Drama/Umdlalo womoya

Guest: Nhlanhla Shabalala-SAFPU secretary

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Four people have been shot and killed and two wounded at Kwa-Zakhele in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. Concern over the increase in gun violence has been raised as this is the second mass shooting in the area. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Anda Nqonji on the latest with investigations.

The South African Weather Service has issued a number of warnings as heavy rains persist in some part of South Africa. Earlier, communities under the Ehlanzeni District Municipality in Mpumalanga were again warned to be on high alert as more rain are forecast for the next few days in some parts of the province. Two people are reported to have been killed and four others were missing as a results of the heavy down pours. Sakina Kanwendo spoke to SABC meteorologist, Joel Guy on some of the warnings.

Friends and fans of the late SA rapper, Kiernan Forbes, affectionately known as AKA, have gathered in Florida Road, Durban, where he was gunned down last Friday. Contributes continued to pour in for the musician, with eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda saying the criminals have robbed South Africa of an ambassador and an artist who was recognised worldwide. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Nonkuleleko Hlophe.

The community Eldorado Park South of Johannesburg is reeling in shock following the fatal shooting of anti-drug activist, Ayob Mungalee. The 60 year old community leader and father was gunned down outside his home last evening. Mungalee recently mobilised the community to take a stand against drug dealers in the area. Police have appealed to anyone who may have any information that may lead to the arrest of this heinous crime to come forward. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Charis Pretorius from the Eldorado Park Business Forum on how the community has received the news.

Presenter: Big Joe

Founder of AlJama-ah Political Party, Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks has defended the cost associated with this year's State of The Nation Address. This comes after National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula defended the cost of hosting the state of nation address. Sona which will cost taxpayers around R8 million. Mapisa-Nqakula said parliament expects to spend much less of R8- million. Hendricks spoke to Sakina Kamwendo.

The Democratic Alliance says it expects nothing new from the president's SONA on Thursday evening. The party's chief whip Siviwe Gwarube says they will attend the session and be respectful towards the processes. Sakina Kamwendo spoke DA MP, Solly Malatsi

Guest:Tim Sukazi Presenter: Big Joe

A contingent of medical staff from the North West has been deployed to assist the humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, with search and rescue efforts in Türkiye. The team flew to Türkiye on Tuesday and has since arrived. Their journey follows a devastating earthquake on Monday morning, affecting both Türkiye and Syria. More than eight-thousand have been confirmed dead while thousands more are injured and missing. For the latest from Instabul Turkiye, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Chriselda Lewis who is travelling with the Gift of the Givers team.

South Africa has experienced a growing number of kidnappings over the past year, with over 1100 reported cases during the first half of last year. According to Specialist insurer, iTOO, kidnapping for ransom and extortion have shown are also on the rise with criminals now targeting mid to lower-income individuals. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to iTOO Managing Director of Special Risks, Justine Naylor about the prevalence of this crime.

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

The Competition Commission is hearing two applications regarding SASOL GAS.. This is due to a planned controversial 96% increase in the price of pipeline gas implemented by the company. The increase has been delayed due to industry players having voiced their concerns on the price increase saying that it is untenable and would impact consumers even further in an already weakened economy. The Intensive Gas Users, Egoli Gas and others took Sasol Gas to the Competition Commission. Today Sasol is arguing that the Competition Commission has no jurisdiction on the matter. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Naledi Ngcobo

The ANC in the Free State insists that it has not resolved to recall Premier Sisi Ntombela. However, high-ranking officials in various party structures have confirmed through their social media accounts the decision to remove Ntombela. Ntombela's son, Bandile Ntombela, has also confirmed the news on his Facebook page. SABC News understands that Ntombela's impending removal is yet to be endorsed by the ANC's National Executive Committee. The future of Ntombela, Legislature Speaker Zanele Sifuba and nine MECs was cast in doubt after they failed to make it into the 35-member PEC. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter in Bloemfontein, Konelo Lekhafola on what is known so far.

Four new ANC members have been sworn in as Members of Parliament. They are ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Second Deputy Secretary General Maropene Ramokgopa, NEC members Parks Tau and Sihle Zikala. They take the place of Tshilidzi Munyai, Mervyn Dirks, Masefako Dikgale and Matshidiso Mfikoe who resigned as MPs recently. The four are expected to be appointed to the executive amid a much anticipated cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Mashatile is expected to replace David Mabuza as the country's Deputy President after mabuza announced his resignation over the weekend. Moments before the swearing in, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Joseph Mosia.

Presenter: Big Joe

The fourth quarter 2022 Debt Index released by DebtBusters indicates that consumers are buckling under the pressure of the rising cost of living, which is compounded by flat salary increases, resulting in increased borrowing. The index indicates that consumers are taking on more unsecured loans to supplement their salaries. DebtBuster says unsecured debt for the average consumer was up by twenty-one percent in 2022 compared to 2016, while over ninety-percent of consumers, who applied for debt counselling last year, had a personal loan. Naledi Ngcobo filed this report.

The trial of Julius Malema and his body guard, Adrian Snyman has resumed in the East London regional court in the Eastern Cape. The trial was adjourned on Thursday afternoon shortly after magistrate Antoinette Olivier, ruled against an application by Malema's legal team for her to recuse herself. The accused's legal representatives brought the application saying their clients will not receive a fair trial if Magistrate Antoinette Olivier continues to preside over the trial. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Sidima Mfeku on the day's proceedings

Eskom board member, Mteto Nyati, says they have urged the parastatal management to continue to address, with a sense of urgency, the current load-shedding crisis facing the country. He says the board has also identified key priorities to get a long-term solution to the energy crisis. Amina Accram filed this report

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe