Drama/Umdlalo womoya

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says there was a 13.9% decrease in the number of fatalities experienced on the country's roads last festive season, as compared to the previous year. Mbalula announced the 2022/2023 festive season fatalities statistics on the N1 Grasmere toll plaza, south of Johannesburg. The minister says over 1400 people died during that period.

Presenter: Big Joe

The country's agricultural sector is requesting for farmers to be put on a different load shedding schedule. The sector says that due South Africa's energy crisis , the country will lose its food security in the next 24 months. AgriSA says this is something government can not ignore. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Christo van der Rheede , Executive Director at Agri SA

The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an urgent interim interdict application against the private prosecution by former president Jacob Zuma. The full bench of the high court delivered its judgment on the matter after it heard arguments last week, from Ramaphosa and Zuma's legal teams. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal analyst, Mpumelelo Zikalala for his reaction to the court's ruling.

Residents of Kroonstad in the Free State have taken to the street in protest against a range of issues including a lack service delivery and the electricity challenges. The Moqhaka Local Municipality, under which Kroonstad falls, says among the changes oulined by the community, is the municipality's 60/40 rationing of electricity for accounts in arrears for 90 days and above. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the spokesperson for the Moqhaka Local Municipality, Dika Kheswa about some of the concerns outlined in the community's memorandum of grievances.

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Guest: Akona Makalima World Cup bound female Referee Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has been monitoring the first day of school in Diepsloot in Gauteng as inland schools begin the 2023 academic year. She has pleaded with parents of learners who have not yet been allocated places at schools, to give the department least ten days in which to address the problem. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Horisani Sithole on today's proceedings.

Parents at some Quintile One schools in Malamulele have accused local schools of refusing to issue their children with stationery. They say the schools are demanding a once-off payment of 550 rand before issuing stationery to learners. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Michael Makungo

The resignation of the Mayor of the embattled Ditsobotla municipality in the North West hardly 24 hours in office has set tongues wagging. This after Itumeleng Elizabeth Lethoko was elected into the position leaving the municipality without a mayor. Yesterday's sitting came after postponements and delays in swearing in councillors after the by-elections. Lethoko,was herself convicted of fraud and breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act in 2015. Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene says they had hoped to turn the municipality around. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Zabilon Maine.

Postbank has appealed to grant beneficiaries to ignore rumours circulating that the SASSA gold Card has been changed and no longer working. Postbank suspended ATM withdrawals on SASSA gold cards in December leaving some Social Relief of Distress grant recipients frustrated. Postbank says there was a system glitch which has since been resolved and beneficiaries can continue to access their money at ATM's, retailers as well as over the counter at the Post office branches. 29 million South African citizens receive grants from SASSA. Amina Accram filed this report.

Gauteng MEC, Matome Chiloane says parents should exercise patience with the department over the placement of both Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners. This comes a day before the start of the 2023 academic year for inland provinces. The Gauteng Education department earlier said they received over 290-thousand complete applications. MEC Chiloane who last year replaced the current Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi in this portfolio explains where the Online Admissions is at currently..

Parents at some Quintile One schools in Malamulele are accusing local schools of refusing to issue their children with stationery until they have made once off payments. This comes as thousands of learners are expected to return to school following the festive season break. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Michael Makungo

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The Tembisa Magistrate's Court has postponed the extradition case against a Mozambican kidnapping kingpin to the 16th of January. The 50-year-old suspect is alleged to be linked to multiple kidnappings in South Africa and Mozambique. A task team pounced on the man on Saturday evening at an upmarket estate in Centurion. Police seized a 9mm licensed firearm, fourteen 9mm cartridges and five cellphones, among other items. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Sashin Naidoo

Last month, a number of grant beneficiaries did not receive their R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant from the South African Social Security Agency and Postbank. This was due to some technical glitches during the November and December period which affected the timely payment of beneficiaries. SASSA and Post bank are back on track and many recipients received their January payments with no glitches. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Moabi Pitsi, Acting SASSA Spokesperson and Daddy Mabe of #PayTheGrants

