The Weekend View

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the decision to allow a group of 153 Palestinians nationals into the country was driven by compassion, however their status is still being reviewed. This comes after the Border Management Authority initially denied entry to the group due to incomplete documentation. According to the BMA, the Palestinian passengers were not allowed to disembark from the aircraft as they did not have the customary departure stamps in their passports. The passengers were later allowed to disembark after nearly 12 hours on the tarmac, after Home Affairs received a commitment from Gift of the Givers that it will provide the passengers with accommodation during their stay in South Africa. The handling of the flight and the arrival of the refugees have raised serious questions about government communication and coordination. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Oscar van Heerden

United States (US) President Donald Trump has rolled back tariffs on over a 100 food products, including such staples as coffee, beef, bananas and oranges, in the face of growing anger among American consumers about the high cost of groceries. He signed an executive order on Friday allowing a range of food products to escape his sweeping tariffs. The move comes as his administration faces mounting pressure over rising food prices. The US is an important market for South African citrus fruit and other agricultural products and there were huge concerns when Trump's tariffs came into effect earlier this year. We asked Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, what he makes of the tariff rollback and whether South Africa can derive some benefit. This is what he said

The G20 will be diminished under the leadership of the United States that will assume the Presidency of the bloc from South Africa later this month. That's the view of leading development economist Prof Jayati Ghosh, who also serves as a member of the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality. Ghosh, who is a development economist based at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, was responding to various statement by senior United States (US) Government officials who've cast aspersions about South Africa's theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability while promising to whittle the bloc back down to basics when Washington assumes the leadership mantle ahead of hosting next year's Leaders' Summit in Miami, Florida. SABC's US Correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease filed this report

Thousands of people have marched through the streets of Belem in Brazil to demand stronger action on tackling global warming as the United Nations' COP 30 climate summit continues in the city. The rally to mark the summit's halfway point has been billed as the Great People's March by organisers. It comes as the host Brazil's proposal for an accelerated roadmap away from fossil fuels appears to be gathering support. As the conference continues, African leaders are keen to showcase and promote their climate strategies on the global stage. For more on what the COP30 summit means for the African continent, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Green Peace Africa Political Strategist, Koaile Monaheng

South African consumers have been urged to shop responsibly as retailers begin to advertise Black Friday deals, just weeks before the annual Christmas shopping rush. The warning comes as millions of consumers buckle under the pressure of a rising cost of living and high unemployment rates, which have left some shoppers unable to access much credit. Instead of impulsive buying, shoppers have been advised to maximise the savings from Black Friday deals to cover Christmas gifts or even back-to-school essentials. For more on how YOU, the consumer can navigate this period, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to National Consumer Commission Spokesperson, Pheto Ntaba

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department has urged motorists and residents of the city to prepare for temporary road closures and intermittent traffic disruptions, as multiple law enforcement agencies conduct joint traffic operations ahead of next week's G20 Leaders' Summit. The coordinated exercise will take place tomorrow from nine o'clock in the morning until one o'clock in the afternoon. Major national and regional routes such as the N1, M1, and N12 will be affected. Arterial and urban routes affected include Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Rand Show Road, Nasrec Road and the Golden Highway. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to JMPD Spokesperson, Xolani Fihla

Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, has reiterated that his side will be up against very capable breakdown specialists, when South Africa takes on Italy in Turin on the third stop of the end-of-year tour THIS AFTERNOON. Kolisi also laid out that it was important for players to pitch up for Italy, if they want to be considered for the following week's crunch fixture against Ireland in Dublin. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC rugby commentator, Renier Swart

The South African Medical Technology Industry Association - SAMED - has raised alarm over the Gauteng Department of Health's failure to pay medical technology suppliers, a crisis it says now threatens business survival, jobs, and the stability of healthcare delivery across the province. SAMED says several companies that supply essential medical products and services are on the brink of closure, with job losses imminent. SAMED is now calling for national government intervention to resolve the issue. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAMED board member and Chairperson of the Market Sustainability Committee, Monica Lucas

