Trade union federation COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal has strongly condemned the collapse of the business rescue process at sugar producer Tongaat Hulett. The company's administrators last week applied to the High Court to end rescue proceedings and move to provisional liquidation, after key sale agreements lapsed earlier this month and no viable rescue remained possible. COSATU KZN says the failure threatens thousands of jobs in the province. Elvis Presslin spoke to Edwin Mkhize, COSATU KZN Provincial Secretary

The Democratic Alliance is calling for urgent answers after a break-in at the SAPS K9 Unit in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. Reports say unknown suspects forced their way in and stole four pistols, one R5 assault rifle, one shotgun, plus around 300 rounds of ammunition, handcuffs and empty magazines. The theft was spotted during a shift change. DA NCOP member on security and justice, Mzamo Billy MP, says this is a major security lapse that puts lives at risk. He spoke to Elvis Presslin

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU says the latest Stats SA figures show a positive shift in the labour market.This follows the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which showed that the unemployment rate decreased by point five of a percentage point to 31point four-percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. COSATU is calling on the ANC‑led government to strengthen frontline public and municipal services, boost infrastructure investment and expand public employment programmes and relief for the poor and unemployed. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

A new University of the Free State study has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in South Africa, even those labelled organic or chemical-free. The research detected phthalates, parabens and bisphenols in all samples, with at least two such substances in every product. UFS scientists warn that millions of women face regular exposure and are calling for clearer labelling, tougher safety regulations and urgent further research. Elvis Presslin spoke to Team Free Sanitary Pads Founder, Nokuzola Ndwandwe

The ANC Youth League in Gauteng has slammed the Gauteng Department of Education over unpaid municipal electricity bills that have left schools in Ekurhuleni without power. In a strongly worded statement, the League described the situation as unacceptable, saying learners are now forced to study in the dark because of the department's failure to settle accounts with the City of Ekurhuleni. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kgotso Pooe,  ANC Youth League Spokesperson in Gauteng

Messages of sympathy are flooding in for Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, who passed away at his Chicago home on Tuesday at age 84. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Jackson "a good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts" and offering condolences to his family. Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said Jackson "created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary also expressed deep sadness at his passing. Jackson, a longtime civil‑rights leader and two‑time presidential candidate, is remembered for his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Elvis Presslin spoke to Chicago-based faith leader, Pastor Stephen Thurston, a close family friend who also grew up playing at the Jackson house

Members of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa, together with other anti‑alcohol organisations will today march to Parliament to raise concern about the harmful impact of alcohol on children and local communities. Organisers point to alcohol abuse as a major factor behind high murder rates on the Cape Flats and they are calling for stronger measures to curb its availability and protect vulnerable residents. Elvis Presslin spoke to Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa Campaign Manager, Nomcebo Dlamini

The Democratic Alliance says Gauteng lost 54,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025, the steepest decline of any province. This with unemployment at 33 % and about 2-point-56 million residents out of work. DA leader Solly Msimanga links the slump to under‑investment caused by high crime, power and water outages and crumbling infrastructure, especially in central business districts such as Johannesburg. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty spoke to Elvis Presslin

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) says it is appalled by last week's disruptions to teaching and learning at Wordsworth High School in Benoni- East of Gauteng. ACDP Cllr Palesa Yates says the protest by community members supporting girl learners wishing to wear male  school uniforms amounts to grandstanding by those with an inappropriate political agenda. Our schools need to focus on preparing our children for the world of work and not on encouraging sexuality in those still too young to vote. Elvis Presslin spoke to ACDP Ekurhuleni Councillor Caucus, Palesa Yates

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of  "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo