The award-nominated Sandton Times Hour is the weekly radio show and podcast that brings the vibrant digital pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Director of Commercial for Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International discusses the findings of the 2026 Marriott Bonvoy “Ticket to Travel” report.
- Senior Pastor of Rivers Church, Pastor André Olivier, shares the details of the annual Christmas celebrations as well as a major road upgrade investment in Sandton.
- Tat Wolfen, Entertainment Commentator for The Sandton Times, dives into some of the latest movies and some Christmas viewing classics.
- Alan Carrington, Managing Director and Owner of Shemer Jewellers, chats about the new store in Nelson Mandela Square, timepieces as an investment and the first Shemer ROLEX Boutique in Africa.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
The Sandton Times Hour marks its fifth anniversary with a prestigious nomination for South Africa’s ‘Best Talk Show – Community’ in the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards.
The Sandton Times Hour has once again cemented its place among South Africa’s leading audio properties, with the show officially shortlisted for ‘Best Talk Show’ in the Community category at the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards in South Africa. It marks yet another milestone for the Sandton-based programme, which continues to blend sharp storytelling, compelling interviews, and lifestyle-rich content into a weekly hour loved by listeners across the country – and increasingly, across the world.
As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to ‘Africa’s richest square mile’ and northern Johannesburg, The Sandton Times Hour offers a compelling blend of insightful interviews and outstanding music. The show broadcasts every Monday from 7pm to 8pm on 91.9 FM in Johannesburg and Pretoria and streams live on the station’s website.
The show is also available on the LiSTN App, both iOS and Android, and has regularly ranked as a Top Pick. The Sandton Times Hour 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 ranked third on Feedspot’s list of the “30 Best South Africa Podcasts,” standing out among thousands for its relevance, authority, social media presence, and consistent freshness. The show also earned a nomination for Podcast of the Year at the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), further cementing its status as one of the continent’s leading audio releases.
In this week’s show [Edition 222 Week 47] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
2026 Marriott Bonvoy “Ticket To Travel” Report With Marriott International Senior Director Of Commercial For Sub-Saharan Africa Dorcas Dlamini Mbele
South Africans are gearing up for a new era of travel in 2026, with more holidays, smarter planning through AI, and a growing appetite for luxury escapes and passion-driven adventures, according to new research from Marriott Bonvoy.
South Africans are ready to pack their bags – and more often. According to Marriott Bonvoy’s new Ticket to Travel research, nearly seven in ten (69%) South Africans plan to take the same or more holidays in 2026 compared to 2025. Almost half (49%) say they intend to travel more frequently, with Generation Z leading the charge, embracing artificial intelligence (AI), luxurious add-ons, and holidays built around personal passions.
Full Story: South Africans Set To Travel Smarter, Further, And More Lux In 2026
Christmas Celebrations And Road Upgrades With Rivers Church Senior Pastor André Olivier
As Sandton continues to grow, community-led initiatives play an increasingly important role in shaping the spaces where people live, work, and worship. One standout example is Rivers Church Sandton’s recent investment in a major road upgrade.
The road widening, costing around R3-million, addresses long-standing congestion on South Road. While Pastor Andre notes that ideally the council would have undertaken the work, the church stepped in to ensure the project was completed, marking their third or fourth infrastructure contribution to the area over the years. He emphasises that such initiatives reflect a broader commitment to social responsibility, balancing infrastructure needs with the church’s extensive charitable work. Rivers Church channels significant resources into supporting vulnerable communities, providing 40’000 meals a week, supporting orphanages, assisting grandmothers, and funding school upgrades, including the construction of seven classrooms at Pakamani School in Orange Farm.
Looking ahead, Pastor Andre highlights the church’s much-anticipated annual Christmas celebrations, beginning with carol services on 7 December 2025 across all morning services, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. He stresses the importance of balancing spectacle with meaning, ensuring that productions inspire and entertain without overshadowing the spiritual significance of the season – celebrating the arrival of Jesus Christ and the hope and relationship with God that Christmas represents.
The road upgrade and the Christmas celebrations together reflect Rivers Church Sandton’s dual commitment: improving community infrastructure while nurturing spiritual and cultural life. Pastor Andre’s leadership demonstrates how a faith-based institution can contribute meaningfully to both civic life and seasonal celebrations, ensuring the church remains a central, positive force in Sandton.
Rivers Church Sandton’s Carol Service times on 7 December 2025: 8 AM, 10:15 AM and 12:45 PM.
Christmas Viewing Classics With Entertainment Commentator Tat Wolfen
Predator: Badlands (2025)
Predator: Badlands stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and is set in the future on a remote planet. The story follows a young Predator, exiled from his clan, who forms an unexpected alliance with Thia (Fanning) as they undertake a perilous quest to find the ultimate adversary. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor, the film blends action and science fiction, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and courage in a dangerous, otherworldly landscape, promising a thrilling adventure with high-stakes encounters.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is the first Peanuts television special, created by Charles M. Schulz, produced by Lee Mendelson, and directed by Bill Melendez. Featuring child voice actors and a jazz score by Vince Guaraldi, it follows a depressed Charlie Brown who struggles with Christmas’ commercialisation, ultimately discovering the holiday’s true meaning through Linus’ recitation of the Nativity.
Produced on a small budget without a laugh track, it was initially doubted but became a critical and commercial success, winning an Emmy and a Peabody Award. Its influence persists through annual broadcasts, stage adaptations, and its legacy in animation, music, and holiday culture.
The First Shemer ROLEX Boutique In Africa With Shemer Jewellers Managing Director And Owner Alan Carrington
South Africa’s luxury watch and jewellery market is accelerating rapidly, with Statista projecting the sector to exceed US$1.3 billion by 2025 and grow nearly 8% annually through 2030. Reflecting this demand, heritage jeweller Shemer has opened a new flagship boutique in Nelson Mandela Square – an immersive 140m² space designed to blend craftsmanship, personal connection, and modern luxury. The launch also paves the way for South Africa’s first standalone Rolex boutique, set to open later this year, signalling Sandton’s rising status as a global luxury hub.
For over 50 years, Shemer has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s luxury landscape, sourcing exceptional timepieces and bespoke jewellery for collectors and families. Led by Managing Director Alan Carrington, who inherited the business from his father Derrick, the brand continues to evolve while honouring its legacy. Alan emphasises that today’s luxury clients seek meaning and emotional resonance, prompting Shemer to create a boutique where relationships, expertise, and personal service shape the shopping experience. Private consultation rooms, curated watch collections, and spaces designed for conversation reflect this philosophy.
The store’s opening aligns with a broader trend: luxury watches are now seen as strong investment assets. A recent Swiss study found they outperform many traditional investments, and in South Africa, they are increasingly viewed as more resilient than property—offering higher returns, greater liquidity, and lower costs. This rising investment culture was celebrated at Shemer’s launch event, Moet, Macarons, and Masterpieces, where collectors explored curated watches and jewellery.
The new boutique also marks a renewed chapter in international partnerships, including with Seiko and Rolex, underscoring Shemer’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most trusted luxury retailers.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Kylie Minogue – It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
- The Spirituals Choir – Joy to the World (We Sing Joy)
- Judith Sephuma – An African Christmas
- Leslie Odom Jr. feat. Mzansi Youth Choir – Little Drummer Boy
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