SAfm Current Affairs
Government considers declaring state of disaster in Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, last night convened an urgent Inter-Governmental Committee on Disaster to discuss the state of the provinces following the devastating floods that have ravaged parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The minister, accompanied by Mpumalanga Premier, Mandla Ndlovu and the National Disaster Management Center team, visited some of the worst affected areas YESTERDAY.. This as Mozambican authorities and their South African counterparts continue the search for a South African politician whose vehicle is believed to have been swept away by floods in the neighbouring country. Minister Hlabisa spoke to Bongiwe Zwane
ActionSA ready to fight as Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo faces arrest
ActionSA's Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Councilor Xolani Khumalo, will TOMMOROW morning voluntarily hand himself over to the police following allegations of his involvement in an assault case. The party says the incident stems from information leaked from within the SA Police Service indicating an intention to arrest Khumalo in connection with a case involving an alleged drug dealer. ActionSA claims that the same suspect laid a false charge of assault against Khumalo, a charge the party says police are now acting upon. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to ActionSA's National chairperson, Michael Beaumont
DA infighting and squabbling raises public interest in upcoming elective conference
The Democratic Alliance is grappling with fighting between senior national leaders, months before its elective congress. This as former Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Dion George THIS WEEK resigned from the DA and Parliament, following a bitter public fallout with party leader John Steenhuisen. His resignation was preceded by his removal as minister in November at the DA's request and replaced by party spokesperson, Willie Aucamp. George claims he was removed due to his hardline stance against the wildlife-breeding and the hunting industry, while Steenhuisen maintains that George was removed for poor performance in his portfolio. Following this, George, who was also the DA's federal finance chair, publicly revealed Steenhuisen's money issues and also accused the party leader of being captured by the ANC and beholden to the GNU. The DA is not taking interviews about the spat but some analysts believe the saga has already damaged the party. For a look at the state of the DA and what this means, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast, Director for the Centre for Security, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University.
Battle of the Lions: Morocco vs Senegal in AFCON final. Who will roar the loudest?
Africa's biggest football night has arrived. Hosts Morocco will TODAY meet Senegal in the final of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco, also called the Atlas Lions, won their sole AFCON title in 1976, while Senegal, the Teranga Lions, claimed one title in 2021. With a packed stadium, a host nation dreaming of history and a powerhouse seeking affirmation, the stage is set for a final that promises to cap a compelling Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The closing ceremony and the final match will be broadcast live on SABC 2 starting from 7pm. Meanwhile, Nigeria grabbed bronze in YESTERDAY's AFCON third-place playoff match as the Super Eagles triumphed 4-2 on penalties to defeat Egypt after a goalless draw in regulation time at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. For more on tonight's final, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mthokozisi Dube, Editor of soccer publication, FAR Post
Mpumalanga floods leave 20 dead, devastation in their wake
Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements, Speedy Mashilo, says electricity supply and water provision have been cut off in some of the communities affected by the floods. He says a state of disaster could soon be declared following the destruction caused by the persistent rain in the province. Mashilo visited some of the affected villages in the Nkomazi area yesterday . For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Freddy Ngobe
Calls for resistance in Uganda as President Museveni takes election lead
There are reports emerging of violent clashes between police and opposition supporters in Uganda following presidential elections yesterday. Local media say several people have been killed. There has been tension as the party of the presidential candidate Bobi Wine says the security forces have surrounded his house as votes are counted. This comes as Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has taken a commanding lead in Thursday's presidential election - well ahead of his main challenger Bobi Wine, whose party has already questioned the credibility of the results. Figures so far give Museveni 75% of the vote, with Wine on 21%, based on returns from 70% of polling stations. The elections were held amid a countrywide internet shutdown imposed earlier in the week. To get a sense of the situation in the country, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Juliet Nankufa, a Digital Rights Researcher
What you need to know about repatriation costs and processes
A recent call for help by a South Africa family whose son died while visiting Zimbabwe, has placed focus on the difficulties involved in repatriating loved ones who die outside their home country. Losing a loved one is a universal pain, but for the millions living in the diaspora, that grief often comes with a double trauma, when families are suddenly thrust into a high-stakes race against time, navigating complex international laws, staggering costs, and the logistical nightmare of bringing a body home for burial. It's a reality many of us avoid discussing at the dinner table until it's a crisis. For a look at what you need to know about the costs relating to the complexities of repatriating the remains of a loved one, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to founder and CEO of Diaspora Insurance, Jeff Madzingo
Eleven dead in Limpopo floods, repairs to cost billions
The family of 20-year-old Lindelani Munyai, the Limpopo woman who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river in Thoyandou, hopes that he is still alive. The Chitawa Mafefera village resident is believed to have been crossing the Mutale River with his father when the incident occurred. Rescue teams have been deployed to the area and are continuing the search for him. The area is one of the hardest hit by floods that have left a total of eleven people dead in that province since the heavy rains began last Christmas day. For a look at the humanitarian situation on the ground, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Director of Communication at the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affrairs, Tsakani Baloyi
Orange level 9 warning for Limpopo and Mpumalanga as authorities take stock of flood damage
Incessant rains have submerged villages across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads and leaving communities isolated and desperate. The Kruger National Park had to suspend visits and evacuate some guests and staff by helicopter. The floods have claimed 11 lives in Limpopo while 20 people have died in Mpumalanga since that start of the heavy rains last month. Besides the human cost, the two provinces now face repair bills to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure that will cost billions of rand, money the provinces simply do not have. An orange level 9 warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service, forecasting yet more rain in affected areas and warning communities to remain alert and to stay clear of roads and overflowing rivers. But with food and other resources running low, many have no option but to brave the flooded, damaged and dangerous roads. To get more details about the weather in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to South African Weather Service forecaster, Amukelani Mkhari
Expert warns African elections steadily losing public trust.
