Best Backlog Battle Podcasts (2025)

1
Emerging economies – Focus on India: Indian astronaut, B2 Stealth bomber and US Tariffs 3:43

2h ago3:43

3:43

John Maytham speaks to Prof. Dilip Menon, Professor of History in the International Relations Department at Wits University, about: an Indian astronaut in space; a B2 Stealth bomber and an Indian spy; and US Tariffs and Indian agriculture. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your …

1
Nedbank Business Ignite: Spotlight on Autism Resources SA 8:55

2h ago8:55

8:55

Nedbank Business Ignite is back on Cape Talk, recognising small businesses that have dared to scale. One of this year’s standout finalists is Jaco de Goede, founder of Autism Resources South Africa — an online hub created by parents of autistic children, for parents of autistic children. The platform offers specialised toys, therapy aids, and anxie…

1
Plan B with Rebecca Davis: Claiming Zohran Mamdani, Men Dodging Fiction, and Gen Z’s “Fridge Cigarette 7:30

3h ago7:30

7:30

With John Maytham standing in for Lester Kiewit, Rebecca Davis joins him for a special early edition of their weekly segment Plan B, where they unpack the stories stirring conversation in the news and online. This morning, they claim New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani as one of Cape Town’s own – tenuous links be damned – and explore the e…

1
Why our justice and prison system needs an overhaul 10:43

3h ago10:43

10:43

How can South Africa’s correctional system be overhauled? After visiting correctional facilities around the country, Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, Judge Edwin Cameron, has written a book "Behind Prison Walls: Unlocking a Safer South Africa" along with Rebecca Gore and Sohela Surajpal (all three have worked at the Judicial Inspect…

1
A World View from London: NATO and Trump 3:49

4h ago3:49

3:49

The NATO alliance agrees a 5 percent spend on defence; Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’ 20-million-dollar wedding; and let’s go Glasto! Glastonbury 2025 kicks off. Vicki Turner shares details on these stories with John Maytham. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape…

1
Designer goods brought into SA via parallel imports no longer deemed to be counterfeit 5:57

4h ago5:57

5:57

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Appeal has handed down a game-changing decision that is set to reshape the landscape of intellectual property and consumer rights in the country. The court ruled that authentic designer goods cannot be classified as counterfeit, even when imported without the consent of local trademark holders. But what im…

1
SAPS in crisis: high forensic backlog, low detective numbers 7:27

5h ago7:27

7:27

The Portfolio Committee on Police have received a SAPS report painting a grim picture of law enforcement: detective numbers are dangerously low, and the forensic backlog is worryingly high. Committee chair Ian Cameron discusses the implications with John Maytham. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show.…

1
How courts declare properties can be sold in execution 8:58

5h ago8:58

8:58

How and when is it decided that a property is to be auctioned off in order to recoup money owed to creditors? Is it the preferred mechanism to achieve a price that is close to fair market value? How is the reserve price determined? John Maytham speaks to Ciresh Singh, associate professor of mercantile law at UNISA. Good Morning Cape Town with Leste…

1
Wildlife rehabilitation courses now available in the Western Cape 6:26

5h ago6:26

6:26

Where does one take injured animals and birds so that they can be treated and rehabilitated before being returned to the wild? Michelle Watson is a certified wildlife rehabilitator (CWR) co-founder of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Center. She runs internationally-recognised training courses teaching new rehabbers the principl…

1
Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite: Bio-Pak 9:31

1d ago9:31

9:31

Nedbank Business Ignite celebrates our fearless entrepreneur who challenge the norm and see opportunity where others see obstacles. Bio-Pak is a South African-based manufacturer of home compostable food packaging, including coffee cups, lids, and cartons. Their core offering is sustainable, plastic-free packaging that breaks down naturally in a hom…

1
The quest to break the 4-minute mile for women 6:26

1d ago6:26

6:26

Is the elusive four-minute mile for women within reach? The current world record for the distance is held by Faith Kipyegon and sits at 4’07,64”, after being set on 21 July 2023 at a Diamond League meeting in Monaco. But to break the four-minute barrier, Kipyegon will need to improve on her best time by 2 seconds a lap when she attempts the feat on…

1
Malusi Gigaba’s battle with Showmax: show none or show it all? 6:46

1d ago6:46

6:46

Legal expert Emma Sadleir Berkowitz joined John Maytham to give a legal perspective on the battle between former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba and streaming platform Showmax, over an episode of the Untied docuseries featuring explosive claims from his ex-wife, Nomachule Mngoma. Gigaba is seeking to block the broadcast, citing reputational damage a…

