Best Views From The Balcony Podcasts (2025)

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Emerging economies – Focus on India: Has India agreed to stop buying Russian oil? 5:18

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16h ago5:18

5:18

Has India agreed to US demands to stop buying cheap oil from Russia? Despite a slump in global art trade, Indian art is experiencing an art boom, changes for India’s call centre industry. Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester K…

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How environment sleuths proved authenticity of viral photo of badly burned elephant 12:04

17h ago12:04

12:04

Why is it so significant that a team of environmental investigators from Bellingcat went to great lengths to prove the authenticity of a photograph showing a badly burned elephant in Namibia’s most-visited wildlife reserve, Etosha National Park? Lester Kiewit speaks to Martin Plaut, a journalist specialising in the Horn of Africa and Southern Afric…

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A World View from London: Gaza’s ongoing crises 6:33

17h ago6:33

6:33

Four World War One soldiers finally get to rest in peace; the ongoing crises in Gaza, and mosquitoes found in the far north for the first time. Adam Gilchrist shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up c…

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Why Charlie Kirk’s death struck a chord with South Africans 13:08

18h ago13:08

13:08

Lester Kiewit speaks to Pontsho Pilane, an author and communications expert, about why the death of right wing American activist Charlie Kirk struck a chord with South Africans who mirrored his Christian nationalism. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wak…

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New Ukraine Ambassador sees South Africa as key to peace with Russia 7:37

18h ago7:37

7:37

Lester Kiewit speaks to new Ukraine Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Olexander Scherba, about his role and its challenges; as well as the why he believes South Africa could play a central role in bringing peace to the Ukraine. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape …

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Dealing with bullying: The process schools need to follow 7:47

18h ago7:47

7:47

Lester Kiewit speaks to Matakanye Matakanya, the National Association of School Governing Bodies General Secretary, about the process schools need to follow when it comes to dealing with cases of bullying, like the one currently being investigated at Milnerton High School. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk break…

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What are the limits when it comes to tough love and instilling discipline? 8:29

18h ago8:29

8:29

How far can one go to rehabilitate someone with addiction and anger issues? Can it ever be justified to take someone to rehabilitation or a discipline camp by force and even in restraints? Lester Kiewit speaks to Patric Solomons, Director of Molo Songololo, a registered non-profit organisation that promotes the rights and protection of children and…

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How excited should we be over Test Twenty? 8:13

1d ago8:13

8:13

A new era in cricket is coming in 2026 with Test Twenty, a combination of T20 and test cricket. This means four innings of twenty overs each for a maximum of 80 overs per game, with each team getting to bat and bowl twice. Lester Kiewit discusses the new incarnation of the game with Telford Vice, South Africa correspondent for Cricbuzz. Good Mornin…

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The law of the boerewors: What it takes to earn the name 10:13

1d ago10:13

10:13

Chef Makamo joins Lester Kiewit on the line to explain the law of the boerewors, breaking down what legally qualifies as boerewors under Act 119 of 1990, published in Government Notice R2410 of 24 August 2022. From what ingredients can be used to why not every sausage on the braai earns the name, Makamo gives listeners the full picture on South Afr…

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Rent control: Empowering tenants and tackling Cape Town’s housing crisis 11:40

1d ago11:40

11:40

Cape Town’s housing crisis is putting immense pressure on tenants, with rising rents, short-term rentals, and semi-migration reshaping communities across the city. Lester Kiewit speaks to Adam Narain about the Rent Control movement and how it aims to empower tenants, advocate for policy change, increase housing supply, and re-engage middle-class an…

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A World View from London: Summit placed on hold 7:31

1d ago7:31

7:31

Putin-Trump summit put on hold after Russia rejects ceasefire; methanol poisoning warning alerts; the White House extreme makeover has started. Adam Gilchrist shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up c…

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The battle against malnutrition and stunting: Ending South Africa’s silent catastroph 7:44

1d ago7:44

7:44

Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, the director of Grow Great, about their efforts to reduce stunting in South African children and address the root causes which include malnutrition and neglect. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. …

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GroundUp news: Recovering addicts march for greater support from government 8:15

1d ago8:15

8:15

Around 200 people marched through Cape Town in the annual Recovery Walk to celebrate recovery from substance abuse; draft affidavit describes how R17-million was paid to 28 companies for services not delivered to Fort Hare University; a private school in Ottery which caters to learners with disabilities has been ordered to close down due to zoning …

