Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has faced criticism from members of parliament's public enterprises committee who have accused him of not fully co-operating with the committee's investigation into the allegations of irregularities in the SAA deal with Takatso Consortium. The committee is probing accusations made by former public enterprises director-general Kgathatso Tlhakudi, which cast a shadow on the the integrity of the sale of national carrier to the consortium. The committee questioned Gordhan's failure to provide the share sale and purchase agreement used in the deal, as well as the shortlist of companies considered as potential strategic equity partners with the government in SAA. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Independent Analyst, Khaya Sithole.

Over a year after the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy, which claimed the lives of 21 underaged children in the Eastern Cape, youth organisations are warning parents and guardians to be  extra vigilant in the fight against substance abuse.  Anti-drug activists warn that the festive season is a time when young people experiment with drugs and alcohol, particularly at events such as pens down parties. Lucas Mahlakgane is with the World Changers Candidate and he spoke to Bongiwe Khumalo.

A press conference by former President Jacob Zuma has been met with mixed feelings after he urged South Africans to vote for the newly-formed party, uMkhonto weSizwe in next year's elections. Speaking in Orlando East, Soweto Zuma said it is by voting for uMkhonto weSizwe, that the ANC will be rescued. Zuma added that the current leadership has become what he calls a proxy of White Monopoly capital. The UMkhonto weSizwe party takes its name from the ANC's former armed wing, which was disbanded in 1994. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to COSATU spokesperson, Matthew Parks for the federation's reaction to the news.

The festive season is often a joyous time for some as they look forward to spending time with their loved ones. It is also a time when inequalities are laid bare. The SABC has been bringing you stories of children going hungry in the Eastern Cape, and the desperate pleas for help. This year the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund presented its report focusing on the plight of children. Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo is the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Bongiwe Zwane.

Desperately needed humanitarian aid may start moving into Gaza, through an Israeli crossing- for the first time since the October the seventh attack by Hamas. The Israeli Prime Minister's office yesterday announced that this would be permitted via the Kerem Shalom crossing- near the border with Egypt. Trucks laden with aid from the Africa Muslim Agency South Africa are also hoping to make the crossing. This comes as the U.N. refugee agency on Friday said that a new refugee crisis from Gaza must be prevented, referring to the possibility that hundreds of thousands of people already uprooted by the Israel-Hamas conflict could flee into Egypt.
JIHAN KAISI is the Africa Muslim Agency coordinator based in Lebanon and also a UN representative for Middle-Eastern refugees. She spoke to Bongiwe Zwane from Cairo.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) recently released a list of hazardous hotspots on the roads of South Africa as motorists travel to and from their December holiday destinations. These include the Moloto Road in Mpumalanga, the N2 in the Eastern Cape and the R71 in Limpopo  The RTMC has some advice for long distance motorists this festive season. We are joined by Simon Zwane who is the spokesperson for The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

A bleak festive season looms for workers of some municipalities in the Free State. Several municipalities in the province  (about 6 municipalities) are allegedly failing to pay workers their December salaries. These municipalities are said to be some of the most dysfunctional and worst-run councils that are nearing total collapse after years of alleged corruption and mismanagement. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Monyatso Mahlatsi, Cosatu's Provincial Secretary in the Free State Province.

TODAY is National Day of Reconciliation. The day seeks to promote national unity, social cohesion, constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality. It also serves as a call to action to individuals to take responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. President Cyril Ramaphosa will later TODAY officiate at the National Day of Reconciliation celebrations at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo. Earlier THIS WEEK, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation released it's Reconciliation Barometer survey which revealed , among other things, that after nearly 30 years of democracy, public confidence in political leaders and public institutions is at an all time low. To help us understand the state of reconciliation in the country, Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Melissa Steyn, Research Chair at the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies.

A South African delegation from the Africa Muslims Agency is in Egypt with humanitarian aid for Gaza. The agency will help load the relief aid into trucks that will depart from Cairo to the Rafah-border crossing where the convoy will wait for the Israelis to open the border and allow the movement of humanitarian assistance. Hassan Choonara is with the Africa Muslims Agency and he and he spoke to Sebenzile Nkambule.

Former President, Jacob Zuma is expected to make a big announcement on his political future later today. According to a press release with no political name or logo, Zuma will make the big reveal at the Ipelegeng Community Centre in Jababvu, Soweto. The statement says the revelation will be the beginning of a new chapter in politics as a new South Africa and the beginning of a great future is crafted. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to SABC Politics Editor, Mzwandile Mbeje.