The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has reacted with shock and outrage over the decision by the South African government to expel Israel's diplomat in the country, Ariel Seidman. Seidman has been given 72 hours to leave the country after the department of International Relations and Cooperation declared Chargé d'Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, persona non grata. DIRCO has cited what it calls unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms which include the use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa. We earlier caught up with the National Director of the Jewish Bord of Deputies, Wendy Kahn together with Spokesperson for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Salim Vally and Former Diplomat & Conflict Resolution Expert, Dr. Kingsley Makhubela....

A former high school principal from Cape Town will challenge the Western Cape Department of Education in the Labour Court. This after the court ruled in his favour to be reinstated in his post by early February. However, the department filed an application for leave to appeal this judgement, suspending his return to work. The principal was dismissed in 2022 and charged with multiple counts of misconduct. This relates to Covid-19 operational matters, including an incident, where he refused to re-open the school during the first wave of the pandemic. Andile Mbanjwa reports...

EFF leader Julius Malema says his party is to end cooperation with the ANC. He was delivering his political address opening the EFF's second plenum following their 3rd National people's assembly. This weekend EFF officials, including representatives from provincial and youth leadership, have convened in Boksburg to assess the progress of resolutions of the EFF's last national conference, as well as plan for the year ahead. Zara Groenewald reports

INTRO: The National Prosecuting Authority's intense focus on prosecuting cases arising from the State Capture Commission has, in hindsight, limited its ability to decisively address internal challenges, including the alleged infiltration of rogue prosecutors. This is according to outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. While expressing disappointment over the slow pace of corruption prosecutions, Batohi insists the NPA is in a significantly stronger position than when she assumed office in 2019. Lerato Makola reports

If you want to get a glimpse of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, you need to be in Johannesburg TODAY. The trophy was officially welcomed into the country by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Building in Pretoria yesterday and TODAY the trophy heads to Johannesburg's Nasrec Expo Centre where fans can get up close for viewings and photo opportunities. The  trophy's final stop is in Cape Town TOMORROW, wrapping up the three-day whirlwind visit. This marks the trophy tour's first return to South Africa since 2018 and its second stop on the African continent after Egypt. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SAfm sports anchor, Janet Whitton

The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for the immediate withdrawal of sanctions against judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court. This follows the latest round of designations which brings the total number of sanctions on ICC prosecutors and judges to eleven. Special Rapporteur on Independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite says such sanctions send a chilling message to victims of atrocities and their advocates, who rely on judges and prosecutors for accountability. Our producer, Asanda Ntame caught up with Satterthwaite and first asked her to confirm the number of ICC judges and prosecutors that have been sanctioned by the US.

The Gauteng provincial government YESTERDAY regularised the status of its Crime Prevention Wardens, popularly known as Amapanyaza, following Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka's findings that the unit was irregular. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi who officiated at the ceremony establishing the new Peace Officers unit said the new declaration now regularises their role and gives them limited legal powers to support law enforcement operations across the province. Our presenter, Bongiwe Zwane caught up with both Elijah Mhlanga, Gauteng Government spokesperson and Advocate Stephanie Fick, Executive Director at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, OUTA

The United Nations says about 35 million people in Nigeria are prone to hunger this year.
It says conflict, and a surge in terror attacks have led to the death of thousands of people, and displacement of several others.Tesem Akende reports from Jos

President Cyril Ramaphosa THIS WEEK announced salary increases for public office bearers of 4.1% and 3.8% in different categories.  The increase follows the recommendation by the Independent Commission for Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.  The increase of 4.1% applies to judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions.  The increase of 3.8% applies to Members of the National Executive, Members of Parliament, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures. The announcement has solicited outrage from some sections, among them the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU). Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the federation's General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi 

A joint funeral for three of the 14 earners who died following the tragic Vanderbijlpark crash will be held in Sebokeng in the Vaal TODAY. Nine funerals were held yesterday, seven in Gauteng and two in the Free State.  The learners died when their scholar transport minibus collided with a truck along the Golden Highway in Vanderbijlpark on Monday. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is expected to deliver a eulogy during the joint funeral at the Saul Tsotetsi hall in Sebokeng. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter, Neria Hlakotsa