Update@Noon

The son of one of the Cradock Four is continuing his testimony in the ongoing inquest into the deaths the anti-apartheid activists. Lukhanyo Calata has recounted the impact of the death of his father, Fort Calata, sentiments shared by former anti-apartheid activist and academic, Professor Derrick Swartz, who testified yesterday. SABC News Reporter, Kim Daniels has more

Eben Etzebeth is will not play for the Sharks in their URC semi-final against the Bulls due to injury.Fellow Bok lock Jason Jenkins is also injured. The Sharks' lock pairing for the trip to Loftus Versfeld is Emile van Heerden and Corne Rahl. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will captain the side. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

US President Donald Trump has threatened to cancel Elon Musk's government contracts after a very public falling-out on social media. Trump said he was "very disappointed" and "very surprised" with Musk's attacks against his signature spending bill. The massive package, which passed the Republican-led House of Representatives by a single vote in May and has been dubbed by Trump as his "one, big beautiful bill", was slammed by Musk in a number of social media posts because it's estimated to increase the federal deficit by trillions of dollars. Sherwin Bryce-Pease has this story. Sakina Kamwenso spoke to John Stremlau, the International Relations expert and Professor of International Relations at Wits University.

It's that time again on a Friday when Update At Noon presents another Update From The Coal-Face with Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News and Mining Weekly. 1. South Africa's Mintek this week shot ahead of the world by using hydrogen to process ferromanganese. 2. Bulgaria this week reached out to South Africa to collaboratively perfect the generation of green hydrogen. 3. Storing hydrogen is the best way to store energy, a top German research company pointed out this week. Martin Creamer will be back at the Coal-Face at the same time next Friday.

The departmement of Agriculture says over 900-thousand doses of vaccines have been ordered to help fight the spread of the Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak. This follows alarms raised by the Southern African Agri Initiative about the growing number of farmers struggling financially due to their inability to seel livestock. This stems from an FMD outbreak that began in KwaZulu-Natal in December 2024 which has since been reported in both Gauteng and Mpumalnga. Cattle farmers are now calling on government to take immediate action in order to avoid a national food crisis in the country. Yesterday, we spoke to the CEO of the Southern African Agri Initiative, Francious Rossouw. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Director of Animal Health at the Department of Agriculture, Dr Mpho Maja

Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament for the Committee on Justice and Constitutional development, Damien Klooper says the NPA is failing at the basics, with the most recent example being the Timothy Omotoso case. The DA held a briefing this morning to discuss the failures of the National Prosecuting Authority regarding priority crimes and state capture. Klopper, says establishing an anti-corruption unit, would be an effective way of boosting prosecutions. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr Jean Redpath, Senior researcher from the the Dullah Omar Institute.

Gauteng has recorded a 7.9% decrease in crimes, with murders decreasing by 10.8%. This is according to Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, who released the provincial crime statistics for the 4th quarter of the 2024/25 financial year this morning. Kidnapping and Cash-In-Transit cases increased by 15.8% and 0.4% respectively.

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, says the escalation in the number of children being recruited to form gangs over the years is worrying. Nel was speaking in Mitchell's Plain (on the Cape Flats) during a child protection commemoration event to mark child protection week. Residents and community organisations in the area gathered to discuss issues such as child safety, cyber bullying, child trafficking and crimes affecting the youth. Andile Mbanjwa reports....

The Southern African Agri Initiative has raised alarms about the growing number of farmers struggling financially due to their inability to sell livestock. This crisis stems from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that began in KwaZulu-Natal in December 2024 and has since spread to major feedlots nationwide. Cattle farmers are now calling on the government to take immediate action to contain the disease and prevent further spread. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to CEO of the Southern African Agri Initiative, Francious Rossouw.

