The EFF has asked Parliament to intervene urgently to stop professional bodies from charging membership fees to unemployed graduates. The party says Councils for nurses, doctors, educators, accountants, engineers and lawyers still demand annual fees even when young professionals earn no income. It argues that non-payment leads to suspension from registers, blocking job-seekers from staying compliant and prolonging unemployment. We spoke to Rich Sicina, President of the Independent Health and Allied Workers Union.

The Information Regulator has welcomed a Government Gazette on Consumer Protection Act amendments aimed at curbing spam calls. The state entity says the added protection is necessary but stressed POPIA compliance remains mandatory for all direct marketers. Under POPIA, marketers must get consumer consent before sending unsolicited electronic marketing. This applies even if people are not registered on the opt-out registry. We spoke to Nomzamo Zondi, Senior Manager of Communications and Data at the Information Regulator.

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union in the North West Province has expressed deep frustration over the continued delay in appointing a permanent Provincial Commissioner for the South African Police Service. The position has remained vacant since December 2024, leaving the province without stable leadership for nearly two years. This comes at a time when crime remains a serious concern, raising questions about the province's ability to effectively respond to ongoing security challenges. We spoke to Johannes Dire, Popcru North West Provincial Secretary.

Some traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have raised concern about how Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi is allocating tools of trade. The dispute follows decisions to buy SUVs for several amaKhosi while others say they still lack vehicles, tents and mobile fridges to do their work. AmaKhosi met with Contralesa on Monday to table grievances over what they call uneven distribution of resources. We spoke to Phakamani Dlamini, Contralesa KZN Provincial Organizer and Ndunankulu of eSiphahleni Traditional Authority.

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

Members of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association have opted for a 72-hour stay-away instead of planned public demonstrations amid claims that nurses were intimidated and discouraged from protesting publicly. The stay-away, however, is already raising serious concerns about its impact on patient care, with fears that disruptions in services could put lives at risk. The government, on the other hand, maintains that limited revenue collection and budget constraints make it difficult to meet the demands of civil servants, including healthcare workers. We spoke to Zimbabwean activist, General Sithole.

The Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed the Road Accident Fund's appeal with costs. The court confirmed undocumented foreign nationals can claim from the Fund, upholding a 2024 High Court ruling. Judges said Section 17(1) of the RAF Act covers "any person" and does not exclude claimants based on immigration status. The case followed a 2022 RAF directive demanding stamped passports, which was found to be unlawful. We spoke to Alan Beesley, ActionSA Member of Parliament.

The ANC has issued an ultimatum giving all ANC and SACP members ten days to choose which party to campaign for in the local government elections. Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says letters will be sent to SACP members on Thursday. The move follows a Special NEC meeting on the SACP's decision to contest elections independently. Mbalula says members cannot campaign for both parties in the local elections. He warns there will be consequences for those who do not respond on time.We spoke Political analyst, Omry Makgoale.

Calls are growing for the Department of Small Business Development to be shut down, amid concerns about its effectiveness in supporting small enterprises and driving economic growth. The Black Business Unity has weighed in on the debate, raising questions about whether the department is delivering on its mandate or if resources could be better utilised elsewhere. This comes at a time when small businesses continue to face mounting challenges, including access to funding, regulatory hurdles, and a tough economic climate. We spoke to y Sibongile Mpanza, from the Black Business Unity.

The Activists and Citizens Forum has welcomed the arrest of suspended acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police headJulius Mkhwanazi, describing it as long overdue. This follows serious allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission, where testimony from senior officials, including Crime Intelligence bossDumisani Khumalo, painted a deeply troubling picture of alleged criminality within law enforcement structures. The allegations first surfaced after KZN Police Commisioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly claimed last year that organised crime has infiltrated the criminal justice system. We spoke to  Activists and Citizens Forum Spokesperson, Dennis Bloem.