Stacey Norman is a vibey and quirky way to get your day moving. You'll love that you're the co-host of this show. The stylish, sussed and sassy Stacey quips, "Whatever you love is what we'll do!"
East Coast Radio caught up with Monde Mkalipi, spokesperson for the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), who addressed the growing concern surrounding fake news about the AARTO Act. The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act aims to promote road safety by standardising traffic violations and implementing a demerit system for offenders. "We are very concerned about the proliferation of fake news around the implementation date of AARTO," said Mkalipi. "We urge road users and the public to be cautious of this misinformation, as it is not authentic." Mkalipi emphasised that the AARTO Act has not yet been proclaimed for national implementation. Currently, the AARTO website is only available in specific regions. "The date for the national rollout has not been proclaimed. What's operational now is limited to certain areas," Mkalipi clarified. Understanding the Demerit System Mkalipi provided an in-depth explanation of the demerit system under the AARTO Act. Contrary to some beliefs, a single traffic fine will not immediately lead to a licence suspension. "The point demerit system is not yet operational everywhere. When it does come into effect, it will serve as a deterrent," Mkalipi said. Under the demerit system, points will be added to a driver's record for traffic infringements. The severity of the offence will determine the number of points. For example, driving without a license may result in three points, while driving under the influence could add six points. "Once you exceed 15 points, your driving licence will be suspended, initially for three months," explained Mkalipi. Suspensions escalate with repeated offences. "On the third occasion of exceeding the 15-point threshold, the driving licence will be revoked," Mkalipi added. Drivers with accumulated points may reduce them by participating in a voluntary rehabilitation programme. Misinformation surrounding the AARTO Act The spread of misinformation has caused public concern. "There is a state of panic among drivers due to misperceptions about how the AARTO Act works," Mkalipi noted. He shared that the RTIA is working diligently to dispel these myths and provide accurate information. "The AARTO Act is designed to be a road safety intervention, aimed at changing driver behaviour. It's about voluntary compliance without needing to see traffic officers," said Mkalipi. How to verify information about AARTO The RTIA is informing the public through various platforms, including social media. "We post regular updates on our official social media accounts. We urge drivers to visit these platforms for accurate information," Mkalipi advised. He also encouraged the use of government statements and updates from provincial and municipal colleagues. "It's important for road users to stay informed through legitimate information dissemination platforms to avoid being swayed by fake news," Mkalipi concluded.
From hairbrush concerts to superhero movie marathons, Stacey and J Sbu are throwing it back and tapping into the things that keep us feeling young, no matter what our ID says! They share personal stories and hear from you, our listeners. Whether it's belting ballads in pyjama pants, nailing trending dance moves or vibing to the Spice Girls (a 30th anniversary tour?!), this chat is a hilarious and heartfelt reminder that growing older is a gift, but staying young at heart is a choice.
Stacey and J Sbu are joined by Jan Vermeulen, editor at MyBroadband, to break down the recent internet disruptions caused by a fault in the West Africa Cable System (WACS). Jan explains how a damaged branching unit off the coast of Namibia led to emergency repairs, what this means for South African internet users, and why some service providers were hit harder than others. From underwater diagnostics to redundancy planning and the role of major tech players like Google and Meta, this episode dives into the complex world of undersea internet infrastructure and why most of us barely noticed it was broken.
Fresh off the energy of the Comrades Marathon, Stacey and J Sbu flip the conversation around success on its head by asking: What's something you'd NEVER win an Olympic medal for? From missed deadlines to burnt toast, this is a hilarious and brutally honest look at our everyday struggles and imperfections. Whether it's Stacey's war with admin and paperwork, J Sbu's weakness for soul food or listeners confessing they're chronically late, directionally challenged, or incapable of sending short voice notes - this podcast is a goldmine of self-awareness and laughter. It's all about embracing the things we don't excel at and finding comfort in knowing we're not alone.
