Stacey Norman

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...

Is tourism South Africa's economic lifeline, bringing jobs and billions into the country, or is it slowly eroding local lifestyles and pricing residents out of their own communities? J Sbu painted the following picture: A German couple lands at OR Tambo. They hire a car, sleep in a guesthouse, eat at a local restaurant, book a safari, and buy beadwork from a roadside vendor. That one couple doesn't just take photos; they inject money directly into the local economy. Tourism in South Africa contributes close to 9% of the country's GDP and supports around 1.6 to 1.7 million jobs. That includes waiters, tour guides, drivers, housekeepers, craft sellers, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and many others. We asked you: Where do we draw the line? Should South Africa push tourism aggressively to grow the economy and create jobs, or should there be limits to protect local lifestyles, housing, and culture? This is what you had to say…

Provincial Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has today outlined KwaZulu-Natal's spending plans, detailing how R168 billion will be allocated across provincial departments. This marks an increase from last year's R158 billion budget. However, we'd firstly like to know what tabling a budget means and the big question on everyone's lips, why should we care as KZN citizens? Marcel Kohler, Senior lecturer and researcher in International Trade and Finance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal answers these questions for us. If you missed it live, listen in...

A cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery on the N2 southbound in Durban on Wednesday morning has again placed the spotlight on the risks linked to these crimes, despite a recent decline in overall incidents. According to Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa (CITASA) head Grant Clark, the industry continues to strengthen security interventions. This sentiment was echoed by Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group. Bartmann noted that the industry works closely with law enforcement and other authorities. If you missed it live, listen in...

It's time for Parents Hotline, where we talk about the real stuff behind raising kids. Today, Stacey and J Sbu asked you: Now that you have your own kids, do you understand your parents better? We heard from quite a few people who talked about their own struggles growing up and how it's shaped them into the parents they are today. If you missed it live, listen in!

Every Wednesday, the little ones of our province take over 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 you: What is the most amount of money you have ever saved? Here's what your adorable little ones had to say...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially unveiled two major monuments in Durban, honouring liberation struggle icons Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela. The nine-metre bronze statue of Tambo, the ANC's first president, now stands along the beachfront, while a second statue of Mandela was unveiled at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The two structures cost a combined R22 million, with eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba reflecting on the historical weight of the beachfront site, reminding attendees that it was there, just two weeks after his release from prison, that Mandela called for an end to violence, urging people to “throw pangas, spears and guns into the sea.” However, the unveiling has sparked political debate. The DA's eThekwini mayoral candidate, Hanif Hoosen, led a beachfront demonstration, arguing that the funds should have prioritised fixing failing sewer infrastructure, particularly amid ongoing concerns about sewage flowing into the ocean. The municipality maintains the statues were funded through the city's tourism budget and not from service-delivery allocations. Public sentiment also shares the same frustration that with thousands of social ills in the metro, why is R22 million being directed to such a project. Here's what you had to say about it...

Stacey and J Sbu spoke about a burning issue, new research has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads sold here in South Africa. What does that mean for women's health, our hormones and our fertility? We speak to a fertility specialist and OBGYN, Dr Siyanda Zulu, to unpack the science, the risks and what women need to know. If you missed it live, listen in...

Natasha Naidoo, originally from Richards Bay and now living in the United Arab Emirates, shared her firsthand experience of the current unrest during an interview with Stacey Norman and J Sbu. While many South Africans are following developments through social media and news reports, Natasha and her family are living through the situation daily. She explained that authorities have implemented safety measures, including real-time phone alerts to warn residents of potential threats, allowing them time to take precautions. For now, daily life continues with adjustments. Natasha and her husband are working from home, and their daughter is attending school online. Shops remain open and essential activities are still taking place. She reassured South Africans with loved ones in the affected areas not to panic, saying that conditions on the ground remain calm despite events unfolding in the air. Counselling services have also been made available to support residents during this time.

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. This week they heard from anonymnous who feels stuck in an unhappy relationship. Anonymous chooses not to leave to avoid having to pay all their bills on their own. We shared the confession with you and this is how it went...

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 your little ones: Do you think you should be paid to do chores? If you missed it live, here's what your smart kiddos had to say...

The Department of Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal has introduced a “Name and Shame” campaign targeting certain offenders, particularly those convicted of serious traffic violations such as drunk driving. Under this approach, the names of convicted offenders are publicly released as part of efforts to deter dangerous behaviour on the roads. The department argues that this tougher stance is meant to promote accountability, increase road safety, and send a clear message that reckless driving will have consequences beyond fines or jail time. Stacey and J Sbu posed this question: Is naming and shaming a necessary wake-up call or is it public humiliation? Here's what you had to say...

KwaZulu-Natal has achieved an unprecedented 18% decrease in road fatalities during the festive season, marking the first such reduction in two decades. The Department of Transport and Human Settlements credits this success to its "name and shame" campaign, which publicly identifies convicted drunk drivers alongside their professions and locations. Spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya explained the impact of the campaign to Stacey and J Sbu. Here's how it went...

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. Here's what anonymous shared with us: “I pretend to be broke, not because I am, but because the people closest to me won't stop asking for money. It started with small favours. ‘Can you help just this once?' Then it became expectations. Family members are counting my salary before I even get paid. Friends making plans with my wallet in mind. I tried being honest. I said no. I explained boundaries and suddenly I was ‘selfish', ‘forgetting where I come from', ‘acting better than everyone else'. So now I lie. I complain about being broke. I downplay promotions. I hide wins, because it's easier than being guilt-tripped by the people who raised me and grew up with me. They say money shouldn't come between family and friends, but money already has. So tell me… am I wrong for protecting myself, or wrong for lying to the people who expect me to provide?"

Last year the National Department of Health shared that Human Papillomavirus vaccinations will be conducted at public, special, private and independent schools by teams of healthcare workers. The Department has stressed that Cervical Cancer is highly preventable through the HPV vaccination. They further encouraged parents, caregivers and legal guardians to sign the consent form to ensure that their children do not miss out on life-saving vaccinations. But what IS HPV? Dr. Angelique Coetzee, South African general practitioner and former chair of the South African Medical Association, went into detail about this viral infection and why vaccination is important. Stacey also took a moment to share her own experience with HPV and cervical cancer. If you missed it live, listen in...

Every Wednesday, the little ones of our province take over 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 your little ones: Would you rather not do homework and never be able to watch TV again or do homework and watch TV whenever you want?

Discipline is the ultimate balancing act, but lately, the scales are tipping. These days, we see very different worlds. Throw in the reality of parental fatigue, that bone-deep exhaustion where you just want to tap out without being judged and the lines get even blurrier. So, here's the real question we're asking you on the drive home: Who is actually allowed to discipline the child and is "stepping in" helping or hurting? Here's what you had to say...

This week, Stacey and J Sbu touched on a topic plaguing many South African households. From a R100 here, to a R500 for this and before you know it - you have no money in your bank. J Sbu shared a touching, personal story about his struggle with financial mistreatment from a loved one before we heard from Anonymous, who had a few hard-hitting words. Registered Counsellor Linda Turner helped us with advice on how to say no.