Stacey Norman

Every Wednesday, we hand the mic over to the smallest but mightiest voices in KwaZulu-Natal! The kids of our province take centre stage to share something special with us and honestly? They never disappoint. This week we stepped into the kitchen. You know that dish that makes you run to the kitchen when you smell it cooking? That plate that your gran makes that nobody else can make quite the same way? We asked the kids o KZN: What's your favourite meal and WHY? Here's how it went...

South Africa's crime rate means most of us have either seen something go down or know someone who has. Stacey and J Sbu put the question to KZN: if a crime happened right in front of you today, would you step in or would you stay back? Some say intervening is pure instinct and doing nothing makes you part of the problem. Others say this isn't a movie, and keeping yourself alive is not cowardice, it's just smart thinking. Either way, it got people talking! Missed the conversation live? Here's what KZN had to say...

Palesa dropped one of those confessions that will have you stopping to think about your own life. She loves her friends, has real history with them and would not trade those memories for anything. But something has shifted and she just cannot unfeel it. The conversations, the energy, the mindset, it all feels like a different chapter now. So does she create distance and give herself room to grow, or does she stay loyal to the people who helped shape her? J Sbu put it to KZN and, as always, people had a lot to say! Missed the conversation live? Here's what KZN had to say...

In the age of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, sharing milestones of your children online has become as natural as breathing for most South African parents. But here is the thing. South Africa's POPI Act exists specifically to protect personal information and a child's image is personal information. Yet millions of photos of children are uploaded daily without a second thought, by the very people who love them most. J Sbu asked you: should parents be allowed to post photos of their children on social media? Here's how that went..

Once a week, on a Thursday, Stacey and J Sbu get into other people's lives. This week we've got anonymous from Hillcrest, who is feeling a bit emotional about their home situation. Here's what they had to say: “I'm the strong one in my family, the one everyone depends on. But I'm tired and no one checks on me. Do I speak up… or just keep going?” While J Sbu received an influx of worried and helpful voicenotes, he also spoke with Registered Counsellor Linda Turner. If you missed it live, listen in!

South African DJ and producer Jashmir has won the Most Promising Artist award at the prestigious Africa Golden Awards held in Kenya. Jashmir is known for a signature fusion sound including Gqom, electronic music and eastern influences. We're all about supporting local and shining a spotlight on our brothers and sisters who are making us proud in various spaces. He joined J Sbu to chat about his win and he came through with a little ECR-inspired beat!

Every Wednesday, we hand the mic over to the smallest but mightiest voices in KwaZulu-Natal! The kids of our province take centre stage to share something special with us and honestly? They never disappoint. J Sbu asked the kids of KwaZulu-Natal one big question: what should grown-ups do to keep the person they love happy? From "put that phone away" to "stop fighting," the answers were equal parts sweet and brutally honest. If you missed it live, listen in...

J Sbu unpacked Eskom handing out R5.4 billion in bonuses, around R128,000 per employee, after recording its first profit in years, while electricity bills keep rising. J Sbu debated whether big bonuses actually drive performance or whether they've simply become an expensive expectation and you weighed in. Missed it? Listen in...

We keep hearing about this Hantavirus, and now it has hit a lot closer to home. The Department of Health has confirmed a case right here in South Africa, after a critically ill British passenger was airlifted off a cruise ship and taken to a private hospital in Sandton. The ship, the MV Hondius, had been on quite the journey, stopping at Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, St Helena and Ascension Island, among others. And sadly, two other passengers from that same ship have died. A 70-year-old Dutch man passed away at St Helena and his wife collapsed at OR Tambo Airport and did not survive. Now, the Department of Health is saying: please do not panic. Contact tracing is underway and they are pointing out that only two passengers from that ship actually set foot on South African soil. Hantavirus is not easily spread between people, it mainly comes from contact with infected rodents. We need to learn far more about this and one person who is a step ahead of is Nushera Soodyal from ECR Newswatch. Nushera spoke with an epidemiologist about the virus and everything we need to know about its origins.

