Best SAfm Podcasts (2026)

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Beyond the Prescription Pad - An MD’s Journey to True Healing | E30 45:52

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7d ago45:52

45:52

A German-trained physician shares how functional medicine helped her finally understand why lifelong eczema persisted and what changed when she stopped chasing symptoms and started addressing immune overload. In this episode, Tracy Harrison speaks with Julia Martin, MD, HC, about the gap between conventional medical training and real-world healing.…

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Relief efforts continue in Kouga municipality in the Eastern Cape as firefighters battle multiple veld fires 5:58

32m ago5:58

5:58

The Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape says there has been little damage to property, as a few houses were affected by the current fires. The municipality says they have also had no reports of fatalities. Parts of a plastic factory were also damaged, with no damage to the building. Firefighters are still busy with a concerning blaze in the Kabe…

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KZN Speaker: Suspended NFP MPL Mbali Shinga remains in legislature unless she resigns. 8:49

5h ago8:49

8:49

The National Freedom Party has reaffirmed its decision to withdraw from the KwaZulu-Natal's Government of Provincial Unity. Speaking at a media briefing in Durban, party leader Irvan Barnes said the decision was due to administrative challenges and political agreements that were not honoured by coalition partners. For a reaction to this and to put …

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Listen to our weekly feature, Coalface, with Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News and Mining Weekly. 4:56

43m ago4:56

4:56

SAFM's Update at Noon presents another update from the coalface. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly.By SAfm

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Strong winds fuel runaway Kouga veld fires. 7:46

1h ago7:46

7:46

Relief efforts continue in Kouga municipality in the Eastern Cape as firefighters battle multiple veld fires. Firefighters worked throughout the night trying to contain the fires in the affected areas. The Humansdorp region is currently the most affected and resident residing near the R330 have been evacuated. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Linton Rensbu…

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Over 20 minors intercepted near the Beitbridge border post 11:07

23m ago11:07

11:07

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have intercepted over 20 minors near the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo. The children, aged 5-17, were travelling without parental supervision, raising concerns about child protection and exploitation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Border Manage…

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Millions paid to suspended SAPS officers in under two years 4:15

29m ago4:15

4:15

Over R25-million has been paid to 233 suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in under two years, with charges including rape, corruption and hijacking. Rise Mzansi Chief Organizer and National Assembly Caucus Whip, Makashule Gana says the party is alarmed by the figures and will seek a briefing from SAPS and the Independent Police I…

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Fires in Gqeberha prompts evacuations and road closures 7:36

30m ago7:36

7:36

A massive fire is raging across several areas in Kouga, prompting urgent evacuation orders and road closures. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions, affecting areas like Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road and Kromme River. Emergency services are on the scene, and residents are being urged to evacua…

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ANC marked its 114th anniversary 18:29

40m ago18:29

18:29

The ANC marked its 114th anniversary yesterday, with celebrations set to culminate at Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg this Saturday. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the party's unique role in South Africa, highlighting its ability to bring people together despite challenges. The ANC says it is working to mend strained relations with the SACP to…

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Soil of Africa rejects figures for unplaced learners in Gauteng 6:47

40m ago6:47

6:47

Soil of Africa is rejecting the Gauteng Department of Education's claim that only 4,858 learners are unplaced for the 2026 academic year, calling it a "failure" and a "crisis of governance". The organisation says thousands of children being denied access to education is unacceptable and reflects poor planning and weak infrastructure delivery. Soil …

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AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana 5:00

11m ago5:00

5:00

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of LimpopoBy SAfm

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Top Sport with Tumi Nkgapele: Thursday,8 January 43:20

12h ago43:20

43:20

By SAfm

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114 years of the ANC 14:05

1h ago14:05

14:05

Today, January 8th 2025, marks 114 years since the African National Congress was founded, making it the oldest liberation movement on the African continent. Let’s look back at the past, the present and future of this liberation movement with… GUEST: Professor Steven Friedman, Political Analyst from the University of Johannesburg…

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After Venezuela: Who might be next? 6:28

1h ago6:28

6:28

Post the forceful overthrow of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump has threatened countries across the globe with possible U.S military action. He recently renewed his calls for a US takeover of the Danish territory of Greenland, citing US security interests, and threatened military action in Colombia for its role in coc…

