My daily dose of news is in the mornings on Radio Sonder Grense while getting the family ready for school and myself ready for work. To be honest, my alarm in the morning is the radio that starts playing the news!

I subscribe to various news outlets like Common Dreams, The Ccontinent, and the Daily Maverick. Daily content comes through my email. I think I have better control over what I read this way.

I read London Times and their Sunday Times on the Times app.

No-one reads newspapers anymore. And most news websites are rubbish. Email newsletters FTW!

I live with my partner in his home, having sold mine 8 years ago. I never want to own property again, as I travel lots...

I am fortunate enough to not need housing assistance from the government.

Cool bananas. Thank you :)

This is very cool!

Wise men say only fools rush in.

First comment by me.

Neither the ANC nor the DA seem to set an example of a true Unity Govt.

Parties are too different in their thinking. Can't see PA working peaceful with the other members. ANC won't honour their pledge with the DA.

How much has changed in politics over the last century. GKC wrote Elegy in a Country Churchyard over a 100 years ago. Still relevant to England and SA. " And they that rule in England,
 In stately conclave met,
 Alas, alas for England
 They have no graves as yet."

Interesting that ⅔ of those that bothered to do the survey were positive, albeit cautiously so. Would love to know what those that voted would have said!!

For me everything begins with the economy….. Any doubting Government’Numptie’ should just track the Rand/Dollar exchange rate; the ‘money men/women’ know best… Signs of a positive GNU the Rand improves; doubts it goes backwards

I voted for the party which has proved that it can govern decently and effectively

Hope - a scarce commodity in SA today. Let's hope that the politicians will hold each other accountable and achieve a higher level of efficiency with the utterly scarce resources which we have at hand - to provide for the privileged and the masses who struggle daily to survive despite abject poverty, unemployment, hunger, stunting, murders, kidnappings, lack of economic growth, gangsters, etc. etc. We're in desperate need of principled leadership, proper crime fighting, enough water & electricity, sufficient maintenance on infrastructure, enough nutritious food and shelter for all, proper medical care for all, adequate education for all children and even adults, a more stable growing economy to attract foreign investment, ... PS Thank you for creating awareness and BUILDING SA for all its citizens!

Zero trust in ANC or the present PM CORRUPTION STILL REINS

we are starting to move away from effectively what has been a 1 party system and into a more negotiated democracy - which is what democracy should be. I used to work in the City of Cape Town - the best time was when there was a coalition government. When the DA won majority they ruled as bully-boys, such arrogance and ego driving their every decision (and all about personalities), it became intolerable to be a senior official there.

The ANC was never serious about a GNU. All it wanted was Cyril to be president. The DA seems desperate to get in a the top floor, but it will be its failing. The DA will be marginalised (Tourism?!) and fobbed off with a deputy speaker. It is best to let the ANC stew in their own juice and satisfy their rank and file by linking up with EFF and MK. They are better fellow travellers. Also Cyril is not to be trusted. Never was.

I am very skeptical about the effectiveness of the GNU because the parties involved do not share enough common ground and values

I am in Real Estate and the state of the economy is really affecting all of us, I cannot be anything else than "Cautiously optimistic", hoping things turn for the better.

I live in Boksburg Ekurleni which controlled everything and then stole money all the money making us bankrupt, EFF ( thieves) we still waiting for street lights, plus they incorrectly billed every month

On the evidence of the small number of DA run municipalities they have been doing a good job when given the chance. Just now though I think they are pushing for too much. Clearly there is racism within the DA (everywhere else for that matter), and that racism must be closely linked with stupidity. The ANC have offered them certain positions and they are pushing for more. I think that is mistake. Rather take what they offer (after pushing a bit) and then show everyone what they can do. Then more will come. The country is desperate and we need to get on with recovering from 30 years of misrule.

It is a new chapter in the the political landscape of South Africa.

Subsidising taxis – an existing transport type that already functions well – would help to remedy the situation quicker than building schools closer to built up areas. The subsidies could also be contingent on strict vehicle safety regulations and good driving behaviour. This should be a short-term solution while more schools, closer to built-up areas, are built as the more long-term plan.

