Update@Noon

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.

The Economic Freedom Fighters say they are satisfied with developments linked to the Phala Phala matter. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo says the outcome reinforces the party’s long-standing position on parliamentary accountability. Thambo says the ruling strengthens their argument that oversight mechanisms must be fully exercised when dealing with allegations involving the executive. The Constitutional Court ruled today that the Phala Phala vote was invalid and unconstitutional. The court upheld an application by the EFF and ATM, setting aside the National Assembly's vote of 13 December 2022. The matter now returns to Parliament's impeachment committee for reconsideration, reopening a probe into President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala farm theft saga. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Economic Freedom Fighters' national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.

Constitutional Court has ruled that Phala Phala vote was invalid and unconstitutional. The court upheld an application by the EFF and ATM, setting aside the National Assembly's vote of 13 December 2022. The matter now returns to Parliament's impeachment committee for reconsideration, reopening A probe into President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala farm theft saga. The ruling also declared National Assembly Rule 129I inconsistent with the Constitution. Delivering the courts judgement earlier today Chief Justice Mandisa Maya had this to say

ANC's national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says the party respects South Africa's constitutional processes and remains confident President Cyril Ramaphosa will withstand renewed scrutiny in the Phala Phala impeachment matter. Bhengu says the ANC will obey the law while defending Ramaphosa's leadership and record. Meanwhile, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has described the ruling as a serious moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy, Parliament, and the Presidency. Hill-Lewis says the judgment by the Constitutional Court of South Africa has made it clear that Parliament must correct its rules and that the Section 89 report must now proceed to an impeachment committee.

Political analyst Ongama Mtimka says at the parliamentary level, Government of National Unity (GNU) partners are likely to adopt a cautious and restrained approach on accountability, prioritising political stability over open confrontation. Mtimka’s comments come after the Constitutional Court ruled today that the Phala Phala vote was invalid and unconstitutional. The court upheld an application by the EFF and ATM, setting aside the National Assembly's vote of 13 December 2022. The matter now returns to Parliament's impeachment committee for reconsideration, reopening a probe into President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala farm theft saga. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to political analyst Ongama Mtimka.

Leader of the National Coloured Congress and MP Fadiel Adams has been remanded in custody until 13 May. Adams made his first appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court today. He faces five charges linked to the alleged interference in the high-profile murder investigation of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa. It was being handled by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team. The State alleges that between November 2024 and January 2025, Adams unlawfully met and interviewed accused persons connected the murder case while they were in custody. In postponing the matter, Magistrate Wendalyn Robinson ordered that Adams not to disclose his detention location.

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) says it notes with serious concern the recent intervention by National Treasury regarding the implementation of the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA) between the City of Johannesburg and SAMWU. The union says it rejects both the substance and political posture underpinning the intervention, which amounts to a dangerous encroachment into collective bargaining and municipal labour relations. For more on this we are joined on the line by Provincial Secretary of South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in Gauteng, Mpho Tladinyane

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has condemned the viral spread of fake videos and images falsely portraying attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, saying the content is deliberately designed to damage the country’s international reputation. Minister in the Presidency was today briefing the media on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting held in Cape Town.

Around 89 thousand learners remain at home as 125 schools across the Eden and Central Karoo education districts in the Western Cape are closed due to heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions. The Western Cape Education Department says the closures will remain in place on Thursday. Officials maintain schools are only shut in exceptional circumstances, citing the severity of current warnings. Reports of infrastructure damage have already emerged, with support teams mobilized. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Sagree Chetty and Joel Guy, SABC's weather forecaster, for the latest forecast and outlook across affected regions.

Residents in Tembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand have taken to the streets, demanding the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops. Large crowds gathered at Swazi Inn, accusing some shop owners of selling unsafe and expired food products. Community members say their health is at risk and are calling for urgent government intervention. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca

National Coloured Congress leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams is today expected to be processed at Durban's Westville police station. Adams was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team in Cape Town. He is facing allegations of fraud and obstructing the ends of justice in connection with alleged interference in investigations on the murder case of ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa. Adams is set to appear before the Pinetown magistrate's court for fraud and defeating the ends of justice, SABC reporter Zanele Buthelezi.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are searching for suspects after cocaine worth about R13 million was seized at Durban Harbour during an intelligence-led operation. Officers discovered 32 blocks hidden in a bus shipped from South America to Gauteng. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda explains

SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has cautioned that Members of Parliament are required to use formal communication channels when engaging on issues linked to active criminal investigations.This comes after the arrest of Fadiel Adams, who also serves as an MP and leader of the NCC, over allegations of fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Police say the matter is linked to the investigation into the killing of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa, with allegations that Adams interfered with ongoing probes. SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe explains

The South African Police Service is urging National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams to hand himself over to authorities. Police say an AJ50 warrant has been issued over allegations of fraud and obstructing justice against Adams. Police say the case is linked to the murder investigation of former ANC Youth League leader Sindiso Magaqa and allegations that Adams interfered with ongoing investigations into the murder of the late ANC Youth League leader, Sindiso Magaqa. SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explains.

Three suspects are expected to appear in the Kagiso Magistrates' Court on charges of kidnapping and extortion. Gauteng police say the trio, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested on Saturday following the rescue of a 30-year-old victim in Kagiso on the West Rand. Authorities allege the victim was abducted during a housebreaking incident on Friday. Police investigations are continuing. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thabiso Radebe

Police in Limpopo have opened a case of kidnapping and housebreaking after a two-year-old girl was taken from her home in Ga-Mabuela village, in the Waterberg District. Police say Omphile Sethole went missing from her room in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police say Omphile's grandmother woke up at six o'clock and found the window open. Community members conducted a search, but the child has not yet been found. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Rudzani Tshivhase....

Seven people have been killed in a devastating crash in Kariega, in Eastern Cape this morning. Authorities say a minibus taxi carrying workers allegedly made a U-turn in front of an oncoming bus, triggering the collision. Multiple others were left injured, with two in serious condition. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Eastern Cape department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose

Three people have died in a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, including a Dutch woman who collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport. The Health Department says only two infected passengers entered South Africa. A British patient remains in critical condition in isolation at a Sandton private hospital. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi

The community in Vosloorus ext 9 is threatening to shut down all illegal spaza shops in the area. They say they want answers as to what happened with Mazwi Khubeka who went missing after refusing to sell his spaza shop. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole and and A Vosloorus community member who calls himself Putin

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says the country cannot celebrate 32 years of democracy while crime and corruption continue to harm communities. The union is now calling on Parliament to urgently overhaul the criminal justice system to better tackle crime and corruption. COSATU President Zingiswa Losi says persistent violence, sexual abuse and corruption continue to undermine the freedoms promised by democracy. Losi was delivering the keynote address at the Workers' Day celebration at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane...

As South Africa today marks Workers' Day, with the main May Day celebrations underway at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane and other May Day events taking place across the country. Many unions are now moving away from pure political activism toward affording value beyond traditional labor disputes. In a shifting economic landscape, unions are increasingly functioning as service providers, offering their members funeral covers, holiday discounts, and tertiary bursaries. With some people asking themselves, are unions adapting to remain relevant in a changing economy or drifting away from their core mandate of worker representation. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Senior economist at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies Dr Neva Makgetla

Trade union AMCU is today holding its May Day commemorations in Marikana outside Rustenburg. The union rose to prominence during the 2012 Marikana unrest, when Lonmin Platinum workers embarked on a strike that shook the mining sector. AMCU has since become the majority union in several mines in the area. The union is also calling for May Day to be moved to 16 August to honor the Marikana massacre victims, who are remembered. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) General Secretary Jeffrey Mphahlele.

A group of protesters are marching in the Johannesburg CBD today as they protest against illegal immigration, crime and corruption. The group marched the Union Buildings in Pretoria and the Gauteng Legislature in the past two days to hand over a memorandum of demands. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy Government Spokesperson, William Baloyi.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says they are clear that resolving the water crisis requires a collaborative and coordinated response across all three spheres of government whilst working together with all social partners and communities. Ramaphosa says the Water Crisis Committee will oversee the implementation of a National Water Action Plan. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Politics Reporter, Ntebo Mokobo

The Polokwane Magistrate Court has denied Lekompo artist Lehlogonolo "Shebe Maburna" Chauke bail. Chauke is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC repoter Nsuku Shiluvana.

Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and co-accused Tobias Matonhodze have been sentenced at the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg. Mugabe will be deported to Zimbabwe today after pleading guilty to firearm and immigration offences in South Africa. The court heard that his convictions relate to illegal possession and breaches of immigration law. Matonhodze has been handed a series of custodial sentences 12 months on count one, 12 months on count two, three years on count three, and a further 12 months on count four with all sentences ordered to run concurrently. He will be deported once his sentence is served.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Sashin Naidoo

The March and March group is today continuing its protest in Johannesburg, gathering outside the Gauteng Legislature. Demonstrators claim illegal immigration is fuelling unemployment and labour violations. It is the second day of the movement's campaign in the city. They plan to hand over a memorandum of demands to the Gauteng provincial legislature. The group says it seeks urgent government action on border control, jobs protection, and enforcement of labour laws issues. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Calvin Dludla

The case of nine people accused of the killing of a part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, Sifundo Madasi, has been postponed to June in the Soshanguve Magistrate's Court north of Pretoria. The group allegedly killed Madasi in Soshanguve in February after accusing him of sexually assaulting two minors. All the accused are on bail of two thousand rand each under strict conditions, including not contacting state witnesses. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Nonhlanhla Ntshingila

Parliament's Social Development Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango says allegations against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe are being treated as serious, but remain unproven. Masango confirms the minister will be summoned to account before Parliament. The allegations against Minister Tolashe include the alleged misuse of a public servant as a nanny at her official residence and the redirection of vehicle donations meant for the ANC Women's League. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Political Analyst, Professor Boitumelo Senokoane

Organization Undoing Tax Abuse Senior Project Manager Rudie Heyneke says leadership instability at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is deeply troubling. He points out that losing two chairpersons in under two years raises serious governance concerns. This after Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced resignations from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board. Interim chairperson Mugwena Maluleke stepped down on Monday, citing personal and academic commitments, while board member Karabo Mohale has also resigned, having chaired the human resources and organizational development committee.Sakina Kamwendo spoke Organization Undoing Tax Abuse senior project manager Rudie Heyneke

The Office of the Auditor General is today briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in Parliament on the latest audit outcomes of metropolitan municipalities. The Auditor-General's business unit leader for the Free State, Odwa Duda, has reported to members that the audit findings for the Mangaung Metro in the Free State reveal ongoing weaknesses in financial control. Duda, says the audit outcome in Mangaung Metro has remained unchanged for three consecutive years with growing areas of concern.

March and March Movement together with several other political parties are marching to the Union Buildings in Pretoria today. The parties say the march is over unemployment, safety, dignity and access to opportunities. The movement is also concerned about what it describes as the deterioration of the country including crime and illegal migration. To discuss this further Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ATM National Spokesperson, Zama Ntshona.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to ask that the National Treasury investigate possible irregularities in the procurement process for textbooks for Grade 1-3 pupils. Allegations surfaced that publishing company Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd, which stood to make more than R285 million producing textbooks and learning and teaching support materials for the Department of Basic Education, was registered three days after the contract specifications were issued. Minister spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa explains

Amnesty International South Africa says the promise of dignity and equality for all remains unfulfilled for millions of people as the country commemorates 32 years since the end of Apartheid. The organisation says millions of South Africans are still denied basic services in the new dispensation. Amnesty International says today, more than five million people live in informal settlements that are routinely flooded, neglected and forgotten, trapped in cycles of hardship that undermine the very freedoms won in 1994. Elvis Presslin spoke to Spokesperson for Amnesty International South Africa, Genevieve Quintal....

The South African Council of Churches and its counterparts the Reformed Church in America (RCA), Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) says they reject the false narrative of a so-called "White genocide" in South Africa. The SACC says on Freedom Day they gather to reflect on the shared and interconnected realities facing our contexts in the United States, South Africa, and Palestine/Israel. We recognize that the church is called not only to spiritual reflection but to prophetic engagement in the face of injustice, violence, and dehumanization wherever it occurs. To discuss this further we are joined on the line by General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America, Rev. Eddy Alemán

The South African Federation of Trade Unions says Freedom Day must go beyond celebration, as the country marks the occasion today at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. The federation warns political freedom remains incomplete without economic justice, citing deepening inequality and unemployment. It says the vision of the Freedom Charter has been undermined, while urging government to prioritise redistribution and decent work. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Government of National Unity is prioritising inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction and easing the cost of living, while building a capable and ethical state. Addressing thousands at National Freedom Day celebrations at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, he stressed that strengthening local government is key to transforming municipalities into efficient, responsive service centres that meet citizens' needs amid ongoing national challenges and service delivery pressures. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst Professor Lesiba Tefo

Suspended Tshwane Metro Police deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini has come under intense questioning before the Madlanga Commission over a message referencing alleged EFF-linked company lists. Commissioners pressed him on his WhatsApp exchange with Sergeant Nkosi, where he wrote, "Please check with Mfowethu (CFO) if it's the same list as his from CIC Juju. " Dhlamini further told the Commission that there were two individuals who were "name-dropping" political figures and misrepresenting their involvement in procurement processes.

