The Weekend View

The Democratic Alliance is TODAY expected to unveil it's candidate for Johannesburg mayor in the 2026 Local Government Elections. Among the leading contenders in the race is DA Federal Council chairperson, Helen Zille. The announcement from Zille, first reported in June, gave some insights on the DA's aggressive push to regain control of South Africa's commercial capital. Other candidates jostling for power include Joburg caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Democratic Alliance's leader in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga 

Foreign ministers of 16 countries, including Spain, Brazil, Ireland and South Africa, THIS WEEK expressed concern about the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza and warned against unlawful or violent acts against it. The Flotilla is trying to break the siege of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid as well as raise awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza. A collection of more than 40 boats carrying critical aid left Italy YESTERDAY, and is now in international waters on the final leg of its journey to Gaza. For an update on the progress of the flotilla Bongiwe Zwane spoke to South African activist and member of the expedition, Dr. Fatima Hendricks 

We start with sports ....Orlando Pirates have made history by winning the MTN8 trophy for the fourth consecutive time. The Buccanners needed extra-time to beat Stellenbosch F.C 3-nil in the final played at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga LAST NIGHT..

In world cup rugby ...It's the end of the road for Springbok women after they suffered a 46-17 loss to New Zealand in their maiden Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final appearance YESTERDAY. Despite the defeat the South Africans can hold their heads high though - after reaching the quarter-finals for the first time ever.

Earlier in the day..The Springboks put on a spectecular show in Wellington and are back at number one in the world and their hopes of retaining their Rugby Championship title are very much alive. The brave Springboks recorded a convincing 43-10 bonus point victory over New Zealand in a dramatic turnaround after last week's defeat in Auckland. 
To talk about these results Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports reporter, Simon Burke...

The people of Malawi are set to vote for their next leader ON TUESDAY. This will be the first election since Lazarus Chakwera, a former opposition leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), became president in 2020 after the 2019 results were nullified by a court due to widespread irregularities. The ruling restored the political system's credibility, underscoring Malawi as a rare case in which courts and electoral institutions asserted independence from the executive. Chakwera is vying for a second term, while his main rival is former president Peter Mutharika. Besides voting for a president, the 7.2 million registered voters will also be taking part in parliamentary and local elections. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Victor Chipofya Junior, political analyst joining us from Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre.....

The Constitutional Court , South Africa's highest court, has ruled that men may assume their wives' surnames, declaring Section 26(1)(a) to (c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act unconstitutional as it unfairly discriminates on the basis of gender, by failing to afford men the right to assume the surname of women after marriage. The court says the law was a "colonial import" that amounted to gender-based discrimination. Parliament will now have to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act, along with its regulations, for the ruling to take effect. To unpack this historic decision Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Mathole Motshekga, founder of the Kara Heritage Institute and Professor Musa Xulu, cultural and religious expert 

South Africa is seeing a host of international companies shut down or downsize their local operations.  Last week, Ford, Glencore Plc and ArcelorMittal SA announced plans to cut thousands of jobs in South Africa, dealing a further blow to an economy marred by mass unemployment and slow growth. In August , the Goodyear SA plant in Kariega shut its doors after 78 years of operation, impacting over 900 workers... What should government do when South Africa's backbone industries are dismantled. What does this mean for the many livelihoods impacted by the job cuts and job losses . For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Nelson Machule Maqwazima , National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) veteran and  Economic Advisor in the Eastern Cape

President Cyril Ramaphosa says his administration is determined to address the service delivery challenges and the current mismanagement in the North West to restore public confidence. Accompanied by some of his cabinet ministers, Ramaphosa held a meeting with North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and his executive. Currently, the North West has the highest unemployment rate in the country at over 52 percent, and several municipalities have been affected by mismanagement. Ramaphosa says this has resulted in poor service delivery and a trust deficit. SABC reporter Ntebo Mokobo has more details

To discuss the issues raised at the Presidential engagement in the North West, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Kedibone Phago, Director of the School of Government Studies at the North-West University

Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA) is set to rollout the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences system (AARTO) to 69 municipalities across the country on December 1 this year.  This it says is an effort to curb the high number of road fatalities in the country.  Most sections of the act will come into effect in major municipalities across the country on December 1, 2025, followed by the remaining municipalities on April 1, 2026. The remaining sections of the AARTO Act (26 to 28), which includes the demerit points, are set to take effect on September 1, 2026. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Monde Mkalipi, Spokesperson for the Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA)

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will try out his new-look backline for the second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington, New Zealand, THIS MORNING. Kick of is at 09h05.(5 past nine).  The Springboks will be desperate to bounce back from their 24-17 defeat last weekend at Eden Park to stay in the running for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title, as well as retain the Freedom Cup between the two rugby giants. 

Later today, the Springbok Women will play their biggest game so far when they clash against New Zealand in the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. The match against the Black Ferns, who have won the past two World Cups, kicks off at 2pm in Exeter, England. The Springbok Women are appearing in the knockout stages for the first time after defeating Brazil and Italy.

..Meanwhile in local soccer....Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC will lock horns in TONIGHT's MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium. The encounter will be a repeat of last season's deciding match in the same competition.
To talk about this rugby and soccer bonanza Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC sports reporter, Simon Burke...

The Springbok Women will TODAY take up the mantle for South African Rugby when they take on France in the Women's Rugby World Cup tournament in Northampton, England . This after the Springboks suffered a 24-17 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park yesterday.  Coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted his team were the architects of their own downfall and hinted at changes ahead of next weekend's must-win clash in Wellington.
The Springbok Women, still celebrating their first-ever World Cup quarter-final qualification following a stunning win over Italy, face a formidable French squad, a side experts say boasts the experience and firepower to punish any lapse. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC rugby commentator, Renier Swart