The Weekend View

The Public Investment Corporation, South Africa's state-owned asset manager and a key investor in social infrastructure, has released a new research paper proposing a transformative, investment-led approach to revitalising the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. South Africa's education system faces a structural bottleneck, with the number of matriculants surpassing the intake capacity of conventional tertiary institutions. The PIC says while the TVET sector presents a viable alternative pathway, it remains underutilised due to persistent challenges, including misalignment between training programmes and the needs of the economy. To unpack this report Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Zanele Mocumi, the Sector Specialist for Social Infrastructure at the PIC and the author of the paper as well as Professor Wayne Hugo, lecturer and researcher in the school of Education and development at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal

The Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal has removed 19 children from a controversial religious group at KwaMaphumulo, which has been accused of violating the rights of children and isolating its members from society. The removal of the children was confirmed during a visit to the farm, where the group is based, by a delegation from government and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities. Bongiwe Zwane caughts up with both Suhayfa Bhamjee, Senior Lecturer at the UKZN School of Law and Thuba Vilane, spokesperson for the KZN Department of Social Development

South Africa's Constitutional Court has delivered a significant judgment tightening the requirements for constructive dismissal, confirming that employees must exhaust internal grievance procedures before resigning and claiming dismissal. Constructive dismissal happens when an employee is forced to resign due to unbearable or hostile working conditions created by the employer. Although it is the employee who formally resigns, the law treats it as dismissal by the employer. According to experts in the employment law practice at commercial law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), the Court's determination clarifies that claiming constructive dismissal is a matter of last resort and should not be for the taking AND adds that that informal complaints alone are not enough. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with Lee Masuku, Senior Associate in Employment Law at law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Education experts encourage schools to move beyond traditional measures of success in order to prioritise creativity, resilience and human-centred learning. This as artificial intelligence continues to reshape how knowledge is accessed, especially within the education system. Deputy Head of Academics at Reddam House Waterfall, Keegan Skinner says we are living in a time where access to information is limitless and that AI can instantly generate essays, solve equations and simulate reasoning. Yet, he argues, what remains unequivocally human is our capacity for imagination, empathy and creative problem-solving. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with Skinner for further details...

The Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Amendment Bill of 2026 could see those who incite people to unlawfully occupy land face a fine of about two Million rands or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both. That's according to Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane who has called on everyone to come forward to give input through public comment consultations which will kick start early next month. This follows a growing trend of unlawful land grabs and occupation of land and hijacked building occupations across the country resulting in prolonged court battles over the provision of alternative accommodation for settlers. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with Minister Simelane to expand more on this...

The over two-thousand delegates at the DA Federal Congress have adopted at least six of the 15 policy proposals. The congress is under way at the Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg. The delegates are today voting for new party leadership and finalizing policy proposals. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase from Gauteng are contesting the party leadership position. Hill-Lewis is widely seen as a front-runner to succeed John Steenhuisen. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DA member and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi

The over two-thousand delegates at the DA Federal Congress have adopted at least six of the 15 policy proposals. The congress is under way at the Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg. The delegates are today voting for new party leadership and finalizing policy proposals. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase from Gauteng are contesting the party leadership position. Hill-Lewis is widely seen as a front-runner to succeed John Steenhuisen. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Xolelwa Kashe-Katiya, project lead at the Indlulamithi Scenarios Trust

The over two-thousand delegates at the DA Federal Congress have adopted at least six of the 15 policy proposals. The congress is under way at the Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg. The delegates are today voting for new party leadership and finalizing policy proposals. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Sibusiso Dyonase from Gauteng are contesting the party leadership position. Hill-Lewis is widely seen as a front-runner to succeed John Steenhuisen ... Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Outgoing DA federal council chair Helen Zille,

The DA Federal Congress is currently underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. This is where the party will be electing their next leadership. This, ahead of the Local Government Elections later this year. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political analyst Yolokazi Mfuto

The DA Federal Congress is currently underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. This is where the party will be electing their next leadership. This, ahead of the Local Government Elections later this year. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DA member and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp

The DA Federal Congress is currently underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. This is where the party will be electing their next leadership. This, ahead of the Local Government Elections later this year. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga

The DA Federal Congress is currently underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. This is where the party will be electing their next leadership. This, ahead of the Local Government Elections later this year. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political Analyst Professor Dirk Kotze

The Independent Electoral Commission is pulling out all its cards in order to increase voter registration and attract more young people across the country. This follows the unveiling of its logo under the slogan 'Get Up, Show Up, Vote. A new podcast channel is also set to go live this week while a new edutainment reality series titled Beat For My Peers will hit the SABC screen in May. All these initiatives are aimed enhancing transparency, expand access to information and strengthen civic education. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to IEC 's CEO, Sy Mamabolo and Vincent Maake, Head of Communications at Ground Work Collective.

