The Democratic Alliance, DA will lay criminal charges against MK Party MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla for allegedly recruiting South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. 17 citizens are reportedly trapped in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The party alleges Zuma-Sambudla played a role in luring the men to fight and is calling for a police investigation and potential prosecution. Elvis Presslin spoke to Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans

Gauteng High Court judge Portia Phahlane and the leader of the Jerusalem faction of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, Michael Sandlana appeared in court yesterday on charges of corruption and money laundering. Prosecutors allege Sandlana paid millions of rands in bribes to Judge Phahlane while she was hearing the church's bitter leadership succession dispute. Both accused were released on bail of one hundred thousand rand each. The case is postponed to February. The Judicial Service Commission has confirmed Judge Phahlane has been placed on special leave. For more on this Oscar Mathafa, MP and ANC Whip in the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development spoke to Elvis Presslin

The City of Johannesburg has launched a new Debt Relief Programme to help residents and businesses who are battling to pay their municipal bills. Under the plan, struggling ratepayers can settle outstanding water, lights and rates accounts with big discounts and some debts will be written off completely if certain conditions are met. Elvis Presslin spoke to the city of Joburg MMC for Finance, Loyiso Masuku

The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, CSVR has strongly condemned the kidnapping of 315 schoolgirls and female teachers from St Mary's Catholic School in north-central Nigeria. Gunmen stormed the school over the weekend and took the girls and staff away. No group has claimed responsibility yet. The CSVR says this is another brutal attack on the safety and dignity of women and girls in Nigeria and wants urgent regional action to stop the violence. Gugu Nonjinge , Advocacy Specialist Centre at the Study of Violence and Reconciliation Advocacy spoke to Elvis Presslin

A national campaign has been launched to combat gender-based violence in South Africa, coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism against women and children. The One Million Voices Campaign Against GBV is distributing a book titled "Understanding & Combatting Gender-Based Violence: A Call to Ubuntu and Action" by Gender activisit and UNISA Professor Motsamai Molefe, which explores the roots of violence and offers a framework for addressing GBV based on Ubuntu and dignity. The campaign aims to distribute one million copies of the book and promote community-led initiatives to challenge harmful norms and promote equality and safety. For more Professor Motsamai Molefe spoke to Elvis Presslin

Murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala will testify before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption following an earlier request to postpone the proceedings. Matlala had requested a postponement citing poor prison conditions and concerns over his health. Matlala is now expected to take the stand at 11 O'clock this morning. Elvis Presslin spoke to South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights, SAPOHR President and Prison rights activist, Golden Miles Bhudu

Former Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Chief David Tembe has died aged 71. He was found unresponsive at his home in Johannesburg and the cause of death is not yet known. Elvis Presslin spoke to his daughter, Tokiso Molefe

ActionSA is demanding the prosecution of former Road Accident Fund, RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo after he refused to testify before Parliament about financial mismanagement at the Fund. Letsoalo is accused of ignoring a summons to answer questions about the fund's R400 billion debt and allegations of misuse of funds. The opposition party says Letsoalo's decision is a direct challenge to Parliament's authority. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley

Civil society groups in South Africa have launched a high court application to force authorities to stop what they call xenophobic vigilantes blocking access to healthcare facilities in Gauteng. The groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the Treatment Action Campaign, say patients are being turned away from clinics due to their nationality or lack of identity documents. They're calling for the authorities to ensure safe access to healthcare and remove anyone obstructing medical services. The organisations accuse the state of failing to uphold the Constitution and protect the right to healthcare. Elvis Presslin spoke to Director of Advocacy and Analysis at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Claire Waterhouse

A new report warns that South Africa is at risk of missing out on a multi-billion-dollar economic opportunity unless it expands its offshore oil and gas industry. The report highlights discoveries off the southern coast, including TotalEnergies' Brulpadda and Luiperd fields and argues that the Orange Basin geology could transform South Africa's economy. The report projects that a single development could contribute 23 billion rand annually to GDP and support 20,000 jobs. Elvis Presslin spoke to EnerGeo Alliance Global Policy Senior Director, Dr. Ross Compton, who is in the UK