Update@Noon

 The Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga says there is illegal mining activity taking place at the Optimum Coal Mine in Hendrina. The party has accused contractors who were appointed and licensed to do pit mining, are perpetrating the illegal activities. The DA says the miners contracts are up and they should have ceased operations. Jon Gericke spoke to DA Leader in Mpumalanga, Jane Sithole...

 Suspended Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkwebane remains resilient on returning back to her duties in office. She has approached the Western Cape High Court in order to appeal a ruling barring her from returning to work at least for now despite the court having reviewed and set aside her suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa. President Ramaphosa, together with the Democratic Alliance have since approached the constitutional court to make a final decision on the matter. Advocate Mkhwebane spoke to Jon Gericke.

The South African Post Office future is uncertain after the Auditor General mentioned that, its delivery performance has dropped from 89.3% at the end of March 2020 to 68.36% by March 2022. The Auditor-General could also not confirm if the post office will be a going concern in the foreseeable future. The AG-flagged a R2.1 billion net loss during the financial year ending 31 March 2022 and the fact that the Post Office's liabilities exceed its assets by R4 billion. Jon Gericke spoke to South African Post Office Chief Executive Officer, Nomkhita Mona.....

The Support Public Broadcasting Coalition has warned against the suggestion that an interim board may be appointed at the SABC. This as the term of the current board, chaired by Bongumusa Makhathini comes to an end tomorrow. Meanwhile, parliament's  portfolio committee on communications has been lambasted for delaying the process of electing a new board, leaving a vaccum at the public broadcaster as of this coming Sunday. SOS's national coordinator, Uyanda Siyotula says the committee should get on with its work by submitting the recommended names for a new board to the National Assembly. She spoke to Jon Gericke 

Transnet says it has tabled a new three year wage offer to all it workers affiliated to both SATAWU and the United National Transport Union. This as wage negotiations remain deadlock despite interventions by government. SATAWU and UNTU members are demanding a wage increase of up to 13 percent while Transnet's latest offer remains between four and five percent. Transnet spokesperson, Ayanda Shezi said the parastatal hoped that the latest wage offer will allow for labour stability. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to General Secretary of the United National Transport Union, Cobus Van Vuuren.  

An urgent bail application by Bongani Ntanzi , accused number two in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, is currently underway at the Pretoria high court.  Bongani Ntanzi is one of five men who were arrested in 2020 in connection with Meyiwa's death and are currently standing trial on charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Phumzile Mlangeni  

The Dudula Movement is today expected to march to Education Departments across five of the country's provinces. The marches are to take place in Gauteng, the North West, Limpopo, the Free State and the Eastern Cape. The movement says it intends on submitting a memorandum of demands to provincial MEC's demanding that local graduate teachers are prioritised over foreign national teachers who currently occupy those jobs. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dudula Movement's National Secretary General, Zandile Dabula...

The trial of alleged July unrest instigator Ngizwe Mchunu has been postponed to the 5 of December as the main witness is currently testifying in another matter in the high court. The former Ukhozi FM radio personality has been charged with inciting violence during the unrest in 2021. Mchunu made a brief appearance in the Randburg Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg June for his alleged involvement to the incident. During that court appearance, prosecutor. Mchunu faces charges of inciting public violence and breaching the Disaster Management Act. He's out on two-thousand rand bail. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Pearl Magubane, 

The case against 21 people charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, illegally mining, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition has been postponed by the Stilfontein Magistrate's Court in the North West. The accused will return to court on the 18th of October. For more we are now joined on the line by our reporter Itumeleng Kgajane

Transnet continues to meet with labour unions today to try and resolve  the impasse between the parties. Minister of Labour Thulas Nxesi and Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan are also expected to join the wage talks to help resolve the ongoing strike action that's threatening the local economy. The strike has affected services in freight rail, ports and fuel pipelines rendered by the parastatal.  Meanwhile , business has now offered to pay increased fees for the rail utility's services. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Prasheen Maharaj , President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula and his counterpart Eastern Cape transport MEC Xolile Nqatha have failed to intervene and respond to calls for security amid a crisis involving intercape buses. This according to  a recent ruling by the Makhanda High Court which has ordered the transport department  to ensure the safety of the bus company and to come up with an action plan within 20 days.  Intercape buses have been under attack on various routes in the Eastern Cape. Passengers and drivers have been injured in some incidents. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira and began by asking What his reaction is to the judgement by the Makhanda High Court.  

