John Maytham speaks with Leonora Gershman Pitts about evacuating her home during the Palisades Fire, one of LA’s worst wildfires. She shares her experience, the devastation faced by her friends, and the challenges firefighters face battling unpredictable winds, drought, and poor air quality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Listen to John Maytham's weekly book reviews and share his passion for all things literary. From fiction to non-fiction, John reads and reviews a range of books that would sit well on your reading list. NON FICTION – The house fly effect by Eva Van Den Broek and Tim Den Heijer FICTION – The Peacock and the Sparrow by I.S Berry , Shy Creatures by Cl…

Joining John Maytham to unpack the significance of the January 8 statement is political researcher Ebrahim Fakir, who explores whether the ANC’s message will inspire recovery and renewal—or mark the beginning of its requiem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham is joined by Faisel Fakier, a transport engineer and senior consultant at Asakhe Engineers Consulting, to discuss possible solutions for easing Cape Town’s traffic troubles See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

Our Burning Planet is the Daily Maverick section devoted to expert environmental opinion and analysis. We partner up each Friday on the Afternoon Drive to discuss a burning issue - Retief joins John Maytham to discuss the causes of this tragic decline, what must be done to restore the dam’s ecosystem, and whether there is hope to halt the suffering…

In a chat with John Maytham about 2024 being the hottest year on record, Professor Guy Midgley highlights the rapid rise in CO2 levels, accelerating faster than in the past 100 million years. This surge is driving global warming, pushing the Earth’s average temperature up by 1.2°C since the late 1800s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

John Maytham is joined by Ms. Prudence Moilwa, Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission, to discuss the progress of the FlySafair investigation. Ms. Moilwa shares insights into the ongoing inquiry, the objectives of the NCC in addressing consumer concerns, and provides guidance on how consumers can actively engage i…

John Maytham is joined by Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour Party MP and key signatory of the open letter, to discuss its contents and the call to England Cricket CEO, Richard Gould See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham is joined by Professor Mike Bruton, Founder and Life Patron of the Cape Town Science Centre, to discuss the inspiring Darwin Projects. As a passionate advocate for making science accessible to all, Professor Bruton shares how these initiatives aim to spark curiosity and learning, fostering greater engagement with science across diverse…

Dr. Paul Kariuki, Executive Director of the Democracy Development Program joins John Maytham to consider the challenges businesses face in funding political parties under new legislation that mandates the public disclosure of donations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham speaks with Professor Michael le Cordeur, Vice-Dean of Teaching and Learning at Stellenbosch University, who emphasizes prioritizing teachers in education reform. Prof. le Cordeur highlights the need to improve teacher training, classroom practices, and preparedness to enhance the quality of education. See omnystudio.com/listener for p…

John Maytham is joined by Attorney Lucien Pierce to highlight a recent South African High Court case that underscored the dangers of unverified reliance on AI in legal research. Pierce explains how counsel relied on authorities provided by AI without verifying their validity, only for the court to discover that some of the cited cases did not exist…

Alderman JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, joins John Maytham on the PM drive show to unpack the city’s latest traffic data on these drivers, discuss how retailers are managing their delivery fleets, and share insights into whether these services are contributing to safer or riskier roads in Cape To…

John Maytham speaks with Stormers head coach John Dobson about the upcoming Champions Cup clash against Sale Sharks at Cape Town Stadium. They discuss the Stormers’ mindset heading into the pivotal match, the challenge posed by a full-strength Sharks squad, and how the team plans to handle the pressure and physicality See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

John Maytham and Andrew Rens, a practicing attorney and technology law consultant, debated Cape Town’s use of CCTV cameras and drones to monitor beach alcohol consumption. Rens highlights the need for clear legal frameworks to balance public safety and privacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

On the PM Drive with John Maytham, we unpack the rise in autism diagnoses with Dr. Kristin Bartlett, an autism therapist. From genetic factors to environmental influences — what’s really behind the surge? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

Arthur Goldstuck joins John Maytham to discuss two key topics: the potential impact of Donald Trump’s re-election on South Africa’s tech sector and Meta’s decision to replace independent fact-checkers with “community notes” on Facebook and Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Mbekezeli Benjamin, Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter, joins John Maytham to discuss the Judicial Conduct Tribunal’s decision to hold partially public and partially closed hearings in the sexual harassment case against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Ross Tucker joins John Maytham to delve into the fascinating science behind dart throwing, exploring how physics, biomechanics, and psychology intersect to perfect this seemingly simple sport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham and Maya Fisher-French they explore the key differences between turning to an Ombudsman or hiring a lawyer for resolving disputes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham is joined by Gary Kirsten, former South African cricketer and renowned coach, to unpack what makes this Proteas side special — and why they just might lift the trophy at Lord’s See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham speaks with Independent Journalist and Foreign Policy Analyst Peter Fabricius about Mozambique’s escalating political crisis. They discuss opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane’s imminent return from exile ahead of Daniel Chapo’s inauguration as president. Fabricius highlights Mondlane’s rejection of the election results, his claims of v…

John Maytham is joined by political analyst Dr. Ongama Mtimka to discuss two dramatic political developments: the ANC’s upcoming January 8th Statement and the SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 local elections independently. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk

John Maytham is joined by Dr. Carina Bruwer, Senior Researcher at the ENACT Organised Crime Project, who has been closely studying the trends and tactics of this evolving trade, to discuss rare clivias being targeted in Southern Africa’s illegal plant trade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

John Maytham is joined by James Lorimer, DA Spokesperson on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, to unpack the reality of the Buffelsfontein saga, the government’s inaction, and what the DA proposes to bring this crisis to an end See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Av CapeTalk