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Firefighters giving back by running for St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care 5:35

2d ago5:35

5:35

As a way of saying “thank you” to the public for their consistent support and donations, members of the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service department are going to be running a Fun Run around Rondebosch Common this Thursday (23 October). All funds raised will be in aid of the little patients who are lovingly cared for at the St Joseph’s Int…

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Local fisherman breaks down new lobster quota 5:35

3d ago5:35

5:35

Local fisherman and boat owner from Kalk Bay, Faez Poggenpoel, joins Lester Kiewit to explain the recent increase in the West Coast rock lobster quota by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. Faez details how the 58% hike mainly benefits commercial and small-scale fishers, while recreational divers see minimal changes, and why sust…

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Volvo Green Tip: How to compost on your balcony 2:52

3d ago2:52

2:52

This week’s Volvo Green Tip features Morne Faulhammer, owner of Super Plants Garden Centre in Tokai, answering a common question about composting in small spaces. Morne explains how apartment dwellers can still compost on a balcony, the benefits of composting for soil and plants, and practical tips for making it work even without a garden. Good Mor…

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The Africa Report with The Continent: Zimbabwe’s ruling party makes moves to extend President’s term 4:42

3d ago4:42

4:42

Lester Kiewit gets The Africa Report with Kiri Rupiah of The Continent. They discuss Zimbabwe’s ruling party moving to extend the president’s term. More US deportees arrive in Ghana as does a lawsuit and a US jury finds French bank BNP Paribas liable for complicity in Sudan atrocities. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the C…

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Could a basic income for artists work in South Africa? 9:27

3d ago9:27

9:27

Ireland’s move to make its Basic Income for the Arts scheme permanent in 2026 has reignited debate about how governments value and sustain the creative economy. The programme, which provides artists and cultural workers with a weekly payment of €325, has shown promising results in reducing financial stress and allowing participants to dedicate more…

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A World View from London: Bangladesh fire shuts down airport 6:10

3d ago6:10

6:10

A Damaging Fire in Bangladesh closes the airport and disrupts trade; how U.S marine’s celebration went to far and space debris in Western Australia. Adam Gilchrist shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake…

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What the Hack! AI, cloud power, and the AWS outage that shook the internet 6:54

3d ago6:54

6:54

In this week’s edition of What the Hack! tech analyst and CEO of World Wide Worx, Arthur Goldstuck, shares insights from the Oracle AI World conference in Las Vegas, where artificial intelligence has become the core of modern business technology. He speaks to Lester Kiewit about Old Mutual’s full-scale migration to the cloud and how it’s paving the…

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Concerns over overcrowded classrooms in Western Cape 8:50

3d ago8:50

8:50

The Western Cape will be retaining its basket of 35934 educator posts for 2026, but with a growing number of learners, it will mean that the learner-to-educator ratio will be placed under greater pressure. Lester Kiewit speaks to Basil Manuel, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), about th…

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Understanding the new rock lobster quotas 8:00

3d ago8:00

8:00

Lester Kiewit gets an understanding of the new total allowable catch quotas for west coast rock lobsters. The process is explained by Odwa Dubula, Director for Inshore Fisheries Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This program…

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Why does the law protect the identity of convicted child offenders even when they become adults? 10:03

3d ago10:03

10:03

Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Marcel Londt, former head of department of social work at UWC, and program director of Catts, about how the law protects even the most violent of convicted child offenders from being identified, even when they enter adulthood. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This prog…

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Seeing through scent: How blind founder Mark Cussons crafted Coffee Sensations 9:43

4d ago9:43

9:43

Coffee is more than just a drink for Mark Cussons, founder of Coffee Sensations — it’s a full sensory experience. Born blind, Mark has always connected to the world through smell, taste, and texture, and that passion for coffee grew into a Cape Town-based artisan brand that celebrates every element of the brew. From sourcing beans from around the w…

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Rondebosch East residents protest new housing and commercial developments 18:04

4d ago18:04

18:04

Residents of Rondebosch East are pushing back against a series of major developments in their suburb, saying hundreds of new housing units and commercial outlets will increase congestion and strain civic resources. Rashard Davids, Chairperson of the Civic Association of Rondebosch East, speaks to Lester Kiewit about why the community is demonstrati…