Angry TRANSNET workers have threatened to open a case against the police for provoking them. The striking workers were protesting at the depot of the rail transport company. The police used a teargas and stun grenade to disperse them outside the company premises in Bloemfontein.  This as wage talks are underway between Transnet and the Unions .Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Ishmael Modiba

 A party led by a diamond magnate has won the most seats in last week's election in Lesotho. But the populist Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) has fallen short of an overall majority, raising the prospect of more political turmoil. The RFP has emerged as the single biggest party with 56 seats, but now needs to court other groups to control the mountain kingdom's 120-member parliament. Should RFP, which wealthy businessman Sam Matekane formed in March, secure control of a majority in parliament through coalitions, it will pave the way for the first change in government in more than five years. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena..

 A 21 year old suspect is expected to appear in the Johannesburg magistrate's court to face six counts of murder. This after police were called to a building in Johannesburg following a stench where a body of a woman was discovered on Sunday. The suspect is said to have been the last one to be seen with the deceased. Upon further investigations, 5 more bodies were discovered in a decomposed state. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Pearl  Magubane

Police Minister Bheki Cele says thirteen Lesotho nationals, five South Africans, one Zimbabwe national and one Swati national were arrested in the Stilfotein Zama Zama bust. Cele says 15 AK 47s were seized together with one R5 rifle. Cele says this is not their first success they are having in Stilfontein as they arrested 87 suspects in Orkney recently..

South African Police Services in Johannesburg have apprehended a 21-year-old man for murder following the discovery of six bodies in a building on Sunday. The discovery was made after police were called to the building due to a foul smell coming out of one of the rooms. That is when a body of a woman was found. A preliminary investigation led the police to the suspect, believed to be the last person seen with the deceased woman. SAPS Spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili 

TRANSNET says it is hoping for an amicable solution to the impasse with unions over wages. TRANSNET management is meeting with unions representing workers under the mediation of two CCMA commissioners at the Transnet Bargaining Council in Johannesburg. The aim is to finalise the picketing rules and to find a possible resolution to the wage impasse. The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union and the United National Transport Union have rejected TRANSNET's three per cent wage offer and are demanding between 12 and 13-point-five per cent.Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Naledi Ngcobo  

Russian president Vladimir Putin has threatened a "harsh response" if attacks continue against Russia, hours after his troops launched a massive wave of strikes targeting cities across Ukraine. Explosions are reported in other cities across the country, including Lviv, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, in what appears to be the most widespread set of Russian attacks since the early weeks of the war. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena 

 Police Minister Bheki Cele is believed to be engaging the management of the Kruger National Park following the fatal shooting of a German tourist on Monday. Cele is expected to later visit the scene of the shooting in Masoyi betwene White River and Hazyview in Mpumalanga.  This as local residents have called on the law enforcement agencies to intensify security measures in the area as the attacks on tourists are prevalent. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Motsebi Monareng...

The ANC in Gauteng has hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle for the province following the announcement of the party's premier elect, Panyaza Lesufi. Lesufi, the current MEC for Education in the province is set to replace outgoing premier David Makhura who tendered his resignation yesterday. ANC provincial secretary, Thembinkosi Nciza says Lesufi, once elected as premier, should be afforded the space to bring his own team to head up the provincial government. 

he ANC in Gauteng has hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle for the province following the announcement of the party's premier elect, Panyaza Lesufi. Lesufi, the current MEC for Education in the province is set to replace outgoing premier David Makhura who tendered his resignation yesterday. ANC provincial secretary, Thembinkosi Nciza says Lesufi, once elected as premier, should be afforded the space to bring his own team to head up the provincial government. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to political analyst and governance expert, Sandile Swana.

