The Weekend View

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has warned this week that while the NHI has been legally enacted, South Africa’s healthcare system faces structural and digital challenges that could affect its implementation. To discuss this further Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, the South African Medical Association Chairperson and Barry James Mitchell, NEHAWU Parliamentary Officer of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU)

Orlando Pirates will look to dispel any doubts on who will be crowned the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership when they host Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena *TODAY. The Buccaneers hold their fate in their hands as they currently sit in second position on the log, with two games in hand and three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have completed all their fixtures. Meanwhile, Sundowns has shifted their attention to the CAF Champions League First Leg Final against AS FAR Rabat from Morocco at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with SABC sports reporter, Vincent Sitsula...

The Constitutional Court this week overturned a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling, by finding that people whose asylum applications have been rejected cannot submit new applications.This means people whose claims are finalised and rejected cannot reapply for refugee status. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber argued that the current system has allowed asylum seekers to abuse the system. This ruling relates to a case brought forward by two Burundian nationals who argued they had become "sur place" refugees. Sur place refugees are people who became refugees after leaving their country. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with Dr Dale McKinley of Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia

The National Consumer Commission is warning South African consumers to steer clear of 113 untraceable companies in the country, saying that they risk losing money. The NCC updated its list of untraceable suppliers this week, adding 20 new companies to the 90 previously listed. The newly identified suppliers are based in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, with some operating entirely online, making it even harder for consumers and authorities to track them. The NCC warns consumers to exercise extra caution when dealing with these suppliers. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with the NCC spokesperson Pheto Ntaba...

This week the Gauteng Department of Health warned members of the public against the use of unverified and unregulated injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance purposes. According to the department, this follows two cases identified in the Ekurhuleni region. The cases are currently under investigation, and they involve two individuals who presented themselves at a public health facility with severe complications, including organ failure, following the use of unregulated substances obtained through informal channels. In another matter ... The global shortage of Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 such as the weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, has caused an influx of compounded versions to fill the supply gap. According to Professor David Katerere from the Tshwane University of Technology, counterfeit medicines are a huge problem in many African countries. Bongiwe Zwane caught with Professor Katerere who is research platform chair for pharmaceutical and biotech advancement in Africa at the Tshwane University of Technology...

This year, South Africa marks three decades since it adopted its democratic Constitution. Widely regarded as one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, it enjoys high acclaim internationally. The Bill of Rights hailed as one of the most progressive highlighting rights to human dignity, life, freedom of security among others. Thirty years later, is the constitution working for all or is it just a document that many recognise as just a document or one that has changed the lived reality of many South Africans. To discuss this further Bogniwe Bongiwe caught up with Prof. Nico Koopman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel at Stellenbosch University But first here are reflections of 30 years since the adoption of the constitution by SABC specialist Correspndent, Sophie Mokoena...

Adult illiteracy is one of the critical challenges in South Africa. This is a problem that lays bare the country's painful past, socio economic disparities and systemic inequality. In its own probe last year the department of higher education and training found that under resourced schools, poverty and social inequalities limit education and training opportunities. The department is on a quest to change that. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Chief Director for Community Colleges within the department, David Diale...

Political parties represented in Parliament have reacted sharply to the Constitutional Court judgment on the Phala Phala matter, with some opposition parties describing it as a major test for accountability and constitutional democracy. The apex court found that Parliament acted inconsistent with the Constitution when it rejected the Section 89 independent panel report into President Cyril Ramaphosa's conduct relating to the 2020 burglary at his Phala Phala farm. While some parties are calling for the president's immediate resignation, others say Parliament must now urgently begin impeachment proceedings. Mkhokheli Bandla has the details, followed by Former Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane says she feels "vindicated" after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament's vote on the Section 89 Panel report into the Phala Phala matter was unconstitutional. Mkhwebane took to social media stating that she was unlawfully removed by President Ramaphosa and the DA for following the law and country's constitution

The Constitutional Court judgement against President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Phala-Phala matter could be a test for the GNU with the DA saying it is not going to protect wrongdoing. The apex court has ruled that Parliament acted unlawfully when rejecting the Section 89 Panel Report, which found that Ramaphosa has a case to answer on the robbery at his farm in 2020. The court said the report must be sent to the Impeachment Committee for processing. SABC Politics Reporter, Ntebo Mokobo, has more, followed by a conversation with Advocate, Paul Hoffman who is also the Director of Accountability Now

WaterCAN says it is deeply frustrated and alarmed by reports that municipalities have returned R1 billion in unspent Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant funding to National Treasury over the past five years while communities across South Africa continue to endure dry taps, collapsing wastewater systems, sewage-polluted rivers and unsafe drinking water. The organisation wants the full list of municipalities that returned Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant funds to be made public... For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Jonathan Erasmus from WaterCan

Food and groceries coupled with crime and violence are the primary concern for almost fifty percent of respondents in the 2025 calendar year for continuous consumer and media data. That's according to the Marketing Research Foundation's latest Marketing All Product Survey, which also marks five consecutive years of consumer and media data. The survey covers an adult population of almost 46 million people across all nine provinces, all districts and all municipalities. The survey also reveals that the number of consumers who took out a loan in the past 12 months increased by fifty-eight percent year on year. For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the CEO of the Market Research Foundation

Scores of March and March movement members including some political formations marched to the Gauteng Legislature to deliver their memorandum of grievances midweek. The protesters say they are demonstrating against the influx of undocumented foreign nationals in the country. The same group held a similar march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where they handed over a memorandum of demands. Calvin Dludla filed this report which is followed by an extensive discussion of the root cause of anti-immigration protests in South Africa between the presenter Bongiwe Zwane, March-On-March organiser, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Immigration expert and legal counsel for the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Association, Advocate Simba Chitando and Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato

South Africa has taken a major step in tackling diabetes with the launch of its first National Diabetes Dashboard, giving healthcare workers near real-time access to critical patient data. The dashboard, was developed through a multidisciplinary effort by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, National Priority Programmes, and the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub. Dr. Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance says this development arrives at a critical juncture. Diabetes is now a leading cause of death in South Africa, placing a devastating burden on individuals, families, and South Africa's he health system . For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance

INTRO: Concerns have been raised over a marked rise in adulterated diesel in South Africa, following investigations by Bidvest Protea Coin that found over 100 suspected illicit fuel depots. Speaking to other news outlets , Bidvest Protea Coin chief operating officer, Waal de Waal, expressed his concerns over these findings. He added that this could have a massive impact and widespread damage to South African vehicles. An investigation by the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy in 2024 also uncovered several petrol stations across the country were selling dodgy diesel to customers. For reaction Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive Officer for Fuels industry association of South Africa

South Africa has a joblessness crisis and fixing it will take fresh thinking to find a solution. Over the past 10 years, South Africa has created only 130 000 new formal work opportunities on average a year – not nearly enough to absorb the 12-million work seekers currently unemployed. According to Justin Visagie, Associate Professor at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) at WITS, the size of the challenge is such that even if job growth in the formal sector were to grow to three percent per annum, it would take 50 years to wipe out unemployment. South Africa's official unemployment rate stands at approximately 31.4% to 32.9%. Youth unemployment remains critically high, with some estimates exceeding 45% in the 15–34 age bracket. So, what are our options? Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Justin Visagie, Associate Professor at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) at WITS

The US has imposed sweeping sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing the M23 rebel group. Washington alleges he provided financial support, encouraged defections from the Congolese army and even "sought to launch attacks" on the military from outside the country. The 54-year-old ex-president, who led DR Congo for 18 years from 2001, has released a statement where he says that he finds the decision profoundly unjustified. Bongiwe Zwane caught up with Specialist Correspondent Sophie Mokoena for more details...

The National Dialogue's Steering Committee says mechanisms are in place to ensure that the country's citizens, through the National Dialogue, are not only heard but that the process is responsive. The Steering Committee, consisting of over a hundred leaders from various sectors of society, is tasked with setting the foundation for an inclusive National Dialogue – a people-led, society-wide process to reflect, reset and reimagine South Africa's future. Boongiwe Zwane caught up with the spokesperson of the National Dialogue's Steering Committee, Qhamisa Tengile and started by asking where the process is at this stage...

Kaizer Chiefs' current form suggests TODAY's highly anticipated Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates will not be a repeat of February's one-sided affair at the same venue. Chiefs who are currently third on the log, were annihilated on that occasions. Mathematically, Amakhosi can still win the league title, but realistically they only hold the key to where the trophy will end up -- at Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns. Sifiso Ramara reports.....

US President, Donald Trump says an armed man had attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the Hilton Hotel in Washington. That's where the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held. Trump was evacuated from the event after a gunman opened fire. The suspect is in custody

Shock and confusion continue to reel in Emmarentia Johannesburg following the fatal shooting of a 48 year old Pakistan national last Sunday. This follows a road rage incident where the wife of the deceased was also shot and is believed to be still in hospital. The tragic incident which was captured on a dash cam video resulted in the arrest of the shooter - 58 year old man - who has since been released as the National Prosecuting Authority decided not to prosecute him. Investigations into the incident are however still ongoing. Jon Gericke caught up with Dr Stanley Maphosa, Executive Director at GunFree South Africa...

Tensions within the Tripartite Alliance have escalated, with the South African Communist Party confirming it will contest the 2026 local government elections independently. The African National Congress has pushed back - saying it cannot allow members to belong to parties that compete against it. The developments mark one of the most significant strains in the alliance in recent years. The SACP says its decision follows a breakdown in engagements with the ANC, including failed attempts to agree on how alliance partners should approach the 2026 elections. It has accused the ANC of issuing ultimatums and taking what it calls an "anti-communist" stance. For analysis Jon Gericke spoke to Political Analyst , Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast from the Nelson Mandela University

South African vaccine manufacture, BIOVAC, is on track to create the largest vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa. It has secured a financing package of one-point eight Billion rands from the International Finance Corporation, the European Commission, and European Investment Bank to build Africa's first end-to-end multi-vaccine manufacturing site in Cape Town. This is aimed at advancing self-reliance in vaccine production for South Africa and the African continent after huge gaps were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent race to produce and distribute vaccines globally. The Weekend View caught up with with BIOVAC CEO. Dr. Morena Makhoana to unpack the significance of this deal.. . Meanwhile, the The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has issued a stark warning to the European Union, urging it to stop blocking equity provisions in the final stages of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Treaty negotiations starting next week Monday in Switzerland, Geneva. Jon Gericke spoke to Dr Nombuso Madonsela, the country programme director of the AHF

The National Consumer Commission welcomed the amendment of Regulation 4 of Section 11 (3) of the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008 (CPA), as gazetted by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, this week. For too long, consumers have been exposed to intrusive and unwanted direct marketing communication now industry experts say this gives South Africans stronger protections against unwanted spam calls and marketing messages by placing stricter obligations on organisations that process personal information. For more Jon Gericke spoke to Phetho Ntaba, Spokesperson for the National Consumer Commission

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...