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A World View from London: U.S and Colombia in drug spat 8:02

4d ago8:02

8:02

The United States and Colombia are embroiled in a spat over drugs and covert operations, a daring jewel heist in Paris and Prince Andrew in disgrace again. Adam Gilchrist shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape To…

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Here’s why the City of Cape Town is putting up more fixed traffic enforcement cameras 11:48

4d ago11:48

11:48

Lester Kiewit speaks to Alderman JP Smith, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, about why it seems that there are more permanent traffic enforcement cameras being erected all over Cape Town. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Tow…

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Ghostbusters: The mission to rid state of bogus workers being paid millions 5:42

4d ago5:42

5:42

Lester Kiewit speaks to Cosatu’s parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks about their support for the Department of Public Services and Administration’s drive to eradicate ghost workers from the state payroll. Millions are being wasted on paying workers that do not exist. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfa…

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Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO explains timeline before decision to cancel event 7:25

4d ago7:25

7:25

Many entrants were left disappointed by the decision to cancel the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon due to strong wind conditions posing a risk, not only to participants, but also the many staff and volunteers along the route. Lester Kiewit speaks to Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a p…

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A runner’s advice on how to deal with cancelled Cape Town marathon 3:07

4d ago3:07

3:07

Lester Kiewit speaks to devoted and disappointed runner Richard Eberlein about his advice to the organisers of the Cape Town marathon after the event was cancelled at the weekend following gusting winds making it dangerous for competitors. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your …

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Money on a Monday: Death Benefits - ensure that your paperwork is in order 6:18

4d ago6:18

6:18

Financial dependency can be a key factor in determining death benefit allocation even though it does not automatically qualify one for a death benefit. This was illustrated in recent case where a customary wife was denied death benefits after her husband’s passing, while his girlfriend and children at the time of his death were able to prove depend…

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Ashton factory set to reopen, securing jobs and supporting farmers 3:27

4d ago3:27

3:27

The Langeberg Foods Ashton factory is reopening under new ownership, securing thousands of jobs and supporting local farmers in the Western Cape. CEO Edwin Kriel joined Lester Kiewit on the CapeTalk breakfast show to discuss the vision for the factory, the role of the Ashton Fruit Producers Agricultural Co-operative, Norfund, and the Langeberg Comm…

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Just how bad was the wind in Cape Town to see marathon cancelled? 3:15

4d ago3:15

3:15

Lester Kiewit speaks to Annette Botha, Vox Weather meteorologist, about the wind speeds and gusts that saw the Cape Town marathon cancelled. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlight…

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The Royal Countess Zingara is back in Cape Town with 'La Dolce Royal’ 6:03

7d ago6:03

6:03

The iconic South African dinner-theatre experience, The Royal Countess Zingara , is back in Cape Town with a new offering to take you away from reality and into a “wonderland of grandeur, visceral theatrics and a glittering rite of passage.” Lester Kiewit speaks to Richard Griffin, the original visionary behind Madame Zingara who, along with co-dir…

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Owner sells but stays – Usufruct vs life rights explained 9:15

7d ago9:15

9:15

The iconic Ronnie’s Sex Shop along Route 62 is up for sale, but owner Ronnie Price will continue living on the property. Many listeners ask how this works legally. Linda Jordaan, Chief Eexecutive and Director of Herold Gie Attorneys, speaks to Lester Kiewit about the difference between a usufruct and a life right. She outlines the benefits and down…

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G20 desk with RMB & FNB: Understanding key conversations 4:52

7d ago4:52

4:52

In this edition of the G20 Correspondence Desk, brought to you by RMB and FNB, Lester Kiewit speaks to Nokukhanya Mntambo. They unpack the key developments shaping conversations at home and abroad including the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting this week in Washington alongside the International Monetary Fund and the World Ba…

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Binge-watching options: Boots, Loot S3 and The Diplomat S3 4:37

7d ago4:37

4:37

In need of some binge-watching options this weekend? Lester Kiewit chats to Matthew Jantjies-Green about some of the series you can spend some time watching this weekend, including: - Boots (Netflix) - ⁠Loot Season 3 (AppleTV) - ⁠The Diplomat Season 3 (Netflix) Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. T…

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A World View from London: Kept in bedroom for 27 years by parents 6:42

