Update@Noon

KZN police have confirmed that four members of a family were killed in Port Shepstone on the province's south coast. The shooting allegedly occurred during New Year celebrations. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Amanda Funani

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a stern warning to the public not eat white mussels and other shellfish washed up on the West Coast of the Western Cape. A large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks and other shellfish being washed up at St Helena Bay and Elands Bay on the West Coast over the past 48 hours. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Steve Lamberth, Senior Scientist for Inshore Resources at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The border management authority says it has wrapped up the exit leg of its festive season border operations and is now shifting focus to the return phase, running from today 1 to 15 January 2026. The authority says it processed heavy traveller volumes across all 71 ports, intercepting over 7,000 undocumented movements, mostly at land borders. Groblersbridge recorded the highest detections. We understand Commissioner Michael Masiapato will oversee return operations at Beitbridge from 2 January. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Border Management Authority Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato

Acting Eastern Cape MEC for Health Bukiwe Fanta has welcomed newborns at Frere Hospital in East London and raised concerns about teenage pregnancy in the province. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Eastern Cape Health HOD Dr. Rolene Wagner

Eastern Cape police have traced the parents who allegedly supplied alcohol to minors during an incident on Christmas Day in Santini location in the Khothane administrative area. The video, which shows children aged between six and twelve freely drinking while adults watch. It has sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana

Another legal hurdle has emerged in the process to appoint South Africa's next National Director of Public Prosecutions. An advisory panel and President Cyril Ramaphosa have until today to file court papers opposing an urgent High Court application seeking to halt the appointment. Law firm B Xulu and Partners Incorporated firm argues the selection process was unlawful, biased and lacked transparency, particularly in its handling of objections against candidate Advocate Hermione Cronje. Government has since confirmed it will oppose the application. adding that it does not meet the requirements for urgency and is premature, as President Ramaphosa is still considering the report submitted by the panel. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to legal analyst, Melusi Xulu.

The South African Police Service has issued a festive season warning over a surge in drink-spiking incidents linked to organised crime syndicates. Police say young women are being used to lure men at taverns, clubs and concerts, where drinks are spiked before victims are robbed, and in some cases killed. SAPS has also raised concern over women being drugged, assaulted or murdered after nights out. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

As Johannesburg gears up to ring in the New Year, the City's Emergency Management Services (EMS) is tightening fireworks rules ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations. EMS is conducting emergency and fire safety enforcement operations in the Johannesburg Inner City. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the City of Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Kagiso Phasha

In Port St Johns on the Wild Coast, locals and business owners remain outraged over the R250 vehicle access permit required at the Beach boom gate during peak festive days, insisting public beaches should not be monetised while the municipality defends it as a temporary safety and crowd-control measure. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Nomzwanele Bacela

South Africa, is the latest country to condemn Israel's recognition of Somaliland. It has warned that it threatens Somalia's sovereignty and the regional stability. Somaliland proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991, but has failed to win international recognition for its sovereignty. In a statement, Department of International Relations minister Ronald Lamola says the recognition violates Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. To look how will Israel's recognition of Somaliland affect politics in the region? For more, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr. Hassan Khannenje.

Rescue teams have recovered remains believed to be those of the missing SANDF member on the borderline of Mozambique and South Africa in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. Two soldiers were swept by the Nkomati river on Christmas Day when they were trying to cross on the low-lying bridge towards the Lebombo border post in a vehicle. The remains were found about two kilometres from the scene where the incident happened. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Michael Mdluli

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has sent out a strong warning to some liquor restaurant license holders who sell of alcohol to minors. The department say it viewed the continued violation of the Liquor Act with "great disgust", particularly during the festive season when alcohol-related risks increase. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the departmental spokesperson, Zaid Kalla.

The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed that high-profile attempted murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II C-Max in Pretoria to eBongweni Super Maximum Facility in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.The move, announced earlier, is described by Department of correctional services as routine operational procedure driven by security and management needs.Matlala, alleged to be involved in major state contracts and cartels, remains on remand. The department insists the transfer will not impact his legal rights or court appearances. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Golden Miles Bhudu, President of the South African Prisoners' Organisation for Human Rights.

