Nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’ in the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), the weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the digital pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Sipho Nhlapo, Acting Head of Mobility and Freight at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) addresses the current state of traffic lights in the city.
- Kathleen Hedges, General Manager of the Hampton Inn by Hilton Sandton chats about this latest hotel opening in the heart of Sandton.
- Executive Sous Chef Thokozane Shongwe shares his journey from his father’s butchery in Tembisa to The Maslow Hotel in Sandton.
- Tourism Seychelles Principal Secretary Sherin Francis shares all the details of the archipelago’s upcoming developments for 2025.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on 91.9 FM, Mondays from 7pm to 8pm.
The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business discussions and so much more, even venturing beyond the borders of greater Sandton.
In 2024, The Sandton Times Hour secured the third spot on Feedspot’s list of the “30 Best South Africa Podcasts” highlighting the top South African podcasts from thousands available on the web, ranking them based on relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness.
In this week’s show [Edition 185 Week 10] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
Robots Not Working In Johannesburg With Acting Head of Mobility and Freight at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Sipho Nhlapo
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) remains steadfast in its mission to maintain traffic signal functionality across the city, despite ongoing challenges posed by rampant vandalism, power outages, and reckless driving. With over 2’000 signalised intersections and more than 100’000 LED bulbs to manage, ensuring smooth traffic flow is no small feat—especially when theft and destruction continue to undermine efforts.
Currently, the JRA is contending with over 360 cases of vandalism, with incidents increasing daily. Damage ranges from stolen cables to cut poles, and the backlog of repairs now exceeds R70-million.
In response, the JRA has rolled out Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) on 80% of its traffic light controllers, detecting faults in real time for faster intervention. Additionally, over 40 private companies have stepped in to provide backup power to traffic signals near their buildings. So far, 80 intersections have been connected, with plans to add another 80 by June.
However, combating theft remains a major hurdle. Of the 1’400 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units installed at critical intersections, fewer than 15 remain operational due to criminals targeting the infrastructure. Even solar panels have proven vulnerable, prompting the JRA to explore alternative compact battery solutions.
To curb damage from reckless driving, the JRA, in collaboration with the JMPD, is proposing fines for motorists who crash into traffic signals. Offenders could face costs between R180’000 for a single pole and R1 million for a full intersection replacement.
Despite these obstacles, the JRA remains committed to keeping Johannesburg’s roads functional and safe.
Opening The Hampton By Hilton Sandton Grayston With General Manager Kathleen Hedges
Hampton by Hilton has officially landed on African soil, marking a new chapter in its global expansion with the opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston.
Situated in the heart of Sandton, the hotel offers convenience and connectivity. It’s a bit more than a stone’s throw from the Gautrain station, which provides direct links to O.R. Tambo International Airport and other key city landmarks, such as Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. For both business and leisure travellers, it’s a location that ticks a few boxes.
Full Story: Hampton By Hilton Makes African Debut With Sandton Opening
Meet The Maslow Sandton’s New Executive Sous Chef Thokozane Shongwe
With 20 years of experience in some of Johannesburg’s finest hotel kitchens, Chef Thokozane Shongwe has joined The Maslow Sandton as its new Executive Sous Chef, bringing with him a passion for Afro-fusion cuisine and a wealth of industry knowledge.
Chef Thokozane Shongwe’s journey into the culinary world began early- literally at the butcher’s block. Growing up in Tembisa, his father, a butcher, introduced him to the art of meat processing at the age of 15. His formal training started humbly as a sculler in a hotel kitchen, before earning professional qualifications from HTA School of Culinary Art. Competitive cooking shaped his confidence, and over the years, he refined his skills under the mentorship of esteemed chefs such as Siyabulela Kobo and James Khoza.
His signature dish, a sophisticated take on pap n vleis, features herb-crusted ostrich steak, pap arancini, chakalaka purée, and spinach cream, seamlessly blending African flavours with classic French techniques. However, he expresses concern over the shortage of young chefs entering the industry, noting a lack of patience and work ethic among the new generation. As a leader, he prioritises mentorship and training, ensuring his team at The Maslow reaches its full potential.
Looking ahead, Chef Thokozane Shongwe and Executive Chef Ofentse Morake are crafting a bold, fire-kissed menu for 2025, emphasising open-flame cooking for smoky, vibrant flavours.
At The Maslow, he feels at home, ready to take the hotel’s dining experiences to the next level.
What’s Happening In The Seychelles In 2025 With Tourism Seychelles Principal Secretary Sherin Francis
Tourism Seychelles recently hosted a media briefing in greater Sandton, where Principal Secretary Sherin Francis outlined the exciting vision for Seychelles’ tourism sector in 2025.
During the session, Sherin unveiled a series of landmark initiatives, including the launch of new luxury hotel developments, a diverse collection of boutique properties, and an emphasis on small homegrown tourism products. A major highlight was the introduction of the Seychelles Tourism Grading Programme, designed to reinforce the country’s commitment to maintaining high standards across its hospitality sector. These initiatives align with Seychelles’ dedication to sustainable tourism while ensuring visitors experience the best accommodations and services in the Indian Ocean paradise.
Full Story: Seychelles’ Tourism Drive: What’s In Store For Travelers In 2025?
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Marshmello & Kane Brown – Miles On It
- Goldfish – Soundtracks And Comebacks
- Chris Lake x Abel Balder – Ease My Mind
- Danny K – Brown Eyes
Get The Sandton Times Hour Playlist
Connect On WhatsApp
- 084-SANDTON or 084-726-3866
The Sandton Times Hour is released every week, on these major Podcast platforms and on The Sandton Times Homepage:
Take a moment to subscribe, share and review or rate The Sandton Times Hour on your favourite podcast platform. Also, catch The Sandton Times Hour every Monday, on Mix 93.8 from 7pm to 8pm in Johannesburg and Pretoria or on DStv Channel 823.
Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.
Advertise on The Sandton Times today!
Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.
