Update@Noon

The South African Human Rights Commission says it has received official complaints over derogatory comments made on a podcast targeted at the Coloured community. The podcast, hosted by Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama, has come under fire after a deleted clip resurfaced where one of the hosts claims that Coloured families are involved in incestuous relationships, while another described the community are "crazy." For more on this, we spoke to the Commission's Gauteng Manager, Zama Mbeki

Please be warned that the following story contains graphic content that listeners might find disturbing. An Eldorado Park couple is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly subjecting their two young children to months of brutal abuse. The father was arrested after police responded to reports of screaming from a backyard shack, where they found the girl with severe head injuries and bruises. She is currently fighting for her life at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Gauteng Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo, elaborates. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Member of Parliament and Anti-Drug activist, Dereleen James

The Patriotic Alliance says it has laid criminal charges against Open Chats Podcast hosts; Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama, following their racist remarks aimed at the Coloured community. The podcast came under fire after a deleted clip resurfaced and went viral, where one of the hosts claimed that Coloured families are involved in incest, while another described the community are "crazy." PA President, Gayton McKenzie has lambasted the conduct of the podcasters

Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson is expected to respond to the details of an explosive exposé by Daily Maverick of an attempted bribery of one of its investigative journalists by the suspended Independent Development Trust CEO and her spokesperson. Yesterday, news publication Daily Maverick released video footage of a meeting between Malaka, IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane and journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh. Let us now take you into that live briefing...

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says South Africa intends on expanding its export market to Asia, Euroupe, the Middle East and the African continent. This in response to the 30 percent tariffs which are to kick off from midnight today and where placed by the US administration under President, Donald Trump. The presidency had also indicated earlier today that President Cyril Ramaphosa had reached out to his US counterpart, President Trump in order to bolster South Africa's negotiation efforts on trade agreements with the US. Ntshavheni has been briefing the media on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a reprieve from a 50 percent U.S. tariff on goods from Lesotho has come too late to prevent damage to the African kingdom's textiles industry, which has been hit hard by months of trade uncertainty. Lesotho's tariff rate was slashed to 15 percent in last week's executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, down from the level of 50 percent tariff threatened in April. Here is the latest report by the Reuters News Agency... Dr. Stavros Nicolaou from the BRICS Business Council, says the country needs to have the correct data moving forward in order to make informed decisions moving forward...

Mbalula: “ANC has adapted to the complexity of operating in a political landscape where it no longer holds majority”

Counsel on behalf of the families and survivors of apartheid-era gross human rights violations argue that his clients cannot be expected to put their case on hold pending the outcome of the Commission of Inquiry tasked with probing whether there was any political interference in the prosecution of TRC Cases. This is in response to President Ramaphosa's bid - before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria - for a stay of the constitutional damages case against them. The damages case, launched in January this year, seeks to have government's conduct in obstructing the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the National Prosecuting Authority declared unlawful and in violation of the applicants' human rights. For more about the case we spoke to Former Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commissioner, Yasmin Sooka

The communities of Eersterust East of Pretoria and Mamelodi continue to live in fear of a possible serial killer which has been targetng women in the area. Most hope that police can link a 37 year old suspect which was traced and arrested in Limpopo on Monday following the gruesome murder and discovery of a shallow grave in Eersterust last Thursday. The suspect made a brief appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate's court court and decided to abandon his bail application. Our reporter, Patricia Visagie caught with Themba Masango from the organisation #NotInMyName a short while ago outside court.

