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Cabinet should have waited for more details before making pronouncements on Zuma's visit to India: Dr Kingsley Makhubela
Former President and MK Party leader, Jacob Zuma's recent visit to India has sparked controversy after local media reported that he was seen alongside Ajay Gupta and South Africa's High Commissioner to India. The Guptas have been at the centre of a state capture inquiry in South Africa and are wanted by authorities. They have denied the allegations. International Relations and Co-operation Minister, Ronald Lamola, says his department is seeking clarity on the alleged involvement of South Africa's High Commission in India, in the visit and to unpack this further Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Kingsley Makhubela , Former Diplomat and International relations expert
Analyst urges coordinated African leadership on migration solutions.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has welcomed the peaceful protests held across the country on 30 June. The demonstrations, organised by the civic movement March and March and more than 20 other civil society organisations, called for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals and stricter enforcement of immigration laws. Cabinet also commended the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure for ensuring the protests remained peaceful and praised the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, for its comprehensive approach to managing migration as announced by the President. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political and Economic Risk Analyst, Marisa Lourenço
Heidelberg's Ratanda remains tense after violent protests
The death toll from the Ratanda service delivery protest in Heidelberg, Gauteng, has risen to two. Prolonged water shortages sparked the protest leaving several other people injured and hospitalised. The family of the first victim 23-year-old Katleho Mokoena alleges that he was shot multiple times during clashes between protesters and police. It is alleged the protesters went on the rampage on Wednesday using burning tyres to block entrance and exit to the township. Police fired rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Police watchdog IPID has launched an investigation into whether police acted within the law. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC News reporter Thato Letsaba
Ndevu: GNU fostering greater political maturity, cooperation.
Today marks two years since the executive members of South Africa's Government of National Unity took the oath of office at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, in a ceremony presided over by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. The GNU was formed after the 2024 general elections, when no political party secured an outright majority, ushering in a new era of coalition governance. Political analysts say the GNU has delivered mixed results, but remains one of the most significant shifts in South Africa's democratic history. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu Director of the School of Public Leadership at Stellenbosch University.
The Casual Workers Advice Office flooded with calls from migrant workers seeking help
The Casual Workers Advice Office says it has been flooded with calls from migrant workers who were allegedly dismissed, threatened or denied rights as anti-immigration sentiments rise in workplaces. The non-profit organization that provides free legal advice and organizing support to precarious workers says migrant workers were reportedly told not to return on the day of the marches, some receiving termination notices and left without pay or accommodation. The organisation says employers are exploiting the climate to target migrant and vulnerable workers and stressed that immigration status cannot be used to break labour law. We spoke to Andile Nyembezi, from the Casual Workers' Advice Office.
New App to tackle crime in South Africa introduced
A new digital tool is aiming to change the way South Africans respond to crime and emergencies. The Crime Emergency App has been launched as a public safety initiative designed to make it easier for communities to report incidents in real time, connect with authorities, and ultimately improve response times. As concerns around crime and personal safety remain high across the country, this app could play a critical role in strengthening coordination between citizens and law enforcement. We spoke to Crime Emergency App Innovator,Mapula Mailula.
Con-Court rules that the Western Cape Government failed to meet their obligation to provide affordable housing
The Constitutional Court has ruled the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town failed to meet their constitutional obligation to provide affordable housing when they sold the Tafelberg site in Sea Point in 2015. The court said the decision perpetuated apartheid spatial patterns and that land in well-located areas must be used for housing with access to transport, jobs and services. Provincial Infrastructure Minister, Tertuis Simmers says the province respects the judgment and will engage stakeholders to comply within the set timeframes.
DIRCO to evaluate issues raised by Nigeria regarding compensation for properties abandoned by its citizens during anti-immigration protests
The International Relations Department (DIRCO) says it will assess Nigeria's request for compensation after its citizens allegedly abandoned properties during Tuesday's protests against undocumented immigration. Nigeria has told citizens to document assets left behind as over 600 people have been repatriated, with hundreds more awaiting return. For legal analysis on the matter, we spoke to Lynette Cherry Singh, Founder and Managing Director at Cherry-Singh Incorporated.
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
Legal analyst: Matlala may withhold answers before commission
Alleged cartel member and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission next Tuesday. Matlala is at the centre of allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration within law enforcement agencies being investigated by the Commission. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says security arrangements for Matlala's appearance will not be disclosed publicly, but has assured that all necessary measures are in place. Matlala's appearance comes after the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court rejected an agreed eight-year plea and sentencing deal in the R228-million Medicare24 SAPS tender fraud case, proposing instead a 12-year direct prison sentence. For a legal perspective, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to legal analyst Mpumelelo Zikalala
Ad Hoc Committee member Khusela Diko condemns threats against Vusi Shongwe
The Chairperson of Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says the committee has concluded its latest round of deliberations. Members are expected to receive the final draft report on Monday before meeting again on Wednesday to consider and adopt it. The committee yesterday deliberated on its draft preliminary report as it moves towards finalising its work. It has until the 16th of July to submit its findings to Parliament. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to ANC Whip of the Study Group on Ad Hoc committee, Khusela Diko
Masuku dismisses Johannesburg budget shortfall claims.