Search and rescue operations have resumed near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga for the missing SANDF soldier, he is one of two soldiers who were swept away during a Christmas Day border patrol. After a brief suspension of the operations yesterday, Police say teams are again combing the Komati and Nkomazi rivers using helicopters, drones and divers. One soldier's body and the patrol vehicle have been recovered. However, police say fast-changing terrain, strong currents, debris and unstable weather continue to slow progress as the operation enters its fourth day. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Captain Johannes Potgieter from the Mpumalanga police search and rescue unit.

Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta has condemned a viral video showing young children consuming alcohol in the presence of adults during what appears to be a festive family gathering.The MEC described the incident as unacceptable and a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of the children involved, warning that it exposes minors to risks including addiction and long-term harm.The video, which shows children aged between six and twelve freely drinking while adults watch, has sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Eastern Cape Social Development spokesperson, Mphumzi Zuzile.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport authorities have voiced concern that speeding and drunken driving remain a problem on the province's roads as they prepare for an uptick in traffic volumes ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations. This comes after more than 100 motorists were nabbed during road safety operations this past weekend. Traffic has started to slowly increase on the N3 with just over a thousand cars per hour being recorded at Durban's Marianhill Toll Plaza towards Johannesburg by 9 o'clock. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Mlondi Radebe

The Forum For South Africa has come out against the proposed salary increases for public office bearers which include the President, his deputy and ministers. The forum maintains that this is a slap in the face of South Africans who continue to battle unemployment, the high cost of living and exorbitant food prices. The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers has recommended a four point one percent salary increase for public office bearers for the 2025/2026 financial year. Sakina Kamwendo caught up with National Leader of the Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilompane....

The N1 road outside Louis Trichardt in Limpopo, has been closed following a crash which involved four vehicles. A truck, a bus, a sedan and bakkie collided with each other. According to eye witnesses, the bus driver allegedly ignored a stop-and-go sign and lost control and crashed into other vehicles. Sakina Kamwendo caught with our reporter Rudzani Tshivhase...

Bitou Municipality's deputy Mayor, Nokuzola Kolwapi says the gun she used to shoot into the air at the welcome home ceremony for initiates at KwaNokuthula in Plettenberg Bay was a toy gun. Kolwapi faced criticism after a video started circulating on a social media video, allegedly showing her firing several shots into the air. Kolwapi is the President of the Ikhwezi People's Movement. Sagree Chetty has more...Meanwhile, the SACP has slammed Kolwapi's response to criticism over a video showing her allegedly firing a gun in public. The party says she is arrogant and lacks remorse. Sakina Kamwendo caught up with the SACP National Spokesperson, Mbulelo Mandlana....

As the summer initiation season draws to an end many homecoming ceremonies were held across the Eastern Cape over the past weekend. These are known as imigidi which are meant to celebrate the successful transition from boyhood to manhood. Unfortunately, the initiation season wasn't without any tragedies, as the number of young men who hasve lost their lives has now risen to 20. Sakina Kamwendo caught up with the province's cooperative governance and traditional affairs (CoGTA) MEC Zolile Williams...

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has successfully concluded a settlement agreement with Minenhle Dlamini, whom is one of the beneficiaries of funds irregularly received from the Mshandukani Foundation NPO as part of an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grant funding. Sakina Kamwendo caught up Special Investigating Unit's Spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago....

Three people are reportedly missing after the vehicle they were traveling in was washed away during heavy rain last night in Amanzimtoti south of Durban. This as several areas in KwaZulu-Natal have experienced flooding with Margate being the hardest hit. Our reporter Dries Liebenberg reports, followed by a chat with the province's premier, Thami Ntuli...

Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, are visiting the Bapo ba Mogale Traditional Authority following a surge in illegal mining activity in the Bapong village near Brits. Cachalia is accompanied by National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, and Acting North West Provincial Commissioner, Major General Dr Ryno Naidoo. National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe earlier briefed the media on this visit including various other national issues. She also indicated that two suspects have been taken in for questioning over the killing of popular DJ Warras, real name Warrick Stocks

The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has temporarily closed four bathing beaches following the detection of pollution. The City says in a statement that it has established a dedicated team comprising senior municipal management to investigate the source of the pollution. The affected beaches are Blue Lagoon, eThekwini, Country Club and Battery. The City has reassured holidaymakers that 19 other bathing beaches will remain open. For more on this matter Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Head of Parks and Recreation in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu

Family, friends and colleagues are attending media personality Warrick 'DJ Warras' Stock's memorial service which took place in Sandton, Johannesburg. He was shot dead on Tuesday outside a building where he had been providing security services in the Johannesburg CBD...lets take a listen to this collage of words from personalities such as Sizwe Dhlomo, Penuel including Pearl Thusi with her daughter...

The death toll of initiates in the Eastern Cape has risen to seventeen during this summer initiation season. The OR Tambo District is accounting for the most deaths with six initiates, followed by the Amathole District with four deaths. While Chris Hani District and Buffalo City Metro account for three deaths respectively and one initiate confirmed dead in Alfred Nzo District. The Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs, Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, is on a three-day urgent oversight visit in the province to assess the situation and engage with traditional leaders. Sakina Kamwendo caught up with our reporter Nkuleleko Nyembezi while engaging some of the relevant stakeholders, traditional leaders, parents and government

Residents across parts of Johannesburg have been without water since last week due the city's maintenance plan. Water supplier, Rand Water, has been conducting its proactive infrastructure maintenance on various systems across the province since 13 December and is conducting them in three phases. Affected areas and communities are expressing frustration with Johannesburg Water's planning and communication. For more Sakina Kamwendo caught up with Makenosi Maroo, Rand Water' spokesperson

Summer school holidays have started and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging South Africans to prioritise safety, especially in and around water. NSRI says over the past three weeks, rescue crews have seen a notable increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers, dams, and swimming pools. More on safety tips Sakina Kamwendo caught up with Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager

Minister of Public works & infrastructure Dean Macpherson earlier briefed the media on the outcome of a preliminary investigation into the collapse of the four-story building in Verulam, north of Durban. Macpherson has once again confirmed that the building collapse claimed the lives of five people while 6 were injured. Authorities do not believe there are any more people trapped under the rubble. He has also indicated technical criminal and labour related investigations are underway to establish what went wrong...

The department of home affairs has arrested seven Kenyans who abused their tourist visas. The arrests were carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Home affairs says they violated the South African immigration laws. Here is Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber giving further details and Sakina Kamwendo further spoke to Immigration Expert, Ashraf Essop

Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant, General Thembisile Patekile has noted with concern that violent crimes for the period starting in July to September of this year have risen particularly murders and attempted murders within the City of Cape Town. For more Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Commissioner Thembisile Patekile...

The bail application of Lehlohonolo Chauke, popularly known as Shebe Maburna has been denied. Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi cited that the accused behaviour was the reason for his decision. The state argued that Shebe is a repeat offender and had committed most offences while he was out on bail. He is facing nine counts, including three of attempted murder, assault GBH, robbery with aggravating circumstances, malicious damage to property one of possession of an illegal firearm and others.

The annual consumer price inflation eased to three-point-five from three-point-six in October, edging closer to the Reserve Bank's new three percent target. This move is like to encourage hoped for an interest rate cut next month. Annual inflation cooled in five of the 13 product categories, namely transport, recreation, sports and culture including information and communication. Food & non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation services including alcoholic beverages & tobacco recorded higher rates. Chief Director for price inflation at Statistics South Africa, Patrick Kelly elaborates...

