The Best of Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Emmanuel Sowah, CEO of Dance Spirit SA, in studio about the return of the 6th International Akoma Dance Spirit Festival this November. Johannesburg is set to come alive with rhythm, colour, and African energy as dancers, DJs, artists, and culture lovers from around the world gather for a week-long celebration of movement, connection, and creativity. From themed parties and workshops to a pool party, Akoma places African-rooted dance at the centre of the festivities. Sowah joins us this morning to unpack what to expect and how the festival continues to showcase global talent while celebrating...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Vicki Turner as she takes us through two major global stories making headlines today. First, the United States has suspended all Afghan immigration requests after an Afghan man, who arrived in 2021,  was identified as the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, prompting a full review of security and vetting protocols. President Donald Trump has condemned the attack as an “act of terror” and vowed tougher action against foreigners “who do not belong here.” In Europe, mystery fills the skies once again as a strange red halo has reappeared over the...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB, about Africa’s shifting place in the global economy as outlined in RMB’s latest report, “Continent at a Crossroads: Africa’s Place in the World, Today and Tomorrow.” With the continent undergoing rapid transformation driven by population growth, urbanisation, and accelerating digital adoption, we unpack the most significant investment opportunities leading up to 2035 and the trends that will shape Africa’s economic trajectory. Mhlanga also explores how Africa can turn its young population into a competitive advantage, the role of technology in boosting global integration, how natural resources can be levera...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Khabazela as he unpacks what’s gone viral today, starting with a heated online debate about whether parents should post photos of their children on social media or keep those moments private to protect their kids’ digital identities. Khabazela also dives into a lighter trend sweeping the timelines , South Africans sharing stunning benches with breathtaking views from across the country, from coastal lookouts to mountain peaks, as people nominate the most beautiful spot in SA. Do you post your children online, or should those moments stay private  and which bench in South Africa offers the most...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Dr Nasiphi Moyo, Mayor of Tshwane, about the sweeping clean-up operation currently underway in Pretoria’s inner city. Over the past week, several buildings posing as bars, clubs, and “gentlemen’s spots” have been shut down after authorities uncovered that they were operating as fronts for brothels, human trafficking networks, and a range of illicit activities. City enforcement teams have been combing through the CBD, closing unsafe establishments, arresting suspects, and enforcing by-laws that have long gone ignored. The raids have also revealed undocumented workers, drug dens, and troubling signs of collusion between certain city official...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Isaac Mangena, City Power spokesperson, about the alarming blackout at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in November 2025 , a facility treating some of the country’s most vulnerable patients. The outage, triggered by an alleged R41.5-million debt owed to City Power, came just over a year after a separate June 2024 interruption caused by a cable fault. This time, however, the hospital’s backup generators failed to kick in, raising urgent questions about contingency planning, financial governance, and the operational resilience of critical health infrastructure.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Adam Gilchrist about the global stories making headlines today, starting with the devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district where at least 44 people have died, 279 remain missing, and three suspects have been arrested for manslaughter as authorities investigate the blaze that required more than 760 firefighters to contain; then to Germany, where a parking warden in the Bavarian city of Kempten is accused of quietly stealing around €1 million in coins from parking meters over several years, triggering a major money-laundering probe after banks flagged unusual deposits; and finally to the United States, where Pres...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Lauren Mark, one of the organisers for Padel for Hope, about South Africa’s first blockchain-powered sports fundraiser aimed at protecting endangered rhinos; the event, taking place later this month in Olivedale, combines padel, celebrity participation, and conservation advocacy, allowing donors to track every rand in real time, from registration straight to the rangers on the ground safeguarding rhinos, demonstrating how sport, technology, and philanthropy can unite to create accountability, impact, and a new model for wildlife fundraising.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Onke Dumeko, the NFVF’s Acting CEO, in studio, about the major new funding window opened under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6), which aims to inject significant support into South Africa’s film and television industry; with more than R50 million immediately available for high-level films and documentaries, alongside hundreds of millions budgeted for the broader programme, the initiative is set to boost job creation, empower emerging creatives, strengthen training programmes, and support festivals and industry development, and Dumeko breaks down what the funding means for the sector, who qualifies, and how filmmakers can take...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Khabazela about the viral moments capturing South Africans’ attention this morning, starting with a clip titled “Nobody’s gonna know” in which people humorously admit to serving store-bought meals while pretending they cooked, sparking a lively debate about whether hosts are expected to prepare food themselves or if shortcuts are fair game; and in the second story, “The best bench view,” social media users share photos of breathtaking benches across South Africa overlooking oceans, mountains, and valleys, prompting the question of which spot truly offers the most beautiful view in the country and which bench holds a specia...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Paula Cristina Roque, Executive Director of IntelWatch, about mounting allegations that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government orchestrated a deadly post-election crackdown in 2025, with reports estimating that up to 10,000 people may have been killed in what critics describe as one of East Africa’s worst political bloodbaths; as civil society organisations, including IntelWatch, prepare to take the matter to the International Criminal Court, citing grave human rights abuses alongside digital-era violations such as surveillance, spyware deployment, and internet blackouts used to mask state repression, Roque unpacks the evidence, the potential legal precedent, and what this land...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Kgomotso Modise, EWN reporter in studio, about the escalating standoff between SCOPA and former RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo, who has repeatedly failed to appear before the committee despite multiple formal summonses, claiming in a viral video that he is avoiding Parliament because people are “trying to kill him”—a statement that has raised serious questions about both his credibility and personal safety; with SCOPA now pursuing possible criminal charges and Parliament taking the unusual step of publicly releasing the summons in an effort to compel his testimony, Letsoalo’s continued absence has stalled the RAF inquiry...

Ray White speaks to Xanthea Limberg, SALGA Deputy President, as the 2025 SALGA National Members Assembly enters a decisive phase in eThekwini. A central theme emerging from this week’s discussions is the urgent call to strengthen the financial foundations of municipalities, with leaders warning that without a sustainable and reformed funding model, meaningful improvements in service delivery will remain out of reach. Limberg unpacks the conversations taking place on the proposed review of the municipal funding framework, the challenges facing local government finances, and the steps SALGA believes are essential to stabilise and professionalise municipalities across the country.

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Ray White speaks to Talitha Sachane, CSI Manager at Total Energies, about the company’s ongoing support for meaningful social impact in South Africa. Since 1997, Total Energies has quietly partnered with Buskaid in Soweto, a project where young people use violins and cellos as a pathway to a brighter future. What began with borrowed office space has grown into a world-class music school, producing talented musicians who have performed for presidents, royalty, and even at the BBC Proms. Sachane discusses how this partnership demonstrates real impact beyond corporate branding, nurturing talent, creating opportunities, and changing lives.

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Ray White speaks to Adam Glichrist about today’s top stories from around the globe. First, a startling twist in Thailand, where a 65-year-old woman brought to a Buddhist temple for cremation was discovered alive in her coffin, a shocking reminder of how fragile life can be. Next, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a new voluntary military national service, reassuring citizens that it “does not involve sending our youth to Ukraine,” following public concern sparked by warnings of Russian threats. Finally, in the world of encryption, the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR) had to cancel its leader...

Ray White speaks about two trending moments with Khabazela: first, people who are naturally good with kids — those special individuals whom children instantly gravitate toward, and what it is about them that makes kids feel so comfortable; and second, South Africans sharing their favourite “best bench views,” from hidden lookout points to iconic scenic spots, prompting the question: do you know of a bench in SA with a breathtaking view, or what do you think is the most beautiful view in the country?

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station...

Ray White speaks to former ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman about the escalating intimidation and violence facing Johannesburg’s councillors, where serving the public is increasingly becoming a fight for personal safety. Harman describes a city where death threats, shootings, and high-profile resignations are becoming alarmingly common, with council meetings collapsing under factional battles, legal threats, and power plays that resemble a political battleground rather than a functional chamber. She delves into the rise of construction mafias, the breakdown of safety structures, and the emotional toll on those trying to govern amid chaos. Harman offers insight into what Johannesburg is fa...

Ray White speaks to Kenneth Kgwadi, research fellow at the Middle East Africa Research Institute (MEARI), about the latest setback in Sudan’s stalled peace efforts after army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected the US-backed “Quad” truce proposal, dismissing it as the worst plan yet and accusing the UAE of quietly supporting the RSF. The move highlights the deepening mistrust between Sudan’s warring sides and the international mediators attempting to bring them to the negotiating table. As the conflict continues, millions remain trapped in what has become the world’s largest displacement crisis, with both the army and the RS...

Ray White speaks to Sarah Nicholson, Head of Customer Experience at Just Money, as Black Friday in South Africa shifts from a bargain-hunting frenzy to a high-risk financial minefield. What was once a fun retail tradition has increasingly become a season of regret, with shoppers falling prey to impulse buying, misleading “specials” and an alarming rise in AI-powered scams that mimic real retailers with frightening accuracy. Nicholson breaks down why the popular “no refund/no exchange” signs many stores still display are actually illegal, and how consumers can spot the new generation of scams, from polished fake websites to cloned s...

Ray White and Khabazela dive into the latest viral trends and relatable social media moments, starting with “I deleted it…”  a story that has everyone asking: have you ever accidentally deleted something important, or just thought you did? The conversation then moves to “Things I won’t touch,” exploring the quirky, gross, or downright untouchable items that people refuse to handle, sparking laughs, shared experiences, and a peek into the everyday boundaries we all set for ourselves online and off.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes...

Ray White catches up with Adam Gilchrist for a gripping sweep through today’s global headlines, starting with the horrifying case of two young Texas men accused of plotting to invade Haiti’s Gonave Island by recruiting homeless people as mercenaries, murdering the island’s men and enslaving women and children to fulfil violent “rape fantasies.” In Canada, officials in British Columbia are searching for three grizzly bears involved in a shocking attack on a school group in Bella Coola, amid what locals say are escalating bear encounters in the remote community. And in the UK, eccentric aristocrat Sir Benjamin Sl...

Ray White speaks to Billy Monama, renowned guitarist and composer, as South Africa welcomes the return of the Mayibuye iAfrika Concert,  now back for its 4th edition this Reconciliation Month. This year’s theme, “The Rebirth of Ubuntu,” anchors a four-hour musical journey designed to reconnect audiences with heritage, healing and community spirit. Monama curates an expansive celebration featuring a full 20-piece orchestra, weaving together storytelling, tradition and contemporary vibrancy. The lineup is a rare meeting of Mzansi’s musical giants, including Simphiwe Dana, Judith Sephuma and Hotstix Mabuse, alongside rising voices like Langa Mavuso and Maleh. And with musical dire...

Ray White speaks to Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, as South Africa begins its annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year, the government’s message is sharper and more urgent: the fight against GBV cannot be confined to a two-week campaign,  it demands unwavering commitment throughout the year. Chikunga outlines a national call to action urging men, women, young people, filmmakers, the media and civil society to step beyond symbolic gestures and work collectively to end violence. Meanwhile, Gauteng launched its provincial campaign, and government introduced a new GBVF Dashboard designed to pro...

Ray White speaks to Lehlohonolo Thobela, Meteorologist and Weather Forecaster at the South African Weather Service, about the increasingly volatile weather patterns sweeping across the country. Thobela explains that the recent hail, thunder and heavy downpours are likely just the beginning, with early next year expected to bring even more intense and frequent storms. Gauteng, already gearing up for a week of dramatic skies, will see powerful systems early in the week followed by lighter showers into the weekend. While the rainfall offers relief to some farmers, others face mounting losses as crops suffer under severe conditions. With major...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Pula Twala, co-organiser of HughFest and daughter of the legendary Bra Hugh Masekela, as the much-loved festival returns on 30 November to the breathtaking Nirox Sculpture Park. She shares how HughFest has grown into a cultural homecoming where music, art, nature, and heritage come together in true Masekela spirit, with this year’s powerhouse lineup, Shekhinah, The Soul Brothers, Mi Casa, Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba, The Brother Moves On, and iComplete , promising a multigenerational celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring rhythm Bra Hugh left behind.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Khabazela in this week’s What’s Gone Viral, where a man’s ecstatic reaction to winning R1.3 million has sparked a feel-good conversation about who we contact first when something amazing happens, while a revived appreciation for the iconic Lenovo ThinkPad has listeners debating what makes it so beloved — and sharing which brand of laptop their companies issue.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to a...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Adam Gilchrist in World View as they explore Vietnam’s devastating floods that have left dozens dead, thousands of homes destroyed, and millions of livestock swept away; assess the shifting dynamics around the US-proposed Ukraine peace plan and whether it truly serves Kyiv, Moscow, or Washington; and celebrate an unexpected sporting triumph as 21-year-old Danylo Yavhusishyn becomes the first Ukrainian ever to win a sumo tournament in Japan.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Risk analyst and former South African Diplomat Dr Kingsley Makhubela following a landmark G20 Summit defined as much by South Africa’s steady leadership as by the United States’ conspicuous absence. Dangor unpacks how fears that multilateralism might be on its deathbed were tested this weekend and ultimately challenged as world leaders managed to reach early consensus on key issues, from climate justice to debt relief. But with the US missing from the table, the question remains: Can the G20 declaration become a living, implementable document rather than another relic on a shelf? Dangor breaks down...

