John Robbie's Comment

Bruce commented on the current challenges with matric results and the need for long term solutions to the issues with youth unemployment.

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Ray White commented on the national matric pass rate, saying the results will be pretty much the same. He feels that more resources and teachers should be poured into education.

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Ray White commented on a call for prison inmates to be allowed cellphones in prisons for safety, following reports of an incident in Port Elizabeth that saw prisoners being killed due to gang violence. His view is that prisoners should not dictate to correctional services, rights withstanding.

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John delivers his final show and hangs up his headphones after 30 years of broadcasting in the new and old South Africa and attracting generations of listeners. We wish him all the best!

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Eskom has been given the green light to go ahead with the request for proposals for the new build procurement programme this week. This after the Western Cape High Court ruled on Tuesday that the process cannot be prevented.

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December 9 is World Anti-Corruption Day. John talks about the need for leadership to make this day matter.

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After three weeks away, John returns with observations, comparisons and suggestions to all of South Africa.

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Stephen recalls an ironic interview he had with then Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, who was talking about an 18 year old that was hit by a speeding blue light brigade, while speeding to get to a meeting herself.

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The University of Witwatersrand says it has no choice but to increase its fees in 2017. A statement released on Monday confirmed an average increase of 8% for tuition fees, residence fees and fees for international students.

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Cities of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni have taken on new enemies, in the form of new owners who they say should be liable for amounts owed by previous owners.

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SNARAL has tallied billions in unpaid e-toll bills. Is it time they considered scrapping the scheme and find a lesson to be learned instead?

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The country’s energy needs are under constant scrutiny and revision. But are we considering all our options? Are they viable?

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SA spends a lot of money on education and yet we don’t have the results to show for it. Who is to blame?

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I’m an optimist

Despite what’s playing out on our political arena, Stephen says there is still reason for optimism.

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The country has been struggling to put faith in any leadership offered by the ruling party, which is why the NEC meeting being held today to decide whether or not Zuma has the support he needs to continue as President. Stephen calls for an long overdue need for leadership to make this decision and many more.

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South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has the support of COSATU who say they want to see him succeed President Jacob Zuma as head of the ruling party. Stephen asks if this endorsement holds any value.

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IPID is investigating Acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phalane for allegations of defeating the ends of justice in a probe into how he could afford his R8m Pretoria mansion. This will be the 4th consecutive top cop to be implicated in wrongdoing during their term of office.

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Amidst much disagreement and controversy South Africa is looking at setting the minimum wage. Stephen thinks he has the key ingredient to make things work.

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More on the issue of land, Stephen asks some important questions around processes and delays

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John commented on a moving speech from Adv George Bizos on humanity and speaking truth to power and compares that to an ‘embarrassing’ speech by the president over the about lies, corruption and theft. Will the ANC vets be able to speech truth to power when they meet with Zuma today?

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With the 947 cycling challenge happening this weekend, John talks about the real value such social events offer a society like ours.

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It seems like yesterday when John gave out his pearls of wisdom on his 60^th birthday. He turns to 61 today and there’s more where that came from!

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Months ago, John went into a police station to lay a complaint against posters illegally advertising abortion. Here’s his feedback on what happened when he went to follow up on the case.

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The EFF commander has been in the news repeatedly for making statements that many believe he should be charged for as he is inciting hate and violence against whites. Is Julius just being a populist leader?

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John has been saying that change is surely afoot. There is mounting evidence to support this thought…so when will change actually take place?

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John questions everything behind this statement made yesterday by the ANC in relation to suspended member Marius Fransman.

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Parts of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane were damaged by flash floods. Roads were also flooded leading to deaths of some drivers. What should have been or still can be done to prevent such disasters? And who’s to carry the blame this time?

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There’s something to be said about politicians who are always in the limelight but for all the wrong reasons verses those who quietly go about bring much needed change.

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It wasn't too long ago that the nation sighed with relief when Brian Molefe took over at Eskom and load shedding was declared a thing of the past. But with recent allegations implicating Molefe's association with the Guptas, who do we now trust.

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John can’t help but comment on Ireland’s first ever win over the All Blacks which ended New Zealand's record streak.

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Who breaks the news? How well is it done? What role does investigative journalism play in our democracy today? All questions John ponders on this morning.

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John comments on how fast things happened in the last 24 hours.

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John poses the questions that many are now asking and commends public pressure, which brought about the change in the NPA’s decision to withdraw charges

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John was invited to Maboneng this past weekend and he shares his first impressions of the precinct.

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John commented about the delivery of quality service which keeps us behind in terms of tourism and economic development. He commends the initiative of the City of Joburg on the development of the inner city and the Skyrink Studios project, which was launched last night.

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While Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was delivering a speech that favoured #FeesMustFall, protestors were destroying property outside of Parliament. John makes a note of a powerful Icelandic protest by women who ended work 14% earlier in a protest against being paid 14% less than their male counterparts. Could SA learn something from this example in how we protest?

