SAfm Current Affairs
"We can't have a chairperson that wants to play goal keeper"- DA, EFF intensify pressure on Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are turning up the heat on Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela over appointment of three administrators to lead embattled Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). They say the move reeks of cadre deployment and warn that the appointments risk entrenching corruption and maladministration in institutions already crippled by governance failures. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DA MP and national spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau
"This specific street has two rival gangs living in the same street"- Suspected gang-related incident claims life of 3-month-old Cape Town baby
A three-month-old baby boy was shot during a gang-related incident in Bonteheuwel in Cape Town. The infant was rushed to the hospital by quick-acting residents whose bravery and swift response may very well have saved his life. A three-month-old child has now become the latest victim in a relentless cycle of violence that continues to hold our communities hostage. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ward councilor, Angus McKenzie
"Unfortunately, if they focus on their differences, they might miss the ball" - Political Analyst, Dr Levy Ndou emphasises importance of co-operation by Ad Hoc committee into security threats
Parliament's Ad Hoc committee established to look into wide ranging allegations of threats to national security is meeting again today to further discuss its terms of reference.The committee is empowered by National Assembly Rule 253 and was established following the allegations made by General Mkhwanazi. AD Hoc committee probing Mkhwanazi allegations to discuss terms of reference. This follows serious allegations of corruption within law enforcement. Ad Hoc Committee Parties agree Mkhwanazi must be first witness. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political Analyst Dr Levy Ndou.
ActionSA condemns the intimidation of a South African spaza shop owner
ActionSA has condemned what it says is the intimidation of Ms. Luyanda, a South African spaza shop owner in Dobsonville, Soweto. The party says during a routine bread delivery, Ms. Luyanda was threatened by a neighboring Pakistani shop owner, who demanded she shut down her business or face consequences. ActionSA calls this unacceptable, highlighting a pattern of such incidents with no action taken against perpetrators. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Johannesburg Regional Secretary, Lebo Mokoka...
SADTU welcomes investigation of ghost workers in public schools
The South African Democratic Teachers Union, SADTU has welcomed the Education Labour Relations Council's appointment to investigate claims of ghost workers in public schools. The nationwide inquiry, backed by five teacher unions, the Department of Basic Education and all nine provincial education departments, aims to tackle corruption and rebuild trust in the education payroll system. Elvis Presslin spoke to SADTU, spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi
PA leader accuses the SAHRC of defamation
Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has accused the South African Human Rights Commission of defamation. The Commission found prima facie evidence of hate speech in McKenzie's past social media posts, which were flagged as offensive. McKenzie called the findings premature and politically motivated, saying they harm his reputation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal Analyst, Advocate Modidima Mannya
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
SALGA partners with Department of Human Settlement to mitigate against negative impact of SA's rapid urbanisation
South African Local Government Association (SALGA) says it has noted hat the country's urbanisation is happening rapidly and it presents both future opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed immediately. SALGA is convening the National Urban Forum today and tomorrow at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban to address these matters under the theme "Advancing spatial transformation for inclusive, safe, resilient cities that promote sustainable integrated and habitable human settlements". Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SALGA's CEO, Sithole Mbanga on this matter
Free State residents demand removal of Sasol manager following alleged employment of non-locals
Some residents of Zamdela in Sasolburg, in the Free State have called for the removal of a manager at Sasol. They claim that they sent over a thousand CVs to Sasol, but only four locals have been promised to be hired, while more than 800 people have been brought in from Mpumalanga and hired. The residents held demonstrations outside the Sasol plant. Kamohelo Tsotetsi reports...
The department of science, technology and celebrates South African Women in Science
The department of science, technology and celebrates South African Women in Science The department of science, technology and innovation is today honouring the coutry's top scientists at the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards. Among some of those being honoured are the University of Cape Town's Professors Victoria Madden and Jess Auerbach Jahajeeah, who have been named finalists in the category Distinguished Young Woman, recognised for advancing knowledge and innovation in their fields. We now cross to Update@Noon Anchor, Sakina Kamwendo, who is attending the awards. Sakina, we understand that you are also joined by Deputy Director at DSTI responsible for Emerging Researchers programmes, to Dr Maphuti Madiga...
Competition Commission in ConCourt bid to prove 28 SA banks colluded on foreign exchange rate
The Constitutional Court is hearing the third day of arguments in the Competition Commission's case against leading banks on alleged manipulation of foreign exchange rates. The commission is trying to prove that the 28 banks colluded, pointing to traders of those banks who allegedly used a Bloomberg chatroom to coordinate and fix prices involving the rand exchange. The court will sit until Friday listening to submissions in the decades-long case that has seen two banks settle their cases by admitting liability and paying a penalty. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Economist, Dawie Roodt...
Orange Farm store owner says he will not be deterred after his store was torched allegedly by foreign nationals.
A convenient store owner in Orange Farm, South of Johannesburg Xolani Lamani says he will not be deterred from running his business despite it be torched allegedly by foreign nationals. Lamani's store was set on fire after he opened a revamped version of the store in June which resembles a supermarket. He has since allegedly received death deaths which ultimately ended with his shop being set alight. Xolani says he shall rebuild his store...
OUTA welcomes decision to place three SETA's under administration
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, OUTA, has welcomed the government's decision to place three Sector Education and Training Authorities, CETA, Services SETA, and LGSETA under administration. However, the watchdog warns this step alone won't address years of corruption, wasteful spending, and leadership failures. OUTA is questioning why INSETA was excluded from the intervention despite its own governance issues and has raised concerns about the credibility of some appointed administrators. The group is calling for a time-bound intervention, with credible boards and ethical CEOs appointed urgently to restore trust. Elvis Presslin spoke to OUTA Senior Project Manager Rudie Heyneke
DIRCO dismisses allegations of racially motivated attacks
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO has dismissed allegations of racially motivated attacks in rural and farming communities, as stated in the 2024 US Human Rights Report. DIRCO calls the claims inaccurate, citing South African police data from January to March 2025, which recorded six murders in farming areas, involving farm workers, dwellers and farmers, with no evidence of racial motives. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson for AfriForum Community Safety
Concerns raised over dissolution of the South African Tourism Board
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism has raised concerns over the recent dissolution of the South African Tourism Board by Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. Reports indicate the Minister acted after the Board overstepped its authority by appointing a member to perform duties of the former Chairperson, Professor Gregory Davids, who resigned in July. The Board also reportedly violated its own charter by holding a special meeting without the Chairperson's approval. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ms. Ronalda Nalumango, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism
FEDUSA welcomes decision to reinstate powers for labour inspectors
The Federation of Unions of South Africa, FEDUSA has welcomed the Department of Employment and Labour's move to reinstate powers for labour inspectors to enforce pension fund payments. FEDUSA says this tackles widespread theft of workers' retirement savings by dishonest employers in industries like cleaning, security and local government, where unpaid contributions have ballooned into billions, leaving many workers in poverty. Elvis Presslin spoke to the General Secretary of FEDUSA, Riefdah Ajam
Protests to take place over coal exports to Israel
Trade unions, civic groups and pro-Palestine activists are protesting across South Africa today, opposing the government's coal exports to Israel amid the ongoing Hamas and Israel conflict. Demonstrations are expected outside the Department of Trade and Industry in several provinces. Protesters claim South Africa's coal supplies fuel Israel's energy needs, powering systems used to profile Palestinians and conduct military strikes in Gaza. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mametlwe Sebei, President of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA)...
"We demand that Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela stop this and appoint independent people who are not politically aligned" - Minister under fire following SETA administrator appointments
The appointment of three administrators for three of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) has been met with mixed reactions. Higher education & training minister Buti Manamela has appointed administrators to three sector education and training authorities (Setas), to stabilise the troubled sector. Manamela, announced the appointments of Matjie Lehlogonolo Alfred Masoga, Administrator of the Services SETA, Dithabe Oupa Nkoane, Administrator of the Construction SETA (CETA) and, Zukile Christopher Mvalo, Administrator of the Local Government SETA (LGSETA). Here is the Matshepo Seedat, Spokesperson to the Minister of Higher Education and Training. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to political analyst, Bongani Mahlangu
Families of Life Esidimeni victims welcome NPA decision to consider legal opinion and commission recommendations on possible criminal prosecutions
After almost 10 year, the families of those who died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy might finally see justice. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has received a legal opinion recommending the prosecution of former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former director of mental health in Gauteng, Dr Makgabo Manamela, for the deaths of two mental healthcare users in the Life Esidimeni tragedy. The families of those who suffered and lost their lives during the saga say they met with Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Marika Jansen van Vuuren on Monday, 18 August to inform them of the development. In 2016, at least 144 mental healthcare patients died when the termination of the Gauteng Department of Health's contract with long-term psychiatric care hospital Life Esidimeni resulted in more than 1,400 patients being moved to ill-equipped and unlicensed non-government organisations. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Executive Director at SECTION27, Sasha Stevenson
"The land that protestor are demanding to oppy is earmarked for commercial use"- Makana Mayor, Yandiswa Vara digs in heels as Makhanda residents demand land occupation
Residents of Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape have closed down businesses and shutdown schools as they embark on protest action to the town's City Hall building. They are demanding that vacant land near R67 which is locally known as eGalfini be given to them to occupy. Attempts of dialogue between local municipal officials and the residents have proven fruitless as locals woke up to burning tyres and blockaded road earlier today. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Community leader, Siphosethu Ntshoko and Makana Mayor, Yandiswa Vara
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