The Weekend View

As South Africa grapples with rising financial stress, Employment Law experts at law firm, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr say the legal, psychological, and employment implications of over-indebtedness are increasingly impossible to ignore. Health experts have found that excessive debt has been linked to deteriorating mental health, impaired decision-making, and diminished functional capacity. The firm adds that these effects raise an interesting and important question for employment law. To find out to what extent can over-indebtedness constitute incapacity or serve as a mitigating factor in cases of employee misconduct, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Malesela Letwaba, Associate in Employment Law at CDH 

A new report by WaterCAN reveals that nearly 40% of water samples tested at South African schools are unsafe to drink. The month-long project saw pupils from 95 schools test tap, tank, and river water, many showing contamination and low pH levels. The report further reveals that for many pupils, especially in rural and quintile 1-3 schools, water has become an item they carry from home, with some schools relying on streams or rainwater for daily use. For more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Ferrial Adam, executive manager of waterCAN 

Rwanda and the DRC have signed a US-brokered peace deal aimed at ending years of bloodshed in eastern Congo. Deadly clashes have ravaged the mineral-rich region, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a claim Kigali denies. While previous peace efforts failed, this new accord includes commitments to cease hostilities and disarm militias. Critics, however, warn it could become a cover for foreign interests to exploit the DRC's vast resources once again. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Africa analyst and Unisa researcher, Advocate Sipho Mantula 

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat at the FIFA Club World Cup after losing 4-3 to Borussia Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio  YESTERDAY. Sundowns looked more ambitious and hungry in the early stages of the match, and their efforts were rewarded with an opener in the 11th minute. Despite the loss, coach Miguel Cardoso has hailed the teams brave display ahead of their key tie against Fluminense on Wednesday. To review the game Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC Sports analyst, Mathews Mpete

Banks in South Africa have been criticised for using aggressive tactics to address home loan arrears. Some of these tactics include initiating legal action for repossession even when homeowners are actively reducing their arrears, imposing excessive legal costs that quickly surpass the actual debt and failing to engage meaningfully with customers before resorting to court action. This week a High Court judge slammed Standard Bank for its 'disproportionate' attempt to foreclose on the home of union leader Zwelinzima Vavi, even as he was consistently paying off the arrears on his home loan. This is not a unique case to Vavi and more and more South Africans find them themselves in this situation.  In an attempt to get justice , hundreds of homebuyers are taking the banks to court for repossessing their homes and selling them for a fraction of their worth. According to Advocate Douglas Shaw, who is spearheading the case, the courts will soon hear the class action suit against the banks for repossessing homes and selling them off for a fraction of their worth. 

To discuss how the repossession crisis in South Africa came about and the systemic injustices surrounding bank repossessions in South Africa Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Advocate Douglas Shaw and President of the Lungelo Lethu Human Rights Foundation , Nkululeko Xhelithole who are leading the R60 billion class action against  the major banks in South Africa 

People who need help or if their homes have already been sold can send an email to [email protected] or [email protected]

There are no signs of de-escalation as Iran and Israel trade new missile strikes for a ninth day. There are reports THIS MORNING of an explosion in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, home to Iran's largest nuclear research complex. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful and his country remains open to diplomacy, but Israel's attacks must stop first. Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir, on the other hand is warning that his country should be prepared for a "prolonged campaign" against Iran as Israeli attacks on the country enter their ninth day. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Naeem Jeenah from the Mapungubwe Institute For Strategic Reflection - MISTRA 

In a damning report, Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has given Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Zolile Williams 90 days to act against officials involved in the R15 million Leeseyton Sports Field in the Enoch Mgijima Municipality. If you don't remember this story, let me refresh your memory a little bit. It was an open field with what appeared to be grandstands yet no athletics tracks, soccer field, ablution facilities etc. in sight. Remember how the picture of a ribbon that was to be cut yet there was nothing there drew outrage from many including political parties. The Public protector has found the tender process was flawed and was awarded to the fourth-highest bidder after a shortened advertising period. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Public Protector South Africa spokesperson , Khulu Phasiwe  

South Africans are more digitally connected than ever, but with this convenience comes growing risk. The increase in internet usage, mobile penetration, and social media engagement has led to a surge in online fraud, with scammers exploiting every opportunity to target vulnerable consumers—especially those seeking credit. Leonie van Pletzen, CEO of MicroFinance South Africa says increased reliance by consumers and businesses on online platforms has led to a significant rise in scams and fraudulent activity. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Leonie van Pletzen, CEO of MicroFinance South Africa (MFSA) 

According to the National Shelter Movement of South Africa 82.8% of young African women in impoverished areas are engaging in sexual relationships with older men. As youth unemployment has reached an all-time high in South Africa, a recent study conducted by NSMSA has revealed this shocking evidence that economic hardship, gender inequality and social media trends are driving blesser/blessee relationships between older men and young women and girls. To get more details on these findings and dangers of this trend Bongiwe Zwane spoke to NSMSA National Coordinator, Anisa Moosa 

In the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup competition, Mamelodi Sundowns face Germany's Borussia Dortmund TODAY in a pivotal Group F clash at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, USA. While Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw in their Club World Cup opener against Fluminense, Sundowns made history with a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD. With qualification for the knockout rounds still wide open, this encounter could prove decisive. Sundowns, the reigning South African champions, entered the tournament as underdogs, but they've already shown that they won't be pushed over easily. To look at this game Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC Sports analyst, Mathews Mpete..