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The split in the ANC has been visible for some time now, despite the reassurances from the top officials. With the Finance Minister due to speak today and cover more cracks, John fantasises about what could happen if the Minister actually spilled the beans and told us the truth about what’s really going on.

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 A proposed bill to combat hate crimes and hate speech has been opened for public debate and consultation. John also asks about the limits that should be considered in this bill.

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John broadcasts from Cape Town this morning and can't help but notice the continuous comparisons that are drawn between the Mother City and the City of Gold. But is it even fair to compare?

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With the stakes rising in the #FeesMustFall debacle, John asks if, when and where a compromise can be reached.

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Listen to John describe the journey of two individuals who travelled to India in the hopes of relating to the millions who border on or fall under the poverty line, by living just like they do.

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19 October 1977 mark the year a host of newspapers, 19 organisations and scores of apartheid government critics were detained. We’ve come a long way since then, but John challenges what that change should look like.

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New statistics show that both employment and unemployment have risen, but that with employment, the numbers show a rise in the informal sector. So what’s being done to encourage or help formalise this sector so it can continue absorbing more workers?

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Violence continues to surround the #FeeMustFall movement and yet very little has changed to favor their cause.

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The presidency has served public protector Thuli Madonsela with a notice stating that they are applying for an interdict against her draft report on her investigation into state capture. Where does this leave the state capture investigations? Is there merit for the interdict?  Legal expert Advocate Andries Nkome explains if the Public Protector can actually release the report today anyway and not wait for Tuesday.  

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The Proteas won against Aussies and while it may not be for the world series, the symbolism of this victory is not lost upon John

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The country faces more uncertainty as its Finance Minister has been summoned to court by the NPA, with support and criticism levelled against him from various corners of the party. John talks about the last time there was inner strife from within a political party and how that ended in disaster.

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Acting Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Khomotso Phahlane briefed the media on fees protest policing where he said the police did all they could to minimise brutality. What is the right approach in these circumstances? How do the police maintain law and order without inciting and provoking protestors? Is relying on the police a sustainable solution?

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Losing is never a enjoyable experience. But John says we might be able to look back on this loss and be thankful.

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John asks if there is a way the CBD will ever see uniform development, as news of amazing new developments and old rubbish heaps keep appearing in the news.

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Another meeting is to be held tomorrow to once more attempt and decide where the #FeesMustFall debate should go. John thinks this meeting will set the tone for much more than that.

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While many fall on either side (or on the fence) of the argument that all students deserve free education, John  points at other probable causes at the root of all the anger in this debate.

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With no end in sight to the question of whether or not free education in South Africa is possible, John suggests students consider an alternative.

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Johannesburg’s new leader promises to address the decay taking over the inner city and rejuvenate it so that businesses and residents can go back to it once more.

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Sometimes it’s just nice to end the week on a humorous note. John shares an Irish joke.

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Our news stories are littered with ‘royal game’, holders of powerful positions and remain despite poor performance. Who must be held accountable for these appointments and reappointments? 

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Every day brings new elements to the #FeesMustFall story. With students and institutions now in a lockdown after the Minister of Higher Education’s fee increment announcement, the question asked at the start of the movement remains the same….where to now?

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Winnie Madikizela Mandela has made headlines all week on her 80^th birthday, reigniting conversations about her role and contribution to SA’s democracy. John wishes the formidable lady a happy birthday.

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Polls and pundits suggest that Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former wife of President Zuma will be one of the candidates for the upcoming national elections. But will this be a choice that only reflects the party’s preference, or will it also reflect what the people want?

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There are those who are still critical of the importance or value of the tunnels found underground the CBD in Johannesburg. To them…John says this…

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President Jacob Zuma addressed the United Nations General Assembly, with more than 140 heads of state present. John points out a mistake President Jacob Zuma made in his speech, something that Africa Fact Check has pointed out before.

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There are so many great initiatives that look at raising money for tackling global problems. But how does one determine which one merits more attention?

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John Robbie comments on the Springboks massive loss to the All Blacks, saying it’s not yet time to panic. But skills need to be addressed.

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Ricard Mdluli is linked to so many stories in the news at the moment. In his comment John Robbie asked who is Richard Mdluli and what power does he have?

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John spent yesterday playing golf as part of a charity initiative run by Agang Sechaba for two young ladies who are studying in university and doing exceptionally well.

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We’ve been focusing on tertiary education and the feasibility of free education but there’s a report that was tabled in parliament yesterday about the dismal performance of educators in the primary education sector.

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Yesterday marked the 39th year of Steve Biko’s murder. John asks who the new youth leaders of today are.  

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Despite all the controversy and division that has been happening within the ANC and in South Africa on the whole, we seem to be at a crossroad waiting for one final push… John asks what that might be and when it will happen.