Xander McNeill has accomplished one of the greatest achievements at the youngest age... he has completed the Comrades Marathon at only 20 years old! He made it with a few minutes to spare and was the youngest finisher in 2025. Was it a walk in the park or the toughest thing he ever did? Why did he do it at this age? Catch up on this epic conversation with Stacey, J Sbu and sports lead Nick Tatham.
At just 20 years old, Zander McNeil took on the ultimate challenge - the 90km Comrades Marathon - and finished strong in 11:56:44! Stacey and J Sbu chat to the youngest participant of Comrades 2025 about his experience, the mental game behind the run and what pushed him to take on such a gruelling race at such a young age. Zander reflects on his motivation, the example set by his dad and how challenges shape growth. "Difficulty is just a measure of the bottom… and the extent you're willing to push it," Zander says.
In an effort to address the critical issue of food insecurity in South Africa, Union Against Hunger (UAH) has initiated a compelling petition urging the government to implement measures to lower food prices. Dr. Busiso Moyo, a post-doctoral fellow at the Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of the Western Cape and a key figure within UAH recently elaborated on the petition and its objectives during an interview with East Coast Radio. "Ours is a question of how do we confront the issue of hunger in South Africa? The first point of reference is, how is it that people are making sense of the food system? We wanted to zone in on food pricing in particular," Dr. Moyo stated. The UAH's petition underscores the disparity between food prices and the economic realities faced by many South African households. With high unemployment rates and widespread poverty, the petition focuses on the need for food equity and calls for government intervention to ensure fair food pricing. Reflecting on conversations with community members, Dr. Moyo touched on the significant challenges faced by various groups. "We were in conversation with domestic workers who talked about their frustrations in this space [and] how they are anchoring the food systems of the affluent but are very much food insecure. It's about purchasing power." This situation extends to farm workers, described by Dr. Moyo as experiencing "seasonal hunger on these farms. The very people that [sic] produce our food are in a very precarious situation when we look at their food security context." UAH's petition seeks backing from the public to address these systemic issues. Dr. Moyo explained, "We need the masses to really rally behind this petition in an attempt to have some kind of interface with these corporate actors who seem to be absent when we're speaking about socioeconomic objectives in the country." The ultimate goal is to bring corporate entities to the table to identify and implement viable solutions. "A large part of this conversation is underpinned by land and agrarian reform concerns," Dr. Moyo emphasised. The petition pushes for a holistic approach to address hunger, which includes land reform, better social safety nets and more transparent corporate practices. The call for corporate transparency is a significant aspect of the petition. "Annual reports indicate that 10 million tonnes of food go to waste in South Africa. This is very unsustainable in a context like ours," noted Dr. Moyo. To achieve fair food pricing, the petition advocates for a basic needs basket that outlines essential, nutritious foods. According to Dr. Moyo, "Once we are clear on that, maybe the state can subsidise those foods or introduce intervention mechanisms like maximum price settings. The possibilities are endless." Government is aware of this initiative, as Dr Moyo explained: “We had an opportunity to be given an audience by the Department of Social Development in particular.” Additionally, UAH highlights the influential role of informal food sectors in sustaining large sections of the population. Dr. Moyo stated, "It's about the state's power to convene so that there can be a meeting of minds to grapple with the issue of hunger in South Africa." For those interested in supporting the petition, it can be accessed via UAH's website, unionagainsthunger.org. Dr. Moyo noted, "The petition has been flighted with the assistance of our partners at Amandla.mobi. Alternatively, a range of petitions is available on their platform." As UAH continues to push for critical changes, the need for collective action becomes ever more pressing. Dr. Moyo concluded by thanking the public for their support and encouraged continued advocacy: "We need your voices to echo our call for food equity and justice in South Africa." From discussions with domestic and farm workers to engagements with government officials, UAH's petition is a comprehensive call to action. Their efforts exem
An anonymous listener shared the following confession with Stacey and J Sbu: "I accidentally found out that my partner of nine years bought an engagement ring. I really don't want to tell him that I know, because it will obviously ruin the surprise. I am nervous about our future (not in a bad way), but now that I know it's happening soon, I feel like I'm losing my mind. Should I be open and tell him that I know or should I just suck it up and carry the secret and let it consume my entire being?" The Drive Team duo then asked you, the people of KZN, to weigh in on the confusing matter. Here's what you had to say.
