Three political parties, GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi and BOSA have scrapped plans to contest the 2026 local government elections under the Unite for Change banner. The parties say integrating their structures and activists proved too complex to implement before the election. Instead, they will contest the elections individually and pursue consolidation afterwards. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi

The ANC and its Youth League is outraged following the arrest of a 58-year-old man accused of raping a minor in Dobsonville, Soweto. The man, a prominent pastor and social media influencer, is expected to appear in court. The league says he has no place in the ANC or any leadership position if guilty. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Gauteng Provincial Deputy Coordinator, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

The Democratic Alliance is gearing up for its Federal Congress in Midrand this weekend. Over 2,000 delegates are expected, with several candidates vying for the top leadership positions. The congress will also consider constitutional amendments and policy proposals. Voting for Federal Council positions has already begun. The event is set to be the party's biggest yet. For analysis on the matter, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mohale Ernest Selelo, Political analyst and Lecturer, at the University of Limpopo

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has welcomed the Protected Disclosures Bill, released for public comment, which aims to protect whistleblowers from victimisation. The Bill provides legislative interventions in response to the Zondo Commission and COSATU's proposals. However, COSATU is concerned that public servants are excluded from rewards for whistleblowing. The federation is urging the government to resource witness protection programmes to ensure the safety of whistleblowers. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

Defend Our Democracy has welcomed new laws aimed at professionalising the public sector. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Public Administration Management Amendment Act and the Public Service Amendment Act. The laws aim to prevent political interference in government appointments. Martha Ngoye, Acting Director at Defend Our Democracy and a Whistleblower, spoke to Elvis Presslin

ActionSA says the Department of Health spent over R800 000 on a disciplinary process against an official who exposed alleged tender fraud. The party claims this is a misuse of public funds meant for critical health interventions. The official, Advocate Maile Ngake, reported irregularities amounting to R1.2 billion. The Hawks are now investigating procurement processes. ActionSA is calling for transparency and reforms to protect whistleblowers. For more we're now joined on the line by Dr. Kgosi Letlape, ActionSA Member of Parliament

Elvis Presslin 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

The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is set to kick off in Cape Town this weekend. The event features a 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday and a 21.1km Half Marathon on Sunday. Over 30,000 runners are expected to participate in the iconic event. A new board was appointed to improve race standards after last year's disruptions. Elvis Presslin spoke to our very own SAfm producer and runner, Marumo Kekana, who will be participating in the 56km Ultra Marathon tomorrow

The South African Communist Party in Gauteng has welcomed the eventual adoption of the province's 2026/27 budget, following an initial failure to secure enough support in the legislature. Valued at approximately R179.2 billion, the budget is critical to funding key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services in South Africa's economic hub. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nkosithethile Bonga, SACP Gauteng Spokesperson

The ANC is set to formally open interviews for metro mayoral candidates this week. The selection process is currently underway. The final list of candidates will be made public by the end of May. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC National spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri