Drama/Umdlalo womoya

Reeva Steenkamp's family members say they don't understanding why the Correctional Services Parole Board is holding a hearing for Oscar Pistorius before they fully heal from the loss of a loved one. Steenkamp's mother June made representations at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in Pretoria this morning. Pistorius is seeking parole after serving almost a decade of his 13-year sentence which began in 2017. The High Court in Pretoria convicted and jailed the world's renowned Paralympian for murdering his girlfriend Steenkamp at his Pretoria east home on Valentines Day in 2013. The parole board is expected to announce its decision later today. For a look at the country's parole system, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Legal Expert Mpumelelo Zikalala.

South African consumers have their backs against the wall. With the rising interest rates , the soaring costs of food and fuel and the nersa power price hike for Eskom, consumers disposable income continues to come under pressure. Analysts say South Africans are going to be forced to make difficult decisions about their priorities as they expect these tough times to continue for a while. This week the Competition Commission also added its voice, expressing concerns over opportunistic increases in food prices. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Patrick Buthelezi, Economist at Sanlam

The EFF in Gauteng says it is confident Ekurhuleni Mayor, Tania Campbell will be ousted in today's special council meeting. This as the council sits to hear and vote on a second motion of no confidence against Campell. The EFF together with the ANC both occupy the positions of speaker and chip whip respectively, effectively isolating Campbell who hails from the DA's minority coalition. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale say they will not renew the G4S contract in 2026. During a media briefing in Bloemfontein Thobakgale said they are in the process of seeking legal advise to find a way to manage the relationship between the department and G4S until the end of the contract. The department confirmed that the Thabo Bester escape was not the first security breach at the prison. This follows the findings by the department that convicted rapist and murderer's escape was a well orchestrated plan.

Former president, Thabo Mbeki has once again caused a stir with his latest leaked letter directed to the ANC's deputy president, Paul Mashatile and the entire top six officials of the party. In the scathing letter, Mbeki slams the ANC for using its majority in parliament to halt probes at Eskom and the Phala Phala game farm scandal involving president Cyril Ramaphosa. ANC secretary general, Fikile Mbalula says the letter is receiving attention from the party and a meeting with former president Mbeki may be imminent. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Contributer and Analyst for TimesLive Eusebius McKaiser.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says cabinet has directed correctional Services to speedly finalise the process to take over the operations of two private-companies mananging the correctional facilities and ensure to ensure consequence management for everyone involved. This comes the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale says the Mangaung Correctional Facility's security systems were compromised to assist in convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester's escape. Bester is understood to have successfully escaped from the Mangaung Prison in May last year, with officials claiming that he had died during a fire in his cell. Investigative journalist and author of The Misery Merchants: Life and Death in a Private South African Prison, Ruth Hopkins has questioned the department of correctional service's decision to take back control of Mangaung Prison, after it had done so in 2013. She spoke to Sakina Kamwendo.

Suspended Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane says the 500-thousand rand Bosasa donation into president Cyril Ramaphosa's CR17 campaign for the ANC presidency was not declared to parliament. Advocate Mkhwebane continues to give evidence at parliament's section 194 committee enquiry into her fitness to hold office. Mkhwebane says the investigation into the Bosasa donation was not of her accord but rather a matter raised by the DA in parliament. Here is a snippet of how this engagement took place with Advocate Dali Mpofu leading the evidence..

The Gauteng Health Department says its still consolidating an implementation plan to address some of the challenges facing the health sector in the province, especially concerns raised from the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. This follows more assertions by Dr Tim De Maayer - a paediatric gastroenterologist from Rahima Moosa Hospital - that little has changed on the ground and most problems still persist. Dr Maayer's concerns, raised through an open letter to the department led to damning report by the health ombudsman. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Daily Maverick's Mark Heywood.

The parole hearing of convicted murderer Donovan Moodley is being heard at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre today. Moodley was convicted and sentenced for the murder of Leigh Matthews in 2004. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for kidnapping, and 10 years for extortion. Meanwhile, Non-profit organisation, Women & Men Against Child Abuse, says should convicted murderer, Donovan Moodley, fail to present new revelations, his parole outcome will remain unchanged. The organisation's Head of Advocacy Luke Lamprecht earlier spoke to the SABC's Chriselda Lewis on their involvement and their hopes on what the outcomes of the parole hearing will be.

Following the escape of convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester, questions around South Africa's two privately run prisons have resurfaced. Makhado Prison inmate, Sofoso Khumalo called into #UpdateAtNoon to elaborate on the impact corruption has on many prisons across the country, not just privately-run prisons.

