Drama/Umdlalo womoya

SA Tourism says it is still in the process of formulating a formal media statement in response to reports by the Daily Maverick that the agency is allegedly on the verge of announcing close a sponsorship to English Club, Tottenham Hotspur to the tune of nearly R1Billion. The Daily Maverick quotes presentations it claims to be in their possession for this allegation, adding that the acting CEO for the Tourism Agency, Themba Khumalo had presented this proposal to the Tourism Board.

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs in parliament is expected to be briefed by the Content Advisor on the submissions received on the Electoral Amendment Bill. This is after it was opened for public comment again. The main points of contention include the number of signatures independents require and the allocation of seats. The bill is aimed at expanding the Electoral Act to include independent candidates as contesters to elections in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC parliamentary correspondent, Mercedes Besent.

The Gauteng Department of Health says it has prioritised the fast-tracking of critical and advanced medical procedures. The department says there are currently over 30 thousand people on the waiting lists. The department says it hopes to reduce the surgical backlogs through the utilisation of cluster hospital theatres and collaborations, as well as filling critical vacant posts. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to DA Gauteng shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom about how the information came to light.

Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu has rubbished the Daily Maverick article on an alleged imminent R1-Billion sponsorship deal between SA Tourism and English Club, Tottenham Hotspur, as being riddled with inaccuracies and untruths aimed at tarnishing her image. The publication writes that the acting CEO for the tourism agency, Themba Khumalo presented this proposal to the Tourism SA Board. Sakina Kamwendo spoke t journalist at the Daily Maverick's, Rebecca Davies and began by asking her if she was indeed in possession of the presentation allegedly make on the deal.

Presenter: Big Joe

The Economic Freedom Fighters in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that all the party's deputy mayors who were serving in coalition with the Inkatha Freedom Party, have indeed resigned. Last week, EFF leader, Julius Malema announced that the coalition agreement between the red berets and the IFP had collapsed. EFF chair in the province, Mongezi Twala has told SABC News that the party's councillors have also submitted letters of resignation to their provincial Secretaries. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Nonkululeko Hlophe about what came out of her conversation with EFF chair in the province, Mongezi Twala.

The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that most countries are failing to stop corruption. The CPI paints a discouraging story for South Africa as the country slips one point in the rankings of the leading global index measuring perceptions of public sector corruption around the world. Now ranked at 43, the country is back where it started in 2012, with very little upward movement over the past decade. To unpack the survey, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Karam Singh, Executive Director at Corruption Watch.

Gauteng authorities say they are still searching for the tiger that was reportedly sighted roaming around Edenvale, east of Johannesburg. CCTV footage of the wild animal surfaced on Monday morning, prompting authorities to warn residents to be on the lookout and keep all animals indoors. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy director-general of natural resources management in the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Dorah Modise

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

The presiding judge in the corruption trial of former President Jacob Zuma has recused himself from the matter, as the case continues in the Pietermaritzburg High Court in KwaZulu-Natal. In adjourning the trial last October, Judge Piet Koen asked the State and the Defense to make written submissions on whether he should recuse himself as the trial judge. This came as Zuma, objected against Advocate Billy Downer leading the prosecution. Koen said while the decision was hard to make, his intention was to preserve the integrity of the court process beyond criticism.

The civic organisation SANCO has accused the former president Jacob Zuma of exploiting it to gain sympathy for his political battles. This after Zuma was elected as the KwaZulu-Natal SANCO chairperson on Friday. The organisation's general-secretary Mike Soko says this is disheartening and shows the extent of the former president's desperation. Soko told the media in Midrand, Johannesburg, that the structure which elected Zuma is bogus

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has granted an order to halt a special council sitting scheduled for today in Ekurhuleni. The urgent application was made by speaker Raymond Dhlamini who argued that the meeting was illegally called by Ekurhuleni city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi. Mashazi wrote to councillors on Friday citing that reasons were provided motivating for the special sitting. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Prabashni Moodley.