Ahead of the Comrades marathon this weekend, Stacey and J Sbu caught up with listener Clive Hockly. Hockly has run the comrades marathon but in a rather unique manner. Shortly after qualifying for the world-renowned marathon, Hockly faced a hurdle. One that impacted his training. He shared his unique story with us and let's just say, we were SHOOK! If you missed it live, tune in!
We're now well into winter, meaning the kids of KZN are leaving to school when the sun is rising and some are getting home after it sets. Given the change in seasons, Aunty Stacey and Uncle J Sbu decided to ask the kids of our lovely province which they prefer between a sunset and sunrise and why. Just when you think these kiddos can't get any cuter they shared in-depth reasons for their answers. If you missed it live, tune in!
In the vibrant city of Mombasa, Kenya, a young South African chess sensation has made history. Jorah Soojay, a 16-year-old Grade 11 student at Ashton International College, Ballito, stunned the continent with a perfect 9/9 score, securing the U17 championship title and earning his provisional FIDE Master (FM) title at the African Schools Individual Chess Championship. Jorah's journey to victory was a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. Despite falling ill with a terrible flu on the second day, he fought through the gruelling matches, proving that true champions rise above adversity. His flawless streak was not just about skill, but about perseverance and faith. "I am filled with immense gratitude and pride," Jorah said, reflecting on his achievement. "Scoring a perfect 9/9 is truly special, and it reinforces my belief that perseverance, preparation, and faith lead to success." The competition was fierce, with matches lasting up to five hours, testing Jorah's mental strength, endurance, and precision. He faced some of Africa's most skilled young players, but his strategic thinking and composure under pressure paid off. Jorah's victory is not just a personal milestone; it's a moment that inspires young chess players across South Africa and beyond. His achievement proves that hard work, faith, and determination can defy expectations. With his sights set on the International Master (IM) title, Jorah's journey is just beginning. Beyond chess, Jorah prioritises his academics, recognising that the skills he has developed from the game, time management, strategic thinking, and composure under pressure help him succeed in school. He aspires to pursue actuarial science or data analysis and entrepreneurship, while continuing to grow in chess. Jorah's story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that true strength lies not just in skill but in resilience and determination. As he embarks on his next challenge, the chess world will be watching, eager to see what this young prodigy achieves next.
After chatting about J Sbu's interview with Get It Magazine, the team asked the parents of KZN what they enjoy most about being a parent. We heard the most heartfelt messages from the parents of the province and could not get enough of their passion and love for their little ones. If you missed it live, tune in!