As the World marks World Autism Awareness month - experts are calling for greater awareness and stronger support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum. Data from the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC)shows that about 1 in 31 children are autistic. According to CDC, boys are more than three times as likely to be diagnosed than girls, highlighting disparities in diagnosis. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Yolanda Ziqubu, exco member of Action In Autism, a caregiver and parent to an Autistic child

African countries cannot avoid being harmed by the current Gulf war. This is according to Danny Bradlow, Professor and Senior Research Fellow for the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria. He adds that it is clear that the war initiated by Israel and the US against Iran would harm Africa in a number of ways. He says there are lessons that, if followed, can help the continent emerge from the crisis in a better place. To unpack this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Danny Bradlow, Professor and Senior Research Fellow for the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria

A network of researchers and civil society organisations have gathered together and launched the Prosecutions Project which is aimed at addressing the constitutional and structural independence of the National Prosecutions Authority. The group says the current legislation and systems of the NPA are constrained and outdated. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Executive Director at Corruption Watch, Lebogang Ramafoko...

As South Africans are enjoying the easter weekend, the national conversation is once again focussing on road safety, traffic volumes and inevitably the number of lives lost. But what happens after the headlines fade? Every year, thousands of South Africans survive road accidents. While fatalities dominate the news cycle, far less attention is given to those who are left behind to deal with the long-term consequences of serious injury. According to Amanda Rogaly, CEO of RoadCover , many South Africans remain unaware that they may be entitled to financial support through the Road Accident Fund (RAF). Bongiwe Zwane caught up with her for further details...

As of 2024, an estimated eight million people are living with HIV in South Africa, representing approximately 13 percent of the global total, of whom five-point-two Million are women. Despite significant progress in treatment coverage and a fifty-three percent reduction in new infections since 2010, the country recorded approximately 170-thousand new HIV infections in 2024 alone, the highest annual total globally. At the centre of this crisis are adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 15 to 24 as they account for approximately 25 percent of all new HIV infections. TB HIV CARE, has however launched the My Journey Initiative in order to assist adolescent young girls and women from where they live, learn and gather. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with the Programme Director for Prevention in Priority Populations at TB HIV Care, Jennifer Mcloughlin

The City of Johannesburg is disconnecting government buildings owing more than R1.4 billion in combined utility arrears. The recovery drive was launched on Friday. The City is taking advantage of the 31 March 2026 Financial year-end for National Provincial as well as state owned entities to enforce payment of outstanding municipal debt. Jon Gericke caught up with Lufuno Mashau,City of Johannesburg Group Head for Revenue Shared Services Centre

The ANC is grappling with three elective conferences in three provinces, names Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. The Polokwane High Court had earlier dismissed an application to interdict the conference from taking place while in Mpumalanga it's been smooth sailing for the province's conference. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape conference has been marred by internal squabbles with the East London High Court in KwaGompo looking into the matter. Jon Gericke caught up with SABC News Political Editor Mzwandile Mbeje for the lates...

The future of the South African Post Office hangs in the balance, as Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications received a crucial update on its sustainability plan and possible exit from business rescue. This comes amid warnings that liquidation remains a real possibility if funding delays persist, a move strongly opposed by trade unions, who say it would devastate workers and vulnerable communities. SABC reporter Mkhokeli Bandla filed this report which is follows by a discussion between Jon Gericke and academic Khaya Sithole

The Royal House of AbaThembu says it wishes to distance itself from the trending social media posts and pictures purporting to portray AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo as welcoming and officially granting royalty to a Nigerian National. Jon Gericke spoke to the King's Senior Royal Advisor advocate Matthew Mpahlwa...