Presenter: Big Joe

Police Minister, Bheki Cele has arrived in Gqeberha to visit the house and families of those that were gunned down and killed yesterday in KwaZakhele Township in the Eastern Cape. The mass murder of eight people during a birthday celebration has left the community in shock with the police launching a manhunt for the suspects. Amongst those that were killed includes the owner of the house which hosted the birthday celebration. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Kim Daniels

The IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa says the EFF's decision to get out of the two parties' coalition will not intimidate the IFP. At the weekend, the EFF leader Julius Malema said the party had resolved to support all motions of no confidence in mayors in municipalities in which the IFP governs. The EFF has cut ties with its former ally in over ten municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal. Hlabisa says the reason for the break-up with the EFF is due to a possible coalition between the red berets and the ANC

The Section 194 inquiry into suspended Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office has resumed with the testimony from Zambia's Public Protector, Caroline Zulu-Sokonibis. The probe adjourned last December following the testimony of two witnesses. The inquiry is expected to be briefed on correspondence received from Mkhwebane's legal team ahead of this week's planned sittings, where she is expected to call further witnesses. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Joseph Mosia

Presenter: Big Joe

Voting for the position of mayor for the City of Johannesburg is expected to get underway this afternoon. Three candidates have been nominated for the position. They include Al Jamah's Thapelo Amad, former mayor Mpho Phalatse and Action SA's Funzi Ngobeni. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Tshepo Phagane

The Democratic Alliance leader in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga has accused ActionSA of a wanting to initiate a reverse take over of the Johannesburg Metro council. This follows what appears to be a breakdown in relations between the two parties as Mpho Phalatse was ousted as mayor yesterday. Al Jama Ah's Thapelo Amad, ActionSA's Fundzi Ngobeni and Phalatse have since been nominated for the position of Executive Mayor in today's council sitting. Voting is expected to commence soon. Earlier in the day however, our colleague Mbalenhle Mthethwa caught up with Msimang and asked him to respond to allegations that the DA national leadership was sabotaging Phalatse over her possible future threat and challenge to current leader, John Steenhuisen...Msimang had this to say...

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has confirmed that it will oppose bail for the female police constable that was arrested in Limpopo for allegedly forcing her minor boy child to have sexual intercourse with her. The incident, allegedly captured on video caused a stir on social media yesterday with many accusing the mother of being a pedophile while others cautioned against passing judgement by proposing that perhaps, the woman was forced by someone else to engage in the sexual act with her own son. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to IPID spokesperson, Lizzy Suping.

The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has added his voice to growing international condemnation following the murder of leading Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko over the weekend. His death came after King Mswati the Third warned those calling for democracy in the kingdom that his mercenaries would deal with them. Maseko was the founder of a coalition of opposition parties known as the Multi-stakeholder Forum and among groups calling for the end to Africa's last absolute monarchy. Dr Chidochashe Nyere from the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) at University of Johannesburg

Juan Cassidy from the Hy-drome renewable energy group says he is outside Luthuli House to provide solutions over the energy crisis. Cassidy is one of hundreds of protesters who marched past the ANC headquarters on Wednesday. A seperate group led by the party's Youth League said it was ready and well prepared to receive their guest outside Luthuli House in Johannesburg. This as the DA intensified its #PowerToThePeopleMarch over the country's energy challenges.

The African National Congress has declined to receive a memorandum from the Democratic Alliance at its "power to the people march in Johannesburg today. The DA marched to protest against continuous load shedding to the ANC which it says has engineered the country's energy crisis. Speaking to members of the media outside the party's headquarters, ANC National Spokesperson Pule Mabe said the DA should have marched to ESKOM's Megawatt Park.

DA leader John Steenhuisen says they will vehemently oppose the proposed eighteen-point- percent electricity taffif hike for Eskom. He led thousands of his supporters in march against loadshedding, to the ANC head offices in Johannesburg today. The official opposition accused the ANC of deliberately engineering the rolling blackouts. Last week the National Energy Regulator of South Africa - NERSA appoved the tarrfi hike for electricity for this year. Steenhuisen says South Africans can no longer take the responsibility of the ANC's mismanagement. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporters Ntebo Mokobo in Johannesburg and Mlamli Maneli in Cape Town.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is on a three-country trip to Africa, as Washington continues its unrelenting condemnation of Moscow for its war in Ukraine. She is leading a new diplomatic push by the Biden administration that aims to show the continent that the United States is a true partner. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Prof John Stremlau from the department of International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand.

