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Unpacking Africa’s Top Economic Stories with Victor Kgomoesoana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
SAPS Ramps Up Drug Crackdown at OR Tambo
Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations at OR Tambo International Airport following a series of back-to-back drug trafficking busts over the long weekend. In the latest incident, police intercepted a Dutch national attempting to board a flight to London with 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage, less than 24 hours after a Brazilian national was arrested at the same airport carrying cocaine worth an estimated R8.7 million.We spoke to Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety.
Gauteng Child Immunisation Drops to 75%
The Gauteng Department of Health says child immunisation has fallen to 75%, putting children under one at greater risk of preventable diseases. As Africa marks African Vaccination Week, the department is urging parents to keep vaccinations on schedule. We spoke to Yolandie Luther, Assistant director Expanded program on immunization and Communicable Diseases control.
Quintal: Flood-prone living exposes freedom’s broken promise
Amnesty International South Africa says the promise of dignity and equality for all remains unfulfilled for millions of people as the country commemorates 32 years since the end of Apartheid. The organisation says millions of South Africans are still denied basic services in the new dispensation. Amnesty International says today, more than five million people live in informal settlements that are routinely flooded, neglected and forgotten, trapped in cycles of hardship that undermine the very freedoms won in 1994. Elvis Presslin spoke to Spokesperson for Amnesty International South Africa, Genevieve Quintal....
General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America Eddy Alemán urges truth and unity against division.
The South African Council of Churches and its counterparts the Reformed Church in America (RCA), Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) says they reject the false narrative of a so-called "White genocide" in South Africa. The SACC says on Freedom Day they gather to reflect on the shared and interconnected realities facing our contexts in the United States, South Africa, and Palestine/Israel. We recognize that the church is called not only to spiritual reflection but to prophetic engagement in the face of injustice, violence, and dehumanization wherever it occurs. To discuss this further we are joined on the line by General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America, Rev. Eddy Alemán
Zwelinzima Vavi: Rights must move from paper to reality
The South African Federation of Trade Unions says Freedom Day must go beyond celebration, as the country marks the occasion today at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. The federation warns political freedom remains incomplete without economic justice, citing deepening inequality and unemployment. It says the vision of the Freedom Charter has been undermined, while urging government to prioritise redistribution and decent work. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi
Democratic gains hinge on fixing economy, services
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Government of National Unity is prioritising inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction and easing the cost of living, while building a capable and ethical state. Addressing thousands at National Freedom Day celebrations at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, he stressed that strengthening local government is key to transforming municipalities into efficient, responsive service centres that meet citizens' needs amid ongoing national challenges and service delivery pressures. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst Professor Lesiba Tefo
Madlanga Commission grills Dhlamini over WhatsApp messages
Suspended Tshwane Metro Police deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini has come under intense questioning before the Madlanga Commission over a message referencing alleged EFF-linked company lists. Commissioners pressed him on his WhatsApp exchange with Sergeant Nkosi, where he wrote, "Please check with Mfowethu (CFO) if it's the same list as his from CIC Juju. " Dhlamini further told the Commission that there were two individuals who were "name-dropping" political figures and misrepresenting their involvement in procurement processes.
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla remain in custody pending bail
The Boksburg Magistrate's Court has postponed to Tuesday the ruling on the bail application of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi and City of Ekurhuleni manager, Kagiso Lerutla. They were arrested at the weekend on charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thabiso Radebe
Victim allegedly paid R400 000 says Col Craig Raj
The State in the case involving Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president, and co-accused Tobias Matondze is seeking imprisonment for both men. The pair appeared this morning at the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg after pleading guilty to several charges including attempted murder and the shooting and wounding of a former employee at their residence. Sentencing has been postponed to Wednesday next week. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca
Pressure Grows Over SAPS Leadership Suspensions
The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has raised concerns over temporary leadership in South Africa's police service following the suspension of National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed acting national commissioner. Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension over alleged violations of public finance rules. The IFP says it respects due process but warns that key posts in the security cluster being held in acting capacities creates instability. We spoke to IFP Chief Whip, Nhlanhla Hadebe and Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis
Batohi Declines Further Testimony at Nkabinde Enquiry
Former NPA head Shamila Batohi has formally declined to give further evidence at the Nkabinde Enquiry in Pretoria. She calls the decision "considered and informed" after "significant thought and reflection". The inquiry is probing the fitness of suspended South Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke to hold office. Batohi walked out in December citing the need to consult lawyers during cross-examination, a request the inquiry later refused. We spoke to MK Party MP, Mzwanele Manyi.
