The Weekend View

Rise Mzansi, the GOOD Party, and Build One South Africa - BOSA - are THIS WEEKEND expected to officially merge and form a new centrist political party. The new party, whose name is expected to be announced at a press briefing TOMORROW (Sunday) is billed to shake-up the political landscape ahead of the 2026 local government elections. To discuss this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Xolelwa Kashe Katiya, Project Leader at Indlulamithi SA Scenarios Trust..

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has welcomed recent rulings by the National Consumer Tribunal, ordering two car dealerships to refund customers after investigations found they were sold defective second-hand vehicles. The ruling follows an investigation by the NCC after consumers complained against the services received from Gauteng-based, Kia East Rand (PTY) Ltd and Cape Town-based car dealership, TM Cars (PTY) Ltd. The Tribunal found that both dealerships contravened the Consumer Protection Act by not resolving the defects in the cars they sold when they were informed of them. For a look at what this means, Elvis Presslin spoke to National Consumer Commission Spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba.

Three of South Africa's civil society organisations have called on Economic Freedom Fighters Leader, Julius Malema to step down from his role in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following his latest conviction. Freedom Under Law, Defend our Democracy and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution say Malema's recent conviction on gun charges, makes him unfit to hold a position that selects judges to be placed on the bench. The organisations say the recent removal of impeached former judge, John Hlophe from the JSC, further affirms the requirement that members of the JSC be fit and proper. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Research Consultant at Freedom Under Law, Chris Oxtoby 

The Don Mattera Legacy Foundation has announced the death of Don Francesco Mangaliso Nuruddin Mattera, the son of the renowned South African poet and author. 32 year old Donny was reportedly shot and killed in Johannesburg on Thursday and was buried YESTERDAY according to Muslim rites at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. To tell us more, Elvis Presslin spoke to his brother Ashford Mattera..

The Springboks are expecting an enormous battle when they face the Pumas again TODAY as the Castle Lager Rugby Championship concludes at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in London. Kick off is at 3pm. Victory over the Pumas  this afternoon, will secure Rassie Erasmus' men a second successive title. No Springbok team has achieved this before. The Boks won last week's match against Argentina 67-30 in Durban and currently lead the Rugby Championship standings by one point. Despite winning their last two games with impressive scores -- the other being a record 43-10 victory against the All Blacks in Wellington -- the Springboks are expecting a tough outing in London. This is what captain Siya Kolisi said ahead to todays game. Elvis Pessin spoke to SABC sports reporter, Simon Burke..

President Donald Trump has ordered Isreal to stop bombing Gaza saying Hamas is 'ready for peace'.  The announcements came hours after the US president gave Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the peace plan or face all hell. Hamas has submitted its response to Trump's peace plan, with the group agreeing to hand over administration of the enclave to Palestinian technocrats and free all Israeli captives. This comes as Human rights organisation, Save Our Sacred Lands is refuting claims by the Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in South Africa, that the Gaza Sumud Flotilla vessels were not carrying aid. Speaking to my colleague, Bongiwe Zwane, Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel, Ariel Seidman, Deputy claimed the flotilla mission is just a stunt. Elvis Presslin spoke to Save Our Sacred Lands Co-ordinator, July Eccles.

There are 34 proposed witnesses to give evidence at the Ad Hoc Committee set up to investigate allegations of corruption in the country's judicial system and law enforcement made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. President Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the those expected to be called by the committee. Ramaphosa, National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola, his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya, and Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, are all expected to appear before the committee. Mkhwanazi will appear before the committee on the 7th of October. Abra Barbier filed this report  voiced by producer Sisanda Jonas

To further discuss what is coming out of the Madlanga commission ,  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Professor William Gumede of the School of Governance at Wits University and Andy Mashaile , security analyst and former SA interpol Crime Ambassador 

In November this year , the Global Fund which is the main funder for the worldwide response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria is  hosting its 8th replenishment conference. This where donor countries  make pledges to fund vital, life-saving work. The Global Fund raises and invests money in three-year cycles known as Replenishments. Now, ahead of the conference, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) or Doctors without Borders released a report raising concerns and  highlighting the challenges this replenishment faces, including the impact of shrinking donor support. MSF says without sufficient funding there will be antiretroviral, antimalarial and tuberculosis drug stockouts and that critical prevention activities will be neglected.. To get more  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Candice Sehoma - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Access Regional Advisor for Africa

The Springboks have stormed to the top of the Rugby Championship standings after thrashing Argentina 67–30 at Kings Park in Durban YESTERDAY. Rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered a record-breaking performance, scoring 37 points, including a hat-trick of tries, to surpass Percy Montgomery's long-standing mark for the most points in a single Test. South Africa ran in nine tries to three, securing a vital bonus point. In their final matches of the competition, the Boks now face Argentina again at Twickenham in London next weekend, while Australia will host New Zealand in Perth. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC rugby commentator Reiner Swart. 

Italy and Spain THIS WEEK decided to dispatch naval vessels to assist the Global Sumud Flotilla on its way to break Israel's siege of Gaza.The unprecedented move to support the flotilla headed towards the Palestinian enclave comes after repeated attacks against the Sumud Flotilla, including a drone attack early on Wednesday. Israel is widely believed to be behind the attacks. However, in keeping with many of its suspected overseas operations, the government has not commented. Among the flotilla's passengers are ten South Africans; Bongiwe Zwane spoke to activist Dr. Fatima Hendricks aboard one of the vessels