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, as the dust settles on the first G20 Summit ever hosted on African soil. Phillipson reflects on what has widely been hailed as a significant success for South Africa, a summit where the country not only showcased its leadership but ensured African priorities were placed firmly at the centre of global deliberations. With the G20 baton moving to the US in 2026 and then to the United Kingdom in 2027, he outlines how the UK is doubling down on preparing a full, ambitious agenda despite the...

Bongani Bingwa is joined by Actress, Humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador, Nomzamo Mbatha, to talk about Africa hosting its first-ever Global Citizen NOW summit in Johannesburg during the G20 Summit.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa 

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Adam Gilchrist about what the G20 Summit without Donald Trump means, recent cases highlighting ongoing concerns about China's covert operations within the UK, and Australia’s social media ban for teenagers.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

Thank you for listening to a podcast from...

South Africa’s G20 Presidency is a moment to spotlight Africa’s voice in shaping global priorities, from equality and education to sustainable growth. With world leaders, changemakers, and innovators coming together, these discussions have the potential to drive real, lasting impact. EWN’s Nokukhanya Mntambo has been closely following the conversations and joins Bongani Bingwa to share what’s emerging from the Presidency and why it matters for the continent’s future.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key new...

Bongani Bingwa, with Jonathan “Khabazela” Fairbairn ask, "if your life was a movie and people were watching up to this point, what would the audience be screaming at the screen, telling you to do with your life?"

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

Thank you for listening to a podc...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Institute for Global Dialogue senior research fellow,  Sanusha Naidu, to provide a round out of the biggest politics stories this week. These covered SAPS commissioner confirming 121 KZN political killing dockets sat idle in Pretoria; MPs brushing off activist Mary de Haas’ details of KZN PKTT ‘abuse and torture’ as hearsay; Ramaphosa pushes back amid growing ANC tensions; and the developments in diplomacy around G20 Summit.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with director Leila Henriques about the bold new production of Medea, set in a drought-stricken Johannesburg, ahead of its run from 27 to 30 November at the Barney Simon Theatre. 

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bin...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Adam Gilchrist about the deadly Russian strike in western Ukraine that killed at least 26 people, including children, and injured more than 90, destroying residential blocks in Ternopil; the Russian spy ship that entered UK waters near Scotland and allegedly targeted British military pilots with lasers, prompting a warning from the UK defence secretary about a “new era of threat”; and the rare Gustav Klimt portrait sold in New York for $236.4 million, making it the second most expensive artwork ever auctioned.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio stati...

Bongani Bingwa chats with Jonathan “Khabazela” Fairbairn about people who head out in their pyjamas or slippers when making a quick trip to the garage or the shop.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa 

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Bongani Bingwa speaks with retired High Court Judge and author Chris Nicholson about whether Janusz Waluś truly acted alone, who may have ordered the assassination of Chris Hani, and who might still be protecting the masterminds behind one of South Africa’s darkest political killings. 

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day <...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with EWN reporter and journalist Kgomotso Modise, who provides an update and explanation of the various processes examining alleged criminality within our law enforcement agencies, including the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga Commission.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your d...

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Chris Dodd, CEO of iStore, about the growing divide between well-resourced schools and those without. For over 15 years, iStore has been working to bridge this gap through its partnership with the iSchoolAfrica Education Trust.

702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station.

Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day 

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