SAfm Current Affairs
Prudence Moiloa: No sanitary recall yet
The National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into nine sanitary pad suppliers. This comes after a University of the Free State study found harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, in some pads and panty liners. The study found these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer, affecting millions of South African women and girls monthly. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Divisional Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission, Prudence Moilwa.
Sipumelele Lucwaba: Only 30% of early graders read at level.
The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report reveals that reading levels for South African children are still at crisis point. The report released yesterday, reveals that only 30% of learners in grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level in their home language. In some languages, up to 25% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word, while 15% scored zero in reading assessments. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to report author Sipumelele Lucwaba
Lisette IJssel de Schepper: Economy slightly better, not turning point.
A boost in tax revenue has given the National Treasury room to offer the first inflation-linked tax relief since the 2023/24 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says revenue for the current financial year is projected to come in higher than previously forecast. This has been supported by stronger VAT collections and higher platinum and gold prices. Tabling the 2026 budget in Parliament in Cape Town, Godongwana says the improvement revenue collections has allowed government to scrap 20 billion rand in planned tax increases. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Lisette Ijssel de Schepper
NLC Funding Creates 1,303 Jobs, Supports 10,000 Beneficiaries
The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sports, and social support services. The initiatives were mainly in Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Limpopo. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Lotteries Commission's Commissioner Jody Scholtz
ANC calls for 2026 Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection
The ANC is calling for the 2026 National Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection. With economic momentum building and inflation under control, the party wants reforms in electricity, logistics, and water to boost employment. The ANC also wants to protect social services and extend the Social Relief of Distress grant. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Joe Maswanganyi, ANC MP and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance
Voter turnout in local government elections hits all-time low in South Africa
Voter turnout in local government elections has hit an all-time low of 46% in South Africa. Analysts say residents are rejecting a system failing to deliver basic services like water and electricity. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says weak community structures and reliance on social media stunts by politicians are to be blamed for the decline. She warns trust in local democracy will erode without stronger participatory mechanisms this as Municipal elections are due later this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesego Mahlangu, Researcher in the City of Tshwane writing in her personal capacity
Protests taking place ahead of budget speech
COSATU and affiliates will stage protests ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget Speech in Cape Town today. The unions are opposing austerity measures and a 9.8% GEMS contribution hike. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks
SALGA hosts 9th National Communicators Forum
South African Local Government Association is hosting its 9th National Communicators Forum in Cape Town today. Under the theme "Elevate, Reclaiming Trust, Credibility and Citizen Connection", the event aims to equip municipal spokespeople with practical tools ahead of next year's local government elections. SALGA says the gathering comes at a critical moment, marking 30 years of organised local government while public trust remains fragile amid rising service delivery challenges. The programme includes leadership talks, hands-on labs and awards recognising outstanding municipal communication work across the country. Elvis Presslin spoke to Salga's Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba
ActionSA criticises Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address
ActionSA Gauteng Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, has criticised Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address, saying the ANC is failing the province. Ngobeni called on Lesufi to account for promises made in previous SOPAs and to provide evidence of delivery. To elaborate on his concerns, Ngobeni spoke to Elvis Presslin
One of the 17 South Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine returning home this week
The brother of one of the 17 South Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine says he's coming home this week. Sandile Ndhlovu confirms his brother is among 13 enroute to South Africa from Russia, with four already back in South Africa.The men were allegedly lured under false pretences to fight in the war. Ndhlovu spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri
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
20 Home Affairs officials dismissed and 16 suspended
Twenty Home Affairs officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended following a probe into document fraud and visa manipulation. The Special Investigating Unit, SIU launched the investigation in April 2024, uncovering recurring schemes and facilitation networks. For reaction, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lemias Mashile, former Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Labour and Home Affairs
