The Weekend View

The DRC and Rwanda YESTERDAY signed an agreement in Washington to promote peace and economic development. The accord, signed at a ceremony with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is seen as part of a diplomatic push to end violence after an advance by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo. The Trump administration has taken a special interest in Congo since a Congolese senator contacted U.S. officials to pitch a minerals-for-security deal this year. This agreement comes just days after the DRC and Rwanda  agreed to halt fighting until peace talks mediated by Qatar reach their conclusion. To discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Godber Tumushabe, Associate Director at the Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies in Uganda's capital, Kampala  

Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando pirates drew nil all in their CAF Champions League semi-final matches played against Egyptian sides, Al Ahly and Pyramids respectively. The Pretoria giants failed to take home advantage in Loftus Versfeld Stadium while the Buccaneers were rescued by the Video Assistant Referee at the FNB stadium.  Meanwhile Stellenbosch FC will TODAY make their debut in continental club competitions when they play Simba FC of Tanzania in Zanzibar in another CAF Champions League first leg, semifinal fixture. To discuss all this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mathews Mpete, SABC sports analyst...

As Christians worldwide mark Easter, honoring the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, tradition takes center stage at family tables. Pickled fish and hot cross buns remain firm favorites for some, especially on Good Friday, when many abstain from meat and opt for fish instead. For those observing Lent, the 40-day fast ends, making way for celebration. And what better way to indulge than with Easter-themed desserts? 

What foods are on your menu this Easter weekend, and what is their significance? 
To look at SA's ultimate Easter Feast Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  Chef Coovashan Pillay, President of the South African Chefs Association and Gert Du Toit  chef and principal at MLK School of Cooking.....

South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) has deployed additional resources and introduced advanced surveillance technology at several ports of entry for the Easter long weekend travel period. This time around the BMA deployed drones and body worn cameras for additional technological support. On Friday, BMA commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato visited the Lebombo Border Post to Mozambique to monitor the accelerated security control measures before the Easter holidays. Today he is expected to be at the Beitbridge port of entry. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr. Masiapato,   Commissioner of the Border Management Authority 

Authorities are on high alert this Easter Sunday as traffic volumes swell across the country. With thousands of Zion Christian Church members driving back from Moria TONIGHT and TOMORROW and holidaymakers returning from family visits, congestion is expected especially on routes leading out of Limpopo, Kwa Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape. The Road Traffic Management Corporation is urging motorists to exercise caution, patience, and respect for road rules. To get a sense of the traffic situation on the ground Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Road traffic management corporation spokesperson, Simon Zwane.

The World Changers Candidate - WCC - is calling on churches, parents, and communities to unite and take action against the normalisation of drug culture among young people. This as TOMORROW, Easter Sunday, coincides with the globally recognised "4/20" phenomenon—a day synonymous with cannabis celebration. The clash of these two dates has sparked concern over the potential escalation of youth-led "dagga parties" and drug-related activities. WCC launched the month-long campaign YESTERDAY and wants to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for growth. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Lucas Mahlakgane, Chairperson of WCC 

It's a bumper Easter weekend of continental football with three South African teams taking on rivals in the CAF Champions League first leg, semifinal fixtures. Mamelodi Sundowns and 12-time CAF Champions league winners, Al Ahly are set for a blockbuster match-up at Loftus Versfeld THIS AFTERNOON, with a place in the final on the line. Kick-off is at 3 pm. Following that is another cliffhanger when Orlando Pirates face the Pyramids of Egypt in a fixture that has been moved from Orlando Stadium to FNB Stadium. Kick off is at 6 pm. Both games will be broadcast live on SABC 1 and SABC 2 respectively. And tomorrow Stellenbosch will clash with Simba FC of Tanzania in Zanzibar in another CAF Champions League first leg, semifinal fixture.  To preview today's games Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mathews Mpete, SABC sports analyst...

The South African National Blood Service - SANBS - is this long weekend embarking on it's #EasterFamilyBloodBond to encourage families to donate blood together during the holiday season. The service says they are ready to receive you whether you're ready to donate blood or simply curious about your blood type. To tell us more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Musiiwa Denga, SANBS External Communications Manager 

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces THIS WEEK announced the formation of a rival government, two years since the country descended into a brutal war that has left tens of thousands dead and triggered what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Since war erupted on 15 April 2023, nearly 13 million people have been displaced and there is no political solution in sight. With Sudan's humanitarian crisis deepening, a donor conference hosted in London on Tuesday saw international partners pledging to ramp up support to help victims in a war that has claimed more than 150,000 lives. Medical charity, MSF or Doctors without Borders is actively working in the worst affected areas of Sudan and it's Director of Associations in Southern Africa, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Monica Genya

The MK Party says South Africa must use the next 90 days to intensify its relations with countries in the BRICS block. It has also said it will not involve itself or be used 
in the machinations within the Government of National Unity with respect to the Budget. This, as the ANC met with the YESTERDAY to resolve the impasse in the executive governance structure. The country's main opposition also pronounced on South Africa's tense relations with the US on the sidelines of an event to celebrate party leader, Jacob Zuma's birthday in Soweto. Busi Bopela has more details and to discuss more about the meeting between the ANC and DA and today's meeting with the FF+,  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to ISABC political editor Mzwandile Mbeje