The Weekend View

The Bulls failed in their bid to lift the United Rugby Championship trophy after succumbing 32 -7 against Leinster in YESTERDAY's final at Croke Park in Dublin. Fans were left in disbelief after Jake White's team conceded 14 points in as many minutes in a terrible start to the title decider. Earlier in the day however, the Proteas made history when they claimed the World Test Championship mace after beating Australia by five wickets in the final at Lord's. To look at this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports reporter, Simon Burke

A study on absent fathers at the University of Johannesburg found that South Africa has an exceptionally high number of absent fathers with approximately half of the children in the country living without daily contact with their fathers. Experts suggest that this situation presents social and developmental challenges. According to the Human Sciences Research Council, most children in South Africa, over 60% — don't live with their biological fathers. And 20% only have contact with their biological father twice a week. As we celebrate Fathers day today, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Patrick Godana of Sonke Gender Justice to unpack the role of fathers and how society benefits from present fathers

The 16th of June marks National Youth Day in South Africa. This year, youth month is commemorated under the theme "Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation". Government is calling on all South Africans to invest in young people and to prepare them for the evolving demands of the global economy. Meanwhile, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi , Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg says Youth Day is a poignant reminder of the resilience and potential of South Africa's youth. It calls on us to redouble our efforts to create an environment where young people can thrive. On the Sunday discussion today we put the spotlight on education as the cornerstone to a better future for the youth and Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi , Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg

The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is urgently appealing to young men between the ages of 16 and 35 to register as stem cell donors. SAMBR says their critical underrepresentation is costing lives. According to the group this deficit drastically limits the chances of finding suitable matches for patients with life-threatening blood cancers, especially those from certain ethnic groups. Despite being the most effective donors , young men make up only 8.9% of registered donors in the country, far below the global average of 39% . For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Jane Ward, Deputy Director for the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR).

The Volkswagen Group South Africa has recalled over 100 of its vehicles due to safety concerns. The National Consumer Commissioner has also confirmed the recall of 142 Volkswagen Polos and eight Volkswagen Taigo vehicles by the manufacturer. To find out more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Prudence Moilwa, Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission..

The first batch of SANDF soldiers that was expected to return to South Africa from the DRC YESTERDAY afternoon, has finally touched down on home soil. The group, which initially expected to arrive at the Bloemspruit Air Force base in Bloemfontein arrived at the Waterkloof Airforce base in Pretoria yesterday evening. They were part of the Southern African Development Community - SADC - Mission in the DRC. The soldiers flew in from their assembly point in Tanzania. To look at this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Ricardo Teixeira, Defence Analyst at DefenceWeb

The flood victims in the Eastern Cape will be relocated to a safer area. This after severe floods destroyed a number of homes. President Cyril Ramaphosa, members of his cabinet and humanitarian organisation's visited the flood stricken province to asses the damage. To discuss the disaster situation in the Eastern Cape and other affected provinces Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa

It was not a final, but YESTERDAY's clash between the Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld, for a place in the United Rugby Championship final, was possibly the biggest rugby match in South Africa this year. In the end the Bulls' registered a convincing 25-13 victory over the Sharks, booking a trip to Ireland to face Leinster in the final... Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports reporter, Simon Burke

The 2025 Comrades Marathon is now well under way since nearly 25,000 runners set off in Pietermaritzburg. The 89km race started at 5.45 am, with the cut-off time coming 12 hours later at 5.30pm. One of the biggest changes this year was a new two-group start. This first group of the fastest qualifying runners in the field, with the elites at the front, went off first. This first group had around 12,500 runners take off at the gun. The second main group to set off featured around 10,000 athletes. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports reporter Thando Mxoli

The feud between two of the world's most powerful billionaires shows no sign of ending after the US president claimed on Friday that the richest man in the world had "lost his mind". Even though observers have long speculated that Donald Trump and Elon Musk would eventually fall out, few predicted the speed and ferocity with which their differences erupted. To discuss the spectacular fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Brooks Spector - Former US diplomat & Associate Editor at Daily Maverick and Dr. Kingsley Makhubela, Risk Analyst and Former South African Diplomat

