The South African Poultry Association says two farms in Mpumalanga have an outbreak of a highly infectious H7 Avian Flu strain. The last strain that broke out in Western Cape wiped out over one million birds a few months ago. This strain detected in Mpumalanga is different. SAPA says the problem is not yet out of control and there is no reason for alarm. So far, it is wild birds that are positive, however, it could spread to chickens. The flu was first detected at a small farm in Delmas, and it spread to a larger farm. We’re now joined by Izaak Breitenbach, General Manager at the South African Poultry Association.

Eight people have died and eight others were injured when a bakkie they were travelling in overturned on a rural road in Eliotdale in the Eastern Cape. The bakkie was carrying 16 traditional healers who were on their way to a ceremony. The driver allegedly lost control and the vehicle veered off the road before rolling several times. We’re now joined by Eastern Cape Transport Spokesperson, Unathi Bhinqose

It turns out that more people are applying for smart IDs and passports. Following this observation, the department of home affairs has decided to extend its operating times by two hours, which means that as from today up until Friday, the department will now start operating from 08:00 am to 17.30pm. But this is just a temporary extension. To give us more details on this is….

GUEST: Siya Qoza, Spokesperson for the department of home affairs

Earlier on today, Human Rights Watch released its 68-page report titled “This Government is Failing Me Too: South Africa Compounds Legacy of Apartheid for Older People.” The report suggests that South Africa is failing to take care of its older people. It also found that the department of social development has failed to allocate sufficient resources for community and home-based care and support services and for the non-profit organizations contracted to deliver them. To tell us more about the outcomes of the report and what needs to be done to improve the lives of older people in South Africa is.......

GUEST: Noma Masiko-Mpaka, South Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch

The high unemployment rate remains a major concern in South Africa. Statistics South Africa has once again highlighted this problem when releasing its latest Quarterly Employment Statistics data earlier on today. According to the organisation, South Africa lost 97 000 jobs between March last year and March this year. But is there a political will to arrest this problem? Political economist, Dr Lumkile Mondi joins us now to share his thoughts on this….

GUEST: Dr Lumkile Mondi, Senior Lecture @Wits Business School

Diepkloof in Soweto remains volatile after after tensions flared up as protesters pelt police with stones and police firing rubber bullets. The police continue to monitor the situation after some residents were arrested for public violence. The residents were protesting against lack of access to clean water, issues around housing as well as electricity. A vehicle belonging to the SABC was also damaged. How are things going? We’re now joined by Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg.

It has been a year since the Enyobeni tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 children. The tragedy raised concern about the availability of liquor to minors in South Africa. Families of the deceased children and the community came together earlier today to commemorate their lives in a memorial service. As we commemorate the year since that tragedy, there was another ‘pens down’ party in East London this past weekend where hundreds of pupils, including minors are reported to have showed up. We’re now joined by SABC News reporter, Sidima Mfeku.

A woman from Klerksdorp is currently on a tractor trip to Cape Town in a bid to raise funds for her 16 year old daughter. Corné Els has been on the road since last week, and hopes to reach Cape Town by the 1st of July. Her daughter has qualified has qualified to go and represent South Africa at the tug-of-war championships in Switzerland in August. How far is she? . Corné Els joins us on the line now.  

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has laid a criminal complaint for fraud and corruption against NSFAS CEO, Andile Nongogo and his former colleagues. OUTA says the charge is related to the over-inflation of a of a tender awarded in 2016. Nongogo previously worked as the CEO  of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority. OUTA says the SETA granted a tender for branding material that was inflated by 8000% to a company called Five Star. The company allegedly supplied several branded items and related services to SSETA and was paid R36.962 million for their services. We’re now joined by Rudie Heyneke, portfolio manager at Outa.

The 29 year old who was left stranded in Cambodia after being lured into a job scam is back in the country. When we spoke to him, he was still preparing to come back after his community’s intervention. Xolani Fongo was stuck in Asia since November 2022. His community in Free State raised funds to bring him back after he shared his story. He couldn’t share some details when we last spoke to him, citing safety concerns. He is now back and safe. We’re now joined by Xolani Fongo, as well as Neo Tsoai, the community member who helped raise funds to bring him back.