SAfm Current Affairs
Small business owner continues to be impacted as government's unpaid invoice bill piles up to R12.4 billion
Government departments are said to owe about R12.4 billion in unpaid invoices, up 17% in a quarter. This according to the latest National Treasury payment data. Delayed payments are hitting small businesses hard, disrupting payroll and stalling growth. Area Manager at Business Partners Limited, Lawrance Ramotala says this is pushing SMEs into survival mode and undermining job creation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thapelo Kgosi, a small business owner who services various government departments
DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC questions health official's 'golden handshake'
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has rejected DA claims that he was involved in the financial settlement with former provincial Health CFO, Lerato Madyo who is the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Gauteng Health, implicated in a scandal involving R850 million in fraudulent, suspicious contracts at Tembisa Hospital. Lesufi says his office had no role in the negotiations or decision and that he refused retrospective approval after being informed. An independent legal probe is now underway into the agreement. But the Health Department insists the exit followed labour rules and was not a golden handshake. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Dr. Jack Bloom...
AfriForum denies reports that Afrikaaner 'refugees' in the US are returning to SA
A number of South Africans who arrived in the United States as refugees since May last year are now reportedly heading back home. Many had fled in 2025, citing government-backed racial discrimination and persecution targeting the Afrikaner community. President Trump granted them priority refugee status February last year. AfriForum says the underlying problems that drove them away still have not been resolved by the South African government. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ernst Van Zyl, head of Public relations at Afriforum...
US Ambassador's remarks on SA 'uncalled for, undermining SA's sovereignty'
South Africa's Department of International Relations has summoned US Ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell the Third for a formal demarche after he labelled the "Kill the Boer" chant hate speech at a recent event in Hermanus, Western Cape. DIRCO says the public comments breached diplomatic protocol and disrespected South African sovereignty. The ambassador later clarified on X that his personal view aligns with many South Africans who see the song as harmful. Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Isaac Khambule, Director of the Africa Centre for Evidence at the University of Johannesburg
SANDF boots hit Gauteng towns plagued by illegal mining and gangsterism
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has raised concerns about the deployment of the South African National Defence Force troops in Gauteng. Cameron says footage from Eldorado Park, Westbury and Riverlea shows soldiers arresting civilians, with no police in sight. He wants answers on the command structure and rules of engagement. The military is supporting police in the area, but Cameron says Parliament hasn't approved the deployment. He spoke to Elvis Presslin to elaborate further on his concerns
SAMATU takes to the streets to demand urgent action on SA's youth unemployment crisis
The South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU will today march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to demand urgent action on the country's youth unemployment crisis. The COSATU affiliate says the jobless rate for those aged 15 to 24 now exceeds 70%, describing it as a "ticking timebomb" threatening national stability and growth. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr Talente Biyela, the Chairperson of the SAMATU Junior Doctors Committee
Eastern Cape police probe 11-member syndicate allegedly involved in 62 insurance-related murders
Police in the Eastern Cape have uncovered an 11 member syndicate allegedly involved in 62 insurance-related murders. The suspects insured family members and vulnerable individuals before killing them for payouts. Similar arrests were made in Limpopo, where five suspects were nabbed in connection with insurance killings and fraud linked to former police officer Rachel Kutumela. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gift Ngqondi, ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications...
Parliament's Mineral and Petroleum Resources Committee visits Ekapa Minerals following deadly disaster
Members of Parliament's Mineral and Petroleum Resources Committee visited Kimberley following the recovery of a trapped mineworker's body at Ekapa Minerals. Four workers remain trapped after a mud rush incident three weeks ago. Families are anxiously awaiting retrieval of their loved ones' bodies. The incident has sparked calls for urgent action to improve mining safety measures in South Africa. Elvis Presslin spoke to John Pedro Lenge, founder of Thupangeni Group and Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental professional...
