The Independent Electoral Commission, IEC says allocations to some political parties are being withheld since they did not submit audited financial statements. The AIC, IFP, and Congress of the People are some of the parties whose funds are being withheld by the IEC. Of the 515 registered parties, only 12 disclosed a total amount of 145.5 million. The ANC, DA, ACTION SA, EFF, and IFP are some parties represented in the National Assembly are among those who failed to comply with the Political Funding Act. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to IEC's Head of Political Party Funding, George Mahlangu.

Acting Joburg Mayor Kenny Kunene says they will be issuing warnings to Hillbrow residents living in dilapidated and hijacked buildings. He says they will also be raiding scrap yards and buildings where drugs are sold. Kunene was doing rounds in the city centre yesterday. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to the MMC of Safety and Security in the City of Johannesburg Municipality, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku

The government's climate body, the Presidential Climate Commission has raised concerns about the financing of the expansion of the electricity grid capacity. The Commission was briefing the media virtually yesterday. It says that while there is consensus between all stakeholders on the significance of upgrading and expanding the national grid - the funding element must be cleared. The commission says they have made recommendations on the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Investment plan. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Blessing Manale, Head of Communications for the Presidential Climate Commission

The DA is preparing to challenge the draft Employment Equity Amendment Act in the constitutional court. The party says the draft Act which was published for public comment last week, categorizes South Africans along racial lines. The DA says it is particularly outraged by the effect the proposed "racial quotas" would have on colored and Indian citizens. Trade union Solidarity has since served President Cyril Ramaphosa with court papers after he signed the Employment Equity Amendment Bill of 2020 into law last month. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Labour law expert Michael Bagraim

Time to take 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

The state of local governance in KwaZulu-Natal, coalitions, and service delivery are some of the challenges facing the provincial ANC. This is according to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula who was part of the ANC top brass visiting party provincial structures at the weekend. Mbalula says there will be no holy cows, as the state of affairs within the provincial ANC is continuing on its downward trajectory. Mbalula has also stated the loss of municipalities in by-elections to opposition parties also needs to be scrutinized. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC KZN spokesperson Mafika Mndebele...

Calls are mounting for the removal of the US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety following his claims that South Africa sold weapons to Russia. Brigety who has since apologized, alleged that a Russian ship had been loaded with ammunition and weapons in Cape Town last year. The South African Communist Party, SACP, and EFF are now calling for Brigety's removal stating his comments are tantamount to destabilizing the country and its international relations with other trade partners. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Willem Faber, DA Member of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation

Scores of people have been evacuated from Motherwell, and Kwazakhele in the Eastern Cape, with some roads closed following heavy rains in the province. Several families in Nelson Mandela Bay have also been displaced. According to Nelson Mandela Bay, some community members are currently accommodated in community halls, and more people were being evacuated. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Mayor Retief Odendaal.

Time to take a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of  Africa Is Open For Business and Africa BouncShes Back. Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

The Government will establish an independent inquiry into allegations that South Africa supplied weapons and ammunition to Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine. This follows a scathing attack by US ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety who accused South Africa of providing arms to Russia through a Russian ship that docked at the Simon's Town naval base in Cape Town in December last year. The Presidency says the inquiry will be led by a retired Judge. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Independent political analyst Dr. Dale McKinley