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Ranga Chivaviro has left the club with immediate effect.The forward joined Chiefs in June 2023, and the club chose not to extend his two-year contract. In total, Chivaviro has made 45 appearances for Chiefs while scoring nine goals. Rumours are flying around as to who will fill the spot in front. 23-year-old Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro, who is currently on loan to AmaZulu from Sundowns, is on the cards. As is Orlando Pirates forward Monnapule Saleng. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

A former girlfriend of an unidentified man who claimed to be an acquaintance of Philangenkosi Makhanya – the deceased suspect in the Olorato Mongale murder case – has also come out and implicated the man as being part of a syndicate targeting women. Mary – who's not her real name – says she too was also able to identify the man through the sound of his voice whilst being interviewed by SABC NEWS. This was after Makhanya was fatally shot in a shootout with police at this man's flat in Amanzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday last week. This report by Jayed-Leigh Paulse and Tshepo Phagane...

South Africa Under-17 coach Vela Khumalo will be the head coach of the national side for the tournament. It's a tricky balance for the national side with friendlies also scheduled against Tanzania on Friday and Mozambique on Tuesday. With the Sundowns players preparing for the Club World Cup, Bafana coach, Hugo Broos will be using these matches as a way of testing some new faces. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

Zamimpilo Informal Settlement residents, in Riverlea, Johannesburg have gathered and are asking for police intervention to protect the residents. This comes after a body with gunshot wounds was discovered at the Informal Settlement this morning. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Provincial police Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo

The National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola has condemned an attack on members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) while performing their duties in Westbury, near Johannesburg. The officers were seen being chased by community members who threw bottles including stones. Police then withdrew tactically from the operation. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Following SABC's interview with an unidentified man in the wake of the fatal shooting of one of the main suspect in Olorato Mongale's murder case, more victims have come forward. They claim to recognise the man's voice and allege he is part of the syndicate targeting women and robbing them. Philangenkosi Makhanya was shot and killed during a shootout with police last week. He was sought for the 30 year old Mongale's murder, whose body was found dumped on the side of the road in Lombardy, North of Johannesburg more than a week ago. In this exclusive report by Jayed-Leigh Paulse and Tshepo Phagane, one of the victims of this syndicate detailed her harrowing experience. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Bandile Masuku, Gauteng Chairperson of the portfolio committee on community safety

Walter Sisulu University's Mthatha campus has been rocked by fresh student protests following the release of residence manager Manelisi Mampane on R10,000 bail yesterday. The situation is still tense on the N2 road near Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. This as students are in confrontation with the police who are trying to maintain order. Mampane is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm. This after he allegedly fatally shot a 24-year-old student, Sisonke Mbolekwa, during a protest at the institution in April. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Reporter, Fundiswa Mhlekude

The country's Gross Domestic Product has grown by a mere 0.1 percent in the first quarter of this year as compared to the forth quarter of 2024. Four of the ten industries on the production side of the economy recorded positive gains, with agriculture driving most of the upward momentum. Agriculture production increased by 15,8%, adding 0,4 of a percentage point to GDP growth with good rains contributing to the industry's fortunes. Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke explains further and Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Sibusiso Mbotho from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity's Household Affordability Index.

The executive of SAFA is appearing before the parliamentary committee for sport, arts and culture to account for its latest audited financial statements. Safa will also be expected to answer questions about the organisation's governance, provide an update on video assistant referee implementation, give comment on allegations levelled against the president and CEO Danny Jordaan and Safa's inability to pay salaries timeously. But before all of that started, ANC member, Gaolatlhe Kgabo, raised concerns about the lack of attenmdance by the minister Gayton McKensie. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

The KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg has adjourned to 4 December, the corruption case against former President Jacob Zuma and French arms company, Thales. The adjournment comes after Judge Nkosinathi Chili dismissed applications by both parties to have all charges against them dropped. Zuma's petition to the Supreme Court of Appeal against the dismissal of his application for the removal of the lead prosecutor, is still pending. The charges against Zuma and Thales include corruption and racketeering in connection with the multi-billion-rand arms deal in 1999. SABC Reporter, Dries Liebenberg has more...

The Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha is today expected to inspect the home of one of the Cradock Four, Matthew Goniwe. The inspection forms part of investigations by the re-opened inquest into the deaths of anti-apartheid activists, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, Sparrow Mkonto and Goniwe. The men died after apartheid security police abducted while the group attempted to leave the city of Gqeberha in 1985. The court is also expected to visit a Garden of Remembrance erected in the group's memory. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News Reporter, Sisipho Ngcumbe...

Former Free State premier, Ace Magashule's former personal assistant Moroadi Cholota is a free woman. This after the High Court in Bloemfontein ruled that her extradition from the US was unlawful. The court also said it did not have the jurisdiction to try Cholota on corruption that she and Magashule are charged with. The case is related to the 255-million-rand asbestos roofing removal tender. Judge Phillip Loubster delivered judgment in the trial within a trial. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal expert, Elton Hart

Health experts, together with government officials have vowed to introduce stricter laws aimed at totally banning smoking in all public spaces and buildings. This follows the World marking No Tobacco Day at the weekend. Experts warn that the continuing false advertisement which portray tobacco products as cool and attractive to young people needs special attention. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy Director General for Primary Healthcare at the health department, Jeanette Hunter.

The men from Pretoria are drawn with Dortmund, Fluminense and their opening game is on the 18th of June against Ulsan from South Korea. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

The inquest into the deaths of the Cradock Four – Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto, is currently underway in the Gqeberha High Court. The proceedings were postponed last year September due to issues over the funding of legal fees. During this week proceedings only family members are expected to testify. Here is Senior Counsel, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi making his opening remarks at the inquest.

The State prosecutor in the Senzo Meyiwa trial says authorities are unable to find tracking data for the vehicles involved in the 2020 arrest and transporting accused number one, Muzi Sibiya. This follows a request from defence counsel, Charles Mnisi, for the records to be presented as they are central to Sibiya's defence. Five men are on trial in the Pretoria High Court for the 2014 murder of the soccer star. SABC Reporter, Pearl Magubane is following the trial and filed this report.

A significant number of South African school staff screened between March 2024 and February 2025 have been flagged for criminal activity, including violent and sexual offence. This is according to to a report from background screening provider TPN. The report, which reviewed thousands of educators, coaches, administrative workers and grounds staff across SA schools, showed that one in 34 had a criminal record. Education experts warn the problem remains deeply entrenched and dangerous. FSakina Kamwendo spoke to Ashleigh Laurent who is the Legal Council at TPN; which is a a background screening provider.

A 26 year old woman has appeared before the New Brighton Magistrate's Court, in the Eastern Cape after she was arrested for allegedly abducting two premature babies from the Dora Nginza Hospital. In her first appearance in court, the state dropped charges against her co-accused. The babies were abducted at maternity ward while still in incubators. SABC News Reporter, Sisipho Ngcembe filed this report...

KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, says that the police expect to uncover more victims of crimes committed by the main suspect in murder of Olorato Mongale. This is after Philangenkosi Makhanya was killed in the early hours of this morning* in shootout with the police in Amanzimtoti- south of Durban. Mkhwanazi said that they received tip offs regarding Makhanya's whereabouts. He says Makhanya was sought in connection with several other kidnapping cases. Lets hear from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

The body two-year old Gauteng boy, Kutlwano Shalaba, who went missing last November, has reportedly been found. The Sowetan newspaper is reporting that the remains were located in a shallow grave at an abandoned mine near Randfontein, west of Johannesburg. The publication is also reporting that a 50-year-old sangoma, who operates at the Vereeniging area, has been arrested. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Gauteng Police Spokesperson, Capt Tintswalo Sibeko

The Western Cape High Court, sitting in Saldanha Bay, has sentenced all three people convicted in the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, to life inprisonment for human trafficking and an additional ten years for kidnapping. The sentences of the girl's mother, Kelly Smith, Jacqueen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn will run concurrently. Here is what Judge Nathan Erasmus said in handing down the sentences earlier today. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the mother of Kelly Smith, Amanda Smith

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) says it has taken steps to address the allegedly unlawful use of Starlink in the country. Starlink is a low-Earth orbit satellite broadband service operated by SpaceX, in which South African-born Elon Musk owns an estimated 42% stake. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Icasa chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is cracking down on social grant beneficiaries who may be receiving income that they have not disclosed to SASSA. SASSA says about 210-thousand people have been identified through credit bureau checks. SASSA says it was acting in terms of the Social Assistance Act, which requires beneficiaries to declare all sources of income when applying for a grant and to report any changes after the grant has been approved. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SASSA spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi

Several people have reportedly been wounded in what appears to be taxi violence at the Kathlehong Taxi rank, on Gauteng's east rand. Eye witnesses say the alleged shooting incident left a female scholar transport driver and security guards, among those injured. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Reporter, Lopang Alamu

Police say investigations into the murder of Olorato Mongale are continuing and the search for suspects has reached a critical stage. Mongale was brutally murdered and dumped in a sidewalk in Lombardy, Johannesburg just two hours after she had informed her loved ones that she was going on a date at the weekend. The 30-year-old reportedly met the man in Bloemfontein, Free State, last week and they agreed to meet in Johannesburg. The student was last seen alive when she was picked up by a white VW polo outside her apartment. SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, says there is a syndicate that targets women at malls. The perpetrators approach them, request to take them out on dates, and then rob them.

A concerning figure of almost one quarter of South Africa's households, representing 22.2 percent, consider their access to food as inadequate or severely inadequate, a 4 percentage points higher than in 2019 before the outbreak of COVID-19. This is according to the findings of Statistics South Africa's General Household Survey for 2024 release yesterday. The data also indicate that between 2003 and 2024, the percentage of individuals who benefited from social grants increased from 12,8 percent to 40 percent. The survey was conducted from more than twenty thousand households, between January and December 2024. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Statistics South Africa's Acting Deputy Director General, responsible for Population and Social Statistics Solly Molayi,

The Road Accident Fund chief executive, Collins Letsoalo, has been placed on special leave. Letsoalo appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) this morning, was suspended allegedly with full pay. This emerged before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts when RAF was updating the committee on investigations conducted by the Special Investigating Unit. Lets hear from MP, Mkhuleko Hlenga Speaking on this matter. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Parliamentary Correspondent, Lulama Mayta

Families that have not been able to bury their loved ones that form part of the three bodies that were stolen from a funeral parlour in Kuruman two months ago remain in the dark about the whereabouts of their loved ones. The three bodies which includes that of a minor girl were stolen on March 18th. Two men entered the guardroom at Motheo wa Bophelo mortuary, assaulted security and stole three bodies. There has not been any breakthrough despite the reward offered by the police. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to a relative, whose brother's body was stolen

There is still half a match to be played in Africa's richest league. Tomorrow, SuperSport United continue their load-shed match against Golden Arrows at midday with the score locked at 1-1. The match was abandoned more than three months ago. Mathematically, Golden Arrows could still reach the coveted Top 8 if they win the match with a margin of six goals. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

The management at the South African Post Office says the Business Rescue Practitioners at the state-owned entity are on track to implement a sustainable plan for the organisation, moving forward. Speaking during SAPO's briefing to Parliament's portfolio committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, SAPO's Acting Chief Financial Officer, Fathima Gany, said a number of interventions have been introduced to turn the finances of the postal services around, including branch rationalisation and retrenchment processes

A small group of women has held a prayer gathering outside the venue for the sitting on the Joshlin Smith matter, in Saldanah Bay, in the Western Cape province. Sentencing procedures are underway at a local community hall after the 6-year-old's mother, Kelly, her co-accused Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn were convicted on charges of child trafficking. Joshlin went missing from her Middlepos home in February last year. The women are calling for a maximum sentence for the accused and justice for Joshlin. They say their children are not safe. They are also demanding Kelly to tell the whole world what she did to the little girl. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Reporter, Andile Mbanjwa

Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke says while 76,8% of South African households have access to improved water sources in the dwelling or in the yard, much needs to be done to address the needs of those who still have no access to water. Speaking during the release of Stats SA's General Household Survey findings for the 2024/25 financial year, Maluleke also highlighted the long distances that some South Africans are forced to walk in order to get clean usable water.