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Limpopo Premier tackles illegal immigrants 13:27

1h ago13:27

13:27

A law enforcement operation in Limpopo has seen more than 1000 illegal foreign nationals being arrested. The operation comes after a recent spike in undocumented migration in the province. According to the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the enforcement action is aimed at upholding the law, not targeting foreigners. GUEST: Dr Phophi Ramath…

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US Embassy Picket 8:53

1h ago8:53

8:53

Security was beefed up at the US Embassy in Pretoria as a coalition of South African trade unions, political groups, and civil society organisations picketed outside the building today. The picket is against US attacks on Venezuela. Let’s find out more with… GUEST: Muhammed Desai, from the South Africa Latin America Association…

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The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, has formally endorsed the renewal of the contract of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a second term 13:41

1h ago13:41

13:41

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, has formally endorsed the renewal of the contract of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a second term, following a meeting with the South African Police Service National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola. According to Ntuli, General Mkhwanazi has earned…

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Will 2026 be the year you move from success to significance? 14:44

1h ago14:44

14:44

Dr John Foster-Pedley shares his thoughts on “How to live a life that rhythmically moves from success to significance”. He is of the view that we all have it within ourselves to be significant. GUEST: Dr John Foster-Pedley, an Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading UK, and Dean and Director of Henley Business School Africa…

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Africa's oldest liberation movement ANC turns 114 today. 4:43

1h ago4:43

4:43

President Cyril Ramaphosa says all South Africans are inheritors and beneficiaries from the struggle that was waged by the African National Congress against the apartheid government. He was speaking in a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of former ANC Treasurer-General and SA Communist Party General Secretary, Moses Kotane. Ramaphosa is in the No…

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half-naked teens rescued in Johannesburg trafficking bust. 18:29

15h ago18:29

18:29

A 47-year-old man has appeared in the Booysens Magistrate's Court, Johannesburg, on kidnapping charges. The arrest follows the rescue of ten teenage boys in Mulbarton. To look at the phenomenon of human trafficking of young people. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the president of the United Africa Movement and Ethiopian businessman, Hailey Shamebo, and an…

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NFP withdraws from the government of provincial unity in KZN. 8:56

1h ago8:56

8:56

KwaZulu-Natal Premier and provincial IFP chairperson Thami Ntuli says he has not received any formal communication regarding the National Freedom Party's decision to withdraw from the Government of Provincial Unity. His comments comes after the National Freedom Party released a statement citing that it has resolved to pull out from the KwaZulu-Nata…

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Trump withdraws US from 66 international organizations. 5:59

1h ago5:59

5:59

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from dozens of international organisations, including many that work to combat climate change. Among the 66 groups, nearly half of them are bodies of the United Nations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty that underpins all international efforts to combat global warming. …

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Ugandan election, obvious outcome? 29:28

12m ago29:28

29:28

Ugandan election, obvious outcome? As Ugandans prepare for the upcoming elections on the 15th of January, the country’s government announced that it was banning live broadcasts of riots, 'unlawful processions' and other violent incidents ahead of an election in which President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule. Let’s get the lat…

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Thato Moncho and the battle to unlock access to healthcare 43:57

14m ago43:57

43:57

Thato Moncho and the battle to unlock access to healthcare Last week, Thato Moncho passed away after losing her battle with cancer (January 2, 2026). She was a prominent South African cancer activist best known for her brave fight against breast cancer and systemic failures in the public healthcare system. She was diagnosed with stage 2 inflammator…

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Two oil tankers linked to Venezuela seized 8:12

1h ago8:12

8:12

The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela. One vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and now called Marinera, was boarded in the North Atlantic after weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard. The ship had changed its name and adopted a Russian flag to evade capture. The second vessel, carrying oil and sailing under a Cameroonian …

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Matriculants cautioned against unregistered institutions 5:41

1h ago5:41

5:41

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is warning matriculants to be cautious of unregistered institutions offering fake study opportunities. SAQA says students should verify institutions before paying fees. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAQA's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Makhapa MakhafolaBy SAfm

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Picket to be held outside the American embassy in Pretoria 7:48

