Stacey Norman

America just slapped us with tariffs, cut aid and offered ‘evacuation plans' to a few Afrikaner white farmers, basically telling us we messed up. You might be asking yourself, what's up with this beef again between the US and SA? Last week, Trump posted on social media (Truth Social) that the US would bar South Africa from the next G20 Summit, hosted in Miami in 2026, a direct reaction to what he called Pretoria's mistreatment of white farmers, alleging “killing white people” and “human-rights abuses”. He followed that up with a suspension of US subsidies and financial aid to South Africa. The official statement from the South African government described Trump's post as “regrettable” and “not substantiated by fact,” rejecting claims that any group in SA is facing systemic “genocide.” In response, last night President Ramaphosa addressed the nation, calling the US move “punitive,” stressing SA's sovereignty and affirming SA's right to sit at the G20 “in its own name and right.” Relations that were already tense have now escalated into a near-full breakdown of diplomatic goodwill. Stacey and J Sbu were joined by renowned comedian Carvin H Goldstone to discuss this topic. If you missed it live, listen in!

We've been getting DM's, voice notes, tags on the socials – TO LEAK the biggest kept secret in terms of music festivals – Africa's leading afro house music festival, no less… The Anywhere In Your City official line-up. The wait is over. The line-up has been under lock and key; the energy online has been wild. Here's all you need to know from DJ Merlon himself, with some insights from Tim Lewis and Matt Davies.

The school year is wrapping up, the homework is slowing down, the exams are out the way and the holidays are calling. Before we all head into summer mode, we want to hear from you. What were your big highlights this year? Maybe you nailed a tough subject, made a new friend, learned a new sport, joined a club, won an award or finally understood those tricky maths fractions. Maybe you took part in your first concert, became class monitor, improved your reading, or even just survived Grade 4, that counts too.

Are restaurant reservations killing spontaneity? Should a night out be a spontaneous decision or a scheduled appointment? Stacey and J Sbu shared their thoughts on the matter before opening the lines to you! In between, there was a battle with the word 'spontaneity'. Listen in if you missed it live!

This past weekend marked a historic moment for South Africa and the African continent. For the first time ever, the G20 Leaders' Summit was hosted on African soil, right here in South Africa. The summit, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on 22 and 23 November, brought together leaders from the world's major economies, representing 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. Under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability', South Africa's presidency focused on issues that matter deeply to Africa and the Global South: climate finance, debt relief for developing nations, food security, and inclusive economic growth. Beyond the policy headlines, this was also a showcase of South Africa's ability to host a world-class event, with over 40 countries and international organisations represented. It's a moment of pride and a reminder that Africa is stepping up as a key player in global affairs. To give us an on-the-ground perspective of what it was really like at the venue, the energy, the behind-the-scenes moments, we were joined by ECR Newswatch's Nushera Soodyal, who spent the entire weekend reporting from the heart of the G20 Summit.

This is a fun, high-energy challenge where Stacey and J Sbu put their lyrical memory to the test. Each presenter will pick two of their favourite songs. The game will play a snippet of the song up to the hook, then fade out. Stacey and J Sbu tried their best to keep singing confidently from memory. At a random point, the track fades back in to check if they're still in sync with the original lyrics. The closer they are, the better their bragging rights. If you missed it live, listen in...

KwaZulu-Natal is once again facing the harsh reality of severe weather. Disaster management teams have confirmed that search and rescue operations are still underway in the uMshwathi Local Municipality after Sunday night's devastating floods. Earlier today, teams recovered the body of a middle-aged woman who was swept away in New Hanover. At the time of this broadcast, two others remain missing. Stacey and J Sbu spoke to KZN COGTA Spokesperson Senzo Mzila, to give us the latest update on this matter

Stacey Norman spoke about the G20 Women's Shutdown, a nationwide act of refusal and remembrance led by Women For Change. Why you may ask? Because in South Africa, a woman is murdered every 2.5 hours. That's why today, she gave women across KZN the mic to share that one sentence that says it all. No politics. No speeches. Just voices united in a truth that should never be negotiable: Safety is a right, not a privilege. Here's what you said...

