Best Maine Public staff Podcasts (2025)

We hear from Lorenzo Davids on why he thinks “there is growing frustration with the way our freedom is being managed in South Africa”. This as he argues that our country needs to guard against any kind of diplomacy that doesn’t reflect dignity. GUEST: Lorenzo Davids, CEO of the Development Impact Fund…

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Wednesday, June 4, 2025: Searchers at Baxter State Park locate body of missing hiker after three-day search on Mount Katahdin 6:43

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15h ago6:43

6:43

This Day in Maine Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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Hajj begins in Mecca 10:51

1h ago10:51

10:51

Today marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage. For those of you who may not be familiar with it, the Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The event usually takes 5-6 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. Joining us to unpack the sociopolitical, cultural and spiritual significance o…

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Asbestos roof removal case postponed to January 2026 9:10

1h ago9:10

9:10

Free State High Court Judge Phillip Loubser has postponed the R255 million asbestos roof removal case to January 26 next year. This follows submissions by the state that they will appeal Moroadi Cholota’s US extradition process judgment which favoured her. SABC News Reporter in Free State, Aphumelele Mdlalane, spoke to accused 13 in the matter, for…

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Nearly 3% of school staff in South Africa flagged for criminal activity 9:09

2h ago9:09

9:09

Almost 3% of South African school staff screened for employment between March 2024 and February 2025 were flagged for criminal activity. This is according to new data released by TPN, a leading provider of background screening services. Education Activist, Hendrick Makaneta joins me on the line to react to this… GUEST: Hendrick Makaneta, Education …

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Police condemn Westbury community for attack on Anti-Gang Unit 4:30

2h ago4:30

4:30

Police have condemned an attack on members of the Anti-Gang Unit while performing their duties in Westbury yesterday afternoon. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Police National Spokesperson, joins me on the line to tell us more about what happened in Westbury… GUEST: Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Police National Spokesperson…

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One killed in Riverlea after clashes between police and suspected illegal miners 5:45

2h ago5:45

5:45

One body was discovered in the early hours of this morning in Riverlea, Johannesburg, after clashes between the police and suspected illegal miners in the area. The area has been tense for the better part of today as community members accuse the police of corruption, stating officers accept bribes from the illegal miners. For more on this story, I …

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SARS Announces 2025 Tax Season 9:53

3h ago9:53

9:53

SARS has announced the tax return filing dates for this year’s tax season. According to the organisation, the tax season for individual tax payers will open on the 21st next month and the entire process will run until the 20th of October this year. To furnish us with more details on this, we are joined by…… GUEST: Siphithi Sibeko, SARS Spokesperson…

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5 students from Walter Sisulu University have been arrested for public violence, following another student protest in Mthatha. 8:21

3h ago8:21

8:21

GUEST: Amanda Dlamini, SRC member @ the Walter Sisulu UniversityBy SAfm

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The United Kingdom has endorsed Morroco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, saying that they view it as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement to the Sahara conflict. 9:31

3h ago9:31

9:31

The United Kingdom has endorsed Morroco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, saying that they view it as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement to the Sahara conflict. The plan was proposed by Morroco in 2007 and it offers the disputed territory of Western Sahara a form of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. G…

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025: Baxter State Park rangers find body of one missing hiker; changes to Maine's paid family leave law 6:35

1d ago6:35

6:35

This Day in Maine for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

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What do we need to know about this new Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1? 6:31

16h ago6:31

6:31

Covid-19 is making headlines once again more than five years after the initial outbreak. Some reports are suggesting that this new strain now accounts for just over 10 percent of global infections, with cases now confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales, and some experts have warned that this new variant is more transmissible the dominant strain wor…

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Floyd Shivambu is redeployed to Parliament by the MK Party 11:49

16h ago11:49

11:49

A few minutes ago, we played clips of MK Party President, Jacob Zuma, addressing the media in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal today. One of the main things Jacob Zuma spoke about is the redeployment of Floyd Shivambu. We’ve invited political analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze, to share his views on what was said today. Professor Dirk Kotze joins me on the line n…

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Death threat left on Mbenenge accuser’s desk at court 10:14

17h ago10:14

10:14

Judges’ secretary, Andiswa Mengo, found a handwritten death threat at her desk last Friday warning her to withdraw the case against Judge Mbenenge or that she won’t see her child again. For more on this, we are joined on the line by… GUEST: Alison Tilley, Judges Matter coordinatorBy SAfm

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The EFF has lost its urgent bid to halt the upcoming increase in the general fuel levy 6:18

17h ago6:18

6:18

EFF’s urgent application against the fuel levy increase got under way today in the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town. The 15 and 16 cents per litre increase for diesel and petrol, respectively, is set to take effect tomorrow. Abongwe Kobokwane, SABC News Reporter in Cape Town, was in court and joins me on the line to share what happened today… G…

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GDP results: Agriculture sector performs well in the first quarter 7:24

18h ago7:24

7:24

South Africa’s GDP increased by 0.1% in the first quarter of this year. The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry performed well and increased by 15.8%, contributing 0.4 of a percentage point to the GDP growth. Joining us to highlight the importance of the agricultural sector and its contribution to the country’s economy is…… GUEST: Wandile Si…

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Court declares Cholota’s extradition was unlawful 7:11

1d ago7:11

7:11

The Bloemfontein High Court has ruled that former Ace Magashule’s personal assistant Moroadi Cholota’s extradition from the US was unlawful. Cholota was accused alongside 17 others, including former Free State Premier Ace Magashule in the asbestos corruption case. So legally speaking, how should we interpret the outcome of this case? GUEST: Nthabis…

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The M23 group’s brutal control over Goma has created a climate of fear among those perceived to be allied to the Congolese government. 8:06

18h ago8:06

8:06

According to the latest report that the Human Rights Watch organisation has just released. The M23 group’s brutal control over Goma has created a climate of fear among those perceived to be allied to the Congolese government. The report also suggests that the group has summarily executed at least 21 civilians and most likely many more in Goma. Join…

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Monday, June 2, 2025: 'Red flag' gun law debate; Maine Pride Month organizers confront new political climate 16:31

3d ago16:31

16:31

This Day in Maine for Monday, June 2, 2025.

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Western Cape High Court rules that Dr. John Hlophe can’t serve on JSC 4:19

3d ago4:19

4:19

Earlier today, the Western Cape High Court ruled that it was unconstitutional and invalid for the National Assembly in Parliament to designate Dr John Hlophe as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. Mbekezeli Benjamin, Judges Matter Research and Advocacy Officer, joins me on the line to break down this judgment… GUEST: Mbekezeli Benjamin, Ju…

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Customary Initiation Season 8:12

3d ago8:12

8:12

CoGTA has officially launched the 2025 Winter Customary Initiation Season. This year’s campaign follows the deeply distressing 2024 season, during which 94 young lives were lost and 11 individuals suffered amputations due to unsafe initiation practices. To share his department’s plans in terms of strategic measures that they have put in place for t…

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AL JAMA-AH’s Western Cape Member of Legislature lay charges against the nine Members of Parliament who visited Israel 12:03

3d ago12:03

12:03

Earlier today, member of Al Jama-Ah’s National Working Committee and Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Moulana Galil Brinkhuis, visited the South African Police Service station on Buitengracht Street in Cape Town to lay criminal charges against nine members of Parliament who visited Israel. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Ga…

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Sanef is disheartened by looming retrenchments at the Mail & Guardian 10:10

3d ago10:10

10:10

The South African National Editors’ Forum released a statement on Saturday noting alarming developments around impending job losses at the Mail & Guardian. For more on this, I am joined on the by… GUEST: Hoosain Karjekar, Mail & GuardianBy SAfm

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The 9 day inquest looking into the deaths of the Cradock Four proceeded in the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape today. 5:46

3d ago5:46

5:46

The 9 day inquest looking into the deaths of the Cradock Four proceeded in the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape today. Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkonto, all anti-apartheid activists, were abducted and killed by the security police while leaving Gqeberha in 1985. SABC News Reporter in Gqeberha, Sisipho Ngcumbe, w…

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National School Nutrition Programme payment issues in KZN 4:11

3d ago4:11

4:11

Muzi Mahlambi, Head of Communication: KZN Department of EducationBy SAfm

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National School Nutrition Programme payment issues in KZN 8:08

