Drama/Umdlalo womoya

Presenter: Big Joe

The murder trial of the late former ANC Youth League secretary general, Sindiso Magaqa is continuing with the cross examination of his bodyguard at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Last week, Thakabonwa Ngubane testified that he had worked as a bodyguard for Magaqa for just over two months before the attack. The four accused - Sbonelo Myeza, Mbulelo Mpofana, Mlungisi Ncalane and Sibusiso Ncengwa - have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and the illegal possession of firearms. Sakina Kamwendo spoke SABC reporter, Nonjabulo Makamu...

The African Independent National congress in North West has handed over a memorandum of grievances to the Orkeney police station about lack of police action in dealing with alleged rape cases. The party claims to have brought to light the allegations that an ANC ward councillor in the Matlosana local municipality in North West has been asking for sexual favours in exchange for help. The councillor has since been suspended, following his arrest in connection with two counts of statutory rape. A video of the councillor having sex with a young boy has been circulating on social media platforms. The parents of two 15-year-old boys opened the cases against the man over the weekend . Sakina Kamwendo spoke to reporter Tebogo Phakedi

Defense lawyer Sipho Ramosepele has disputed Mthokozisi Thwala's testimony that there were two intruders the night Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed. Thwala is under cross examination at the Meyiwa murder trial in the High Court in Pretoria. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC our reporter Pearl Magubane

Former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu is continuing with her cross examination in the High Court in Pretoria. On Friday Mahlangu told the court that the decision to relocate over three thousand mental health patients from Life Esidimeni facilities was taken jointly with the provincial management and that she had to comply with it. In continuing her testimony this morning, Mhalngu denied allegations by suspended Gauteng health department head (HOD) Dr Barney Selebano that she called a meeting to discuss a 2015 litigation matter..

The court application brought by the mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, Retief Odendaal, to stop a special council meeting from sitting today has been withdrawn. The withdrawal comes after the council meeting was cancelled. A motion of no confidence was set to be debated against Odendaal at the meeting. He challenged the validity of the meeting saying due process in calling it was not followed. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter in Gqeberha, Mcebisi Ngqina..

Presenter: Big Joe

The African National Congress in Gauteng has thrown its weight in behind Al Jama-ah's Kabelo Gwamanda as its prefered candidate for the position of Johannesburg Mayor. Gwamanda will face off against the Democratic Alliance's Mpho Phalatse and ActionSA's Funzi Ngubeni. Council members are expected to finally elect a moyor after Al Jama-ah's Thapelo Amad resigned last month, in a bed to avoid a motion of no-confidence against him. On Tuesday, plans to elect a Mayor collapsed after different political parties requested several caucus breaks. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole.

The High Court in Pretoria has postponed to Monday the case against five men accused of murdering soccer star, Senzo Meyiwa. Proceedings adjourned after Sipho Ramosepele, the lawyer representing accused number 1 and 2 fell ill in court. State Witness, Mthokozisi Thwala earlier told the court that the first person to react when the intruders came into the house where Meyiwa was gunned down, was Longwe Twala. Mthokozisi Thwala is the second witness who was present at the home of Kelly Khumalo's mother in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, when Meyiwa was shot and killed in 2014. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Pearl Magubane

Former ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule has appeared before the Bloemfontein High Court on the 255 million rands fraud and corruption Asbestos case. The case against Magashule and co-accused has been postponed to the 15th of April 2024. Magashule, business man Edwin Sodi and former human settlements head Thabani Zulu maintain that their right to a fair trial has been infringed. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Abongile Dumako.

Presenter: Big Joe

The Congress of South African Trade Unions says while it welcomes National Treasury's new Eskom debt relief measures for 165 municipalities, more measures need to be put in place to ensure that residents pay for electricity. The programme will result in the bail out of over half of the country's municipalities if the commit to dealing with residents who refuse to pay for services like electricity and installing smart meters, among other conditions. Collectively, the country's 257 municipalities owe Eskom over R56-billion. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Cosatu parliamentary co-cordinator, Matthew Parks.

Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has resumed at the High court in Pretoria. One of the witnesses in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case is expected to be back in court. Mthokozisi Thwala is the second state witness in the trial for the murder of the soccer star. He was inside the house when Meyiwa was shot and killed at the home of singer Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, south-east of Johannesburg, in October 2014. Five men are accused of involvement in Meyiwa's murder. Sakina Kamwendo spoke SABC reporter, Pearl Magubane

The state continues leading new evidence from a new witness in the Sindiso Magaqa murder trial in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg. The state has lined up over 50 witnesses. The first key witness, Jabulile Msiya - earlier this week told the court that after the attack on Magaqa she feared for her life. Msiya maintained Magaqa's attack was related to the uMzimkhulu Memorial Hall renovations, which they suspected involved fraud and corruption. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Nonjabulo Makamu.

The gunshot detection technology seems to be working well for the city of Cape Town since the system went live 5 months ago. The system is helping law enforcement to arrest criminals discharging guns in a public space. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to JP Smith , the City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for safety and security

Guest: Clinton Mphahlele, FIFA Accredited player agent Presenter: Big Joe

The Bloemfontein Magistrates Court has postponed to May 11 and 12, the bail application of the celebrity doctor, Dr Nandipha Magudumana and 5 others accused of assisting convicted murderer, Thabo Bester when he escaped from prison last May. Earlier, the court adjourned to allow for consultations

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

National Hospice Week and the Cheshire Home for people with disabilities Guest:David Nkosi

Delivery of food to some KwaZulu-Natal schools as part of the National School Nutrition Programme, has commenced. This after a failure to deliver food to some of the schools in the programme since the start of the second term . About 5-thousand schools have been affected, leaving many learners starving at schools. Pacina Retail, a company contracted to supply food in schools in the whole province, has been accused of not delivering. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Fanele Mhlongo

Voting for the new City of Johannesburg mayor may not materialise today as parties continue to struggle to reach agreement. Councillors are expected to elect a mayor after former executive mayor of the City, Thapelo Ahmad resigned last week. Ahmad was facing a no confidence motion. The coalition partners that voted Amad in power, have vowed to protect the speaker of council and the chief whip. They say the coalition remains intact and strong in spite of the resignation and unhappiness expressed by Patriotic Alliance President Gayton Mackenzie. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Horisani Sithole

The Department of Correctional Services says it has decided to terminate its contract with the Bloemfontein Correctional Center. The centre is contracted to operate the controversial Mangaung Correctional Centre, from which convicted rapist and murderer, rapist Thabo Bester escape last May. Bester was serving a life sentence when he staged his own suicide and walked out of the facility, allegedly assisted by employees from the facility. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Department of Correctional Services Spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.

Presenter: Big Joe

ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has emphasized a number of issues being faced by society - including poverty, unemployment and inequality. COSATU's national May Day celebration is underway at the Bethlehem Showgrounds in the Free State. Ramaphosa has called for unity among members of the tripartite alliance...

It has been four years since the families of three miners trapped underground Lily Mine, near Barberton in Mpumalanga, set up a camping site on the periphery of the mine. The three workers Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi and Solomon Nyerenda were working in a container used as lamp room, when it fell down a sinkhole at the mine in 2016. The three are yet to be retrieved and as the country will be celebrates the May day, the families of the three are once again pleading with government to find their loved ones. SABC News reporter, Motsebi wa Monareng has more.

Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says government will soon implement legislations that deal employers who keep breaking the law by hiring foreigners. Nxesi was speaking to our colleagues Aldrin Sampear and Naledi Moleo amid threats of protests by truck driver protest who are calling for government to address unfavourable recruitment processes in the sector.

Accused number 2 in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case has been denied bail by the high Court in Pretoria. Bongani Ntanzi is one of five men accused of killing the soccer star and Bafana Bafana captain in 2014. Ntanzi applied for bail last year. While handing down judgement, Deputy Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba said that Ntanzi has failed to convince the court that it was in the interest of justice that he be granted bail. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole.

The families of the two boys who were found murdered and mutilated in Soweto has called on the deceased to fight for justice from the grave. This emerged during he boys funeral service underway at the Jabavu stadium in Soweto. Six-year-old Tshiamo Rabanyane and 5-year-old Nqobizitha Zulu went missing last Wednesday and their mutilated bodies were discovered the next day. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Pearl Magubane.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has honored South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who have done exceptionally well in supporting democracy, nation-building and inspiring the country. Ramaphosa says those honoured have contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today. He bestowed the order of Mendi for bravery, the order of Ikamanga, order of the Baobab, the order of Luthuli , the order of Mapungubwe and the order of the companions of O.R. Tambo to deserving recipients at the National Orders conferment at the Union buildings in Pretoria.

Topic:Development from the DPSA Conference Guest: Patrick Mahlakoane

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

As South Africa marks the 29th anniversary of the first democratic elections, shack dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has vowed to continue with its "Unfreedom Day" marches in parts of the country. The movement's leadership has accused the ruling African National Congress of lying to and insulting the intelligence and humanity impoverished communities by claiming that everyone who lives in the country is free. The "Unfreedom Day" marches began in Durban on Wednesday and are expected to spread to other parts of the country by Saturday. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Abahlali baseMjondolo president, Sbusiso Zikode

Harry Belafonte's passing on the eve of Freedom Day serves as a poignant reminder of his contribution to the international cultural boycott of South Africa during the apartheid years. That was among the key reflections from President Cyril Ramaphosa at the news of the nonagenarian passing from congestive heart failure at his Manhattan home in New York. And as Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports, beyond his music and acting career, he spent his life fighting injustice while funding initiatives towards civil rights in the United States and the fight against Apartheid among others.

