The legal representatives of independent candidates in the former Tlokwe local municipality in Potchefstroom in the North West, have filed opposing papers in the Constitutional Court against the Independent Electoral Commission. The IEC has applied for the extension of the court's suspension order that declared the commission's failure to maintain the voters' roll constitutional. The order relates to the IEC ensuring that it has the residential addresses of all those who are on the voters' roll. If the IEC's application succeeds, it will pave the way for the 2019 general elections. Mpho Lepedi

The DA in Gauteng is picketing outside what it calls the "Gauteng Nkandla", which is the multimillion rand home of ANC Gauteng Chief Whip Brian Hlongwa, in Bryanston north of Johannesburg. The house, which was bought for seven million rand, was allegedly acquired with the financial assistance of companies and individuals who benefitted from corrupt activities with the Gauteng Health Department, when Hlongwa was still MEC between 2006 and 2009. Last week, Hlongwa survived a motion by the EFF and DA in the legislature for him to step down. Our reporter Horisani Sithole was at that picket.

Disgruntled ANC members who successfully interdicted the KwaZulu-Natal election conference last month, are back in the Pietermaritburg high court today. On the court papers the respondents are the ANC mother-body and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team. Our reporter Nonkululeko Hlophe is on the story.

The Departmemt of Energy has confirmed the upcoming fuel increases of 23 cents a litre for 95 Octane petrol and 26 cents a litre for 93 Octane petrol. Gas will increase by 37 cents a litre while illuminating paraffin will see an increase of 22 centre a litre. This as some motorists are reported to have heeded the call by People Against Petrol and Paraffin Price Increase, PAPPI, to bring busy roads across the country to a standstill in protest against the increases. The organisation called on motorists to switch off the engines of their vehicles for 10 minutes between seven and eight o'clock this morning. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the National Convenor of PAPPI Visvin Reddy

Temperatures in the SARS inquiry were simmering as commissioner judge Robert Nugent broke down Advocate Dali Mpofu's presentation at the commission. Mpofu, representing suspended SARS commissioner, Tom Moyane led today's proceedings by calling for the inquiry to be suspended on the basis that it is biased and unfair towards his client.

The Snow Report has predicted that a major cold front‚on July 1‚ is "likely to bring a blanket of snow" across the country. Snow report says by Sunday night‚ some snow is expected to fall over the peaks of the majority of Cape mountains. The SA Weather Service has also issued a warning about the snowy conditions.

Some Swazis have distanced themselves from the 1st ever gay pride celebrations taking place this weekend in the Capital of Mbabane. An event of such scale and nature has never been held in the Kingdom of eSwatini, and If all goes to plan, the 30th of June 2018 may be a date to remember in Eswatini's history.

The Rock of Hope, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex organisation could make history by hosting Eswatini's first LGBTI Pride celebrations in Mbabane this weekend; Saturday 30t). An event of such magnitude has never been held in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The history-making event will coincide with other Pride marches worldwide this month. Molebogeng Sebidi spoke Communications & Advocacy Officer, Melusi Simelane, ahead of the event

Thousands of artists and visitors are flocking to the 44th National Arts Festival which has officially opened its doors in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Festival goers will certainly be spoilt for choice as organisers have arranged a line-up of 2400 performances covering artistic performances including theatre, poetry readings, comedy to jazz and classical music. The festival is also an economic booster as it contributes R94 million to the economy of the City of Saints and much more to the economy of the province. The festival's CEO, Tony Lankester spoke to Sakina Kamwendo.

Long queues and prolonged waiting at Home Affairs offices will soon be a thing of the past. Home Affairs, minister Malusi Gigaba has met all senior managers across the country to come up with solutions. Never-ending queues, constant crashing of the online system have been plagueing the department. Minister Gigaba's spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete provided more information on the meeting.