The United Democratic Movement, UDM has welcomed a new report on the impact of de-industrialisation on small towns, launched at the Heidelberg Symposium. Titled "The Impact of De-Industrialisation on Small Towns: Case Studies of Lichtenburg and Komati," the report by Frontline Africa Advisory, the Industrial Development Think Tank and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition highlights how industrial decline has fueled unemployment, strained municipal finances and weakened community ties in small towns.The UDM, represented at the symposium by Councillor Yongama Zigebe, says the findings support its push for re-industrialising rural areas to build a stronger, inclusive economy. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to UDM Councillor in the City of Johannesburg and Chairperson of the S79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities, Yongama Zigebe

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is set to lay criminal charges against Lerato Madyo, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Gauteng Department of Health. The charges will be opened at Johannesburg's Central Police Station today. Madyo is accused of failing to act on warnings from murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran about suspected fraud at Tembisa Hospital. She's also suspected of possibly being involved in leaking information linked to Deokaran's assassination. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Dr. Jack Bloom

The Pretoria High Court will today hear the Presidency's bid to recover over R28 million in legal fees from former President Jacob Zuma. The costs stem from his court battles since 2018, linked to the 1999 arms deal. Zuma's legal team argues he cannot afford the repayment, citing financial hardship despite his pension. The Presidency, alongside the State Attorney and Solicitor-General is pushing for a court order to enforce repayment with added interest, potentially increasing the total amount owed. Previous rulings from the Gauteng High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal have declared Zuma ineligible for taxpayer-funded legal defense. For legal analysis on the matter Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Legal analyst, Melusi Xulu

Kenyan President William Ruto has declared a 7-day national mourning period following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Odinga passed away in India at the age of 80, where he was receiving medical treatment. He led Kenya from 2008 to 2013. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent condolences to the Kenyan government and Its people. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Kenyan MP, Maxwell Kariuki

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is set to testify before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee today. Mchunu is facing questions over allegations of interference in the justice system and corruption within the police force. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of overstepping his authority, including disbanding a task team investigating political killings and freezing crime intelligence hires. Mchunu, who has been on special leave since July, denies any wrongdoing. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis for his expectation on Mchunu's expected appearance

The Campaign to Scrap the Labour Law Amendment Bills will today protest outside the Department of Employment and Labour's Braamfontein office in Johannesburg. The coalition of more than 40 unions, feminist groups and social movements has rejected the current R28.79 hourly minimum wage, calling it a "poverty wage". They're demanding public hearings so workers can have their say on what constitutes a decent living wage. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Vice-Chairlady at Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance, Tshepiso Mphofe

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng is calling for the immediate dismissal of Lesiba Arnold Malotana, the Head of the Health Department, rejecting his current suspension with full pay. The DA accuses Malotana of longstanding underperformance and links to multiple scandals, including a Special Investigating Unit probe into allegations of a multi-million-rand bribe to secure a contract. In August, Premier Panyaza Lesufi faced questions from DA Shadow MEC for Health, Dr. Jack Bloom, about Malotana's lifestyle audit. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Health, Madeleine Hicklin

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Louis Trichardt following a tragic bus crash that claimed 43 lives. The bus was traveling from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe and Malawi when the accident occurred. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba says authorities are investigating boxes of medication and condoms found scattered at the crash site. Elvis Presslin spoke to African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association Chairperson, Phumudzo Mukhwathi

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has accused KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of using corruption allegations against him to block his path from becoming national commissioner after Fannie Masemola's term. Appearing for a second day before Parliament's Ad Hoc committee probing police corruption, Sibiya denied meddling in murder probes or ties to shady figures, calling Mkhwanazi's claims a bid to stir public chaos. Elvis Presslin spoke to Security Strategist and retired Interpol Ambassador, Andy Mashaile, for analysis on these explosive allegations and their implications for South Africa's police leadership

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU, has raised concern over unexplained reductions in pension fund values reported by its members in recent statements from the Government Employees Pension Fund. POPCRU says these changes were made without consultation or clear explanation. The GEPF attributes the reductions to actuarial projections, but POPCRU argues these should not affect existing balances and questions the decision's legitimacy and governance. The union is demanding full disclosure from the GEPF Board and the Government Pensions Administration Agency on who authorised the adjustments. Elvis Presslin spoke to POPCRU Spokesperson, Richard Mamabolo