1h ago7:48

7:48

A coalition of South African trade unions, political groups and civil society organisations will picket outside the American Embassy in Pretoria today to condemn -of what they say - is the US military invasion of Venezuela and the 'kidnapping' of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSAT…

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Proposal for legal drinking age to be increased 8:20

1h ago8:20

8:20

A proposal has been put forward to increase South Africa's legal drinking age from 18 to between 21 and 23. Gatekeepers South Africa has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing the country's struggles with alcohol abuse and its link to domestic violence, drunk driving, and other risks. Despite previous proposals, little progress has been made …

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ActionSA cautiously optimistic over Adv Andy Mothibi's appoint 10:34

1h ago10:34

10:34

The appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions has been met with cautious optimism by ActionSA. The party says the move highlights the need for reform in how the heads of the prosecuting authority are appointed. ActionSA is concerned that Mothibi's appointment, made unilaterally by President Cyril Ramap…

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Analysis on Andy Mothibi’s appointment as the new NDPP 6:32

4h ago6:32

6:32

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Advocate Andy Mothibi as the country’s new national director of public prosecutions. We hear from Dr Llewellyn Curlewis on whether or not this was a wise decision as Mothibi’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions. GUEST: Dr Llewellyn Curlewis, Legal expert from the University of Pre…

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Trump’s ousting of Maduro amounts to unlawful regime change, says Rise Mzansi 10:17

4h ago10:17

10:17

As world leaders continue to react to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States of America. Here at home, RISE Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi has criticised Trump’s military campaign, arguing that it amounted to unlawful regime change. GUEST: Songezo Zibi, Leader of Rise Mzansi…

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COGTA Minister to tighten oversight as 48 initiates die in summer season 14:02

4h ago14:02

14:02

COGTA Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa joins us to discuss the deaths of initiates during traditional initiation seasons in South Africa. The deaths are generally not attributed to the cultural practice itself, but rather to negligence and illegal operations. Hlabisa recently convened a high-level engagement to receive updates on initiates’ deaths rec…

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Fire contained in some areas in the Mossel Bay Municipality 4:11

1d ago4:11

4:11

The Mossel Bay Municipality in the Western Cape says the fire that has been raging has been contained in some areas, including the northern flank in Aalwyndal, the eastern flank in Island View and the southern flank on the N2. Let’s get more details on this with… GUEST: Sagree Chetty, SABC News Reporter in the Western Cape…

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Security Personnel Deployed At Airports And Other Sensitive Public Sites Not Paid December Salaries 8:19

4h ago8:19

8:19

A number of security personnel deployed at airports and other sensitive public sites hit social media platforms to complain about unpaid salaries after an internal Mafoko Security Patrols memorandum confirmed a missed salary payment in December 2025. Mafoko Security has also faced ongoing allegations and litigation linked to unpaid provident fund c…

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ANC’s Annual January 8 Presidential Golf Day 5:51

4h ago5:51

5:51

ANC launched a fundraising campaign this morning ahead of the party’s birthday rally on Saturday. Party President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa, kicked off the annual January 8 Presidential Golf Day at Gary Player Golf Course in Sun City. Let’s get a sense of what the ANC President had to say this morning. Joining me on the…

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UK bans junk food advertising 7:56

4h ago7:56

7:56

In an effort to combat child obesity. The ministry of health in the United Kingdom has announced that adverts for less healthy food and drinks will be banned from appearing on television between 5:30am and 21:00pm. The banned products are high in fat, sugar and salt. The new rules came into force on the first of this month. What lessons can South A…

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Advocate Andy Mothibi appointed NDPP: OUTA Reacts 12:34

4h ago12:34

12:34

The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture, which The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is part of, wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa last year, asking him to ensure the implementation of the Zondo Commission's recommendation on improving the process of appointing a National Director of Public Prosecutions. Let’s get reaction on the appo…

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Top Sport with Tumi Nkgapele: Wednesday 7 January 44:39

1d ago44:39

44:39

By SAfm

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Trump claims control of Venezuelan oil proceeds 8:55

3h ago8:55

8:55

Venezuela's oil industry is one of the most striking illustrations of how politics can both create and destroy economic prosperity. According to Chief Economist, Don Consultancy Group Chifipa Mhango, Venezuela is endowed with the world's largest proven oil reserves and should, in theory, be among the most prosperous energy economies globally. Inste…

