SAfm Current Affairs
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
Court battle underway in a bid to decriminalize sex work
A heated legal battle is underway as sex workers and activists push for the decriminalization of sex work in the Western Cape High Court. The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce, alongside the Sex Worker Movement of South Africa, are challenging laws that criminalize their trade. They argue these laws violate constitutional rights. Opponents, however, are resisting the move, citing moral and social concerns. The case lodged last year by SWEAT and other organisations, seeks formal recognition of the sex industry. While the court deliberates, the National Prosecuting Authority has paused prosecutions of sex workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Constance Mathe, National Coordinator at the Asijiki Coalition for the Decriminalisation of Sex Work
NUM calls for stop to job cuts at Glencore and Samancor
The National Union of Mineworkers is calling on Glencore and Samancor to stop looming job cuts and negotiate constructively. This follows Glencore's confirmation that it has triggered a Section 189 retrenchment process under the Labour Relations Act, effective from September 1st. The move impacts Boshoek and Wonderkop Smelters in Rustenburg, Rhovan Vanadium near Bethanie and the Carbon Division in Emalahleni. NUM has slammed the retrenchment plans as premature, disingenuous and deeply concerning for workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lefty Mashego, Num's Chief Negotiator
Concern as learners miss weeks of school over unsafe conditions
The DA in Gauteng has expressed concern over Alra Park Primary School in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, where learners have missed three weeks of school due to protests over unsafe conditions. The Gauteng Department of Education has been criticized for its slow response. The DA says the 130-year-old school which was declared unsafe in 2023, still has asbestos structures and hazardous mobile classrooms. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos
Former Limpopo Premier steps aside as ANC provincial chairperson
Former Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha has stepped aside as ANC provincial chairperson, citing unethical behaviour, misconduct and a decline in ANC values as reasons for his decision. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over procedural issues in the Vhembe and Waterberg regional conferences. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC Politics Reporter, Samkele Maseko
Pretoria school criticized over alleged sexual assault of 14-year-old learner
NotInMyName International has condemned the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old female learner by a male teacher at Prinshof School in Pretoria. The incident came to light after the victim's father raised concerns about her declining academic performance, leading her to disclose the assault. The organisation has criticized the school's leadership for failing to ensure a safe environment for students. Elvis Presslin spoke to NotInMyName International's Secretary General, Themba Masango
SACP removes ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe from its Central Committee
The South African Communist Party, SACP has removed ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe from its Central Committee, escalating tensions within the Tripartite Alliance. The decision follows the SACP's plan to contest the 2026 local elections independently, a move that has sparked sharp debate with the ANC. Mantashe, a long-time SACP member and current Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, downplayed the dismissal, but the ANC has warned that the SACP's actions could fracture their decades-long partnership. Elvis Presslin spoke to SACP spokesperson, Mbulelo Mandlana and ANCYL Spokesperson, Zama Khanyase
Gwede Mantashe urges the ANC to remain a leading voice for progressive change
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe has criticised incoherent and populist messaging within the party, saying it confuses supporters. Speaking at the OR Tambo Region's Special Regional General Council in the Eastern Cape, Mantashe urged the ANC to strengthen its ideological and intellectual capacity to remain a leading voice for progressive change. This follows the ANC's decision to take action against MP Malusi Gigaba and suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for remarks deemed as deliberate "de-campaigning." Gigaba claimed the ANC had "lost its way," while Mchunu warned the party risked collapse. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gift Ngqondi, ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications
Operation Watershed calls for inclusion of the voices of all South Africans in the National Dialogue
Operation Watershed is calling for the inclusion of South Africans living abroad in the National Dialogue's Steering Committee. The civil society initiative for South Africans abroad says over one million South Africans form the Diaspora, yet remain unrecognised as a key sector. The National Dialogue, launched earlier this month under the theme "Uniting Voices, Shaping the Nation," includes 22 sectors set to nominate committee members. Operation Watershed has submitted a formal request to ensure the Diaspora's voice is heard. To elaborate further on this initiative, Elvis Presslin spoke to Hayley Reichert, a South African based in London & Founder of Operation Watershed
Why is SA failing to combat GBV?
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains shockingly prevalent across South Africa. Despite the country's robust legal framework and policies aimed at tackling GBV, experts say the practice is deeply rooted in societal norms and incidents continue to escalate at an alarming rate. In 2024 , the HSRC released The First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study. The HSRC survey showed that a third (33.1%) of South African women over the age of 18 had experienced physical violence in their lifetime .. To engage more on this topic, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Natisha Dukhi, Senior Research Specialist in the Public Health, Societies and Belonging from the research division at the Human Sciences Research Council and Gugu Nonjinge , Advocacy Specialist from the Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Consumers face electricity price shock after ESKOM/NERSA settlement
Energy regulator Nersa confirmed in a statement THIS WEEK that it has entered into a settlement with Eskom, following the mistakes it made in determining the utility's revenue for the current and next two financial years. As a result, consumers will have to cough up R54 billion more through higher electricity tariffs, phased in over 2 years. Electricity tarriffs, that had been set to rise at 5,4% and 6.2% are now expected to increase by 8,8 each year in 2026/27 and 2027/28.This is three times higher than the anticipated consumer inflation rate. To help us understand this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Prof. Samson Mamphweli, energy expert from the South African National Energy Development Institute
Herman Mashaba upbeat as ActionSA turns 5
ActionSA YESTERDAY celebrated its 5th anniversary. The party was launched on 29 August during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. The party has since grown into a significant opposition force, governing Tshwane, securing six seats in parliament, and becoming the 7th largest party nationally. Over the years, it has championed many causes including calls for firmer action against illegal immigration and supporting the Lily Mine families. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Action SA founding president, Herman Mashaba
SACP holds crucial meeting as it compacts decision to contest elections independently
The SACP says limited funds will not deter it from contesting the 2026 local government elections. The party's General Secretary Solly Mapaila says they will rely on grassroot support to ensure the success of their campaign. He was speaking to the SABC on the sidelines as the party started it's three-day Central Committee plenary meeting in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, YESTERDAY. The plenary will reflect on their alliance, elections, and broader political priorities. our reporter Zara Groenewald has more details and to further discuss the SACP and the future of the tripartite alliance,Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mbulelo Madlana, SACP spokesperson
KZN Transport authorities claim to have brokered peace deal between KwaDabeka taxi operators and e-hailing drivers
Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are facilitating an intervention between the e-hailing council and KwaDabeka taxi association. This after an e-hailing driver was allegedly assaulted and another shot at by taxi owners at KwaDabeka, west of Durban. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Jose Mourinho resigns from role as Fenerbahce boss after over one year
Jose Mourinho has left his role as Fenerbahce boss after just over a year in charge. The Portuguese's departure comes two days after the club were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica. In a statement, Fenerbahce said Mourinho had "parted ways" with the club, before thanking the 62-year-old for his efforts. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke
Germiston commuters left stranded by taxi strike over impounded vehicles
Thembisa residents have been left frustrated and stranded following the Taxi shutdown in the area. Taxi operators are protesting over the impounding of their vehicles, which are said to be unroadworthy. The Harambe Rapid Bus system is also not in operation. These commuters say they have been inconvenienced, with some missing work. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Mbalenhle Mthethwa
"The last time money was put into the SABC for infrastructure and technology was in 2010, for the FIFA World Cup" - Portfolio Committee on Communications Chairperson, Khusela Diko weighs in on state of SABC
Parliament has called on Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi to expedite the finalisation and passing of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Bill. The Bill has been stalled for months due to the Minister's previous indication of withdrawing it. Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has argued that the move is unconstitutional. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the committee's chairperson, Khusela Diko.
SA's International Trade Commission proposes implementation of sweeping tariffs on imported steel products, following industry review
The International Trade Commission of South Africa (Itac) is proposing the implementation of sweeping tariffs on imported steel products. Earlier this year, Itac announced the largest tariff review in its 22-year history in response to threats by ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) to close down its steel mills in Newcastle and Vereeniging, due to a flood of cheap imports from Asia. Steel products will see increases up to their World Trade Organisation (WTO) bound rates, of between 10% and 30%, according to a preliminary notice published last week by the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac). Sakina Kamwendo spoke to XA Global Trade Advisors MD, Donald MacKay
SASSA to roll out Beneficiary Biometric Enrollment system from September 1
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is undergoing some significant changes come September 1st. The agency has announced that it will be introducing a Beneficiary Biometric Enrollment system in all its offices across the country. According to the agency, the new biometric enrolment is expected to detect potential fraudulent activities in the SASSA's grant system, among others. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Director General of the Social Development Development Peter Netshipale…
Proteas Women's Coach clarifies plans for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
Proteas Women's Coach, Mandla Mashimbyi has clarified that former captain Dane van Niekerk is not part of South Africa's plans for next month's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Van Niekerk made a return to the national set-up this week during the ongoing training camp in Durban. Given the subcontinent conditions, which typically favour spin-bowling all-rounders like Van Niekerk, her presence in camp had sparked speculation that she might make a sensational comeback for the global showpiece. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke
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