listen to SAfm Current Affairs
SAfm Current Affairs
Delays at Madlanga Commission as Matlala's legal team requested more time
The Madlanga Commission was delayed on Monday as the legal team representing attempted murder accused and businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala sought more time to consult with their client. Matlala eventually appeared before the Commission and invoked his right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions about matters linked to ongoing criminal cases. His lawyers had also threatened to withdraw from the proceedings in a "hypothetical scenario" if the Commission proceeded with Matlala's application without giving them additional time to prepare him. Sibahle Motha reports.
Supreme Court of Appeal to hear the state's appeal on the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant
The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will hear the state's appeal against a High Court ruling on the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant. The High Court previously found parts of the application process were unconstitutional and unfairly excluded vulnerable people. Government is challenging that decision. Civil society groups say barriers are still leaving some of South Africa's poorest without vital support. We spoke Nkosinathi Sithole, Head of Litigation at Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI).
Affected mining communities to appear before Parliament to demand inquiry into environmental damage and economic debt.
Affected mining communities are appearing before Parliament today to demand a formal inquiry into a century of environmental damage and economic debt. Leading the "100 Year Debt Campaign", the groups are presenting their case directly to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources. They are calling for an immediate investigation into corporate exits, abandoned shafts, and failed land rehabilitation. We spoke to Mining Affected Communities United in Action, MACUA Executive Director, Christopher Rutledge.
New political movement; Move SA launches and registers to contest this year's municipal elections
A new political movement, Move SA, has officially registered to contest this year's municipal elections. The organisation, spearheaded by prominent housing entrepreneur Rali Mampeule has reportedly established seventy branches and signed up over five thousand members across Gauteng within its first month. Mampeule, known for driving large-scale infrastructure projects says the party will focus directly on municipal accountability and failing basic services. We spoke to MOVE SA, President and Founder, Rali Mampeule.
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says their tree-planting initiative is about more than simply adding trees to the city's landscape
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says their tree-planting initiative is about more than simply adding trees to the city's landscape. Speaking to SABC News at Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton, the organisation said bringing different stakeholders and communities together reflects the shared responsibility of creating and protecting greener spaces. City Parks says trees play a vital role in the urban environment, and educating young people about environmental care is equally important. Zine Buthelezi filed this report…
Public Protector of South Africa Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organisations to help root out corruption
Public Protector of South Africa Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organisations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations. Gcaleka was speaking at the St Paul African Apostolic Church's Annual Feast in Moletsane, Soweto. The annual feast brings together congregants from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a day of prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship. Sashin Naidoo reports...
Matlala uneasy without lead counsel at the Madlanga Commission
Advocate Fatima Missi, representing alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, says her client is not comfortable proceeding with his testimony at the Madlanga Commission without his lead counsel, who is ill. Missi says the legal team also needs more time to prepare its replying affidavit and written submissions. She says Matlala has instructed his lawyers to approach the court urgently to interdict the proceedings if the Commission does not postpone the matter until tomorrow. The Commission questioned why the defence had not brought a substantive application for postponement earlier.
Postbank urges grant beneficiaries to migrate to black cards before deadline.
Postbank says social grant beneficiaries have less than five days to migrate from SASSA gold cards to black cards before the 31 August deadline. More than 1.8 million beneficiaries have already migrated, while fewer than 80,000 still need to do so. Postbank says the deadline will not be extended. Beneficiaries can migrate for free at selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar. They need only a valid ID or temporary ID. Funds will remain in their accounts, but beneficiaries must migrate before accessing them. Thami Cele is the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Postbank
Former Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola says they wanted victims families involved in TRC investigations
Former Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola during his cross examination at the Truth and Reconciliation Cases Commission he wanted the investigation and prosecution to be victim centric.
Matlala legal team struggles to access him at the C-Max Prison
Advocate Fatima Missi, representing alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala at the Madlanga Commission, says his legal team has not had sufficient access to their client. Missi says she had to "grovel and beg" security officials to be allowed to consult Matlala at the X max prison. She has asked for more time to file the required legal documents. Commission chairperson Justice Madlanga says he does not understand the issue around agonising over consultations with Matlala, saying these matters should have been dealt with in his response.
