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What Would Mandela Do- to address the problems afflicting SA? #sabcnews #MandelaDay
-by Newsbreak's Taresh Harreeparshad This Nelson Mandela Day- we asked a simple question, with a profound impact: What Would Mandela Do? Amid economic turmoil and poverty, high rates of corruption and growing disharmony between locals and foreigners: what approach would Madiba employ to fix the worlds problems? We discussed this with civil society organisations- all wanting to create a better South Africa, in the spirit of Nelson Mandela... The conversation included: Defend Our Democracy, the Active Citizens Movement, the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa, Food For Love Africa and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Food For Love Africa hopes to exceed their goal of providing 67 000 meals for Mandela Day #sabcnews
Food For Love Africa hopes they exceed their combined goal of providing 67 000 meals on Mandela Day. The Pietermaritzburg branch of the non profit organization- whose mission is to eradicate hunger- will be celebrating Mandela day with the public at the TPA Primary School on Saturday. Food For Love Africa Director in Pietermaritzburg Dino Kandhir explains their goal of cooking, for a cause
#PODCAST Maths vs Maths Lit | Expert warns that forcing pure maths on struggling learners can cause long-term ripple effects #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Mattehw Veeran - Education expert Professor Sonja van Putten* has urged South African parents and learners to approach the choice between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy (Maths Lit) with compassion and foresight rather than fear. While pure Maths remains a critical gateway for STEM and commerce fields, Prof. van Putten warns that forcing struggling children to take it can cause severe anxiety and overlook the immense practical value of Maths Lit. She's now advocating for a balanced decision-making process focused on the child's psychological well-being and actual career goals... *Prof. Sonja van Putten is from the Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria.
#PODCAST Police arrest two suspects in Durban after seizing nearly 200 stolen bank cards and numerous cellphones #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Police have arrested two men after allegedly discovering a large cache of bank cards, cell phones and identity documents during a routine patrol in Durban's Berea. The suspects were reportedly found inside a parked Mercedes-Benz on Stephen Dlamini Road while allegedly counting bank cards, prompting officers to investigate. A search of the vehicle uncovered more than 190 debit cards from various banks, along with dozens of cell phones and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activity. The pair now face charges of fraud and possession of suspected stolen property. Police say the investigation into the origin and intended use of the seized items is continuing. KwaZulu-Natal Police Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo has the latest...
#PODCAST Zebra on the loose near King Shaka International Airport sparks urgent motorist warning #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Motorists north of Durban are urged to exercise extreme caution after a zebra was spotted roaming near King Shaka International Airport. Reaction Unit South Africa says the animal, suspected to have escaped from captivity, has now retreated into a nearby sugarcane plantation. Authorities are warning members of the public not to chase or corner the zebra while efforts to secure it continue. RUSA Spokesperson, Prem Balram has the latest...
#PODCAST MEC Siboniso Duma tables TWO key infrastructure budgets following frontline community inspections in KwaZulu-Natal #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma wrapped up a busy day yesterday after combining on-the-ground service delivery with the presentation of two Budget Policy Speeches. The MEC began the day at the Copsville Housing Project in Pietermaritzburg before inspecting transport equipment, attending a Road Traffic Inspectorate parade. The packed programme underscored Duma's boots-on-the-ground approach as he balanced frontline oversight with key policy announcements. In the legislature, he outlined spending priorities aimed at improving roads, housing delivery and public infrastructure across the province. With the budgets now tabled, attention turns to how quickly these commitments will translate into better services for communities across KwaZulu-Natal. Newsbreak spoke to the Spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya...
#PODCAST Newsbreak Fishing Report - 17 July 2026 #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...
#PODCAST Medical union SAMATU calls for the urgent hiring of unemployed local doctors over costly foreign staffers #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Hundreds of qualified South African doctors remain unemployed despite ongoing staff shortages at public hospitals. The South African Medical Association Trade Union is calling on government to urgently employ these doctors, describing the situation as both a healthcare crisis and an injustice to local graduates. The call comes as ActionSA questions Gauteng Health's reported spending of more than 600-million-rand a year on foreign health care professionals. SAMATU argues that hiring unemployed local doctors would ease pressure on the country's overstretched public health system. The union says government must prioritise South African-trained medical professionals for available posts. SAMATU General Secretary Dr Cedric Sihlangu explains...
#PODCAST Seva Bhakti Foundation launches Mandela Day campaign to help keep the KZN Doghouse afloat #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - The spirit of Mandela Day says that every person can make a difference by serving others- and local non-profit organisation Seva Bhakti Foundation believes that this kindness should also be extended to animals. This Mandela Day the organisation is doing their bit for the KZN Doghouse in Queensburgh - by volunteering love and raising some much-needed funds to keep dogs alive. Director Mandy Govender explains how little acts of love can warm the hearts of these fur babies... *You can contact the Seva Bhakti Foundation on 083 706 2334
#PODCAST An Eastern Cape delegation is in Durban looking to launch a multi-billion-rand SEZ push to reignite jobs and investment #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Durban is the main setting from today, as the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex hosts the prestigious 2nd International Special Economic Zones Infrastructure and Investment Conference. Now, this flagship event will see an Eastern Cape delegation showcase its unique "One Province, Two SEZs" model to global investors, highlighting competitive advantages in manufacturing and green energy. Ultimately, this high-level gathering aims to unlock new opportunities for job creation and sustainable economic growth by fostering stronger partnerships between government and the private sector. Mr. Thembela Zweni is the CEO of the East London Industrial Development Zone...
#PODCAST Phoenix | Families who lost loved ones during the 2021 unrest say reconciliation & justice has stalled #sabcnews
Little progress has been made to bring about reconciliation and heal divisions after 36 people were killed in the Phoenix area during the July 2021 unrest. That's according to the leaders of peace efforts and relatives of the victims. The then Police Minister -- Bheki Cele -- called for a peace initiative amid allegations that the deaths were racially motivated. Despite an experienced team of detectives being appointed to investigate the deaths, the relatives of some victims say cases were withdrawn in court due to a lack of evidence. Peace initiative leaders say they received little support to promote reconciliation at grass roots level. Dries Liebenberg reports...
#PODCAST Buckets of Nutrition | SA Harvest prepare to pack hundreds of buckets with food & hygiene items as part of Mandela Day celebrations #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Non-profit organisation SA Harvest will today pack hundreds of buckets with food and hygiene items as part of Mandela Day celebrations. The annual #BucketsofNutrition Challenge aims to provide nutritious food for pregnant mothers, babies and caregivers during the critical first one-thousand days of life. The event takes place at The Pavilion Shopping Centre west of Durban. Head of Strategy, Marketing and Communications at SA Harvest, Cassandra Potgieter explains how you can get involved...
#PODCAST Greenscene | KZN south coast officials undergo specialised training to clamp down on illegal crayfish syndicates #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - To a Newsbreak follow-up... The illegal sale of crayfish and other marine resources along KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast is once again under the spotlight. Prosecutors, police detectives and environmental enforcement officials are undergoing specialized training to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes. The initiative follows ongoing reports of illegal East Coast rock lobster sales along the N2 near Hibberdene. Government says the illicit trade is fuelling organised environmental crime, threatening marine resources and undermining the livelihoods of law-abiding fishers. Authorities are hoping stronger cooperation between investigators and prosecutors will lead to more successful convictions and act as a deterrent to poaching. In this Newsbreak exclusive, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment - Narend Singh explains...
Memorial forest to be planted in honour of late rapper, Riky Rick
By Newsbreak Producer, Tashlan Naidoo - The Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism will this weekend honour the late rappers life by planting a forest in the Free State. The two-day event, at Rustlers Valley, will also see the unveiling of bronze statues of Rikhado Riky Rick Makhado, human rights activist Anton Chaka and visionary owner of the farm, Frik Grobelaar. Makhado passed away in 2022. Co-founder of the Riky Rick Foundation, Kumi Naidoo says this event expands Rick's legacy of environmental activism as well as mental and community well-being....
#VoterRegistrationWeekend: IEC urges registration before the voters roll closes
By Newsbreak Producer, Taresh Harreeparshad - The voters roll will close soon after the final registration weekend this August- making it that much more crucial to register to vote. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is expected to proclaim the November the 4th Local Government Elections soon after the August the first voter registration weekend. What this means is that you will not be able to register once the date is proclaimed. In this weeks Election Wednesday KwaZulu-Natal's electoral officer - Ntombifuthi Masinga explains why the final voter registration on the first of August is so important...
#PODCAST Debt experts warn taxpayers against risky borrowing in anticipation of expected SARS refunds #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - With the 2026 tax season now underway and SARS swiftly paying out billions in early refunds, debt experts are raising red flags over risky financial behaviour. National Debt Advisors (NDA) has warned that financially distressed, middle-to-high income earners are increasingly taking out short-term credit in anticipation of expected payouts that are not yet guaranteed. The organization cautions that this "refund-anticipation borrowing" is highly dangerous, especially as factors like two-pot retirement system withdrawals, outstanding penalties, or SARS verifications can unexpectedly reduce or delay final payouts. NDA Debt Counsellor Samantha Moyana explains...
#PODCAST Legal Experts Warn Public: Vague 'medical condition' sick notes won't stand up in court #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - Madlanga Commission of Inquiry chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is questioning the validity of a sudden wave of sick notes that has forced multiple postponements. The excuses were submitted by key witnesses, including IDAC Advocate Andrea Johnson, suspended Major-General Feroz Khan, Brown Mogotsi, Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk, and North West businessman Suliman Carrim. Weighing in on the controversy, labor law consultant Saber Ahmed Jazbhay says valid sick notes must provide specific, relevant details about an illness rather than just citing a vague "medical condition"...
#PODCAST Sardine Run | "Legends of the Tide" co-author reveals the untold story of Durban’s seine netters #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - As the annual sardine run once again draws attention to the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, we look in depth into the book shining the light on the deeper story behind this remarkable natural event. In Legends of the Tide, author Viroshen Chetty explores how the sardine run was far more than a seasonal marine spectacle. It has become a source of livelihood, opportunity and legacy for generations of South Africans. The book traces the history of Durban's seine-net fishing industry, documenting how families-built businesses, supported coastal communities and preserved a unique part of KwaZulu-Natal's heritage. As thousands gather along the coast to witness this year's sardine migration, Legends of the Tide reminds us that behind the spectacle of the ocean lies a powerful human story. Co-Author, Viroshen Chetty spoke to Newsbreak in an exclusive interview...
#PODCAST Techno Touch | SA's Coding 4 Mandela initiative expands continent-wide to teach youth computational skills #sabcnews
By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - More than 50,000 South African learners took part in the Coding 4 Mandela initiative last year with the programme now expanding across the continent as Coding 4 Africa. From the 18th of this month to the 18th of August, schools, libraries and community organisations in several African countries will participate in the month-long initiative. The programme uses hands-on coding games and classroom activities to teach computational thinking and problem-solving without requiring computers or specialist teachers. Learners from Grade R to Grade 12 will take part, with older learners competing for a place in the Tangible World Coding Cup. Organisers say the initiative aims to make coding education accessible to more young people, particularly in schools with limited technology. The expansion marks a significant step in broadening access to digital skills across Africa. KwaZulu-Natal regional co-ordinator, Krish Govender explains the desired outcome of the initiative...
#PODCAST Warning to pensioners - Beware who you help #sabcnews
by Newsbreak Executive Producer, Salma Patel - A pensioner shot and wounded a 28 year old suspect who allegedly tried to rob the 65 year old in his yard at Verulam north of Durban today. It is alleged that the suspect had visited the pensioner yesterday asking for water. The pensioner obligled and the suspect left. Spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa, Prem Balram, says the suspect returned today and was allegedly shot in the leg by the pensioner during a scuffle.....
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