SAfm Current Affairs
Victor Kgomoesoana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back" looks at current top African economic stories
It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories. We are joined on the line by Victor Kgomoesoana, 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
Civil society organisations seek to protect foreign patients from vigilante groups targeting two Johannesburg clinics
Civil society organisations are taking South African authorities back to court, accusing them of failing to protect foreign patients from vigilante groups targeting two Johannesburg clinics. The Treatment Action Campaign, Doctors Without Borders and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia say authorities have not complied with a High Court order to restore safe access to the Yeoville and Rosettenville clinics. The groups claim patients, including pregnant women and children are turned away if they cannot produce a South African identity document. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia spokesperson, Dr. Dale McKinley
UDM meets with US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell to call for stronger Washington-Pretoria relations
The United Democratic Movement, UDM is calling for stronger relations between South Africa and the United States, saying dialogue is crucial during times of strain. Party leader, General Bantu Holomisa, made the remarks during a meeting with US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell. Holomisa highlighted the need for cooperation on issues like the Middle East conflict and economic growth. He also suggested reviving bilateral mechanisms like the Al-Gore-Mbeki Binational Commission to address outstanding issues. Elvis Presslin spoke to General Holomisa
Trade Unions and Samancor engage in efforts to reduce number of employees to be retrenched
Trade Unions representing workers at Ferrochrome producer, Samancor will engage the company in efforts to reduce the number of employees to be retrenched at the company's smelters. Samancor issued retrenchment notices, that envisages that 2400 employees might be retrenched at its smelter operations and corporate office. It cites electricity costs as the reason for its decision. This, though Eskom granted them a decrease of 63 cent per Kilowatt per Hour. Itumeleng Kgajane has more...
Western Cape High Court compels man to financially support his ex-wife's children, despite his role as a stepfather
In a landmark divorce case, the Western Cape High Court has ruled a man must financially support his ex-wife's children, despite his role as a stepfather. Legal expert Nonhlanhla Mtshali spoke to my colleague Thembekile Mrototo, about what this judgement entails
National Consumer Commission recalls Clicks' Made for Tots Corn Puffs Chicken 12g
The National Consumer Commission has issued a product recall for Made for Tots Corn Puffs Chicken 12g sold at Clicks stores. The recall affects just over a thousand units after the product tested positive for a non-pathogenic strain of Listeria. According to the supplier, about 348 units were sold to consumers while the rest have already been removed from store shelves. Consumers who may have bought the product are being urged to check the batch and return it to stores. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba
President Cyril Ramaphosa says his administration will drastically reduce road fatalities
President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed his administration to drastically reduce road fatalities. He was speaking at the Inaugural National Transport Conference in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. The three-day gathering attended by Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, brought together decision-makers, investors and innovators to engage on how to build a sustainable transport system that works for the economy and job creation. It also saw attendees from some countries in the SADC region, including Mozambique and Tanzania. Ntebo Mokobo has more...
Trained former Special Task Force sniper accused of allegedly killing Madlanga Commission whistleblower
A former Special Task Force member has appeared in court charged with murdering a key witness, raising concerns about the unit's integrity. Matipandile Sotheni, a trained sniper, is accused of killing Madlanga Commission whistleblower, Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D. Crime analysts say some task force members are being recruited by organised crime syndicates because of the skills they possess. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpho Kwinika, General Secretary of the Independent Policing Union of South Africa (IPUSA)
Cape Town father launches "Stop all educational homework in South Africa" petition
A Cape Town father and former teacher is calling for a major rethink of homework in South Africa. Joseph Nefdt has launched a petition titled "Stop all educational homework in South Africa," arguing that excessive homework is leaving many children overwhelmed and stressed. He spoke to Elvis Presslin
Limpopo suspect arrested in possession of dagga valued at over R2 million
The police in Limpopo say they are intensifying crime prevention efforts through Operation Shanela II, which recently led to the arrest of 27 suspects, including one in possession of dagga worth over R2 million in Hoedspruit. A 38-year-old foreign national was arrested shortly after entering the Hoedspruit Central Business District while driving a white bakkie. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 22 sacks of dagga, graded as Swaziland dagga, with an estimated street value of over R2 million. Elvis Presslin spoke to Police Spokesperson in Limpopo Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
Teacher unions demand suspension of Acting Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority CEO
The South African Democratic Teachers Union and the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa, have raised concerns about governance and possible financial mismanagement at the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority. They say the ETDP SETA Board opposed a controversial Marshalltown office lease over safety, compliance and cost concerns, but allege those decisions were ignored. The unions are now calling for urgent action, including stopping further payments, securing assets, launching an independent investigation, and suspending the Acting CEO. Elvis Presslin spoke to Basil Manuel, executive director of NAPTOSA....
