SAfm Current Affairs
Ekurhuleni mayor faces criticism after high-profile resignations
Ekurhuleni's Executive Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, is facing criticism after Speaker Dorah Mlambo resigned following her appointment as an MMC. ActionSA condemns the mayor's unilateral decisions, saying they're plunging the city into chaos. Another high-profile resignation is that of ANC's Jongizizwe Dlabathi as regional secretary and MMC. The city's future hangs in the balance as calls grow for the mayor to be held accountable. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA City of Ekurhuleni Caucus Chief Whip, Siyanda Makhubo
MISA says 2026 budget offers little respite for workers
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget speech offers little respite for workers struggling with failing infrastructure and unreliable public transport. MISA is skeptical about government's ability to deliver on promised reforms and infrastructure investments. Elvis Presslin spoke to MISA Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi Majola for more
Provisional liquidation application of Tongaat Hulett to be heard in the Durban High Court
The Durban High Court is set to hear an application for the provisional liquidation of Tongaat Hulett today, marking a critical juncture for the 134-year-old sugar giant. Business rescue practitioners have brought the application after the collapse of a rescue plan approved by creditors in 2024, which aimed to sell the company to the Vision Group. The company's troubles began in 2019 with a devastating accounting fraud scandal, leading to a R12-billion write-down in value and exposing a debt burden of 6-point-6-billion rand. Despite entering business rescue in 2022, Tongaat Hulett has struggled to regain its footing, with the recent collapse of the Vision Group deal. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary, Edwin Mkhize
AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana
Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo
MK Party to open case against Paul O'Sullivan
The uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party plans to open a case against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan after he walked out of a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee meeting without permission. O'Sullivan reportedly left to catch a flight. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says she will decide on any action against him once she receives the committee report from chairperson Soviet Lekganyane. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party MP, David Skosana
DA in Johannesburg criticses appointment of Loyiso Masuku as Deputy Mayor
The Democratic Alliance, DA in Johannesburg has sharply criticised the appointment of Loyiso Masuku as the City's first female Deputy Mayor, labelling the position an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. DA representatives argue the role duplicates existing duties and will drain millions in public funds better spent on service delivery. Masuku, also ANC regional chairperson and Finance MMC, was elected unopposed with backing from the ANC caucus plus coalition partners Al Jama-ah and Patriotic Alliance. The ANC has defended the move as strengthening governance. For the DA's full take, Elvis Presslin spoke to Johannesburg Speaker Designate, Alex Christians
Budget 2026: Social grants to increase in April
Social grants will increase in April, with adjustments slightly above inflation. However, the SRD grant remains unchanged at R370, with payments continuing until next year. Meanwhile, SASSA has terminated nearly 35,000 grants deemed incorrect or fraudulent after upgrading its verification processes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Elizabeth Raiters, Social Grant Activist
COSATU criticises the 2026 budget
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has criticized the 2026/27 Budget saying it fails to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. While welcoming some allocations for health, education and social security, COSATU says the focus on balancing books has missed the opportunity for a bold stimulus package. The union is concerned about no funds for 10,000 labour inspectors and inadequate support for struggling municipalities. COSATU is also angry about no inflation adjustment for the SRD Grant recipients. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks
Standout undergraduate winner of the 2025 Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition
Msindisi Lizani, a standout undergraduate, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2025 Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. This esteemed contest has become a launching pad for young economists to share their insights on shaping South Africa's future. Lizani's winning essay delves into the impact of tariffs on developing economies, drawing inspiration from former US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies. He examines the role of tariffs in promoting employment and safeguarding industries in emerging markets, with a focus on South Africa. Elvis Presslin spoke to Msindisi Lizani, 2025 winner of the Undergraduate Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition
Deputy Defence minister, General Bantu Holomisa visits Military Hospital
Deputy Defence Minister, General Bantu Holomisa has visited 2 Military Hospital in Cape Town, highlighting its crucial role in supporting troops deployed to gang-infested areas. The hospital faces infrastructure and resource challenges, with facilities built decades ago. Minister Holomisa emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to modernize the hospital. The visit focused on pharmacy services, vital for patient care and deployment readiness. Elvis Presslin spoke to Minister Bantu Holomisa.
Prudence Moiloa: No sanitary recall yet
The National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into nine sanitary pad suppliers. This comes after a University of the Free State study found harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, in some pads and panty liners. The study found these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer, affecting millions of South African women and girls monthly. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Divisional Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission, Prudence Moilwa.
Sipumelele Lucwaba: Only 30% of early graders read at level.
The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report reveals that reading levels for South African children are still at crisis point. The report released yesterday, reveals that only 30% of learners in grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level in their home language. In some languages, up to 25% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word, while 15% scored zero in reading assessments. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to report author Sipumelele Lucwaba
Lisette IJssel de Schepper: Economy slightly better, not turning point.
A boost in tax revenue has given the National Treasury room to offer the first inflation-linked tax relief since the 2023/24 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says revenue for the current financial year is projected to come in higher than previously forecast. This has been supported by stronger VAT collections and higher platinum and gold prices. Tabling the 2026 budget in Parliament in Cape Town, Godongwana says the improvement revenue collections has allowed government to scrap 20 billion rand in planned tax increases. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Lisette Ijssel de Schepper
NLC Funding Creates 1,303 Jobs, Supports 10,000 Beneficiaries
The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sports, and social support services. The initiatives were mainly in Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Limpopo. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Lotteries Commission's Commissioner Jody Scholtz
ANC calls for 2026 Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection
The ANC is calling for the 2026 National Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection. With economic momentum building and inflation under control, the party wants reforms in electricity, logistics, and water to boost employment. The ANC also wants to protect social services and extend the Social Relief of Distress grant. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Joe Maswanganyi, ANC MP and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance
Voter turnout in local government elections hits all-time low in South Africa
Voter turnout in local government elections has hit an all-time low of 46% in South Africa. Analysts say residents are rejecting a system failing to deliver basic services like water and electricity. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says weak community structures and reliance on social media stunts by politicians are to be blamed for the decline. She warns trust in local democracy will erode without stronger participatory mechanisms this as Municipal elections are due later this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesego Mahlangu, Researcher in the City of Tshwane writing in her personal capacity
Protests taking place ahead of budget speech
COSATU and affiliates will stage protests ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget Speech in Cape Town today. The unions are opposing austerity measures and a 9.8% GEMS contribution hike. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks
SALGA hosts 9th National Communicators Forum
South African Local Government Association is hosting its 9th National Communicators Forum in Cape Town today. Under the theme "Elevate, Reclaiming Trust, Credibility and Citizen Connection", the event aims to equip municipal spokespeople with practical tools ahead of next year's local government elections. SALGA says the gathering comes at a critical moment, marking 30 years of organised local government while public trust remains fragile amid rising service delivery challenges. The programme includes leadership talks, hands-on labs and awards recognising outstanding municipal communication work across the country. Elvis Presslin spoke to Salga's Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba
ActionSA criticises Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address
ActionSA Gauteng Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, has criticised Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address, saying the ANC is failing the province. Ngobeni called on Lesufi to account for promises made in previous SOPAs and to provide evidence of delivery. To elaborate on his concerns, Ngobeni spoke to Elvis Presslin
One of the 17 South Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine returning home this week
The brother of one of the 17 South Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine says he's coming home this week. Sandile Ndhlovu confirms his brother is among 13 enroute to South Africa from Russia, with four already back in South Africa.The men were allegedly lured under false pretences to fight in the war. Ndhlovu spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri
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