A heated legal battle is underway as sex workers and activists push for the decriminalization of sex work in the Western Cape High Court. The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce, alongside the Sex Worker Movement of South Africa, are challenging laws that criminalize their trade. They argue these laws violate constitutional rights. Opponents, however, are resisting the move, citing moral and social concerns. The case lodged last year by SWEAT and other organisations, seeks formal recognition of the sex industry. While the court deliberates, the National Prosecuting Authority has paused prosecutions of sex workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Constance Mathe, National Coordinator at the Asijiki Coalition for the Decriminalisation of Sex Work

The National Union of Mineworkers is calling on Glencore and Samancor to stop looming job cuts and negotiate constructively. This follows Glencore's confirmation that it has triggered a Section 189 retrenchment process under the Labour Relations Act, effective from September 1st. The move impacts Boshoek and Wonderkop Smelters in Rustenburg, Rhovan Vanadium near Bethanie and the Carbon Division in Emalahleni. NUM has slammed the retrenchment plans as premature, disingenuous and deeply concerning for workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lefty Mashego, Num's Chief Negotiator

The DA in Gauteng has expressed concern over Alra Park Primary School in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, where learners have missed three weeks of school due to protests over unsafe conditions. The Gauteng Department of Education has been criticized for its slow response. The DA says the 130-year-old school which was declared unsafe in 2023, still has asbestos structures and hazardous mobile classrooms. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos

Former Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha has stepped aside as ANC provincial chairperson, citing unethical behaviour, misconduct and a decline in ANC values as reasons for his decision. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over procedural issues in the Vhembe and Waterberg regional conferences. Elvis Presslin spoke to SABC Politics Reporter, Samkele Maseko

NotInMyName International has condemned the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old female learner by a male teacher at Prinshof School in Pretoria. The incident came to light after the victim's father raised concerns about her declining academic performance, leading her to disclose the assault. The organisation has criticized the school's leadership for failing to ensure a safe environment for students. Elvis Presslin spoke to NotInMyName International's Secretary General, Themba Masango

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