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of severe thunderstorms leading to flooding, excessive lightning, damaging winds and hail resulting in injuries and danger to life due flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas in some parts of the country. To explain the severity of this weekend's weather Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Lehlohonolo Thobela, forecaster at the South African Weather Service

The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 29 May 2025, to investigate the political suppression of investigations and prosecutions of TRC cases, will commence its public hearings in Johannesburg on Monday, 10th November. The first two days of the commision have been set aside for opening statements by various parties. In January 2025, 25 families and survivors and the Foundation for Human Rights, brought an application to compel the President to establish a commission of inquiry into the interference in the investigation and prosecution of the TRC cases, together with a claim for constitutional damages. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Zaid Kimmie, Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights

Analysts are divided over DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen's request for President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Dion George. Some have called it a routine coalition negotiation, while others warned that it blurs the lines of the president's constitutional powers. This comes after Steenhuisen requested President Ramaphosa to replace Dr George with party spokesperson, Willie Aucamp. The request is reportedly linked to underperformance. But what do environmental groups think? The Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute - SAFCEI - is an environmental justice organisation and it's Executive Director, Francesca de Gasparis spoke to Bongiwe Zwane

The Springboks once again summoned their never-die spirit to overcome a permanent red card and stun France 32-17 to break French hearts yet again. In LAST NIGHT"s much-hyped encounter – the first between these teams since that infamous 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final – it was South Africa who once again emerged victorious at the Stade de France in Paris. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, was again a star and the Springboks once again summoned their never-die spirit to overcome a permanent red card and stun France 32-17 to break French hearts yet again. In LAST NIGHT"s much-hyped encounter – the first between these teams since that infamous 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final – it was South Africa who once again emerged victorious at the Stade de France in Paris. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, was again a star and received the official man of the match accolade. Meanwhile in cricket hosts Pakistan beat the Proteas by seven wickets in the third and final One Day International in Faisalabad to complete a 2-1 series victory. To look at the rugby in Paris and cricket in Pakistan, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm sports anchor, Janet Whitton

South Africa has assumed the interim leadership of the Southern African Development Community - SADC. This after President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected interim chairperson at the regional bloc's virtual extraordinary summit on Friday night. South Africa takes over the reigns as calls intensify for the regional body to do more in order to silence the guns on the continent and to clamp down on oppressive governments. SADC has always been perceived to be slow, unable and sometimes unwilling to tackle and resolve regional political hotspots. To explore whether SADC can be more resolute and decisive under SA's leadership Bongiwe Zwane spoke to political analyst at the University of Toamasina in Madagascar, Prof. Solofo Randrianja and Risk Analyst and former South African diplomat, Dr Kingsley Makhubela

Former public enterprises minister, Dr Malusi Gigaba briefly handed himself over to the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption - IDAC - in Pretoria on Friday to discuss the potential of fraud and corruption charges being filed against him. He was not arrested as earlier speculated and the possible charges were not related to the irregular procurement of locomotives at TRANSNET as earlier reported. Gigaba later clarified that IDAC's probe relates to allegations that he received an undeserved benefit during his time in cabinet. Meanwhile on Thursday former Bosasa chief operations officer Angelo Agrizzi entered into a plea agreement with the State, admitting to charges of corruption and money-laundering linked to the company's controversial contracts with the Department of Correctional Services. Agrizzi received a 10-year sentence for each count of corruption and an additional 10 years for money-laundering but the sentences were wholly suspended for five years, effectively sparing him from serving time behind bars. To look at how these developments tie into the up-hill battle against corruption, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Advocate Paul Hoffman, Director at Accountability Now

Siya Kolisi, the greatest Springbok captain of all time, will run out for his 100th test cap when he leads South Africa against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday night. Kolisi becomes the ninth Bok test centurion. The Boks will take on a French side, still stewing from their World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa two years ago. And revenge has been all the talk in the French Capital leading up to the match. Meanwhile the Proteas will play their third and final One Day International against Pakistan at Iqbal Stadium, in Faisalabad on Saturday. The series is currently level at 1–1, making this decider a must-win for both sides. To look at the rugby in Paris and cricket in Pakistan, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm sports anchor, Janet Whitton