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed regret at the United States sanction of four judges of the court. Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on the four judges in retaliation for the war tribunal's issuance of an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and a past decision to open a case into alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan. The ICC says this decision is a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all corners of the globe.. To unpack this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Ottilia Maunganidze , the Head of Special Projects at the Institute for Security Studies

20 years ago THIS WEEK, Sibusiso Vilane made history by becoming the first black African to summit the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest twice and by two different routes. After the first ascent in May 2003 via the south side, on June 3 2005 he stood on top of the world again and this time he did it via the North Ridge—a more difficult and statistically less-successful side. Sibusiso has since completed the Seven Summits Challenge and stood at both the North and South Poles, making him the first African to achieve the Three Poles Challenge. Back then Sibusiso had hoped that his pioneering feat would be followed by many other black South Africans and Africans and that mountaineering would take root in more diverse communities. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Sibusiso, who is also preparing to run the Comrades Marathon on Sunday to reflect on his historic achievement 20 years ago....

South Africa has just concluded its week long National Child Protection awareness week and now advocacy groups are calling on government to crack down on a growing threat to children's health. Groups such as Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) says child protection begins in the trolley as aisles in supermarkets are bombarded with food and beverages high in sugar and saturated fat contained in colourful packaging, often with cartoon characters and misleading health claims and these are targeting children. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Bilal Mpazayabo from Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA)

Despite progressive constitutional guarantees, including the rights to food and basic nutrition, millions of South Africans still face chronic and acute hunger. This disconnect between legal promise and lived deprivation, is the focus of the Union Against Hunger (UAH), a South African alliance dedicated to eradicating hunger and malnutrition . To mark this year's World Hunger Day, the UAH held a number of dialogues nationally to engage communities and the public – and share information that will better enable and support the mobilisation of communities to demand their right to food and hold government and industry to account. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to members of the UAH secretariat , Dr Busiso Moyo - postdoctoral researcher with Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of the Western Cape and Alan Browde

Former President Joseph Kabila this week surfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, just days after he lost his immunity amid accusations he is helping armed rebels fighting in the eastern DRC. Kabila, on Thursday, was visiting the eastern city of Goma, which has been seized by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. He was reported to have held meetings with local religious figures in the presence of M23 officials. Kabila, who has been in self imposed exile here in South Africa, is facing the possibility of a treason trial over his alleged support for M23. Earlier this month, the DRC Senate voted to lift Kabila's immunity, paving the way for him to be prosecuted. To discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Godber Tumushabe, Associate Director at the Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies in Uganda's capital, Kampala

Mamelodi Sundowns will today enter the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, in their final battle in the quest to be crowned African champions. But first, they must knock down the resilient Pyramids FC to become the most successful South African side in the Champions League. The pressure will be on the Brazilians in this second leg of the Champions League final after they conceded an away goal in the last minute of their opening leg draw in Pretoria last week. To put their names into African football's history books, Miguel Cardoso's men will need not only skill and tact but nerves of steel as they will most likely face a hostile crowd in Cairo. To discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports analyst, Mathews Mpete

Properties can be expensive investments, and repossessed homes provide an opportunity to purchase a home at a favorable price. However, property experts say it is important to be aware of potential challenges. To walk us through the process and the pitfalls of buying under these circumstances, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Paul Stevens, chief executive officer of Just Property

The late ANC struggle icon, Gertrude Shope will be laid to rest in Johannesburg TODAY. The 99 year old Ma-Shope, who passed on last Thursday was the President of the ANC Women's League and the Head of ANC Women Section in exile. She was also amongst the first cohort of women MPs after the first democratic elections in 1994. Throughout her life, she championed the empowerment of women in the ANC and in other spheres of society. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter, Zara Groenewald

