Update@Noon

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) says it would not consider changing regulations on BEE ownership requirements for telecoms licences until the law is amended. The regulator says it cannot recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to local ownership requirements unless the law is amended. Icasa says it remains committed to advancing transformation, economic inclusion and empowerment within the telecommunications sectors and all sectors it regulates. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ICASA Chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi....

Independent legal and political analyst Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba says despite COSATU’s objections, there appears to be little legal basis to successfully challenge Parliament’s impeachment committee composition. Parliament has confirmed a 31-member impeachment committee to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm matter. This follows a constitutional court ruling that Parliament acted unlawfully in blocking the Section 89 report in 2022. The committee includes nine ANC members, five DA representatives, three MK Party members, two EFF members, and one representative from each of the other 12 parties. Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions has rejected the committee's composition as unconstitutional. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to an independent legal and political analyst, Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba.

The Automobile Association (AA) is planning to launch a campaign that aims to make vehicle manufacturers criminally liable for deaths incurred or injuries sustained in accidents that could have been prevented had the manufacturers conformed to Global NCAP safety protocols. This follows the release of the results of the latest #SaferCars For Africa campaign crash test. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to AA CEO, Bobby Ramagwede 

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola has sharply criticized officers who moved sealed bags from a container into a bakkie during the 9 July 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust in Johannesburg. Sebola told commissioners the scene's integrity was compromised and insisted no officer could identify cocaine by smell alone. He said he only suspected the substance was cocaine after piercing a sealed package with a pin and discovering a shiny powder.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Minister Sisisi Tolashe from her position as minister of social development. In a statement, the presidency confirmed the decision is effective immediately. The minister in the presidency for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has been appointed as acting minister. Tolashe is facing mounting allegations of corruption, misconduct, and misuse of public funds. This follows her failure to declare luxury SUVs donated to the ANC Women's League, which she leads. She is also accused of being involved in improper hiring practices and exploiting departmental staff for personal purposes. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president, explains 

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Warrant Officer Boy Steve Phakula of the SAPS National Intervention Unit describes a chaotic drug bust scene in Aeroton, Johannesburg. Phakula told the commission multiple police units arrived, scenes were not properly cordoned, and command confusion escalated as senior officers intervened. The inquiry examines alleged mishandling and possible theft of seized cocaine as evidence unfolds in Gauteng at the Madlanga Commission before commissioners.  

Rescue and recovery operations are continuing in the Western Cape following a series of intense cold fronts that lashed the province, claiming the lives of ten people. Some of the fatalities were caused by trees that fell on vehicles due to gale-force winds and people drowning in flooded areas. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Head of Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto 

NCC MP Fadiel Adams did not consult the family of slain ANC Youth League secretary general Sindiso Magaqa, when he took statements and recorded a cellphone video from the now self-confessed killer at Westville prison. This is according to a statement from the investigating officer, Sandile Mavuka, that's being read out during Adams' bail application in the Pinetown Magistrates Court. Mavuka says in his affidavit the Magaqa family was shocked when they saw Sibusiso Ncengwa's video online. Adams allegedly visited Ncengwa in prison in January last year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter Zanele Buthelezi  

President Cyril Ramaphosa has revived his legal challenge to the Section 89 independent panel report into the Phala Phala matter. Ramaphosa made the announcement Monday night, following last week's Constitutional Court judgment that declared parts of the National Assembly's impeachment rules unconstitutional and ordered the revival of the Section 89 process. The move comes as Parliament prepares to establish an impeachment committee to probe the 2022 report ledry by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. Parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza says Parliament will establish an impeachment committee for the Phala Phala matter.  presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya 

Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Ivan Meyer says disaster teams remain on high alert as severe weather continues to batter parts of the province. Meyer says strong winds, flooding, fallen trees and electricity outages have affected areas including the Overberg, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and the City of Cape Town. Meyer says three people have since died during the severe weather, while several others were injured and vehicles damaged by falling trees. He has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as a Level 8 warning remains in place. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer 

Economist and Honorary Professor at the Wits Business School, Professor Jannie Rossouw says South Africa’s rising unemployment rate reflects both seasonal and deep structural economic problems. Rossouw says weak economic growth continues to fuel job losses and limit opportunities. He says government policies over the past three decades have failed to create enough jobs or attract sufficient investment. New figures released from Statistics South Africa show the country's unemployment rate has deepened. South Africa's official unemployment rate climbed to 32-point-7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31-point-4 percent in the final quarter of 2025.  Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Honorary Professor at the Wits Business School and economist at Altitude Wealth, Professor Jannie Rossouw.  

Three suspects aged between 46 and 60 are expected to appear on Wednesday before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to extortion. The suspects were arrested by members of the organized crime unit in Mpumalanga in the early hours of this morning, two in Gauteng and one in Mpumalanga. Among the arrested suspects is a taxi boss. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Mpumalanga Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.       