3d ago8:08

8:08

Last week Friday I spoke to Lindani Matiwane, chairperson of the National School Nutrition Programme Service Providers Association in KZN. According to Lindani, many of their members have not been paid for April and earlier invoices despite submitting all necessary documentation, and the department has offered no formal communication or explanation…

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Transnet-Phelophepha health train is coming to the province of Gauteng in Heidelberg and Vereeniging as part of its initiative to provide health care to community members who cannot afford decent healthcare ... 7:27

3d ago7:27

7:27

Starting from today till the 27th of this month. The Transnet-Phelophepha health train is coming to the province of Gauteng in Heidelberg and Vereeniging as part of its initiative to provide health care to community members who cannot afford decent healthcare. The services provided in the train include eye care, psychology sessions, dental health c…

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Prof George Tsibani on tense US-SA relations 19:14

3d ago19:14

19:14

As we prepare to host the G20 in South Africa. We are told that a second group of Afrikaners who took up Trump’s resettlement offer has safely entered the US, despite our President having met with his US counterpart most recently to reset relations between the two countries. So how should South Africa deal with this issue going forward? Joining us …

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Friday, May 30th, 2025: DHS says Cumberland and Hancock Counties are defying federal immigration law; woodland owners prepare to fight budworm outbreak 10:53

6d ago10:53

10:53

This Day in Maine for Friday, May 30th, 2025.

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Friday Fireside Chat: Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba 33:30

6d ago33:30

33:30

Former Bafana Bafana coach, Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, was recently awarded with an Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal by SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan. This comes after the football legend was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame last year. Shakes Mashaba joins me for this week’s Fireside chat… GUEST: Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, former Baf…

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Pastor Mark Burns says that the media is portraying President Donald Trump as a racist who only cares about white people. 27:54

6d ago27:54

27:54

Pastor Mark Burns, a nationally recognized faith leader, conservative thought influencer, and one of President Donald Trump’s most trusted evangelical advisors joins me in studio for a thought leader conversation on America, global conflicts as well as what is happening in South Africa. GUEST: Pastor Mark Burns, Faith Leader, Political Power Broker…

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National School Nutrition Programme KZN 9:36

6d ago9:36

9:36

The National School Nutrition Programme service providers association in KZN expressed deep concern and disappointment over the KZN Department of Education’s repeated failure to pay service providers on time. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Lindani Matiwane, National School Nutrition Programme KZN Chairperson…

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The DA caucus in the coalition has decided that it is too risky to allow Kyd to speak. 10:56

6d ago10:56

10:56

George Councillor Chantelle Kyd was the MMC for Planning in a coalition municipal government led by the DA, and the leading advocate in council for transparency around investigations into the collapsed George building, which claimed 34 lives last year But when the Council meets to table the first of two investigations into the disaster, confidentia…

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The main suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale was shot and killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal early this morning. 12:17

6d ago12:17

12:17

The main suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale was shot and killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal early this morning. It is believed he shot at police, who returned fire. For more details on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Athlenda Mathe, SAPS National SpokespersonBy SAfm

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Thursday, May 29th, 2025: Browntail moth populations decline; new exhibition explores history of true crime stories 10:41

7d ago10:41

10:41

This Day in Maine for Thursday, May 29th, 2025.

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Police raid textile factory in KwaZulu-Natal 7:17

7d ago7:17

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Earlier today, Police in KwaZulu-Natal led a multi-disciplinary operation at a textile factory in Stanger, after they received information that several undocumented foreign nationals are working there illegally. For more on this, I am joined on the line by... GUEST: Fanele Mhlongo, SABC Reporter in KZN…

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2026 Gauteng Online Admissions 7:19

7d ago7:19

7:19

The 2026 Online Admissions application period for Grade 1 & Grade 8 in Gauteng will open on 24 July 2025 and it will close on 29 August 2025. Steve Mabona, Gauteng Education's spokesperson, joins me on the line to share details about how the application process will work... GUEST: Matome Chiloane, Education MEC in Gauteng…

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MEC, Xolile Nqatha, was in Addo today to address tensions in Valencia township following the death of at least four people after clashes between locals and foreign nationals. 6:18