Businessman, Calvin Mathibeli raided following order to retract statements alleging corruption by KZN Provincial Police Commissioner
Police have raided multiple properties linked to businessman Calvin Mathibeli in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng as part of a tender fraud investigation. The move follows a Durban High Court order for Mathibeli to retract statements alleging corruption by KZN Provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mathibeli was accused of making defamatory claims about Mkhwanazi. The police operation is ongoing. Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis
ActionSA says GNU failed to present plan to lift SA out of currently low-growth trap
ActionSA has blamed the Government of National Unity (GNU) for South Africa's stagnant economy, citing a mere 0.4% growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 1.1% for the full year. The party argues that the GNU has failed to present a credible plan to lift the country out of its low-growth trap, leading to declining living standards and increased poverty. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley
DA calls for Gauteng budget to prioritise fixing ageing infrastructure, maintaining roads and combating crime
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile will table the 2026/2027 provincial budget today, amid high expectations from residents seeking improved services. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Finance and MPL, Ruhan Robinson warns that the budget must prioritise fixing ageing infrastructure, maintaining roads and combating crime, rather than funding new projects. Key challenges include the e-Toll debt, water supply issues and public transport expansions. The DA says it will scrutinize the budget for effective allocation and value for money. To elaborate further on the party's sentiments, Elvis Presslin spoke to Ruhan Robinson...
Cocoa beans rot as West African farmers seek alternative options after commodity crash
It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by Victor Kgomoesoana, 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...
Gauteng Provincial Legislature welcomes establishment of specialised units to combat political killings and kidnappings
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Community Safety Committee has welcomed the establishment of two specialised units to combat political killings and kidnappings in the province. The units will focus on investigating political assassinations and kidnappings and crimes targeting infrastructure projects. The move follows alarming crime stats, including the murder of 10 police officers in Gauteng between October and December 2025. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety...
Sixteen criminal cases opened in the wake of scandal involving fraudulent transfers of city properties
The Joburg Property Company, JPC, has opened 16 criminal cases with police after uncovering fraudulent transfers of city properties. The company says certain individuals are involved in the alleged scams. Investigations are ongoing, and JPC is working with authorities to recover the properties. Elvis Presslin spoke to Joburg Property Company Spokesperson, Lucky Sindane...
SADTU objects to KZN Department of Education's decision to renege on government's early retirement offer
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union, SADTU in KwaZulu Natal is up in arms over the provincial Department of Education's decision to renege on the government's early retirement offer. The department had initially invited employees to apply for early retirement without penalties but is now citing its inability to comply with the Cabinet decision. SADTU accuses the department of disrespect and undermining collective bargaining. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomarashiya Caluza, SADTU KZN's Provincial Secretary
'At least one of five bodies trapped underground will be retrieved'- Ekapa Mine tells NUMSA
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) in Kimberley says Ekapa Mine Management confirmed to the union that at any given time, at least one of the bodies of five men trapped underground would be retrieved. It's been 20 days since the mud rush trapped the miners 890 metres underground in Ekapa Minerals Joint shaft. Tebogo Msimanga filed the following report...
'Prosecute Paul O'Sullivan'- ActionSA demands of National Prosecuting Authority
ActionSA is calling on the National Prosecuting Authority to urgently address charges against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan related to alleged impersonation of investigators. The charges date back to 2017 and are linked to serious allegations of misconduct. ActionSA says the delay undermines confidence in the justice system. For more we are now joined on the line by ActionSA member of Parliament, Dereleen James...
'Deployment of SANDF in gang, illegal mining hotspots does not mean soldiers will be flooding SA streets'
The deployment of the army to assist police in gang and illegal mining riddled areas, will be in force from the 1st of this month but it does not mean soldiers will be flooding the streets. Members of Parliament's Police, Mineral and Petroleum Resources committees received a briefing on the details of this deployment - that was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address. SAPS management says SANDF members will be deployed to support them as and where it is needed. Zalene Merrington reports...
Western Cape High Court Judge, former MPs told to pack up and leave state-owned property
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has issued a notice to a Western Cape High Court Judge to vacate a state-owned property in Cape Town by April 15th. The move follows confirmation from the Department of Justice that the judge no longer qualifies for the benefit. Last week Minister Dean Macpherson also initiated eviction proceedings against three former MK Party MPs for unlawfully occupying properties at the Parliamentary Village in Cape Town. Minister Macpherson spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri about how his Department determines eligibility for state-owned housing benefits, specifically in light of the recent notices issued to the Western Cape High Court Judge and the three former MK MPs...
SALGA's National Municipal Legal Practitioners' Forum to focus on coalition impacts, legislative reforms and court judgements
SALGA's 6th National Municipal Legal Practitioners' Forum is set to tackle key issues affecting local government in South Africa. The event, taking place in Cape Town this week will focus on coalition impacts, legislative reforms and court judgements. Speakers include former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and SALGA President, Bheke Stofile. The forum aims to promote ethical governance and compliance in municipalities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lance Joel, SALGA's Chief Officer for Inter-Governmental Relations and Municipal Resilience
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