It is a long weekend and for many of us that means getting on the road. Whether you are heading up to the Drakensberg, down to the South Coast, or making your way back home, the roads across KZN are going to be busy. J Sbu caught up with the KZN Department of Transport spokesperson Mr Ndabezinhle Sibiya. The department launched a campaign called #NenzaniLaEzweni, which is aimed at encouraging all road users to make responsible choices this long weekend. Here's how that went…

Every Thursday, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. Today, Stacey received a confession from Mark, who said: "My partner is amazing, supportive, loyal, good to my family… but I'm not attracted to them anymore. We have a long history together and I'm comfortable but bored. Do I stay because they're my comfort zone or should I leave to find the fire I need?" You weighed in with advice and experiences. If you missed it live, listen in...

Graduate season is here, and across South Africa, thousands of young people are stepping off campus and straight into a storm. After years of sacrifice, student debt and deferred dreams, they're entering a labour market that is increasingly indifferent to their qualifications. Graduate unemployment has nearly doubled over the past decade and a half, from 5.8% in 2008 to 10.3% today. Meanwhile, the world of work is shifting faster than any university syllabus can keep up with. We're watching a generation do everything right and still struggle. But does that mean the degree is broken or that the system around it is…So the question Stacey and J Sbu had for you was: Is a degree still worth it in South Africa or are we chasing a paper dream?

You know that feeling. It hits you out of nowhere. Maybe it's a Sunday afternoon, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you can smell the smoke of a braai you're not at. Or you're standing in a foreign supermarket, staring at shelves that don't have biltong, and suddenly your chest feels... heavy. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Not even close. A new global study has just confirmed what so many South Africans living abroad already know in their bones: we are the second most homesick nation on the planet. Nearly every single South African living overseas, a staggering 96%, says they feel the pull of home. And it's not just the big things. Yes, we miss our families. We miss our friends. But we also miss the sound of our own language. We miss the sunshine. We miss understanding how things work, the way they just work back home. We even miss sleeping in our own beds. The study found that homesickness hits hardest during the moments that matter most. A birthday you couldn't get back for. A tough week when you needed your mum. A holiday where a video call had to do, but it didn't, not really. What keeps South Africans going? Calling home. Hearing a familiar voice. Finding a restaurant that does a proper boerewors roll. Watching Generations or a sport replay just to feel something recognisable again.

Every Wednesday the little ones of our province melt our airwaves with their cuteness. It's a chance for the kids of KZN to share something with us. This week, aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu asked the kiddos of KZN to warm up their vocal chords and send a voicenote singing their favourite song. Here's how it went...

Relationships are complicated, but betrayal? That cuts different. We live in a world where loyalty is preached on every podcast, every playlist, every late-night voice note to your best friend, and yet, cheating remains one of the most common relationship ruptures we know. Throw in the reality of emotional disconnection, that slow drift where you feel invisible in your own relationship, and the lines get even blurrier. Here's the real question we're asking you on the drive home: Is cheating ever truly forgivable… or are we just dressing up "understandable" to make it easier to swallow? Here's what you had to say...

here's something that might surprise a few of you out there. We all know drink driving is illegal, but did you know that jumping on your bicycle after a few too many is also against the law? It's not just a grey area either. This was actually put to the test over the weekend when a man cycling in Estcourt was stopped at a roadblock and breathalysed alongside other drivers. Apparently, when the Department of Transport posted a photo of that cyclist being breathalysed, it caused quite a stir online, with many questioning whether authorities were actually allowed to do that. But the KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC was very clear on the matter. He confirmed that under the National Road Traffic Act, Road Traffic Inspectorate officers are absolutely within their rights to breathalyse cyclists on public roads, and yes, cyclists can be arrested if they are found to be over the limit. Same rules, two wheels or four.

This past weekend in Gauteng, what started as a minor car accident ended in death. Two drivers got into an argument, it turned physical and then the guns came out. A man is dead. A woman is in hospital. Another driver is walking away with minor injuries and a murder charge hanging over him. Police are now investigating murder and attempted murder. And this is not an isolated incident. According to the Institute for Driver Safety, more than 1,000 South Africans died in road rage incidents this year alone. Think about that. Over a thousand people. Gone. Not because of the accident but because of what happened after. Stacey and J Sbu asked you if road rage is an anger management issue or a blatant lack of respect. We heard from you before, registered counsellor Linda Turner looked at what is really going on inside our heads when we lose it on the road.

