Today, King Charles the Third will be formally crowned. The 74-year-old will be crowned in front of 2,200 invited guests from across the political, royal, and celebrity worlds. It is eight months since he ascended to the throne, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September last year. The ceremony will be held at Westminster Abbey in London, the setting for every coronation since 1066 and it will be officiated by the archbishop of Canterbury, the highest Church of England cleric in the country. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to the spokesperson of the Durban chapter of the British Cultural and Heritage Association, Illa Thompson

Today, King Charles the Third will be formally crowned. The 74-year-old will be crowned in front of 2,200 invited guests from across the political, royal, and celebrity worlds. It is eight months since he ascended to the throne, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September last year. The ceremony will be held at Westminster Abbey in London, the setting for every coronation since 1066 and it will be officiated by the archbishop of Canterbury, the highest Church of England cleric in the country. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to SABC News Correspondent in London, Laura Isherwood... 

Al-Jama-ah councillor Kabelo Gwamanda has been voted in as the new executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg. Gwamanda garnered the majority of the votes, he got 139, followed by the DA's Mpho Phalatse with 68 and ActionSA's Funzi Ngobeni with 59.  The city has been without a mayor for over a week following the resignation of former mayor Thapelo Amad, also of Al-Jama-ah. He resigned a day before a motion of no confidence was to be tabled against him. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to  DA Gauteng provincial chairperson, Fred Nel...  

Al-Jama-ah councillor Kabelo Gwamanda has been voted in as the new executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg. Gwamanda garnered the majority of the votes, he got 139, followed by the DA's Mpho Phalatse with 68 and ActionSA's Funzi Ngobeni with 59.  The city has been without a mayor for over a week following the resignation of former mayor Thapelo Amad, also of Al-Jama-ah. He resigned a day before a motion of no confidence was to be tabled against him. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to leader of Al Jama-ah, Ganief Hendricks...

Sign Language is soon set to become an official language in South Africa. This after the National Assembly, THIS WEEK, passed the Constitutional Eighteenth Amendment Bill, which will make the necessary changes to the Constitution to make room for a 12th official language. The bill still needs to be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence and then sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa to be enacted. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Bruno Druchen, National Director at the Deaf Federation of South Africa - DeafSA 

Tomorrow is Workers Day, a day when worker issues are brought into sharp focus. South Africa's 225 registered trade unions represent approximately three million workers, but changing employment contracts, including outsourcing, informatisation of jobs, and remote working, have led to diminishing membership numbers. In addition to declining membership leading to reduced income for trade unions, the labour movement has also lost the support of international donors that supported trade unions during the struggle for democracy. At the same time, recent studies indicate that workers have lost trust in unions and their officials due to perceptions of "business trade unionism", as some leaders become more concerned with enriching themselves than with their members' daily workplace challenges. Many ordinary workers are now increasingly asking why they should belong to a trade union and pay their subscriptions when they are failed by their union.  Labour experts say trade unions need to urgently embark on a path of revitalisation by listening to the needs of a new generation of workers, embracing technology, and considering new forms of organising and collective action. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Joseph Mathunjwa, President of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union - AMCU - and Phillip Vilakazi, Deputy President of the National Union of Mineworkers - NUM... 

It's a story of capture, massive deception, and devastating human consequences that are still felt today. And despite a litany of evidence of dishonesty, little has been done to bring the perpetrators to book. It's the story of Aurora Empowerment Systems - a black-owned, politically connected business - that in October 2009, made a bid to rescue the liquidated Pamodzi Gold mines. Former President Jacob Zuma's nephew, Khulubuse Zuma, his lawyer Michael Hulley and former President Nelson Mandela's grandson Zondwa Mandela, were listed as directors of Aurora. The company promised to turn the mines into a new business that would offer benefits to workers, while also expanding into Africa. Soon after the acquisition, the first cracks appeared. More than 5 000 workers and suppliers, who depended on their employment to keep themselves and their families alive, went unpaid. Over the next few years, Aurora-managed mines were stripped of assets, as illicit payments went to the families of the "connected", while workers starved. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Legal journalist Dianne Hawker, author of  How to Steal a Gold Mine: The Aurora Story...

The company at the centre of the storm of KZN's National School Nutrition Programme and its failure to provide food to schools says since the 14th of April 2023, it has continued to deliver food to schools at the agreed collection points of all twelve districts of the province. Despite reports that the contract has been invalidated by the ANC in the province, service provider, Pacina Pty Ltd is claiming that they have not received a single payment in any amount from the province's Education Department and have had to self-fund the Programme from inception to date. In a statement, Pacina also described false reports of the delivery of sub-standard and rotten food to collection points. The IFP is among several organisations that have been demanding the termination of the 2.1 billion rand school feeding scheme tender, a full investigation and for people responsible for the debacle to be held to account. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to IFP KZN Chair, Thamsanqa Ntuli...

The government has insisted that the private visit to South Africa by United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his 500-member entourage, is above board and that no immigration or other laws were flouted.  Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that government can account for all the people that are part of the entourage that arrived with the UAE leader. The group landed in the Eastern Cape for a 2-week visit, causing a public uproar about compliance with South Africa's immigration laws. Ntshaveni said that the visit is consistent with international diplomatic standards and is lawful. The government's explanation comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa also sowed confusion about South Africa's relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by announcing its withdrawal, only for his office to retract the statement within a few hours. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Political Analyst, Sandile Swana... 

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, announced that he had instructed the province's Law Enforcement Advancement Plan - LEAP - officers to arrest Russia's President, Vladimir Putin if he should set foot in the province in August. Putin is expected to attend the BRICS Annual Heads of State Summit in Gauteng. This is despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes committed during Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Winde says the national government has sowed confusion over whether or not they intend to arrest Putin. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to a crime, violence, and security expert from Stellenbosch University, Dr. Guy Lamb......

With the stresses of the economic downturn and financial strain often linked with the inability to meet repayment obligations to creditors, the need for trust within the banking sector has never been more important. More than ever before, there is a general feeling that consumers need banks that they can rely on, banks that are approachable and that are amenable to assist them in times of economic crisis. But what happens if your bank fails to act in line with its undertakings under the Code of Banking Practice? The Ombudsman for Banking Services advises that under the code banks must act fairly, reasonably, and ethically towards their customers. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Kwanda Vabaza, Communications Manager at the Ombudsman for Banking Services...

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend two judges including the one presiding over the trial of five men accused of murdering soccer star, Senzo Meyiwa. The Commission says it has received reports from the Judicial Conduct Committee relating to complaints against judges Tshifhiwe Maumela and Nomonde Mngqisa-Thusi about their failure to deliver numerous reserved judgments. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Senior Researcher at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin...

As we gear up for Freedom Day, we pay special attention to women who actively participated in the liberation struggle. The recently published book, 'Guerrillas and Combative Mothers' gives a first-hand account of women's participation in the armed struggle against apartheid from 1961 to 1994 and their lives in a democratic South Africa. The author, Professor Siphokazi Magadla, skillfully traces life histories of 40 women who fought with Poqo, the military wing of the PAC; uMkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC, and the township-based self-defence units. Prof Magadla is our guest for the Sunday Morning Discussion 

Sudan's capital Khartoum  resembled a ghost town yesterday, in stark contrast to the joyful mood usually seen during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. After a week of fighting between two factions of the country's military leadership at least 400 people have been killed. Witnesses say bombing, shelling and gunfire continue as a three-day truce called by the United Nations and others has failed to hold. We spoke to Pierre Roussow; a South African trapped in the fighting, he is currently in Khartoum. We also spoke to Professor Anthoni van Nieuwkerk from the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs .

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has welcomed the  judgement by The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein that the gratuitous public display of the old South African flag constitutes hate speech, unfair discrimination on the basis of race as well as harassment. This after Afriforum brought the matter before the court last year. The civic organization argued before the SCA that displaying the old South African flag during the 2017 Black Monday protests against farm killings was not planned. It told the SCA that the Equality court order was made without meeting the required threshold to declare the act as hate speech. We spoke to AfriForum's Ernst van Zyl

Eyebrows have been raised following the revelation that prior to his visit, the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE),  Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated R20-million to the Eastern Cape government to enable it to upgrade the airport where he and his entourage landed. The Sheik and 500 of his guests reportedly landed at the Bulembu Airport for a visit meant to convince citizens of the UAE that the Eastern Cape is a tourist and an investment destination. Questions are now being raised as to how donations from foreign governments are handled and who is accountable for the transaction. Eastern Cape government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie, in an interview with my colleague John Gericke, confirmed that the province received the monetary gift. To help us understand how donations from foreign governments are handled and who is accountable for the transaction, we spoke the Themba Godi, former Chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts - SCOPA

