Stacey Norman

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.

They've earned their spot. From unbeaten Shield champions to stepping onto the biggest stage in university rugby, the Varsity Cup. Now, flying the KZN flag with pride, hunger and something to prove, the Emeris boys are in the building. Stacey Norman and sports lead Nick Tatham spoke with AB Mthembu and Jacques Marais, and here's 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 asked the kiddos: If you chose your own wake-up and bed time, what would it be? Here's what your little ones had to say...

This Thursday, the nation listens as the President delivers the State of the Nation Address. Basically, the SONA provides the President with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation across political, economic and social fronts - both domestically and within a shifting global context. It is also a moment of accountability, where the Head of State reports to citizens on government's performance and sets out the programme of action for the year ahead. We asked you, would you rather hear HONEST bad news or POLISHED promises? Here's what you had to say...

the State of the Nation Address is happening this week Thursday, and yes, the President will speak, the country will listen, and the group chats will be busy. Basically, the SONA provides the President with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation across political, economic and social fronts - both domestically and within a shifting global context. It is also a moment of accountability, where the Head of State reports to citizens on government's performance and sets out the programme of action for the year ahead. However, before all of that, we thought, let's actually hear from the people who live this thing every single day. No big words, no politics, no podiums. Just real South Africans, in their own voices, giving us their version of the State of the Nation.” This is the People's SONA.

Now, when you think of South Africa, you don't exactly think snow, skis, and minus-ten temperatures. We're more sunscreen than snow boots. But believe it or not, the Winter Olympics are underway, and yes, Team South Africa is in the mix. From ice rinks to alpine slopes, there are South Africans out there flying the flag, proving that you don't need to grow up in the snow to compete on it. And if you're wondering who, where, and how on earth we ended up there, we've got you covered. Our Sport Lead, Nick Tatham is standing by with a look at the Winter Olympics, a special focus on Team SA, and why this is actually a bigger deal than you might think.

There's an important update on the Foot-and-Mouth Disease situation that's been affecting livestock across the country, and particularly here in KZN. The outbreak has been serious enough that the province is moving to declare it a provincial disaster, with hundreds of cases recorded and big impacts on farmers and local communities. It's a situation with real economic and social consequences, from rising meat prices to farm livelihoods, and our News Anchor, Dineo Mphahlela has the latest details and what this means today. Listen in here...

The Department of Employment and Labour has announced the latest updates to South Africa's National Minimum Wage, affecting domestic workers, farm workers, and other applicable employees. Following recommendations from the National Minimum Wage Council, the rate has been increased by 5%, moving from R28.79 to R30.23 per ordinary hour worked. For a standard 45-hour work week, the increase translates to a weekly wage of R1,264.85. When calculated over a month of 4.3 weeks (or 195 hours), the minimum becomes R5,894.40. For households employing domestic workers on a more typical 160-hour month, the minimum monthly wage rises to R4,834, up from R4,606 in 2025. Households must also note that South Africa's minimum wage laws require employers to pay for at least four hours of work each day, regardless of the actual hours worked. This sets the true daily minimum for domestic workers at approximately R121, an increase from R115 last year. Domestic workers have been fully covered by the National Minimum Wage since 2022. However, data suggests that many workers are still earning below the legal minimum. According to BusinessTech, median salaries reported by Stats SA show that domestic workers earn around R2,350 per month, equivalent to R14.69 per hour for a 160-hour month. This is less than half of the 2026 minimum wage.

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 was not THAT deep but Stacey and J Sbu still had opinions to share. Listen in!

You've probably heard about the Epstein files hitting the headlines again, that's the huge release of documents tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail back in 2019 while facing serious criminal charges. Epstein was connected to scores of rich and famous folks over the years, and with millions of pages recently made public by the U.S. Justice Department, everyone from politicians to business leaders is being mentioned in one way or another. Now one name that's popped up recently that you might not have expected is Bill Gates, yes, that Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and global health philanthropist. Before you roll your eyes, he's not selling a new version of Windows or a ‘Philanthropy 2.0' update, but Gates has spoken up about seeing Epstein in the past and the headline he gave us is pretty honest. Do tell. In a recent interview, Bill Gates said he regrets ‘every minute' he ever spent with Jeffrey Epstein, calling those meetings a ‘foolish' mistake. Here's how it went...

Today is World Cancer Day, and this year's theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us that while every cancer journey is personal, prevention is a shared responsibility. In South Africa, the urgency is real. The National Cancer Registry recorded 87 853 new cancer cases in 2023, with experts warning the true number may be even higher. With cancer cases projected to nearly double by 2030, early detection and prevention are no longer optional, they're essential. Today, we were joined by Justine Lacy, Clinical Executive at Profmed, who believes too many people are diagnosed late, not because they don't care, but because they lack access to the right information. Today's conversation asks one key question: how do we move from awareness to action on cancer prevention? Listen in here...

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 Stacey and J Sbu asked the little ones of the province: What is something you'd like to learn how to do this year? This is what your kiddies had to say...

On today's Great Drive Debate, we're having a sensitive but important conversation. This discussion is about honesty, not judgement and about understanding parental fatigue, not questioning love for children. Should parents be allowed to say they regret becoming parents, without being cancelled? Stacey and J Sbu shared the airwaves with you. Here's how it all went down..

The red carpet. The biggest stars in music. Absolute confusion. J Sbu anchors a very serious Grammys cross… while Stacey reports live from what starts as Hollywood glamour and slowly unravels into something else entirely. Big wins, bigger emotions, questionable interviews and a reality check no one saw coming. It's polished. It's chaotic. It's journalism-adjacent at best. Press play for a behind-the-scenes moment that proves not all live crosses go to plan.

Sharks rugby fullback Aphelele Fassi joined Stacey and J Sbu in studio ahead of what promises to be a humdinger clash against the DHL Stormers this weekend! Sports lead Nick Tatham started things off with a quick Q & A with Fassi before the team surprised him with a call from a loved one. Here's how it all went down...

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 we asked the kids of KZN: What's the one thing girls your age should stop apologising for? Here's what your little ones had to say...

Stacey and J Sbu unpacked one of South Africa's biggest post-school questions: is university still worth the cost, or are degrees being oversold? The debate touched on rising tuition fees, limited access, student debt and the pressure facing young people today. The YES side argued that degrees still open doors, offering valuable skills, stronger employment prospects and long-term career flexibility. The NO side pushed back, highlighting graduate unemployment, underemployment and deep inequality, backed by real-life experiences from KZN and beyond. Listener calls and voice notes shaped the conversation and brought the debate to life.

If you're sitting with a matric certificate right now and wondering whether there's space for you in the system, this one matters. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says South Africa's post-school education system is not in crisis, but it is under serious pressure. Around 650,000 learners passed matric, but post-school institutions can only absorb just over 80% of them. Speaking in Pretoria, Manamela has challenged what he calls a “university-only mindset”, saying universities were never meant to be the sole pathway after school. If you missed it live, tune in!