The City of Johannesburg's Deputy Mayor, Loyiso Masuku, and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene today led a multidisciplinary enforcement operation in Region E aimed at enforcing municipal by-laws, protecting public infrastructure, and tackling activities that undermine service delivery and public safety. , Bongiwe Zwane, spoke to the City of Johannesburg's Deputy Mayor, Loyiso Masuku.
Motorists set to get some much-needed relief with significant fuel price cuts announced across petrol, diesel, and paraffin.
Motorists are set to get some much-needed relief at the pumps from today, with significant fuel price cuts announced across petrol, diesel, and paraffin. The South African Petroleum Retailers Association, SAPRA, has welcomed the adjustment, noting that while the decrease will ease pressure on consumers and businesses, the broader economic environment remains fragile, with ongoing concerns around cost of living, global oil volatility, and long-term sustainability in the sector. We spoke to SAPRA National Chair, Henry van der Merwe.
North Gauteng High Court dismisses SALGA’s bid to halt Phase 2 of the AARTO Act
The North Gauteng High Court has dismissed a bid by SALGA to halt Phase 2 of the Administration and Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, AARTO, which starts today. Phase 2 extends AARTO nationwide to all municipalities and introduces the demerit points system for driver and operator licences, alongside wider enforcement of infringements through the Infringement Management System. The court said the matter lacked urgency, but will hear the merits later. SALGA says it is disappointed and would proceed, citing concerns over funding, a lack of consultation by the Department of Transport and municipal capacity to implement the Act. We spoke to Sebang Motlhabi, SALGA Chairperson of Public Transport and Roads Working Group.
Nigerian national taken in for questioning for allegedly harbouring undocumented foreign nationals.
A Nigerian national linked to a senior Mangaung politician has been taken in for questioning after police reportedly found 28 undocumented foreign nationals at a Bloemfontein guesthouse on Monday. Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae confirmed the arrest during a law enforcement operation held ahead of nationwide anti-illegal immigration protests. Hundreds marched to the Premier's Office to hand over a memorandum demanding tighter border security and action against undocumented foreign nationals. We spoke to Werner Pretorius, MPL and DA Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality mayoral candidate.
Cosatu says the National Prosecuting Authority faces up to 600 vacant prosecutor posts and the loss of 47 experienced staff to early retirement.
Labour Federation, COSATU has raised concerns over reported shortages and staffing pressures at the National Prosecuting Authority. COSATU says the NPA is facing a shortage of prosecutors, compounded by early retirements and high vacancy rates, at a time when the country is battling rising levels of crime, corruption, and increasingly sophisticated criminal syndicates. The federation warns that ongoing budget constraints and understaffing are weakening the state's ability to effectively prosecute crime and deliver justice. We spoke to Matthew Parks, COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator.
Commission for Gender Equality concerned over the gendered impact of South Africa's migration discourse.
The Commission for Gender Equality has raised concern over the gendered impact of South Africa's migration discourse. It warns that women, girls, migrants and asylum seekers face increased risk of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation during periods of heightened tension. The Commission is calling for immigration enforcement to uphold constitutional principles and protect human dignity. We spoke to Dr. Dennis Matotoka, CEO of the Commission for Gender Equality.
IFRC says rescue teams are working around the clock after Venezuela earthquake
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says the humanitarian situation in Venezuela remains critical following two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, that struck the north-central parts of the country. Hundreds of people have been trapped beneath rubble, while many others remain unaccounted for after the earthquakes devastated areas in and around the capital, Caracas. The disaster has killed hundreds of people, damaged buildings, and left thousands homeless. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies spokesperson Paolo Cravero
Repatriation of Malawian nationals continues in Durban, says KZN Home Affairs.
The race to complete the voluntary repatriation of Malawian nationals is intensifying in Durban. This as the June 30th deadline - set down by the march leaders draws closer. About 13-thousand people have already been transported to Malawi but new arrivals continue to gather outside the old drive-in transit camp. Authorities says the pressure is mounting to process and manage those inside the camp and those still waiting outside. For the latest Bongiwe Zwane spoke to KwaZulu-Natal Home Affairs Manager, Cyril Mncwabe,
AmaZulu Royal Family urges peaceful lawful protests
Izinduna are meeting with members of Zulu regiments ahead of 30 June protests. This after ministers in the security cluster met with AmaZulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini on the issue. Yesterday KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli hosted a high-level stakeholder summit on undocumented foreign nationals, amid a wave of anti-illegal immigration marches in parts of the country ahead of planned June 30 demonstrations. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Prince Caphelani Zulu of AmaZulu Royal family
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