SAfm Current Affairs
MK Party Criticises O'Sullivan, Mogotsi's Parliamentary No-Show
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has condemned the refusal by Paul O'Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament's Ad-Hoc Committee, citing alleged security concerns. The party says no individual is above the law and all persons summoned to appear before the committee must comply. The MK Party notes inconsistencies in Mr. O'Sullivan's position on security concerns and says adequate security arrangements were offered to Mr. Mogotsi, which he declined. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party Member of Parliament, Sibonelo Nomvalo
Disgruntled Midrand residents to hold peaceful march
Disgruntled residents of Midrand in Johannesburg will hold a peaceful march today on Vodacom Boulevard and Lever Road to demand water. The community says they have been without water for two weeks and are demanding immediate action. Concerned Midrand Resident, Lebogang Shovhote spoke to Elvis Presslin
Investigation to be conducted into Doornfontein explosion
The City of Johannesburg says a full investigation will be conducted into the Doornfontein explosion, which caused a wall to partially collapse. Public Safety MMC Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku says the building was a warehouse converted into a residential structure. DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille says the explosion, which left four people injured, could have been prevented. Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku spoke to Elvis Presslin
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
Shock and disappointment after DIRCO declared Israeli Chargé d'Affaires persona non grata
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies says it is shocked and disappointed by DIRCO's decision to declare Israeli Chargé d'Affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata, giving him three days to leave the country. DIRCO says Seidman committed unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms, challenging South Africa's sovereignty. In response, Israel has declared South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, persona non grata, citing South Africa's actions against Israel in international forums and its move against the Israeli consul. Elvis Presslin spoke to National director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Wendy Kahn
KZN Hawks Head breached security protocols
KwaZulu-Natal police say Hawks Head Major-General Lesetja Senona breached security protocols by entering the police headquarters on a weekend and failing to sign the register. The provincial department issued a statement in response to Senona's claims that he was kicked out of his office and had his electronic devices confiscated on the instruction of Provincial Police Commissioner Lt. Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Senona also alleged he was followed to his Durban residence by marked SAPS vehicles. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said several unusual activities by Senona raised security concerns for the police. For analysis on the matter Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis
Strong emotions over changing of geographical names of places and towns
The changing of geographical names of places and towns continues to evoke strong emotions across South Africa. This week, 21 name changes and name registrations from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were approved. The Executive Director of Lex Libertas, Ernst Roets says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie's approval of these name changes, including Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sokubwe, shows the problem of centralised power in South Africa. Roets says opposition parties in the Government of National Unity have become an extension of the ANC, making the ANC stronger as a result of the GNU. Elvis Presslin spoke to Executive Director of Lex Libertas, Ernst Roets
Gauteng Provincial Government slams DA theat over Peace Officers
The Gauteng Provincial Government says the DA's threat of a legal review of the Traffic Wardens' Peace Officers declaration is politically motivated and not based on principle. It says the process follows recommendations from the Public Protector and is a result of collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Police and the provincial government. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga
DA in Gauteng to seek legal opinion over Peace Officers, formerly known as Amapanyaza
The Democratic Alliance, DA in Gauteng says it will seek legal opinion on the decision to declare more than 9,000 Crime Prevention Wardens, known as Amapanyaza, as Peace Officers. DA provincial leader, Solly Msimanga says the process appears rushed and may lack the required training and legislative framework. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Leader, Solly Msimanga
Health Department launches the 2026 HPV vaccination drive
The Department of Health will launch the 2026 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination drive today, targeting girls aged 9 and older, mainly in Grade 5, to protect them from cervical cancer. Over 5,700 cases of cervical cancer are reported annually in South Africa, with more than 3,000 deaths. Unvaccinated girls and women with HIV face higher risks. For more on the vaccination roll out, Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Fikile Ndlovu, Deputy Director General for HIV, TB, Maternal and Child Health at the Department of Health
Escaped elephants cause havoc in Mpumalanga
Elephants escaping the Songimvelo Nature Reserve in Mooiplaas near Elukwatini, Mpumalanga are tormenting communities neighbouring the reserve. It is alleged the elephants escape through the nature reserves porous fence and destroy people's crops among others. The fence was repaired in 2024. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency blames illegal miners and poachers for the broken fence. Motsebi wa Monareng reports
Learner killed in Gauteng scholar transport crash buried in Limpopo
