement is calling for clear boundaries and policies that prioritize learning, wellbeing, and meaningful connection.

Guest: Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School Despite one-third of South Africans experiencing a mental health condition and more than 27% of South Africans affected by depression, only 5% of the national healthcare budget is allocated to mental health services. 

Community: - The role and importance of BRAIN BREAKS – how to stretch, move and play your way to optimal productivity at school and work with Gemma Thompson - Head of Development at Good Work 

Civic Education: CheatGPT crisis – SA universities faced with a burgeoning degree of AI-written academic assignments with Charne Lavery, associate professor in English at the University of Pretoria

: Thought leaders ,storytellers and griots:  Stressed and overextended’: nearly ‘half of SA teachers’ eye exit in 10 years with Dr Helen Hofmeyr, lead author of The Teacher Preferences and Job Satisfaction report

Guest: Nico Smith, Petrol Head

GUEST Presenter: KatlegoDanke who is a SAFTA award winning Actress, director, producer, TV Host, MC, Motivational Speaker, Mother

Guest:  Richard Hay is the curator of the Future Africa Campus gardens and the Future Africa Indigenous and Orphan Crops Collection of the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Garden  The University of Pretoria’s Giving Garden remains true to its name. In 2024 it provided around 100 community food gardens in Gauteng with free cuttings, seedlings and tubers of lesser-known and easily grown crop plants. Situated in the heart of the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Garden on the Hatfield Campus, it is also a valuable space for practical training and research on edible orphan and indigenous crops for UP students and staff.

Guest:  Professor Steve Tollman, Director of the SAMRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit International researchers have introduced two improved tests that could precisely detect cognitive dysfunction in older African adults. These new tools, part of a comprehensive set of 29 assessments, improve upon conventional dementia evaluations commonly used in developed regions

 Guest:  Kutlwano Masote- Conductor In his oratorio, Messiah, German-born English composer Georg Friedrich Handel (1685-1750) gave humanity music with both meaning and artistic appeal. You would have to search deep in the canon of art music to find a work to rival Messiah in this regard and likely fall short. Like all iconic art, it carries mystery and legend. For example, why do we all rise to our feet as soon as the Hallelujah chorus starts, and why did Handel decide to premier this work in Dublin?