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, SAPS Zonkizizwe CIMAC Commander Warrant Officer Marumo Magane admitted officers made an oversight by allowing a truck suspected of carrying drugs to leave a premises without obtaining a search warrant. Commissioners questioned why police failed to secure the scene despite reasonable suspicion. Magane conceded the decision exposed officers to possible danger and created a risk that the suspected drugs could have been removed before reaching the destination.

The State Information Technology Agency has entered a new leadership phase with Magatho Anthony Mello officially taking over as permanent Managing Director from 1 April 2026. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi also announced a full new board approved by Cabinet for a three-year term. The appointments end nearly two years of acting leadership at SITA and are expected to bring stability, improved governance. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SITA's managing director Magatho Mello 

Gauteng Hawks Head Ebrahim Kadwa and Senior Crime Intelligence Officer Feroz Khan have been granted R20 000 bail each.They appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Monday morning.The two Major-Generals face charges related to the illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals, illicit precious metals transactions and corruption.The State did not oppose bail and the accused are to hand in their passport as one of the bail conditions. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Ndanca 

Gauteng Hawks coordinator of narcotics cases, Colonel Francois Steyn has told the Madlanga Commission that officers Mashaba and Manganye allegedly opened a container at Scania where about 20 bags of suspected narcotics fell out and were loaded into an unmarked Nissan bakkie. He admitted he did not directly witness the incident and relied on accounts from officers on scene. Photographic evidence was later retrieved from colleagues after his phone was damaged.

The Acting Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Thabo Khupari, says at least 10 fatalities have been reported nationwide as adverse weather conditions continue to impact several provinces. The government has officially classified the recent severe weather battering several provinces as a national disaster. The declaration follows widespread flooding, storms, damaging winds, and snowfall affecting the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga. The National Disaster Management Centre says the move will strengthen coordination and speed up relief, rescue, and recovery operations as communities continue facing infrastructure damage. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Acting Head of the National Disaster Management Centre,  Thabo Khupari 

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.

The Economic Freedom Fighters say they are satisfied with developments linked to the Phala Phala matter. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo says the outcome reinforces the party’s long-standing position on parliamentary accountability. Thambo says the ruling strengthens their argument that oversight mechanisms must be fully exercised when dealing with allegations involving the executive. The Constitutional Court ruled today that the Phala Phala vote was invalid and unconstitutional. The court upheld an application by the EFF and ATM, setting aside the National Assembly's vote of 13 December 2022. The matter now returns to Parliament's impeachment committee for reconsideration, reopening a probe into President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala farm theft saga. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Economic Freedom Fighters' national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.

Constitutional Court has ruled that Phala Phala vote was invalid and unconstitutional. The court upheld an application by the EFF and ATM, setting aside the National Assembly's vote of 13 December 2022. The matter now returns to Parliament's impeachment committee for reconsideration, reopening A probe into President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala farm theft saga. The ruling also declared National Assembly Rule 129I inconsistent with the Constitution. Delivering the courts judgement earlier today Chief Justice Mandisa Maya had this to say 

ANC's national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says the party respects South Africa's constitutional processes and remains confident President Cyril Ramaphosa will withstand renewed scrutiny in the Phala Phala impeachment matter. Bhengu says the ANC will obey the law while defending Ramaphosa's leadership and record. Meanwhile, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has described the ruling as a serious moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy, Parliament, and the Presidency. Hill-Lewis says the judgment by the Constitutional Court of South Africa has made it clear that Parliament must correct its rules and that the Section 89 report must now proceed to an impeachment committee.

Political analyst Ongama Mtimka says at the parliamentary level, Government of National Unity (GNU) partners are likely to adopt a cautious and restrained approach on accountability, prioritising political stability over open confrontation. Mtimka’s comments come after the Constitutional Court ruled today that the Phala Phala vote was invalid and unconstitutional. The court upheld an application by the EFF and ATM, setting aside the National Assembly's vote of 13 December 2022. The matter now returns to Parliament's impeachment committee for reconsideration, reopening a probe into President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala farm theft saga. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to political analyst Ongama Mtimka. 

Leader of the National Coloured Congress and MP Fadiel Adams has been remanded in custody until 13 May. Adams made his first appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court today. He faces five charges linked to the alleged interference in the high-profile murder investigation of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa. It was being handled by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team. The State alleges that between November 2024 and January 2025, Adams unlawfully met and interviewed accused persons connected the murder case while they were in custody. In postponing the matter, Magistrate Wendalyn Robinson ordered that Adams not to disclose his detention location.

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) says it notes with serious concern the recent intervention by National Treasury regarding the implementation of the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA) between the City of Johannesburg and SAMWU. The union says it rejects both the substance and political posture underpinning the intervention, which amounts to a dangerous encroachment into collective bargaining and municipal labour relations. For more on this we are joined on the line by Provincial Secretary of South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in Gauteng, Mpho Tladinyane

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has condemned the viral spread of fake videos and images falsely portraying attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, saying the content is deliberately designed to damage the country’s international reputation. Minister in the Presidency was today briefing the media on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting held in Cape Town.

