Who should be Johannesburg’s next mayor - and what urgent issues must they tackle to fix the city’s broken service delivery? The DA’s Federal Chairperson and former Cape Town mayor, Helen Zille, and the PA’s Deputy President, Kenny Kunene, have already entered the race. But the ANC, EFF and MKP are yet to announce their candidates. For South Africa’s largest and wealthiest city, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Johannesburg has cycled through 10 mayors in just two decades, largely due to unstable coalitions, while residents continue to bear the brunt of failing services. So, as the 2026 Local Government Elections draw closer - how will Joburg’s residents decide? We’re joined by ANC MP Cameron Dugmore, DA National Spokesperson Willie Aucamp, and Political Analyst Dr Ongama Mtimka. Our digital audience also weighs in.

Explosive. Bombshell. These are just some of the words used to describe KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission. He raised allegations of criminal syndicates and high-profile politicians infiltrating - or exerting undue influence over - South Africa’s criminal justice system. On day one of the hearings, the Commission’s chair warned: “If the allegations are proved true, that spells doom for South Africa’s criminal justice system.” Those implicated will have their turn on the stand. How will they respond to Mkhwanazi’s claims? To unpack it all, we are joined by Criminologist Prof. Kholofelo Rakubu from Tshwane University of Technology, Law Expert Adv. Carol Steinberg, and Political Analyst Prof. Sipho Seepe. The Digital Audience also weighs in.

South Africa’s taxi industry faces a breaking point. With over 11 million households depending on taxis, shutdowns in Durban and mounting tensions over vehicle impoundments are fuelling national concern. Who really holds the power - and what does this turmoil mean for commuters, law enforcement, and the future of public transport? On It’s Topical, we unpack the crisis with Transport Department Spokesperson Collen Msibi, National Taxi Association’s (NTA) Theo Malele, E-hailing Federation’s Vhatuka Mbelengwa, and SANTACO’s Mandla Hermanus. Our digital audience is weighing in too - demanding accountability and sharing the daily frustrations of life on the move.

Service delivery takes centre stage in Johannesburg. For families across the city, water, power and safety remain daily concerns. The debate is less about political wrangling or personal ambition - and more about ethical, mature leadership devoted to the collective good. Johannesburg still carries the promise of a better life, yet many struggle to realise that dream. Infrastructure decay, crime, weak governance capacity and politicisation are seen as stubborn barriers. All this comes as the city prepares to welcome world leaders for the G20 Summit in November. The question: can Johannesburg shine on the global stage while grappling with service delivery failures at home? How central is Johannesburg to South Africa’s economic recovery - and what practical steps can fix the country’s economic powerhouse now? To unpack these questions, we’re joined by Dada Morero, Mayor of Johannesburg, and Dr Godfrey Kgosinyane, Governance Analyst - with insights from our digital audience

South Africa faces a painful truth as crimes against children continue to grip our communities. How do we heal, and what steps can we take to protect our children and restore hope? Join the conversation with Social Development Spokesperson Lumka Oliphant, High Court of SA Attorney Livhuwani Sikhwari, and Missing Children SA Co-ordinator Bianca van Aswegen. Our digital audience will also share their stories and insights.

This August, South Africa’s focus is on women - their ongoing fight for equality amid persistent gaps in pay, leadership, and opportunity. How much progress have we made? What barriers still remain? Joining the conversation, on It's Topical, are Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli; Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UNISA Prof. Puleng LenkaBula; Economist Sithandiwe Msomi; as well as an Activist for women's rights and Wise4Afrika Director Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo. Our digital audience - women who are breaking barriers - also share their perspectives. For more updates, visit sabcnews.com and follow #SABCNews on all social media platforms.

The big 'T' word. Tariffs. Imposed by the United States - not only on South Africa - but also on a significant number of its trade partners. It's set to come into effect this week. Government said it will continue negotiating with the U.S. regarding the 30 percent tariff. That basically means that all channels of communication remain open. But what happens in the interim, if these tariffs go ahead. Will there be support for affected local companies? To unpack this issue, we are joined by Partner at Webber Wentzel, Meluleki Nzimande who specialises in international trade and investment law. Also on the panel are political economist, Bongani Mahlangu and Cobus Kok, the founder and managing director at Macadamia Services Management. The Digital Audience also weigh in.

What's taking up most of the oxygen here in South Africa of late? Crime. Serious allegations of corruption. This country is dealing with what some might describe as a complex and pervasive web of crime. How connected is this web of crime? Also, to what extent is politics killing policing? To discuss this, we have Criminologist Prof Kholofelo Rakubu. We also have Organised Crime Investigator Chad Thomas from the from IRS Forensic Investigations, and the Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) Lawson Naidoo, as well as Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis. The digital audience also weigh in.