Update@Noon

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

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 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  

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

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 

Businessman and alleged police informer Tumelo Nku's testimony before the Madlanga Commission has been postponed indefinitely due to security concerns. This has been confirmed by the commission's Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Nku has been implicated in the Aeroton drug bust, which resulted in police recovering more than 700 kilogrammes of drugs in the south of Johannesburg in 2021. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the commission's spokesperson Jeremy Michaels 

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.

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 

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli, says the province demonstrated democratic maturity during the recent marches against undocumented immigration, with thousands protesting peacefully and within the law. Ntuli praised law enforcement for maintaining order but confirmed that 51 people were arrested for alleged looting and other criminal activities linked to the demonstrations. He says those who exploited the marches for criminal purposes will face the full might of the law.

The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes court has adjourned the 228-million rand Medicare24 tender case to the 13th of July for agreement on the sentencing of tenderpreneur, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala. The court this morning* rejected the state and the defence's proposed 8-year direct imprisonment, finding it to be too lenient. Instead it proposed a 12-year sentence. Matlala's lawyers consulted with him and they did not agree to the proposed sentence. Matlala pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Although he entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority, the court found that a harsher sentence was justified. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Associate Attorney at Ulrich Roux & Associates, Bradon Wolmarans.....

Feroz Khan's legal representative told the Madlanga Commission that concerns about a possible security leak are still unproven but worrying. He said the family believes there were unusual events surrounding Khan's hospitalisation, including police activity at the hospital and media presence. The lawyer also said Khan feared for his safety after earlier incidents involving witnesses at the Commission. The Madlanga Commission is today dealing with the matter of suspended Crime Intelligence Deputy Head, Major General Feroz Khan. Khan, was due to testify before the Commission today, remains in hospital after he was shot in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Sunday.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) is set to embark on a series of training workshops across the country to assist registered political parties and prospective independent candidates prepare for the submission of candidate nominations and supporters lists (in respect of independent candidates) ahead of the November 4 local government elections. The workshops will be held in all nine provinces from 6 July until 16 July. Registered parties and prospective independent candidates are encouraged to register for the workshops using the link created for this purpose. The link has been shared on the IEC social media channels. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to IEC Deputy Manager for Electoral Operations, Kgosietsile Tshoke 

Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili says that following nationwide demonstrations against undocumented migrants, most protests remained peaceful, but some individuals exploited the situation to commit crime. She says police responded swiftly to incidents of looting, robbery and public violence, and more than 900 people were arrested during the operations. Charges include public violence, robbery at spaza shops, and offences linked to harbouring undocumented migrants.

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested five suspects following alleged business burglaries and malicious damage to property in Mpumalanga Township, Hammarsdale. Police say officers responded to reports of container tuck shops being broken into on Embuthweni Main Road in the early hours of Tuesday. One suspect was arrested inside a tuck shop, while four others were caught as they allegedly tried to flee. The suspects, aged between 14 and 27, are expected to appear in court once processing is complete. Colonel Robert Netshiunda  explains 

The temporary repatriation site at the Old Durban Drive-In has officially closed after operations ended yesterday (on Sunday). However, thousands of Malawian nationals across South Africa are still awaiting repatriation. Scores remain camped at the former Drive-In site despite its closure. The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government says plans are underway to relocate those still at the facility. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to KwaZulu-Natal head of government communications Bongani Gina 

Thousands of Soweto residents have embarked on a march to the Protea North police station, to protest against undocumented foreign nationals. This comes comes ahead of the planned marches and gatherings against undocumented foreign nationals tomorrow. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Sashin Naidoo 

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has increased its deployment at the Beitbridge border crossing following last week's announcement of a temporary repatriation processing center in Musina, Limpopo. This as several countries, including Zimbabwe - which borders at Beitbridge - continue to repatriate their citizens amid growing tensions over illegal immigration. For more on this we are joined on the line by Border Management Authority Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi...

