Update@Noon

Undocumented nationals are today being transported by buses to a refugee processing centre under tight police supervision, following rising community tensions. Officials say the relocation is aimed at verifying documentation and assessing legal status. However, some of those affected insist they are in South Africa legally, holding valid permits, Hundreds of undocumented nationals, including young children, have fled their homes to seek refuge at the Diakonia Centre. The group says they are facing severe victimisation, harassment, and death threats from local community members in their respective communities following a recent anti-foreigner march. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the KZN provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda

KZN Red Cross provincial manager Siyabonga Hlatshwayo says they have this week been providing undocumented nationals sheltering at the Darkodnia centre with basic necessities. Hundreds of undocumented nationals, including young children, have fled their homes to seek refuge at the Diakonia Centre. The group claims they are facing severe victimisation, harassment, and death threats from local community members in their respective communities following a recent anti-foreigner march. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Siyabonga Hlatshwayo, KZN provincial manager of the South African Red Cross Society.

South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has classified an additional National Disaster in response to a more severe, intense weather system hitting the country. The Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Elias Sithole, classified another national disaster this week. The Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State have been heavily impacted, with the Cape Metro, Winelands, and West Coast seeing massive rainfall and flooded informal settlements. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Chief Director at National Disaster Management Centre Thabo Khupari,

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly approached Chief Justice Mandisa Maya seeking permission to legally review the controversial Phala Phala independent panel report. The Phala Phala independent panel report has recommended a possible impeachment inquiry against him. According to reports, this is a procedural legal step because the panel was chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. South African law requires permission from the head of court before legal action can be taken against a judge-linked process. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to researcher at Judges Matter Mbekezeli Benjamin

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs says it is closely monitoring the developments in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, involving undocumented nationals. The committee says engagements are underway between the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, refugee representatives, and the Southern Africa Refugee Forum. undocumented nationals are being requested to present documentation for verification as authorities seek to resolve ongoing status disputes and restore stability amid rising tensions in affected communities in Durban area. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Parliament's Home Affairs committee chair Mosa Chabane

At least 10 people have died and several others injured following a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 between Standerton and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga. Authorities say all the deceased were occupants of the taxi, including the driver. The department of community safety and security says the crash happened in misty conditions shortly just after 5am early today. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the spokesperson of Mpumalanga Community Safety and Security department Moeti Mmusi

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has requested a formal investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of the Coat of Arms by the Somali Association of South Africa (Sasa). The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it had noted what appears to be the Coat of Arms, or a reproduction thereof, being incorporated into the association's logo and branding materials. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the National Director Somali Association of South Africa (SASA) Abdikadir Mohamed

Eskom has served the City of Johannesburg with a notice of intention to reduce or entirely terminate its electricity supply. The move comes as the city battles to meet its payment obligations, racking up a massive debt of over five-billion rand over several years. The city has until the fifth of June to pay up an additional amount of 1.5-billion rand. Eskom has offered to collect revenue on behalf of the municipality under the the Distribution Agency Agreement. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to an Independent energy analyst, Clyde Mallinson

Civil organisations, political parties and lobby groups are today leading an anti-illegal foreign national's march in Pinetown, west of Durban, calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and border control. Organisers say the demonstration aims to highlight community concerns over service pressure and safety. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Celumusa Zulu

The Acting National police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has ordered maximum resources in the hunt for those behind the killing of Mahikeng crime activist and traditional healer Thato Molosankwe. Police say Molosankwe was shot multiple times at his Lomanyaneng home in the early hours of today. The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner has been tasked to lead the investigation. For more on this matter we are now joined on the line by the North-West Community safety MEC, Wessels Morweng. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the North-West Community safety MEC, Wessels Morweng.

