Tensions are running high in Soweto as residents protest against foreign nationals owning spaza shops in the area. The demonstrations, which erupted outside the Customer Service Centre in Jabulani yesterday, come after President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive requiring all spaza shops and food handling facilities to register with their local municipalities within 21 days. At the heart of the unrest is the allegation that local homeowners are registering spaza shops on behalf of foreign nationals renting on their properties. Elvis Presslin spoke to Faith Mabusela, National Chairperson of Put South Africa First, to discuss the implications of this directive and the growing tensions in Soweto

The Department of Basic Education says it is still finalizing its position on the banning of the publishing of matric results in newspapers. This comes after the Information Regulator found that the Department failed to obtain the consent of matric candidates or their parents to publish the 2023 matric exam results. For further discussions, Elvis Presslin spoke to Afriforum's Head of Cultural Affairs, Alana Bailey

Public consultations on the proposed Marriage Bill have commenced in Gauteng, sparking intense debate across South Africa. The bill aims to establish a unified marriage system, consolidating the current three separate laws that govern different types of unions into one, accommodating all cultures and religious beliefs. The proposed bill has already ignited fierce discussions, with various stakeholders weighing in on its provisions and omissions. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Mosa Chabane, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs

The Balfour Magistrate's Court has slapped the Dipaleseng Local Municipality in Mpumalanga with a R160 million fine for severe environmental violations. The municipality's reckless actions polluted local water sources, leaving residents, livestock, and ecosystems to suffer the consequences from 2018 to 2023. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, has welcomed the ruling, calling it a critical step towards ensuring accountability. Elvis Presslin spoke to Deputy Minister Seitlholo to discuss the implications of this ruling and the way forward...

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order against Groen Mintirho, a company linked to former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe. The order is part of an investigation into alleged procurement irregularities involving the company, the Department of Agriculture, and the City of Ekurhuleni. The SIU is probing the purchase of 200 three-wheeler vehicles, worth R27.6 million, for a waste management project. Investigators have uncovered irregularities surrounding the tender, prompting the SIU to seek its nullification and the recovery of funds from Groen Mintirho. To elaborate on the preservation order and its bearing on Pule Mabe's criminal case, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Researcher and Advocacy officer at Judges Matter...

The High Court in Pretoria is set to hear a critical case today, determining the fate of hundreds of illegal miners underground at a Stilfontein mine in the North West province. In a recent interim ruling, the court ordered that all miners be allowed to exit the mine freely, without obstruction. This decision comes as the miners have been hiding from police, fearing arrest upon resurfacing. For insight into this complex situation, For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Felix Quibe, Attorney at the Right2Protest Project, Centre for Applied Legal Studies, at Wits University...

A devastating report by the Human Sciences Research Council has laid bare the shocking reality of gender-based violence in South Africa. The study reveals that a staggering 36% of women, approximately 7.8 million, have endured physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. We delve deeper into these alarming findings with Themba Masango, co-founder and secretary-general of #NotInMyName.

Durban will host the eighth National Conversation on Homelessness today. The two-day summit promises insightful discussions on critical topics such as addiction, shelters, urban gardening, and access to government services. The event will also feature updates on the Green Paper being developed for the Department of Social Development, which could shape a future National Homeless Policy. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Raymond Perrier, Director at the Denis Hurley Centre...

Operation Dudula is set to picket against foreigners registering their spaza shops in South Africa. This follows President Ramaphosa's announcement that all spaza shops must register with their municipalities within 21 days. The move comes amid growing tensions over foreign-owned spaza shops, with concerns over food safety and the sale of expired and counterfeit goods. Recent incidents of food poisoning have further fueled the debate. For more on the picket Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula and Sibusiso Ngcobo, the Deputy Secretary and Head of Business Development for South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association, SASTA

The Democratic Alliance is set to protest against Eskom's proposed 40% tariff hike at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, NERSA's public hearings in the Western Cape today. The hearings in Cape Town will provide a platform for the public to voice their concerns over the proposed tariff increase, which Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis says will have a devastating impact on households and businesses already struggling with the cost of living crisis. He spoke to our Senior Producer, Ronald Phiri