Menstrual Leave is a concept that some employers are now starting to consider.  Spain recently approved legislation entitling relevant workers, who have medical approval, to menstrual leave - becoming the first European country to join the list of a few other countries that legally recognize menstrual leave in some form. The other countries that recognize menstrual leave are Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam).  To look at how this issue is being considered here in South Africa we are spoke to  Leila Moosa, Senior Employment Law Associate at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr..

This week, ministers and top officials from the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) faced questions from MPs in the Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on their investigations into Thabo Bester's escape. As officials scrambled to answer, what emerged was a string of events laced with clear characteristics of gross dereliction of duty, incompetence, corruption and passing the buck. On Friday Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi also provided fascinating insights into Bester's background announcing that although Bester is South African, he was never registered on any official system. In our Sunday Morning Discussion we are looking at how the series of oversights, blunders and errors in this case could expose and put at risk the reputation of South Africa's criminal justice system.  For this conversation we spoke to Specialist Investigator Mike Bolhuis  as well as  Brand and Reputation Expert, Solly Moeng.

The ACDP has dismissed as false and disappointing claims by DA leader John Steeinhuisen that it has rejected to be part of the opposition Moonshot Pact. This follows the DA's calls to form a coalition agreement that would see opposition parties united against the governing party and the EFF ahead of the 2024 national elections. Five other parties have agreed to talks with the DA at a national convention set to be held later in 2023, and they include ActionSA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). Steenhuisen yesterday singled out Reverend Kenneth Meshoe from the African Christian Democratic Party, General Bantu Holomisa from the United Democratic Movement, and Bongani Baloyi from Xiluva. As the party leaders that have rejected the plea for cooperation. We spoke to Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, leader of the African Christian Democratic Party - ACDP

As South Africans continue to battle with Stage 6 loadshedding throughout this weekend, Eskom workers affiliated to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) are demanding a 15% salary increase across the board. The trade union confirmed that it has officially submitted its wage demands to the beleaguered power utility with negotiations set to start next week. Amongst a raft of other demands made by NUM include increases in housing, medical aid and cellphone allowances. We spoke to NUM's Eskom Chief Negotiator, Olehile Kgware…

The future of customer risk profiling shouldn't prioritise exclusion. This is according to Mishaan Ratan, Chief Marketing Officer at Rentoza. Ratan says throughout history, credit checks have been used by the lending sector to understand financial behaviour. However, this method  is said to completely exclude many consumers. Because of the credit check method, many people continue to be denied credit, even though they have the potential to repay their debt. Ratan says "behaviour analysis'' is something we need as an alternative to credit vetting.

Convicted killer and rapist Thabo Bester's lawyers yesterday told the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court that since Bester landed in the country on Thursday he has not eaten anything because he fears being poisoned. The fugitive, who was recaptured in Tanzania and brought back to South Africa, was charged in connection with his escape from G4S-run Mangaung Maximum Security Prison on 3 May 2022. Bester entered the courtroom flanked by heavily-armed police and Department of Correctional Services officials. We spoke to Prof. Jaco Barkhuizen, Head of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Limpopo.

A European Space Agency satellite blasted off from Earth yesterday on an 8 year journey to the planet Jupiter. The mission, known as the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE for short, aims to establish whether the Jupiter's moons have the conditions needed to sustain life. There is plausible scientific evidence that these icy worlds - Callisto, Europa and Ganymede - hold oceans of underground liquid water. We spoke to Prof. Mike Kosch, Chief Scientist at the South African National Space Agency - SANSA.

Is there a real appetite by South Africa to extradite the Gupta brothers and other fugitives from justice?? This is a question that many South Africans are asking after this week's announcement of the failure of the Gupta brothers' extradition process in the United Arab Emirates. However yesterday's announcement of the re-arrest of escaped fugitive Thabo Bester in Tanzania  along with Dr Nandipha Magudumana and a Mozambican national who has been named as Zacharia Alberto, has some what re-ignited the hope that justice may be served. In our Sunday Morning Discussion we  want to examine whether the re-arrest of Thabo Bester improves the chances of other fugitives, like the Gupta brothers, to face justice in South Africa. For this conversation we spoke to Advocate Paul Hoffman, Director at Accoutability Now, as well as  Independent Writer and Researcher, Dr Dale McKinley.