The Boksburg Magistrate's Court has postponed to Tuesday the ruling on the bail application of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi and City of Ekurhuleni manager, Kagiso Lerutla. They were arrested at the weekend on charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thabiso Radebe

The State in the case involving Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president, and co-accused Tobias Matondze is seeking imprisonment for both men. The pair appeared this morning at the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg after pleading guilty to several charges including attempted murder and the shooting and wounding of a former employee at their residence. Sentencing has been postponed to Wednesday next week. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca

The City of Joburg says Rea Vaya buses will operate special services this Sunday for the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC at FNB Stadium. The city says fans will be transported from Sandton, Alexandra, Cresta, Yeoville, Parktown, Florida North, the Joburg CBD and parts of Soweto. City of Johannesburg spokesperson Virgil James explains

The South African Communist Party says its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is not a break from the alliance but a push to advance working-class interests. General Secretary Solly Mapaila told media the move follows concerns over the direction of governance and the need for accountable representation. Mapaila says the party rejects what it calls attempts by the African National Congress to pressure its members, insisting the SACP remains committed to the broader struggle while asserting its independence in the electoral space.

In a tense sitting before the Madlanga Commission, suspended Tshwane Metro Police officer, Major Lebogang Phiri, has come under sharp questioning over his role in responding to repeated vandalism at water infrastructure sites. Phiri outlined that during late December 2024 and early January 2025, a pattern of vandalism had emerged targeting reservoirs and pump stations, allegedly linked to organised criminal activity exploiting water shortages through illegal tanker operations. Major Phiri has been accused of assigning contract work to private security firms without the necessary delegated authority and of allegedly steering contracts towards Gubis85.

A 56-year-old Tshepo Ntsimane, a Soweto church elder accused of raping a 12-year-old Dobsonville child, has abandoned his bail application before the matter was postponed for further investigations to the 20th of May. Ntsimane made a brief appearance in court today at the Roodepoort magistrates court. The court also heard that key evidence, including a witness statement and video footage, are still outstanding. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is warning communities against using transformer oil as a health remedy. The department says the industrial substance may contain toxic Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), posing serious risks to human health and the environment. Official's stress it is not approved for medical use and can cause long-term harm. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to chief director for environmental economics in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Obed Baloyi

Suspended Sedibeng SAPS District Commissioner Mbangwa Nkhwashu has told the Madlanga commission that he was approached through a mutual contact to meet businessman Katiso Molefe, whom he initially had no prior relationship with. Nkhwashu has been implicated through the testimony of Witness B, who alleged that he attempted to obtain the murder docket in the case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Further evidence presented at the Commission suggests that Nkhwashu visited Molefe while he was in prison for Swart’s murder—allegedly after visiting hours and in a vehicle without registration plates.

The Limpopo's Transport department says one lane has been opened for traffic on the N1 between Louis Trichardt and Hendrik Verwoerd tunnel following a bus crash. Preliminary reports indicate that two people died when a bus lost control and veered into the ditch on the mountainous stretch of the road. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Limpopo Transport Department Spokesperson, Mashudu Mabata

Suspended Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi has conceded that a tender-related document ended up in the hands of Sergeant Fannie Nkosi but insists it did not compromise the process. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Mnisi admitted the document should never have been outside municipal systems, calling it an irregularity but stopped short of linking it to corruption. Under tough questioning by the commissioners, Mnisi maintained the document contained no sensitive information and was based on already public details, arguing there was no need to escalate the matter. But commissioners pushed back, suggesting the mere presence of an internal tender document with a member of the public points to a breach in procurement controls.

The Democratic Alliance has urged Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to immediately suspend City Manager Kagiso Lerutla following his arrest. The DA says Lerutla should remain suspended pending investigations, and be dismissed if found guilty. Lerutla appears in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court alongside suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, both facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL – DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate explains

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Jon Gericke once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.

Retired NPA head Advocate Shamila Batohi's application to have legal advice while under cross-examination has been dismissed by the Nkabinde Enquiry panel. The Nkabinde Enquiry into suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke's fitness to hold office resumes this morning. In December last year, Batohi walked out of the enquiry before completing her testimony.