This week on the Great Drive Debate, we're stepping into a conversation that's as sensitive as it is real: mothers and their sons, where do we draw the line? Because for many, that bond is unbreakable. It's built on love, sacrifice, and years of support. However, at some point, every son grows up, builds his own life, his own responsibilities, his own financial reality, and that's where things can get complicated. We asked you: is it justified for mothers to expect ongoing financial support from their sons, even when he's building his own family? Here's what you had to say...

This past Sunday, a normal shopping day quickly turned into chaos at a local mall. Gunshots rang out inside one of the busiest malls in the province, as heavily armed suspects hit a jewellery store. Shoppers ran for cover, businesses shut their doors, and in the middle of it all, security guards were injured during an exchange of fire as the suspects tried to escape. And here's the uncomfortable truth: this isn't the first time. Malls across the country, with tens of thousands of daily shoppers passing through, have seen multiple high-profile robberies over the years. From smash-and-grab style thefts to organised armed heists targeting electronics and jewellery stores, criminals aren't merely opportunistic anymore; they're coordinated, calculated, and increasingly bold. Across South Africa, malls, spaces we associate with safety, family, and convenience, are becoming targets. Heavily armed gangs, quick getaways, inside knowledge, it's a pattern we're seeing more and more. So now the question becomes very real: if armed criminals are willing to walk into a busy mall, in broad daylight, is visible armed security the solution? Here's what you had to say...

Every Wednesday the little ones of our province melt our airwaves with their cuteness. It's a chance for the kids of KZN to share something with us. However, they are about to go on holiday, meaning when vacation mode has been activated it becomes really hard to reach them. This gives us some “we time” with you, the parent. This week, Stacey Norman asked you to share the real gems, the small things that make a big difference in the chaos of parenting. Every parent has that one trick, that one move, that just works. The thing that saves your sanity on the tough days, gets your child to listen (finally), or turns a meltdown into a manageable moment. These hacks aren't in parenting books, they're learnt in real time, through trial, error, and a whole lot of patience. Here's what you had to say...

On today's Great Drive Debate, Stacey Norman called out a narrative you've definitely heard before, maybe you've even said it yourself: “You don't have kids? Yoh, you must have time and money.” But is that actually true, or is it one of the biggest misconceptions out there? If you've ever felt misunderstood on this, whether you have kids or not, this is your conversation.

After the heavy storms that swept through parts of KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend, many residents are still dealing with the aftermath, from flooding and damaged roads to growing concerns around infrastructure and safety. Stacey was joined by Senzelwe Mzila, a spokesperson from KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to unpack what's happening, what it means for you, and how to stay safe moving forward.

Every Thursday, Stacey and J Sbu detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. Anonymous said: “My husband and I chose freedom over stability. We both work for ourselves, but now I'm terrified we've made a mistake. We're living hand to mouth, home ownership feels out of reach, and retirement? Not even a conversation. I can't help but wonder… did we chase the dream without understanding money well enough to sustain it?” Here's what you had to say...

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and here's a reality that's hard to ignore. In South Africa, it's estimated that 1 in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum, yet thousands remain undiagnosed, unsupported, and misunderstood. Autism isn't always visible. It doesn't always “look” the way people expect. For some families, it's navigating sensory overload in public spaces, for others, it's fighting to be heard in a system that doesn't always understand their child. And for many, it's the daily emotional weight of advocating for a world that can sometimes feel isolating. This year's global theme, "Autism and Humanity, Every Life Has Value". This theme emphasises the dignity, inherent worth, and equal rights of all autistic people, calling for increased inclusion and neurodiversity acceptance in health, education, and workplace settings worldwide. Because behind every diagnosis is a child who experiences the world differently, and a parent or caregiver doing everything they can to understand, protect, and empower them. And if you're listening right now and this is your reality, you are seen. Your journey matters. Paediatric Intensivist, Dr Sibekezelo Hlophe, helped us unpack how behavioural therapies like Applied Behaviour Analysis actually work and why they can be so effective, and also offered practical advice to parents and caregivers on raising children with autism, from building independence to supporting emotional well-being.