A new report shows that South Africa's public service struggles with implementation, corruption, and innovation, lagging behind Canada, Singapore, and Rwanda's governance progress. This is according to a recent report titled "Productivity as a Frontier in the South African Public Service," which was commissioned by the Presidency and led by a team of academics. The report seeks to ascertain South Africa's public service productivity compared to global peers. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Research Project Manager, Dr Johnny Pietersen

Ten members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) are set to appear in the Germiston Magistrate Court shortly. They face allegations of corruption and theft stemming from an operation at a shop in Edenvale on the 4th of June. According to reports, the officers allegedly seized cigarettes, three packs of Panados and 30-thousand rand during a police raid. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Pearl Magabubane

Sandton businessman Katiso "KT" Molefe, has appeared again at the Alexandra magistrates court. Molefe who is accused of the murder of Pretoria club owner Oupa John Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody, is allegedly linked to a hit on Soweto's DJ Vintos. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Sashin Naidoo

Head of Investor Relations at Pan African Resources, Hethen Hira, says since the beginning of the operation to retrieve illegal miners underground a mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, only few people have been able to access the mine from the mountain side. This is where illegal miners used to gain entry into the mine. Twenty Eight suspected illegal miners have resurfaced at the Sheba Gold Mine bringing the total number of arrests at the site to 546 since last week. Hira spoke to Sakina Kamwendo

Parliament's ad-hoc commitee which has been established to investigate allegations regarding national safety threats have gotten off to a shaky staff. This follows comments by parliament's legal services insinuating that comments made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lietenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during his much talked about media briefing. Mkhwanazi alleges that some of the most senior officials in the South African Police Service are involved in corruption, and that Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu who has been placed on special leave, is associated with criminal syndicates. here are members of the ad-hoc going through their discussion...

Former Constitutional Court Judge, Johann Kriegler is today expected to provide an update on the case of Primrose Modisane, a South African citizen who was stateless in her own country. Modisane remains stateless, four months after a Court ruled that the Department of Home Affairs must issue the 36-year-old with a South African birth certificate and identity document within 30 days. For more on this, we are joined on the line by Retired Constitutional Court Judge, Johann

The Vuwani Magistrate's Court in Limpopo has postpones to next Tuesday, the case against two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of a woman and her child. Tshilidzi Phalandwa and Balangani Tshivhombedze were allegedly found in possession of two sets of mutilated human hands, suspected to belong to the mother and child. Our reporter, Michael Makungo has more..

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed on an economic framework outline as part of peace deal. This includes energy and supply chains for minerals national parks and public health among other agreements. Rwanda and the DRC affirmed that each country has "full, sovereign control" over the exploitation, processing and export of its natural resources. For more we spoke to Senior Research Fellow and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues Thembisa Fakude

The ANC's National Executive Meeting enters its forth and final day today. The much anticipated meeting was meant to grapple with the US tariffs imposed on South Africa including internal issues such as the SACP's pursuit of contesting next year's local government elections on its own. At the weekend, the SACP, through its Secretary-General Solly Mapaila described the ANC as arrogant accusing the ANC was not implementing things the tripartite alliance had agreed upon in their meetings. Our reporter, Ntebo Mokobo.

A 26-year-old North West man has abandoned his bail application in the Ganyesa Magistrate's Court after he was charged with the alleged rape and murder of a six-year-old girl. Ogorogile Motsoathebe was arrested on Tuesday and remanded in custody after he made his first court appearance last week. It is reported the victim was abducted while travelling with her mother and other people. SABC reporter, Thabang Morutloa has more

Members of the community of Newclare, in Johannesburg, have called for the courts to deny bail to those accused of allegedly giving a toddler an unknown substance. The four accused, including the mother of the 4-year old, made a brief appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court this morning. SABC reporter, Pearl Magubane has more

10 Police officers arrested for alleged theft and corruption

Officials of the education department in the Eastern Cape are visiting the family of a female student from David Mama High School in Mdantsane. This follows a bullying incident of the 18 year old pupil inside a bus used to ferry learners. The video of the assault incident went viral on social media. The scholar transport operator has since been suspended following the incident. Parents are demanding action be taken against the perpetrators. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Spokesperson of the Education Department in the province, Vuyiseka Mboxela.