Justice Madlanga orders Matlala application to proceed
The Madlanga Commission has ruled that it will proceed with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s application. Matlala has submitted an application addressing the reasons preventing him from engaging with certain arguments. The Commission is set to hear arguments pertaining to his self-incrimination application, but uncertainty remains over his legal representation. Matlala told the Commission he was “in the dark” and had not had enough time to decide whether he agreed with his lawyers’ position on withdrawing from his legal team. His legal team asked for more time to clarify his instructions. Commissioner Baloyi described the developments as “deeply problematic”, questioning whether Matlala’s lawyers had accurately represented his instructions.
CRL Commission condemns Cosmo School’s alleged learner readmission refusal.
The CRL Rights Commission says it is investigating a case involving a learner allegedly refused access to school after undergoing customary initiation. Deputy Chairperson Prince George Matlangu says the commission is concerned, stressing that education is a basic constitutional right. The commission will engage the school principal, governing body and Basic Education Department. Matlangu says the investigation will balance the learner’s rights with sensitivities surrounding cultural initiation practices, seeking a swift resolution.Deputy Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission Prince George Mahlangu explains
Springboks team unchanged for second Test against New Zealand.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a largely unchanged team for Saturday's second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town. Siya Kolisi is bracketed with Paul de Villiers at flank, while Handre Pollard and Cobus Reinach form the halfback pairing. Ethan Hooker replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe, with Kurt-Lee Arendse switching wings. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more
Limpopo car crash kills 3 learners
The Rankapole family who lost their daughter in a crash which killed three learners and a driver at Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo, say they are failing to come to terms with her passing. Both vehicles, a bus and a minibus taxi were carrying learners. Several learners were injured and were hospitalised at various health care facilities. The Education Department says it has initiated psychosocial support to the affected families. The SABC News crew visited one of the bereaved families and compiled this report. Avhapfani Munyai reports.
Public Protector calls on faith based organizations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations.
Public Protector of South Africa, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organisations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations. Gcaleka was speaking at the St Paul African Apostolic Church's Annual Feast in Moletsane, Soweto. The annual feast brings together congregants from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a day of prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship. Sashin Naidoo reports.
Zolani "Lastborn" Tete's welcome the progress made in the investigation into his murder
The family of the slain two time world champion boxing superstar, Zolani "Lastborn" Tete, have welcomed the progress made in the investigation into his murder. Two men of interest were taken in for questioning. He was gunned down by unknown gunmen who had balaclavas on while arriving at his home in Mdantsane on Friday evening. Ntombozuko Balintulo filed this report
Ramaphosa plans to deal with liquor traders operating near schools
National Liquor Traders says it agrees children must be protected from underage drinking, but opposes blanket closures of taverns near schools. The group is responding to ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa's proposal, made at the party's manifesto launch to close taverns operating near schools. Convenor Lucky Ntimane told our senior producer Ronald Phiri that many outlets hold valid licences and shouldn't be punished for apartheid-era town planning.
Ramaphosa instructs ANC party’s prospective mayors and councillors to shape up
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his party's prospective mayors and councillors 100 days to change the face of their wards and municipalities. This is contained in the 65 page ANC 2026 local government election manifesto he unveiled at Riversand Park Diepsloot north of Johannesburg on Sunday. Ramaphosa said within 100 days all ANC local government representatives must have fixed streets lights, fix potholes, stop water leaks and sewage spills. Our Politics Reporter Ntebo Mokobo attended the launch and filed us this report
Seven Emfuleni Municipality employees to appear in court for allegedly taking bribes to illegally reconnect electricity
Seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees will appear in court today on charges of fraud and theft. This follows their arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team in Vanderbijlpark. Police allege the suspects took payments from residents to illegally reconnect electricity. Investigations are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out. We spoke to DA Emfuleni Local Municipality mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala.
Save video to ...