If you're planning to hit the road this Easter, especially heading into Durban, here's what you need to know before you even turn the key. The N3 Toll Route is expected to get seriously busy, with traffic volumes picking up from as early as 4am on Good Friday and peaking throughout the day. We're talking over a million visitors making their way into the city, so congestion, delays, and long travel times are all part of the reality this weekend. Authorities are already preparing for it. Expect a heavy law enforcement presence, roadblocks, and increased patrols targeting speeding, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles. The message is clear: safety is being taken seriously. And while the roads fill up, Durban is set to come alive, with around 1.2 million tourists expected and a massive boost to the local economy. It's a big weekend for the city, but also a high-risk time on the roads.

Almost every community was on gridlock on Tuesday afternoon until midnight with consumers trying to fill up before these increments were in effect. From out-of-service fuel stations, having to wait for hours in queues, panic filling, to not being able to get home on time because of traffic jam, Stacey and J Sbu wanted to hear your experience. They asked you to share how you were impacted by the panic buying. Here's what you had to say...

Every parent has that one lesson they hope their child carries for life, something deeper than “eat your veggies” or “do your homework.” It's the lesson shaped by your own experiences, the mistakes you've made, the values you were raised on, or a moment that changed how you see the world. On Parent's Hotline this week, Stacey and J Sbu asked you: what's the one life lesson you've given your child, and what's the story behind it? Because often, it's not just about what you taught, it's about why you felt it mattered so much.

On this week's Great Drive Debate, we're tackling a question that's sitting in almost every household right now. On one side of the argument, critics say screen time has become an easy default, a digital babysitter. It can replace meaningful interaction, limit creativity, and reduce opportunities for kids to develop social and emotional skills. The concern is that when screens become the go-to solution, parents may unintentionally disengage, missing out on crucial moments of connection, teaching, and growth. But on the other side, many parents will tell you it's not that simple. In a world where schedules are demanding and support systems aren't always available, screen time can be a practical tool. It gives parents a moment to breathe, to work, or to reset, and when used intentionally, it can even be educational and enriching. For some, it's not about laziness, it's about balance and doing the best you can with the time and resources you have. Here's what you had to say...

Just in this afternoon are that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has confirmed that the fuel prices for April 2026 will be adjusted as follows: - Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Three Rands and six-cents per litre (R 3.06 per litre) increase. - Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): Three Rands and six-cents per litre (R 3.06 per litre) increase. - Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Seven Rands and thirty-seven cents per litre (R7.37 per litre) increase. - Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Seven Rands and fifty-one cents per litre (R7.51 per litre) increase. - Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Eleven Rands and sixty-seven cents per litre (R11.67 per litre) increase. Here's what you had to say about this increase...

As we build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all eyes are on Bafana Bafana, and right now, it's less about results and more about readiness. The first leg against the Panama national football team right here in Durban has already given us a glimpse into where this squad is at, the combinations, the energy, and the areas that still need work. Now, all eyes shift to Cape Town, where the second leg takes place tomorrow. So what are we learning about this squad? Do we have the depth to compete at the highest level? And more importantly, are the players mentally ready for the pressure of a global stage? We brought in our Sport Lead, Nick Tatham, to break it all down.

Alright, let's clear the air, because there's been a lot of panic around a possible fuel shortage. Here's what you actually need to know. Last week, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has urged South Africans not to panic. Despite global tensions and conflict in the Middle East, he says fuel shipments to South Africa are still moving, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, without disruption. So myth number one: we are running out of fuel, not true, at least in the immediate term. Government says supply remains stable for now. However, here's where it gets real… while supply might be steady, prices are a different story. With global oil markets under pressure, South Africans could still face significant fuel price hikes in the coming days. If you missed it live and want to listen to the other myths we busted, listen in!

Every Thursday, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. This week, the confession went a little like this: "I just started a new job, and the owner has already made a few inappropriate comments that made me really uncomfortable. The kind that sticks with you and makes you question everything. Now I'm stuck, do I speak up and risk losing my job, or keep quiet and start looking for something else? It doesn't feel right either way." Here's what you had to say...

Have you ever stopped to think about what your boss is actually juggling behind the scenes? We'd like to open up a conversation about what subordinates often don't understand about being in leadership. It's not just about giving orders or making decisions, leaders carry a weight of responsibility that can be invisible to the team. From managing competing priorities, pressure from above, and keeping morale up, to making choices that won't always be popular, the challenges are real, constant, and often underappreciated. Stacey and J Sbu asked you: What do subordinates not understand about being in leadership? Here's what you had to say...