Hundreds of foreign nationals seeking refuge at the Diakonia Centre in the Durban CBD say they will not move until they are addressed by government officials.The group -- comprising women and children -- spent the night outside the centre after being dispersed from the Durban Central police station. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Rev. Raphael Bahebwa President, Congolese Solidarity Campaign

The National Prosecuting Authority says that an instruction has already gone out for the court matter involving prominent taxi boss Madoda "Joe Ferrari" Sibanyoni and three co-accused, to be re-enrolled. The case was struck off the roll by the Kwaggafontein Magistrate's court in Mpumalanga yesterday. This is due to to the prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba, not showing up in court. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says they are expecting a report from Ntaba this afternoon, which will explain his reasons for not being in court. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the nation honours brave men and women who built democratic South Africa praising their contribution across arts science politics and culture calling their legacy the pillars of equality justice and dignity that continue to shape society. Ramaphosa is today conferring National Orders in Pretoria, among the country's highest honours. This year's recipients include music producer Oskido, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, and veteran musician Jonathan Butler, recognised for their lasting national and international impact Sakina Kamwendo spoke to a cultural practitioner Dr. Sipho Sithole

The Chippa Mpengesi Foundation will visit the home of a six-year-old boy in Mandela Park, Mthatha, found taking care of his grandmother, mentally ill mother, and his two-year-old sibling. This follows a story done by the SABC on the plight of the family. The foundation will assess the situation and is looking into building a house for the family. The Eastern Cape Social Development MEC, Bukiwe Fanta, has also become aware of the situation and says this alarming situation highlights the urgent need for intervention and support for vulnerable families in our communities. Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, a 12-year-old boy committed suicide after he was allegedly left alone to take care of his four-year-old brother at his Riet River home last week Thursday. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Social Development MEC.

The Solidarity has welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling declaring parts of the National Health Act invalid.The court found that provisions requiring healthcare practitioners to obtain State approval before opening, expanding or relocating practices were invalid. Deputy CEO Anton van der Bijl says government can no longer dictate where healthcare practitioners may operate. He argues the provisions promoted excessive State control over healthcare professionals and funding. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Solidarity Deputy CEO Anton van der Bijl

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has warned a former Umzimkhulu municipal manager that no further delays will be tolerated in the Sindiso Magaqa murder trial. This after the court heard that Zweliphansi Skhosana had already changed attorneys twice. His current attorney - Sibusiso Dlamini - applied for a postponement and told the court that he needed to rearrange cases, get the docket and appoint an advocate. The trial was set down to start today. Skhosana is being charged with the 2017 murder of former ANC Youth League secretary - Sindiso Magaqa - together with SboneloMyeza and MkulekoMpofana. Judge Mluleki Chithi adjourned the case to the 3rd of June for the defence to finalise arrangements. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Ayanda Mhlongo

Police say the firearm used in the alleged assassination attempt of Brown Mogotsi in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg in November last year, has been positively linked to several other cases. Mogotsi is facing a string of charges including perjury, defeating the ends of justice, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as discharging a firearm in a municipal area. Police say the charges relate to the assassination attempt, which they say was staged. Mogotsi appeared briefly at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court this morning, where his case was postponed to Monday, next week for a bail application.

Limpopo police say the search for missing two year old girl, Omphile Sithole, is continuing. This as her paternal grandparents are appearing in the Mahwelereng magistrate's court near Mokopane for alleged child negligence. Omphile mysteriously disappeared from the house in which she was sleeping with her grandmother on the 2nd of May. Police say the grandparents were surprised by the child's disappearance and a house window opened on the day she disappeared. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABCNews reporter Katlego Mogale

A six year old boy in Mandela Park, Mthatha, has been found taking care of his grandmother, mentally ill mother, and his two-year-old sibling. The Eastern Cape Social Development MEC, Bukiwe Fanta has now become aware of the situation. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Nkululeko Nyembezi

MP Fadiel Adams' advocate has challenged the state argument in his bail application that the National Coloured Congress leader tried to evade his arrest. Adams' bail application is being heard in the Pinetown Magistrates Court. Adams was arrested by members of the Political Killings Task Team on the 5th of May at his parliamentary residence in Cape Town after a warrant for his arrest was issued on the 30th of April. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Zanele Buthelezi

Eleven suspects, including five Mexican nationals, have briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrates Court in the North West following a major intelligence-led raid on an alleged methamphetamine production site. Police say the bust uncovered precursor chemicals and equipment linked to large-scale drug manufacturing. The matter has been postponed to 22 May for immigration verification and interpreter arrangements, with a bail application also expected on that date. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Seentleng Lehihi