South Africa is in the global spotlight this week as we host the G20 Leaders' Summit for the very first time on African soil. This historic gathering brings together the world's major economies under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. It's more than just a diplomatic event, it's a moment for Africa to amplify its voice on the global stage. Over the next two days, a lot will be happening and that is why we have roped in ECR Newswatch's Dineo Mphahlele to give us the latest on this meeting that could reshape conversations around global governance and economic cooperation. Stacey Norman spoke to ECR NewsWatch's Dineo Mphahlele to learn more.

East Coast Radio is proud to share that we're officially a partner with Anywhere In Your City Season 8, happening right here in Durban on 13 December 2025 - Durban's biggest Afrohouse festival is all about celebrating homegrown talent, world-class music, and of course - that unmatched KZN energy. J Sbu sat down with DJ Merlon to discuss the significance behind this partnership.

Stacey and J Sbu received a confession from a struggling mother who took money from the collection pot at her Church. The woman, who has three children, felt a weight on her shoulders and felt the need to share her story. Stacey and J Sbu shared her story on air and asked you to weigh in. Some people agreed with her decision, while others thought she could have asked for help. Here's what you had to say...

South Africa's murder rate of 45 people per 100,000 is more than 10 times higher than the average murder rate of other G20 countries. With the country preparing to host the 2025 G20 Summit this weekend, this stark figure has drawn intense international attention. While the summit is meant to spotlight global cooperation and policy priorities, South Africa's violent crime levels have risen to the forefront of global conversation. The country, currently holding the G20 presidency, is preparing to welcome delegates for discussions on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality. Conversations will also focus on ensuring food security and utilising Artificial Intelligence and innovation for sustainable development. Listen to the full conversation...

Ever notice how some habits seem universal? Things people do without even thinking, because “that's just how it's done.” But here's the twist: not everyone agrees. Take washing chicken before cooking, for example. For years, it's been a kitchen ritual for many families. But did you know food safety experts say rinsing poultry can actually spread harmful bacteria around your sink and counters instead of removing it? Suddenly, that “must-do” doesn't sound so smart. Or what about starting your car? Some drivers swear by letting the engine idle for a few minutes before hitting the road, convinced it's the best way to “warm up” the car. Others argue modern engines don't need that at all, just start and go. These are the little things that spark big debates. So, what's your non-negotiable? The thing you just won't do, even if everyone else does? Maybe you refuse to put pineapple on pizza (because fruit belongs in a fruit salad, right?). Or maybe you never drink tea without sugar, no matter how many people say “it's healthier that way.” We all have those quirks that make us unique. With all this in mind, Stacey and J Sbu asked you: What's that one thing everyone seems to do, but you just refuse to conform? And most importantly, why?

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that you can sing from start to finish without missing a beat? Maybe it's a fun nursery rhyme, a catchy pop tune, or even your favourite theme song from a cartoon! Knowing all the words to a song is like having a secret super power, you can sing it anywhere, anytime. Aunty Stacey and Uncle J Sbu asked your little ones to use their tiny voices to sing out loud. Here's how it went.,

The G20 Summit brings global leaders to South Africa, spotlighting our nation on the world stage. Should citizens “keep it clean” and show unity, Patriotism, or seize this moment to demand accountability and change, Activism? Does the old saying “Don't air your dirty laundry for the neighbours to see” still apply? We asked you: With the world's eyes on SA ahead of the G20 Summit, do we roll out the red carpet and be patriotic or raise our placards and become activists? Here's what you had to say...

In collaboration with Confessions ZA- Every Thursday around this time, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. This week's confession from a mechanic had us questioning morality levels. From siphoning fuel to selling it, anonymous's employer had him doing the most. Here's what you had to say about the ordeal.