Today is World No Tobacco Day. The global theme this year is "Unmasking the appeal: exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products. A study conducted by the South African Tobacco-Free Youth Forum shows how the tobacco industry employs aggressive and calculated strategies to appeal directly to young people. Now experts and advocacy groups are calling for decisive action. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Sister Juandre Watson, Health Promotion & Health Risk Assessment Programme Team Lead at the Heart and Stroke Foundation

The deadline for the public to make submissions to the Joint Constitutional Review Committee ends TODAY and those that have not done so have a few hours left to do so. The annual review of South Africa's Constitution by the committee is a process designed to assess whether a submission has sufficient merit to warrant a possible amendment to the Constitution, based on the proposals it contains. The purpose of the review is to determine and recommend to Parliament whether a submission justifies a constitutional amendment in line with the will of the public. So far, the committee has received over 200 submissions and it has been urging to public to exercise their democratic right by putting forward proposals before the end of TODAY's deadline. A few people have been making their submissions known on social media with some wanting a change in the preamble of the Constitution which states that " South Africa belongs to all who live in it" to read: South Africa belongs to all citizens who live in it. Others say they want to see the return of the death penalty and for the President of the republic to be directly voted by popular vote, not through parliament. For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to CASAC's Executive Secretary, Lawson Naidoo

The deadline for the public to make submissions to the Joint Constitutional Review Committee ends TODAY and those that have not done so have a few hours left to do so. The annual review of South Africa's Constitution by the committee is a process designed to assess whether a submission has sufficient merit to warrant a possible amendment to the Constitution, based on the proposals it contains. The purpose of the review is to determine and recommend to Parliament whether a submission justifies a constitutional amendment in line with the will of the public. So far, the committee has received over 200 submissions and it has been urging to public to exercise their democratic right by putting forward proposals before the end of TODAY's deadline. A few people have been making their submissions known on social media with some wanting a change in the preamble of the Constitution which states that " South Africa belongs to all who live in it" to read: South Africa belongs to all citizens who live in it. Others say they want to see the return of the death penalty and for the President of the republic to be directly voted by popular vote, not through parliament. For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach, co-chair of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee

Mamelodi Sundowns failed to defend their lead in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC. The Brazilians blew their home ground advantage when Pyramids FC levelled 1- all in the dying moments of stoppage time at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Sundowns will travel to Egypt for next Sunday's second leg of the Champions League final. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm sports anchor Janet Whitton

The Supreme Court of Appeal has found that a retired gardener and his wife can continue living on a smallholding in Stellenbosch because their land rights are protected under the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA). The case revolves around a smallholding in Joostenbergvlakte, an agricultural area just outside Stellenbosch where Jacob Pieters and his wife have been living for 37 years when the man was employed by the landowner as a gardener. This ruling now means the couple has a right to stay on the land. To look at the importance of this ruling and the rights of farm workers as enshrined in the constitution, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to South African Human Rights Commissioner Philile Ntuli, responsible for Land Rights...

This Africa Day coincides with the launch of a new book, 'The Black Atlantic's Triple Burden: Slavery, Colonialism, and Reparations' by Professor Adekeye Adebajo, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria. The book examines calls for reparations in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas for European-led slavery and colonialism; - what many now regard to have constituted crimes against humanity. But with some countries around the world, led by the USA administration, now taking a dim view of the concepts of Diveristy, Equity and Inclusion, many are wondering whether Africa's struggle for justice and equality will ever come to fruition...To talk to us about Africa Day and it's link to his new book, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Adekeye Adebaj ......

:The University of Johannesburg has launched an online education platform. UJ says this digital project aligns with its 2035 Strategic Plan of addressing the growing demand for innovative learning solutions that empower learners across the continent and beyond. The UJ Digital will provide alternative pathways to higher education through Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) and non-subsidised Whole Programmes (WPs). For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi

All 260 miners at Sibanye Stilwater Mine have now resurfaced. Some of the miners who resurfaced after being trapped underground on Gauteng's far West Rand say they are relieved to have been brought to the surface. About 260 mineworkers were trapped underground since Thursday at the mines Kloof 7 sub-shaft. This after an equipment failure caused debris to damage the main shaft, cutting off their exit route. To get the latest Bongiwe Zwane spoke to National Union of Mineworkers - NUM - National spokesperson, Livhuwani Mammburu....

Mamelodi Sundowns' quest to become the most successful South African squad in continental football starts TODAY when they play Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium In Pretoria in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. Kick-off at 3pm. The Brazilians are chasing their second Champions League crown after their first victory in 2016. For a club founded just over a decade ago, Pyramids FC reaching this final is already a landmark moment. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm sports anchor Janet Whitton

South Africa has published a "proposed policy direction" that should allow Elon Musk's Starlink to sidestep the strict ownership requirements in the country's telecoms sector and launch in the country. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi YESTERDAY published the changes that will allow the country's telecoms regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa - ICASA - to sidestep those strict ownership structures. According to reports, the government had been planning to offer Musk a workaround to the ownership rules ahead President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the White House. For analysis Bongiwe Zwane spoke to political commentator, Sandile Swana....

South Africa has published a "proposed policy direction" that should allow Elon Musk's Starlink to sidestep the strict ownership requirements in the country's telecoms sector and launch in the country. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi YESTERDAY published the changes that will allow the country's telecoms regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa - ICASA - to sidestep those strict ownership structures. According to reports, the government had been planning to offer Musk a workaround to the ownership rules ahead President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the White House. For some reaction to the proposed policy direction Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Colleen Makhubela, an MP from the official opposition, the MKP and member of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies..

South Africa's under-20 national team, Amajita, will TODAY face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Egypt. Amajita secured their place in the final after a 1-0 win over Nigeria U20 at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday evening. It's South Africa's first time in the final since 1997. To look at TODAY's game Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mathews Mpete, SABC Sports analyst

President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to start a working visit to the United States TOMORROW and is expected meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Wednesday. The high-stakes meeting comes as tensions between South Africa and the United States have reached their lowest point in years. Trump has cut all U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, citing disapproval of the land reform policy and the genocide case at the International Court of Justice against Israel. This week the Trump administration also welcomed 49 Afrikaners it has granted refugee status after false claims that their land was being seized. The meeting will also be Trump's first with an African leader since he returned to office in January. To look at this visit and the complications it may encounter, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Kingsley Makhubela, Risk Analyst and Former South African Diplomat

Economist Dawie Roodt says that most public South African universities should be closed, and that the government should allocate more funds to private institutions. He argues that they do not produce the required skills and that the quality of state-owned universities has declined. He says South Africa has one of the worst primary education systems in the world and that many of these institutions are poorly run. South Africa has nineteen public universities and seven universities of technology, totalling 26 state-owned institutions. Meanwhile, Prof Linda du Plessis, vice-principal and deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning at the North-West University has rebuked the call and says Dawie Roodt's statements fail to consider all the facts, focusing almost exclusively on the shortcomings of a handful of public universities, without acknowledging the many achievements in various disciplines. To look at this matter and what the way forward is , Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dawie Roodt, Chief Economist and Director at Efficient Group and Prof Linda du Plessis, vice-principal and deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning at the North-West University

Researchers at the University of Pretoria have identified the gene that is responsible for diet-related obesity. By exploring the role of the novel gene, they have made a potential breakthrough in current knowledge about the cellular mechanisms that drive fat accumulation. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Prof. Melvin Ambele of the University of Pretoria's Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The Office of the Chief Justice says it is working to review and strengthen internal controls to safeguard the credibility of courts through the prevention and early detection of fraud and corruption. This follows THIS WWEEK's exposure of alleged systemic corruption at the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha. There are claims that court officials solicit bribes, some as high as 15-thousand rand from attorneys to perform routine administrative functions. Nine officials are accused of extorting bribes and work in various departments ranging from junior typists to senior managers. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, conducted an oversight visit of the High Court, following these allegations. She has pledged to spare no effort to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate wrongdoing. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Zincedile Tiya, Secretary General of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers...