The tussle between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Parliament over the shortlisted candidates and reserve pool names submitted to serve on the SABC board continues and may end up at the Constitutional Court.  The President, who was provided with 12 candidates and an additional three names, questioned the legality of such a move in terms of the Broadcasting Act. This week Parliament's legal advisor, Adv Andile Tetyana, found that President Ramaphosa acted unlawfully when he wrote to Parliament, referring the matter back to the National Assembly. The public broadcaster has been operating without a board of directors for six months now. The President is also facing a challenge from media watchdog, Media Monitoring Africa, who have filed papers in the Constitutional Court to compel the President to appoint a board.  We spoke to William Bird, director at Media Monitoring Africa 

A high level government delegation will depart from South Africa today for Tanzania to bring back rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, his girlfriend, Nandipha Magudumana and a Mozambican national who was assisting them. The Mozambican has been named as Zacharia Alberto. The three were arrested in Tanzania on Friday night. Bester and Magudumana have been on the run since his escape became public last month. It had been believed he had died in a fire, at the Mangaung prison in Bloemfontein, but he had escaped in May last year. Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola has confirmed that officials from security company G4S are implicated in the escape of Thabo Bester from prison. We spoke to Professor Kholofelo Rakubu, Acting Head in the Department of Safety and Security Management at the Tshwane University of Technology.

here has been widespread shock and disbelief following the announcement of the failure of the Gupta brothers' extradition process in the United Arab Emirates.   Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said all necessary diplomatic and legal processes were followed in South Africa's bid to extradite the Guptas but the process was unsuccessful. The ruling took place almost two months ago.  The brothers face charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering related to state capture. For their reaction to this development we spoke to Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Spokesperson for the opposition IFP. He is also the Chairman of Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts - SCOPA ...

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) this week revoked former SAA director Yakhe Kwinana's membership following the outcome of her disciplinary hearing.  Kwinana is a former SAA board member who came into the spotlight when she used the "fat cake" analogy at the commission into State Capture  to justify cancelling an 85 million Rand contract and handing it to subsidiary, Air Chefs,  without a tender.The tender was initially awarded to LSG Sky Chefs. Kwinana served as a board member at the national carrier between 2009 and 2016. This is what she said during her testimony to the State Capture commission in November 2020. The SAICA Disciplinary Committee found Kwinana guilty of 13 of the 14 charges against her. According to the committee Kwinana is not a fit and proper individual to be a member of the profession and has been fined six-point-one-million rand for all 13 of her charges.  To explain this decision we spoke to CEO of The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Freeman Nomvalo...

Kwa Zulu Natal province says it is geared to welcome holiday-makers to a fun-filled Easter Weekend. The province experienced a disastrous festive season last year due to the high E-coli levels in some beaches coupled with the effects of the devasting floods that rocked the entire economy of the province, especially Ethekwini. To get a sense of how they are faring this Easter holiday we spoke to Pinky Radebe,Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communications at KZN Tourism.

President Cyril Ramaphosa this week signed into law the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Bill, which extends coverage for occupational injuries and diseases to previously excluded vulnerable workers, and improves compensation benefits to employees.The Bill effects a range of amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act which governs compensation for disablement caused by occupational injuries or diseases sustained or contracted by employees, or for death resulting from injuries or diseases.  The act also now covers other occupations, like domestic workers employed in private households, who were previously excluded. We spoke to Mathew Parks, Cosatu's Parliamentary Coordinator...

The South African government is in a conundrum and it's not yet clear whether it will formally invite Russian President Vladimir Putin who has a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court. South Africa will host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from August 22 to 24 this year, raising questions about whether or not the government should act if Putin attends. The minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor this week announced that her Department is awaiting a refreshed legal opinion on extending an invitation to Putin. This comes as there has been widespread condemnation of Russia by Western Nations over its war with Ukraine. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to  Ottilia Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects at the Institute for Security Studies... 

The Department of Correctional Services says it has instituted an investigation into the escape of the so-called Facebook rapist Thabo Bester. The department says the controversial offender, Bester, who was sentenced to a 75-year jail term, did not commit suicide, as earlier reported. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo...

The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, THIS WEEK, joined the chorus of condemnation as it slammed the Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill passed on Tuesday which imposes severe punishment for same-sex acts, including labeling some acts as crimes punishable by death while imposing stiff sentences for people identifying as LGBTQI+. The UN and other nations have called on President Yoweri Museveni to reject the bill warning that the legislation runs counter to Uganda's own constitutional provisions stipulating equality and non-discrimination for all. The law punishes people with up to 10 years behind bars for simply identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, or anything other than male or female. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Richard Lusimbo, an LGBTQI activist  from Uganda...

The Western Cape government says in the coming months it will be identifying 4 or 5 towns in the province to be taken off the National grid. Also,100 schools will be identified, to be fitted with solar power systems that are linked to battery and inverter systems. This is part of its energy resilience plan amid rolling Eskom blackouts. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde...

SECTION27, in partnership with the Centre for Child Law, launched an online accountability tool, The Michael Komape Sanitation Progress Monitor, to track progress made by the Limpopo Department of Education to eliminate unsafe and undignified sanitation at public schools throughout the Limpopo province. Section 27 is also calling for the safe installation of decent sanitation facilities. The Michael Komape Sanitation Progress Monitor is named after a five-year-old learner, Michael Komape, who drowned in a pit toilet at his school in Limpopo in 2014. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Pearl Nicodemus, Senior Communications Officer at SECTION 27 

The National Consumer Commission is concerned about the increasing trend where smaller retail and spaza shops across the country are re-packaging edible goods into smaller packets to enable their customers to buy at a cheaper price. While this might look enticing and affordable for most in poorer communities, there are various health and accountability concerns around this practice. This was among other discussions that came out of the World Consumer Rights conference which took place recently. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Prudence Moilwa, Head of Enforcement and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission... 

The International Criminal Court in the Hague on Friday issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin. It accuses him of being responsible for war crimes in Ukraine, including the unlawful deportation of children. Russia's Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, is also subject to an arrest warrant. This after the United Nations released a report earlier this week that found Moscow's forced removal of Ukrainian children to areas under its control amounted to a war crime. According to Ukraine, tens of thousands of other possible war crimes have been carried out by Russian forces since they invaded Ukraine in February last year. The Russian government has dismissed the ICC decision as "null and void" and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev compared the warrant to toilet paper.We spoke to  Ras Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs.

The police have reassured South Africans that they will maintain high visibility during tomorrow's planned national shut down led by the EFF. Other formations that will take to the streets in support of the shutdown include  the South African Federation of Trade Unions - SAFTU - and the Pan Africanist Congress - PAC. The protesters are demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa citing the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the country. There have been fears that the protest could lead to intimidation and incitement of violence, a charge the EFF have denied. We spoke to SAPS' National Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is expected to embark on a national shutdown tomorrow . The EFF is calling for President Ramaphosa's resignation and to highlight South Africa's socio-economic pressures, including load shedding. The march is expected to be supported by many other organisations and other South African citizens who share the same sentiments. Many other South Africans including business owners are anxious and are wondering how the national shut down will affect them. We spoke to Alan Mukoki, CEO of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is expected to embark on a national shutdown tomorrow .The EFF is calling for President Ramaphosa's resignation and to highlight South Africa's socio-economic pressures, including load shedding. The march is expected to be supported by many other organisations and other South African citizens who share the same sentiments. Many other South Africans including business owners are anxious and are wondering how the national shut down will affect them. We spoke to the  EFF's Treasurer General, Omphile Maotwe.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)  and other organisations are on Monday expected to embark on a national shutdown. This has led to fears that companies and their employees will be severely affected in some way or another by the protest action. But how do employers and workers navigate their rights in such a situation. To help us understand we have on the line Tamsanqa Mila, Senior Associate at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's employment law practice...