Mpumalanga police say they are investigating after a 67-year-old German tourist was shot and killed near the the Kruger National Park's Numbi Gate entrance yesterday. Authorities say robbers accosted four tourists who were heading to the Numbi Gate. It is alleged that three robbers instructed the tourists to open the doors of their vehicle and when they refused to do so, one of the suspects fired a shot through the window and struck the driver in the upper body. The driver managed to drive away for several meters before the vehicle crashed into a boundary wall before succumbing to his injuries. Sakina Kamwenso Spoke to Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Police, Brig Selby Mohala..

South Africa is expected to experience the worst heatwave today with temperatures souring to about 36/38 degrees in Gauteng. Mpumalanga, the North-West and the Northern parts of Free State. The heatwave also comes in a time where some parts of Johannesburg are experiencing water shortages. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Meteorologist Phemelo Zonke...

Local governance experts say some of the service delivery programmes instituted by the ousted Johannesburg multi-party government could be abandoned or relegated. They say this is among the reasons why communities embark on service delivery protests. Last week ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson Dada Morero was elected the mayor of the City of Johannesburg following the ousting of the DA's Mpho Phalatse through a motion of no confidence vote.  Phalatse is expected to file papers in the High court in Johannesburg today to challenge the validity of the council meeting held last Friday where she was ousted through a vote of no confidence.  Tshepo Phagane reports….

The battle for the Balobedu throne in Modjadjiskloof in Limpopo is far from over. Some members of the royal family say they plan to crown Princess Masalanabo as queen Modjadji the Seventh in April next year, when she turns 18.  This is despite this past weekend's installation of her brother, Prince Lekukela Modjadji, as king-elect. The Modjadji Royal Council under the leadership of the regent, Bakhoma Mpapatla Modjadji, inagurated Prince Lekukela in a traditonal ceremony at Ketlhakoni outside Tzaneen. Udo Carelse spoke to professor Sekgothe Mokgoat-shana from the Department of Cultural and Political Studies at the University of Limpopo

The Chairperson of the Giyani Concerned Residents in Limpopo, says they suspect that corruption and looting are some of the causes delaying the completion of the multi-million rand Giyani bulk water project.  Vusi Chauke was speaking during a protest by residents from 55 villages in Giyani.  Angry residents have  blockaded roads and shutdown businesses.  Chauke says previous commitment by Water and Sanitation department to complete the project by September has not been realised. He spoke to Udo Carelse

ActionSA says the Democratic Alliance (DA) must take the blame for losing control of Johannesburg. The party also says coalition governments have left out South Africans in their quest for power in the metros. The coalition structure will be meeting tonight to map out a way forward with regard to problems with coalitions.Udo Carelse spoke to Action SA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Bongani Baloyi.

The Bureau of Economic Research says the mining sector has warned that it cannot sustain operations under current blackouts of Stage 4 loadshedding. Eskom is currently running the longest blackouts since the inception of loadshedding and mining companies are fearful they may have to cut jobs as a result. Udo Carelse spoke to Senior Economics at Bureau for Economic Research, Lisette de Schepper.  

Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has absolved both the Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan and president Cyril Ramaphosa on investigation her office had undertaken. Minister Gordhan was reported to the Public Protector's office for allegedly irregularly appointing his Chief of Staff without following due process. Meanwhlie, allegations against president Ramaphosa were for allegedly violating the Executive Code of Ethics for failing to inform all relevant investigative authorities regarding the misuse of state funds for party political gains.  Advocate Gcaleka says the misuse of public funds which president Ramaphosa referred to was public knowledg

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an urgent application to interdict the coronation of prince Lekukela Modjadji as the Balobedu king with cost. The coronation is planned for tommorow, starting with rituals today in the evening. The foster parents of Princess Masalanabo Modjadji wanted the court to stop the installation her brother - prince Lekukela Modjadji as the next monarch. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Momelo waOne Mothoa and the foster parent of Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, Dr Mathole Motshega  

The country is still struggling to create jobs according to the latest Statistics South Africa's  quarterly employment numbers released earlier today. Data released shows a total of 119 thousand people lost their jobs in June this year. This from 10 - million 067 -thousand in March 2022 to 9-million 948 -thousand in June 2022.  The June quarterly employment data shows jobs decreased in community services, construction and manufacturing. However employment increased in mining, transport and trade sectors of the economy.  Sakina Kamwendo spoke to senior researcher at the Trade Collective, Lebohang Pheko.