One of the 14 learners who died in a scholar transport-truck crash in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, has been laid to rest in Limpopo. The 16-year old Sagwadi Baloyi-Mathye final resting place is at Olifantshoek village, outside Giyani. Mourners, including the classmates paid tribute to the late Sagwadi. Two weeks ago, 14 learners lost their lives in a horrific accident, when their taxi scholar transport taxi collided with a truck . The scholar transport driver, Ayanda Dludla is facing several murder charges. Rudzani Tshivhase has more
SADC scrambles to assist victims in flood ravaged Mozambique
Aid workers are scrambling to access flood ravaged areas of Mozambique to provide much-needed support, but are facing a mammoth task. At least 600,000 people have been affected in Gaza province alone, where over 10,000 square kilometres is covered by floodwater. In response to the floods, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has dispatched its Emergency Response Team to assist in mop up operations in that country. The regional body says the team will work on the ground to assess humanitarian needs, evaluate the scale of the impact and support national response efforts as affected communities grapple with the aftermath of heavy rains, infrastructure damage and displacement. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Chief of Staff at the SADC Secretariat and lead of the mission to Mozambique, Brigadier General Chere Makhetha
Row over Cape Town school principal reinstatement takes new twist
A former high school principal from Cape Town will challenge the Western Cape Department of Education in the Labour Court. This after the court ruled in his favour to be reinstated in his post by early February. However, the department filed an application for leave to appeal this judgement, suspending his return to work. The principal was dismissed in 2022 and charged with multiple counts of misconduct. This relates to Covid-19 operational matters, including an incident, where he refused to re-open the school during the first wave of the pandemic. Andile Mbanjwa reports...
EFF vows to end cooperation with the ANC
EFF leader Julius Malema says his party is to end cooperation with the ANC. He was delivering his political address opening the EFF's second plenum following their 3rd National people's assembly. This weekend EFF officials, including representatives from provincial and youth leadership, have convened in Boksburg to assess the progress of resolutions of the EFF's last national conference, as well as plan for the year ahead. Zara Groenewald reports
Outgoing NPA head Shamila Batohi apologises over her behaviour at Nkabinde Commission of Inquiry
INTRO: The National Prosecuting Authority's intense focus on prosecuting cases arising from the State Capture Commission has, in hindsight, limited its ability to decisively address internal challenges, including the alleged infiltration of rogue prosecutors. This is according to outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. While expressing disappointment over the slow pace of corruption prosecutions, Batohi insists the NPA is in a significantly stronger position than when she assumed office in 2019. Lerato Makola reports
National Consumer Commission recalls over 200 Chinese vehicles
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has just issued an urgent safety notice involving Chinese-owned, SAIC South Africa, specifically regarding the recently launched MG3. The commission says a seat defect in the vehicles could see cause the driver's seat to move unexpectedly during a collision, a risk no motorist should have to take. But what exactly does this mean for the 200-plus owners affected, and what are your rights when a manufacturer calls back your car? To talk to us about that, Bongiwe Zwane caught up with National Consumer Commission Spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba
FIFA World Cup Trophy heads to Johannesburg and Cape Town this weekend
If you want to get a glimpse of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, you need to be in Johannesburg TODAY. The trophy was officially welcomed into the country by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Building in Pretoria yesterday and TODAY the trophy heads to Johannesburg's Nasrec Expo Centre where fans can get up close for viewings and photo opportunities. The trophy's final stop is in Cape Town TOMORROW, wrapping up the three-day whirlwind visit. This marks the trophy tour's first return to South Africa since 2018 and its second stop on the African continent after Egypt. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm sports anchor, Janet Whitton
UN renews call for withdrawal of sanctions against ICC judges and prosecutors
The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for the immediate withdrawal of sanctions against judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court. This follows the latest round of designations which brings the total number of sanctions on ICC prosecutors and judges to eleven. Special Rapporteur on Independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite says such santions send a chilling message to victims of atrocities and their advocates, who rely on judges and prosecutors for accountability. Our producer, Asanda Ntame caught up with Satterthwaite and first asked her to confirm the number of ICC judges and prosecutors that have been sanctioned by the US.
UN renews call for withdrawal of sanctions against ICC judges and prosecutors
The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for the immediate withdrawal of sanctions against judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court. This follows the latest round of designations, which brings the total number of sanctioned ICC prosecutors and judges to eleven. Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite says such sanctions send a chilling message to victims of atrocities and their advocates, who rely on judges and prosecutors for accountability. Our producer, Asanda Ntame caught up with Satterthwaite and first asked her to confirm the number of ICC judges and prosecutors that have been sanctioned by the US.
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