Early Breakfast with Africa Melane

Guest: Brooks Spector | US Policy Expert Zain Johnson speaks to veteran US foreign policy expert Brooks Spector following a fiery Oval Office confrontation between US President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the first fuel levy hike in three years to revised tax plans and spending shifts, we unpack the key takeaways from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s latest budget speech. What it means for your money, the economy, and the year ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Access to funding can make or break your business. Zain Johnson chats with an Old Mutual expert about smart ways to finance your venture — from personal savings to investor backing — and what today’s South African entrepreneurs need to know to succeed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is inversion therapy worth the hype—or just a risky trend? Fitness presenter and mental fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen breaks down the benefits, risks, and science behind inversion tables. Learn how this technique may help with back pain, flexibility, and circulation—and what to watch out for before you try it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Jan Vermeulen – Editor at My Broadband.co.za Zain Johnson is joined by Jan Vermeulen, editor of MyBroadband, to unpack the political and economic stakes behind South Africa’s stalled talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zain Johnson unpacks a crucial debate in South Africa’s education system with Prof Mbulu Madiba, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University. Should the country raise its controversial 30% matric pass mark? With a new education council on the horizon, the Department of Basic Education is taking steps toward evidence-based reform. Experts weigh in on what this could mean for learners, teachers, and the nation’s future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zain Johnson chats with Adele du Toit from the SA Rooibos Council about the health perks of rooibos on International Rooibos Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zain Johnson chats with KoaKoa Active’s Jarrod David about why the right gym gear matters. From performance to confidence, activewear is more than just a look – it’s part of your workout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Dr. Oscar van Heerden | Senior researcher at Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg President Ramaphosa is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington this week, aiming to address diplomatic tensions and clarify misinformation about South Africa. Zain Johnson speaks to Dr. Oscar van Heerden from the Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg about the stakes and potential outcomes of the visit See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zain Johnson speaks to COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks ahead of the delivery of the budget on Wednesday. COSATU has called on the government to reject austerity and table a bold, pro-worker budget to fix public services, grow the economy, and slash unemployment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Zain Johnson as he chats to travel blogger Rethabile Mabula about one of South Africa’s most vibrant and scenic getaways — Hartbeespoort See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Brett Herron |GOOD Secretary-General Zain Johnson speaks to GOOD Secretary-General’s Brett Herron on the City of Cape Town’s budget. Heron urges residents to hold councillors accountable and boycott the 29th of May vote See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kingsley Makhubela joins Zain Johnson to unpack the troubling delays in bringing SANDF troops home from the DRC. While weapons have been prioritised and transported, soldiers remain stranded with limited food, low morale, and no clear timeline for their return See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Semigration to the Western Cape is slowing, but demand stays strong! CEO Herschel Jawitz speaks with Zain Johnson about why families are still drawn to coastal living—and why some are heading back to Gauteng See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zain Johnson speaks to Elton Davids about Normatec— one of the most trusted names in sports recovery. From boosting circulation to reducing swelling, this dynamic air compression tech is helping athletes recover smarter and perform better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Jennifer Ball | Programme Director Africa Melane speaks to Jennifer Ball, Programme Director for The Franschhoek Literary Festival which kicks off From 16–18 May See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Melane is joined by Prof Linda Gail-Bekker of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation to unpack the dual crisis facing South Africa’s HIV response: thousands of healthcare jobs lost due to US funding cuts, and a worrying rise in infections among older adults amid growing public complacency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Africa Melane in conversation with Sarah Scarth of Operation Smile South Africa, as they discuss a landmark weekend surgical marathon helping 40 children receive cleft lip and palate surgery at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Melane speaks to Liezel van der Westhuizen who brings you, your weekend fitness guide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Melane is joined by Advocate Paul Hoffman, a law expert and director at the Institute for Accountability in Southern Africa, the conversation unpacks the treason investigation into AfriForum and Solidarity. With an understanding of what treason entails See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.