Stacey and J Sbu get KZN moving with Tamil hit on Traffic Jam with J Sbu

Stacey and J Sbu received an interesting confession today. The confession came from a woman in her late twenties who revealed the pressure she faces at every family gathering, constantly being asked when she plans to have children. Overwhelmed by the repeated questioning, she admitted to lying to her family, telling them she cannot have children, when in reality, she simply does not want children at this time. She described feeling both guilty and relieved—guilty for the lie, but relieved that the questions had finally stopped. Stacey and J Sbu opened the discussion to their audience, inviting listeners to weigh in. The responses were heartfelt and varied. Patty from Queensborough expressed deep empathy, noting that even after having a child, the questions often continue, shifting to when the next child will come. Patty emphasised that such personal matters should not be up for public discussion, highlighting the pain that could be caused if someone truly could not have children. J Sbu admitted feeling uncomfortable about the need to lie, especially about something as sensitive as infertility, but acknowledged the intense pressure that can drive someone to such lengths. He pointed out that many people struggle with fertility, and lying about it can be a difficult choice, but sometimes it feels like the only way to find relief. Another listener, Samantha from Richards Bay, shared her own approach to intrusive questions, saying she responds with humour or deflection, such as asking, “When are you going to die?” to highlight the inappropriateness of such personal enquiries. She and Stacey discussed how these questions often come from people who may not have much else to talk about, and how similar comments are made about weight or other personal matters. Other callers reflected on cultural expectations and the pressure to have children, especially from older family members who want to see grandchildren. Some suggested setting clear boundaries with family, while others emphasised that decisions about having children are deeply personal and should not be subject to outside pressure. Stacey summed up the sentiment by stating that everyone’s life journey is unique, and personal choices about parenting are not anyone else’s business. The conversation highlighted the importance of respecting boundaries and supporting individuals in making decisions that are right for them.

On a recent episode of the Kiddies Hotline, Stacey and J Sbu invited young listeners to share their favourite school subjects and the secrets behind their academic success. The segment was filled with charming and insightful responses from children eager to reveal what helps them excel in the classroom. One caller shared that Afrikaans is her top subject, attributing her success to her mother’s fluency and frequent use of the language at home. Another enthusiastic participant, Amelia, a 12-year-old in grade six, impressed the hosts with her all-round excellence in English, Afrikaans, arts and music. When asked for her secret, Amelia simply credited listening in class, trying her best, and asking teachers for help when needed. Other children chimed in with their own strategies. Sky Niro said math was his favourite, and he achieves high marks by studying diligently and paying attention in class. Sophia named art as her top subject, while P, also 12, excelled in Natural Science and Technology as well as Geography, emphasising the importance of revising before exams. The Kiddies Hotline showcased that, for many children, attentive listening, active participation, and a little help from family are the keys to academic achievement.

The boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred, especially since the pandemic. Stacey and J Sbu recently tackled the contentious issue of being contacted by employers after hours, sparking a lively debate among listeners. Many employees feel pressured to be available at all times, fearing they may be seen as uncooperative if they do not respond to work messages outside of office hours. Stacey noted that this expectation is particularly strong for senior staff, while J Sbu highlighted the anxiety caused by that late-night “ping” from the boss. Listeners shared their own strategies for setting boundaries. Kim explained how she began ignoring after-hours calls from her manager, only responding during work hours. This approach eventually led her boss to stop calling outside of office time. Another listener, a teacher, refuses to reply to parents’ messages after leaving school, emphasising the importance of personal time. Both hosts agreed that while some professions require after-hours availability, most employees are entitled to disconnect. Legal advice confirmed that, in South Africa, there is no law mandating after-hours work, except in emergencies. Ultimately, the consensus was clear: setting and respecting boundaries is essential for wellbeing, and employees should not feel guilty for protecting their personal time.