International Relations minister, Ronald Lamola says South Africa will continue to engage with the United States despite the current difficulties and uncertainties they've encountered. He says South Africa relations with the United States remain important.He says various sectors have historically benefited from duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which now faces disruption with the 30 percent tariff imposed on South Africa. He was speaking earlier at a joint media briefing in Pretoria, with the department of trade and industry. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to independent economist and associate of the Trade Law Centre (Tralac), Eckart Naumann

South Africa faces a 30% tariff on its exports to the United States starting next week, a move expected to cost tens of thousands of jobs after the country failed to secure a trade deal before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. In an executive order on Thursday, Trump slapped new tariff rates ranging from 10% to 41% on dozens of countries as he seeks to reshape global trade on more favourable terms for the U.S. South Africa has tried for months to negotiate a deal with Washington and offered to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas and invest in US industries in exchange for lower tariffs. But the effort was unsuccessful, even after Pretoria made a last-minute attempt to improve its offer. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau explains. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Neville Matjie, CEO of Brand South Africa

The African National Congress's much anticipated National Executive Committee meeting starts this afternoon until Monday. The meeting is set to reflect on a number of issues including President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to the US, the subsequent 30 percent tariff increase on SA products among other issues. Mbalula says they will also be deliberating on their relations with the SACP

A shop in Mpumalanga has been fined R600,000 for selling illicit cigarettes. More than 4,000 packets of illicit cigarettes valued at about R100 000 were seized during a raid in September last year. The company has been sentenced for contravening the Tobacco Products Act, contravention of the Customs and Excise Act and contravention of the VAT Act.Furthermore, The store has also been ordered to donate 504 desks to local schools. For more we spoke to Mpumalanga Hawks Spokesperson Magoseni Nkosi

Professor Firoz Cachalia says he is not distracted by the noise around his appointment. He says he is ready to serve and tackle the task bestowed on him by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the appointment of Police Minister following the suspension of Senzo Mchunu. This morning Professor Firoz Cachalia was officially sworn in to become Police Minister following the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations that senior police officials, including Mchunu, were corrupt and had ties to criminal syndicates. Lets hear a little more from the newly sworn in Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia

Youth disciplinary camps in Limpopo are allegedly using violent and illegal methods to rehabilitate alleged young alcohol and drug abusers. The claims surfaced following the death of a 29-year-old man who died allegedly after being admitted at a rehabilitation facility outside Tzaneen. There are reports that the man was assaulted and taken to Mankweng Hospital. For more on this we spoke to SABC News Reporter, Pimani Baloyi

The case against a Johannesburg woman and two others arrested after a video shows the mother allegedly encouraging her 4-year-old child to smoke drugs has been postponed to next Monday. The three accused appeared in the Johannesburg Regional Court facing charges of child abuse and attempted murder. Our reporter Neria Hlakotsa spoke to us for more clarity

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) warns that if South African cannot retain markets such as that of the United States of America, the country runs the risk of turning vibrant industrial hubs such as East London in the Eastern Cape, into ghost towns. This comes as the country braces itself for a 30 percent tariff on its exports to the US from tomorrow. Naamsa adds that the announcement and anticipation of the recent tariffs have had a devastating and immediate impact on trade performance - even before the formal effect of the tariffs. CEO, Mikel Mabassa says vehicle exports to the U.S. dropped by 73 percent in the first quarter of 2025, followed by a further decline of 80 percent and 85 percent in April and May, respectively. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Economist, Khaya Sithole

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has called for a "reset" in South Africa's trade relations with the United States, amid rising tensions over the 30 percent tariffs on South African exports set to take effect on Friday. Meanwhile, the Director of the Centre for Risk Analysis, Chris Hattingh warns that a further 10 percent tariff threat by President Donald Trump's administration against BRICS and the 50 percent tariffs on Brazil including an effective trade Cold War between the US and China may well all combine to provide the BRICS members with an ever-useful uniting tool in politics and foreign policy. For more clarity we spoke to Director of the Centre for Risk Analysis, Chris Hattingh

The health Ombudsman has found that some of the patients who had been referred from the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospial - and later died of hyperthemia - had literally frozen to death. This is due to electricity cable theft and vandalism. Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena revealed all this while releasing his investigation into the treatment, complications and deaths of psychiatric patients at the two facilities. Professor Mokoena adds that both hospitals lack professional leadership as management was inefficient and ineffective...