Two senior officials from the Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality in Limpopo are expected to make their first appearances in the Polokwane Special Commercial Crimes Court on corruption charges. One of the pair was initially due in the same court this morning when proceedings were delayed following the arrest of his co-accused. The first suspect was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly received R30 000 gratification fee from a complainant, in exchange for awarding a tender. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Michael Makungo

The trial of a man accused of killing seven women is expected continue in the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo. Themba Dube is facing seven charges of murder, rape and kidnapping, as well as one charge for contravening the Immigration Act. The bodies of the women were found dumped in different locations in and around Polokwane in 2021. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Kokesto Motau.

A member of parliament and former ANC Youth League secretary in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region in the North West, is expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate Court. He was arrested on Friday for allegedly killing his wife last November in Kanana township near Klerskdorp. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zeblon Maine.

Presenter: Big Joe

African National Congress President, Cyril Ramaphosa says he has requested that Eskom consider postponing the implementation of the latest energy tariff increase. The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) recently approved Eskom's electricity tariff increase application by 18-point-six-five per cent for the 2023-2024 financial year. Speaking following the ANC PEC meeting in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, Ramaphosa added that government would not close down the Kusile and Medupi power stations as the country has spent far too much money on the two power stations.

Presenter: Big Joe

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended a multi-disciplinary team for the arrest of six men believed to be part of a syndicate that has been terrorising business owners in Gauteng. The suspects have been linked to at least 16 cases following surveillance operations led by Crime Intelligence Officers and Organised Crime members. The group was arrested after a businessman was rescued in Johannesburg. During the arrest police confiscated five luxury vehicles, twenty cellphones and thirty portable GPS tracking devices. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

At least 7 people have died due to heatstroke with at least one on a ventilator and recovering in the Kakamas Hospital in the Northern Cape. Local doctors have expressed serious concern as all of the deceased are farm workers working on local fields. The Kakamas area has been experiencing soaring temperatures of over forty degrees with the situation being exacerbated by water challenges in the area. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Reginald Witbooi

South African Post Office is reportedly planning to cut worker's salaries by up to 40% from next month, as the entity's financial troubles continue to mount. Workers were recently up in arms after the post office failed to pay over R600-million in medical aid contributions. The entity is one of many State Owned Entities on the verge of collapse, with growing calls for government to intervene. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Post Office CEO, Nomkhita Mona on the state of SAPO

Presenter: Big Joe

More than 1.2 million learners return to school in the Western Cape this year. Education MEC in the province, David Maynier says although they have admissions pressure, additional classrooms have been added to their schooling system.

The KwaZulu-Natal Education Department has committed to assisting parents and unplaced learners who were displaced during the April floods and relocated to other areas. This as millions of learners in coastal areas began the 2023 academic caleder on Wednesday. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Fanele Mhlongo

The Eastern Cape Department on Wednesday indicated that the province is aiming to place all unplaced learners by the of the month. This after the Independent Examination Board's (IEB) matric class of 2022 achieved a pass rate of 98.42% for the National Senior Certificate, slightly higher than last year's pass rate of 98.39%. Abongile Jantjies

The City of Johannesburg's electricity entity, City Power has embarked on an operation to disconnect businesses, resident's properties and government institutions that continue to owe the municipality millions of rands in electricity debt. The utility is currently disconnecting customers who owe the Alexandra depot over R363 million. Earlier, technicians disconnected the Nigerian Consulate General in Illovo as well as the Catalyst Hotel in Sandton. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to city Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena.

Presenter: Big Joe

A Kimberley man accused of rape and assault will remain in custody after the Galeshewe Magistrate's Court postponed his case to Monday next week. It is alleged that the 40-year-old assaulted his wife before raping her. It is expected that another charge will be added for the alleged rape of the step daughter. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Neria Hlakotsa

As South Africans attempt to come to terms with the elevated levels of load shedding, the latest International Risk Survey conducted by Financial services company, Allianz has identified electricity constrains as the biggest risk to South Africa's economy for 2023. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to CEO of Allianz Group in South Africa, Thusang Mahlangu about the aim of the survey and what it revealed about SA.