For the first time publicly, King David School has spoken out about allegations of sexual abuse said to have taken place on its premises in the early 1980s. The complainant, now an adult and former student at the school, has accused two former teachers at King David High School of abusing him while he was a boarder there more than four decades ago. The case is once again shining a spotlight on historical abuse allegations in schools — and the difficult questions institutions face about accountability, justice, and support for survivors years after the alleged incidents took place. 

Guest: Miranda Jordan, Women and Men Against Child Abuse  

Yesterday, we brought you the breaking news of the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruling parts of the National Health Act unconstitutional. At the centre of the judgment was the controversial “Certificate of Need” — a policy that would have required doctors, clinics and hospitals, both public and private, to get state approval before operating in certain areas. The court rejected the provision, siding with the South African Medical Association, which had fiercely challenged the move. 

Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa: South African Medical Association (SAMA) Chairperson

Water shortages are becoming one of the most frustrating realities for many South Africans — especially in Gauteng, where residents are battling repeated supply interruptions. To plug the gaps, municipalities have increasingly relied on water tankers. But that emergency solution is coming at a massive cost. Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, says some municipalities have spent hundreds of millions of rand on water tankers over just a few years. 

Theo Nkonki Spokesperson to MEC Jacob Mamabolo (Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional and Infrastructure Development

The worsening water crisis in Gauteng is now raising serious human rights concerns. According to Independent Newspapers, Gauteng Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, has approached the South African Human Rights Commission over the ongoing shortages affecting communities and schools across the province. Maile says the lack of reliable access to water is disrupting learning and violating a basic human right. 

Ayesha Laher: Director at AHL Water & Water Expert

The Department of Correctional Services is bringing back military-style ranks for its officials. Soon, staff will once again carry titles like Brigadier, Colonel and General — similar to the SAPS rank structure. But why the return to a more militarised system? We unpack the reasoning behind Correctional Services Minister, Pieter Groenewald’s decision to reintroduce the ranks, and what it could mean for discipline, authority and the culture inside South Africa’s prisons.

Singabakho Nxumalo: National Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and Richard Mamabolo: spokesperson for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru)

The mystery around the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm is deepening. New reporting now suggests that far more than the reported 8-million rand may have been stolen in 2020 — with investigators exploring whether the amount could have been nearly double.  

Kyle Cowan: News24 Investigative Journalist 

There has been a major development in the disappearance of two-year-old Omphile Sethole, who vanished earlier this month from Ga-Mabuela village. As the search for the toddler continues, her grandparents are expected to appear in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on allegations of child negligence. Joanne Joseph gets an update from SABC News reporter, Katlego Nyoni.

Profile: Geordin Hill-Lewis plans as DA leader and GNU 

As the Democratic Alliance charts a new chapter under fresh leadership, questions remain about the party’s identity, inclusivity and political direction in a rapidly shifting South Africa. From criticisms around representation and service delivery, to the DA’s role in the Government of National Unity and its strategy ahead of local government elections — we unpack the challenges, expectations and vision shaping the party’s future. Geordin Hill-Lewis, DA leader speaks to Joanne Joseph about his plans for the party.

South Africa’s latest unemployment figures have once again placed the spotlight on the country’s deepening youth jobs crisis, with nearly 60 percent of young people unemployed. As companies raise concerns about hiring and retaining Gen Z workers, we ask: what kind of workplaces are young people actually looking for — and what urgent interventions are needed to connect them to meaningful employment?

Bongiwe Beja-Ntsiko: Growthwheel Certified Business Advisor and Founding Director at Transire Consulting speaks to Joanne Joseph.

AmaBhungane is taking the government to court over the controversial Public Procurement Act. While the legislation is meant to tighten and regulate procurement across the state, the investigative journalism outfit argues the process lacked meaningful public consultation — raising fresh concerns about transparency, accountability and public participation. Caroline James, Journalist with Amabhungane speaks to Joanne Joseph.