Free State Agriculture, alongside Sakeliga and SAAI, is heading to the High Court of South Africa this week on Tuesday. The groups are seeking urgent relief to stop what they describe as government blocking private procurement and use of FMD vaccines. This follows failed mediation, with the organisations warning the restrictions are causing uncertainty and financial losses in the agricultural sector. Jon Gericke spoke to Francois Wilken president of Free State Agriculture

The Western Cape High Court will hear from Monday and Tuesday, a case to challenge against offshore drilling by Total Energies in the Deep Western Orange Basin. Fishing groups and civil society argue the approval was flawed and unconstitutional. Small-scale fishers and coastal communities are set to protest outside court, with solidarity actions planned in other provinces, warning the project threatens marine life, livelihoods and South Africa's energy future. Jon Gericke spoke to Melissa Groenink-Groves the Programme Manager for the Defending Rights Programme at Natural Justice.

A South African man has been unsuccessful in his attempt to avoid paying maintenance for his former wife's children, after the Western Cape High Court ruled he had taken on the role of a parent during the marriage and could not simply walk away from that responsibility.This has sparked debate about the financial obligations of step-parents when a marriage is dissolved.The man in question has to pay forty-thousand rands for the children's maintenance and medical aid, thirty-five thousand rands for his ex-wife's rent and one-million rands towards her legal fees. This is despite never having legally adopted the children. To further debunk this and its potential implications for people who may think that after they get divorced, they will no longer be responsible for their step-children, To dissect this topic Jon Gericke spoke to Fiduciary Specialist and Founder of Legacy Yezibaya, Zola Mbatha and Attorney and Managing Director at Mashitisho Attorneys incorporated, Kholofelo Mashitisho together with cultural expert Professor Musa Xulu...

The South African Human Rights Commission says March 21, 1960 remains a defining moment in South Africa’s human rights struggle. The Commission says the day reflects a painful past when the majority were denied basic rights. As the country marks Human Rights Day, it honours those who sacrificed their lives demanding equality, freedom and justice, urging South Africans to continue protecting and advancing human rights for all. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAHRC Commissioner Dr. Henk Boshoff.

The City of Johannesburg Municipality has rejected claims of a widespread billing system collapse affecting 1.5 million customer accounts, describing them as false, misleading, and irresponsible. The city says there is no evidence its systems have failed or that property transfers have stopped. It warns such allegations could spark unnecessary panic among residents, investors, and the property sector. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to City of Johannesburg Group Head for Revenue Shared Services: Group Finance Mr Lufuno Mashau

As financial pressure on households continues to rise, more South Africans are being pushed toward unregistered lenders who operate outside of the law and without consumer protections. The Credit Association of South Africa (CASA) is warning consumers that while regulated credit providers must comply with strict affordability assessments and pricing limits under the National Credit Act (NCA), illegal lenders operate without any of these protections, often trapping vulnerable consumers in cycles of debt and exploitation. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Leonie Van Pletzen, the Chief Executive Officer of the Credit Association of South Africa...

, the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa says fuel supply remains stable despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The Association says there's enough petrol, diesel, and Liquified Petroleum Gas nationwide, supported by imports and coordinated planning. The Association further says a temporary refinery shutdown in Cape Town is being managed, with no major disruptions expected. The Association has urged motorists to avoid panic buying ahead of April's price changes, as this could place unnecessary pressure on the supply system. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Chief Executive at Fuel Industry Association of South Africa Avhapfani Tshifularo

Civil society groups, including Judges Matter, Section 27 and the Legal Resources Centre, are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently appoint two Constitutional Court judges. The groups say it's been over five months since the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) concluded interviews and submitted its recommendations for the appointment of two Constitutional Court judges. The civil society group warns the court's ongoing vacancies are slowing down judgments and affecting access to justice at the country's highest court. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin research and advocacy officer at Judges Matter.

Members of South Africa's LGBTQIA+ community are expected to march to Pretoria today with the aim of pressing government to accelerate the implementation of equality and inclusion. This as the country marks Human Rights Day - a day which coincides with the tragic Sharpeville massacre and the celebration of the constitution which gives equal rights to all. Organised by the SA Queer Movement, the march also aims to highlight ongoing human rights challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on discrimination in schools. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the president of SA Queer movement, Calvin Nkosi.

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

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.

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

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.

