The Weekend View

TODAY is World Braille Day. It is observed annually on January 4th to highlight the significance of braille as a vital communication tool for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized this day in 2019, coinciding with the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the braille system. However, here in South Africa, the blind community finds itself embroiled in a legal battle over specific provisions in the Copyright Amendment Bill. These provisions criminalize the conversion of reading materials into accessible formats, such as braille or large print, without the copyright holder's permission, a critical issue impacting access to information and education for the visually impaired. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Christo De Klerk Blind SA president 

As we step into 2025, many are reflecting on the year gone by and setting fresh goals. with some saying holidays can at times leave us feeling more drained than refreshed. In South Africa, where 35% of people struggle with mental health, the highest globally, according to the Mental State of the World Report, self-care has become a necessity. So, how can you return to work energized and ready to thrive? YuLife SA, highlights the importance of finding balance and recharging during the holidays as the foundation for starting the year strong. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Bernise Games, Head of Marketing at YuLife South Africa

Despite being little, teenage sensation Luke Littler stormed to victory over Michael van Gerwen to win the World Darts Championship in London LAST NIGHT. The 17-year-old English teenager nicknamed 'The Nuke', Littler beat the odds by drubbing van Gerwen from Holland 7 - 3 to become the youngest world champion in World Darts history.  Last year Littler came close to winning the competition as a rookie but exactly one year later, the budding superstar has etched his name in history by denying his Dutch rival a 4th title. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Danny Pillay, Finance Director at Darts South Africa for their perspective of the final. 

The Road Traffic Management Corporation - RTMC- has pledged to intervene to reduce road accidents and fatalities on national roads as holidaymakers return to the cities and their places of work this weekend. Hundreds of people have already lost their lives in countless accidents reported across the country this festive season. Among the areas with the highest numbers of fatal crashes are eThekwini, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, Capricorn, Ekurhuleni and the Cape Winelands. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane

As the festive season reaches its peak, holidaymakers are flocking to beaches across the country. However, the ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consulting firm has raised alarm bells over E. coli levels detected in some coastal waters. The firm conducted a study on beach water safety at five beaches within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro ,focusing on Faecal Streptococcus and E. coli bacteria as indicators of faecal contamination. In Nelson Mandela Bay, the New Brighton Beach  along with several others, have been closed after water quality tests confirmed contamination. The firm is urging beachgoers to steer clear of these areas, warning that the polluted waters could pose serious health risks. Udo Carelse spoke to Chumani Jezile, public health consultant at ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consulting firm .....

TODAY is one year since South Africa instituted proceedings at the International Court of Justice - ICJ - against Israel. 'South Africa vs Israel' is an ongoing case that was brought before the ICJ on 29 December 2023 by South Africa regarding Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war, that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings. On 26 January 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of genocide, and to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. While 14 countries have joined SA on the case, others particularly major western countries, remain opposed. Has the case made any impact on the ground and has South Africa gained more friends or foes? Udo Carelse spoke to Prof. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, political analyst and director for the Centre for Security, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University. Professor Breakfast also shared his thoughts and perspective on post-election turmoil in Mozambique.

The Information Regulator has taken legal action to prevent the Department of Basic Education (DBE) from publishing the 2024 matric results in newspapers, citing violations of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The regulator argues that releasing results, even with anonymized data, breaches privacy laws without consent. The DBE, however, insists on proceeding with publishing matric results, despite a R5 million fine from the Information Regulator for alleged non-compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. The department's Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga cites a 2022 Pretoria High Court judgment allowing results to be published using exam numbers to protect students' personal details.  A court hearing is scheduled for 7 January 2025 to resolve the matter, just days before the results of the class of 2024 will be released. To get the view of the department ,Udo Carelse spoke to the Department of Basic Education Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga.

AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is expected to announce his new traditional prime minister in due course, This following the dismissal of Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi as his prime minister. The king cited Buthelezi's conduct as inconsistent with the values of the monarchy. In a letter, the king thanked Buthelezi for his 11 months of service but stated the decision was made in the best interests of the Zulu nation. Buthelezi, who succeeded the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, had played a role in the king's coronation but faced scrutiny for actions deemed misaligned with the throne's principles. To delve deeper into the issue, Udo Carelse spoke to Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, Cultural expert from the University of Kwazulu-Natal

Cargo processing resumed smoothly YESTERDAY at the Lebombo border, with the Border Management Authority confirming that trucks, pedestrians, and small vehicles were being processed without significant disruptions. This comes amid ongoing protests in Mozambique following the confirmation of Frelimo as the winner of the October elections. Authorities have assured that movement at the border remains normal. However, the BMA says SAPS, and SANDF are maintaining a high level of vigilance and are prepared to respond should tensions escalate near the border. There are also growing concerns about the possibility of escaped Mozambican prisoners potentially crossing into South Africa. Udo Carelse spoke to BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato 

In breaking news....More Illegal miners have resurfaced from the disused Stilfontein mine in the North West province. This brings the total number of zama zamas that have emerged from the mine in recent days to 47. Police say all those who have resurfaced have been arrested and will appear in court on Monday, 30 December 2024.  Colonel Adele Myburgh, North West police spokesperson said operation "Vala Umgodi will continue throughout the festive season. She spoke to Udo Carelse.