Advocate Dali Mpofu has argued that it was illegal for President Cyril Ramaphosa to have put Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia to act in his position. Ramaphosa announced Mchunu's special leave earlier this month in response to allegations made by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about corruption between members of the judiciary and public office holders. Mpofu is representing former President Jacob Zuma in the Constitutional Court says that while the Constitution allows for the President to appoint two ministers from outside the National Assembly, the clause does not make allowance for an acting minister.

A 31-year-old Tiffany Meek accused of killing her 11-year-old son Jayden-Lee Meek has been denied bail until trial starts. Meek is facing charges including murder, obstructing and defeating the ends of justice. The child's bruised body was found outside their Fleurhof flat just a day after Meek reported him missing. She insists that she was framed for the crime. The Roodepoort Magistrate's Court Judge Anneline Africa says the applicant has shown that she has the ability to defeat or obstruct the administration of justice.

The trial regarding cell phone records in the case of alleged gang boss, Jerome Booyesens is set to continue today at the Western Cape High Court. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Thandi Mawu.

The four suspects arrested in connection to the killing of Oupa Sefoka, popularly known as Dj Sumbody and two of his body guards have also been linked to the deaths of Hector Buthelezi, popularly known as DJ Vintos and Don Tindleni. This annoucement was made a short while ago by National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe outside the Alexandra Magistrate's court. All four suspects including the alleged mastermind Katiso "KT" Molefe were arrested in Gauteng, earlier this month. National police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. She spoke to Sakina Kamwendo

The bail application of Tiffany Meek accused of killing his son Jayden Lee-Meek has been rolled over to Tuesday for final judgment. Meek's lawyer, Novel Naidoo conducted his closing arguments for her bail application at the Roodepoort Magistrate's court this morning. For more on this we spoke to SABC reporter Lerato Makola...

Many municipalities in the Free State are marred by irregularities, unauthorized expenditure, maladministration and a lack of consequence management which left many dysfunctional. That's according to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). The committee is piloting a new joint oversight model in the Free State to address persistent governance and financial underperformance in municipalities. The Auditor General's report reflected the bad performance of the 257 municipalities which also reflected that the 23 municipalities in the Free State were the worst in the country. The committee is joined by some members from Parliament's standing committees on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Auditor-General and the Free State legislature. Makgala Masiteng reports.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has alegedly halted the funding of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for the Free State's Matjhabeng Local Municpality. The move follows reports that politically connected individuals in the municipality were receiving inflated salaries through the programme. Certain individuals reportedly earn over 31 thousand rand per month which is more than ten times the average EPWP stipend. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Thabo (not his real name) from Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State and SABC reporter, Aphumelele Mdlalane

ActionSA Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip MP, is today laying criminal charges against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan at the Cape Town Central Police Station. ActionSA says this follows a series of intimidation tactics and direct threats issued by O'Sullivan towards Trollip. ActionSA views these actions as a direct attack on an elected official and believes that such conduct must be dealt with in accordance with the law. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC parliamentary reporter, Bulelani Philip

The Soil of Africa civic movement is leading a community march in Mamelodi to demand that the company N4 Gateway's management prioritize local employment. The community alleges that the company employs foreign nationals, many of whom are undocumented. This is the second march organized by the movement, seeking resolution to their grievances. Law enforcement is present to manage traffic and ensure the march remains peaceful. For we spoke to our reporter Nonhlanhla Ntshingila....

Teddy Bear Clinic concerned about children dying allegedly in the hands of their caregivers

The bail hearing of Tiffany Meek, the mother of slain 11-year-old Jayden-Lee continues in the Roodepoort Magistrates court today. Meek insist she is being framed for the murder of her son. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporters, Lerato Makola and Mlamli Maneli

The government of Lesotho has reportedly claimed that there are illegal military training camps on South African farms. According to a report by the Ground Up publication, security chiefs from the Kingdom claim that young people are being lured to the camps by the Malata Naha militant group to fight for return of South African territories to Lesotho. The heads of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), Lesotho Mounted Police Service and other national security organs are reported to have warned of what they describe as a growing national threat, involving the recruitment and military training of Basotho youths on these farms. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Lesotho Commissioner of Police, Borotho Matsoso

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is holding A briefing the media ahead of its 12th anniversary celebrations to he held in Cape Town. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, research specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council's Developmental, Capable and Ethical State Research division.

