The Weekend View

Gravesite vandalism continues to be a growing concern in South Africa. The Southern Africa Funerals and Tombstones Industry Institute( SAFTII) says there is a rise in grave vandalism, theft at cemeteries, unauthorized grave construction, and damage to gravesite fence. In response to this crisis, SAFTII is launching SAFTII Gravesite Watch. Mpilo Khodi, spokesperson for The Southern Africa Funerals and Tombstones Industry Institute (SAFTII) explains...

The State in the case involving suspended National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola and 14 others, says a review panel is currently considering the case against all the accused. Masemola and his co accused appeared in the Pretoria Regional Court on charges relating to the 228-million rand SAPS Medicare24 tender. Masemola faces four charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act, while his co-accused face charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering. Siphiwe Mkhize reports.....

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has initiated parliamentary processes which are aimed at providing a legislative framework for the establishment and effective functioning of coalition governments in the country. This follows the introduction of coalition politics in recent years both at municipal and national levels where no one political party has managed to get majority of the votes. Chairperson of the portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize joined for more details...

South Africa's national rugby team is raring to go in the second test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday. Having lost the opening Test of the series in Johannesburg last week, backline coach Mzwandile Stick says that their focus in this week's build-up has been about finding solutions as a team and that the squad is in a good space. Samantha Marie has the details while Orlando Pirates coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, says playing the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena, is an advantage. Pirates will also go into the match at their fortress and in front of their home fans with one goal to the good. Meanwhile, African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, travel to KwaZulu-Natal for their match on Sunday against Golden Arrows, having lost the first leg at home.

Humanitarian Aid organisation -the Gift of the Givers - says it is on standby and ready for a possible rescue mission to Nepal following devasting flash floods which resulted in the death of over 500 people with almost two-thousand more still missing. Amongst the missing are six South Africans, including 33 year old Terricia Govender from Isipingo, South of Durban. Founder of the Gift of the Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says they are awaiting for the Nepalese government's official call for international assistance as the risk of secondary destruction is high following fears of a dam that could collapse. We caught up with Dr Sooliman earlier...

The killing of three ANC members in Knysna has raised concerns about political violence ahead of the local government elections. Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais have visited the scenes of the killings, as police intensify their investigation and step up security in the town. A short while ago, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli revealed that at least 18 councillors have been assassinated across the province since the 2021 Local Government Election with Premier Ntuli adding that such killings cannot be treated merely as ordinary criminal incidents. Tanya Krause has the details in relation to the latest killings in Knysna followed by our Sunday Discussion with both political analyst from the North West University, Professor Andre Duvenhage and independent crime and forensic expert, Calvin Rafadi...

The family of slain two time world boxing champion, Zolani "Lastborn" Tete are struggling to come to terms with his murder. The 38 year old was gunned down in front of his home in Mdantsane, bringing a tragic end to his boxing career. He was currently preparing to make his return to the ring on the 29th of November after serving a four year doping suspension. His death has sent shockwaves through the boxing fraternity. Tributes keep on pouring in for a champion who was regarded as a role model in the community. The motive behind his murder is part of the police investigation. Ntombozuko Bhalintulo has more details

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will unveil his party's much vaunted election manifesto at Riverside Park in Diepsloot north of Johannesburg later this morning. This is preceded by the announcement of the party's nominees for mayoral positions in eight metros and 22 secondary cities on *YESTERDAY. Instead of unveiling its mayoral candidates, the ANC chose to reveal the names of people who have been interviewed as its potential mayoral candidates. It said the official announcement of successful candidates will only be made during the course of next month. Our Politics Reporter Ntebo Mokobo has the detailed followed by a conversation with ANC NEC member Mzwandile Masina...

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) met last week to discuss the process to be followed in handling the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, also referred to as the Coalitions Bill.  The Bill aims to provide a clear legislative framework for the formation of coalition governments and to establish mechanisms to minimise coalition-related challenges in local government. With the proposed amendments, the Bill seeks to promote stable and accountable coalition governance, reduce political instability and support the uninterrupted delivery of services to communities. Meanhwile , My Vote Counts says it notes the second tabling of the Local Government but while the need for a stable governance framework in South Africa's municipalities is clear, the current process raises serious constitutional concerns. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Noxolo Mfocwa, Advocacy Lead at My Vote Counts

The Central Student Representative Council of Cape Peninsula University of Technology has called for an investigation into the financial management at the Institution. This comes amid the suspension of the academic programme following weeks of student protests. In response, the management instructed the students to leave their residences. Among the numerous issues the SRC raised includes the safety of student residences, withholding of academic documents and the now-withdrawn Financial Recovery Plan for 2027. At the heart of this financial recovery plan - is to force students in residences to pay an upfront amount of seven-thousand rand upon registration next year. Earlier we caught up with Deputy Director General for University Education at the department of higher education, Professor Thandi Lewin. MEANWHILE SASRIA says institutions need to prepare for the risks when protests turn violent. Muzi Dladla, Executive Manager at Sasria follows up...