Dr William Mpofu, Senior Research Associate at Good Governance Africa focusing on the SADC region, warns that elections in parts of Africa are steadily losing public trust. He says polls are no longer widely viewed as a credible or fair mechanism to negotiate and share political power, with opposition parties often facing a deliberately uneven playing field. His remarks come as early results from Uganda’s presidential election show President Yoweri Museveni in a commanding lead, amid disputed reports of post-election violence. Museveni, now 81 and in power since 1986, is seeking another decisive mandate after a campaign overshadowed by clashes at opposition rallies. Provisional results from nearly half of polling stations put him on 76.25 percent, while main challenger and musician Bobi Wine follows on 19.85 percent, with six other candidates sharing the remainder. Dr. William J. Mpofu is a senior researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Diversity Studies and a senior research associate of Good Governance Africa (GGA) specializing in the SADC region.
Mpofu applies for Khampepe recusal over alleged bias in TRC Cases Inquiry hearings.
Advocate Dali Mpofu, representing former President Jacob Zuma, making his oral submissions in support of a formal application for the recusal of retired Justice Sisi Khampepe. Mpofu argues that perceived bias arising from Justice Khampepe's previous roles makes her recusal necessary for the process to remain impartial. Justice Khampepe chairs the Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating delays in the investigation and prosecution of cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – commonly known as the TRC Cases Inquiry. Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki are today making their formal application for the recusal of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commission of Inquiry chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe. The application comes after both heads of state expressed their disapproval of Khampepe’s involvement in the commission.online-audio-converter.com
President Ramaphosa Describes Limpopo Floods as Catastrophic
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recent floods in Limpopo as catastrophic, with 36 houses damaged in Mbaula village. The province is experiencing widespread flooding, affecting hundreds of families, particularly in Vhembe and Mopani districts. The South African Weather Service has issued a level 10 warning, with further heavy rainfall expected. The government has deployed multi-disciplinary teams to assist affected areas, including rescue operations and damage assessments. Elvis Presslin spoke to Limpopo government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela
KZN Public Works MEC Martin Meyer Calls for Municipal Rates Relief for Schools
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Martin Mayer is calling for schools to get relief from municipal rates. Some schools in the province have faced water and electricity cuts due to unpaid bills. MEC Mayer visited the Durban School for the Hearing Impaired in Amanzimtoti, where he handed over books and acknowledged the challenges faced by schools. The MEC says it's unfair for schools to be burdened with high municipal costs and is pushing for rates to be scrapped or reduced. Elvis Presslin spoke to KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer
Tax Ombud Urges Taxpayers to Know Their Rights in SARS Disputes
The Office of the Tax Ombud is urging taxpayers to know their rights and get help with SARS disputes. The Tax Ombud offers free, independent assistance with tax complaints. Tax Ombud officials will be available for radio interviews to explain the services they offer and how to access them. The Tax Ombud's "Be A Smart Taxpayer" campaign aims to educate taxpayers on their rights and obligations. The office has published a guide to taxpayer rights and entitlements. Francois Viljoen, Specialist Systemic Investigation at the office of the Tax Ombudsman, spoke to Elvis Presslin
ActionSA introduces Fallen Whistleblowers Bill
ActionSA has introduced the Fallen Whistleblowers Bill, aimed at protecting those who expose corruption. The party says the bill is a response to the government's failure to tackle corruption, which they say has severe consequences for South Africans. ActionSA claims whistleblowers have been targeted and even killed for speaking out against corruption, citing cases like Babita Deokran and Marumo Eric Phenya. The party's leader Herman Mashaba says it's time to take decisive action against corruption. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Malebo Kobe
COSATU Raises Alarm as Illicit Tobacco Trade Puts 230 BAT Heidelberg Jobs at Risk
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is warning that 230 jobs are at risk at British American Tobacco's Heidelberg factory due to the growing illicit tobacco trade. British American Tobacco is closing its South African manufacturing plant, citing the rise of cheap, illegal cigarettes as a major factor. COSATU says the illicit trade now accounts for 75% of total sales, with illegal products selling at a quarter of the price of legitimate cigarettes. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks
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
Johannesburg Magistrate's Court to decide whether to bring new evidence in the DJ Warras murder case
The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court is expected to hand down a ruling at 2pm today, on whether video footage showing the murder of Warrick Stock known as DJ Warras may be acquired. The State has relied on CCTV footage obtained from a butchery across the Zambezi building where the media personality was gunned down. Victor Majola has been placed at the scene through CCTV footage as he was seen walking and point out the deceased to the gunmen. Defence lawyer, Dumisani Mabunda says it would be a miscarriage of justice if Majola is not given an opportunity to see the footage. SABC reporter Nontsikelelo Mthabela has more details
Head of the Police Crime Intelligence Division, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo unpacks the work of the Political Killings Task Team
Head of the Police Crime Intelligence Division, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo unpacks the work of the Political Killings Task Team.
Mpumalanga: 19 flood deaths, 28 schools damaged.
The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga says that, since the start of the summer rainfall season in November, the province has kept all disaster management teams and emergency personnel fully activated across provincial, district, and local municipality levels. The department says it has recorded 19 fatalities related to the heavy rains and flooding. This includes one confirmed drowning of a woman reported last night, bringing the total to 19.Most deaths have been due to drowning. The department says more than a thousand homes have been damaged, with roofs blown off, structures collapsed, and many mud houses completely demolished. Public infrastructure has also been affected. Around 28 schools have reported damage, with some currently inaccessible. The department’s head of communication, Freddy Ngobe, gives a report on the recent rains in Mpumalanga.
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