As consumers worldwide commemorated World Consumer Rights Day yesterday, the National Credit Regulator has reaffirmed its commitment not only to consumer education, but to decisive regulatory enforcement against unfair and unlawful credit practices. According to NCR , This year's theme, "Turning the Tide Against Unfair Business Practices" - reflects the urgent need to confront exploitative conduct within the marketplace , particularly in the credit sector, where vulnerable consumers are often exposed to reckless lending, unlawful fees, misrepresentation, and unethical debt counselling practices. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Jimmy Golele, Snr Education and Communication Officer at the National Credit Regulator

Today marks International Day of Mathematics and concerns are growing about declining participation in mathematics in South African schools. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, recently warned about fewer learners choosing maths and physical science. More than 400 high schools across the country did not offer mathematics to Grade 12 learners in 2025, partly because there were not enough pupils interested to make a class viable. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Keith Moodley, Learning Design & Pedagogical Lead for STEM at SPARK Schools who says this trend reflects a growing challenge known as "maths anxiety", that can begin as early as primary school.

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.

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

COPE leader Mosioua Lekota's funeral proceedings are currently underway at Bloemfontein’s Old Grey Sports Ground in the Free State. Thousands of mourners have gathered to bid farewell to the struggle stalwart. Lekota died at the age of 77 at the Johannesburg hospital last week. During his memorial services, Lekota was described as an anti-apartheid activist, a political prisoner, and a strong leader within government. For more on the funeral service, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter in Bloemfontein, Abigail Visagie...

The hospitality sector continues to show resilience despite global economic pressures that threaten to bring down sectors to pre-pandemic levels. According to Stats South Africa the tourism sector saw total arrivals reaching 8.92 Million in 2024, making a contribution of 8.8 percent to GDP. This has enabled the support of 1.68 Million jobs from hotel decor, furniture to textiles, food, beverages and guided experiences. Local producers and suppliers remain at the centre of making sure that tourists receive an authentic South African experience. Bonigiwe Zwane caught up with Happy Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer at Proudly South Africa...

Leaders across politics, faith and cultures gathered in Chicago to honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the leaders who gathered to honour the civil rights activist at the Homegoing Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson and told the world that Reverend Jackson belongs to South Africa .

A legal expert says failure to locate the developer linked to the Ormonde building collapse in the south of Johannesburg, could delay the process for affected families seeking justice. Nine construction workers died on Monday (2 March), after a concrete slab collapsed at a construction site in Ormonde. It has been reported that the developer linked to the project is still at large. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, while questions remain around compliance with safety regulations and accountability. The case has been handed over to the police, who are working with engineers to determine the cause of the collapse. Luyanda Danca brings us this report followed by our Sunday discussion with Lufuno Ratsiku, Infrastructure Sepecilist from GenTECH Consulting and Tamlyn Bouwer, Acting Chief Executive Officer at the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)

The National Consumer Commission has informed consumers about the recall of VW Polo Vivo vehicles. This according to a notification from Volkswagen Group Africa. This recall affects over twenty-five thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine vehicles. The affected vehicles were made available for sale from February 2025 to February 2026, nationally. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Pheto Ntaba, National Consumer Commission's spokesperson

The Special Investigating Unit says investigations conducted by the unit have identified several high-risk sectors prone to corruption and maladministration. These include health, local government, infrastructure and construction, border management and immigration, state-owned entities and the water sector. The SIU together with the Water and Sanitation Department have launched the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum with the aim of formulating a coordinated anti-corruption response to corruption water mismanagement. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Issac Seitlholo

As the United States and Israel's war on Iran unfolds over the coming days and weeks, experts unpack the impact on the global economy . For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Economist Dr. Lumkile Mondi

The Department of Higher Education and Training recently issued a warning to 2026 matriculants amid a growing surge in bogus and unregistered colleges targeting desperate students. With limited spaces available at South Africa's public universities, thousands of school-leavers are being pushed to seek alternative tertiary pathways, often without knowing how to verify whether an institution is legitimate. Each year, learners are lured by promises of quick or guaranteed qualifications, only to discover too late that their certificates are not worth the paper that they are printed on. To unpack this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Makhapa Makhafola , Chief Operations Officer at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

The Madlanga Commission says it is only at phase two out of three phases, before concluding with its witnesses and beginning to compile its final report. This as the looming deadline date of March the 17th fast approaches for the commission to conclude its work. The Commission is engaging President Cyril Ramaphosa over the possibility of extending the deadline. Producer at Safm Tracy Boomgard spoke to the spokesperson for the Commission, Jeremy Michaels