The Weekend View

The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud this week announced consumer complaint statistics for the 2024/25 financial year. In the latest report the ombud facilitated refunds or replacements to consumers to the value of R11.9 million. According to the CGSO , the annual report aims to reflect on what the CGSO has achieved but also why their work matters. The theme this year is accessibility. CGSO has found that many of the most  vulnerable consumers in poor and rural communities remain unaware of their rights or uncertain on how to enforce them. For more we are now joined on the line by  Consumer Goods and Services Ombud Chief Executive Officer ,Queen Munyai

The saga surrounding the repatriation of the body of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu back to his country for burial took a dramatic turn YESTERDAY. The family of the former leader filed papers for leave to appeal hours after Friday's High Court judgement that had ruled that Zambia's government can repatriate the body, despite his family's opposition. The dispute follows a long-standing feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, with Lungu's family saying he had indicated that Hichilema should not attend his funeral. Handing down the ruling, judge Aubrey Ledwaba had earlier ordered Lungu's family to immediately surrender his body to authorities. For reaction Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Augustine Chisembele, Secretary General of the Zambia Association in South Africa 

The Church, as a prominent social institution, has a complex relationship with violence against women and children, both contributing to and combating it. While the Church is called to be a source of healing and protection, some instances reveal that church leaders and structures can perpetuate or enable GBV. Some church leaders, including pastors, have been found to be perpetrators of GBV, betraying their role as spiritual leaders and protectors. The South African Christian Leaders Initiative - SACLI - says many people are experiencing some form of sexual and gender based violence in our churches across South Africa. However, many faith-based organizations and leaders are actively working to address GBV through education, prevention programmes, and support for survivors. Some religious leaders believe the time has come for the church to rise up, to speak out and to act.  

Does the church have the necessary resources and skills to address GBV?  To help us explore this vital question Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Nataski Manyika, Author and Founding Editor of Christian Royalty Magazine & First Lady at Amazing Grace Centre alongside Pastor Kennedy Manyika.... and  Reverend Mzwandile Molo, General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches 

The Border Management Authority is set to unveil new security measures to boost traveller verification and law enforcement at ports of entry. The authority says this move is part of the BMA's renewed push to enhance border operations. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr. Mike Masiapato ...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied owning a multimillion-rand Constantia mansion, saying the property belongs to his son-in-law and is privately owned. This comes after he listed two luxury homes in Constantia and Midrand in Parliament's latest Register of Members' Interests, raising eyebrows nationwide. The properties, valued at a combined R65 million, have reignited public concern over transparency and wealth among politicians. Mashatile, who earns just over R3 million annually, insists there's nothing untoward.  This is the subject of our Sunday Morning Discussion and to discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Zwelinzima Vavi, SAFTU'S General Secretary, Rise Mzansi Chief Whip, Makashule Gana and Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu, Director of the School of Public Leadership at Stellenbosch University ..

The ANC is THIS WEEKEND holding its much-anticipated National Executive Committee meeting in Ormonde in southern Johannesburg.  The meeting which, will end on Monday, comes in the wake of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu taking leave of absence following explosive allegations by KZN police commissioner Lt. general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The meeting is also set to discuss the US-imposed tariffs which will essentially take effect on Thursday. The state of the fragile Government of National UNity - GNU - may also up for discussion. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC senior political reporter Ntebo Mokobo......

Booking a holiday online can be risky, warns a Cape Town beachfront property owner. Scammers are cloning venue websites, hijacking host accounts, and stealing luxury property images to lure unsuspecting travellers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These fake listings, often offering West Coast and Atlantic Seaboard stays at unrealistically low prices, are leaving potential holidaymakers in a bind. Naomi Marx, who owns beachfront holiday accommodation on the West Coast in Cape Town warns that if you're not booking with a sharp fraud radar, you're likely to become the next victim. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Naomi Marx

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he remains hopeful that ongoing talks with Washington will help ease new US tariffs on South African goods. This follows a 30% tariff introduced by US  President Donald Trump, targeting multiple nations  including South Africa as part of a wider global trade reset. Ramaphosa says South Africa has tabled a trade framework seeking exemptions and mutual investment opportunities. Ramaphosa further says Government is also finalising support measures for affected industries, while continuing diplomatic efforts to protect local jobs and strengthen alternative export markets. The New tariffs to essentially take effect in six days' time. For more on this, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Trade, Industry and Competition Ministerial Spokesperson, Kaamil Alli as well as Khaya Sithole, an independent economic analyst

Nearly 1,000 suspected zama-zamas mostly undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested at Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga. The raid, part of Operation Vala Umgodi involving SAPS and the SANDF, forced the miners to surface after food supplies ran dry. Police say those arrested face charges under the Immigration Act and for illegal mining. Authorities have vowed to dismantle criminal mining networks in the province. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Brigadier Donald Mdluli, Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson  

Major western nations are facing growing pressure to recognise a Palestinian state, after France announced THIS WEEK that it will do so in September. President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly. The announcement was predictably condemned by Israel and the US. Italy has suggested that the recognition of a Palestinian state must occur simultaneously with the recognition of Israel by the new entity. France will become the first major Western country to recognise a Palestinian state, potentially fuelling a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel. For reaction Jon Gericke spoke to Usuf Chikte, Chief co-ordinator at the Palestine Solidarity Campaign .....