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COSATU’s Zingiswa Losi highlights democratic gains for workers
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says the country cannot celebrate 32 years of democracy while crime and corruption continue to harm communities. The union is now calling on Parliament to urgently overhaul the criminal justice system to better tackle crime and corruption. COSATU President Zingiswa Losi says persistent violence, sexual abuse and corruption continue to undermine the freedoms promised by democracy. Losi was delivering the keynote address at the Workers' Day celebration at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane...
Dr. Neva Makgetla says unions should shape policy debates.
As South Africa today marks Workers' Day, with the main May Day celebrations underway at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane and other May Day events taking place across the country. Many unions are now moving away from pure political activism toward affording value beyond traditional labor disputes. In a shifting economic landscape, unions are increasingly functioning as service providers, offering their members funeral covers, holiday discounts, and tertiary bursaries. With some people asking themselves, are unions adapting to remain relevant in a changing economy or drifting away from their core mandate of worker representation. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Senior economist at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies Dr Neva Makgetla
AMCU General Secretary Jeffrey Mphahlele says workers deserve fair wages.
Trade union AMCU is today holding its May Day commemorations in Marikana outside Rustenburg. The union rose to prominence during the 2012 Marikana unrest, when Lonmin Platinum workers embarked on a strike that shook the mining sector. AMCU has since become the majority union in several mines in the area. The union is also calling for May Day to be moved to 16 August to honor the Marikana massacre victims, who are remembered. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) General Secretary Jeffrey Mphahlele.
Vosloorus resident Putin demands urgent action on Khubeka's case.
The community in Vosloorus ext 9 is threatening to shut down all illegal spaza shops in the area. They say they want answers as to what happened with Mazwi Khubeka who went missing after refusing to sell his spaza shop. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole and and A Vosloorus community member who calls himself Putin
Polokwane magistrate's court denies Shebe Maburna bail
The Polokwane Magistrate Court has denied Lekompo artist Lehlogonolo "Shebe Maburna" Chauke bail. Chauke is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC repoter Nsuku Shiluvana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa convenes an extended Presidential Coordinating Council meeting.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says they are clear that resolving the water crisis requires a collaborative and coordinated response across all three spheres of government whilst working together with all social partners and communities. Ramaphosa says the Water Crisis Committee will oversee the implementation of a National Water Action Plan. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Politics Reporter, Ntebo Mokobo
Forum for South Africa Not Impressed With Government’s Temporary Fuel Levy Relief
The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has criticised government's extension of fuel levy relief, calling it deceptive. FOSA says the measure is a short-term fix that fails to address the country's economic crisis. The organisation argues the relief is fiscally misleading and shifts the burden back to consumers. We spoke to FOSA National Leader Tebogo Mashilompane
Former NSFAS Interim Chair Dr. Mugwena Maluleke Steps Down.
Former NSFAS interim chair Dr. Mugwena Maluleke says he has no regrets about his service to the student aid body. His exit comes amid a wave of high-level board resignations raising concerns over governance and stability. Questions remain about whether NSFAS can still function effectively despite the leadership gaps. The Department of Higher Education insists funding operations will continue uninterrupted. Dr. Maluleke reflected on his tenure and the broader challenges facing NSFAS
Mugabe’s Youngest Son Deported From SA
Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is back in Zimbabwe after being deported from South Africa. He was removed yesterday after pleading guilty to pointing a firearm and contravening immigrations laws. His lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says they are considering an appeal against the Home Affairs ban stopping his return to South Africa. His co-accused Tobias Matonhodze pleaded guilty to attempted murder and received a three-year jail term after which he will be deported. We spoke to Legal Analyst, Advocate Modidima Mannya.
Family Of The Late President Edgar Lungu Due To Appear In The Pretoria High Court Again
The Zambian government and the family of late president Edgar Lungu will appear in the Pretoria High Court today. The matter concerns the repatriation of Lungu's remains to Zambia. Civic movement Progressive Forces will hold a picket outside the court in support of the Zambian government's position to have him buried in his home country. We spoke to Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, President of Progressive Forces of South Africa.