Fraud and corruption case involving Crime Intelligence Head, Dumisani Khumalo, and six co-accused has been postponed to the third of September in the Pretoria Magistrates' Court. The case was postponed pending the outcome of representations made to the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The accused allegedly appointed an unqualified civilian within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division. Five of the accused submitted representations to the NDPP ahead of the matter being transferred to a higher court for trial. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thato Letshaba

Proceedings are underway at Kwaggafontein Magistrates Court where four suspects face charges of extortion and money laundering. The fourth accused has handed himself over to police and has joined co-accused already before court. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC's Sphiwe Mkhize.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the party's National Executive Committee has reaffirmed its full support for ANC President and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, dismissing speculation about his possible recall or resignation. Briefing the media after the NEC meeting, Mbalula said Ramaphosa's mandate from ANC branches and South African voters remains intact until the party's next national conference in 2027. He stressed that neither the recent constitutional court judgment nor ongoing parliamentary processes would disrupt government operations or the work of the Government of National Unity. ANC officials were earlier briefing the media at the Luthuli House in Johannesburg, following the party's Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened to deliberate on organizational and national matters of importance. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, was today briefing the media.

Advocate Mohomane for Northwest businessman Brown Mogotsi has argued at the Madlanga Commission that repeated interactions between Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson and Mogotsi created strained relations and raised concerns about impartiality. Mohomane questioned why Chaskalson continued engaging with Mogotsi after previously labelling him a liar during testimony. Commission chairperson Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged the argument, saying corroboration of information would naturally follow after receiving it. Northwest businessman Brown Mogotsi has applied for the recusal of Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson at the Madlanga Commission, accusing him of aggressive and humiliating questioning during testimony.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) says it would not consider changing regulations on BEE ownership requirements for telecoms licences until the law is amended. The regulator says it cannot recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to local ownership requirements unless the law is amended. Icasa says it remains committed to advancing transformation, economic inclusion and empowerment within the telecommunications sectors and all sectors it regulates. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ICASA Chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi....

Independent legal and political analyst Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba says despite COSATU’s objections, there appears to be little legal basis to successfully challenge Parliament’s impeachment committee composition. Parliament has confirmed a 31-member impeachment committee to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm matter. This follows a constitutional court ruling that Parliament acted unlawfully in blocking the Section 89 report in 2022. The committee includes nine ANC members, five DA representatives, three MK Party members, two EFF members, and one representative from each of the other 12 parties. Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions has rejected the committee's composition as unconstitutional. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to an independent legal and political analyst, Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba.

The Automobile Association (AA) is planning to launch a campaign that aims to make vehicle manufacturers criminally liable for deaths incurred or injuries sustained in accidents that could have been prevented had the manufacturers conformed to Global NCAP safety protocols. This follows the release of the results of the latest #SaferCars For Africa campaign crash test. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to AA CEO, Bobby Ramagwede

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola has sharply criticized officers who moved sealed bags from a container into a bakkie during the 9 July 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust in Johannesburg. Sebola told commissioners the scene's integrity was compromised and insisted no officer could identify cocaine by smell alone. He said he only suspected the substance was cocaine after piercing a sealed package with a pin and discovering a shiny powder.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Minister Sisisi Tolashe from her position as minister of social development. In a statement, the presidency confirmed the decision is effective immediately. The minister in the presidency for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has been appointed as acting minister. Tolashe is facing mounting allegations of corruption, misconduct, and misuse of public funds. This follows her failure to declare luxury SUVs donated to the ANC Women's League, which she leads. She is also accused of being involved in improper hiring practices and exploiting departmental staff for personal purposes. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president, explains

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Warrant Officer Boy Steve Phakula of the SAPS National Intervention Unit describes a chaotic drug bust scene in Aeroton, Johannesburg. Phakula told the commission multiple police units arrived, scenes were not properly cordoned, and command confusion escalated as senior officers intervened. The inquiry examines alleged mishandling and possible theft of seized cocaine as evidence unfolds in Gauteng at the Madlanga Commission before commissioners.