Incomplete projects, while profits escalate are some of the findings of a study by Mining Affected Communities in Action into some mining companies when looking at their Social and Labour Plans. The organisation found that 11 mining companies are not meeting the promises they made to improve the communities they are mining in. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Christopher Rutledge, MACUA Executive Director

South Africa's second-hand car market is growing rapidly, with used vehicle applications now outpacing new vehicle applications by more than two to one, according to WesBank's 2024 data. While affordability is a major appeal, many buyers face unexpected risks – from odometer fraud and stolen or cloned vehicles, to rejected insurance claims due to undisclosed histories or limited cover. To provide expert insight into the critical role insurance plays in second-hand vehicle purchases and how consumers can protect themselves, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Herman van Heerden, Chief Executive Officer of PPS Short-Term Insurance

As public institutions face mounting pressure to restore financial accountability and credibility, a new artificial intelligence platform, developed here in South Africans, has been unveiled to catch irregularities before they spiral into full-blown crises. The platform, called Audrey, monitors transactions and data in real time, flagging anomalies and potential compliance breaches within minutes. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Claude Chetty, co-founder of Audrey and CEO of Imagination Advisory and Technology

As winter temperatures drop, your skin could show it in dryness, redness, and even that lifeless, dull look. from heated indoors to icy outdoors, can damage your skin's protective barrier. Lauren Blythe, founder of Soliette, says a consistent skincare routine is vital. She advises a professional skin analysis, richer moisturizers, gentler cleansers, and hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid. She advises people that In winter, if your skin is drier, you tend to be a little bit more vulnerable to sensitivity, so you need to be guided on how often to exfoliate or which products to use. For more on this we are joined by Lauren Blythe, founder of SOLIETTE

The rich cultural diversity of South Africa is beautifully reflected in its legal framework, particularly concerning marriages. The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998, holds a pivotal role in acknowledging and safeguarding the institution of customary marriages. While the importance of lobola as a customary practice cannot be denied, recent High Court judgments have highlighted that the validity of a customary marriage is not solely determined by lobola but includes a broader spectrum of factors. To discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Cultural expert Professor Musa Xulu and Kholofelo Mashitisho , Attorney at Mashitisho Attorneys

Kaizer Chiefs have finally broken their decade-long silverware drought, defeating fierce rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a pulsating Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Captain Yusuf Maart netted the winner in the 80th minute, capping off a spirited performance by Amakhosi. Earlier, Gaston Sirino converted a penalty before Pirates equalised through Evidence Makgopa. But on this grand stage, Chiefs secured their first trophy since 2015 delivering redemption, elation and a long awaited moment of pride for the club's Loyal supporters across the country. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mthokozisi Dube Journalist and editor at Far Post an online sports magazine

Fake videos generated using artificial intelligence which show bogus representations of SABC journalists and presenters promoting different projects or seen to be advertising products are still making waves on various social media. The videos are becoming more sophisticated making it hard for unsuspecting individuals to tell if the videos are real. Scammers use AI, to clone the voice of the newsreader of TV personalities to endorse a product. Concerns that these video raise is that the technology can be used to spread disinformation... For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Admire Mare , Head of Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg

The families of missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli are anxiously awaiting DNA test results to confirm whether two bodies discovered in Rust de Winter, Limpopo, are of their loved ones. The couple went missing in February. In a chilling twist, police have arrested five suspects linked to their disappearance; some were found with parts from the couple's vehicle. For an update on this matter Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day An important day to appreciate the vital role played by mothers in many areas. One such area mothers play a key role in at times is to shape the financial future of their families. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Therèse Havenga, Head of Business Transformation at Momentum Savings to share these life lessons

A call to young authors. The Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative is calling on young African writers aged 13 to 19 to submit non-fiction short stories for its fifth anthology under the theme "One Africa, Many Voices. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Nomawele Njongo, the CEO of Kwazi Thina Publishers and founder of Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative

Just before the Constitutional Court ruled that South Africans can now have citizenship of another country while keeping their SA citizenship, the law prohibited this. A matter that the Democratic Alliance has been seized with in the courts for years. The party was supported by Phillip Plaatjes, a South African citizen who went to South Korea in 2002 to teach English. He then married British citizens, but when he realised his passport had expired, he found out he was no longer a citizen as per the old provision of the act. Now that the court has ruled what becomes the next step? Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mosa Chabane, the chairperson of the parliament committee on the Home Affairs and African Transformation Movement President Vuyolwethu Zungula

Orlando Pirates emerged the better side over Soweto derby rivals Kaizer Chiefs after claiming a 2-1 win at the FNB Stadium YESTERDAY. The Buccaneers came from a goal down to claim victory, laying down a marker for a rematch against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final next weekend. The win means Pirates have closed the gap to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns while for Amakhosi, this second successive loss extends their winless run in the league to seven matches, and is a further blow to their hopes of a top-eight finish. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports reporter, Vincent Sitsula

Picture this, you are a mom and your baby is crying uncontrollably in the middle of the night. You try every trick you know but nothing seems to be working. Then you take your phone to check if there are any possible solutions. A few suggestions that seem genuine come up, but are they really genuine or are you interacting with marketers unaware? The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund continues to sound the alarm on what it calls predatory and pervasive digital marketing companies. Let's tell you why? For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Gilbert Tshitaudzi , UNICEF South Africa Nutrition Manager

The country's two largest labour federations, COSATU and SAFTU have been at each other's throat and trading barbs in the days leading up to Workers Day as they sharply differ over proposed labour law amendments. The proposed amendments include changes to the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and the Minimum Wage Act. COSATU says it remains confident that the final legislation will continue to protect workers' rights and that such protections will be further extended while SAFTU on the other hand has criticised the amendments claiming that they will put workers under siege and erode workers' hard-won rights guaranteed by the Constitution. COSATU has accused SAFTU of peddling of fake news and falsehoods in pursuit of headlines while SAFTU is accusing COSATU of being party to what they call "secret talks at Nedlac" that will betray workers rights. To find out why they have such divergent views on the proposed labour law amendments Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mathew Parks - COSATU Parliamentary Co-ordinator and Newton Masuku - SAFTU National Spokesperson

The South African National Defence Force - SANDF - on Thursday confirmed the phased withdrawal of troops and equipment from the eastern DRC, three days after a parliamentarian chastised the Department of Defence for its lack of communication on the exit. The withdrawal route from Goma in eastern DRC has been confirmed to go through Rwanda to Chato in northwestern Tanzania. The SA in DRC mission faced a significant setback in January when 14 SANDF soldiers were killed during clashes with the M23 rebels over control of Goma. For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Jeff Dubazana, Chief Negotiator of the South African National Defence Union - SANDU .

ON FRIDAY , Kelly Smith and her co-accused were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court found that the state proved beyond reasonable doubt that Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn sold the six-year-old girl for the purposes of exploitation. The three accused will remain in custody ahead of sentencing proceedings, which are set to take place at a later stage. For more reaction Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Shaheda Omar, Director of The Teddy Bear Foundation

The search for the three missing police officers ended tragically this week with the discovery and recovery of their bodies. On Thursday the wreckage of the VW polo they were travelling in was also recovered in the Hennops river in Centurion in Gauteng. Constables Cebekhulu Linda, Keamogetswe Buys and Bopelo Senoge went missing last week Wednesday, while en route to their posting in Polokwane where they were to be part of operation Vala Umgodi. Addressing the media , National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola said forensics will still investigate to determine what happened. To get reaction Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Richard Mamabolo , Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union - POPCRU - spokesperson