About 38 000 patients are awaiting for surgery in Gauteng Hospitals. This was revealed in the Gauteng Legislature after provincial Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko claimed there were no backlogs in the province. Nkomo-Ralehoko was responding to a legislature question from the DA. The Health MEC has revealed Steve Biko Academic Hospital has the highest number surgery backlogs. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA will today picket outside the South African Steel Mills in Meyerton, Johannesburg. This after 165 workers were reportedly unfairly dismissed for participating in a protected strike. Workers embarked on an indefinite strike after the company reportedly refused to recognise NUMSA as full time shop stewards. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to NUMSA's Regional Secretary In Sedibeng, Kabelo Ramokhathali

The Border Management Authority says it is on high alert at all ports of entry ahead of tomorrow's election. This after immigration officials intercepted 28 Bangladesh nationals at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday with fraudulent visas and lack of documentation. The Bangladesh nationals who have since been deported. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Stephen van Neel, Deputy Commissioner for Law Enforcement at the Border Management Authority

SAFMNews ' 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

The Electoral Commission says that it has experienced an insignificant number of challenges on the first day of special voting across the country. The Commission briefed the media at the National Results Centre in Midrand on Monday as to the special voting process. The IEC says it was able to open the majority of voting stations in the Eastern Cape in the face of protests which had nothing to do with elections. It says of the 435 voting stations that experienced problems on Monday morning only 107 remained closed. SAFMNews ' Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Political Analyst and Author, Professor Susan Booysen.

Special voting is running smoothly today in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. This after more than 100 voting stations were not opened yesterday due to a taxi protest that shutdown the town. Local authorities in and around Mthatha have also welcomed the deployment of the army following disruptions to entry points yesterday. SAFMNews ' Sakina Kamwendo spoke to IEC manager in the Eastern Cape, Siyabonga Maki.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa hopes to maintain its track record of running free and fair elections. International observers are adamant that this will be the case. They say there is a lot to learn from South Africa. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan is leading the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy for Africa to observe elections in South Africa. In this SAFM News clip, the former statesman has vast experience in observing elections as he has led many missions since he left office.

More than 10 people have been killed in a collision between a mini-bus taxi and a truck on the Polokwane-Dendron road in Limpopo. It's been reported that the mini-bus taxi was transporting civil servants to work. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SAFM News reporter in Limpopo, Pimani Baloyi

The Gauteng Care Crisis Committee is taking the Gauteng Department of Social Development to court over funding delays. The Committee is seeking an urgent application to bring transparency and clarity on the Department's processes of allocating funds to nonprofit organisations (NPOs) approved for funding. The Committee, representing 62 organisations say weeks of delays have brought much of the sector close to collapse. For more on this, SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Gert Jonker, CEO of the Bethany House Trust and a member of the Gauteng Care Crisis Committee

The ANC Youth League will today hold a march against crime in Gauteng. The Youth League says the march is against recent brutal killings in Soshanguve and South Africa as a whole. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Youth League Spokesperson, Zama Khanyase

Waste Company Pikitup has secured a court interdict against striking workers. The workers are demanding permanent employment as their current contracts are about to expire. The prolonged strike has resulted in uncollected garbage accumulating in parts of Johannesburg. SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Meshack Ntshauba, General Secretary of Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa, DEMAWUSA...

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board will today launch the Alcohol Harm Reduction Programme at Eastcape Midlands TVET College in Uitenhage. The initiative is aimed at tackling alcohol abuse among the youth. The initiative comes in response to concerning reports of high alcohol consumption among students at the college. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Mgwebi Msiya, Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Liquor Board

Action SA says it plans on bringing back the former crime fighting unit the Scorpions, should it come into government. The party will today announce its plans outside Parliament in Cape Town to bring back the unit. The investigative unit was formally disbanded in 2009 and replaced by the Hawks. For more on this, SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Actions SA's Member Responsible for Constitutional Development, Advocate Julie Seton

 Long time DA member and leader, James Selfe has died at the age of 68 after a protracted battle with cancer. Selfe was elected to South Africa's first democratic parliament in 1994 and served in the national assembly until he retired in 2021. He served in the Portfolio Committee  of Justice and Correctional Services and was Chair of the DA's Federal Council for almost 20 years until he resigned from it in 2019. In 2021 Selfe testified at the State Capture Commission about corruption in Correctional Services specifically with regards to Bosasa in his capacity as DA's Shadow Minister for Correctional Services since 2009. It was in that same year he retired from parliament as a result of ill health. SAFMNews reporter, Busi Chimombe filed this report.

