Thando Kubheka
It’s been a week of high tensions, tough questions, and deep reflection across South Africa. From the heartbreaking floods in the Eastern Cape that claimed nearly 80 lives, to power outages in Soweto sparking fiery protests in the streets, emotions have run high. President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the long-promised National Dialogue to tackle the country’s biggest issues – but doubts remain about whether it’ll lead to real change.
On the global stage, we kicked off our deep dive into the UN’s Crimes Against Humanity Treaty, starting with a spotlight on Apartheid accountability. And in this week’s Legal Matters, shocking court cases including a diner swallowing a needle-like object and a woman losing her inheritance due to an unresolved customary marriage – left us questioning how far the law protects the everyday South African.
Here are our top 5 stories of the week:
1. Eastern Cape Flood Tragedy
The death toll from the catastrophic floods in the Eastern Cape has climbed to nearly 80. Premier Oscar Mabuyane has called it “one of the most painful tragedies” to hit the province. Torrential rains, strong winds, and landslides have caused massive destruction with OR Tambo District hardest hit. Among the victims were schoolchildren swept away in a minibus taxi on their way to school.
Earlier this week, Phemelo spoke to OR Tambo District Municipality Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana when the toll was still at 49.
Listen to the full story here:
2. Power Outrage Sparks Protest in Soweto
After three days without electricity, furious Meadowlands residents in Soweto hit the streets, burning tyres and blocking traffic in protest. The blackout forced many to miss work and school, turning up the heat on Eskom.
Phemelo speaks to local resident Boitumelo Malema and gets a response from Eskom’s Amanda Qhithi.
Listen to the full story here:
3. Ramaphosa Launches National Dialogue: Real Change or Just Talk?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has kicked off the long-promised National Dialogue to tackle South Africa’s biggest challenges, from unemployment and poverty to gender-based violence and slow land reform. But many remain sceptical: will it drive real change, or just become another talk shop?
Phemelo gets insights from SAFTU’s Zwelinzima Vavi, ActionSA MP Lerato Ngobeni, and OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage.
Listen to the full story here:
4. UN Crimes Against Humanity Treaty in Focus
We’re diving into the UN’s draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty over the next four weeks — unpacking what it means for global justice.
We kicked things off with Wendy Isaack, Senior Gender Justice and International Law Fellow, as she explores the ongoing fight for justice and accountability for Apartheid-era crimes.
Listen to the full story here:
5. Legal Shocks — From Burgers to Customary Marriages
In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks two jaw-dropping cases:
A diner swallows a needle-like object in a hamburger — can the restaurant be held liable?
A woman loses her claim to her late husband’s estate after 6 years of “marriage” – all because he never divorced his first wife from a 40-year-old customary marriage.
Listen to the full story here:
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