SAfm Current Affairs
half-naked teens rescued in Johannesburg trafficking bust.
A 47-year-old man has appeared in the Booysens Magistrate's Court, Johannesburg, on kidnapping charges. The arrest follows the rescue of ten teenage boys in Mulbarton. To look at the phenomenon of human trafficking of young people. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the president of the United Africa Movement and Ethiopian businessman, Hailey Shamebo, and anti-trafficking investigator and trainer for Unchain Our Children, Amy Arnold.
NFP withdraws from the government of provincial unity in KZN.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier and provincial IFP chairperson Thami Ntuli says he has not received any formal communication regarding the National Freedom Party's decision to withdraw from the Government of Provincial Unity. His comments comes after the National Freedom Party released a statement citing that it has resolved to pull out from the KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity with immediate effect. To dissect the unfolding political situation in KwaZulu-Natal, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to political science lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Zakhele Ndlovu.
Trump withdraws US from 66 international organizations.
US President Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from dozens of international organisations, including many that work to combat climate change. Among the 66 groups, nearly half of them are bodies of the United Nations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty that underpins all international efforts to combat global warming. In a presidential memorandum shared by the White House on Wednesday evening, Trump said that the decision came after a review of which organizations, conventions, and treaties are contrary to the interests of the United States. To unpack this, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Professor John Stremlau, who is with the International Relations Department at Wits University.
Two oil tankers linked to Venezuela seized
The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela. One vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and now called Marinera, was boarded in the North Atlantic after weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard. The ship had changed its name and adopted a Russian flag to evade capture. The second vessel, carrying oil and sailing under a Cameroonian flag, was seized in the Caribbean. The seizures are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, with the US accusing the tankers of breaking sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. Russia has reportedly deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort the Marinera across the Atlantic, sparking tensions between the US and Russia. For analysis on the matter Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Kingsley Makhubela, former diplomat and International Relations Expert
Matriculants cautioned against unregistered institutions
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is warning matriculants to be cautious of unregistered institutions offering fake study opportunities. SAQA says students should verify institutions before paying fees. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAQA's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Makhapa Makhafola
Picket to be held outside the American embassy in Pretoria
A coalition of South African trade unions, political groups and civil society organisations will picket outside the American Embassy in Pretoria today to condemn -of what they say - is the US military invasion of Venezuela and the 'kidnapping' of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says it supports the protest saying the US actions violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela
Proposal for legal drinking age to be increased
A proposal has been put forward to increase South Africa's legal drinking age from 18 to between 21 and 23. Gatekeepers South Africa has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing the country's struggles with alcohol abuse and its link to domestic violence, drunk driving, and other risks. Despite previous proposals, little progress has been made to address the issue. For reaction to the proposal Elvis Presslin spoke to Maurice Smithers, Coordinator of Working for an Alcohol Safer South Africa (WASSA)
ActionSA cautiously optimistic over Adv Andy Mothibi's appoint
The appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions has been met with cautious optimism by ActionSA. The party says the move highlights the need for reform in how the heads of the prosecuting authority are appointed. ActionSA is concerned that Mothibi's appointment, made unilaterally by President Cyril Ramaphosa, may not bring the change needed to address the NPA's deep-seated problems. Mothibi will serve as NDPP for just two years before retiring, raising questions about his ability to make a meaningful impact. For more clarity Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip
Trump claims control of Venezuelan oil proceeds
Venezuela's oil industry is one of the most striking illustrations of how politics can both create and destroy economic prosperity. According to Chief Economist, Don Consultancy Group Chifipa Mhango, Venezuela is endowed with the world's largest proven oil reserves and should, in theory, be among the most prosperous energy economies globally. Instead, it has become a case study in how political choices, institutional decay, and misaligned incentives can cripple a strategic sector and, by extension, an entire national economy. Meanwhile, following the capture of toppled Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has said Venezuela will be turning over upto 50 million barrels of what he calls sanctioned oil to America. He said the money raised will be controlled by him. To discuss the Political Economy of Oil in Venezuela and lessons to be learned , Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chifipa Mhango,Chief Economist at Don Consultancy Group
Zuma and Mbeki's foundations seek Khampepe's recusal from the TRC Commission.
Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have moved to have retired Justice Sisi Khampepe recused from chairing the TRC prosecutions inquiry, a move angering some victims' families. They cite alleged conflicts of interest linked to her past roles and question her impartiality. Khampepe rejects the claims. The commission has confirmed it received both applications, which will be heard together on 16 January, as families await long-delayed accountability for apartheid-era crimes. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, whose sister Nokuthula Simelane was murdered by apartheid security police in 1983.