Rescue workers in Malawi are still recovering more bodies following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Freddy in Malawi which has killed 326 people. Soldiers have joined rescue operations and have been rummaging through debris in search of victims swept by mudslides and floods. The Zambian government has provided two aircraft to help in rescue and distribution of relief aid to victims in areas where many people are still trapped. More than 200 people have been declared missing by the authorities. Aid agencies, who are still battling to access some of the worst affected areas due to damaged roads and infrastructure, are warning that the devastation will exacerbate a cholera outbreak. We spoke to Malawi Gift of the Givers country representative Sherifa Mia.

The capital city is still without a mayor. This after the election of a new Tshwane executive mayor will now be held next week after a special council meeting during which the election was to be held collapsed last night. The DA multi-party coalition members stormed out of the chambers citing their disgruntlement with the speaker's refusal to concede to their demands. For more,We spoke to  the DA's Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is pleased that at this early stage -- the country is beginning to see the implementation of measures to reduce load-shedding in the country. He says SA will see a great deal of progress in ensuring that load-shedding is reduced. It's currently on Stage One and has been suspended for Sunday between 5am and 4 pm. Ramaphosa was addressing the media in Pretoria, at the Government Dialogue with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders.  Energy Expert Chris Yelland says it's too early to celebrate the current electricity supply improvements 

The Defence department has plans to set up a permanent SANDF rapid response unit, which will support the SA Police Service when needed, with a brigade of between 2 000 and 5 000 soldiers. The unit is in response to the public unrest in July 2021 which highlighted the need to strengthen law enforcement agencies, including the SANDF to ensure they are equipped to respond quickly to such incidents. While the idea of a military response unit may appear plausible, concerns have been raised over such a deployment given the brutality unleashed on some communities during the 2020 countrywide army deployment to enforce COVID 19 lockdown regulations. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Brigadier Andries Mahapa, Director of Corporate Communications at the Department of Defence... 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)  have dismissed acting Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka's findings that cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of wrongdoing, saying that he appropriately declared interests in his farming businesses. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa says he cannot comment yet on the preliminary report by the Public Protector which cleared him of any wrongdoing in connection with the Phala Phala robbery. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to EFF Spokesperson, Sinawo Tambo and Advocate Paul Hoffman a Director at Accountability Now

Former Tshwane Mayor Dr. Murunwa Makwarela resigned on Friday and was disowned by his party COPE after the Gauteng High Court dispelled information that it issued him with an insolvency rehabilitation certificate in 2018.  Makwarela had submitted the fake certificate, a day before, to city manager Johann Mettler to prove he was not an unrehabilitated insolvent and was eligible to occupy a public office. The city has been forced to concede that it does not have measures in place to verify the authenticity of such documents. This saga has brought into sharp focus the lack of capacity and urgent need to validate and authenticate all personal information of people who are vying for public office at local, provincial, and national levels. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Yunus Chamda, project manager at Action for Accountability and Terry Tselane, Executive Director at the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

The National Assembly has passed a resolution and approved the National Freedom Party's motion calling for the "downgrading of the South African embassy in Israel until such time Israel respects the rights of Palestinians".  The motion sailed through with 208 voting in favour and 94 against. There were no abstentions. NFP Parliamentary leader Ahmed Shaik-Emam thanked the AIC, ANC, Al Jama ah, EFF, UDM, PAC, and NFP who all voted in favour of the motion. The DA, FF-Plus, IFP, and ACDP voted against the motion. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Alie Komape, Campaigns Officer at Africa4Palestine ... 

Seventeen Lonmin Marikana mine workers accused of murder have managed to put their trial on ice for now. This follows a ruling by the North West High Court sitting in the Mogwase Reginal Court to remove their murder trial from the roll -- pending a review application in the Pretoria High Court to have charges against them dropped. They are charged with seven counts of murder, four of malicious damage to property, four of robbery, three for unlawful possession of firearms, and three for unlawful possession of ammunition. The murders were committed at the time AMCU was leading a strike for higher wages at the Lonmin platinum mine. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to AMCU leader Joseph Matunjwa... 

The City of Tshwane says it has received and accepted the resignation letter from embattled mayor Dr. Murunwa Makwarela. The former mayor's sudden departure came after he issued the city with a fraudulent insolvency rehabilitation certificate. He also resigned as a COPE councilor and a member of the party. Makwarela's resignation came after he issued the city with a fraudulent insolvency rehabilitation certificate. A criminal case has been opened against him. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem and the DA leader in Gauteng, Solly Msimang...