History was made on East Coast Radio this week when Stacey and J Sbu gave their listeners something completely fresh during Traffic Jam with J Sbu. At 17:25, they pressed play on Yeh Mache Inde, a Tamil track by South African singer Sharmaine Deol (née Maduray) and the response was electric. Stacey and J Sbu, who keep KwaZulu-Natal moving on East Coast Drive from 3pm to 6pm, are known for their bold and energetic playlists. However, this moment took things to another level. Listeners had to make sure they had the right station on after a Tamil track by a local artist aired on one of the province’s biggest commercial radio stations during peak drive time. Social media erupted almost instantly. Videos flooded platforms of people celebrating the historic moment. Comment sections were filled with joy as listeners expressed how proud they were to hear a Tamil song on air, especially one created by a South African artist. Many described it as a milestone for representation and a beautiful nod to cultural diversity.

South Africa’s prisons, built for 103,000 inmates, now hold nearly 157,000, sparking urgent debate on whether to expand facilities or rethink sentencing. On East Coast Radio, Stacey Norman argued for more prisons to protect communities, while J Sbu promoted rehabilitation and alternative sentencing, citing Norway’s lower reoffending rate. Listeners shared diverse views: delays in trials, taxpayer burdens, and the need for prevention through education and jobs. Some proposed radical measures like the death penalty or self-sufficient prisons. The discussion highlighted that overcrowding stems from systemic flaws and requires a multifaceted approach combining justice reform, prevention, and rehabilitation.

When it comes to neighbuorly drama, reality TV has nothing on the stories shared with Stacey and J Sbu. The duo opened the lines to listeners, inviting them to share the most bizarre, hilarious and downright jaw-dropping tales from their neighbourhoods. The result? A whirlwind of anecdotes that prove truth is often stranger than fiction. The conversation kicked off with an email from Tammy, who described her neighbour as the self-appointed “chief lawn inspector.” Every Saturday at the crack of dawn, Tammy’s neighbor would fire up his lawnmower, ensuring the entire street was awake and that no blade of grass dared outgrow his own. If anyone’s lawn looked even slightly unkempt, he’d be at their gate, ready to remind them of the suburb’s standards. The stories only got wilder from there. Pam called in to recount the time her neighbour decided to crash a party by stripping naked in her living room. As if that wasn’t enough, he later showed up at another gathering with nothing but a bow. Pam’s tales had everyone in stitches and even Stacey and J Sbu couldn’t help but marvel at the audacity of some neighbours. J Sbu himself confessed to being the source of a neighbour’s complaint, after a night of raucous laughter and mysterious “sheep noises” that kept the whole block awake.

Mark shared a heartfelt dilemma: after marrying his wife and moving into her home, he found the walls still adorned with family photos featuring her ex-husband and their children. Mark wonders if it’s fair to ask his wife to remove these reminders of her past, or if he’s being unreasonable. Stacey Norman and J Sbu opened the lines to listeners, sparking an interesting debate. Listeners express mixed feelings. Some argue that Mark’s discomfort is valid and that the photos should be taken down, especially in shared spaces, suggesting a compromise of keeping them in the children’s rooms. Others emphasise the importance of respecting the family’s history, noting that erasing the past could be hurtful, particularly for the kids.

Stacey and J Sbu asked the kids of KZN to become teachers by sharing a new word they’ve learned this year and explaining its meaning in their own words. Nine-year-old James impresses everyone with “hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia” (the fear of long words) while Nicholas shares the word “discombobulated,” meaning confused. Other young callers chime in with their own discoveries that we could not get over. If you missed it live, listen in!

In a world where vulnerability is often met with judgment, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba stands as a beacon of courage and authenticity. As the host of the Don’t Hold Back podcast, Nozibele has transformed her personal journey into a platform that not only challenges stigma but also amplifies voices that are too often silenced. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment and a relentless commitment to honesty.

Email tone is a subtle yet powerful aspect of digital communication. As Stacey and J Sbu discussed, the way a message is phrased can completely change its meaning and the recipient’s reaction. Stacey noted, “You can say the same thing in two different ways and get two very different responses.” J Sbu agreed, adding that misunderstandings often arise not from the content of an email, but from how it is delivered. Listeners shared their own experiences, highlighting the importance of clarity and intent.