Two-time Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter brings his unmistakable voice and soul-stirring sound to Durban for the very first time. Known for global hits like “Liquid Spirit”, “Hey Laura”, and “Revival”, Porter's smooth baritone and heartfelt lyrics have made him one of the most iconic voices in jazz and soul. Don't miss this unforgettable night of world-class music at the ICC Arena in Durban. Listen to the full conversation here...

After seeing social media turn purple, Stacey and J Sbu got in contact with Women for Change. Cameron Kasambala, spokesperson for Women for Change, shared details about the G20 Women's National Shutdown planned for 21 November and the plight to get gender-based violence declared a national disaster. Here's how it went.

We came across an article which, upon fact-checking, we found not to be entirely accurate; however, it was still interesting. It read, “According to science, grabbing drinks with the boys can reduce sadness by 45%”. So, it turns out, it's not really about the drinks, it's about the connection. Sharing laughs, telling stories and simply being present with one another activate the brain's reward system. Stacey decided to put J Sbu and sports lead Nick Tatham to the test about this fake study. If you missed it live, listen in!

A couple of days ago, we heard the big news that Top Billing, a luxury lifestyle TV show, is returning to our screens. You'll remember that it was cancelled in 2019, after having been on our TV screens for 25 years. Now, you know that Top Billing is synonymous to nostalgia, and it got me thinking. Remember the days when airport final boarding calls were personalised? Or when a Friday night meant browsing the aisles of Mr Video, picking out a VHS or DVD for movie night? We dove into the warm fuzzies of the past and asked you what's the one thing that no longer exists but you wish it did? Here's what you had to say!

Right now, across South Africa, social media is turning purple. Profile pictures, timelines, stories, all drenched in a colour that's become a symbol of pain, power, and protest. But this isn't just a trend. It's a cry for help. It's a demand for change, because in this country, a woman is murdered every 2.5 hours. Because 117 rape cases are reported every single day and thousands more go unspoken. Because women and children are being violated in their homes, in their communities, and in their silence. The G20 Women's Shutdown, led by Women for Change, coincides with the G20 Leaders' Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November. They are urging participants to avoid spending money for the entire day. The aim is to demonstrate the scale of the economic and social impact that women and LGBTQI+ individuals hold in their daily lives and what happens when their voices and labour are withdrawn. Additionally, as part of the shutdown, participants are being called to take part in a symbolic moment of silence at 12pm: lying down for 15 minutes to honour the 15 women who are murdered every day in this country. It's a powerful gesture meant to reflect both the scale of the tragedy and the urgency for change. Supporters of the shutdown are calling on the government to immediately declare GBV and femicide a national disaster. This, they argue, would trigger nationwide mobilisation of resources and political focus. On Friday, 21 November, women across South Africa plan to bring the country to a standstill.

J Sbu's trip to the mall today had him thinking hard about a certain box of biscuits that usually only come around toward the end of the year - Choice Assorted. After sharing his favourite biscuit, Stacey Norman, Sports Lead Nick Tatham and Shaina-Rae (in for traffic reporter Andi James), joined the conversation with their own opinions. Here's who won the great biscuit debate!

At just 15-years-old, Shreeya Mahadeo stands as one of South Africa's most promising young chess talents. A pupil at Durban Girls' College, her journey began at the age of seven when her father, Sebastian, first introduced her to the game. Since then, her passion and determination have propelled her to the international stage, where she will soon represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in Malaysia. Shreeya's path has not been without obstacles. She recalls moments of discouragement, particularly when international tournaments felt out of reach due to financial challenges. “I felt demotivated when it came to international trips because we couldn't actually afford it,” she shares. However, the launch of her BackaBuddy campaign has reignited her hope. “Now that we've started the BackaBuddy campaign, I have the opportunity to learn, gain experience, and represent my country, something I'm really happy to do.” Listen to the full conversation!

The travelling season is upon us and some people go on holiday to do absolutely nothing. Others pack three backpacks and lose their sleep chasing sunsets. This afternoon on the Great Drive Debate Stacey and J Sbu asked you: Which kind of holiday actually makes you better, the rest or the rush? Here's what you had to say...

Black Friday is just a couple of weeks away, and shoppers across South Africa are already gearing up for one of the biggest retail events of the year. It's that time when deals flood our timelines. When the discounts start flashing, do you stick to your budget and shop smart, or do you give in to the thrill and buy impulsively? Here's what you had to say...

South African cricket fans felt a familiar sting of heartbreak on Sunday as the Proteas Women gave their all in a fierce World Cup final clash against India in Mumbai, ultimately falling short by 52 runs. Though the dream slipped away, the Proteas Women walked off the field with pride - not as defeated players, but as warriors who proved, once again, that South African cricket has the heart, talent, and tenacity to stand among the best in the world. Nick Tatham takes us through the ins and outs of the game!

Every Thursday around this time, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. Anonymous said: "I used to think marriage was the dream, flowers, surprise dates, happily ever after. What a joke. Now my life is an endless cycle of cooking, cleaning, and picking up his disgusting stained underwear off the floor. Ladies, if you think being a housewife is glamorous, wake up. There's nothing dreamy about losing yourself in someone else's mess. And to top it off, we can't even have kids, so what's left? Nothing. Absolutely nothing to look forward to.” Here's what you had to say...

Stacey and J Sbu asked you what you enjoy popping in your bag when you leave your hotel after a stay. Thalia from Chatsworth spoke about her love for collecting sugar while Marchelle chanelled her inner Ross from Friends - "take the salt, not the shaker." We heard a story about towels and another about hotel gowns. If you missed it live, listen in!

Across social media and workplace forums, opinions are split. Some older professionals argue that Gen Z, born roughly between 1995 and 2012, lacks resilience, discipline, and respect for hierarchy. Others praise their boldness, digital fluency, and strong emphasis on mental health and purpose-driven work. In South Africa, where Gen Z is expected to make up 40% of the workforce by 2030, this generational tension is impossible to ignore. Those who believe employers should adapt say Gen Z brings fresh ideas, values, and flexibility that modern workplaces need. Studies show that 86% of Gen Zs consider purpose key to job satisfaction, while 77% value work-life balance above all else.

Heading into today's sports breakdown, we're turning our eyes to the ladies in green and gold, the South Africa Women's Cricket Team, the Proteas Women, who have been making serious waves at the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. They've battled through the group stage, secured a knockout berth, and shown the grit of champions, but it hasn't been easy. From that nail-biting victory over Bangladesh to a fierce face-off with Australia, they've been tested every step of the way. Our Sports Lead Nick Tatham broke down how the Proteas got into this position, what's next on their journey and why this moment matters not just for women's cricket, but for sport in South Africa as a whole.

Mrs Mbali Mthembu Mensah, Clinical Psychologist, Founder, and CEO of Turning Point Mental Health, joined us in the studio today to unpack what positive mental health really means. She touched on the five important pillars that we need to consider while also stressing the importance of self-care. If you missed it live, listen in.

When Stacey and J Sbu opened the lines for their weekly “Confessions” segment, they could hardly have anticipated the storm that would follow. An anonymous confession landed in their inbox, revealing a tale of workplace sabotage that left both hosts, and their listeners, reeling. The confession, read aloud by Stacey, detailed how the anonymous sender manipulated a colleague's calendar, causing them to miss a crucial meeting. The result? The colleague was left flustered, received a warning, and ultimately went on stress leave, while the confessor secured a long-coveted promotion. Yet, the victory was hollow, as guilt and regret soon set in.

Listeners opened up with stories of heartbreak, lessons learned and the unexpected ways loss shapes us. Stacey and J Sbu explored it all, reminding us that what we lose often tells us as much about ourselves as what we hold dear. We heard from Lena who misplaced her wedding ring. She unfortunately lost her husband in January 2025. Malacai from Pietermaritzburg lost an item from his cousin and still hasn't told her! Chris spoke about the diamond that fell out of his mom's diamond ring. He was around ten years old back then, his determination allowed him to spend 3 hours to search for the diamond which he found! Michelle's mother's gift of a gold cluster set was misplaced while Mario left his laptop on top of his car and drove off completely forgetting where it was!