Around 89 thousand learners remain at home as 125 schools across the Eden and Central Karoo education districts in the Western Cape are closed due to heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions. The Western Cape Education Department says the closures will remain in place on Thursday. Officials maintain schools are only shut in exceptional circumstances, citing the severity of current warnings. Reports of infrastructure damage have already emerged, with support teams mobilized. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Sagree Chetty and Joel Guy, SABC's weather forecaster, for the latest forecast and outlook across affected regions.

Residents in Tembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand have taken to the streets, demanding the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops. Large crowds gathered at Swazi Inn, accusing some shop owners of selling unsafe and expired food products. Community members say their health is at risk and are calling for urgent government intervention. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca  

National Coloured Congress leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams is today expected to be processed at Durban's Westville police station. Adams was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team in Cape Town. He is facing allegations of fraud and obstructing the ends of justice in connection with alleged interference in investigations on the murder case of ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa. Adams is set to appear before the Pinetown magistrate's court for fraud and defeating the ends of justice, SABC reporter Zanele Buthelezi.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are searching for suspects after cocaine worth about R13 million was seized at Durban Harbour during an intelligence-led operation. Officers discovered 32 blocks hidden in a bus shipped from South America to Gauteng. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda explains 

SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has cautioned that Members of Parliament are required to use formal communication channels when engaging on issues linked to active criminal investigations.This comes after the arrest of Fadiel Adams, who also serves as an MP and leader of the NCC, over allegations of fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Police say the matter is linked to the investigation into the killing of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa, with allegations that Adams interfered with ongoing probes. SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe explains  

The South African Police Service is urging National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams to hand himself over to authorities. Police say an AJ50 warrant has been issued over allegations of fraud and obstructing justice against Adams. Police say the case is linked to the murder investigation of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa and allegations that Adams interfered with ongoing investigations into the murder of the late ANC Youth League leader, Sindiso Magaqa. SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explains. 

Three suspects are expected to appear in the Kagiso Magistrates' Court on charges of kidnapping and extortion. Gauteng police say the trio, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested on Saturday following the rescue of a 30-year-old victim in Kagiso on the West Rand. Authorities allege the victim was abducted during a housebreaking incident on Friday. Police investigations are continuing. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thabiso Radebe   

Police in Limpopo have opened a case of kidnapping and housebreaking after a two-year-old girl was taken from her home in Ga-Mabuela village, in the Waterberg District. Police say Omphile Sethole went missing from her room in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police say Omphile's grandmother woke up at six o'clock and found the window open. Community members conducted a search, but the child has not yet been found.  Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter  Rudzani Tshivhase....

Seven people have been killed in a devastating crash in Kariega, in Eastern Cape this morning. Authorities say a minibus taxi carrying workers allegedly made a U-turn in front of an oncoming bus, triggering the collision. Multiple others were left injured, with two in serious condition. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Eastern Cape department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose 

Three people have died in a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, including a Dutch woman who collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport. The Health Department says only two infected passengers entered South Africa. A British patient remains in critical condition in isolation at a Sandton private hospital. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi 

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 

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... 

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 

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. 

A group of protesters are marching in the Johannesburg CBD today as they protest against illegal immigration, crime and corruption. The group marched the Union Buildings in Pretoria and the Gauteng Legislature in the past two days to hand over a memorandum of demands. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy Government Spokesperson, William Baloyi.

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

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.

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 

The March and March group is today continuing its protest in Johannesburg, gathering outside the Gauteng Legislature. Demonstrators claim illegal immigration is fuelling unemployment and labour violations. It is the second day of the movement's campaign in the city. They plan to hand over a memorandum of demands to the Gauteng provincial legislature. The group says it seeks urgent government action on border control, jobs protection, and enforcement of labour laws issues. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Calvin Dludla  

The case of nine people accused of the killing of a part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, Sifundo Madasi, has been postponed to June in the Soshanguve Magistrate's Court north of Pretoria. The group allegedly killed Madasi in Soshanguve in February after accusing him of sexually assaulting two minors. All the accused are on bail of two thousand rand each under strict conditions, including not contacting state witnesses. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Nonhlanhla Ntshingila 

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

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 

The Office of the Auditor General is today briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in Parliament on the latest audit outcomes of metropolitan municipalities. The Auditor-General's business unit leader for the Free State, Odwa Duda, has reported to members that the audit findings for the Mangaung Metro in the Free State reveal ongoing weaknesses in financial control. Duda, says the audit outcome in Mangaung Metro has remained unchanged for three consecutive years with growing areas of concern.

March and March Movement together with several other political parties are marching to the Union Buildings in Pretoria today. The parties say the march is over unemployment, safety, dignity and access to opportunities. The movement is also concerned about what it describes as the deterioration of the country including crime and illegal migration. To discuss this further Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ATM National Spokesperson, Zama Ntshona. 

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to ask that the National Treasury investigate possible irregularities in the procurement process for textbooks for Grade 1-3 pupils. Allegations surfaced  that publishing company Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd, which stood to make more than R285 million producing textbooks and learning and teaching support materials for the Department of Basic Education, was registered three days after the contract specifications were issued. Minister spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa explains