Thando Kubheka-Madulini
South Africa has been gripped by drama, outrage, and powerful voices.
In Pimville, residents shut down Maponya Mall in protest after deadly taxi violence claimed a life and left two injured, sparking fresh calls for government action.
Meanwhile in Germiston, tensions rose as protests turned violent following controversial evictions, with the local Home Affairs office set alight and city officials standing firm.
Operation Dudula grabbed headlines again after three of its members were arrested for demanding ID documents at a Soweto clinic, yet the group says it won’t stop its campaign.
In a major corruption scandal, an investigation revealed links between a suspended IDT CEO’s R16 million mansion and a contractor’s payments…while public workers remain unpaid.
And in the spirit of Women’s Month, award-winning actress Khabonina Qubeka joined the show to reflect on power, performance, and her iconic role as Queen Ntombazi. These were the stories that defined the week deeply troubling in parts, but also full of resilience and reflection.
Here are our Top 5 Stories of the Week:
1. Pimville Community Shuts Down Maponya Mall After Deadly Taxi Violence
Tensions boiled over in Pimville this week after a deadly taxi violence incident left one e-hailing driver shot and burned inside his car, and two others injured. Angry residents responded by shutting down Maponya Mall and torching a taxi in protest, saying the mall will remain closed for seven days in mourning. They’re demanding answers from mall management and the provincial government. Meanwhile, taxi group SANTACO is calling on government to speed up long-promised transport regulations. Phemelo speaks to Gauteng’s Transport MEC Kedibone and local community leaders weigh in.
Listen to the full interview here:
2. Germiston Protests Erupt Over Evictions as Mayor Stands Firm
Protests flared up in Germiston after the local Home Affairs office was set on fire—apparently linked to forced evictions at Pharoe Park flats. Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza says the city is standing by the evictions, arguing that residents were legally removed after failing to pay rent. The city says court orders were obtained, and police carried out the removals. As tensions rise, officials and community leaders are clashing over who’s to blame and what comes next for displaced residents. Phemelo speaks to Thembi Rachuene, Chairperson of PAD in Germiston, and Mamokubong Moroke, Provincial Manager at Home Affairs.
Listen to the full interview here:
3. Operation Dudula Promises More ID Checks After Soweto Clinic Arrests
Three Operation Dudula members were arrested after storming a Soweto clinic and demanding to see patient ID documents. They’re facing charges like public violence and trespassing but the group says it’s not backing down. Outside court, the group said their campaign will continue and accused the state of using “apartheid-style” tactics. Human rights activists are pushing back, warning the group’s actions are dangerous and unlawful. Phemelo speaks to Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula and Executive Director at the Human Rights Institute of South Africa, Corlett Letlojane.
Listen to the full discussion here:
4. R16 Million House Scandal Rocks IDT As Workers Go Unpaid
A new investigation reveals that suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka may have benefited from payments made by a contractor helping her buy a R16 million luxury home while workers in a government programme go without pay. The contractor, businessman Collen Mashawana, reportedly made two payments toward the mansion around the same time his foundation was about to land a deal with the IDT. Investigative journalist at the Daily Maverick Pieter-Louis Myburgh speaks to Phemelo about the details of this explosive corruption story.
Listen to the full interview here:
5. Khabonina Qubeka Talks Power, Passion & Playing Queen Ntombazi
In honour of Women’s Month, actress and dancer Khabonina Qubeka opens up about her bold role as Queen Ntombazi in Shaka iLembe, a character fans love, and love to fear. She chats with Phemelo about her journey in the spotlight, how she stays true to her passions, and what it means to be a powerful woman in entertainment and beyond.
Listen to the full interview here:
READ NEXT: The best of Point of View: Explosive corruption exposés and international diplomatic drama
