Deputy Justice Minister John Jeffery says the new Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill will not stifle freedom of speech. The bill was passed yesterday in Parliament despite fierce debate from four opposition parties; the DA, Freedom Front Plus, ACDP, and Al Jama-ah. The parties believe the Bill will be abused by politicians and limit freedom of speech and expression. Deputy Minister John Jeffery has dismissed the allegations raised by opposition parties with respect to the Bill. He told our senior producer Ronald Phiri the Bill was necessary as existing laws had proven ineffective in curbing the surge in crimes motivated by hate...

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola will host the National Conference on the Constitution at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg next week. The Conference themed "Reflections on the Constitution: Rule of law, accountability, social and economic justice" - aims to provide a platform for South Africans to reflect and dialogue on the past 25 years of the Constitution and whether it has achieved its intended purpose. Lloyd Lotz, Acting Deputy Director-General for Constitutional Development...

Health ombudsman Professor Malegapuru Makgoba has recommended the removal of Rahima Moosa Hospital CEO Dr. Nozuko Mkabayi following a damning report. A recent report into the state of the mother and child hospital in Johannesburg declared the facility unsafe, filthy, and dirty. Pediatrician and whistleblower Dr. Tim de Maayer and the then City of Joburg MMC for Health and Social Development Ashley Sauls raised the alarm about the poor conditions at the hospital. The Health Ombud says a disciplinary process will be instituted against Mkabayi. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Joan Van Dyk, Senior Health Journalist at the Bhekisisa Centre for health journalism.

Fellow musicians have continued to pay their tributes following the passing of jazz musician, Gloria Bosman. The Soweto-born award-winning icon died at the age of 50. Renowned South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka told our Senior Producer Ronald Phiri that she is saddened and shocked by Bosman's passing...

The African Transformation Movement, ATM's Mncedi Ndzwanana has been elected the speaker of the City of Tshwane. This comes after a squabble compromised the voting process yesterday afternoon when two DA councilors displayed who they chose during a secret ballot vote. The ballots were quarantined after the IEC declared that the voting process was not free and fair due to the squabble. The council has elected a new speaker after Murunwa Makwarela left the post following his election as mayor after being accused of forging court documents pertaining to his status of insolvency. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona

The Democratic Alliance, DA will today announce urgent legal steps against the planned national shutdown by the Economic Freedom Fighters, EFF. The party's national spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys told our Senior Producer Ronald Phiri, the national shutdown - which calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa's resignation over the country's current woes, will go ahead as planned, irrespective of any interference

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.

Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, Popcru will today join in the public service strike currently underway in South Africa. COSATU-affiliated unions, NEHAWU, DENOSA, POPCRU, and SAPU are demanding a pay hike of 10%. The strike has led to severe disruptions to government services, especially in health facilities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Richard Mamabolo, spokesperson for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU  

ActionSA Gauteng Chairperson Bongani Baloyi is reportedly set to leave the position after allegedly falling out with party President Herman Mashaba. A proposal for a change of role for Baloyi comes from irreconcilable differences in the running of the Gauteng structures. Meanwhile, a leaked Public Protector report has absolved President Cyril Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing at his Phalaphala farm. Elvis Spoke to Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, a Political Analyst from the Department of History and Political Studies at Nelson Mandela University... 

The Democratic Alliance, DA will today lead a picket outside the ministerial estate, in Bryntirion, Tshwane against the "luxurious" lifestyles of Ministers. The party has accused Ministers and Deputy Ministers in President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet of living like rockstars while ordinary citizens endure load shedding, crime, poverty, and the spiraling costs of living. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA leader, John Steenhuisen...