Final exams for the Matric class of 2025 are currently underway and they need as much support as possible. That is why aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu called on the little ones of the province to be that pillar of support during this highly stressful period. Here's what the kiddos of KZN had to share for the Class of 2025.

Let's be real, 10 years ago, buying property felt like a no-brainer. You bought, you waited, the value went up. However, fast-forward to now, and you've got crime, bad drainage, rising rates, and some suburbs that are literally sinking under bad service delivery. If you're the type who wants flexibility, less stress and doesn't want to fight the municipality over every water leak, then renting is peace of mind. No bond, no rates, just pay your rent and go live your life. Stacey and J Sbu asked you, the people of KZN, what you think about buying property in KZN. Here's what you had to say...

Work stress doesn't stand a chance against the wild and wonderful after-work rituals shared by Stacey, J Sbu, and you! From beachside dolphin-spotting and traffic jam singalongs to boxing out frustrations and savoring late-night cappuccinos, this episode is a whirlwind of creative mood-boosters. Whether it's gaming, binge-watching comfort series or simply soaking in nature's magic, everyone's got a unique way to shake off the day. Dive into a world where laughter, quirky routines, and a dash of extra make every evening feel like a celebration of life beyond the grind. If you missed it live, listen in!

Cricket fever is in full swing as Stacey Norman and J Sbu bring their signature banter and infectious energy to the mic, celebrating the Proteas Women's electrifying journey to the ICC World Cup semifinals. Stacey's sharp wit and eagle-eyed restaurant play-by-play meet J Sbu's hype and hilarious commentary, as they relive the team's epic bounce-back from a rocky opener to a string of dominant wins. Enter sports oracle Nick Tatham, who delivers the inside scoop with cool confidence, breaking down the group standings, the looming clash with Pakistan, and the weather chaos threatening to rain on everyone's parade. Nick's expert analysis keeps the stakes high, while Stacey and J Sbu keep the vibes light, rooting for the “girlies” to make herstory and knock it out of the park. If you missed it live, listen in!

Once a week, Stacey and J Sbu allow the kiddos of KZN to share their unfiltered ideas on air. This week, the duo asked the kids: "What's something grown-ups always say that doesn't make sense to you?" Jordan spoke about his parents asking him to pull up his socks when he's not even wearing socks! Here;s what your little ones had to say...

From skin to size to shape, there's always that one thing we've wished we could change or hide. So what happens when you finally decide to stop apologising for your body and start embracing it? Stacey and J Sbu asked you, the people of KZN, to weigh in on your turning point, that moment when you began living freely in your own skin. Research shows that true self-acceptance often grows through support, not pressure. What helped you get there? Was it a kind word, a life event or finally seeing your worth? Here's what you had to say.

South Africa has dropped 50 places on the Global Safety Index, now ranking below Kyrgyzstan and Ecuador. With over 5,700 murders and more than a million homes broken into between January and March 2025, Stacey and J Sbu wanted to know: who's really to blame? In this week's Great Drive Debate, they asked you, the people of KZN, whether South Africa's shocking crime rate stems from bad policing or from a deeper societal breakdown. Are our law enforcement agencies failing us, or have communities themselves lost their moral compass? Here's what you had to say.

Welcome to the AI genre swap revolution! Your favourite tracks are getting bizarre yet brilliant makeovers. AI tools are now allowing users to upload songs to instantly transform them into different genres. It's almost like a musical cosplay. Stacey and J Sbu dug into the nitty-gritty of what it actually means and played a few AI remixes (along with the originals). If you missed it live, listen in! Image courtesy of ECR / ChatGPT and Canva

Ever feel like you're paying for hundreds of channels but only watch a handful? You're not alone! In this episode, Stacey and J Sbu hand over the remote to you and ask: If you could build your own dream entertainment package, what are your must-haves? From sports and true crime to old-school cartoons and Nollywood hits, our listeners share their top picks, and things get hilariously heated!