A disturbing trend has emerged on TikTok, known as "Skinny Tok," where users promote extreme thinness under the guise of wellness and lifestyle advice. This movement, led by a number of influences, has sparked widespread concern about its potential to normalise disordered eating and perpetuate negative body image. What is Skinny Tok? Skinny Tok is a trend that promotes extreme calorie restriction and regular body checks, where users document their shrinking bodies. Proponents of this trend share very low-calorie diets and frame weight loss and extreme thinness as the ultimate sign of health. The trend is currently active on TikTok, with over 74,000 videos shared under the #skinnytok hashtag. Chief of Clinical Psychology at Turning Point Mental Services, Mrs Mbali Mthembu, highlights the concerning impact of such trends, stating: “Social media platforms like TikTok often present unrealistic beauty standards, glorifying thinness and promoting unhealthy dieting habits. Young people, particularly girls, are frequently exposed to this content, which can trigger disordered eating behaviours like restrictive dieting and excessive exercising.” The portrayal of these unrealistic beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction among teenagers. They may feel their bodies do not measure up to the ideals they see online, resulting in lower self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Mthembu explains: “Young people begin to think that their body weight is not ideal, even if they are at a healthy weight. They might develop a distorted view of their body shape, leading to dissatisfaction and severe mental health issues.” Mthembu's practice has seen a rise in cases of young individuals struggling with body image issues and eating disorders. She notes: “We have observed an increasing number of young people trying to cope with eating disorders. Many feel dissatisfied with their body shape and weight, often influenced by what they consume on social media.” Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. One key strategy is fostering open, non-judgmental discussions about body image and the content young people are exposed to online. “Encouraging open conversations about how social media can affect their perception of body image is crucial,” Mthembu says. “Reassuring young people and highlighting their positive attributes, unrelated to their body weight, can help build self-esteem.” Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in monitoring their children's media consumption and ensuring they understand the unrealistic nature of the content they view. Mthembu advises, “It's important for parents to check in with their children regularly, discussing their meals and being sensitive about commenting on their body weight. Highlighting other positive features, like their intelligence or kindness, can be more constructive.” Furthermore, implementing parental control measures to monitor and limit exposure to harmful content can help. “Parents can use features that block certain content and monitor the amount of time their children spend online. This helps in reducing the exposure to potentially harmful trends such as Skinny Tok,” Mthembu advises. Education around responsible social media use is also vital. “Teaching young people to critically evaluate the content they come across on social media and understand the unrealistic expectations it sets is essential,” emphasises Mthembu. “Schools can contribute by providing resources and support through counselling services to help reduce the stigma around eating disorders and promote healthy body image.” Bullying, a significant factor contributing to body image issues, must also be addressed. Providing a safe space where young people can speak openly about their experiences and concerns is crucial. “Allowing children and teenagers to express their worries without judgment can help uncover underlying issues, including bullying, that may contribute to disordered eating,” Mthembu points out.
Patrick Williams owns a stunning restaurant in London inspired by South African cooking. Growing up in Durban, down the South Coast he loved the sunshine and the beach life. At 17, with no clear direction, Patrick found inspiration in his older brother, a chef working in Cape Town. Moving to live and train with his brother was a significant life change but one filled with promise. Leaving the familiar shores of Durban for the bustling city of Cape Town was a cultural shift, but Patrick quickly acclimated and thrived. He spent 10 years working with esteemed chefs, where he progressed to junior sous chef. His culinary journey further led him to work with PJ Vadas, another signature restaurant on a South African wine farm. “ PJ was a bit of a mentor. My brother was a mentor and another good chef friend of mine who, now lives in Australia,” he told East Coast Radio. At 26, Patrick's mentors suggested he move overseas to deepen his culinary expertise, with the possibility of returning to head up his own restaurant. Embracing this advice, Patrick relocated to London, a move that would ignite his future successes. “So I moved over to London,” he shared. London brought Patrick new culinary experiences and personal milestones. Working with Robin Gill, a chef full of energy and creativity, significantly influenced Patrick's culinary approach. During this period, he also met his now-wife, Amy, a steadfast supporter through the demanding London culinary scene. With Amy's background in a restaurant family and a career in design, the couple decided to venture into their own culinary enterprise. The idea was born from their shared desire to infuse their heritage and creativity into a unique dining experience. The South African influence was a central theme, driven by Patrick's pride in his roots and the untapped potential he saw in introducing London to polished South African flavours. Determined to create a restaurant that stood out, they brainstormed for a name reflecting their vision. The Kudu, a stunning animal and a fitting logo, perfectly encapsulated their South African identity. Kudu's culinary offerings bear the distinctive mark of Durban's vibrant spice profile. With a team of South African chefs, the restaurant's dishes carry regional inspiration. Their newest venture, a dry spice rub monkfish dish, epitomises this blend of authenticity and innovation. “ There wasn't really anybody doing it on sort of more of a higher end. Not saying that we are a fine dining restaurant, but something that was a bit more polished and it really showcased what South African flavours could be,” he explained. For Patrick, these touches ensure that their cuisine resonates with familiarity for South African patrons while offering a fresh take on traditional flavours. Patrick's journey, from the sunny beaches of Durban to the dynamic food scene of London, displays the utmost resilience and passion. His advice for aspiring chefs is to dive in wholeheartedly, invest in continuous learning, and surround oneself with supportive, like-minded mentors. This relentless pursuit of improvement and community is what fuels Patrick's culinary success.