7d ago6:42

6:42

Polish woman kept in her bedroom by her parents for 27 years; Australia’s forests releasing more carbon than absorbing; London’s scream club lets you get it all out. Adam Gilchrist shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authent…

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Public input sought as City of Cape Town revises Travel Demand Management Strategy 11:51

7d ago11:51

11:51

Cape Town is the 9th most congested city in the world with drivers losing 94 hours annually due to being stuck in gridlocked traffic. Lester Kiewit speaks to Johann Andersen, Adjunct Professor for Traffic and Transportation Engineering, and Intelligent Transportation Systems at Stellenbosch University, about the strategies we can implement to reduc…

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A fine mess: Confusion overpaying for traffic offences 8:02

7d ago8:02

8:02

Lester Kiewit speaks to attorney William Booth about concerns from motorists about failing to pay fines which only appear on one of a number of platforms that record traffic offences. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town…

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Pacific Dispatch with Katie Macdonald: Malaysia gets ready for ASEAN summit 6:32

7d ago6:32

6:32

Malaysia is preparing for the upcoming ASEAN Summit; a council ban on artificial grass, advertising regulator not amused by supermarket ad. Katie Macdonald shares all the details with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Mo…

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The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is set for a return 7:06

8d ago7:06

7:06

The famous and beloved Garden Route steam train, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, is set to make a return. Operations between Knysna and George were halted after the heavy rainfalls of 2006 and 2007 had washed away roads and infrastructure, and despite an attempt to run the train between George and Mossel Bay to the west, it came to an end in 2010. Lester …

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Emerging Economies - Latin America: Venezuela’s response to Maria Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize 5:12

8d ago5:12

5:12

Lester Kiewit speaks to Professor Lyal White, faculty at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) about: Venezuela’s response to Maria Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize award; 6 people killed in US strike on a boat off Venezuela’s coastline; the Argentine Pesa and Javier Milei are in pre-election trouble; China’s changing role in Latin America. Good M…

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A journey with anxiety and alternative psychedelic therapies 12:46

8d ago12:46

12:46

Mental health challenges continue to affect millions worldwide, with anxiety and depression among the most common disorders. Stuart Dods speaks to Lester Kiewit about his personal journey navigating anxiety and his search for alternatives after conventional therapy failed to provide relief. Stuart shares how psychedelic treatment has become the onl…

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A World View from London: Unsafe US cities could impact World Cup 2026 7:17

8d ago7:17

7:17

America’s unsafe cities could hold implications for the World Cup; a huge criminal Bitcoin seizure and China’s map muddle. Adam Gilchrist shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cap…

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It is illegal for shops to add surcharge for card payments? 8:49

8d ago8:49

8:49

In South Africa it is illegal for stores to add a surcharge for payments made by bank cards, as this is in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act. The Act states that the displayed price is the final price which consumers must pay. Lester Kiewit speaks to Lee Soobrathi, Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester…

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South Africa’s Food Security Index shows glimmer of hope 9:30

8d ago9:30

9:30

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof Dieter von Fintel, a development economist at Stellenbosch University. They discuss the Shoprite Group’s annual SA Food Security Index. It indicates a marginal improvement in food security in South Africa over the last year, although there are still areas of concern. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcas…

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Should there be full disclosure on AI-generated videos? 9:29

8d ago9:29

9:29

Did you see the video of boxer Jake Paul enjoying a Kota in Cape Town? While it certainly looked like him, it was merely a digital creation made by Sora, the new text-to-video app from OpenAI, the same company that gave us ChatGPT. AI-creations are becoming better and better in terms of realism, and we ask if it is time that we insist on disclaimer…

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The iconic Ronnie’s Sex Shop is up for sale 6:29

8d ago6:29

6:29

Lester Kiewit speaks to Cherise Da Silva of Rawson Properties about the sale of the popular landmark pub Ronnie’s Sex Shop in Barrydale. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightenin…

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Primedia Cares partners with iZinga Assist to make it easier to support NPOs 6:46

9d ago6:46

6:46

With over 250 000 non-profit organisations registered in South Africa, it can be difficult to determine which ones are above-board and deserving of support, and even more so for the international community who want to assist. This is why Derek Lubner (a philanthropist from the famous Lubner family) came up with the idea for a platform which seeks t…