MK Party lodges application to halt former NDPP's pension and gratuities
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has lodged an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to halt former NDPP Shamila Batohi's pension and post‑term gratuities pending a review. The party also wants to reverse funding for her legal costs in the Nkabinde Inquiry, arguing payments must be lawful and rational amid alleged misconduct. The MK says concerns raised during Batohi's testimony at the inquiry require scrutiny before any benefits are disbursed. The three‑part case is scheduled for hearing in March. For reaction and analysis on the merits of the case, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mametlwe Sebei, Lecturer in the College of Law at University of South Africa, UNISA
Bellarmine Mugabe and co-accused to appear in court
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a co‑accused are due in the Alexandra Magistrates Court this morning. They were arrested after a 23‑year‑old gardener was shot twice at Mugabe's Hyde Park residence last week and remains in critical condition. The pair face attempted‑murder charges and have been held at Bramley police station. Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem says the case must be treated purely as a criminal matter, with no political interference and urges the court to deny any preferential treatment. Elvis Presslin spoke to Activists and Citizens Forum Spokesperson, Dennis Bloem
Concern and anger over GEM' 9.8% member contribution increase
Major COSATU-affiliated public service unions, including NEHAWU, SADTU, DENOSA and POPCRU, will hold a media briefing today to express their anger over GEMS' 9.8% member contribution increase. The Unions will also raise concerns about governance lapses, threats to collective bargaining and announce details of their intended action against the medical scheme. The briefing will take place at COSATU House in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela and Dr. Stan Moloabi, Principal Officer of GEMS
Shock after figures show 97 SAPS members accused of sexual violence or rape
Gauteng's Community Safety Committee says it is deeply shocked and angry after official figures showed at least 97 South African Police Service members have been accused of sexual violence or rape across the country. The number was revealed in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's latest annual report and came up during a stakeholder meeting last Friday. Elvis Presslin spoke to Committee Chairperson, Dr. Bandile Masuku
Suspects appear in court over emergency school repairs scheme in Mpumalanga
More than 20 people are set to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today, facing charges of fraud, theft and money‑laundering linked to a R113 million "emergency school repairs" scheme in Mpumalanga. The Hawks, with support from Gauteng, Limpopo and the Western Cape, arrested the suspects in a coordinated operation targeting 40 individuals and companies accused of siphoning funds meant for 21 rural schools. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi
Civilians desperate as Sudan atrocities point to genocide
A UN fact-finding mission THIS WEEK determined that evidence of atrocities carried out during the siege and takeover of the Sudanese city of el-Fasher points to genocide. More than 6,000 people were killed in just three days when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces seized the city of el-Fasher last year, according to victims and witnesses cited in the UN report. It was one of the most brutal chapters in Sudan's nearly three-year civil war and triggered widespread international outrage.There are now calls for international criminal investigations to ensure accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims, and an end to the arms flow feeding the conflict.The ongoing civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and forced more than 13 million people from their homes. To get a sense of the civilian desperation, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors Without Borders' emergency coordinator in Darfur, Muriel Boursier
Joburg mayoral race hots up as Herman Mashaba enters the fray
Action-SA announced its President, Herman Mashaba as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. This was revealed at the Orlando Communal Hall in Soweto on Saturday. Mashaba was the City's mayor between 2016 and 2019 under a DA ticket. In his acceptance speech, Mashaba said with Johannesburg being the economic hub and if run properly, the whole country stands to benefit. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political Analyst and Director of Research at Auwal Socio-Economic Research Institute (ASRI), Angelo Fick and Political Analyst, Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast, from Nelson Mandela University
Proteas take on India in T20 Cricket World Super Eights showdown
Sports pundits dub it the final before the the actual final. This is a rematch of the 2024 final between co-hosts India and the Proteas in Ahmedabad today. The Proteas Men will seek to continue with their unbeaten form in the tournament while India who has looked less convincing although undefeated as well will look to peak at the right moment of the competition. India were in trouble in their opening group match at 77-6 against the USA before captain Suryakumar Yadav hit an unbeaten 84 to rescue his side. The Proteas' top order batsmen have however displayed consistency with the bat, something that they will to continue with in the Super Eight. For more on this clash of the titans, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm's sports anchor Janet Whitton
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