The appearance of Crime Intelligence official Major General Firoz Khan at the Madlanga Commission hangs in the balance after he was shot in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Sunday night. While the Madlanga Commission is yet to comment on this development, Khan, who was due to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, is unlikely to have recovered in time, as he remains in hospital in a reportedly critical condition. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe Explains 

The National Prosecution Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit has frozen a luxury property belonging to Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane valued at six million rand. The property in Hartbeespoort is alleged to have been acquired through the proceeds of unlawful activities, including corruption and money laundering. Judge Phahlane, who is currently out on bail, is facing allegations of accepting a two-million rand bribe in exchange for delivering a favorable judgment in the succession case of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. NPA Spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago ...

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

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 

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,

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 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is leading a high-level stakeholder summit on undocumented foreign nationals today. The summit brings together religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, academics, foreign missions, business representatives, and civil society organisations. The summit comes amid a wave of anti-illegal immigration marches in parts of the country ahead of planned June 30 demonstrations. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Head of government communications in KZN Bongani Gina 

Alleged underworld kingpin Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala has pleaded guilty to all charges against him in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. He faces serious charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering related to a 228 million rand contract his company secured from the South African Police Service (SAPS). Matlala has also pleaded guilty on behalf of his company, Medicare 24 . Additionally, he is expected to enter into a plea and sentencing agreement with the state, which may influence the outcome of his case that involves 16 others - including senior police officers.  Matlala responded to all the charges against him. Matlala's attorney Maluleke says his client has been rehabilitated, acted of his own accord, and shown remorse. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador, Andy Mashaile

South Africans around the country are celebrating  Bafana Bafana's historic achievement of advancing to the knockout stage at the World Cup for the first time. In the first two weeks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, South Africa, ranked 60th in the world, had to field a lot of questions on whether they deserved to play in the tournament.They echoed even louder after a lackluster performance and two-nil defeat to Mexico in the opening match two weeks ago. Striker Thapelo Maseko's goal secured his side the crucial one-nil win over South Korea in Monterrey this morning. William Baloyi, is Deputy Government Spokesperson

Nearly 3 million South Africans responded to the call to register and update their details during the National Voter Registration Weekend. The latest registration drive saw a strong turnout by young South Africans. To build on this momentum, the Commission has opened another opportunity for eligible citizens to register or update their details at voting stations on 1 and 2 August. In a further move to improve access, the Commission also confirmed that its Online Voter Registration Portal has now been zero-rated. This means South Africans can register, update their information and check their voter status without using mobile data. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Electoral Commission (IEC)  Assistant Manager: Civic and Democracy Education, Mmakgabo Ramathlodi

Suspended Ekurhuleni deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi raises concern over what he terms as "differential treatment" at the commission compared to other witnesses, including Chief Mapiyeye, Kelebogile Thipa and Revo Spies. Mkhwanazi who concluded his testimony before the Madlanga Commission, has been accused of attempting to establish a parallel security unit within the EMPD. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will resign but remain in place as prime minister until a new Labour leader has been selected. Starmer's departure will pave the way for Britain's seventh leader in a decade. The threat to Starmer has been building for months, but it increased sharply when Andy Burnham decisively won a parliamentary election to return to Westminster. Starmer's departure comes less than two years after he won a landslide election victory that promised to end Britain's chaotic politics. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr. Terence McNamee, a senior fellow at the Montreal Institute for Global Security

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says the department is strengthening its use of technology to help prevent individuals who have been deported from re-entering South Africa.Schreiber was visiting the Sherwood facility in Durban where thousands of displaced Malawian nationals are being processed to return to their country of origin. This following reports of intimidation against undocumented foreign nationals. He says the new system assists authorities in verifying information and detecting possible fraudulent documentation submitted during entry processes. Schreiber says the initiative aims to improve border management and enhance the accuracy of immigration checks.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli says government plans to close the facility due to unsafe living conditions after a site assessment, where 1,600 Malawian nationals are sheltering in an abandoned municipal building in Pietermaritzburg. This follows reports of intimidation against undocumented foreign nationals. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Celumusa Zulu

Senior SAPS ballistics analyst, Captain Lawrence Makgotloe, has been granted bail of R15 000 in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. Makgotloe face several charges including defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and being an accessory to murder after the fact. The State alleges he intentionally manipulated ballistic evidence in high-profile murder cases, including the killings of Armand Swart and DJ Sumbody to shield suspects. NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explains 

Four people have been killed and another seriously wounded in a suspected gang-related shooting in Lotus River on the Cape Flats. Police say gunmen opened fire on five men seated outside a block of flats on Thursday night. The victims, aged between 32 and 44, died at the scene. Police say Anti-Gang Unit detectives are investigating, with no arrests made.  Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa

The United States and Iran have signed a landmark interim agreement aimed at ending months of a devastating war. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, US president, Donald Trump says he wants Iran to honour the agreement, while threatening severe consequences for any violations. Iranian officials have hailed the deal as a diplomatic victory, saying negotiations have achieved far more than military action. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to a Senior Research Fellow & Director at Africa Asia Dialogues (AFRASID), Thembisa Fakude.

The Independent Electoral Commission's CEO Sy Mamabolo says a total of 23 706 voter registration stations will operate from 8am to 5pm this weekend. This includes 22 718 permanent stations, 960 temporary sites, and 28 mobile stations for remote areas. KwaZulu-Natal leads with 5 021 stations, followed by Eastern Cape with 4 984, Limpopo 3 317, and Gauteng 2 832. The Commission has revealed it has deployed 48 212 staff to ensure a smooth registration process ahead of the 20–21 July voter registration weekend. The Commission was ealier briefing ahead of this weekend's voter registration drive as the country gears up for the November elections. IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo ealier briefing the media had this to say.

Bafana Bafana will play crucial must-win world cup game against Czechia later today.  Bafana coach Hugo Broos has says that he and his charges began preparing two days after the heartbreak against Mexico and that he might have a few tactical tricks up his sleeve. To look more into the match between the two countries. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to a Senior SABC Sports Reporter, Vincent Sitsula.

The Chairperson the Impeachment Committee on the Section 89 Inquiry, Makashule Gana says the Section 89 Impeachment Committee has resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent court bid to halt the impeachment process. Gana says the majority of committee members support opposing the application and that he will act on the committee's behalf. He says the Speaker of Parliament will be petitioned to join the opposition, but if not, the committee will proceed independently. Gana adds time constraints make obtaining a second legal opinion impractical. Meanwhile The African Transformation Movement and its leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula, have opposed President Cyril Ramaphosa's court bid to halt Parliament's impeachment process pending a review into the Section 89 independent panel report into the Phala Phala matter. In papers filed before the Western Cape High Court, ATM argues the President has no reason to fear unfair treatment, as impeachment rules ensure procedural fairness. Ramaphosa's interdict application is scheduled to be heard on the 15th and 16th of July. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the African Transformation Movement parliamentary Leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula.

Various organisations including the Xolani Khumalo Foundation and the Tembisa Community Forum have taken it to the streets marching against undocumented immigration. The march follows growing concerns over undocumented immigrants and allegations linking some foreign nationals to criminal activity. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to  SABC News reporter Horisani Sithole.  

The IEC says as we commemorate Youth Month, it encourages the youth to become active citizens and participate in democratic processes. The Independent Electoral Commission says young citizens can engage in participatory democracy through various means, including assemblies, demonstrations, petitions, and through direct consultations and elections. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Assistant Manager: Civic and Democracy Education at the Independent Electoral Commission, Mmakgabo Ramathlodi.

The Presidency says president Cyril Ramaphosa is applying his mind to the DA's request to have its deployee, Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen removed from cabinet.  The party wants the Fisheries, Forestry and Environment minister Willie Aucamp to replace Steenhuisen. The DA also wants Western Cape Education minister, David Maynier to take over Aucamp's cabinet position. The party also wants Gauteng Member of the Legislature, Jack Bloem to take over as deputy minister of Water and Sanitation from Sello Seitlholo. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to a Political analyst Professor Andre Duvenage.

The attempted murder case against Vusimuzi "Cat" and his co-accused has been postponed to the 30th of this month in the High Court in Johannesburg. This is for accused number one in the matter - Musa Kekana - to sort out his funding issues with his legal representative. Matlala and his co-accused are facing charges of attempted murder for the botched assassination attempt of socialite Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni and music producer DJ Vettys. Kekana's attorney Joe Strauss told the court that he had not received part of his payment for him to continue with the trial. Judge William Karam has cautioned Kekana that any delays to the trial will prejudice his co-accused.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News Reporter Neria Hlakotsa

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni says they are now focused on meeting the target of creating jobs through creation and support of small businesses. Ndabeni says the private sector also has to work with government to support the establishment and success of small businesses. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni

The CEO of the National Youth Development Agency says unemployment is a big factor defining life for youth in South Africa today. CEO of NYDA, Ndumiso Kubheka, states that the agency faces funding challenges in meeting the financial needs of the youth. Kubheka says their funding can only cover 2600 young people instead of 4.7 million people. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Ndumiso Kubheka, the CEO of the National Youth Development Agency.   

Youth Employment Service says it has worked with private sector to create over 200 000 employment opportunities. YES's Bongekile Mzolo  they are still working and pushing for more as it is not enough. YES says it is helping skill young people from schools and universities to help in fast tracking their employment. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Youth Employment Service's Bongekile Mzolo 

The case of alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and three co-accused, has been postponed to Wednesday in the High Court in Johannesburg. The accused were in court this morning. Matlala is accused of orchestrating the failed attempt to kill his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, businessman Joe Sibanyoni, and music producer Seunkie Mokubung, popularly known as DJ Vettys. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Sashin Naidoo .

Pakistan and Qatar have welcomed the preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an important step towards peace and lasting stability in the region. While still a framework, the deal marked the biggest breakthrough towards resolving the conflict that has killed thousands and upended energy markets since it began ‌with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Former Diplomat and International relations expert, Dr Kingsley Makhubela.  

Buses have arrived at Durban's Sherwood Hall playground to start repatriation of thousands of displaced Malawian nationals to their country of origin. The group had sought refuge at the site after targeted threats from anti-foreigner groups forced them to flee their communities. Humanitarian groups, including Gift of the Givers, have continued to provide emergency relief while authorities co-ordinate the repatriation process. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Gcinokuhle Malinga

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma says the government, working with international partners, successfully repatriated the mortal remains of Sihle Makhanye from Russia after a 69-day process. He says the remains travelled via Istanbul before arriving in South Africa and were handed over in KwaZulu-Natal. The funeral will take place on Saturday under uMvoti Municipality with logistical support provided. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the spokesperson for the KZN MEC for transport and human settlements, Sboniso Duma.  

Anti-crime activists and community leaders on the Cape Flats, Western Cape are raising alarm over the growing number of young people being drawn into gangsterism. Poverty, unemployment, school dropouts, and a lack of recreational facilities are among the factors being blamed. Activists say gangs often fill a void by offering a sense of belonging, protection, and financial support. Children as young as 14 are reportedly being recruited, deepening concerns about the future of vulnerable communities. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the CEO of Inspire Network and a steering committee member of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition Imraahn Mukaddam 

The Children Institute and Legal Resources Centre wants the Western Cape High Court to order home affairs to develop and execute a plan to clear its birth registration backlog. The institute says thousands of children currently live without legal recognition and documentation denying them access to healthcare, grants and education. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Attorney at Legal Resources Centre, which is representing the Children's Institute UCT and a group of South African parents in the court case, Claire Rankin