As November marks Responsible Gambling Month, concerns have been raised about how some South Africans are using gambling as a means to supplement their income. With unemployment at record highs and an ever-escalating cost of living, financial services provider, JustMoney is taking the opportunity to shine a light on the risks of gambling as a means for cash-strapped South Africans to make extra money. This was evident in a recent survey by JustMoney, which found that 3% of survey respondents chose online gambling over a popular cost-cutting option. The survey also found that those taking home less than R5,000 a month, are four times more likely to choose online gambling, with men twice as likely as women to opt for this. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Head of Customer Experience at JustMoney, Sarah Nicholson

In the build-up to this month's G20 Summit in Johannesburg, The Weekend View brings you a series of interviews on some of South Africa's key priorities as it prepares to host the global conference. Today, we zoom in on the just-concluded G20 health ministers meeting which was held in Polokwane, Limpopo. The meeting ended with no signed declaration as the United States disagreed with the majority of the key priorities tabled by the G20 group of nations. Some of the key discussions focused on ensuring meaningful progress towards ending HIV/AIDS the year 2030. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to National Health Insurance Technical Specialist at the Department of Health, Dr Aquina Thulare

The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) has expressed concern at recent research revealing that South Africa is giving Russia a run for its money as the world's fastest-growing alcohol market. The country is out-performing a number of emerging markets including India and Brazil, with a reported 80% of our adult populations consuming alcohol. SANCA says the figures are particularly concerning as they come on the back of another recent report by the National Gambling Board, which revealed that South Africans spent over R1.5 trillion on gambling in the past financial year alone, indicating a R400 billion increase from the previous year. For a look at what the driving factors in the country's excessive alcohol related addictions, Elvis Presslin spoke to South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence National Co-ordinator, Adrie Vermeulen and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group spokesperson, Cassey Chambers

Parliament's ad hoc committee will engage with the relevant authorities on the process to get the remanded detainee, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala to appear before it, in person. The committee was established by a motion of the National Assembly, following allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interefence in the justice system. These alllegations were made by KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-General Nhanhla Mkhwanazi, in July this year. Among others, Mkhwanazi alleged that the now placed on special leave Police minister, Senzo Mchunu associated with individuals suspected to have links with drug cartels, such as Matlala. It would be a first in the history for Parliament, to have an awaiting trial prisoner, appear before it. Zalene Merrington reports

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Kurt-Lee Arendse were the shining stars as the Springboks thrashed Japan 61-7 in their clash at Wembley Stadium in London, on Saturday. The Boks now move on to to Paris for a showdown with France next week at the Stade de France. Meanwhile in cricket, after a month of action and 30 fierce contests, it all boils down to the biggest one of all: Sunday's Women's World Cup final. The Proteas Women take on tournament hosts India in their first World Cup final with a new world champion set to be crowned after the blockbuster clash. South Africa overpowered England while India beat defending champions Australia to reach the summit encounter. The final will be played THIS MORNING at the 45 300 seater Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium starting at 11:30. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC sports reporter, Simon Burke.

The Justice and Constitutional Development Department is studying Friday's ruling by the High Court of Malawi which overturned an order directing that Shepherd and Mary Bushiri be extradited to South Africa to face trial. he Bushiris, who face multiple criminal charges including fraud and money laundering in South Africa, fled the country in 2020 while out on bail. The ruling sets aside the decision of the Chief Resident Magistrate's Court in Lilongwe, which in March had ordered the Bushiris' committal to await surrender to South Africa. So what happens next? Elvis Presslin spoke to Justice and Constitutional Development Department spokesperson, Terrence Manase and Advocate Malose Monene, a legal expert from the Limpopo Bar

The United Nations has called on Tanzanian security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force against those protesting the country's disputed election result. The UN says every effort must be taken to de-escalate tensions and has appealed to protesters to demonstrate peacefully as the main opposition party, CHADEMA continues to call for protesters to take to the streets of the commercial capital Dar es Salaam and other key regions. The government has also faced criticism from rights groups who have accused it of blocking connection networks, including internet access, amid fears that hundreds have died in days of clashes. This comes as President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country's disputed poll with nearly 98 percent of the vote, after leading rivals were excluded from the race. For a look at the situation on the ground, Elvis Presslin spoke to Hussein Khalid, the CEO of Non-Governmental Organisation Vocal Africa, based in Kenya.