We caught up with Ash Padayachee, the creator of NeuroGroove SA, who made a catchy Afro-house beat about East Coast Radio's Stacey and J Sbu. "I've been professionally DJing for many years. I started in my early teens, so it's been roughly about 25 years of being in the music industry. So the track 'Stacey and J Sbu' was inspired by the energy and the vibe that they bring to the drive time show," the Pietermaritzburg native said. According to Padayachee, he was inspired by their electric chemistry and how they're unapologetically themselves. "They represent such a strong part of KZN culture, so I wanted to capture that feeling in a track that's sort of like a beat that feels like a Friday afternoon, windows down, volume up kind of vibe. It's a celebration of who they are and what they mean to so many listeners across the province," said Padayachee. He explained that the Drive Team's energy after a long day at work “brings your vibe back.” After learning that Stacey and J Sbu heard his song, he said: "I think it's also that they've listened to it and the fact that they enjoy it. I think I'm excited to know that somebody out there is, you know, appreciating the work that we do."
Every Wednesday, Stacey and J Sbu open the hotline for the kids of KZN to share their thoughts on air. This week, J Sbu was on his own but that didn't stop him from chatting with the little ones of our province. He opened the hotline by asking the minis of our province who their best friends are and why? We received a number of answers that ranged from adorable to down right emotional! J Sbu even shared a voicenote from his son, Zanda. If you missed it live, tune in!
Ahead of J Sbu's birthday this weekend, the team spoke all things gifting. Speaking about his experience of never really receiving what he's wanted, J Sbu asked you, the people of KZN, about gifting. Stacey Norman weighed in, sharing that she usually tells people what she wants, so she's never disappointed by the gift. You shared your thoughts and the results were conflicting. If you missed it live, listen in!
There are celebrations all around for Northlands Primary School as their team, Smooth Sailors, achieved top honours at the Open Africa Championship (OAC) of the First Lego League (FLL). The league was held from 7 to 9 May 2025 in Cape Town and teams from 42 countries were in attendance. Out of the 106 teams who were invited, globally, the Smooth Sailors from Northlands Primary School were the highest-ranked SA team. They earned second place in the “Core Values” category. Principal Mr Alistair Naidu shared praise for the team's amazing achievement, saying: “Smooth Sailors have not only made us proud as a school, but also as a country. Their recognition at an international level speaks volumes of their dedication, humility, and ability to lead with purpose. This is the kind of global excellence we are cultivating at Northlands.” Team lead and coach Mr. Steven Kent shared that the First Lego League was more than just coding. “It's a gateway to lifelong learning. We're building a generation that is curious, empathetic, and eager to solve real-world challenges. Smooth Sailors have shown that South African youth can compete with the world's best and excel,” said the proud coach.