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Texting is a huge problem, more so when one looks at the number of deaths reported from such accidents. John points out a very effective campaign on social media that addresses the matter. Go to https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702/?fref=ts to see it

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Wade van Niekerk is back in SA making headlines. John comments on the inspiration he has become today.

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The DA is off to a good start with cutting unnecessary expenses and promising to root out corruption. John recounts similar gestures made in the past by other leaders but also points out the importance of sustaining these gestures with consistency

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We spoke to Cricket South Africa yesterday about transformation and their revival into inquiries that were recently abandoned. John looks deeper into the issue.

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John traces the various issues that have been coming up in the SA political landscape and talks about its culmination in today’s #OccupyLuthuliHouse campaign

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John Robbie spoke about the fractions in the ANC and in government. One of the heroes in the struggle, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa – who very well knows the leadership crisis in the country seems to be sitting on the fence about the solutions. He needs to stand up for what’s right or resign.

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John comments about a more efficient way to deal with allegations around corruption in the State-owned enterprises when they arise. He stresses that the uncertainty about South Africa needs to be addressed.

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Hair expert Brian Warfield spoke to John Robbie about the perception of black people’s hair and the misconceptions around natural ethnic hair.

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John commented about the Twitter and media outrage over a conversation he had with journalist, Mishka Wazar yesterday. He expresses how hurt he feels about the statements that he is racist and reiterates his willingness to understand the issues that he says he is ignorant about.

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John commented on the formal on-air  launch of the EOH / 702 Job Creation campaign appealing for CEOs to join us in creating more youth job opportunities through taking on interns and learners.

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John comments about the positive things happening in the country – like Gauteng’s clean audit and our recent local government democratic elections. He, however, highlights that things are coming to a head. More people of goodwill need to stand up and be counted.

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Much has been said about the search for the new Public protector and Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane is at the forefront of the race. John wishes her the best of luck and gives some advice.

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John Robbie supports doing away with the Afrikaans part of the National Anthem, following a column by Max du Preez saying that Die Stem is very representative of apartheid SA and doesn’t speak to the new South Africa.

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With diabetes being the second leading cause of death in South Africa and the consumption of fizzy drinks on the rise, responses to Finance Minister Pravin’s Gordhan’s announcement of a sugar-tax have been predictably mixed, with critics claiming that the tax won’t have any impact on sugar consumption, that it discriminates against the poor and that it will lead to job losses. Is there a benefit in a sugar tax? Professor Karen Hofman, Director of the PRICELESS SA at the Wits School of Public Health breaks down the argument.

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South Africa has been doing well in the realm of sports. John asks about why the Boks aren’t following suit.

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John pays tribute to Judge Eberhard Bertelsmann who hangs up his robe this week.

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We’re getting more and more comments about South Africans enjoying local travel. John challenges more of us to put our money where our economy is and travel some more.

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Remnants of South Africa’s bloody race relations are still visible today, as are conversations about now criminalizing racism. John comments on the various comments being made about race relations today.

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Many draw parallels between the killing that took place during the youth uprisings of 69 and the massacre Marikana that took place in 2012. John elaborates on an important distinction.

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John Robbie comments on Wayde Van Niekerk’s 400 m Olympic victory and what can be done to boost the success of other sportsmen and women.

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Nikiwe Bikitsha reflects on the country’s achievements despite seemingly unstable times, particularly in light of recent local elections and vetting for the next Public Protector   

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The Commission of Higher Education is hard at work addressing issues brought on by the Fees Must Fall movement. Nikiwe comments on the work that lies ahead for this commission.

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The AU chair has been quoted in today’s Times saying that weak leadership was to blame for the ANC losing the elections. Nikiwe asks at who exactly were the AU chair’s comments directed.

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Nikiwe Bikitsha (standing in for John Robbie) comments about economic inequality that still sees women paid much less than their male counterparts in the workplace. She believes that equal pay would provide women with security and most significantly, freedom.

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Nikiwe Bikitsha (in for John Robbie) comments that she stands behind the #RememberKhwezi silent protest, which took place during President Jacob’s speech at the election results centre on Saturday night. She emphasises how this has brought the spotlight back on the rape scourge.

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John spoke about the lessons that can be learned from the elections. He also spoke about the ANC underestimating their followers and asked whether have they learned anything from this.

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John made a call for political parties putting to put their difference aside after these elections and work together to make everything work and run smoothly in order to alleviate poverty.

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John comments about the significance of this vote, in light of those that fought in the struggle for us to have democratic elections. He reflects on the book, No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu, who paints the picture about the first elections in SA and the mixed emotions that he felt.

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John Robbie commented about the reform of once-notorious gangster, Mthembeni Robert Khuboni, who was tied to controversial political figure, Sifiso Nkabonde. He spent a number of years behind bars and has now (18 years later) come back to Richmond to get involved in efforts to heal the community ridden in political killings.

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John comments that voter apathy has no place in this election, particularly for the youth – as it is their future. He points out that Mandela and many other activists died for people to have the right to cast this vote. Go out and vote!

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