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Zuma and Mbeki's foundations seek Khampepe's recusal from the TRC Commission. 10:32

8h ago10:32

10:32

Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have moved to have retired Justice Sisi Khampepe recused from chairing the TRC prosecutions inquiry, a move angering some victims' families. They cite alleged conflicts of interest linked to her past roles and question her impartiality. Khampepe rejects the claims. The commission has confirmed it receive…

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President Ramaphosa appoints Mothibi as new prosecutions boss. 10:30

3h ago10:30

10:30

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed current Head of Special Investigating Unit Andy Mothibi as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions with effect from the first of February. This comes as the tenure of the current head Shamila Batohi comes to an end. Ramaphosa's decision follows the conclusion of an advisory panel process in which si…

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Parliament's ad hoc committee on Mkhwanazi allegations meets to map way forward. 6:10

10h ago6:10

6:10

Addressing members of Parliament's ad hoc committee, chairperson Soviet Lekganyane says the committee is working under tight deadlines. Lekganyane says the technical team wants all oral hearings wrapped up by 6 February, allowing time to draft a final report by mid-February. Lekganyane has urged members to carefully manage hearings scheduled betwee…

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SARS Residency Rules You Cannot Ignore as an Expat 10:06

2h ago10:06

10:06

Send us a text If you have been told that leaving South Africa for 330 days automatically ends your tax residency, think again. Spending a certain number of days outside South Africa or relying on a double taxation agreement does not automatically change your tax residency. SARS treats tax residency as an ongoing assessment, so your South African t…

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AZAPO Demands FIFA Ban US Over Venezuela "Aggression" 6:46

4h ago6:46

6:46

AZAPO is calling for FIFA to ban the United States from international football competitions, citing the country's "illegal aggression" against Venezuela. The group is condemning the US military strikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro saying it's a violation of international law. Elvis Presslin spoke to AZAPO President, Nelv…

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14 SA Youths Face Deportation from Thailand 9:44

4h ago9:44

9:44

A group of 14 South African youths, lured to Thailand with promises of employment are facing deportation today after being detained for allegedly being victims of human trafficking. The group was reportedly recruited by a South African male and their situation has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of South Africans abroad. Elvis Pres…

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Suspect Arrested After Half-Naked Teens Rescued in Joburg CBD 4:48

3d ago4:48

4:48

A 47-year-old foreign national has been arrested in Johannesburg's CBD on suspicion of human trafficking. The man was detained after police intercepted a vehicle and rescued two teenage boys, and another 10 were found walking half-naked on Broad Street in Mulbarton. The suspect will appear in court tomorrow (Thursday) facing charges of being an ill…

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SA Early Childhood Development System in Crisis - Researcher 12:04

4h ago12:04

12:04

SA's ECD system facing a crisis South Africa's early childhood development (ECD) system is facing a crisis, with millions of children being left behind due to a lack of access to quality early learning. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says the system is plagued by class divisions, underfunding and inadequate infrastructure, perpetuating inequality and l…

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Heathfield High Principal Reinstated After Labour Court Ruling 7:18

4h ago7:18

7:18

The Labour Court has ruled in favour of Councillor Wesley Neumann, reinstating him as Principal of Heathfield High School. Neumann, a GOOD Party councillor, was dismissed in 2022 for keeping schools closed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to safety concerns. The court deemed the dismissal "disproportionate" and unfair. The Western Cape Education De…

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Venezuela: What comes next? 14:28

2h ago14:28

14:28

We unpack the UN Security Council’s debate, with the current focus being an emergency session on the U.S intervention in Venezuela after US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro, creating sharp divisions among members over sovereignty and international law. Interestingly, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to federal drug traff…

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Political Analysis: DA condemns DIRCO on Venezuela issue 13:11

2h ago13:11

13:11

The DA put out a statement today condemning the department of international relations and cooperation’s stance on the Venezuela issue and they are not the only GNU partner who did that. The Freedom Front Plus issued its own statement, warning that the ANC cannot speak on behalf of South Africa regarding the events in Venezuela or its foreign policy…