At just eight-years-old, Emily Eloff is making waves in the BMX racing world. Currently ranked number one in South Africa in her age group, Emily has been passionate about BMX racing since the age of five. "I think I am very brave, not scared and I love riding my bike very fast," she says, attributing her success to her bravery and dedication to training. Emily's journey began when she was just four-years-old, watching her friend Chad race his BMX. She nagged her parents to buy her a BMX bike and on her fifth birthday, she got one. Despite falling during her first race, Emily was determined to continue riding. "I fell during my very first race but I was brave and didn't want to stop riding," she recalls. Now, Emily is set to take her talents to the international stage, competing in the UCI BMX World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 29 July to 3 August, 2025. "I am very excited to go on an aeroplane and race my BMX overseas for South Africa," she says, admitting to getting butterflies in her tummy when thinking about it. "I can't wait to meet all my BMX heroes." As a role model for young girls, Emily encourages others to take up the sport. "I would like it if I could get more girls to come and race BMX with me. It is exciting and so much fun," she says. Her advice to younger kids is to visit a BMX track and watch the racers in action. To make her dream a reality, Emily's family is looking to raise R80,000 to cover expenses such as travel, competition fees and race kit. With the support of donors, Emily will be able to represent South Africa with pride on the international stage.
Since the kiddos of KZN haven't had a holiday in a few weeks, Stacey and J Sbu tried to bring magic back into their lives. This Wednesday, Stacey and J Sbu asked the little ones of the province what they think is the most magical place in the world before asking where they'd like to go. We heard quite a few impressive answers, including Hawaii! One things for sure, these littles are smarter than we think. If you missed it live, tune in!
We've heard our fair share of crazy things, but this phenomenon left Stacey flabbergasted! J Sbu, in conversation, revealed that he sends money to his partner monthly and referred to this sum as an allowance. This conversation took a turn as they asked you, the people of KZN, to weigh in. If you missed it live, tune in!
Stacey and J Sbu received the following confession, which started tearing them apart! Take a look: "With Mother's Day this weekend we need some help with a confession from one of our listeners: I'm a co-parent, and I'm conflicted about Mother's Day. I'll be honest I'm not sure what the “right” thing to do is anymore. We have been separated for years now, and our child is in their teens. Last year, I sent flowers to my ex from our child. It's something I've always seen done in my family the kids give their mom flowers, even if someone else helps make it happen. I thought I was just continuing that tradition, showing our child what appreciation looks like. But now I'm wondering: is it still appropriate? My ex doesn't expect it, and they don't do anything for me on Father's Day, which is okay I'm not keeping score. But I do wonder if it's overstepping, like I'm forcing my family's values onto a situation that's changed. I'm not trying to send mixed signals or stir up old feelings; I just want our child to grow up seeing that honouring your parent, even in small ways, matters. Still, I keep asking myself: Is this a kind gesture or could it come across as something else? Please help co-parent Dad" YOU weighed in to help Anonymous. If you missed it live, tune in!
Teenage motorsport star Hannah Lee Daniel joined Stacey and J Sbu in studio today. The 17-year-old is revving up the racing world with her fearless drive and determination. She shared everything from starting in the sport to where she's going next. If you missed it live, tune in!
Ahead of a very special day, Stacey and J Sbu opened up the Mother's Day Hotline. They asked you, the people of KZN, what song reminds you of your mother, biological or not. Stacey and J Sbu spoke about their own mothers before getting you to answer, so we could create a playlist ahead of the big day!
After years of being together and a whirlwind engagement, Kerissa and Kiran Ramluckan have tied the knot. Stacey and J Sbu have been part of their journey since last year when Kerissa proposed to Kiran. This year, on 23 March, the lovebirds celebrated their union through a gorgeous traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. According to Kerissa, married life has been treating them well so far. “It's more involved than being a fiancé,” she gushed. Sharing advice for other women out there who would like to propose to their partners, Kerissa said you should just go for it. “You won't regret it,” she told East Coast Radio, “As long as you have the right person.”
Aunty Stacey and uncle J Sbu realised that they were (lowkey) old and decided to ask the little ones of the province to teach them some cool young slang. From rizz to skibbidi, these millennials were schooled in the ways of Gen Alpha. They also had a FULL lesson from a youngster who shared a list of terms that they had never heard of! If you missed it live, tune in!