Honoring Shadow Mbonani

It is that time of the year where parents are busy preparing for the opening of schools. One of the stresses that emerge at this time is the cost of uniforms and stationery. Uniforms set parents back thousands of rand. But parents are not completely left to fend for themselves. The Competion Commission has been investigating the matter and in 2021 published national guidelines on school uniforms. The guidelines stipulate that schools should follow a competitive bidding process when appointing suppliers for school uniforms and learning-related items. General secretary at the National Association of School Governing Bodies, Matakanye Matakanye says parents are not completely powerless when it comes to the issue of high cost of uniforms. Elvis Presslin spoke to Matakanye Matakanye, general secretary at the National Association of School Governing Bodies

Instability continues to be the order of the day in the Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Contract workers have downed tools 'cause they haven't been paid their December salaries. Some are essential service workers. Protesting contract workers have blocked the municipality's entrance and scattered municipal documents all over Lichtenburg town. SABC reporter, Tebogo Phakedi filed this report.

Police have also launched a manhunt for suspects after five people were shot at in Eldorado Park south of Johannesburg last night. Two of the victims were certified dead on the scene. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, says the motive for the shooting cannot be confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be related to gangsterism in the area. Elvis Presslin spoke to Eldorado Park Community Activist , Charis Pretorius about the community's plight.

Police say four suspects believed to be responsible for a shooting incident that took place in Westbury on 31 December 2022 were arrested yesterday in Westbury. Residents of Westbury, have vowed to continue to camp outside the Sophiatown police station, until police put an end to the ongoing gang related violence in the community. Residents have been camping outside the police station since November last year. This follows an increase in shooting incidents in the community. Last year alone, more than a dozen people were shot and killed, while several others were wounded. Many innocent bystanders also lost their lives after being caught in the crossfire of the ongoing gang war. SABC reporter Sashin Naidoo filed this report.

Honoring Shadow Mbonani

There have been growing calls for a government agency to be established to oversee the protection and compensation of whistle-blowers and their families. Many murders of those who've exposed malfeasance and corruption remain unresolved. Two prominent cases are those of Moss Phakoe, a North West anti-corruption activist, and Gauteng health official, Babita Deokaran. Phakoe was gunned down outside his Rustenburg home in 2009 after exposing corruption at the local municipality. Deokaran was assassinated for revealing corruption and malpractices at the Tembisa Hospital last year. Phanuel Shuma

ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula says the president is busy applying his mind on a possible cabinet reshuffle, following the ANC's National Elective Conference. The conference which took place in December and resumed today, saw the likes of Deputy President, David Mabuza unable to get re-elected into the ANC National Executive Committee. The list of failed contenders to the NEC also includes some cabinet ministers. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC reporter, Abongile Dumako

Policies around the renewal of the ANC and adoption of the step-aside rule in the ANC constitution will be top on the agenda for ANC in the Northern Cape as the 55th national conference continues. Meanwhile, deputy chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane, says delegates will use the continuation of the party's national conference to discuss party policies. Elvis Presslin spoke to Angelo Fick, Director of Research of the Auwal Socio-economic Research about what should be expected as the conference resumes.

ANC president Cyril Rampahosa has called on ANC members to exercise discipline to bring a conclusion of its 55th National Conference today. The virtual conference is held over two days ahead of the party's January 8 celebrations on Sunday. Ramphosa says the core of the tasks identified by Conference in December is the need to restore relationship with the people of South Africa.

Honoring Shadow with Walter Mokoena

Small businesses in townships and rural areas around the Durban metro say the festive season boost their turnover as patrons opted to enjoy themselves at local establishments. However they say flood damage and stage 6 load shedding affected their turnover. Nonkululeko Hlophe has this report

Farmers Associations say it will take months for the agricultural industry to reap the benefits of fuel price decreases. Farmers have battled to stay afloat in light of continuous fuel price increases. Fuel prices decreased significantly, with Petrol prices decreasing by R2.06c per litre, while diesel prices decreased by over R2.60c per litre, following the appreciation of the Rand against the US Dollar, which led to a lower contribution to the Basic Fuel Prices on petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin. Zebilon Maine reports.

The ANC says the Dr Petrus Molemela stadium has now been cleared for its 111 year celebrations to be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday. This is despite earlier reports that the just over 15 000 seater stadium was vandalized with no running water, no operational lifts, no VIP rooms with no electrical and safety certificates. Briefing the media on the preparedness to hold its annual January 8 celebrations at the stadium, the governing party said there was no sinister on the part of the municipality to raise the red flag on the safety of the stadium. Ntebo Mokobo has more.

Two men, accused of assaulting a Pretoria East man in a suspected racial attack, have each been granted 8- thousand rand bail at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. Karel Prinsloo and Johannes Stassen are facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property and crimen injuria. The two allegedly assaulted Thato Lepinka and damaged his vehicle in a parking lot of the Willoway Shopping Centre in Garsfontein. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC reporter Phumzile Mlangeni on what transpired in court.

Alleged Limpopo serial rapist linked to seven rape cases is back in the Bolobedu magistrate's court today. The 33-year-old man was arrested at the Tzaneen CBD after police received a tip-off. The police have been probing at least seven rape cases that were reported between 2015 and 2016. Police say he targeted hitch-hikers and shoppers. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC reporter Justice Shipalana on what transpired in court today.

Tribute to Shadow Mbonani

The ANC says preparations are in place for the holding of its annual January 8 celebrations to mark its 111 years. Crafted in 1972 to celebrate the ANC's 60th anniversary, the then ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo used the occasion to call for the building of a nation - a theme adopted to push ahead with the struggle for non-racialism and a democratic South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the governing ANC's 2023 January 8 statement at the Dr Petrus Molemela stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday. Our Political Correspondent Ntebo Mokobo looks at the history of the ANC January 8 Statement since the Tambo era.

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Activist and founder of the Callas Foundation, Caroline Peters, is challenging a law that prohibits publicly naming an accused charged with rape or other sexual offences before they have pleaded in court. Peters wants the relevant section of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) declared unconstitutional and invalid. She has filed her application in the Western Cape High Court against the Minister of Justice and Correctional services. Elvis Presslin spoke to Caroline Peters on what necessitated the initiative.

The Bolobedu Magistrate's court outside Tzaneen has postponed to Wednesday a case against a suspected serial rapist. The matter was postponed to allow the accused, Bonolo Seoka, to apply for legal aid representation. Seoka is facing two counts of rape and attempted murder after he was positively linked to the cases through DNA. He allegedly targeted hitch-hikers and shoppers between 2015 and 2016. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC reporter, Justice Shipalana on what transpired in court.

The family of a 43-year-old woman who died after being mauled by two pit bull dogs in Vivo a farming town, in Limpopo, now wants justice. Melitah Sekole, from Ga-Makgato village, was attacked while walking from her rental place to work at Vivo on December 23rd and died at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital last Friday. The owner of the dogs has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide. Mahlatse Phaladi reports.

A Prisoner rights activist will be approaching the South African Human Rights Commission to lodge a complaint of abuse of inmates by prison guards. The National Task Team of the Correctional Services Department has been carrying out an operation at the Boksburg prison searching for contraband, including cellphones. And in the process, some of the inmates were wounded when prison guards fired rubber bullets at them. Families of the inmates have described this as inhumane and are worried about the safety of their relatives. Tshepo Phagane has more.

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Presenter: Big Joe

Organisers of the iconic Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade say they have put numerous safety measures in place as the event returns to Cape Town today. The carnival has not been able to take place for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Elvis Presslin spoke to chairperson of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association, Muneeb Gambino.

January 2nd marks a year since the devastating fire that gutted the Old Assembly and new National Assembly buildings. Zandile Mafe who remains in police custody, is accused of starting the fire. The National Assembly building remains unsafe to enter as it was totally destroyed when the fire re-ignited on the third of January after 4 PM. Our Parliamentary Correspondent Mercedes Besent who was on the scene, recaps some of the moments and filed this report.

Political parties have vowed to intensify their efforts in holding government accountable in the year 2023. In delivering their New Year's messages, parties have called on South Africans to set their eyes on the 2024 elections. They say 2022 was marred by challenges that included load shedding, increases in food and fuel prices, gender-based violence cases and high unemployment rates among others. Zoleka Qodashe reports...

Findings from four-day work week pilot programme conducted in several countries by the organisation, 4 Day Week Global, have revealed that participating companies experienced increased revenue, while employees experienced a significant increase in health and well-being. According to the report, workers felt less stressed and burnt out and reported higher rates of life satisfaction. The pilot is expected to start in South Africa this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Director of 4 Day Week South Africa Karen Lowe.

As the festive season draws to a close, scores of motorists are expected to hit the road, returning from their holiday destinations. Increased traffic volumes are expected with possible emergency situations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Simon Zwane , spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)