Former president Jacob Zuma has come out in support of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for the ANC presidency at the party's 55th elective conference in December. In a statement by the former president, Zuma says he's available for the chairperson position if nominated by ANC branches. Coming out a short while ago, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has come out endorsing former health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize for the party presidency. Party secretary, Bheki Mtolo elaborates.

Plenary sessions at the second day of the 14th National Elective Congress of COSATU have commenced with an address by SACP's General Secretary Solly Mapaila. This follows concerns over whether the ANC will be allowed to address the congress. Yesterday delegates blocked ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe from addressing them. They heckled and booed Mantashe and accused him and the ANC-led government of failing the workers after reneging on the pay hike agreement signed in 2018. For the latest on what's coming out from Midrand, where the congress in sitting, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to senior politics reporter, Ntebo Mokobo

The enthronement of prince Lekukela Modjadi is under threat. The foster parents of princess Masalanabo, the Motshekgas, are seeking a High Court interdict to stop the inauguration. The Modjadi royal council has planned to install Prince Lekukela this coming weekend. The Motshekgas contend that Masalanabo is the rightful heir to succeed her mother Queen Modjadji. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC senior reseacher Maswele Ralebone 

The World Bank says interest rate hikes by central banks around the world could trigger a global recession next year (2023). It says central banks have raised rates "with a degree of synchronicity not seen over the past five decades" to tackle soaring prices. Last week, the Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee has decided to increase rates by seventy-five basis points, in line with market expectations. Sakima Kamwendo spoke to Independent economist Duma Gqubule 

Cosatu president, Zingiswa Losi has given her opening remarks at the start of the 14th national elective congress of the federation, taking place in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. Around two thousand members from various trade unions are expected to discuss the future of the labour federation and the challenges the country's working class in facing. Losi, who is understood to be seeking for a second term as president says the tripartite alliance with the ANC and the SACP must be protected.

The case of five accused men in the shooting at the Nomzamo tavern in Soweto has been postponed to the 18th of next month in the Orlando Regional Court. They made their first court appearance this morning. One of the accused was arrested in Johannesburg on Thursday, while the second one was arrested in the Northern Cape on Friday. The shooting left 16 people dead and scores others wounded. It happened when a group of unknown heavily armed suspects fired shots a tavern patrons in July. NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwana gave this update to the media just outside court earlier...

The Ditsobotla Councillors, have taken a legal route to challenge the dissolution of their council and the appointment of the Administrator. They are questioning the motive of government, because, they believe they do not meet the legislative criteria to be dissolved and that the process to dissolve them, was flawed. This has put paid to the introduction of the Administrator to the municipality, which has now been put in abeyance. Jon Gericke spoke to Spokesperson for Ditsobotla Councillors, Benny Moisane

Today marks the official launch of the Sovereign Africa Ratings agency and the publication of its first sovereign rating. Dubbed a pan-african ratings agency with the aim of telling African economic stories, the agency aims at bringing some change into the narration about the continent's economies. This as the global credit-rating landscape is dominated and monopolised, by three main players, namely Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch; Moody's and S&P. Jon Gericke spoke to COO, Zwelibanzi Maziya

The multi-million Rand Asbestos fraud pre-trial case involving suspended ANC Secretary General, Ace Magashule has been postponed to January. Magashule, ten others and five companies appeared at the Bloemfontein High Court. The suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has told the High Court in Bloemfontein that the postponements of the case are affecting his political career. Here is Judge Phillip Loubser delivering  the postponement...

The African Rail Industry Association says that by moving freight from road to rail, our roads will be freed of massive trucks that cause havoc. The association is calling on the government to immediately implement their proposed third-party freight rail access policy. Just recently in oPhongolo school children, road users and two essential service personnel were killed by trucks. Jon Gericke spoke to Chief Executive Officer at the African Rail Industry Association, Mesela Nhlapo

Multi-Party government in Johannesburg has rejected Eskom's application for a 38.1% increase in electricity price. The power utility was making its presentations at Nersa that were attended amongst others by officials of Johannesburg City Power. The Eskom application comes on the back of Eskom implementing Stage 5 and 6 electricity blackouts.Jon Gericke spoke to City Power's manager for Tarrifs and Energy management, Frank Hinda...   