The latest data released by Statistics South Africa shows inflation slowed slightly in April. Stats SA says the main drivers behind the headline inflation in April were housing and utilities, miscellaneous goods and services, food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as transport. This, as salaries data tracked in BankservAfrica's Take-home Pay Index, ticked lower in April 2024. SAFMNews ' Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Independent Economist, Elize Kruger.

A community march against violent crimes and illegal possession of guns and ammunition is currently underway in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria. The march is led by the ANC Youth League in Gauteng but is also supported by religious leaders, the taxi industry and members of the community. The march comes as two more suspects have been arrested for the murder of 5-year-old Ditebogo Phalane. SAFMNews ' Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter, Patricia Visagie.

In an effort to champion voter education ahead of next week's national general elections, SABC News has partnered with the Independent Electoral Commission to bring you a new feature called Election Matters, where we will delve deeper into the processes voters need to be know in the build up to election day. Today's focus is on the IEC's state of readiness as we edge closer to election day and for more on that, SAFMNews ' Bongiwe Zwane spoke to IEC General Manager for Civic Education and Research, Moagisi Sibanda. 

Cellphone data analyst Gideon Gouws is back on the stand today, focusing on evidence relating to the number that allegedly belongs to accused number Bongani Ntanzi in the Senzo Meyiwa trial. Ntanzi and 4 others are on trial at the High Court in Pretoria for the murder of Meyiwa who was shot and killed in 2014. Yesterday, Gouws told the court that a signal from a phone alleged to belong to accused number 2 in the Meyiwa trial - was picked up from a cellphone tower near Villieria police station in Pretoria. SAFMNews ' Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter, Pearl Magubane.

SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with 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

The MK Party say the Constitutional Court Judgment declaring former President Jacob Zuma ineligible for Parliament does not deter it. The Apex court ruled Zuma's 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court disqualified him from running for parliament in next week's general election. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela says the party is working towards a two-thirds majority in order to amend South Africa's constitution for Zuma to return to power. SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to political analyst, Tessa Dooms

Young girls and orphans in the North-West province are at higher risk of HIV infection. This according to recent findings from HIVSA. The study found that the Southern and Bojanala regions have the highest prevalence in the province. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to HIVSA CEO, Yashmita Naidoo

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Prosecutor Karim Khan said in a statement that he was filing applications for warrants of arrest before the Pre-trial chamber of the Court for Hamas' top leader Yahya Sinwar,  Mohammed Deif – a commander of the group's armed wing - and the group's Qatar-based political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. SAFMNews ' Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu is today attending a child malnutrition outreach program at OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape. This follows the widespread prevalence of malnutrition among children and coupled with complaints from the public on the same issue in the Eastern Cape. Zulu is also expected to hold community engagement over the closure of Post Offices and SASSA Paypoints, number of pensioners from rural areas complained about the closure of these services to access their grant as they have to travel long distances. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SAFMNews reporter, Fundisswa Mhlekude in the Eastern Cape,

Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has advocated for the appointment of more judges as South Africa's courts are struggling to clear persistent case backlogs. Maya is being interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission(JSC) for the position of Chief Justice after President Cyril Ramaphosa nominated her earlier this year. She is the only candidate being interviewed for the position. The Deputy Chief Justice has occupied her current role for almost two years after her appointment in 2022. SAFMNews ' Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter, Zoleka Qodashe.

Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has advocated for the appointment of more judges as South Africa's courts are struggling to clear persistent case backlogs. Maya is being interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission(JSC) for the position of Chief Justice after President Cyril Ramaphosa nominated her earlier this year. She is the only candidate being interviewed for the position. In this SAFMNews clip, the Deputy Chief Justice outlines some of her observations since assuming her current role almost two years ago.

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Prosecutor Karim Khan said in a statement that he was filing applications for warrants of arrest before the Pre-trial chamber of the Court for Hamas' top leader Yahya Sinwar,  Mohammed Deif – a commander of the group's armed wing - and the group's Qatar-based political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. SAFMNews ' Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

The City of Johannesburg's waste management company PIKITUP says only two of its 12 depots are operational at the moment. This as waste continues to pile up within the City CBD due to non-collection. Casual workers whose contracts with the company are about to expire have been protesting outside the PIKITUP depots since Monday last week to demand permanent jobs. SAFMNews ' Sakina Kamwendo spoke to PIKITUP spokesperson, Anthony Selepe

The City of Tshwane's Community Safety MMC has warned residents of a potentially violent protest in the Hercules are in Pretoria West today. Community Safety MMC Grandi Theunissen says it has come to his attention that the protesters intend to use barricade roads and also attack businesses and electricity installations in the Hercules area including the local police station. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to City of Tshwane Community Safety MMC, Grandi Theunissen

Better the lives of the black majority. This was the message that came from the Umkhonto Wesizwe party during its manifesto launch at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto YESTERDAY. The party aimed to woo voters just 11 days before the country heads to the hotly contested May polls. It has made inroads in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal since its formation last year. However, it has not had the same effect in other parts of the country. In the recent by-elections in Limpopo and the North West, the party was only able to garner one-percent of the vote in both provinces. However, the almost 40-thousand capacity stadium was packed with supporters eagerly awaiting a message from party leader, Jacob Zuma. SAFMNews reporter, Zoleka Qodashe has more...

With over 3500 registered voters, Canberra in Australia was the third largest overseas voting station after the UK and Netherlands. SAFMNews ' Udo Carelse spoke to who was among the thousands who cast their ballots there 

The Constitutional Court has found that former President and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Jacob Zuma is not eligible to stand for elections as a member of parliament. This as Zuma is the first candidate on the MK party list of members to go to the National Assembly after the upcoming elections. The matter was sent to the Electoral Court which concluded that Zuma's 15-month sentence for contempt couldn't be appealed and, thus, didn't meet the criteria of a "sentence" under Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. This section disqualifies any person who is convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine from serving in Parliament. The apex court however says there is no difference between a conviction of a criminal offence and civil conviction for contempt of court. In this SAFMNews clip, Justice Leona Theron explains...

Seven people including an 8-year-old child have been shot dead at Nxanxashe Village in Willowvale in the Eastern Cape. Police received information of multiple shootings in the Nxanxashe location in the early hours of yesterday morning. Six occupants including the child were shot in a vehicle, while another person was found dead about a kilometre away in another vehicle. Police say the motive of the murder is not known at this stage... For more on this we are joined on the line by Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SAFMNews reporter, Fundiswa Mhlekude.

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution's executive secretary, Lawson Naidoo has welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling which found that former President and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Jacob Zuma is not eligible to stand for elections as a member of parliament. This as Zuma is the first candidate on the MK party list of members to go to the National Assembly after the upcoming elections. The matter was sent to the Electoral Court which concluded that Zuma's 15-month sentence for contempt couldn't be appealed and, thus, didn't meet the criteria of a "sentence" under Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. In this SAFMNews clip, Naidoo elaborates.

The Constitutional Court has found that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is empowered to determine qualification for membership of the National Assembly before the May polls. The legal counsel for the MK Party and former President, Jacob Zuma, had argued that the IEC acted outside its jurisdiction when it upheld an objection against Zuma in terms of Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, and that only the National Assembly had this power. However, the apex court found that the Electoral Act empowers the Commission to determine eligibility of candidates to stand for public office. The court overturned the order of the Electoral Court that dismissed the objection against the former President. SAFMNews ' Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal expert, Benedict Phiri.

The Constitutional Court has found that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is empowered to determine qualification for membership of the National Assembly before the May polls. The legal counsel for the MK Party and former President, Jacob Zuma, had argued that the IEC acted outside its jurisdiction when it upheld an objection against Zuma in terms of Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, and that only the National Assembly had this power. However, the apex court found that the Electoral Act empowers the Commission to determine eligibility of candidates to stand for public office. The court overturned the order of the Electoral Court that dismissed the objection against the former President. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SAFMNews reporter, Zoleka Qodashe.

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says government is considering its next legal steps, follows a court ruling mandating Eskom to guarantee continuous power supply to various public institutions, including police stations, public health facilities, and schools. Dr Ramokgopa earlier gave an energy action plan update with at Eskom headquarters. He say there is no load shedding forecast for the coming 7 days. The country is on day 54 without the implementation of load shedding. In this SAFMNews clip, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity was addressing members of the media.