As debate rages on over the Democratic Alliance's proposal to amend South Africa's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework, some telecoms industry players are warning that the move will undo decades of progress and push black entrepreneurs out of critical industries. Moropa Site Solutions, one of the few black-owned companies in South Africa's tower and network infrastructure space, which has built towers in rural and underserviced communities, says their existence proves that transformation policies can work when applied correctly. Moropa's co-founder, Khanya Shipalana laments that BEE is often confused with corruption and believes punishing black businesses for what corrupt individuals have done is both unfair and short-sighted. While the company supports efforts to improve transparency and efficiency within the BEE framework, it is cautioning against abandoning it entirely. The DA contends that the BEE policy has failed with only a handful of politically connected individuals becoming wealthy, while the rest of the country has been left behind. The party is pushing for its Public Procurement Amendment Bill to become law, a proposal that would effectively repeal BEE. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sean Shipalana, CEO of Moropa Site Solutions.

In the build-up to this month's G20 Summit in Johannesburg, The Weekend View, brings you a series of interviews on some of South Africa's key priorities as it prepares to host the global conference. Today, we zoom in on the recently-concluded G20 Women Empowerment Working Group Ministerial Meeting, which saw member countries re-affirming their strong commitments to advancing women's health, equal pay, inclusive leadership and gender-responsive policies. The meeting, which also focused in the current geo-political and social climate, luminated the tripple-threat of unemployment, gender-based violence and lack of access to adequate resources faced by women in South Africa. For more on the meeting and what should be done to address the plight of women Elvis Presslin spoke to Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga

Fresh off their second straight Rugby Championship title win, the Springboks will TODAY face Japan at Wembley Stadium in London. Captain Siya Kolisi will play his 99th Test match, leaving him only one game short of becoming the ninth Springbok centurion in the history of the game. South Africa and Japan have only faced each other three times, with Japan winning the first encounter in 2015 and the Springboks claiming victory twice in 2019. Eddie Jones, who secured Japan's only win over South Africa, has returned as the Brave Blossoms' head coach and belives his side can humiliate the Boks again. Kick off is at 10 past 6 this evening. Meanwhile in local soccer, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are set to meet for the third time this season in an eagerly awaited Betway Premiership clash at a sold out Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria THIS AFTERNOON. The two giants of South African football have already faced each other twice this season during the MTN8 semi-final, where the Buccaneers triumphed on penalties after both legs ended in a 1-1 draw. Kick-off for the match is set for 3:30pm, and the game will be televised on SABC 1. To look at these intriguing matches we are joined on the line by Simon Burke, SABC sports reporter

Motorists have raised concerns after Japanese car manufacturer, Nissan joined the long list of major companies to recall some of their vehicle models due to defects. This comes after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) recalled over 1,600 Nissan Qashqai SUVs for fear that they may be affected by a fuel leak risk. Earlier this month, BMW South Africa recalled over 12,000 of its vehicles, citing the possibility of water entering the Starter Motor, which would cause corrosion. The Peugeot Landtrek has also been recalled, following a wear of the the vehicle's doorsill wiring harness, which is caused by interference with the doorsill cover. For a look at what recourse is available to you, as the consumer, Elvis Presslin spoke to Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, Mike Mabasa

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, has apologised after an unauthorised letter issued by an official in her department led to a Sherriff approaching the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, to serve her with court papers yesterday. The Italian human rights lawyer and author delivered the 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg. To get more clarity, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Terrence Manase, spokesperson of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Two witnesses testified THIS WEEK at parliament's ad-hoc committee probing political interference and alleged criminal infiltration of the SAPS – on leave police minister Senzo Mchunu, and his predecessor Bheki Cele. To discuss the week's evidence from both parliament's ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Retired Interpol Ambassador and Security Strategist, Andy Mashaile and Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu, Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University

South Africa's unbeaten run at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup has come to an end with a crushing seven-wicket defeat to Australia in a top-of-the-table match in Indore, India. The unbeaten Aussies who decided to bowl first, skittled the Proteas for a paltry 97 inside 25 overs The result means Australia will play fourth placed India in Thursday's second semifinal, while South Africa and England will clash in Guwahati in the first semifinal on Wednesday. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC senior sports reporter, Samantha Marie.

The Institute for Security Studies - ISS - has raised concerns with the African Union's decision to expel the island nation of Madagascar following a military coup that led to the flight of former President, Andry Rajoelina. The coup was a culmination of demostrations by mostly Gen Z protestors, which brought Rajoelina's six-year reign to an abrupt halt and culminated in the installation of military leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina as the country's new president. The ISS says the AU's zero tolerance of coups should be matched by a similar attitude towards the poor governance that provokes youth protests. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Martin Ewi, the ISS' Southern Africa Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator

The Women Proteas will TODAY play their final pool match of the World Cup against Australia in Indore, India. Today's result will determine who finishes top of the log after the league phase. While both teams have already qualified for the last four, as have England and India, it is not yet known who will face who in the semi-finals. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC senior sports reporter, Samantha Marie

Last week's cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon, has brought into sharp focus, the need for event organisers to be up to date with their cancellation insurance policies. Thousands of runners were left stranded last weekend when heavy winds forced the marathon's cancellation, to the disappointment of many spectators and service providers. In light of these development, insurance provider, iToo has sounded a call for ticket holders and event organisers alike, to recognise the importance of understanding what their respective rights are and what responsibilities they carry when things unexpectedly go wrong. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Product Head for Events at iToo Insurance, Mamoeti Nosi

Motorists in Gauteng can expect a second day of traffic disruptions in the major metros TODAY as the province's traffic officials conduct a coordinated joint operation in preparation for next month's G 20 Summit. The operations, which were also conducted yesterday, will target high-security routes, including major national highways and central urban arteries. Rolling road closures across the province will be conducted in the morning and afternoon. To tell us more, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department - JMPD - spokesperson, superintendent Xolani Fihla

South Africa has been removed from the grey list of a global anti-money-laundering group. The Paris based Financial Action Task Force - FATF - announced YESTERDAY that it reached it's decision because the country has addressed all 22 deficiencies identified two-and-a-half years ago. South Africa was placed on the grey list in February 2023 due to limitations on its ability to stop money laundering and terrorist financing. The grey list places countries under increased monitoring and scrutiny, with global investors concerned about possible financial risks. To make sense of the development and what that means for you and I, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to independent analyst, Khaya Sithole

The Cape Town Marathon which was supposed to have taken place this morning, has been cancelled due to safety concerns. Gale force winds blew over temporary structures along the route which could've jeopardised the safety of runners and spectators. Twenty-four thousand runners entered the race, some of whom had already arrived at the starting point when it was called off at 5 AM. It is also a set back for the organisers. This year's event was supposed to be phase two of their bid to secure Abbott World Marathon Major status. Bongiwe Zwane spoke one of the runners, Tumi Sole and Ondela Mbana, a colleague from SABC,

One of Kenya's most revered politicians, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, will be buried TODAY at his farm in Bondo, in western Kenya. Odinga, who died at a hospital in India aged 80 on Wednesday, never made it to Kenya's presidency - failing five times. The former political prisoner was a major figure for decades in Kenyan politics and many Kenyans believe he was cheated of the presidency by electoral fraud. Tens of thousands of people - many carrying branches as a traditional symbol of grief and wearing T-shirts printed with his image - wept and sang at Friday's service at Nyayo National Stadium in the capital Nairobi, where they paid their final respects. Two people were killed and more than 160 others were injured in a stampede at the stadium. Bongiwe Spoke to Zubeidah Kananu, President of Kenya Editors Guild from Nairobi.