7d ago6:18

6:18

Now to a story we've been following with SABC News Reporter in the Eastern Cape, Lerato Fekisi. We've seen reports that the Eastern Cape Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha, was in Addo today to address tensions in Valencia township following the death of at least four people after clashes between locals and foreign nationals. SABC News Reporter in…

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We requested a meeting on the 15th of each Failure to do that, we'll have to escalate the matter to the energy portfolio committee -JJ Sesing 8:17

7d ago8:17

8:17

A few weeks ago, I spoke to Metsimahalo Community Activist, JJ Sesing, about the community’s protest at the Sasol in the area. There seems to be a development in that story and JJ Sesing is back on the line to share details with us… GUEST: JJ Sesing, Metsimaholo Community ActivistBy SAfm

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"None of the @RAF_SA Road Accident Fund executives have been vetted." Songezo Zibi, SCOPA Chairperson 10:18

7d ago10:18

10:18

Yesterday I spoke to the Transport Department spokesperson, Collen Msibi, about the RAF CEO, Collins Letsoalo's suspension. Today we find out that it took a series of lawyers' letters last week to have the Road Accident Fund finally appearing before SCOPA yesterday. For more on this story, I am joined on the line by... GUEST: Songezo Zibi, SCOPA Ch…

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EFF file court papers to interdict fuel levy increase 9:59

7d ago9:59

9:59

The EFF has filed court papers at the Western Cape High Court to interdict the fuel levy increase that was tabled in parliament. For more on this, I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Omphile Maotwe, EFF Treasurer GeneralBy SAfm

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(SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the country's interest rates by 25 basis points 7:09

7d ago7:09

7:09

We've just taken the MPC statement press conference live at the top of the hour where Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, delivered the latest Repo rate changes. To get a reaction on this, I am joined on the line by... GUEST: Elize Kruger, Independent EconomistBy SAfm

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Wednesday, May 28, 2025: Abortion advocates say US House Reconciliation Bill will close clinics, be devastating for patients 11:19

8d ago11:19

11:19

This Day in Maine Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development hands over 100 production input to community farmers 12:06

8d ago12:06

12:06

Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, lead a series of impactful community initiatives in Orange Farm today to support food security and sustainable livelihoods. The MEC joins me on the line to share more details on this initiative... GUEST: Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development…

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MK Party, a year after being elected opposition 12:00

8d ago12:00

12:00

SABC News Political Editor, Mzwandile Mbeje, had a conversation with MK Party Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu, about the parties highs and internal challenges a year after becoming the official opposition party in South Africa. Mzwandile Mbeje, joins me on the line to share some of the key points that came out of this conversation… GUEST: Mzwandi…

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Reclaim the Cape Flats from parasitic gangs 10:25

8d ago10:25

10:25

Professor William Gumede, Founder and Chairperson of Democracy Works Foundation, has penned an opinion piece on reclaiming the Cape Flats from parasitic gangs. According to Professor Gumede, a new more holistic approach, which includes a state of emergency, deploying the army almost permanently and turning the area into a focused special economic d…

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The murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a student whose life was full of promise and light, has left a community shattered and a family drowning in grief. 5:36

8d ago5:36

5:36

The murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a student whose life was full of promise and light, has left a community shattered and a family drowning in grief. We’ll spend the next few minutes getting to know who Olorato was through… GUEST: Dr. Chriselda Kananda, Mongale Family SpokespersonBy SAfm

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President Cyril Ramaphosa appeal High Court judgment in Zulu Nation's Monarch 6:06

8d ago6:06

6:06

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein is hearing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appeal today and tomorrow regarding the recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the Zulu Nation’s monarch. SABC News Reporter in Bloemfontein, Makgala Masiteng joins me on the line to tell us what happened in court today... GUEST: Makgala Masiteng, SABC News Rep…

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Mzwanele Manyi removed as MK chief whip, replaced by Colleen Makhubele 7:23

8d ago7:23

7:23

Mzwanele Manyi has been ousted as its chief whip in parliament. Manyi has been replaced by former Johannesburg council speaker Colleen Makhubele, who has had a steady rise in the party. The party confirmed this change in a statement earlier today. For more on this story , I am joined on the line by… GUEST: Nhlamulo Ndhlela, MK Party Spokesperson…

Maine Public Staff Podcasts