The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, together with Show Racism the Red Card, has raised alarm over what they describe as a disturbing surge in racism across international football in 2026. Despite campaigns and initiatives led by FIFA, tens of thousands of abusive posts were recorded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup alone, exposing what critics say is a failure to tackle systemic racism in the game. We spoke to Rethabile Ratsomo, programme manager of the Advancing Non-Racialism Programme at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

A new SECTION27 report says South Africa's 2025 health budget does not meet the needs of women, particularly those in poor and rural areas. It finds under investment in infrastructure is limiting access to care, while floods and heatwaves are damaging facilities and increasing demand.
The report notes 89% of professional nurses are women and that women do most unpaid care work, yet funding to support them remains low. SECTION27 is calling for a gender-responsive and climate-resilient health budget and says government must close the gap between policy commitments and actual spending. We spoke to SECTION27 Budget Analyst, Matshidiso Lenqcoasa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has released the National Water Action Plan following a meeting of the National Water Crisis Committee at the Union Buildings. The plan sets out short, medium and long-term actions to stabilise failing municipal systems, increase infrastructure investment and tackle corruption in the water sector. For reaction on the National Water Action Plan. We spoke to WaterCAN Executive Manager, Dr. Ferrial Adam.

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

The City of Ekurhuleni insists that the removal of office furniture by the Germiston Sheriff is not due to unpaid service providers, but rather a dispute over sheriff fees. The City says the capital amounts have already been settled. While officials say urgent legal steps are underway to recover the assets, the incident has raised questions about governance, financial management and administrative processes within the metro. We spoke to ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary, Jongizizwe Dlabathi to respond to these developments.

The Democratic Alliance is set to brief the media outside the Tambo Memorial Hospital, raising serious concerns over the postponement of critical elective surgeries, in some cases until 2027. The DA says this crisis has persisted despite repeated warnings to the Gauteng Department of Health, and plans to reveal what it calls damning evidence, alongside testimonies from affected patients. We spoke to Democratic Alliance Gauteng Health Spokesperson, Madeleine Hicklin

The corruption trial of former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula continues today at the Pretoria High Court. UDM Leader General, Bantu Holomisa was the state's first witness, telling the court he received information in 2021 that Mapisa-Nqakula had received about R5 million from an SANDF contractor. Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. The case resumes today for further testimony. We spoke to UDM Leader, General Bantu Holomisa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Nkabinde Inquiry has found South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke fit to hold office. The panel found no credible evidence that Advocate Chauke made improper prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matter or acted unlawfully in his coordination duties. It also ruled his decision to provisionally withdraw charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli was not irrational. We spoke to Machini Motloung, President of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA).

The South African Reserve Bank will announce its next interest rate decision today, with many economists expecting another hike. Inflation rose to 4.5% in May, driven by higher oil and fuel prices after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The MPC raised rates by 0.25% in May, taking the prime rate to 10.5% and Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago has warned further increases may be needed. For expectations and the Impact of rate hikes on workers. We spoke to FEDUSA General Secretary, Riefdah Ajam.

Higher Education, Minister Buti Manamela has given the University of Venda Council 14 days to respond to his plan to appoint an independent assessor. The proposed probe would look into allegations of corruption against suspended Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bernard Nthambeleni and COO Lonwabo Botwe. Both were suspended by council last week amid governance and leadership disputes at the university. The department says if no representations are made, the Minister may proceed to appoint the assessor by law. We spoke to Keamogetswe Masike, the President of the South African Students Federation.