As South Africa's 2025 matric class prepares to begin their final exams, psychologists have urged parents and caregivers to be sensitive to the pressures learners face during this period. This comes as the United Nations' South African office pointed to systemic challenges in the country's education which threaten some matriculants' readiness for this milestone. It UNICEF has cited education inequality and socio-economic conditions as some of the obstacles facing some of the more than one-million candidates taking the assessments across three assessment bodies. Education quality watchdog, Umalusi, has given the green light for the exams beginning next week. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Basic Education Programme Coordinator at the NorthWest University, Dr Judicial Sebatana

The South African government has strongly condemned the suspected attempt to smuggle prescription medicines, including antiretrovirals, out of the country. This comes after a shipment of the medicines was found in the wreckage of a bus that crashed in Limpopo on Sunday. Over 40 people died in the tragic accident. Speaking at the post-Cabinet briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said attempts to smuggle pharmaceuticals away from the sick, undermine the fight against diseases, including HIV. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Health Minister, Dr Aaaron Motsoaledi

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has partnered with the National Consumer Commission in issuing a stern warning to foreign-owned online shopping platforms that fail to comply with South African laws and regulations. This comes after the department revealed that online platform, Temu has been advertising that it has an SA-based warehouse, despite not owning or operating any warehouses in the country. The Chinesse company began advertising the warehouse in July but later said it uses third-party logistics companies that store and deliver its goods in South Africa. For a look at what this means for the country's consumers, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Spokesperson for the Minister of Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Kaamil Alli

Police minister, Senzo Mchunu, says he briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa that he had disbanded the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team and that Ramaphosa was in agreement with him. Mchunu, who has been placed on a leave of absence, appeared before Parliament's ad hoc committee. The committee is looking into wide-ranging allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system made by KZN police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Zalene Merrington reports

Madagascar's coup leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president YESTERDAY to loud cheers, days after taking control of the island nation in the wake of youth-led protests that forced out his predecessor. Ex-leader Andry Rajoelina, whom lawmakers impeached after he fled abroad last weekend, has condemned the takeover and refused to step down while in exile. The African Union and the United Nations have condemned the coup, which came after weeks of "Gen Z" protests initially triggered by severe, chronic power and water shortages. SADC has also taken a decision to deploy a team comprising Organ Troika member states to undertake a fact-finding mission to Madagascar. For the latest, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Solofo Randrianja, political analyst from the University of Toamasina in Madagascar

South Africa have sealed a Women's Cricket World Cup semi-final spot with a dominant win against co-hosts Sri Lanka despite rain delay at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The proteas women, who registered their fourth win at the World Cup, crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a game reduced to 20 overs. The Proteas will now play Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. To review this match, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Janet Whitton, SAfm Sports Anchor

Mourners have gathered at the Dondotha Stadium in KwaMbonambi, in KwaZulu Natal, where South Africa's Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa will be laid to rest this morning. The late ambassador will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to deliver the eulogy. Mthethwa served as the country's Head of Mission in Paris before passing away in the French capital last month. For the latest on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC News Anchor, Bongiwe Zwane, who joins us from KwaZulu Natal...

Members of Parliament's Ad Hoc committe established to look into wide-ranging allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system THIS WEEK grilled Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and KwaZulu-Natal police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The committee is focusing on Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations, including political and criminal interference in the SAPS and related corruption; the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team; and allegations against MPs. The objective is largely to assess the failure of oversight and the need for policy or legal reform. In contrast to the ongoing Madlanga Commission, each MP is accorded ample time to pose questions to the witnesses. While some have welcomed the intense nature of the grilling by some parliamentarians others have registered reservations and have questioned the style of cross examining which has tended to highlight the political nature of Parliament's ad hoc committee. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst, Dr Levi Ndou and Assistant Lecturer at UKZN's Department of Criminology and Forensics, Sanele Shabane