Rescue and recovery operations are continuing in the Western Cape following a series of intense cold fronts that lashed the province, claiming the lives of ten people. Some of the fatalities were caused by trees that fell on vehicles due to gale-force winds and people drowning in flooded areas. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Head of Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto

NCC MP Fadiel Adams did not consult the family of slain ANC Youth League secretary general Sindiso Magaqa, when he took statements and recorded a cellphone video from the now self-confessed killer at Westville prison. This is according to a statement from the investigating officer, Sandile Mavuka, that's being read out during Adams' bail application in the Pinetown Magistrates Court. Mavuka says in his affidavit the Magaqa family was shocked when they saw Sibusiso Ncengwa's video online. Adams allegedly visited Ncengwa in prison in January last year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter Zanele Buthelezi

President Cyril Ramaphosa has revived his legal challenge to the Section 89 independent panel report into the Phala Phala matter. Ramaphosa made the announcement Monday night, following last week's Constitutional Court judgment that declared parts of the National Assembly's impeachment rules unconstitutional and ordered the revival of the Section 89 process. The move comes as Parliament prepares to establish an impeachment committee to probe the 2022 report ledry by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. Parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza says Parliament will establish an impeachment committee for the Phala Phala matter. presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya

Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Ivan Meyer says disaster teams remain on high alert as severe weather continues to batter parts of the province. Meyer says strong winds, flooding, fallen trees and electricity outages have affected areas including the Overberg, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and the City of Cape Town. Meyer says three people have since died during the severe weather, while several others were injured and vehicles damaged by falling trees. He has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as a Level 8 warning remains in place. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer

Economist and Honorary Professor at the Wits Business School, Professor Jannie Rossouw says South Africa’s rising unemployment rate reflects both seasonal and deep structural economic problems. Rossouw says weak economic growth continues to fuel job losses and limit opportunities. He says government policies over the past three decades have failed to create enough jobs or attract sufficient investment. New figures released from Statistics South Africa show the country's unemployment rate has deepened. South Africa's official unemployment rate climbed to 32-point-7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31-point-4 percent in the final quarter of 2025. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Honorary Professor at the Wits Business School and economist at Altitude Wealth, Professor Jannie Rossouw.

Three suspects aged between 46 and 60 are expected to appear on Wednesday before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to extortion. The suspects were arrested by members of the organized crime unit in Mpumalanga in the early hours of this morning, two in Gauteng and one in Mpumalanga. Among the arrested suspects is a taxi boss. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Mpumalanga Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, SAPS Zonkizizwe CIMAC Commander Warrant Officer Marumo Magane admitted officers made an oversight by allowing a truck suspected of carrying drugs to leave a premises without obtaining a search warrant. Commissioners questioned why police failed to secure the scene despite reasonable suspicion. Magane conceded the decision exposed officers to possible danger and created a risk that the suspected drugs could have been removed before reaching the destination.

The State Information Technology Agency has entered a new leadership phase with Magatho Anthony Mello officially taking over as permanent Managing Director from 1 April 2026. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi also announced a full new board approved by Cabinet for a three-year term. The appointments end nearly two years of acting leadership at SITA and are expected to bring stability, improved governance. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SITA's managing director Magatho Mello

Gauteng Hawks Head Ebrahim Kadwa and Senior Crime Intelligence Officer Feroz Khan have been granted R20 000 bail each.They appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Monday morning.The two Major-Generals face charges related to the illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals, illicit precious metals transactions and corruption.The State did not oppose bail and the accused are to hand in their passport as one of the bail conditions. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Ndanca

Gauteng Hawks coordinator of narcotics cases, Colonel Francois Steyn has told the Madlanga Commission that officers Mashaba and Manganye allegedly opened a container at Scania where about 20 bags of suspected narcotics fell out and were loaded into an unmarked Nissan bakkie. He admitted he did not directly witness the incident and relied on accounts from officers on scene. Photographic evidence was later retrieved from colleagues after his phone was damaged.

The Acting Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Thabo Khupari, says at least 10 fatalities have been reported nationwide as adverse weather conditions continue to impact several provinces. The government has officially classified the recent severe weather battering several provinces as a national disaster. The declaration follows widespread flooding, storms, damaging winds, and snowfall affecting the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga. The National Disaster Management Centre says the move will strengthen coordination and speed up relief, rescue, and recovery operations as communities continue facing infrastructure damage. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Acting Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Thabo Khupari

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.