The George Municipality will cease their search and rescue operations during the course of the day, at the site where a building collapsed over a week ago. The disaster claimed the lives of 33 workers. Municipality officials say police have officially taken over the investigation into the cause of the collapse. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised the families of the victims that they will get the answers they seek into what caused the tragedy and death of their loved ones. SABCNews ' Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Head of Western Cape Disaster Management, Colin Deiner

The Special Investigating Unit has raided all five of the country's refugee centres as part of a probe into alleged corruption. In this SAFMNews clip, Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi says a whistle-blower tipped off his Department to unlawful activities occurring at the centre, where officials are allegedly being bribed to issue fraudulent documents to unregistered foreign nationals.  Home affairs officials' electronic devices, have been confiscated. Dr Aaron Motsoaledi was present at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre in Marabastad in Pretoria earlier, where he addressed reporters...

South African deputy High Commissioner in London, Dineo Mathlako, says the South African mission in London is ready to process the nearly 24 thousand-500 voters who have registered to vote in London. The mission is situated at Trafalgar Square, the historic site where activists who were opposed to Apartheid, used to converge when they were protesting against the old regime.  SAFMNews correspondent in London, John Bevir reports

The George Municipality will cease their search and rescue operations during the course of the day, at the site where a building collapsed over a week ago. The disaster claimed the lives of 33 workers. Municipality officials say police have officially taken over the investigation into the cause of the collapse. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised the families of the victims that they will get the answers they seek into what caused the tragedy and death of their loved ones. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SAFMNews reporter, Sagree Chetty.

Israel has accused South Africa of exploiting the Genocide Convention. In this SAFMNews extract,  Israel's deputy attorney general for international law Gilad Noam says Israel has complied with the International Court of Justice's measure that were  imposed on Israel in February and March. Israel is presenting its oral argument at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Noam accused South Africa of distorting the facts of the war in Gaza. Yesterday South Africa demanded the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to impose a unilateral ceasefire order on Israel.

SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin takes a look at the top African Business 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.

Today marks the second day of South Africa's case at the ICJ. The court will hear Israel's oral arguments. South Africa, presenting its case, argues that the people of Palestine face imminent and irreversible risks, necessitating urgent intervention to halt what it describes as genocide by Israel. South Africa wants additional provisional measures and modifications to previous measures due to the deteriorating situation in Rafah. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal Expert Advocate Modidima Mannya

Several suburbs and townships around Polokwane Municipality have for days now been experiencing water supply cuts. The water supply cuts have now entered into a second week with the municipality putting it down to Olifantspoort Plant line currently experiencing a pipe leak. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to the Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, John Mpe

Today marks World Hypertension Day. The day focuses on spreading awareness and encouraging actions to prevent, detect, and manage hypertension. High blood pressure stands as the primary risk element for cardiovascular illnesses. With over one billion individuals globally grappling with hypertension, it remains a significant contributor to cardiovascular ailments and premature mortality worldwide. For more on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to the Former SA Medical Association chair, Dr Angelique Coetzee

The outcomes of this year's elections will not only determine governance, it will also shape the country's economic discourse. This is what came out of the virtual Equilibrium Quarterly Bulletin by Momentum. Momentum says these elections will be determined by political players willingness and ability to take difficult decisions needed to enable a higher level of growth. SAFMNews ' Nothando Magudulela reports.

The outcomes of this year's elections will not only determine governance, it will also shape the country's economic discourse. This is what came out of the virtual Equilibrium Quarterly Bulletin by Momentum. Momentum says these elections will be determined by political players willingness and ability to take difficult decisions needed to enable a higher level of growth. SAFMNews ' Nothando Magudulela reports.

The South African Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC) says it is profoundly disappointed and concerned that the President will be signing the NHI Bill into law today. The SAHPC says the NHI, in its current form will reverse, rather than progress, equitable, quality healthcare in South Africa. The collaboration says it is also looking at legal options available in this regard. To discuss this further SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to the Spokesperson for the SA Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC),Caroline Corbett and the Democratic Alliance's National Spokesperson, Werner Horn on the party saying it will take the bill to the highest court in the land...

The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) has voiced its support for President Cyril Ramaphosa's imminent signing of the National Health Insurance Bill. HAITU says this action as the final step toward ensuring public access to high-quality healthcare. For More on this SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to Lerato Mthunzi Haitu General Secretary  

The South African Federation of Trade Unions says it is vindicated by the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) that has shown that the country suffers from structural unemployment. SAFTU says this has led to the official unemployment increasing from 7,8 million to 8,2 million. To discuss this further SAFMNews ' Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU National Spokesperson, Trevor Shaku.