SAfm Current Affairs
Confusion as SA begins processing status of Palestinian refugees
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the decision to allow a group of 153 Palestinians nationals into the country was driven by compassion, however their status is still being reviewed. This comes after the Border Management Authority initially denied entry to the group due to incomplete documentation. According to the BMA, the Palestinian passengers were not allowed to disembark from the aircraft as they did not have the customary departure stamps in their passports. The passengers were later allowed to disembark after nearly 12 hours on the tarmac, after Home Affairs received a commitment from Gift of the Givers that it will provide the passengers with accommodation during their stay in South Africa. The handling of the flight and the arrival of the refugees have raised serious questions about government communication and coordination. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Oscar van Heerden
SA set to benefit as Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products
United States (US) President Donald Trump has rolled back tariffs on over a 100 food products, including such staples as coffee, beef, bananas and oranges, in the face of growing anger among American consumers about the high cost of groceries. He signed an executive order on Friday allowing a range of food products to escape his sweeping tariffs. The move comes as his administration faces mounting pressure over rising food prices. The US is an important market for South African citrus fruit and other agricultural products and there were huge concerns when Trump's tariffs came into effect earlier this year. We asked Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, what he makes of the tariff rollback and whether South Africa can derive some benefit. This is what he said
Expert warns G20 will lose relevance under the incoming leadership of the United States
The G20 will be diminished under the leadership of the United States that will assume the Presidency of the bloc from South Africa later this month. That's the view of leading development economist Prof Jayati Ghosh, who also serves as a member of the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality. Ghosh, who is a development economist based at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, was responding to various statement by senior United States (US) Government officials who've cast aspersions about South Africa's theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability while promising to whittle the bloc back down to basics when Washington assumes the leadership mantle ahead of hosting next year's Leaders' Summit in Miami, Florida. SABC's US Correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease filed this report
Africa showcases continental climate strategies at COP30
Thousands of people have marched through the streets of Belem in Brazil to demand stronger action on tackling global warming as the United Nations' COP 30 climate summit continues in the city. The rally to mark the summit's halfway point has been billed as the Great People's March by organisers. It comes as the host Brazil's proposal for an accelerated roadmap away from fossil fuels appears to be gathering support. As the conference continues, African leaders are keen to showcase and promote their climate strategies on the global stage. For more on what the COP30 summit means for the African continent, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Green Peace Africa Political Strategist, Koaile Monaheng
Cash-strapped consumers warned against bogus Black Friday deals
South African consumers have been urged to shop responsibly as retailers begin to advertise Black Friday deals, just weeks before the annual Christmas shopping rush. The warning comes as millions of consumers buckle under the pressure of a rising cost of living and high unemployment rates, which have left some shoppers unable to access much credit. Instead of impulsive buying, shoppers have been advised to maximise the savings from Black Friday deals to cover Christmas gifts or even back-to-school essentials. For more on how YOU, the consumer can navigate this period, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to National Consumer Commission Spokesperson, Pheto Ntaba
Another round of traffic disruption expected as Johannesburg finalises G20 prep
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department has urged motorists and residents of the city to prepare for temporary road closures and intermittent traffic disruptions, as multiple law enforcement agencies conduct joint traffic operations ahead of next week's G20 Leaders' Summit. The coordinated exercise will take place tomorrow from nine o'clock in the morning until one o'clock in the afternoon. Major national and regional routes such as the N1, M1, and N12 will be affected. Arterial and urban routes affected include Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Rand Show Road, Nasrec Road and the Golden Highway. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to JMPD Spokesperson, Xolani Fihla
New look Springboks take on Italy in Turin
Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, has reiterated that his side will be up against very capable breakdown specialists, when South Africa takes on Italy in Turin on the third stop of the end-of-year tour THIS AFTERNOON. Kolisi also laid out that it was important for players to pitch up for Italy, if they want to be considered for the following week's crunch fixture against Ireland in Dublin. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC rugby commentator, Renier Swart
Gauteng Department of Health's default payment crisis threatens suppliers and healthcare stability
The South African Medical Technology Industry Association - SAMED - has raised alarm over the Gauteng Department of Health's failure to pay medical technology suppliers, a crisis it says now threatens business survival, jobs, and the stability of healthcare delivery across the province. SAMED says several companies that supply essential medical products and services are on the brink of closure, with job losses imminent. SAMED is now calling for national government intervention to resolve the issue. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAMED board member and Chairperson of the Market Sustainability Committee, Monica Lucas
Brace for severe weather this weekend
The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of severe thunderstorms leading to flooding, excessive lightning, damaging winds and hail resulting in injuries and danger to life due flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas in some parts of the country. To explain the severity of this weekend's weather Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Lehlohonolo Thobela, forecaster at the South African Weather Service
SADTU condemns claims Afrikaners are victims of genocide
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union, SADTU, is condemning US President Donald Trump's claims that Afrikaners are victims of genocide in South Africa. The union calls these statements "false and inflammatory, saying they're an attempt to distort South Africa's democratic reality and sow racial division. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has also rejected Trump's claims, calling them a source of tension with the US, South Africa's second-largest trading partner. The controversy has led to the US boycotting the G20 summit in Johannesburg, which is set to take place later this month. Elvis Presslin spoke to SADTU Spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi
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
Palestinian travellers eventually allowed to enter SA
153 Palestinian travellers have been allowed into South Africa after being initially denied entry at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. The group, who arrived on a charter flight from Kenya, were held at the airport due to incomplete documentation. But after intervention from the charity Gift of the Givers, they were admitted into the country. The travellers are eligible for 90-day visa-exempt travel and will be cared for by Gift of the Givers. The Border Management Authority says it will continue to uphold South Africa's legal and regulatory frameworks. Elvis Presslin spoke to Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager, Alie Komape
Wave of gang-related violence hits Cape Town
Cape Town is experiencing a wave of gang-related violence, with over 30 people killed in just a few days. Residents are speaking out, saying Premier Alan Winde's government isn't doing enough to stop the bloodshed. The Western Cape has seen 63 children murdered between April and August, mostly due to gang violence. Winde recently released a report on alleged police infiltration by the 28s gang, but critics say it's too little, too late. The report found that a complaint of unacceptable conduct against top police officials was substantiated, raising concerns about possible infiltration of the police service by organised crime. Communities are demanding action, with some calling for a state of emergency. Elvis Presslin spoke to Heindrich Wyngaard, Cape Forum Executive Chairperson
Rise Mzansi to picket outside DTIC in Pretoria over reforms to gambling laws
Rise Mzansi will today picket outside the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition In Pretoria, calling on reforms to gambling laws. The party plans to hand over a memorandum and unveil a seven-point plan to overhaul gambling laws.The move follows figures showing South Africans wagered one-point-five trillion rand in the 2024/25 financial year. RISE Mzansi says the industry wrecks lives and livelihoods. Elvis Presslin spoke to Makashule Gana, Rise Mzansi Chief Organizer and National Assembly Caucus Whip
Gauteng's health department aims to raise awareness about diabetes
The Gauteng Health department is gearing up to mark World Diabetes Day today in Soweto. The event, being held in partnership with Novo Nordisk and the City of Johannesburg, aims to raise awareness about diabetes and the challenges people with the condition face, especially in the workplace. This year's campaign focuses on promoting healthier lifestyles and encouraging early screening to reduce the risk of complications like heart disease and kidney damage. Elvis Presslin spoke to Patrick Magodzho, Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Gauteng Department of Health
SAFTU slams MTBPS claiming it favours the wealth
SAFTU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi has slammed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Vavi says the budget reads straight from the DA's economic playbook and favours the wealthy and shoves the marginalised majority deeper into unemployment, poverty and inequality. Mr. Vavi spoke to Elvis Presslin to elaborate further on his sentiments.
October 2025 was one of the wettest months on record for South Africa
October 2025 was one of the wettest months on record for South Africa, with some areas receiving over four times their average rainfall. This according to a recent report compiled by the South African Weather Service. The heavy rains have had a significant impact on agriculture, water management, and communities across the country, particularly in provinces like Limpopo, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rudzani Malala, Senior Manager for Disaster Risk Reduction at the South African Weather Service
National Construction Summit gets underway in Boksburg
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the national Construction Summit in Boksburg today, where industry leaders and policymakers will discuss ways to boost infrastructure delivery. The summit comes at a critical time for the sector, with many projects facing delays and challenges. Elvis Presslin spoke to KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer
Pastors to protest outside parliament in opposition to proposed regulations on churches
Pastors from across the Western Cape are marching to Parliament today, to voice their opposition to proposed regulations on churches. The move follows the CRL Commission's call for greater oversight of religious organisations. The commission recently introduced a peer-review mechanism aimed at promoting accountability and curbing abuse within churches. But critics say this amounts to government interference. The pastors are also calling for the removal of CRL Commission chairperson Thoko Xaluva, accusing her of censoring churches. Elvis Presslin spoke to South African Church Defenders Coordinator, Pastor Theo Nobongoza
Calls for schools to stop charging parents when learners repeat grades
Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta is calling on the government to stop schools from charging parents when learners repeat grades. Makaneta says the practice is unfair and puts a strain on families who are already struggling to make ends meet. Makaneta argues that education is a basic human right and should be accessible to all, regardless of income. Elvis Presslin spoke to Education Activist, Hendrick Makaneta
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