Early Breakfast with Africa Melane

Guest: Kriya Gangiah |Supersport Presenter & Host of “F1: Track This” Podcast The F1 2025 season begins in Melbourne! Who will come out on top? Africa Melane speaks to Kriya Gangiah previewing the first race of the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SADC leaders have decided on a phased withdrawal of troops from the eastern DRC, This follows the tragic loss of 14 South African soldiers and continued regional instability. Africa Melane speaks to Military and Defence Analyst, Helmoed Heitman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 44 million meals served, the organization supports vulnerable communities, uplifts women-led initiatives, and helps urban farmers grow sustainable food. Join Africa Melane as he interviews the CEO to uncover the heart of this incredible movement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liezel van der Westhuizen, brings you the ultimate list of the most exciting, family-friendly, and inclusive fitness events for the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour unions say the government’s budget will hit workers hard—higher taxes and smaller grant increases. COSATU’s Matthew Parks joins Africa Melane as we get the union’s reaction to the 2025 budget speech See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Andile Mngwevu | Ekurhuleni's Road and Traffic MMC Recent bus accidents in Ekurhuleni have raised urgent concerns about road safety in the city. Are these incidents due to driver error, poor vehicle maintenance, or larger systemic failures? Africa Melane speaks to Andile Mngwevu, Ekurhuleni's Road and Traffic MMC to unpack the causes and solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced a VAT hike to 16% by 2026. Will this move help or hurt South Africans? Join Africa Melane in conversation with Tax Head of Operations at the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa, Ronald Matande as they unpack the implications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrate World Sleep Day with N3YH’s Bamboo Sleepwear. This test it out Thursday - Fitness presenter and mental fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen delves into the game-changing benefits of N3YH’s bamboo sleepwear. Designed for ultimate comfort, bamboo fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic—keeping you cool and fresh, even in warmer climates. Ethically produced with sustainability in mind, N3YH is redefining sleepwear for the eco-conscious consumer. Experience unmatched softness and a guilt-free night’s rest with bamboo pajamas that prioritize both comfort and the planet See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Tyrell Meyers | SMMC for EISD & DA councillor Joburg Water insists revenue collection is vital for maintaining the city’s water infrastructure. But with leaks and infrastructure failures also plaguing the system, where should the focus be? Africa Melane speaks to DA Shadow MMC for EISD, Cllr Tyrell Meyers, to unpack the issue, discuss billing concerns, and explore solutions for Johannesburg’s water challenges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Melane speaks to economist Lisette Ijssel de Schepper about Treasury’s role in shaping expenditure, what it means for service delivery, and how it impacts you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Melane speaks to Prof. Ayo-Yusuf who exposes the health risks, industry tactics, and policy gaps enabling marketing nicotine alternatives to Africa’s youth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Sleep Day is observed annually on the Friday before the March Equinox, and in 2025, it falls on March 14. A recent Sloom sleep study reveals which South African province gets the most sleep—but does more sleep actually mean better rest, or is quality the real winner? Fitness presenter and mental fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen dives into the findings with insights from Rudo Kemp, Founder & CEO of Sloom, exploring the biggest sleep disruptors, caffeine’s surprising effects, and expert-backed strategies for achieving deeper, more restorative sleep. From sleep cycles to bedtime routines, tune in for tips on waking up refreshed and energized. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Barry James Mitchell | NEHAWU Parliamentary Officer Trade unions, including COSATU, SAFTU & NEHAWU, are marching on March 12 to reject budget cuts and VAT hikes. They demand fair wages, higher taxes on the rich & protection of social grants. Africa Melane speaks to NEHAWU ahead of the budget speech See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two pedestrians have lost their lives in Soweto after a JMPD vehicle crashed during a taxi blockade linked to a longstanding route dispute. Africa Melane speaks to National Taxi Alliance Spokesperson, Theo Malele. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MSC Musica is docking in Cape Town on 12 March 2025. Africa Melane and MSC’s MD, Ross Volk reflect about this year’s cruising season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join fitness presenter & mental fitness coach, Liezel van der Westhuizen, as she explores how Mark Kritzinger & The Players’ Fund are using the Absa Cape Epic 2025 to support injured rugby players. Discover the inspiring #Ride4Rugby initiative, the challenges of endurance cycling, and how sport can drive social change. Get involved & make an impact! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Matthew Cruise | Energy Expert at Impower The US exits South Africa’s R168.7 billion energy transition deal, but the plan moves forward. Africa Melane speaks to energy expert at Impower, Matthew Cruise to discuss the way forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana defends a VAT hike to sustain social grants, sparking a heated political debate. With economic pressures mounting and coalition tensions rising, will South Africa’s budget speech provide clarity or deepen divisions? Africa Melane speaks to Carika Middelburg, Risk Analyst at the Centre for Risk Analysis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five inland regions and one coastal province are trending as top property choices in South Africa. Africa Melane speaks to Luxury Property Expert, Victor Ngomane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 47th Cape Town Cycle Tour delivered unforgettable moments, from Tyler Lange’s historic win to Pia Grünewald’s daring solo attack that rewrote the record books. Fitness presenter & mental fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen explores the highlights, expert training insights, and why this event remains a bucket-list experience for cycling fans across the globe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.