The South African Communist Party, SACP has removed ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe from its Central Committee, escalating tensions within the Tripartite Alliance. The decision follows the SACP's plan to contest the 2026 local elections independently, a move that has sparked sharp debate with the ANC. Mantashe, a long-time SACP member and current Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, downplayed the dismissal, but the ANC has warned that the SACP's actions could fracture their decades-long partnership. Elvis Presslin spoke to SACP spokesperson, Mbulelo Mandlana and ANCYL Spokesperson, Zama Khanyase

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe has criticised incoherent and populist messaging within the party, saying it confuses supporters. Speaking at the OR Tambo Region's Special Regional General Council in the Eastern Cape, Mantashe urged the ANC to strengthen its ideological and intellectual capacity to remain a leading voice for progressive change. This follows the ANC's decision to take action against MP Malusi Gigaba and suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for remarks deemed as deliberate "de-campaigning." Gigaba claimed the ANC had "lost its way," while Mchunu warned the party risked collapse. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gift Ngqondi, ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications

Operation Watershed is calling for the inclusion of South Africans living abroad in the National Dialogue's Steering Committee. The civil society initiative for South Africans abroad says over one million South Africans form the Diaspora, yet remain unrecognised as a key sector. The National Dialogue, launched earlier this month under the theme "Uniting Voices, Shaping the Nation," includes 22 sectors set to nominate committee members. Operation Watershed has submitted a formal request to ensure the Diaspora's voice is heard. To elaborate further on this initiative, Elvis Presslin spoke to Hayley Reichert, a South African based in London & Founder of Operation Watershed

The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU has expressed alarm over a new settlement between the National Energy Regulator and Eskom. The agreement grants Eskom an extra R54 billion in revenue over the Sixth Multi-Year Price Determination period. SAFTU says, while the deal corrects technical errors, it places a heavy burden on workers and poor households already struggling with austerity, joblessness and soaring living costs. Joining us now is SAFTU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, to unpack the implications of this decision...

The Western Cape Mobility Department has approached the High Court for an urgent interdict to stop ongoing violence between rival taxi associations, CATA and CODETA

SAPS has confirmed that 121 case files, previously removed from the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team, will be returned

a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by Victor Kgomoesoana, 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

 Nyanga residents and community activists in Cape Town will today march to Parliament to demand justice for 25-year-old Zenande Tshazibane, who was brutally raped and murdered in her Nyanga home in June 

The journalism community is mourning the loss of Tshidi Madia, a respected political journalist at Primedia Broadcasting. Madia passed away in hospital yesterday after a short illness. She was 42. Known for her fearless reporting and sharp political insight, Madia served as Associate Editor at Eyewitness News and was a familiar voice on 702, Cape Talk and KFM. Colleagues describe her as a powerhouse who mentored young journalists and held politicians accountable. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Madia family spokesperson and sister, Reabetjoe Mokoko

Afriforum has welcomed a Cape Town Equality Court ruling that found EFF leader Julius Malema guilty of hate speech. The decision relates to a 2022 speech tied to a 2020 incident at Brackenfell High School. Judge Mark Sher ruled Malema's remarks, calling for violence against white men were meant to incite hatred. The EFF was also held co-responsible for endorsing Malema's statements. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum