Thando Kubheka

What a week it’s been – from the tragic drive-by shooting in Eldorado Park that rocked a community, to the shocking reality of a R30 million old age home in Tembisa left empty while seniors suffer nearby.
We witnessed young leaders take charge in Parliament’s historic P20 Youth sitting, heard powerful words from award-winning poet Modise Sekgothe, and caught the unstoppable energy of Kaya 959’s Andy Maqondwana inspiring a generation this Youth Month.
This week was all about voices rising, urgent challenges, and the unstoppable spirit of South Africa’s youth and communities.
Here are our Top 5 Stories of the Week:
1. Eldorado Park residents: “We’re living in fear.”
A peaceful night outside a mosque in Eldorado Park turned into chaos when a white Audi drove by and opened fire. Three lives lost. One man fighting for his life. Families shattered. This wasn’t just another crime, it’s a wake-up call for a community already on edge.
Phemelo spoke to the Eldorado Park Ward 18 Councillor, Juwairiya Kaldine about the pain, the fear, and the urgent call for action.
Listen to the full story here:
2. R30 Million Tembisa Old Age Home Lies Empty for 5 Years as Elderly Suffer Nearby
A fully built old age home in Tembisa has stood empty for 5 years, closed since 2019 due to rezoning and structural issues. Meanwhile, the elderly it was meant to serve are living in tough, undignified conditions nearby. Guarded 24/7, but serving no one. Why is this happening?
Phemelo spoke to the DA’s Refiloe Ntšekhe and Gauteng Social Development’s Khanyisile Mathebula to get answers.
Missed the interview? Catch the full conversation here:
3. Youth Take the Floor: Inside Parliament’s Landmark P20 Youth Sitting
Just days before Youth Day, Parliament hosted a landmark P20 Youth Parliament in the historic Good Hope Chamber in Cape Town, just three days ahead of Youth Day. Young MPs, provincial leaders, and youth advocates gathered to shape South
Africa’s national youth development agenda. The event marked a shift toward meaningful inclusion of young voices in shaping South Africa’s development agenda- addressing pressing issues like unemployment, mental health, education, and youth participation in governance.
Phemelo spoke to ActionSA’s Malebo Kobe – a Young MP and member of the P20 Youth Parliament Steering Committee – to unpack what the sitting achieved, the challenges youth leaders are raising, and what’s next for SA’s youth.
Missed the interview? Catch the full conversation here:
4. Modise Sekgothe: Breathing Life Into Words
Standard Bank Young Artist 2025 winner joined Phemelo for an unmissable conversation. From stage to soul… award-winning poet, performer, and creative powerhouse Modise Sekgothe opens up about his journey, artistic inspirations, and what it means to be honoured with one of SA’s most prestigious arts awards.
Missed the interview? Catch the full conversation here:
5. Andy Maqondwana: The Voice Shaping Youth Culture
Missed this? Meet Andy Maqondwana – Kaya 959’s bold and brilliant voice shaking up the airwaves this Youth Month! From her infectious energy to her sharp wit, Andy is more than a host – she’s inspiring a whole generation.
Phemelo sat down with Andy for a no-holds-barred chat you don’t want to miss!