1
A World View from London: Iran and Israel ignore Trump’s ceasefire 4:05

1d ago4:05

4:05

The latest on the conflict between Israel and Iran; Safety regulators target Tesla’s erratic robot taxis; and the Queen Elizabeth memorial with a bridge inspired by her wedding tiara. Vicki Turner shares details on these stories with John Maytham. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme …

1
The Gupta Saxonwold properties go under the hammer – auctioneers weigh in 7:37

1d ago7:37

7:37

Graham van Niekerk, National Operations Manager at Park Village Auctions, speaks to John Maytham about the upcoming sale of the Gupta Saxonwold properties. Graham shares insights into why this auction is generating so much public interest, the type of buyers they’re seeing, and how this sale fits into Park Village’s broader experience with high-pro…

1
Netanyahu’s Iran mission has been a failure and a slap in the face for Trump 8:57

1d ago8:57

8:57

Dr Ori Goldberg is an independent analyst, who holds a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies with a specialisation in Iranian affairs. He is a former university professor and national security consultant. He speaks to John Maytham about why Israel’s mission into Iran a failure has been, and how U.S President Donald Trump was used to further Benjamin Netany…

1
GroundUp News: MPs not satisfied with SASSA’s new verification process 10:19

1d ago10:19

10:19

National Treasury could withhold funds to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) if it finds that conditions attached to its budget allocation are not being met, and among those conditions is the verification of grant recipients; the Western Cape High Court is hearing the application by the City of Cape Town to evict dozens of people livi…

1
Are commuters and taxi drivers now safe as CATA and CODETA resolve route conflicts? 4:50

1d ago4:50

4:50

After eight lives were lost in violent clashes over lucrative routes, the Cape Almagamated Taxi Association(Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association(Codeta) have reached an agreement on key routes, including the Mfuleni–Somerset Route. John Maytham speaks to chair of the SA National Taxi Council’s Western Cape branch, Man…

1
RMB Africa Focus Season 4: Africa’s competitive edge in global markets 7:08

2d ago7:08

7:08

Guest: Crystal Orderson The RMB Africa Focus series is back on CapeTalk to give insights into Africa’s economic resilience and why the continent remains central to global investment conversations. John Maytham speaks to Crystal Orderson about Africa’s competitive edge in global markets. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the …

1
Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite : Kapablock 7:40

2d ago7:40

7:40

Guest: Andrew Frost | Managing Director of Kapablock Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite : Kapablock Nedbank Business Ignite celebrates our fearless entrepreneur who challenge the norm and see opportunity where others see obstacles. Kapablock is a manufacturing business which produces four different and distinct products - each with their own brand. …

1
Birds, Sex and Beauty: An Interview with author Matt Ridley 9:43

2d ago9:43

9:43

Guest: Matt Ridley | Science writer, journalist and businessman Why do some birds put on an elaborate dance in order to attract a mate? Does it ensure the survival of the species? Matt Ridley is a science writer, journalist and businessman, and his latest book “Birds, Sex and Beauty” continues the search for answers which the likes of Charles Darwi…

1
The World View from London with Vicki Turner: Russia stands with Iran 4:34

2d ago4:34

4:34

Russia has announced it will stand with Iran in the face of US attack; the new Vera C telescope in Chile promising a more sharply-focused look into space; a very old and valuable violin stolen in a pub. Vicki Turner shares details on these stories with John Maytham Russia has announced it will stand with Iran in the face of US attack; the new Vera …

1
Iran strikes US base in Qatar 6:53

2d ago6:53

6:53

Guest: Professor Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar Iran launched a missile attack on Monday (23 June 2025) targeting a US missile base in Qatar, in what it said was retaliation for American strikes against its nuclear sites over the weekend. To get a sense of the implications this will have on the current sit…

1
How will conflict between U.S and Iran affect our fuel prices? 5:25

2d ago5:25

5:25

Guest: Tracey-Lee Solomon | Economist at Bureau for Economic Research The world is watching the oil price, as Iran hits back at the U.S for bombing their nuclear sites. Tracey-Lee Solomons is an economist at the Bureau for Economic Research and joins John Maytham to discuss the impact this may have on fuel prices on South Africa. Good Morning Cape …

1
What the Hack! Cloud security, anti-poaching tech, and how not to confuse your AI 8:15

2d ago8:15

8:15

Guest: Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx and Editor-in-Chief of Gadget.co.za On this week’s episode of What the Hack!, Arthur Goldstuck speaks to John Maytham after attending Amazon Web Services’ re:Inforce Cybersecurity Conference, where the biggest story is the growing arms race in the cloud - providers must keep systems open and accessibl…