Access requirements and solutions will be location specific. I do not think it possible to provide a one solution for all learners. A solution used in the 1920's (I think) for children of bywoners on farms was to build hostels at centralised schools and bring children to the schools for the week or longer. An opportunity also for improved food and homework/ after school support. A limited boarding school option for those too far to transport on a daily basis.

Taxis are nimbler than buses

On-line teaching is worthwhile and is certainly the cheapest option.

School buses may be marginally safer than taxis. Of course the law says transport must be provided if the school is more than 5km away, but nobody pays the slightest attention to the law.

Children can walk to the nearest school bus stop which should provide wider coverage of the areas concerned.

I actually think bicycles in rural areas could be a great part of the solution where it might not be that economical to run buses. The charity Qhubeka has done a great job at providing bicycles to pupils who have to travel a long way to school. To date they have distributed 110 000 (not all to school children). If this could be scaled up it would be wonderful. A bicycle gives a child independence apart from providing a way to get to school and greatly reduces the time taken if they are currently walking.

If the schools were closer more extra mural activity could take place there ie sport, extra lessons, societies, food gardens, dance classes, etc. I am sure even if busses or taxis were supplied it would be difficult to co-ordinate the various departure times.

I needed an option that said "all of the above" (but not the one that says things are okay - because plainly they aren't.)

I think the challenge with Education is that the unions run the show and if that is your constituancy, then dont rock the boat. How is it that every country around SA, with much less boodle, manages to turn out a much more rounded learner. It's the quality of the teacher, and good students beget good teachers later!

Hi, Seems subsidizing local, approved, taxi transport would be more cost effective as against investing in busses run by Gov. that will stand idle for much of rest of day. Bussing is done in America and seems to be efficient, we could learn lessons from looking how that is done. The solution should support both the pupils walking long(difficult) distance, the local community and economy.N

School buses would be better than taxis but probably more costly since they will be used only twice a day and not at all during holidays . I imagine taxis would be more flexible in terms of time oof trips, number of pupils (in smaller schools) needing to go in a given direction. It’s a complex problem in rural areas.

Why do students not ride bicycles to school and home? Much faster than walking! I used to live 7.5 miles from school, and ride my bike there.

Why do students not ride bicycles to school and home? Much faster than walking! I used to live 7.5 miles from school, and ride my bike there.

I opted for subsidizing taxis as it would be less costly that investing in school buses which would only be in operation twice a day.

I look for good after sales service by a car manufacturer dealer for a vehicle that is mostly or all built in South Africa. I have a 2004 Toyota Corolla 14i which is still running perfectly after 20 years. It’s done 170k km. I bought it new and it has not given me any major problems ever.

Most informative - Not so popular due to load shedding, etc. Conventional models with internal battery charging remain the most practical at this stage - but at what price??

carbon emissions...and it makes sense to prioritise long term costs especially as I am a firm believer in the value of keeping a car for a long time - 10 years and up.

So car sales people may over exaggerate matters such as fuel efficiency. Which is why I selected Brand. Reputations are developed over a number of years. You can expect a well known brand to be as fuel efficient as possible eh!

So car sales people may over exaggerate matters such as fuel efficiency. Which is why I selected Brand. Reputations are developed over a number of years. You can expect a well known brand to be as fuel efficient as possible eh!

All the critea are important except brand which we presume the all brands have done their design and engineering properly!

I commute 130km/day and have recently replaced my car, purely for fuel consumption. Even with the new, higher insurance, it will be a significant saving.

Does anyone still pay for DSTV??

TV is the most convenient and we will cross-check with news items. Thanks for y0ur support.

No access to sport as I didn’t have DSTV.

I am retired and my time is mine and I can spend it in front of the tv of I do wish.I am truly blessed?

Simply have time constraints and so many other activities on the go. Not an avid sports watcher so highlights suit me

Simply have time constraints and so many other activities on the go. Not an avid sports watcher so highlights suit me

It has made life easier and we can be more productive as well.

We are only two people. For us it is not economical to chase around looking for cheaper supplies. It costs what it costs.

