The 2025 National Senior Certificate exams kick off today with the Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 practical. Over 900,000 candidates are registered, including a record 766,000 full full-time learners and more than 137,000 part-time candidates. Education officials are urging students to stay focused, while communities rally behind the Class of 2025 with strong support. Elvis Presslin spoke to Grade 12 learner, Ntokozo Thusi on her expectations for this year's exams and Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta

The Public Servants Association, PSA has welcomed a Special Tribunal ruling ordering Nozihle Construction and Projects CC to repay R2.4 million unlawfully obtained through a COVID-19 personal protective equipment tender in Mpumalanga. The association applauds the Special Investigating Unit's efforts in ensuring accountability and deterring corruption in public procurement. The PSA is now calling for disciplinary action against officials involved and stronger oversight in procurement processes. Elvis Presslin spoke to PSA  Provincial Organiser in Mpumalanga, Thandiwe Mziyako

The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU has condemned the theft and trafficking of essential medicines, including antiretrovirals, discovered in a bus crash in Limpopo that claimed 43 lives. SAFTU says this criminal activity endangers lives and undermines healthcare. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAFTU National Spokesperson, Newton Masuku...

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has slammed the City of Tshwane for allegedly spending R777 million on water tankers in the 2024/2025 financial year. The party says the overspending, exceeding the budget by R457 million, threatens the city's financial audit. Mayibuye is calling the expenditure a blatant misuse of funds, alleging it benefits contractors linked to city officials. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Moselene Du-Plessis, Chairperson of Afrika Mayibuye Movement in Tshwane

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa will today meet with His Majesty King Zwelozuko Matiwane of the AmaMpondomise Kingship in Qumbu, Eastern Cape. The courtesy visit, requested by King Matiwane, is expected to address the reconstitution of Traditional Councils and other key issues impacting traditional governance. For more on this, Minister Hlabisa spoke to Bongiwe Zwane

The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced a massive R2.2 trillion investment in South Africa's energy sector. The Integrated Resource Plan aims to stabilize the country's energy supply, attract investment, and promote economic growth. Ramokgopa emphasized a diversified energy mix, including coal, nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind power. The plan targets adding 105,000 megawatts of new generation capacity by 2039 and reducing carbon emissions. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Neville van Rooy, Community Outreach Coordinator at The Green Connection, to discuss the implications of this plan

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union, SADTU, has extended its best wishes to students sitting for the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations. The union acknowledges the challenges faced by the Class of 2025, whose education was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. SADTU is calling for a smooth exam period and urges communities to support learners during this critical time. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SADTU spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi

A new study in The Lancet reveals South Africa's health challenges are shifting. Life expectancy has dropped to 66.5 years in 2023, down from 67.7 in 1990. While progress against HIV/AIDS has been strong, non-communicable diseases like stroke and diabetes are rising, threatening those gains. Experts warn that without action on chronic illnesses, health systems face growing strain. Globally, the study shows life expectancy climbing to 76.3 years for women and 71.5 for men. However, chronic diseases now cause nearly two-thirds of deaths worldwide, with heart disease and diabetes leading the way. For more on the study Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Nkateko Msimeki, Aid for Aids Medical Advisor and General Manager of the Health Policy and Medical Advisory Unit at Medscheme

Bongiwe Zwane 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

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied any communication with businessman Brown Mogotsi when he ordered the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. Mchunu, who is currently placed on special leave is appearing before Parliament's ad hoc committee amid allegations of political interference in policing. Mchunu has expressed concern that Mogotsi obtained information about his directive. The committee is investigating claims of criminal infiltration and corruption in the justice system. For analysis on the recent raid at Mogotsi's business premises and Mchunu's testimony Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Crime expert and Chief Executive Officer of IRS Forensic Investigations, Chad Thomas