The lawyers representating shareholders at platinum group metals and chrome producer, Eastern Platinum Limited have written to the company's CEO, board of directors and its parent company, Barplats Mines, demanding the immediate halting of transactions for chrome ore to be sold at a reduced price to buyers. The lawyers say the transanctions are being carried out without the authorisation of the Board of Eastern Platinum. The shareholders say the unauthorised transactions have already resulted on 100-thousand tons of chrome concentrates being sold at a price of R1 914,37 ($105.11) per dry metric ton when the market related price is in fact approximately R3 880,11 ($213.00) per dry metric ton. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the lawyer representing the shareholders at Eastern Platinum Limited, Ulrich Roux.

Parliament's Standing Committee of Public Accounts has resolved to summons former Eskom Group Chief Executive Andre De Ruyter to appear before it to give further information. This follows De Ruyter's refusal to disclose the name of the minister who allegedly told him to let some people eat a little. De Ruyter stated unwillingness to jeopardise ongoing investigations and fear for his own security as some of the reasons for this. He was appearing before parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts which wanted him to elaborate on his comments in a TV interview about criminal networks working at Eskom. Sakina Spoke to SABC reporter, Joseph Mosia

Former Eskom Chief Executive Officer, André de Ruyter has continue to face pressure from members of Parliament's Standing Committee of Public Accounts, as he refused to reveal the name of the senior politician he has accused of engaging in criminality at the power utility. A number of MPs have asked de Ruyter over and over again why is did not make statements to authorities after he claimed to have alerted them about criminality at Eskom. During an interview with journalist, Annika Larson earlier this year, de Ruyter made allegations of maladministration, corruption and the sabotage of infrastructure allegedly involving a senior politician. Chairperson of the committee, Mkhuleko Hlengwa pressed him to tell Parliament the name of the politician.

Presenter: Big Joe

President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently hosting his Finnish counterpart, Sauli Väinämö Niinistö at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Trade and investment, renewable energy and information technology are expected to dominate their talks between the two countries.The visit was initially planned for 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations after Finland supported liberation movements in southern Africa. Let us take a listen to President, Sauli Väinämö Niinistö

The South African Social Security Agency is assuring social grant beneficiaries to not to panic as they will be paid. Most of their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)/Postbank gold cards are expiring at the end of April and delays at post offices appear to be causing anxiety among recipients. Last month SASSA advised beneficiaries whose cards have expired or are expiring soon, to visit their closest post office to collect a new card. However, not all of the post offices are able to offer card exchange services. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi

Nelson Mandela Bay has been hit by lockouts and blackouts since Friday after workers vowed to shut down the city to protest against the suspension of their colleagues. Seven officials in Nelson Mandela Bay's electricity department were suspended in the metro's electricity department for what has been described as the biggest corruption scheme in the history of the administration. The Hawks and Special Investigation Unit are investigating the matter. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Mayoral committee member for electricity and infrastructure, Lance Grootboom

The International Relations Department says its plans are in place to evacuate South Africans who are stuck in Sudan. South Africa is among the many countries that are racing against time to evacuate their citizens from Sudan. It has put the number of verified South Africans stuck in the country at 77. The sudden eruption of violence between the military and the well-armed Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group earlier this month has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Four-hundred-and-20 people have been killed and millions others left without access to basic services and trapped in their homes. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to founder and chair of the Gift of the Givers Foundation Imtiaz Sooliman.

The family of a 32-year-old man whose body was burned in the prison cell of rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester is expected to identify his remains today. Katlego Bereng was used as a decoy when Bester escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein, in a staged suicide in May last year: Police confirmed his identity after DNA tests revealed a direct match with his mother Monica Matsie from Bloemfontein. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Makgala Masiteng.

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Guest: Vuyo Buthelezi

A group of asylum seekers, mainly comprising women and school-going children, who sought refuge at the United Nations Head Offices in Brooklyn almost five years ago, are now pleading with the South African authorities to facilitate their deportation to their respective countries of origin. The City of Tshwane and Home Affairs are expected to relocate the asylum seekers camped in the City in makeshift shelters to Lindela repatriation center. This follow a High Court judgment earlier this month. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Attorney at Lawyers for Human Rights, Deborah Raduba.