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
Fathers Matter Campaign Highlights Dads’ Role in Child Development
As South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violence, a growing movement is calling for a shift in how we address the root causes. The Heartlines Fathers Matter campaign is urging men—and society at large—to recognise the critical role fathers and male role models play in shaping the emotional development of children and preventing violence before it begins. For Themba Dlamini, this message is deeply personal. After surviving a violent hijacking, he was struck not only by the brutality of the incident, but by how young the perpetrators were—raising a haunting question: where were their fathers? Through his work, he argues that violence often begins long before it manifests physically, rooted in unresolved emotions, absent guidance, and a lack of positive role models. We spoke to Themba Dlamini, a Pastor, father of four, a columnist and author of Village Boy: A Memoir of Fatherlessness.
Phiri tells the Madlanga commission of syndicates systematically vandalizing infrastructure.
In a tense sitting before the Madlanga Commission, suspended Tshwane Metro Police officer, Major Lebogang Phiri, has come under sharp questioning over his role in responding to repeated vandalism at water infrastructure sites. Phiri outlined that during late December 2024 and early January 2025, a pattern of vandalism had emerged targeting reservoirs and pump stations, allegedly linked to organised criminal activity exploiting water shortages through illegal tanker operations. Major Phiri has been accused of assigning contract work to private security firms without the necessary delegated authority and of allegedly steering contracts towards Gubis85.
Solly Mapaila: SACP never viewed ANC as enemy
The South African Communist Party says its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is not a break from the alliance but a push to advance working-class interests. General Secretary Solly Mapaila told media the move follows concerns over the direction of governance and the need for accountable representation. Mapaila says the party rejects what it calls attempts by the African National Congress to pressure its members, insisting the SACP remains committed to the broader struggle while asserting its independence in the electoral space.
ConCourt Rules SAHRC Directives Not Legally Binding
In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has upheld a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal, confirming that directives issued by the South African Human Rights Commission are not legally binding. While the Commission retains its powers to investigate complaints and make findings on human rights violations, the judgment makes it clear that it cannot enforce compliance through its directives. The ruling raises important questions about the powers of Chapter 9 institutions and what this means for accountability and human rights protection in South Africa. To unpack this for us we spoke to legal expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala
Employment Dept To Cancel BEMAWU Trade Union Registration
The Department of Employment and Labour has issued notice to cancel the registration of trade union BEMAWU. Deputy Registrar Mongwadi Mary Ngwetjana cites failure to comply with sections of the Labour Relations Act and says the union ceased to function. BEMAWU and interested parties now have 60 days to submit written representations on why registration should not be cancelled.We spoke to William Bird, Director of Moxii Africa, formerly Media Monitoring Africa.
Zambia to Repatriate Ex-President Edgar Lungu for State Funeral
The Zambian government will repatriate former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral after a 2025 Gauteng High Court ruling. The Lungu family's appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal has reportedly lapsed, clearing the way for the process. Authorities have not confirmed when repatriation will begin as investigations continue. We spoke to Mr. Chanoda Ngwira, Friend to former Zambian President Edgar Lungu
DA Opens Criminal Case Against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe
The DA will today open a criminal case against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe. The charges relate to Minister Tolashe's alleged failure to declare luxury vehicles donated by the Chinese Embassy. The DA will open the case this morning at Cape Town Police Station. The party wants SAPS to run a full investigation into the matter. We spoke to DA MP, Nazley Sharif
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