COSATU blames SA Post Office crisis on institution's Business Rescue Practitioners
The Congress of South African Trade Unions has rejected proposals to liquidate the South African Post Office, blaming the institution's crisis on the failures of its Business Rescue Practitioners. COSATU is now calling on the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to approach the courts to remove the practitioners and appoint competent administrators to lead a turnaround of SAPO. Elvis Presslin spoke to Matthew Parks, COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator
National Police Commissioner says points to SAPS-SANDF deployment following pleas from communities
The South African National Defence Force has been deployed alongside the South African Police Service under Operation Prosper for 13 months, with more than 2,000 troops deployed nationwide. The operation, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will focus on crime hotspots in the Free State, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. The SANDF and SAPS held a joint media briefing where they outlined the aim of the deployment. National Police Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola said they have heard the calls from communities.
Media report point to ANC decision to recall Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero
Media reports suggest that the African National Congress (ANC) intends to recall Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. This comes ahead of the local government elections in a few months. The party held a meeting this weekend to discuss Morero's future. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst Levy Ndou
Mixed reactions to the deployment of soldiers
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) is expected to significantly reduce serious and violent crime in targeted areas affected by gangsterism and illicit mining. Ramaphosa was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Thursday this week , following a question about the measurable outcomes and public safety improvements expected from the deployment. President Ramaphosa said the SANDF will act as a "force multiplier" to support police operations aimed at tackling gang violence in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng, as well as illegal mining activities in Gauteng and the North West. Some support the move while others have warned that soldiers on the streets risk escalating conflict.. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC News Acting Parliament Editor Lulama Matya, Dakota Legoete, Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans , Andy Mashaile - Security Expert and Charis Pretorius, community activist from Eldorado Park
CEOs sleep in to support families.
Business leaders from across various sectors gathered recently for the inaugural CEO Sleep-In initiative in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities South Africa. The symbolic yet deeply practical act of solidarity saw CEOs spend a night at Ronald McDonald House standing in support of families whose children are receiving life-saving medical treatment far from home. The initiative was hosted at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, which houses 27 special rooms that honor Nelson Mandela's enduring contribution to social change. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the CEO of the Ronald House Charities South Africa, Matsepo Msibi, who is currently in Chicago in the US.
Suspect in Marius van der Merwe murder arrested.
Police say the task team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have registered their first breakthrough in the murder investigation of Marius Van Der Merwe, also known as Witness D in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Police say the suspect believed to be the gunman was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday. Investigators have also seized a vehicle believed to have been used during the murder. The suspect is expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
Sipho Thato Mbha: Fathers should talk openly about periods.
TV host and social entrepreneur TT Mbha, together with his daughters TJ and Tumi, has co-authored a new pre-teen book, My PMS Diary. The book is set to be launched on 28 March. The book follows a young girl, Palesa, as she documents her first period through diary entries. Inspired by honest family conversations about puberty, the interactive journal aims to help girls understand menstruation, reflect on their experiences, and see periods as a normal part of growing up. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Sipho Thato Mbha, a father and co-creator of the PMS Diary. TT Mbha is a father of two little girls who, like many, have to navigate the confusing, funny, and sometimes overwhelming journey of growing up. But fear not because he, together with his girls, has come up with what they term the PMS Diary...translated as the Period Mbha Sisters. To get more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Sipho Thato Mbha, a father and co-creator of the PMS Diary.
ActionSA unveils the Zero Tolerance Corruption Bill.
ActionSA has unveiled its Zero Tolerance Corruption Bill, aiming to end impunity for corrupt officials. The party's member of parliament, Dereleen James, says corruption steals billions, leaving communities under-resourced. James says the bill introduces mandatory minimum sentences, higher fines, and lower reporting thresholds, sending a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. The party has urged South Africans to support the bill and hold the corrupt accountable. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James.
UNgasali Annual Storytelling Festival
Freedom Park in partnership with the South African State Theatre is hosting the 13th Ungasali Annual Storytelling Festival. The festival celebrates the rich heritage of African storytelling and the role of oral traditions in shaping identity, social cohesion, and cultural continuity . To find out more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Selbourne Sefume, Freedom Park spokesperson
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