Alleged Parliament arsonist, Zandile Mafe, has been referred to a facility in the Eastern Cape for mental observation. Mafe appeard in the High Court in Cape Town as part of pre-trial proceedings. Mafe previously refused to be admitted to the Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in the Mother City. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Thandiswa Mawu

Unions representing over 53% of South Africa's public sector workers are expected to sign deal with government bringing an end to pay talks for 2023. The state, which initially tabled an offer of 4.7% in February, presented a revised offer of 7% earlier this month following vehement rejection by public sector unions - but that too was rejected, which pushed the government to its new offer of 7.5%. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to national manager at the Public Servants Association (PSA), Claude Naicker.

As reports emerge of desperate patients with broken limbs being turned away despite begging for help at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha, the provincial department of health says it is looking at a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the facility. Doctors are reportedly telling patients that they do as have no implants. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Eastern Cape Department of Health Deputy Director General, Dr Mtandeki Xamlashe.

Orthopedic surgeons at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, are reportedly unable to operate on patients with broken bones as they have no implants. According to online publication Daily Maverick, instead of surgery, orthopedic patients are being given a letter that explaining that they cannot be helped and lists three telephone numbers: one for the hospital's complaint service, the other for the Eastern Cape Department of Health's complaint line, and the third for the Presidential Hotline for patients to call. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to DA MPL and health portfolio committee member, Jane Cowley.

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU, has called for a full investigation into top prison officials at the Mangaung Correctional Facility following the escape of the notorious so-called Facebook rapist, Thabo Bester. Police have confirmed that a manhunt is currently underway for the convicted rapist and murderer after he escaped fromhis prison cell. The cell was set alight, in what was initially thought to be a suicide. A subsequent autopsy failed to match the DNA of the dead body to that of Bester. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Investigative Journalist and author of The Misery Merchants - Life And Death In A Private South African Prison, Ruth Hopkins

South Africans are bracing themselves for yet another hike in the price of electricity the after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved an average increase in the electricity tariff of 18.65% for the 2023/24 financial year and a 12.74% increase for the following year. The increase will take effect from 1 April for clients that source their electricity directly from Eskom, while municipalities will increase their prices from 1 July. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Senior Financial analyst at the Electricity department at NERSA, Dr. Bongani Khonjelwayo..

Health NPO, Right to Care says South Africa has one of the highest TB rates in the world. It says the country is also under-diagnosing the disease. Today marks World TB Day and this years theme is titled " 'Yes! You and I can end TB. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr Lucy Connell, TB programme lead at health NPO, Right to Care.

The three-day National Conference on the Country's Constitution is expected to draw to a close today in Midrand, North of Johannesburg. The conference was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday and drew the likes of former constitutional judge, Albie Sachs, the former public protector Professor Thuli Mandonsela, academics, members of legislatures and many other stakeholders. Themed, 'Reflections and the Road Ahead' the conference celebrated the past 25 years of the Constitution with a focus on nation building, as well issues of service delivery and social stability. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Dr Mosibudi Mangena, a board member at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflections

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the South African economy will only grow by a projected 0.1% this year. It expects weak growth due to load-shedding, as well as the weaker commodity prices and external environment. However, the IMF expects growth to rebound in the medium term, although only to about 1.5% per year, with income per capita likely to stagnate. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Waldo Krugell is a Professor in Economics at the North-West University.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hosted Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilda. The royal couple is in the country on state visit which will end on Monday. The Presidency says that the Belgian monarchy's first visit to South Africa demonstrates strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Members of cabinet as well as business representatives are part of the Belgian delegation.

EFF leader, Julius Malema is currently addressing members of the media from the party's headquarters in Johannesburg. The address, coming from Winnie Madikizela Mandela House in Marshalltown follows the party's National Protest on Monday. Yesterday, ANC's secretary general Fikile Mbalula also held a similar media briefing from Luthuli House where he labelled the EFF's 'National Shutdown' as a flop and failure. Malema has hit back saying the ruling party is detached from reality.

The DA led multi-party coalition in Tshwane says it believes it has the numbers to elect its own preferred mayoral candidate for the Capital. This as a special council sitting to elect a new mayor reconvenes today following its collapse on Friday. The Tshwane metro has been without a mayor since the resignation of former mayor Randall Williams in February. His resignation was followed by the election of former speaker Dr Murunwa Makwerela as the new mayor but his tenure was short lived after he too resigned following the faking of his insolvency rehabilitation certificate. DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink explains the latest from the counsel sitting with SABC reporter Patricia Visagie.