South Africa's Lloyd Harris comes up against World number 15, Andre Rublev. This is a golden opportunity for the former world No. 31, and a strong run in Paris over the coming days could potentially help revive his career. However, that seems unlikely at the moment, as he hasn't won a main-draw match at a tour-level event since Wimbledon last year and hasn't defeated a top-20 player since the Australian Open in 2023. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

Legendary South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has died at the age of 40. The passing of "Cobra/Mokwepa" as known by many was confirmed by the agency - MLA that represented him. His family says they are on their way to Pretoria to his residence before they can give more details. This after the news broke on social media this morning. The actor rose to prominence for his starring role in Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Thabang Morutloa

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi says he believes transformation is sacrosanct and cannot be postponed in the ICT Sector. Malatsi is briefing the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on his proposed policy directions in the ICT Sector as gazetted last week Friday. He says the proposed draft policy that recognises alternatives to Black ownership requirements is not only meant for Starlink. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dominic Cull, an ICT sector lawyer and SABC reporter, Zalene Merrington

The testimony of a new state witness has been delayed following the late arrival of one of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, in the Pretoria High court. Today's proceedings began after the cross examination of lead investigator, Brigadier Bongani Gininda was paused last week. Five men are on trial for the 2014 murder of the Bafana Bafana goal keeper. SABC Reporter, Pearl Magubane filed this report...

Residents of Toekomsrus in the West Rand are fearing for their lives as gangs in the area continue to wreak havoc. Residents say the turf war between the Umbrellas and Varados has led to some in the community being collateral damage. They say Toekomsrus has become the new Westbury as police struggle to deal with the crime. Gang violence has been highlighted on the international stage following comments made by South African billionaire Johann Rupert. This was during a meeting at the Oval Office in Washington in the US last week on Wednesday. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Toekomsrus community activist, Shida Abrahams and gang expert, the Former Western Cape Police Commissioner, Dr Lennit Max

Akani Simbine claimed his third 100m Diamond League win of 2025 in Rabat last night.The speedster found his stride in the middle of the race, finishing in a time of 9.95, just outside his season's best of 9.90. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Sports News Anchor, Jon Gericke

The Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium kicks off today in Cape Town today. Now in its fourth year, this gathering of experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders puts infrastructure in the spotlight. With government championing a trillion-rand push to transform South Africa into a construction powerhouse. Dean Macpherson Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure says This bold move aims to fast-track economic recovery, generate jobs, and boost service delivery and cementing infrastructure as the engine of national revival. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Katlego Legodi

The African Development Bank Group has conceded its annual meeting in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with a key focus on electing new leadership. South Africa is throwing its weight behind Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, to replace outgoing President, Akinwumi Adesina, of Nigeria. The high-stakes gathering unfolds against a backdrop of global uncertainty. Delegates aim to strategise Africa's economic transformation, leveraging its capital potential. Established in 1964, the AfDB continues its mission to power, industrialise, and uplift Africa through its High 5 development priorities. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News Reporter, Khayelihle khumalo in in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Court proceedings have concluded for the day in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping and human trafficking. The three convicted human traffickers, Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn appeared in court in the High Court today ahead of sentencing procedures on the West Coast next week. Andile Mbanjwa reports...

Members of Parliament's Finance Committee on Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals are not happy that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is today not present at the sitting but will instead speak to them virtually. The proposed budget he tabled in parliament on Wednesday proposes fuel hike levy Committee members feel that this is too much of an important matter for the minister not to be physically present. Commitee member Sinawo Tambo reiterates the sentiments of the collective members...