1
Ja well no fine: Young readers given library amnesty over school holidays 7:17

2d ago7:17

7:17

Guest: Naziem Hardy | Heads up the Libraries acquisitions unit for the City of Cape Town Coinciding with the winter school break, the City of Cape Town’s Libraries and Information Service will be having a fine-free week for patrons up to the age of 17 during the week of 30 June to 5 July 2025. During this week patrons may return the items to any li…

1
CapeTalk Nedbank Business Ignite Finalist : The Sauce Queen, Bruce Isaacs 13:51

3d ago13:51

13:51

Nedbank Business Ignite celebrates our fearless entrepreneur who challenge the norm and see opportunity where others see obstacles. The Sauce Queen's business model is characterized by innovative approaches, leveraging exceptional flavour and value adding to create new value propositions and serve customer needs more efficiently. They created a new…

1
UFS to launch South Africa’s second veterinary science training facility 8:22

3d ago8:22

8:22

Dr Nalize Scheepers from the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development at the University of the Free State speaks to Pippa Hudson, standing in for Lester Kiewit, about the institution’s new veterinary science programme — only the second of its kind in South Africa. She explains how the initiative aims to address the country’s critical …

1
A World View from London: Trump bombs Iran. What now? 4:36

3d ago4:36

4:36

President Donald Trump celebrates dropping bombs on Iran, female tennis players show not all athletes are good sports, and a little black bear is finally freed from a plastic bin lid after two years. Vicki Turner shares details on these stories with Pippa Hudson. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show.…

1
Why you should change your passwords now: Biggest info leak in history exposes 16 billion passwords 5:47

3d ago5:47

5:47

Pippa Hudson speaks to Craig Pedersen, director of the Computer Guy Forensics, about the largest data and password leak in history with 16billion passwords and credentials exposed. It has prompted Google to advise users to change passwords immediately. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This progr…

1
Trump plunges U.S into Middle East war with bombing raid 7:06

3d ago7:06

7:06

Pippa Hudson speaks to Naeem Jeenah, Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), about the U.S’ bombing of Iran’s suspected nuclear sites, with President Donald Trump calling it a huge success. Iran has hit back to say they had evacuated at least one of the sites, and that the U.S had effectively now entered the…

1
Money on a Monday: Navigating unpaid school fees, legal duties, debt, and exemptions 8:48

3d ago8:48

8:48

Ashleigh Laurent, Legal Counsel at TPN from MRI Software, speaks to Pippa Hudson about the growing challenge of unpaid school fees in South Africa. They discuss the legal duties of schools and parents, the importance of clear communication around debt and exemptions, and practical steps to manage this complex issue. Ashleigh shares valuable insight…

1
Cape Town teen wins global eco-journalism award for photo of post-fire regrowth 9:34

3d ago9:34

9:34

WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete speaks to Pippa Hudson about Cape Town student Alexandra de Roo’s first-place win in the global Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) International Competition. Cloete, who launched the programme in South Africa back in 2018, reflects on what this milestone means for environmental education and the rise of African you…

1
Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite Finalist - Bus Cuisine 8:54

6d ago8:54

8:54

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don…

1
The fight to save The Naked Scientist: Dr Chris Smith on the line 5:26

6d ago5:26

5:26

Dr Chris Smith, the familiar voice behind The Naked Scientist and long-time Cape Talk contributor, speaks to Lester Kiewit about his looming redundancy from Cambridge University. He unpacks the impact of the university’s budget cuts on his dual role as science communicator and hospital virologist, and what’s at stake if The Naked Scientist is force…

1
Sandra Prinsloo brings powerful one-woman show to the Kultura Festival 8:24

6d ago8:24

8:24

Sandra Prinsloo speaks to Lester Kiewit about her compelling one-woman show Kamphoer – Die Verhaal van Susan Nell, opening the Kultura Festival at Curro Durbanville High School. Based on a true story from the Anglo-Boer War and performed in Afrikaans with English surtitles, Prinsloo shares insights into the powerful themes of trauma, resilience, an…

1
Why so cross? Anger at rave in St George’s Cathedral 9:23

6d ago9:23

9:23

Lester Kiewit speaks to Dean Terry Lester, the Dean of the St George’s Cathedral about the negative reaction by some members of the public to a rave party they hosted on Youth Day, June 16. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cap…

1
A World View from London: Hell in Middle East if US backs Israel’s Iran attack 5:38

6d ago5:38

5:38

Iran's deputy Foreign Minister warns the US joining Israeli strikes on Iran would cause hell in the region; a Chinese man is jailed for life in the UK for drugging and raping 10 women; and Michelle Obama directly addresses those divorce rumours, but is it enough to stop the rumour mill? Vicki Turner shares details on these stories with Lester Kiewi…

1
Parliament: Week in Review with Tara Roos 8:23

6d ago8:23

8:23

Parliament: Week in Review Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive…

1
Irish rap band’s terror case questions freedom of speech in the UK 10:34

6d ago10:34

10:34

Lester Kiewit speaks to Fahad Ansari, director of London-based Riverway Law, about a case which has called into question UK’s laws and freedom of speech. Currently a member of an Irish rap group called Kneecap is before the court, facing a terror charge for waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in November last year. Under UK law, it is illegal to d…

1
What’s next for Cape Town’s glitzy landmark, The Ritz? 5:41

6d ago5:41

5:41

Ash Muller, property broker and Mail & Guardian columnist, speaks to Lester Kiewit about the recent sale of The Ritz Hotel in Sea Point, reportedly for around R240 million. They discuss the rich history of this iconic Cape Town building, its significance in the local property market, and what the future might hold under new ownership. Ash shares in…

1
Pacific Dispatch with Katie Macdonald: Evacuating citizens from Middle East, freezing aid and small pub reopens 6:33

6d ago6:33

6:33

Australia and New Zealand working to evacuate citizens from Middle East, New Zealand freezes aid to Cook Islands and Pub reopens after 6 months in Western Australian town. Katie Macdonald shares all the details with Lester Kiewit. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic…

1
Jameekah Liedman on Wingfield and Paint City settlers’ eviction 8:19

7d ago8:19

8:19

Jameelah Liedman, Kensington CPF representative, spoke to Lester about the community’s reaction to the eviction of settlers from Wingfield tents in Kensington and Paint City in Bellville. The eviction operation was launched by the City of Cape Town with Home Affairs and Public Works on 18 June 2025. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a po…

1
Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite Finalist - The Shred Skatepark 11:51

7d ago11:51

11:51

Action sports, local culture, youth empowerment, and small business collaboration come together at the Shred Skatepark, which is more than just an indoor skating facility. We offer skate sessions, private bookings, lessons, birthday parties, venue rentals, and gear rentals, while also housing small local businesses including a barber, tattoo artist…

1
DHL Stadium CEO joins us from Manchester ahead of Boks vs Barbarians clash 4:11

7d ago4:11

4:11

Gina Woodburn, CEO of DHL Stadium, speaks to Lester Kiewit from Manchester where she is attending the global Stadium Business Summit. She shares insights into how Cape Town’s stadium is benchmarking itself against some of the world’s leading venues and gives us a preview of preparations for the upcoming Springboks vs Barbarians match on 28 June. Fr…

1
South African children with ADHD face treatment barriers due to prescription rules 13:02

7d ago13:02

13:02

Professor Renata Schoeman speaks to Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk about the significant challenges South African children with ADHD and their families face due to restrictive monthly prescription rules for methylphenidate. She highlights how these regulations force families, especially those in the public health sector, to make frequent clinic visits, …

1
A World View from London: Gaza Food Tragedy, Bali Volcano Chaos, and US Hotel Gator 7:16

7d ago7:16

7:16

Dozens are feared dead in Gaza after reports emerged of another deadly incident—this time as civilians queued for food. In Indonesia, volcanic activity has forced the closure of all flights to and from Bali, disrupting travel and raising safety concerns. And in the U.S., hotel guests got a shock when an alligator made an unexpected appearance in th…

1
Western Cape Government’s Anti-Extortion Summit 5:26

7d ago5:26

5:26

High levels of extortion in the Western Cape is threatening livelihoods, small businesses, infrastructure development, and public services. The Western Cape Government is now holding a Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit to address the problem. Lester Kiewit speaks to Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, t…

1
Concerned Stellenbosch University staff call for a strong stand against the genocide in Gaza 11:07

7d ago11:07

11:07

Lester Kiewit speaks to Prof Sandy Liebenberg, Distinguished Professor and the HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law in the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University, about a statement calling for the university to take a stand against the genocide in Palestine. More than 200 university staff members signed the statement calling for a cessation …

1
How we reimagine and repurpose spaces of historical trauma for healing and reflection 11:03

7d ago11:03

11:03

Calvyn Gilfellan, Chief Executive of the Castle of Good Hope, speaks to Lester Kiewit about how we reimagine and repurpose spaces marked by historical trauma, violence and colonial memory. He unpacks the Castle’s transition from a symbol of colonial power to a space that fosters public engagement, education and healing — and reflects on the broader…

1
Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite Finalist - Health Island 9:36

8d ago9:36

9:36

Health Island, founded by business owner Philip Rubin and a finalist in the Cape Talk Nedbank Business Ignite competition, is a one-stop shop for healthy grab-and-go snacks. The business supplies customers nationally through vending machines, bulk office deliveries on standing orders, and curated hampers for staff appreciation, wellness days, and e…

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