Update@Noon

The Democratic Alliance is leading a protest rally today in Nelson Mandela Bay's Northern Areas, outside Gelvandale Police Station, The party says it demands urgent priority action against what they call rampant gang violence and drug-dealing gangs that have turned communities into war zones. DA Northern Areas Constituency Leader Yusuf Cassim says residents feel abandoned after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his State of the Nation Address the deployment of the military to support police in fighting gang violence but only in the Western Cape and Gauteng, snubbing the Eastern Cape despite years of DA calls and parliamentary resolutions for intervention. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DA Northern Areas Constituency Leader Yusuf Cassim

Three suspects in the e‑hailing murder case have abandoned bail and are due back in court next week. Police say the driver was hijacked and overpowered inside his vehicle after picking up two passengers a man and a woman who had requested the ride. The hijacked vehicle and the driver’s body were later found in Atteridgeville on the same day. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter Nonhlanhla Mthabela

The South African Farmers Development Association, SAFDA, has expressed serious concern after Tongaat Hulett filed for provisional liquidation. This comes after Tongaat Hulett's the failure to secure funding from the IDC and the lapse of its sale agreement with Vision Sugar. South African Farmers Development Association says the move threatens the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal who supply the company's three mills at Maidstone, Amatigulu, and Felixton. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Siyabonga Madlala, Executive Chair at the The South African Farmers Development Association

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has moved to reassure European leaders at the security conference in Munich, Germany that Washington remains committed to the transatlantic alliance. World leaders have wrapped up two days of talks at the 62nd Munich Security Conference. Discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, conflicts in Sudan and Syria, and growing uncertainty over relations between the United States and Europe amid concerns that shared democratic values may be under strain. Rubio struck a markedly more conciliatory tone than last year's address by JD Vance, emphasizing partnership over division. For an analysis Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political and International Studies Lecture at Rhodes University Dr Thapelo Tselapedi,

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

In a major boost for communities battered by gang violence and crime, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his State of the Nation Address that he's deploying the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police in Gauteng and the Western Cape. This targets gangsterism in Cape Town's hotspots and illegal mining syndicates terrorizing areas in Gauteng. Residents in gang-infested neighborhoods have welcomed the move, saying police are overwhelmed and urgent help is needed to reclaim streets and restore safety. Jon Gericke spoke to the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition chairperson, Dr. Llewellyn MacMaster.

World Radio Day is celebrated every February 13th, and it is a day to thank broadcasters for the news they deliver, the voices they amplify, and the stories they share. SABC reporter Lubabalo Dada spoke to radio legend Mbulelo Ngewu and began by asking him to share his views on the importance of radio...

Today marks World radio day. The day was designated by UNESCO member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. World Radio Day is celebrated every February 13th and it is a Day to thank broadcasters for the news they deliver, the voices they amplify and the stories they share. This year's theme is Radio and AI. Tim Zunckel , audio ambassador and lead consultant at Tuned Media spoke to Jon Gericke

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has assured South Africans that safety and security measures are in place for a peaceful State of the Nation Address. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his tenth SONA tonight at 7pm in Cape Town City Hall. The Address will build on previous speeches and commitments. A year ago, the president stood in Parliament and sketched a vision of structural renewal. Ramaphosa is expected to speak on the general state of the nation and reflect on a wide range of political, economic, and social matters in the domestic and global spheres. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the following guests. SANDF, Chief Director of the Human Resource Division Major General Nomsa Mkhize, ActionSA MP Athol Trollip, Jan de Villiers, the DA's National Spokesperson, Asanda Ngoasheng – Political analyst Omphile Maotwe EFF Treasurer General Dr. Stavros Nicolaou is the Group Senior Executive for Strategic Trade Development at Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure assures South Africans that safety and security measures are in place for a peaceful State of the Nation Address. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his tenth SONA tonight at 7pm in Cape Town City Hall. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explains

WaterCAN's Dr. Ferrial Adam says years of neglected water infrastructure maintenance have contributed to Johannesburg's severe outages. Adam urges the government to urgently declare the city a national disaster area to unlock emergency support and funding. Johannesburg is currently facing significant water outages, with many residents experiencing disruptions for over two weeks. Jon Gericke spoke to WaterCAN's Dr. Ferrial Adam

ActionSA MP Dereleen James, questioning Paul O'Sullivan at Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on crime intelligence slush funds, said she has brought receipts proving he lied under oath and will open criminal charges against him. Private investigator, Paul O'Sullivan continues testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the city is not yet on Day Zero and has not reached disaster level. Addressing media amid severe water outages in parts of Joburg, Morero emphasized that while some residents face prolonged shortages, the overall system continues to supply water. He highlighted that the current heatwave was driving higher consumption and complicating recovery efforts. Let's listen to what Joburg mayor Morero had earlier said at a media briefing giving the latest on the water supply challenges the city is facing.

Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index paints a grim picture of South Africa's performance. South Africa's score stays stagnant at 41 out of 100, unchanged from 2024 and below the global average. The anti-corruption movement Transparency International (TI) today released its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), highlighting worsening corruption and a decline in leadership globally. The picture in South Africa is equally discouraging, showing little to no progress in the last three years. Lebogang Ramafoko, Executive Director at Corruption Watch, explains

The South African Weather Service has issued yellow level 2 severe thunderstorm warnings across these provinces. A higher yellow level 4 warning is active today for southern KwaZulu-Natal, the Overberg District, and Langeberg Municipality in the Western Cape. The Overstrand Municipality says its disaster teams are on the ground diverting water after recent floods.

Members of the Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee probing criminal infiltration in the justice system propose a third extension of its deadline, as the deadline for the committee to conclude its work ends on 20 February. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has welcomed the Ad Hoc Committee’s decision to continue engaging with Mr. Brown Mogotsi and Mr. Paul O’Sullivan, following her guidance that further substantive engagement be pursued before resorting to the issuing of summonses. The Speaker in a statement says she's pleased that this approach has resulted in one of these witnesses availing himself to appear physically before the Ad Hoc Committee to testify from Tuesday, without the need for summonses to be issued.

Joburg EMS firefighters are conducting damping-down after a fire broke out early this morning at the corner of Bree and Harrison Streets in Johannesburg's CBD. EMS says a large transformer located on the ground floor is suspected to be the cause. No injuries have been reported. EMS says the exact cause will be confirmed following a full investigation once all emergency operations have been completeted.Joburg EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo explains.

The Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says the commission has taken all necessary measures to protect witnesses and staff. This follows an attempted hit on a person implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Police have identified him as Wiandre Pretorius and he is reported to be linked to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels spoke earlier to SABC reporter Canny Maphanga

SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng says all communication with Vusimuzi Cat Matlala over Medicare24 contract has been strictly by email, phone, and WhatsApp. Mattjeng revealed she talked with Busiman Cat Matlal, who talked openly about serious frustrations he shared with her about late payments he received from SAPS crippling Medicare24's ability to pay service providers. SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng is the new witness before the Madlanga commission tasked with investigating allegations of political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.

SAPS Brigadier Rachel Matjeng has faced tough questioning at the Madlanga Commission, over R300,000 received from Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. Commissioner Madlanga argued that after a long relationship, the most plausible explanation was gratification a form of bribery to secure her influence in police matters, saying her personal story didn't hold up. Matjeng has firmly maintained the payments were personal, not corrupt means.

Julius Malema says the EFF plenum reflected that South Africa is in a permanent state of elections, which undermines the focus of public representatives to deliver services as they are in constant campaigning mode. EFF leader Julius Malema was addressing the media on the outcomes of the party's Plenum which took place over the weekend

EFF leader Julius Malema addressing the media on the outcomes of the party's Plenum which took place over the weekend says the party enters the upcoming local government elections with intention not merely to participate but to win and govern.

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of police corruption hears from an anonymous witness claiming she's a long-time cybercrime victim. She reported her case in Postmasburg, Northern Cape, in 2021 referred to the Hawks in Bellville and Pretoria but says probes stalled after officers left, with no feedback despite gadget submissions. She alleges all her actives online are been monitored. And all her job applications on emails bounced email preventing her to get a job since 2019, and seeks parliamentary help.

The Ad Hoc committee looking into national security concerns says it has now taken a decision to formally write to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane says Parliament's legal team has now been tasked with drafting a correspondence and consolidating questions from committee members. The committee is probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system. The allegations were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing in July last year. Lekganyane elaborates....

Whatsapp messages on the electronic device of Witness F have been cited to be the main argument at the Madlanga Commission for yet another postponement. Witness F's legal counsel Hartley Ngoato has filed a formal application with the High Court interdicting the use of WhatsApp texts at the Commission. Chief Evidence Leader for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC has highlighted that the High Court application can only be heard on the 10th of February, derailing any prospects of the Witness testifying this week... Attorney Hartley Ngoato explains why they have made this decision

Months after families raised alarms over substandard care at Kimberley Mental Hospital following a damning Ombudsman report, the Northern Cape Health Department confirms investigations are underway into alleged neglect. One patient is currently bedridden after she was discharged, and another allegedly died after being assaulted by a male nurse. Lebogang Majaha, spokesperson for the Northern Cape Department of Health, explains

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.

Its hive of activities at the union Buildings in Pretoria as President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected today to officially receive the original FIFA World Cup Trophy as part of the Coca-Cola Trophy Tour. It's a huge moment of pride marking South Africa's return to the global stage after qualifying again after 16 years since hosting in 2010. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC's Percy Nkatlo who as the union Buildings in Pretoria

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has just ruled that the witness, who was meant to take the stand today will now appear before the commission on Tuesday. The witness' legal counsel Hartley Ngoato brought an application to the Madlanga Commission to postpone todays proceedings citing that they have not been given sufficient time to prepare. He also cited his unavailability to work this weekend due to medical reasons. Madlanga says it is only fair to grant the postponement to ensure that sufficient time is given to the witness to peruse the documents in preparation for their testimony. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Political Analyst at Unisa's Department of Political Science Prof Dirk Kotze

The Border Management Authority, jointly with the Department of Home Affairs, have raised concerns about a sharp rise in unaccompanied minors intercepted at ports of entry during the 2025/2026 festive season. BMA reveals that at Beitbridge, 53 undocumented minors were discovered, with some as young as three, showing a major increase. While at Lebombo, 15 minors were stopped in the mountains trying to exit illegally. The authority says the most alarming was a Mozambican national who was caught smuggling a missing Johannesburg child to Mozambique; the suspect has since been detained. The Border Management Authority, jointly with Home Affairs, were earlier addressing the media on the 2025/2026 festive season operations. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr. Michael Masiapato

Tiyani Hlungwani , former crime intelligence finance and administration manager is currently giving evidence before the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of criminality in the criminal justice system. He says he became a target after refusing to process a fraudulent 45 million rand payment for a "grabber machine", allegedly linked to the ANC's 2017 Nasrec conference..

President Ramaphosa has directed the police minister and national commissioner to form a special task team for immediate probes into implicated SAPS and Ekurhuleni Metro officials to restore public trust, as the presidency has welcomed the Madlanga Commission's interim report. On the 13th of July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. This followed serious allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated the criminal justice system in South Africa. The Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC, submitted its interim report on the 17th of December 2025 in line with the delivery timelines that had been determined by the President. The presidency says president Ramaphosa has studied the interim report and accepts its recommendations.

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in KwaZulu-Natal says it's concerned about the late payment of salaries to municipal workers in the Impendle Local Municipality. The party has also raised alarm by the failure to remit third-party deductions on its members. The municipality is facing severe financial distress following its failure to pay employee salaries for January 2026. According to the Cogta, this is a repeated inability to meet financial obligations, as this follows a similar default in May 2025 and a narrowly averted crisis in December 2025. SAMWU KZN Provincial Secretary Nokubonga Dinga reacts.

ANC Ekurhuleni says it's devastated and in disbelief following the passing of Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu. The party adds that the recovery of his remains marks closure to a long and painful chapter of searching.. Mngwevu died when his car was swept away by floods in Chókwè, Mozambique.He was with three other people.After a week-long search and rescue operation, their mortal remains were recovered on Tuesday. The ANC’s Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi says they are deeply saddened by Mngwevu’s passing. ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi reacts

The Ad Hoc committee investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system says, North West business man Brown Mogotsi, wants to appear before it on conditions. The Committee says he wants to be protected by his own personal security, but must be funded by Parliament. Mogotsi was initially schedule to testify before the committee this week.

COSATU has described the delayed salaries at Impendle Local Municipality in KZN as a serious crisis, calling on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to intervene urgently and ensure workers are paid. The municipality is facing severe financial distress following its failure to pay employee salaries for January 2026. According to the Cogta, this is a repeated inability to meet financial obligations, as this follows a similar default in May 2025 and a narrowly averted crisis in December 2025. The department's assessment confirms a critical liquidity crisis. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) national spokesperson Zanele Sabela reacts.

The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature says it fully supports and applauds the call by His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to rename the KwaZulu-Natal Province to KwaZulu. In addition, the party says His Majesty’s call should further empower the Provincial Government, particularly the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, to urgently review and correct indigenous place names that have been incorrectly written or distorted over time. Blessed Gwala, IFP National Chairperson

Western Cape police have launched a manhunt for a gunman after three men between the ages of 40 and 45 were shot and killed in Gordon’s Bay on Tuesday evening. Police say official reports indicate that the deceased men were in the parking lot at Gordon’s Bay Mall at approximately 21:30 when unknown gunmen travelling in a vehicle approached them and shots were fired. Two victims died inside the vehicle and another outside the car. The suspects later fled in their vehicle. Police say they have registered a triple murder docket for investigation. The incident is believed to be gang-related. Brigadier Novela Potelwa explains.

South Africa welcomed just under 10.5 million visitors between January and December 2025 an increase of 17.6 percent compared to the previous year. The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille says this is the highest figure preceding that of 2018. She says between 2019 and 2025 the number of visitors coming into the country have gone up by 26 percent. De Lille was speaking at a media briefing, reflecting on 2025 tourism and the road to Meetings Africa 2026 in Pretoria this afternoon...

Defence witness Makhosonke Zungu is back on the witness stand at the Senzo Meyiwa trial at the High Court in Pretoria. On Monday Zungu told the court he didn't come to testify on behalf of the state as he was uncomfortable with what they allegedly wanted him to say in court. Zungu has since been called to testify at the High Court in Pretoria on behalf of the defence - where five men are on trial for the 2014 murder of the Bafana Bafana captain. SABC's Pearl Magubane has the details

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona says he forwarded the PKTT disbandment letter to Vusi Muzi Matlala on his own, simply sharing viral social media information that had caught his attention. KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona is today testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. He is accused of having strong ties to alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

Hawks Kwazulu Natal head, Major-General Lesetja Senona, says he first met businessman Vusi Muzi Matlala at his own traditional wedding in Mamelodi, Pretoria, back in 2019. KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona is today testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria. He is accused of having strong ties to alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

The Nkabinde Inquiry into suspended Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke's fitness to hold office resumed today in Pretoria. Evidence leader Senior Counsel Themba Skosana warns that if Advocate Batohi gets her legal counsel but still won't testify at the inquiry, evidence leaders may need to use subpoena powers to compel her continuation. The outgoing NDPP had excused herself last month after a heated cross-examination.

The Nkabinde Inquiry into suspended Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke's fitness to hold office resumed today in Pretoria. its Chairperson, retired Justice Bess Nkabinde, has urged evidence leaders to call the next witness to maintain progress while resolving Advocate Shamila Batohi's dispute over legal representation. The outgoing NDPP had excused herself last month after a heated cross-examination.

A 37-year-old man has appeared in Bellville magistrate court in Cape Town on charges of trafficking in persons and rape. Police say the suspect allegedly lured a 15-year-old girl who is a foreign national to South Africa under the pretense of studying before forcing her into marriage. NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila says the girl was repeatedly raped and assaulted over seven months while she was trapped in the forced marriage. The matter has been postponed to 2 February for a bail application and an Amharic interpreter. NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila explains

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

General Secretary of the Greater Gauteng Learner Transport Organisation, Sibongile Maseko, says operators will resume work on Monday, with normal services returning after protests over vehicle impounding. scholar transport operators are met earlier at Dorothy Nyembe Park in Meadowlands, Soweto, to chart a way forward after downing tools today. More than sixty vehicles were impounded for overloading and unroadworthiness in a blitz that began yesterday. The crackdown follows a joint operation in Lenasia, coming just days after fourteen learners tragically died in a scholar transport crash. Jon Gerricke spoke to General Secretary of the Greater Gauteng Learner Transport Organisation, Sibongile Maseko

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the resolutions and decisions contained in the G20 Johannesburg declarations extend beyond South Africa's presidency. Godongwana told a media briefing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that As Gloria Sefako Musi reports from Davos - South Africa's influence on G20 issues will continue, despite being blocked from all G20 participation under the United States Presidency this year. Jon Gerricke spoke to Minister Enoch Godongwana, who's in Davos.

Severe flooding has affected over 600-thousand people in southern Mozambique, triggering new displacement. More than 100 people have died in what could be Mozambique's worst floods in decades. Many more people are missing. South African Air Force crews have successfully rescued 479 people from flood-stricken areas. Jon Gerricke spoke to Mozambican based journalist Milton Masiye