FlySafair has announced that South African Airways will accommodate FlySafair's passengers amid the ongoing wage impasse. Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg reported two flight cancellations as FlySafair's pilot strike entered its second day. The airport's management says the airline has kept it and its passengers informed about developments regarding flight schedules. Trade Union Solidary has rejected FlySafair's five-point-seven percent wage offer and is demanding ten-point-five percent for the 2025-26 financial year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Katlego Legodi

Accused number five in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Fisokuhle Ntuli, claims he is being tortured at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. His allegations led to delays in court proceedings, as Ntuli reportedly refused to leave his prison cell and arrived late at the High Court in Pretoria this morning. Five men are on trial for the 2014 murder of the Bafana Bafana captain. Addressing the court, defence lawyer Zandile Mshololo said Ntuli has since been moved to the maximum-security section of the prison and has allegedly been denied access to blankets. SABC Reporter, Pearl Magubane has more...

Members of Parliament are currently locked in a crucial debate in the National Assembly as the Appropriation Bill nears its passage. This follows weeks of intense Budget Vote discussions on departmental spending priorities. The Appropriation Bill, central to the national budget process, outlines how public funds will be allocated across government departments and programmes. Today's session marks a decisive moment, as MPs vote on whether to approve these allocations. Once passed, the Bill moves to the National Council of Provinces, which is expected to deliberate and vote on it on 30 July, following its own series of Policy Debates. The outcome will directly shape service delivery, infrastructure, and economic support across the country in the coming financial year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zalene Merrington

The Patriotic Alliance has confirmed the suspension of its deputy president and Johannesburg Transport MMC, Kenny Kunene, amid a storm of controversy. PA leader Gayton McKenzie has announced that Kunene must step aside for a month while lawyers investigate him. Kunene was found at the premises of DJ Sumbody's alleged murder mastermind, Katiso Molefe when police were arresting Molefe. Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie took to social media yesterday to confirm Kunene's suspension. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Patriotic Alliance Spokesperson, Steve Motale

South Gauteng director of public prosecutions advocate Andrew Chauke has been suspended pending an inquiry into his fitness to hold office. President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Chauke, citing serious accusations and growing concern over politically sensitive prosecutorial decisions. President Cyril Ramaphosa's office says the president had informed Chauke of his decision in writing. Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya SPEAKS... Meanwhile;Public Interest SA says it welcomes the announcement by the Presidency confirming the immediate suspension of Adv. Andrew Chauke, Director of Public Prosecutions in the South Gauteng Division, in accordance with Section 14(3) read with Section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act.Public Interest SA says decision, though significantly delayed, marks a critical step towards restoring public confidence in the prosecutorial integrity... We spoke to Chairperson of Public Interest SA Tebogo Khaas

Members of the Joint Portfolio Committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development have expressed concern on how rushed the process of adopting a report which sets out guidelines on how parliament will look into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The committees have since adopted the report despite various objections and points of clarity. EFF's member of parliament, Leigh-Ann Mathys says sthe committees need to thread carefully moving forward. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal analyst, Advocate Zwelethu Madasa

A group of Cape Town youth taking part in a football tournament in Spain, has been left stranded overseas. This after the football academy allegedly failed to pay for return flights and accommodation. The group left Cape Town on the 6th of July and were due to have arrived back on Wednesday. Eighteen-year-old player, Uan Jumat is among a group of over 20 who have been left with no way home. His mother, Chriszelda Williams says the group is currently in Lisbon, Portugal after fundraising. She says parents are now at their wits end and are running out of funds.