Thank you for your focus on this critical issue of food insecurity in the region. I work for a international charity that promotes the health & welfare of working equids (horses & donkeys) around the world. The projects we support in Southern Africa are being hit hard by the drought, esp Zimbabwe & Lesotho. Crop residue is a major source of fodder for livestock, especially working donkeys. With failed crops there is less fodder available or bush meal (edible grass, leaves & pods etc). With little of nothing for livestock to forage, we are bracing for increased livestock poverty deaths in the region during the extremely dry months (Sep - Nov). The loss of a working donkey has severe repercussions for rural households, especially rural women. Not only do donkeys assist with ploughing and crop cultivation, but they are also used to gather & transport fodder & water for other livestock & the household. We are bracing for a very grim hungry season in the region.

Not sure if buying the occasional lotto ticket counts. But, fact is, online betting is a click bait killer!

I'm not the gambling type.

I put a bet on conor McGregor's comeback fight, it was R20, & I was mad I lost that. So never again

I'm not a sports fan. I have bet on the July and I have 1 ticket in most Lotto and Powerball draws - as a donation to the poor and the greedy.

I tried the slot machines in casinos a few times, usually losing my allocated budget. Then I thought about who was paying for the enormous building and staff and realised that it was the losers. The "house" takes a percentage of all bets, so the chance of a player making a profit is very slim. They would not provide the service if they were not making the profit.

I'm not stupid.

I do not trust ANY gambling as it is filled with crooks and run by the devil himself. I put my trust in the Lord my God ONLY!

I don't gamble.

South Africans have moved from having to travel across the border for gambling to having the facility on their phones. I worry for addicts who may find it a lot harder to resist in this omnipresent form.

I am not a sports fan. My interests are not catered for by TV etc.

I watched the RWC final at Ellis Park, sitting behind the posts where Joel Stransky kicked the winning drop goal. That was the year I retired. Two highlights of my life!

Too old for the crush.

Less expensive and you get to see more of the game!

You can only store do much water 😵‍💫

I saw this water crises coming way back in 2019 and installed Jojo water tanks in December 2019. One large tank for Municipal backup water, connected to my house with a booster pump. We go on normal with our lives during water outages. We had several outages since end of 2019 in Elarduspark, Pretoria, with the longest being 9 days. My second tank is for rainwater collection. With this I water all the potted plants every week. Planning to install a second rainwater tank in 2025. People need to prepare if they don't want to struggle. The decay of water infrastructure has gotten to the point were they just slap plasters on the leaks because the problems got to big and their is not enough funds to completely fix the system.

The senior manager's must implement the policies and regulations in terms of the water act. That is their responsibility.

Just testing

Solar FTW!

We have eight panels and a 5KW inverter and a 5kWh battery. To be totally solar, I need at least double the battery capacity.

The govt, esp ANC/MK/EFF, are looting the country. Eskom is a disaster. And milking those, unlike our politicians who are pampered and insulated, who are deemed able to pay whatever they demand. I have to look after my family and myself. Good riddance to their corruption, nepotism, and incompetence.

Solar is still in its infancy, I think....AND the frigging Govt has a bloody cheek to penalise those who are switching to solar power, for rreasons we understand. Do I want ANOTHER penalty from those arseholes....? NO, I don't think so!!!

We’ve lived offgrid for the past 35 years - solar power and own water on our smallholding 20km outside windhoek. Scaled up over the years, we started with a 36V / 1kw system with a few truck batteries, to the present system of 36V / 8kw and our first lithium batteries. Lightning and panel theft remain our only obstacles these days.

In 1994, I predicted that the ANC would be typical of African liberation parties: snouts in the trough. In 2013, I saw Eskom nonsense coming and installed a system to see us through blackouts (sick of the "Loadshedding" BS). And we had uninterrupted power. In 2024, I saw things getting much worse with corrupt, incompetent, rapacious Eskom & municipalities. In May this year, I went off-grid. Just in time.

We have had 100% solar for the last 4 years. South Africa is such a lovely country with so much sunshine. So we should all use it - it is free.

Solar FTW

Solar is too expensive

Solar is the future

The looting began BEFORE 1994 - and got steadily worse. The "students" outgrew the "teachers". SA is dysfunctional in so many ways, while JZ, CR, et al got rich, very rich, obscenely rich. SA has potential, but not yet realisable. So we must look after ourselves until then. Off-grid, water harvesting, linking JoJos & "swimming" pools (sometimes called "fire" pools to get tax breaks) into a grand system of becoming independent.

In Settlers Park Retirement Village in Port Alfred we have ensured that every resident has at least 5,000 litres of rainwater tank storage. There are currently 365 residents in 249 cottages, and most of the tanks are full.

CAN NOT TRUST THE ANC WITH ANYTHING ...REMEMBER WE ARE NOT ALL EQUAL BEFORE THE CORRUPT LAW. REMEMBER EACH HOUSEHOLD IS SUPPOSED TO GET 6 CU M OF WATER FREE... THAT IS IN THE CONSTITUTION ..WHICH IS CORRUPT LOOKING BACK ON COURT RECORDS OR SO IT SEEMS.

We can't live comfortably in Joburg anymore without taking measures to protect ourselves from service delivery failure.

Just a comment

I think you have covered a similar topic of why people gamble. If we can find ways to address why people resort to gambling would be helpful. The correlation between unemployment and gambling is shocking especially because it is so easily accessible now.

Banning or limiting gambling adverts would take the constant temptation out of sight, just as with alcohol and tobacco. These glossy ads sell the lie that gambling is a quick fix for money problems, when in reality it drains people to their last cent. In today’s harsh economy, pushing false hope is irresponsible and drives many deeper into ruin.

The amount of individual debt is appalling. Many people hope to solve their problems with a big win.

Online gambling should be banned. Maybe people have the right to fuck themselves up but let them do it in a physical watchable environment. Also abolish lotto - government should not promote gambling.

I think this worrying trend correlates with the fact that the GINI index increases. Middle class falls apart- more people getting really dirt poor and seeking for a quick fix to gain some much needed money - only to end up poorer. It is heart breaking and personally I find these betting ads plastered all over Cape Town airport nothing less then gross and tasteless. Linking betting to any type of sport is just ridiculous. There is nothing sporty in betting it is just SAD SAD SAD...

Lets limit adverts especially on sport. We banned advertising on tobacco and alcohol. Should do the same for gambling.

Gambling addiction is recognised alongside alcohol and drug addiction as an official diagnosis in diagnostic manuals used by psychiatrist and psychologists to diagnose mental health conditions. Gambling hijacks the dopamine pathways in the brain the same way alcohol and drugs can for those who are vulnerable. Gambling addiction is very serious and destroys lives. Safeguards should be put in place by government and gambling providers should be taxed heavily and the taxes used to fund extensive treatment programmes for gambling addiction. These companies make significant money off a traumatised and impoverished populations pain.

If profits from gambling are used to benefit disadvantaged people, and support clubs that reach out to disadvantaged youth, it can be justified. It's a big worry though, that gamblers are throwing away the money their families need to put food on the table.

Gambling is a sick way for people spending there money on something that is nothing

In the past it was inconvenient for people to gamble: They had to travel long distances to casinos & the problem was contained. Today, it's a free-for-all online where there are almost no barriers to individuals gambling away their salaries on their phones. The wealthy few are making billions whilst many are losing their livelihoods due to lack of controls. We've gone from one extreme to the other.

I'm elderly, easily distracted and upset. After having lost my credit card twice last year and been defrauded twice, the bank told me to remove the app. I'm handicapped which makes holding things difficult. I keep dropping what I'm trying to hold. All this puts me at high risk. Sometimes I ask a bank employee to come with me while I withdraw mony from an ATM. I believe that most elderly people should not be using ATMs on their own. This is the most important thing I have to say.

Mine happened a few years ago. My cell phoned was cloned. Two beneficiaries were created and two amounts just short of R10 000 each were stolen. Absa recovered about R10 000. The remainder was my loss.

Once you have driven a BEV, and experienced the smooth acceleration, the quiet ride, the low cost of maintenance, the ability to turn the A/C on remotely on a hot day while your car stands in the sun, the ease of charging from home, the economy of charging on solar, any other car feels really clunky!

As I am retired and only use my car maybe once or twice a week an EV is the answer. I am also off grid.

When it gets to the point where selling my petrol horse and I can buy an EV with the monthly savings, I’d be there. Until then, the best car is the paid off car!

It is expensive. As a pensioner whose trying to survive. I cant afford it. But if I get 1 then I can make an income and live a better life.

I intend for my next car to be electric, but will probably have to wait until a suitable one is available second hand. Any new car is too expensive for me.

I have bought a hybrid in 2012 already. Had to replace battery after 11 years. The battery cost makes it uneconomical relative to n straight petrol car.

I read a printed newspaper that is delivered daily, but you didn't have that as an option. I love having a curated source of news uncluttered by changing ads and popups, that is not on a screen. In print you also see the smaller stories, and you can see a lot in one glance too, while scanning for the most interesting ones first.

I listen to the news on radio (and news commentary) while I am driving. I am surpised that so few have said this is their main source!

Social media seems to break the news quicker and faster than traditional sources. The news is often unfiltered and raw due to the rise of citizen reporters.

Don't trust social media or (especially) chatbots. Prefer to check reliable media

I use a few media sites (some subscribed) for news and podcasts - primarily Daily Maverick, BBC, Economist and dip into others. Plus some radio news shows mainly through streamed interview highlights (advert free)

The media have been co-opted into deceit & manipulation. TV & Radio are controlled by cANCer & cadres & their "news" is selective = heavily biased sycophantic gossip, not objective or contextualised. Social media are controlled by US tech bros & heavily biased, plus inflict ads & spyware. Chatbots confabulate with unwanted ads & possible spyware. All of these fail verification often. Direct access to websites allows cross-checking & independent assessment for bias = the only way forward to get closer to truth.

Direct & immediate news as they break, no need to await news bulletins. Usually watch news for in depth interviews.

My preferred sources (besides The Outlier, obviously) are Daily Maverick, Al Jazeera, and DW (Deutsche Welle) - in order of general preference. US news I prefer to get from irreverent late night shows (e.g. Jimmy Kimmel, sadly no more Stephen Colbert), and then weigh this against coverage by Al Jazeera and DW. It all boils down to credibility.

social media simply has too much made up news to garner hits. lacks authenticity. not trustworthy

I have an old-fashioned love of text, want to get my news in writing, and at length for proper understanding (not 125 characters). I have no single trusted source; I need to check and verify - for which "social media" is poorly suited and AI far less so. Print, alas, is sadly dying; in any case, the internet if used well offers more diverse sources and better chances to check.

My major source of news is probably newsletters, but that was not an option so I chose websites.

My primary source is news websites/apps, but I also read/watch a lot based on links shared via social media.

Websites are researched, you can see their sources, you get the news you are interested in when you want it. Social media is mostly noise but there are a few places I trust. I don't have a TV, don't listen to the radio as I'm in Portugal, and though I use AI for a lot I don't trust its ability to check sources and not just hallucinate the answer it thinks I want.

News site newsletters for the win. And a cross-section thereof for the different viewpoints. BBC, Associated Press, Daily Maverick, News24, New York Times, Time. Fox News for sheer entertainment.

Where is email to website on your list of options?

I am a dinosaur who doesn't watch TV, and rarely listens to the radio. However, I belong to the local library and read books - both for information and for recreation. Maybe I should add that I was a librarian before I retired...

I read a few books a week. Borrowed from an actual library (yes, they still exist!). Best municipal service ever.

Love books! Saying- a person who reads lives a thousand lives- broadened and informed my life better than tv. Becomes a world I can feel and question

I am fighting for my children, my life, my finances, my property, and against municipal incompetence. I must do all my research online. I wish I had time for books: I have a huge library with about 1000 books as yet unread.

I mostly finish books I started

I love reading!

I finish reading between 60 and 100 books each year. I also self-published the first book I've ever written (memoir and resource guide based on my cancer journey) in April this year. Your poll is nice, but it's a very skewed sample! I'm sure there's a high likelihood that people reading your outputs also read (and finish) books. I'm sure many of us are statisticians, data junkies, researchers, etc. Perhaps ask that question, too?

I'm grateful that I've always been a reader but in the age of AI it's never been more important to keep our cognitive abilities and our imaginations working.

I read two to three books a week…

I read two to three books a week…

As a student, my reading mainly consists of extracts from multiple textbooks, so no, I haven't read a book cover to cover in years now.

I've been a keen reader all my life. Since retiring 10 years ago, I've been able to devote a lot more time to reading and now read 5 or 6 books a month on average.

I read with / to my children every night and am currently reading a fun and exciting series with my son, so I count these in my book count for the year. Slightly less reading for myself due to time available.

Piranesi - I couldn't put it down!

Testing

My selection tells my story

Renewable energy plus battery storage are proven to be the lowest-cost source of energy. Technologies are more capital-efficient and can be rolled out much quicker than any other source of energy.

We have to empower the people currently employed in the non-renewable energy sector so they can move to other jobs, and we can't do that overnight. So phasing out coal, while increasing the renewables will hopefully be our best bet.

We have millions of tons of coal, it remains the cheapest and most reliable form of energy we have. Cheap electricity enables better beneficiation of our mineral rights

We have coal, we need to use technology to alliw what we gave and support the building and transition to all alternative forms. Germany ditched their coal and now with regional conflict, need them back. France works on mini reactors, renewables are contributive but not enough for the whole functionality. We need to protect the future and our people by ensuring they have power to grow all their needs.

We have some of the best solar and wind resources in the world. We do not have a problem with the dunkelflaute. Solar and wind are the cheapest forms of power for us. Battery prices continue to drop. We are nowhere near renewable saturation. It is the sensible way to go.

I always tend to a moderate, middle of the road, unextreme solutions to problems. It tends not to create new problems.

Our current government cant keep the current coal stations running efficiently. How will they run nuclear power stations or renewable energy or even afford these types of power. The coal power stations will close down by normal non-maintenance attrition which will drop our power requirement. it will be left to industry and the normal population to generate power. Incidentally how is diesel/petrol generator power measured in RSA if it is at all? Between solar and generators this will be what RSA will be running on - all else will be too expensive.

Wind and solar generation costs are already below coal and gas. You wouldn't build a fossil fuel plant today, so okay, amortise what you have, but phase them out fast.

The planet has run out of time to support all our lives and livelihoods with the business as usual approach.

We are in a climate crisis and its getting rapidly worse, so 'every fraction of a degree matters'. That means every mitigation effort possible in reducing emissions matters - thus absolutely no more fossil fuel use. More nuclear is a non-starter - we still dotn know what to do with the highly dangerous waste, its hugely expensive to build and increasingly vulnerable to shutdowns with extreme weather events and heating issues due to availability of cooling water. RE is free once you build the infrastructure - it doesnt require constantly sourcing and burning polluting fuels.... I could go on, but really, a no-brainer all-round, its just the vested interests which are problematic.

Nuclear is the most efficient, non-environmentally damaging power production method available, and it's not even close.

Coal is out for emissions reasons, nuclear is too expensive and going for a mix will result in some sources becoming redundant & so a waste of Capital so RE plus batteries is the way forward for electricity supply. This doesn't deal with transportation energy needs though (at least until we get electric trucks)

To get us to wide-scale energy production faster I would have voted for nuclear, except I can't see how South African government-level mismanagement, neglect and theft won't push us into Chornobyl territory.

I believe we should focus on renewables because new builds on nuclear or fossil fuel plants are expensive and take a lot of time to come online, not to mention that they are seldom completed within budget and on time. This leads to a risk of them being stranded assets, having been overtaken by renewables before they are even useful. Thus, renewables are probably the safest bet for employing capital and effort. This is all a guess, not based on any research or knowledge.

Eskom has shown the way to killing people through pollution, incompetence & corruption. Cutting them off has been successful from power guzzling factories to homes: all renewable - as long as the sun shines & can fill batteries. No room for coal or nuke at home. Diesel generation may be needed, sadly, but transiently & infrequently.

The Capitec incentive scheme. They pay me money for swiping my card at the tills.

once apple pay was introduced i never looked back

A phone with a virtual card, a dynamic PIN, and a limited amount of cash in the account is the safest way to transact these days.

The informal market's continued reliance on cash has negative consequences for the informal market, and for SA as a whole. Global evidence is that countries and citizens do better economically over time when using formal financial services