The National Joint Operational Structure is meeting in Bapong in Brits in the North West today, to assess the extent of illegal mining activities in the area. Resident of the area have raised safety concerns due to the reported illegal mining activities. For more Sakina Kamwendo spoke to National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe

A 43-year-old Zimbabwean national found in possession of over 580 passports and more than 147-thousand-rand in cash hidden in his bakkie has appeared in the Belfast Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga today. Edward Chitaizvi was arrested in Waterval a week ago. Chitaizvi is suspected to have been on his way to meet someone who would have stamped the passports illegally. The money is suspected to have been meant to bribe that person. Chitaizvi is facing charges of fraud, money laundering and contravening the Immigration Act. For more Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Michael Mdluli...

Rescue teams are still on site of the Redcliffe temple that collapsed on Friday. Five bodies were recovered over the weekend. . To get the latest Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Prem Balram of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA)

Voting is under way in the motion of no confidence in KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli in the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg. A special council sitting has been convened to deal with the motion that the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party has brought against Ntuli.

SAfm's Update at Noon presents another Update from the Coal Face. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly.

The Border Management Authority says it will impose the Ethiopian Airlines with a R15-thousand fine per passenger after disrupting what it believes was a human-trafficking operation at OR Tambo International Airport. BMA Officers intercepted 14 Ethiopians flagged through suspicious travel patterns, and in a separate incident stopped 16 Bangladeshis found with fraudulent visas. Acting Commissioner Jane Thupana says the operations reflect intensified festive-season security as the BMA cracks down on irregular migration and organised trafficking networks. For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to BMA Acting Commissioner Jane Thupana

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is leading an inter-provincial law enforcement operation aimed at road users travelling between Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West during this festive season. Last month the Minister officially launched the 365-day Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign. She has called on all South Africans to take personal responsibility for reducing crashes and fatalities on the country's roads as the 2025/26 festive season begins. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa

The Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape has dismissed the NPA's application for leave to appeal the acquittal of Televangelist, Timothy Omotoso. Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho were found not guilty on charges of rape and human trafficking. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Legal analyst Nthabiseng Dubazana

Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Basil Manuel - Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) and Biki Lepota, Umalusi Senior Manager for Public Relations and Communications

Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Snuki Zikalala - president of the African National Congress (ANC) Veterans' League and Dr. levy Ndou - political analyst

Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Bheki Mngomezulu , Director for the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (CANRAD) at the Nelson Mandela University

The Nkabinde Inquiry into the fitness to hold office of suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Andrew Chauke resumed this morning. National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi is continuing her testimony. The Inquiry chaired by retired Justice Bess Nkabinde was set up following allegations that suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Andrew Chauke obstructed key criminal prosecutions and shielded high profile individuals from facing justice.

The North West Legislature's newly established Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations of improper conduct against Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, starts today. The committee was establishment after the Mayor of the Naledi Local Municipality, Clifton Groep, accused the Premier of instructing a former municipality employee to alter a report relating to the appointment of the Municipal Manager. Groep made the claims during an oversight visit of Parliament's Joint Portfolio Committees to municipalities in the province in September. The committee will sit for four days, from the 24th until the 27th of this month. To get the latest Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thabang Morutloa

The body of an elderly woman that was trapped between rocks and debris at Umshwati Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has been retrieved. This follows heavy rainfall last night which resulted in damage to various properties and the local infrastructure. Two more people remain missing and are believed to have been swept away by the floods. Search and Rescue teams had to use a drone in locating the woman's body while heavy machinery assisted in the removal of debris around a riverbank where the body was trapped. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Mlondi Radebe and SABC's meteorologist, Joel Guy

This Friday, SAfm's radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly. South Africa’s platinum sector! Industry insiders say the metal’s business has received a massive boost and prices have soared to the heavens; this comes after the launch of new platinum futures trading on the exchange.

World leaders have started arriving in South Africa ahead of the G20 leaders Summit taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg this weekend. The summit starts tomorrow and ends on Sunday. Leaders who have already arrived include UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, China's premier, Li Qiang, Vietnam's counterpart Pham Minh Chính, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Members from the world's largest economies are expected to consider key documents commissioned by South Africa. The Summit agenda will centre on three major sessions, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, building a resilient world, and a fair and just future for all. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News Politics Editor Mzwandile Mbeje