Undocumented Foreign Nationals Allegedly Released Without Court Appearances After Paying Bribes
The Azanian Ground Forces says its meeting with the Elsburg SAPS Station Commander was a resounding success. The AGF raised allegations that some undocumented immigrants are released without court appearances after allegedly paying bribes. We spoke to AGF President and a former MMC for Public Safety in Ekurhuleni, Tlhogi Moseki
Alexandra Regional Court sentences Mugabe and Matonhodze.
Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and co-accused Tobias Matonhodze have been sentenced at the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg. Mugabe will be deported to Zimbabwe today after pleading guilty to firearm and immigration offences in South Africa. The court heard that his convictions relate to illegal possession and breaches of immigration law. Matonhodze has been handed a series of custodial sentences 12 months on count one, 12 months on count two, three years on count three, and a further 12 months on count four with all sentences ordered to run concurrently. He will be deported once his sentence is served.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Sashin Naidoo
Political analyst urges accused officials to step aside
Parliament's Social Development Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango says allegations against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe are being treated as serious, but remain unproven. Masango confirms the minister will be summoned to account before Parliament. The allegations against Minister Tolashe include the alleged misuse of a public servant as a nanny at her official residence and the redirection of vehicle donations meant for the ANC Women's League. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Political Analyst, Professor Boitumelo Senokoane
Rudie Heyneke urges stable NSFAS leadership
Organization Undoing Tax Abuse Senior Project Manager Rudie Heyneke says leadership instability at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is deeply troubling. He points out that losing two chairpersons in under two years raises serious governance concerns. This after Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced resignations from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board. Interim chairperson Mugwena Maluleke stepped down on Monday, citing personal and academic commitments, while board member Karabo Mohale has also resigned, having chaired the human resources and organizational development committee.Sakina Kamwendo spoke Organization Undoing Tax Abuse senior project manager Rudie Heyneke
Popcru Rallies Behind Cosatu Ahead Of May Day Celebrations
As workers across South Africa prepare to mark May Day, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union is calling on its members to turn out in full force in support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions May Day rallies. Amid rising living costs, austerity pressures, and deep challenges within the criminal justice system, including understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and deteriorating infrastructure, POPCRU says the fight for worker dignity is far from over. We spoke to Richard Mamabolo, Media and Communication Officer and national spokesperson for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU).
UAE OPEC Exit Not Cause For Panic Economist Explains
The United Arab Emirates says it will withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ on May first after more than 50 years in the alliance. The move removes quota limits on the UAE and allows it to increase oil production. The decision could lift global oil output and shift market dynamics. Meanwhile, South Africa has extended its fuel levy reduction to June to ease pressure on motorists. But what impact will the UAE's exit from OPEC and OPEC+ have on South Africa? We spoke to Frank Blackmore, Lead economist at KPMG South Africa.
SANEF Chair Makhudu Sefara Steps Aside, Rejects SIU Allegations
SANEF chairperson Makhudu Sefara has stepped aside pending an investigation into SIU allegations of lottery fund misappropriation. Sefara denied the claims at an urgent SANEF meeting last night. SANEF accepted his decision and appointed deputy chair Tshamano Makhadi as acting chairperson. An independent legal team will evaluate the evidence. We spoke to Reggy Moalusi, Executive Director at South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF...
ActionSA Demands Probe Into R285 Million Textbook Tender
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has asked National Treasury to investigate alleged irregularities in foundation phase textbook procurement. Gwarube warned that problems in the process could affect more than 13 million learners. She has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana requesting a formal probe. The Minister says those found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences. We spoke to Lerato Ngobeni, ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip.
Postal Unions Protest Over Future of SA Post Office
The Communication Workers Union and its allies will hold a national shutdown and march today to demand action on the Post Office crisis. Workers want R3.8 billion in urgent funding, a 30% government business allocation, job security and an end to the Business Rescue Process. A memorandum will be handed to the Communications Minister and National Treasury in Pretoria. The unions say SAPO is a public lifeline and warn of escalation if demands are ignored. We spoke to Bokaba Kodisang, General Secretary of Democratic Postal and Communication Union (DEPACU)
Lifestyle Choices Among Major Diabetes Risk Factors
The National Health Laboratory Service has launched South Africa's first National Diabetes Dashboard. The HbA1c dashboard gives a near real-time national view of diabetes control using lab data updated within 48 hours. It comes as diabetes remains a leading cause of death in the country. We spoke to Dr. Siyabonga Khoza, Head of Academic Department at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Head of the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand
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