President Ramaphosa appoints Mothibi as new prosecutions boss.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed current Head of Special Investigating Unit Andy Mothibi as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions with effect from the first of February. This comes as the tenure of the current head Shamila Batohi comes to an end. Ramaphosa's decision follows the conclusion of an advisory panel process in which six shortlisted candidates were deemed unsuitable for the position. President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Advocate Andy Mothibi for his outstanding work and experience in the justice system. He has reiterated that the appointment of Advocate Mothibi was well with his right as empowered by the constitution , this after concerns have been raised about the appointment. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Affiliate Researcher in the Preventing State Capture and Corruption Program, Nicole Fritz
AZAPO Demands FIFA Ban US Over Venezuela "Aggression"
AZAPO is calling for FIFA to ban the United States from international football competitions, citing the country's "illegal aggression" against Venezuela. The group is condemning the US military strikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro saying it's a violation of international law. Elvis Presslin spoke to AZAPO President, Nelvis Qekema
14 SA Youths Face Deportation from Thailand
A group of 14 South African youths, lured to Thailand with promises of employment are facing deportation today after being detained for allegedly being victims of human trafficking. The group was reportedly recruited by a South African male and their situation has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of South Africans abroad. Elvis Presslin spoke to Security Strategist and retired Interpol Ambassador, Andy Mashaile
Suspect Arrested After Half-Naked Teens Rescued in Joburg CBD
A 47-year-old foreign national has been arrested in Johannesburg's CBD on suspicion of human trafficking. The man was detained after police intercepted a vehicle and rescued two teenage boys, and another 10 were found walking half-naked on Broad Street in Mulbarton. The suspect will appear in court tomorrow (Thursday) facing charges of being an illegal immigrant and suspected trafficking in persons. Elvis Presslin spoke to Hawks Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale
SA Early Childhood Development System in Crisis - Researcher
South Africa's early childhood development (ECD) system is facing a crisis, with millions of children being left behind due to a lack of access to quality early learning. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says the system is plagued by class divisions, underfunding and inadequate infrastructure, perpetuating inequality and limiting opportunities for young children. To elaborate further on her sentiments Lesego Mahlangu spoke to Elvis Presslin
Heathfield High Principal Reinstated After Labour Court Ruling
The Labour Court has ruled in favour of Councillor Wesley Neumann, reinstating him as Principal of Heathfield High School. Neumann, a GOOD Party councillor, was dismissed in 2022 for keeping schools closed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to safety concerns. The court deemed the dismissal "disproportionate" and unfair. The Western Cape Education Department is reviewing the judgment and considering an appeal. Neumann's lawyer Advocate Vernon Seymour spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri about the crux of the case
NSFAS preparations for the 2026 academic year
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that they have already processed all the 2026 funding applications prior to the beginning of the new academic year. The announcement was made by NSFAS Acting Board Chairperson, Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, in Pretoria on Tuesday. He was briefing the media on NSFAS's comprehensive preparations for the 2026 academic year. Maluleke says over 893 thousand applications the scheme has received. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to NSFAS acting CEO Waseem Carrim and Rudi Heyneke, OUTA's senior project manager.
Johannesburg faces water disruptions during Rand Water upgrades.
Johannesburg residents are bracing for another period of limited water supply and disruptions as Johannesburg Water begins Phase Three of its scheduled maintenance operation. Residents are urged to prepare for these water disruptions. The work forms part of Rand Water's scheduled infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the reliability of bulk water supply systems. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo.
SACP Marks Annual Joe Slovo Commemoration in Soweto
The South African Communist Party, SACP will hold its annual commemoration for struggle icon Joe Slovo today in Soweto. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila is set to deliver the keynote address at the Heroes' Acre in Avalon Cemetery. Alliance partners, including representatives from the ANC and Cosatu, are expected to attend the event.This comes against a backdrop of ongoing strains in the tripartite alliance, particularly over the SACP's plans to contest the upcoming local government elections independently. Elvis Presslin spoke to SACP spokesperson, Mbulelo Mandlana
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in US Court
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns in a New York federal court. Maduro was captured by US forces in Caracas on Saturday and transported to the US for trial. During his court appearance, Maduro claimed he was "kidnapped" and remains Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to related charges. The couple faces decades to life in prison if convicted. To unpack the legalities of this trial, Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Etienne Mutabazi, a Lawyer who served at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
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