The Weekend View

South Africa is facing a profound shift in its health crisis, with diabetes now emerging as the country's leading reported cause of death, overtaking long-standing infectious disease threats such as tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in the latest official mortality statistics. According to the latest available Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Mortality and Causes of Death report for 2023, diabetes accounts for 35,354 deaths, or 10.4% of all deaths recorded in the dataset. Now HEALA, the Healthy Living Alliance says the figures represent a warning that South Africa can no longer treat non-communicable diseases as a secondary health concern. Jon Gericke spoke to Nomfundo Mbuli, Programmes manager at HEALA

The South African Government says is ready to host the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community, with dignitaries and Heads of State and Government beginning to arrive in the country.Government says Preparations are complete for the summit, which is scheduled for 16–17 August 2026 will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre.Durban motorists are being warned to expect road closures and traffic disruptions today and tomorrow as authorities accommodate visiting dignitaries. Football fans heading to Kings Park Stadium for the Premiership clash between Chippa United and Orlando Pirates are urged to travel early and follow traffic instructions. Jon Gericke spoker to SABC news reporter Ditaba Tsotetsi 

South Africa's Constitutional Court has blocked energy giant Shell from renewing its offshore oil and gas exploration rights along the Wild Coast. The landmark ruling ends a multi-year legal battle led by local fishing communities and environmental groups over flawed public consultation processes and marine protection. In a majority decision, the country's highest court overturned a 2024 judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal. That earlier ruling had given Shell and its partner, Impact Africa, a potential lifeline to conduct seismic surveys under an exploration right initially granted in 2014. Wild Coast community representatives have welcomed the verdict as a decisive victory against both the oil companies and the Department of Mineral Resources. Jon Gericke spoke to Professor of Sociology and Political Economist Professor Patrick Bond from the University of Johannesburg 

Today's WAFCON final in Morocco sees Cameroon face Malawi, with both sides chasing a historic continental title. Malawi's remarkable run has already secured their first-ever Women's World Cup qualification. In the Premiership, Chippa United host Orlando Pirates at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, rather than the Eastern Cape. Kick-off is at 3pm. In the Currie Cup, the Bulls host the Cheetahs at Loftus, also kicking off at 3pm. Jon Gericke spoke to SABC's sports broadcaster Benjamin Leshoro For a quick snap shop analysis

Involvement of criminal actors in the private security industry raises questions about industries' management of firearms. This is according to David Bruce , Independent Researcher and Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Consultant. He says that the private security industry has been expanding at a dramatic rate and that criminals also use private security companies to access legal firearms. He calls for the sector to be scrutinised. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Sindiswa Changuion , spokesperson for The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA)

Downsizing has long been part of the traditional retirement playbook: sell the large family home, buy something smaller and use the remaining equity to help fund retirement. But for a growing number of South Africans, that equation may no longer add up. With 74% of middle-income retirees reporting higher-than-expected living costs,  retirees face an additional challenge, the home they planned to sell may be worth less than the smaller, more secure retirement property they now need. To explore this further and what questions to ask before retirement. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty Property Group 

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has resumed counting votes in the presidential and parliamentary elections after an earlier suspension. The suspension followed reports of violence against election officials and the alleged theft of ballot papers. The commission says the security threat has now been contained, but has not confirmed whether the alleged stolen ballots could affect the final results. The first results are expected later today, with the final outcome due to be announced on Monday.  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to University of Pretoria Governance and Election expert Tendai Mbanje joins us 

Three Chapter 9 institutions have joined forces in a joint National Inquiry into South Africa's criminal justice system response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The Commission for Gender Equality, the South African Human Rights Commission  and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities say the inquiry seeks to identify systemic weaknesses in the reporting, investigation and victim support processes, while developing recommendations to strengthen accountability and access to justice.  The public is now being informed that the closing date for submissions in respect of the Joint National Inquiry has been extended.  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Commissioner Chris Nissen, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission. 

The Pretoria High Court has suspended Professor Hlengani Mathebula's appointment as NSFAS administrator and restored the remaining seven board members, pending the final review. Seven NSFAS board members approached the High Court challenging Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's decision to dissolve the NSFAS board and place the scheme under administration and appoint Mathebula as administrator. Minister's Spokesperson Matshepo Seedat says Manamela respects the Court's decision and will provide updates as the implications and legal options are considered. Meanwhile The organisation undoing tax abuse says the ruling reinforces its concerns about Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela's leadership. The organisation says the court found the board was quorate and raised concerns about Mathebula's suitability and the Minister's consideration of adverse findings against him. OUTA is now questioning Manamela's judgement and continued suitability to lead the portfolio. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Outa's investigation manager Rudie Heyneke 

Mercia Maserumule, Co-Founder and Director of Nyamukara Empowerment NPC, says economic independence is crucial in helping women escape abusive relationships. She says the organisation works with survivors of gender-based violence, including women in shelters and those who have left shelters. Maserumule says Nyamukara Empowerment provides accredited skills training and digital literacy to help women find employment or establish their own businesses and cooperatives.  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mercia Maserumule, Co-Founder and Director of Nyamukara Empowerment NPC