Jacaranda FM Newswatch - Interviews

South Africa is once again in the midst of a heated national debate on immigration.

Over recent weeks, anti-immigration protests have intensified across the country, with some groups calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave.

By: Anastasi Mokgobu

Produced by: Emile Pienaar Latest news on our website

It’s been three years of untold violence in Sudan, as the civil war between the army and the paramilitary group RSF rages on.

Emile Pienaar takes you to the heart of a battle – of which the world knows very little. Doctors Without Borders, one of the few humanitarian organisations still operating in the region, provides a rare glimpse of what’s happening in the so-called Forgotten War of Atrocities… Latest news on our website

Chief Scientific Advisor at MARTI TB Diagnostics and an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria, Jan Verschoor, said quick early diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a priority.

On Tuesday the United Nations commemorated world TB day with the focus on the estimated 1.2 million people who die every year of this centuries old disease. Latest news on our website

The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, says South Africans don't have to wait in long lines at Home Affairs Offices to get their smart ID Cards anymore. In an interview with Jacaranda FM Newswatch, Schreiber outlined how the department partnered with the country's big banks, to implement one of its most significant reforms in the department's history.

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

Customers of participating banks, simply have to show up at their bank. No documentation is required from civilians either, because the new system use biometric technology to verify your information.

All you have to do, is to provide your fingerprints, look into a camera for a photo, sign their application, and pay the fee.

Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Nomfundo Twala asked Schrieber what you need to know. Latest news on our website

Iran, which controls an essential oil transport route known as the Strait of Hormuz, has since closed it as the war with the US and Israel rages on, making it impossible for some oil-producing nations to sell their oil. This has caused crude oil prices to skyrocket.

Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Emile Pienaar spoke with Daniel Silke, Director of the Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town. Latest news on our website

Listen in as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, shared his vision with Jacaranda Newswatch's Nomfundo Twala for the department over the next 100 days.

From science to sustainability, he aims to repair environmental damage, support communities, and rejuvenate South Africa’s tourism hotspots. Latest news on our website

The Tshwane Metro Police Department has issued a warning to motorists: vehicles, trailers, caravans, or motorcycles impounded between 2001 and 2024 that are not collected by 28 February 2026 will be crushed.

Owners or registered title holders who want their vehicles back, have to report to the TMPD Pound on Madiba Street in Pretoria Central, with a valid ID and vehicle registration documents.

However, before they can claim their vehicles, they will have to settle the fines, and pay the impound and storage charges.

Member of the Tshwane Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, explained to Jacaranda Newswatch's Mmangaliso Khumalo, why unclaimed vehicles will be crushed... Latest news on our website

The recent study by the University of the Free State about the safety of sanitary products in South Africa, has caused concern among women over their health and safety.

The study detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) substances that can interfere with hormones in nearly 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight panty liners available on the South African market.

According to Professor Deon Visser from the university’s Chemistry Department, while the chemicals were found in low concentrations, they mimic hormones and could still pose potential health concerns.

Medical manufacturer and humanitarian, Dr. Ruth Apostolov, spoke to Jacaranda FM Newswatch about the alternatives.

She told Faith Modise another option is the use of menstrual cups. Latest news on our website

Johannesburg City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava has tendered her resignation on Wednesday to the chairperson of the board.

The board is expected to sit down and discuss the succession for the CEO position.

Mashava confirmed in her resignation letter that its time for her to search for a new source for her personal and professional power.

She will leave her office at the end of March.

Mashava has led the power utility through testing times that include loadshedding, campaigns to target and clamp down on illegal electricity connections across the City of Johannesburg, and structural challenges.

In an exclusive interview, City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena told Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Faith Modise what the this resignation means for their daily operations. Latest news on our website

Rand Water already pumping 'more than licence allows’ amid supply crisis

Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo spoke with Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Emile Pienaar.

This comes as large areas of Johannesburg are still without water, and parts of Tshwane are also struggling with erratic supply.

Maroo said Rand Water is currently pumping more water to municipalities than it is licensed to, but the problem of excessive consumption remains. Latest news on our website