Hot on the heels of the Met Gala, Stacey Norman and J Sbu were curious about whether or not people actually still care about it. Drawing from their own experiences, they shared about a few things they used to care about but don't anymore. They then spoke with Troy, who works in the fashion industry, to see if they were the only ones who didn't really care about the annual fundraiser. If you missed it live, tune in!
TikTok content creators Darshen Kuna and Dr Samuel Choudhury are changing the game with their viral travel series. Taking to the short-form video sharing app, Darshen and Samuel have shared a number of videos of what they actually do when travelling. While Samuel does all the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively), Darshen is the pretty face who is just here for the fun. The duo reside in Singapore but have been sharing clips of their travels through this viral series. Social media users from all over the world have been debating whether they are more like Darshen or Samuel. Stacey and J Sbu addressed the Darshen and Samuel trend and opened the lines to you, the people of KZN. If you missed it live, tune in!
Whether you're having a braai, a get-together or a party, most people are in the habit of taking a treat or two with them. Stacey and J Sbu opened the lines today to ask you, the people of KZN, what's one thing people should never bring to your house? From potato salad with raisins to your cutlery, you did not disappoint with these answers. If you missed it live, listen in!
This is Stacey & J Sbu, Weekdays on ECR from 15:00 - 18:00. An unforgettable drive home with two of your favourite voices join forces to take you to new heights. Stacey Norman & J Sbu are here to revolutionise your afternoons with their dynamic chemistry, fire content, and a level of edginess that will keep you hooked. Brace yourself for thought-provoking discussions, bold perspectives, and a dose of entertainment that pushes boundaries. They fearlessly tackle edgy topics, giving voice to the conversations that matter most. The show is packed with exciting features designed to engage and entertain. So, buckle up and get ready for a ride like no other as Stacey & J Sbu take you on a journey of entertainment and connection.
Stacey and J Sbu are getting older and their birthdays are slowly becoming less (and less) important. They were curious about whether the people of KZN had the same thought process. The duo decided to ask YOU to weigh in and there were a number of responses that had us thinking... If you missed it live, listen in!
The Freddy L Band treated Stacey and J Sbu to a live studio performance! The South African musicians recently released an amazing song titled 'Stacey' and had to share it with our very own Stacey Norman. If you missed the performance live, listen in!
Following the viral Blue Origin space trip with a number of celebrities, Stacey Norman was left with a pretty intriguing thought. She decided to ask the people of KwaZulu-Natal which South African woman they'd nominate to represent the country in space and you came through! From Rachel Kolisi to Stacey Norman, we heard a number of different answers. If you missed it live, tune in!
Bella Howard, a talented Grade 10 learner from Kloof High School in Durban, is on the cusp of achieving her ultimate dream: representing South Africa in touch rugby. She's been selected to join the South African Touch Boks team for the Youth Atlantic Touch Cup in Ireland in July. This remarkable young athlete's journey in touch rugby began four years ago, and her standout performance at the Inter-Provincial Tournament in Cape Town last year earned her a place on the national team. Bella's dedication and hard work have paid off, and she's already attended a national training camp as she prepares to compete against the best in the world. Her sporting achievements extend far beyond touch rugby. She represented KwaZulu-Natal in soccer, playing for the U13A and U14 teams, and became the youngest student to earn a spot on her high school's 1st netball team. Through the South African Netball Coaching Academy, her netball skills have taken her abroad, with tours to Italy and the UK. In 2024, she captained the U15A KZN touch rugby team to a second-place finish in Cape Town. Off the field, she continues to shine, achieving a 95% average in Grade 9 and 100% scores in Maths and Life Sciences in Grade 10. However, Bella now needs support to make her dream a reality. She is looking for sponsorship from corporate organisations, businesses, and individuals to help with the financial requirements of the tour. Every donation, big or small, would mean the world to her. Bella's mother, Ghita, expressed their pride in her accomplishments, saying, "There are no words that can describe how proud we are of Bella and all that she has accomplished, especially at such a young age. "Bella never ceases to amaze us, whether it's playing sports, cracking 100% in her exams, performing magic tricks or creating beautiful pieces of art... her talent is endless. "What we are most proud of is what a kind, gentle and empathetic young lady Bella is. She is always willing to help; she always gives 200% and we are honoured to be her parents."
After seeing a meme on social media about asking your partner to be your Valentine, Stacey saw a few other memes with a similar (yet confusing) sentiment. "When he hasn't asked you to be his egg for Easter" is the one that stood out. Finding this absolutely hilarious, she was left wondering if others have the same thought floating through their mind. While J Sbu didn't initially understand the internet meme, he eventually changed his mind, thanks to you - the people of KZN! If you missed it live, tune in!
Ubuntu NPO is hosting the Qhawekazi Golf Day on 28 May 2025 at Umhlali Country Club to raise awareness about menstrual health and Period Poverty. Through the Qhawekazi pillar, they are committed to ensuring that young girls have access to menstrual products and education, enabling them to stay in school with dignity. Stacey Norman spoke with Amkela Makhanya, the Founding Executive Director of the Ubuntu NPO, to learn more.
Stacey and J Sbu received a concerning confession today that left us with more questions than answers. An anonymous listener shared that their partner enjoys blowing his nose in their TOWELS. Yes, you read that right - towels. Trying to make sense of it all, they asked the people of KZN what weird habits their partners have and we're still scratching our heads. While the ladies of the province aired all their dirty laundry, the gents kept it a bit hush-hush. If you missed it live, listen in!
After coming to the (startling) realisation that she is a carbon copy of her mother, Stacey Norman needed to vent! Sharing some details about the realisation, J Sbu became curious. The duo opened the Parents Hotline to ask the people of KZN if they're like their parents and in what way. We heard a number of ways locals are just like their moms and dads. Listen in!
J Sbu caught up with South African musician Belinda Davids ahead of her performance at Suncoast. Davids shared how she's been doing this amazing show for the past 11 years and how it's something for everyone! Speaking about her favourite Whitney Houston song, she explained how hard it is to pick just one tune from this iconic artist. If you missed the interview live, listen here!
KZN-based artist Ricollin Moodley is a force to be reckoned with. The 24-year-old started his journey by creating art using materials such as old lipsticks, stale food colouring and charcoal. He is a self-taught artist with humble beginnings. Even so, his talent has been appreciated globally. Moodley has sold his artwork to people in the Netherlands, China and Australia. The Shelley Beach resident joined Stacey and J Sbu in studio today to discuss his journey into the world of art. Speaking to Stacey and J Sbu about his journey, Ricollin shared how he took up art as a means to earn money to purchase food for his family. "I took a pencil and found paper, went to the beach and started sketching," he explained. There, he met his first customer who commissioned a piece from him. Ricollin is known for his unique use of lipstick, he explained that this began after digging in bins. He was unable to afford art supplies and took the 'risk' of using lipstick. "Little did I know, I could actually create pieces of art with this," he shared.
Stacey Norman and J Sbu had an intense relationship question to ask KZN. Do opposites attract? To help answer this question, they called resident Spark Tester Trav Lloyd who believes that opposites don't actually attract. Studies have consistently shown that people are more likely to be attracted to those who share similar qualities, attitudes, and values. Similarity is a strong predictor of attraction, research has also explored the role of sociodemographic dimensions, such as education, ethnicity, and age. Studies have shown that online daters are more likely to contact and respond to individuals who share similar backgrounds, highlighting the importance of similarity in relationship formation.
After East Coast Breakfast asked the people of KZN what their dream emojis would be and Stacey and J Sbu had to join in. Your favourite Drive show hosts shared some emoticons they would love to add. Stacey would love one that simply says the word 'No'. J Sbu on the other hand, wants his water woes to come to life with an emoji about water cuts. The people of KwaZulu-Natal joined in with some creative options, from bottles of wine to traffic jams.