Fuel hike chronicles: How the panic at the pump impacted you

After the heavy storms that swept through parts of KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend, many residents are still dealing with the aftermath, from flooding and damaged roads to growing concerns around infrastructure and safety. Stacey was joined by Senzelwe Mzila, a spokesperson from KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to unpack what’s happening, what it means for you, and how to stay safe moving forward.

Almost every community was on gridlock on Tuesday afternoon until midnight with consumers trying to fill up before these increments were in effect. From out-of-service fuel stations, having to wait for hours in queues, panic filling, to not being able to get home on time because of traffic jam, Stacey and J Sbu wanted to hear your experience. They asked you to share how you were impacted by the panic buying. Here's what you had to say...

Every parent has that one lesson they hope their child carries for life, something deeper than “eat your veggies” or “do your homework.” It’s the lesson shaped by your own experiences, the mistakes you’ve made, the values you were raised on, or a moment that changed how you see the world. On Parent’s Hotline this week, Stacey and J Sbu asked you: what’s the one life lesson you’ve given your child, and what’s the story behind it? Because often, it’s not just about what you taught, it’s about why you felt it mattered so much.

On this week’s Great Drive Debate, we’re tackling a question that’s sitting in almost every household right now. On one side of the argument, critics say screen time has become an easy default, a digital babysitter. It can replace meaningful interaction, limit creativity, and reduce opportunities for kids to develop social and emotional skills. The concern is that when screens become the go-to solution, parents may unintentionally disengage, missing out on crucial moments of connection, teaching, and growth. But on the other side, many parents will tell you it’s not that simple. In a world where schedules are demanding and support systems aren’t always available, screen time can be a practical tool. It gives parents a moment to breathe, to work, or to reset, and when used intentionally, it can even be educational and enriching. For some, it’s not about laziness, it’s about balance and doing the best you can with the time and resources you have. Here's what you had to say...

Just in this afternoon are that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has confirmed that the fuel prices for April 2026 will be adjusted as follows: - Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Three Rands and six-cents per litre (R 3.06 per litre) increase. - Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): Three Rands and six-cents per litre (R 3.06 per litre) increase. - Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Seven Rands and thirty-seven cents per litre (R7.37 per litre) increase. - Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Seven Rands and fifty-one cents per litre (R7.51 per litre) increase. - Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Eleven Rands and sixty-seven cents per litre (R11.67 per litre) increase. Here's what you had to say about this increase...

As we build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all eyes are on Bafana Bafana, and right now, it’s less about results and more about readiness. The first leg against the Panama national football team right here in Durban has already given us a glimpse into where this squad is at, the combinations, the energy, and the areas that still need work. Now, all eyes shift to Cape Town, where the second leg takes place tomorrow. So what are we learning about this squad? Do we have the depth to compete at the highest level? And more importantly, are the players mentally ready for the pressure of a global stage? We brought in our Sport Lead, Nick Tatham, to break it all down.

Alright, let’s clear the air, because there’s been a lot of panic around a possible fuel shortage. Here’s what you actually need to know. Last week, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has urged South Africans not to panic. Despite global tensions and conflict in the Middle East, he says fuel shipments to South Africa are still moving, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, without disruption. So myth number one: we are running out of fuel, not true, at least in the immediate term. Government says supply remains stable for now. However, here’s where it gets real… while supply might be steady, prices are a different story. With global oil markets under pressure, South Africans could still face significant fuel price hikes in the coming days. If you missed it live and want to listen to the other myths we busted, listen in!

Every Thursday, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. This week, the confession went a little like this: "I just started a new job, and the owner has already made a few inappropriate comments that made me really uncomfortable. The kind that sticks with you and makes you question everything. Now I'm stuck, do I speak up and risk losing my job, or keep quiet and start looking for something else? It doesn't feel right either way." Here's what you had to say...

Have you ever stopped to think about what your boss is actually juggling behind the scenes? We'd like to open up a conversation about what subordinates often don’t understand about being in leadership. It’s not just about giving orders or making decisions, leaders carry a weight of responsibility that can be invisible to the team. From managing competing priorities, pressure from above, and keeping morale up, to making choices that won’t always be popular, the challenges are real, constant, and often underappreciated. Stacey and J Sbu asked you: What do subordinates not understand about being in leadership? Here's what you had to say...

We know parenting isn’t just about the big, Instagram-worthy milestones, it’s the small, often unseen moments that really stay with you. That time your child said “thank you” without being asked, opened up about something they were struggling with, showed kindness when no one was watching… those are the moments where you quietly think, okay… I’m doing something right. Truth is that in between the chaos, the doubt, and the constant figuring-it-out, those small wins hit differently, they remind you why you keep showing up every day. Stacey and J Sbu asked you: What’s one small parenting win that meant everything to you? Here's what you had to say.