South Africa is facing an existential threat due to increasing rates of murder, extortion and kidnapping. This is according to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime that has highlighted that murder has risen 38% since 2010. The organisation further says there is also a R187 billion annual impact from infrastructure theft such as the looting of copper-power-cables. Jon Gericke spoke to Director for the East and Southern Africa observatory, Julian Rademeyer.

Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says South Africans should not act as an Island in a global world. He was responding to a question that was expressing the level of frustration South Africans feel when it comes to the latest challenges of loadshedding in the country. Mantashe was speaking at the signing ceremony with three wind power suppliers in Centurion earlier today. The agreements are part of government's effort to curb the worsening energy crisis which saw the country entering stage 6 loadshedding. The wind power projects fall under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme launched in April 2021. Mantashe says he understands that the country is upset...

Sentencing procedures in the Pretoria High Court into the trial of four men convicted of the murder of North West businessman Wandile Bozwana are expected to kick-off today.The accused are Sipho Hudla, Robert Mutapa, Bonginkosi Khumalo, and the notorious Mamelodi businessman Vusi "Khekhe" Mathibela. The men are also charged with the murder and attempted murder of Bozwana's colleague Mpho Baloyi.Baloyi escaped with multiple gunshot wounds in the October 2015 attack at Grasfontein East of Pretoria. Jon Gericke spoke to reporter, Ofentse Setimo...

Five government officials in the Free State are appearing in court today on charges of corruption. The five suspects were arrested in relation to the alleged fraudulent activities around the Winnie Mandela Brandfort. One of the suspects in the case is a former Head of Department of Sports, arts and culture. Jon Gericke spoke to reporter Kamogelo Seekoei

Burials are becoming more and more expensive as mortuaries now have to heavily rely generators. The Southern African Chamber of Undertakers says mortuaries are now forced to use generators to control the temperature in the cold rooms. It says the rising cost of fuel only adds fire the already burning problem of loadshedding. Jon Gericke spoke to Chairperson of the Southern African Chamber of Undertakers, Nhlanhla Bembe

The South African Federation of Trade Unions says its members will be taking to the streets after it was granted a certificate to strike following a collapse of salary negotiations with government. The union has rejected a 3% salary increase offer by the employer and instead led a small group of its members in a picket outside the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council offices in Centurion. The union is demanding that government increases the wage hike to a baseline figure of 8%. Jon Gericke spoke to SAFTU Spokesperson, Trevor Shaku...

Democratic Alliance leader, John Steenhuisen has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately dissolve the National Energy Crisis Committee and appoint in it's place, an outside industry expert to oversee the implementation of the energy response plan. Speaking during a media briefing this morning, Steenhuisen reiterated the party's call for Ramaphosa to declare a ring-fenced State of Disaster around Eskom. This comes amid the recent implementation of Stage 5 and 6 rolling blackouts - due to the power utility's severe shortage in generation capacity. The Da-run of City of Cape Town is typically able to protect its customers up to two stages of load shedding where it is possible, primarily through the use of the Steenbras Hydro Pumped Storage Scheme. Jon Gericke spoke to SABC reporter, Mlamli Maneli

The state funeral for Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is currently taking place at this hour. This marks the end of 10 days of events across the UK since her passing at the age of 96. As many as one million visitors are attending the historic occasion in London. Jon Gericke spoke to London-based SABC News correspondent, Trent Murray.

The High Court in Pretoria has ruled that Malesela Teffo is no longer an advocate. Teffo - who was representing four the five accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial - withdrew from the case in July. The Legal Practice Council brought an application before the court for Teffo to either be suspended or struck from the  roll. The council received numerous complaints against Teffo -  some pre-dating the Senzo Meyiwa trial. These include contemptuous behaviour in court and misleading the court. Advocate Teffo had accused President Cyril Ramaphosa, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Police Minister Bheki Cele of being behind attempts to end his career. In handing down judgement, this is what the court had to say.