Former president Jacob Zuma has accused the Helen Suzman Foundation of being selective with the truth in his case for the private prosecution of Advocate Billy Downer and journalist, Karyn Maughn. Zuma's legal counsel, Advocate Thabani Masuku says the Helen Suzman Foundation is masquerading as a friend of the court while having chosen to side and advocate for the two accused in the matter. Masuku elaborates

Data from Stats SA shows inflation is starting to trend on the upside again. Newly-released Statistics South Africa shows annual consumer price inflation increased from six-point-nine per cent in January to seven per cent in February this year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief Economist at Efficient Group, Dawie Roodt

President Cyril Ramaphosa says it is about time that South Africa reflects on the Constitution, its efficacy and the extent it has served the aspirations of the people of South Africa. He was speaking at the launch of the three day National Conference on the Constitution at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg. The conference currently taking place is hosted by the Justice and Correctional Services Department. The aim of the dialogue is to reflect on the past 25 years of the Constitution, Nation Building, Gender Equality, Youth Economic Empowerment, as well issues of Service Delivery and Social Stability to chart a way forward on the path towards building on the gains of democracy. During his address President Ramaphosa reflected on the purpose of the Constitution.

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is working to ensure functional municipalities to help realise the achievements of the many promises made in the Bill of Rights. He was speaking during the Human Rights Day commemoration in the town of De Aar in the Northern Cape easrlier this afternoon. Ramaphosa said most municipalities are failing to provide the basic amenities including water and sanitation, refuse and housing because of lack of capacity. He says government's failure to provide such services is a violation of the people's rights which government ought to protect. The president says they are now working to improve the capacity of the personnel at these municipalities.

Electricity Minister, Kgosientso Ramokgopa says the recent low level of loadshedding are due to low demand in the country. Ramokgopa is on a site visit of the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. His visit come at the back of relatively low to no loadshedding over the last couple of days. Minister Ramokgopa elaborates...

Former president of Azapo, Dr Mosibudi Mangena has called for a change of the mindset of the majority of black South Africans. This comes as the country marks what he terms as Sharpeville Day which government has adopted as the official Human Rights Day today. Dr Mangena has lambasted government's response to the National Protest led by the EFF yesterday, including the recent tensions and behaviour of both government and labour unions. Dr Mangena explains in the conversation with SABC News anchor, Desiree Chauke.

EFF members are gathering at Church Square in Pretoria as part of the National Shutdown, calling for the resignation of president Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load shedding. Police presence has been heightened at Church Square where the EFF and various organisations are converging. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Abongile Dumako

EFF leader, Julius Malema, says the party will launch legal action against KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after he allegedly said police would use combat against protesters in today's national shutdown. Malema says the Constitution does not make provision for the use of force against demonstrators. This as the presence of police and SANDF soldiers remains high amid protest action across the country. The EFF-led protest is calling for the end to load shedding and for the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Malema addressed members and supporters in Pretoria..

Soweto Parliament leader, Nhlanhla Lux Dlamini's home was attacked in the early hours of this morning. Dlamini claims at least two bombs were thrown at his home. Meanwhile, Police Minister, Bheki Cele, says the matter has been handed over to the Hawks to investigate and has also made it clear that at this time he cannot link the bombings to the current protest.

Police have used rubber bullets to disperse protesters barricading several roads from Seshego to Polokwane in Limpopo. Protesters used stones, and burning tires to close the roads. Malls and other local businesses at Seshego Circle centre remain shut. Some business owners in the area say they are running at a loss due to the shut-down. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Mahlatse Phaladi.

Online publication GroundUp says it seen photographs of a man who closely resembles 'Facebook rapist' Thabo Bester shopping in Sandton City nearly two months after his reported death in prison. On Wednesday GroundUp reported that it has uncovered new evidence that reveals suspicious circumstances in the prison fire thought to have killed "Facebook rapist" Thabo Bester. Last year in May, the Department of Correctional Services announced that Bester had been found dead in his cell at the Mangaung Correctional Centre. The department reported that a fire had broken out and a dead body was found under a burnt mattress. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Groundup reporter, Daniel Steyn.

Labour Federation, SAFTU together with other working class formations are currently giving an update on preparations for the National Protest set for next week on Monday. This comes as sentiments over the protest continue to be divided. Dubbed a National Shutdown, the protest, led by the EFF is aimed at raising concern over the crippling rolling blackouts, high unemployment and the high cost of living including for president Cyril Ramaphosa to resign. SAFTU's general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi outlines demands ahead of Monday's protest.

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has requested Twitter to take down a video that reportedly incites violence against those who will not participate in protest marches planned for 20 March. In a statement, the Film and Publication Board (FPB) says the video warns that any pupil wearing school uniform during the protests will be beaten up, as well as teachers and police officers. Film and Publication Board CEO, Mashilo Boloka says the FPB is concerned by the video.

Presenter: Big Joe