: The inquest into the killings of the Cradock Four - Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto-, will resume with its second sitting from TOMORROW at the Gqeberha High Court. Aside from the first two days, this 2 week session will focus primarily on the persons of interest. The inquest is expecting to hear the evidence of, among others, Mbulelo Goniwe, nephew of the late Matthew Goniwe -, Bantu Holomisa, former Chairman of the Transkei Military Council and Council of Ministers and Eugene de Kock, former Vlakplaas commander. This is the third inquest to examine the circumstances of the deaths of the Cradock 4 and comes after decades of obstruction, political interference, and institutional failure. The Cradock 4 were stopped at a roadblock in June 1985 by security officers. They were beaten, strangled with telephone wire, stabbed and shot to death in one of the most notorious killings of South Africa's apartheid era. Lukhanyo Calata, son of Fort Calata, spoke to Elvis Presslin

Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now hang by a thread after they drew Nil - all with a ten-man Zimbabwe in their penultimate qualifier in Durban YESTERDAY. Benin beat Rwanda 1-NIL in another Group C qualifier in Kigali - and now sit atop the group with 17 points while Bafana are second with 15 points. Bafana Bafana will have to beat Rwanda on Tuesday and hope Nigeria beats or draws with Benin for them to qualify for the global showpiece. To review these games, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mathews Mpete, SABC soccer analyst

South African consumers have been cautioned not to over endebt themselves as the 2025 festive season purchases begin. This as millions of consumers continue to grapple with the country's high cost of living and record-high unemployment levels. Earlier this year, credit solutions company, Debt Rescue South Africa, found that the situation has seen some South Africans forced to cut back on food to in order to keep the lights on. The company's Chief Operations Officer, Annaline van der Poel has emphasised that clear budgeting may assist as disposable income and household finances continue to shrink. She spoke to Elvis Presslin

As the Gaza truce came into effect at noon YESTERDAY, tens of thousands of Palestinians started walking along Gaza's coastal road toward former homes in the widely devastated north. Despite the widespread celebrations that greeted news of the ceasefire, many Palestinians are keenly aware that little remains of the lives they knew before the war. Israeli forces have pulled back to the lines agreed under Donald Trump's plan in which Hamas has until 12:00 local time on Monday to release all Israeli hostages, while Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Under the deal, aid trucks are expected to start surging in to help Gaza's two million people, most of whom have been displaced. This comes as The White House has bemoaned Trump's Nobel Peace Prize snub, accusing the Norwegian Nobel Committee of putting "place politics over peace". To look at these developments, Elvis Presslin spoke to Naeem Jeenah from the Mapungubwe Institute For Strategic Reflection,

South Africa's diplomatic community gathered at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria yesterday (Friday) to pay tribute to late Ambassador, Nathi Mthethwa. The memorial was held ahead of the arrival of Mthethwa's mortal remains at Durban's King Shaka International Airport on Friday afternoon. Many mourners celebrated the politician's decades-long work in the public service, leadership and his role in strengthening South Africa's international relations. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC Politics Reporter, Ntebo Mokobo

ActionSA has announced former Sizok' thola TV show presenter, Xolani Khumalo as its mayoral candidate in the city of Ekurhuleni. A new contender in the political landscape, Khumalo gained popularity after hosting the anti-drug crusade television show. In announcing Khumalo's campaign, ActionSA President, Herman Mashaba signaled the party's growing political ambitions across Gauteng's metros. For more on what the party plans in Ekurhuleni ahead next year's local government elections, Khumalo spoke to Bongiwe Zwane

President Donald Trump has ordered Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept some other terms in a U.S. plan to end the war, but vexing issues like disarmament appeared unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel was preparing for an "immediate implementation" of the first stage of Trump's Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas' response. Hamas did not make clear whether it would agree to Trump's proposal that it be barred from exercising political power in Gaza. But the group said it should be "included and will contribute" to any Palestinian national discussion on Gaza's future. World leaders have largely welcomed Hamas's statement but some still hold major reservations about Trump's Gaza plan.....For a look at what the prospects for lasting peace in Gaza are, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DIRCO Spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri; Senior Research Fellow and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude and South African-American Political Commentator, Joel Pollack