We know parenting isn't just about the big, Instagram-worthy milestones, it's the small, often unseen moments that really stay with you. That time your child said “thank you” without being asked, opened up about something they were struggling with, showed kindness when no one was watching… those are the moments where you quietly think, okay… I'm doing something right. Truth is that in between the chaos, the doubt, and the constant figuring-it-out, those small wins hit differently, they remind you why you keep showing up every day. Stacey and J Sbu asked you: What's one small parenting win that meant everything to you? Here's what you had to say.

This week on The Great Drive Debate, we're asking a question that's honest, uncomfortable, and very real for a lot of people: If you did not have kids… would you and your partner still be together? If you missed it live, listen in...

As we build up to the Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk, we're creating more than just a moment on the Durban Promenade, we're creating a shared soundtrack to it. I think we can all agree that music has a way of carrying us through, whether it's that final stretch of a walk, a tough workout or even a challenging season in life. There's always that one song that pushes you a little further, lifts your mood, or reminds you why you started. Often, it's not just about the beat, it's about the story behind it. Maybe it got you through a difficult time, reminds you of someone special, or marks a moment where everything changed for you. Here's what you had to say...

For the Kiddies Hotline this week, we're tying it into the spirit of the Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk. We want to know… who are you walking with and who are you definitely not walking with? Are you teaming up with your bestie, your mom, your dad, maybe even your whole squad from school? Or is there that one person who walks too slow, complains the whole way, or eats all the snacks before you even get halfway? This is your chance to shout out your walking crew… and maybe playfully call out the one person you're leaving behind. Here's what your little ones had to say...

There's something powerful about this year's theme for the Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk, Walking In Your Shoes, because it's not just about the physical act of walking; it's about perspective. It's about pausing for a moment and asking yourself: whose life would I better understand if I walked in their shoes? Maybe it's your parents, carrying responsibilities you only now begin to understand. Maybe it's your partner, your friend, your colleague… someone whose daily battles you don't always see. Or maybe it's someone completely different from you, someone from another community, another background, another reality. Which brings us to today's question to you, whose shoes are you walking in right now… and how has it changed you? Because sometimes life puts you in a position where you have to understand someone else. Walking in someone else's shoes isn't always easy but it's where empathy is built. It's where patience comes from. It's where real connection happens. Stacey and J Sbu asked you: Whose shoes are you walking in, and how has it changed you? Here's what you had to say...

A father who vanished for years has suddenly slid back into his child's DMs and no, it was not to apologise, not to reconnect, but to ask for money. This week's confessor had to take their own dad to court just to get help with varsity fees and even then he pitched up four months late with a mere R800. Now this Civil Engineer father is apparently in a "tight spot" and needs a favour. Stacey and J Sbu asked you if this confessor should ignore him completely or send him exactly R800 and call it even? Here's what you had to say...

if you needed a reminder that the future of South African cricket is looking incredibly bright, this next story will do exactly that. At just 14 years old, a Durban Girls' College learner is already making serious waves on the cricket field. Ziya Mohanlall, who's only in Grade 9, has been selected to represent the South Africa U19 Women's team at the Nigeria Cricket Federation's International T20 Tournament taking place in Lagos from the 18th to the 29th of March Ziya spoke to Sports Lead Nick Tatham ahead of the T20 Tournament. If you missed it live, listen in!

Every Wednesday, Aunty Stacey and Uncle J Sbu open the phone lines of the kids of KZN to take over. This week, we spoke about the person you look up to. someone who makes them feel safe, inspired, or brave enough to dream a little bigger. It could be a parent who works hard every day, a teacher who always believes in them, a sibling who stands up for them, or even a superhero they admire on TV. We asked your little ones: Who's your hero and why?

If you're raising a daughter who's thriving in the classroom, a son who might be quietly falling behind or you're simply a parent trying to give your child the best possible start in life, this conversation is for you. As we reflect on International Women's Day, which was on Sunday, new insights from the Thrive by Five Index show girls in South Africa are outperforming boys in early learning and development. But what does that really mean for our children and their future? We were joined by Dr Onyinye Nwaneri from Sesame Workshop South Africa to unpack it. If you missed it live, listen in...