Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says school safety remains a major concern, with the department reviewing its seven-pillar safety strategy. Maile says Search-and-seizure operations will continue at schools, both announced and unannounced. Maile says the department is spending R165 million on school patrollers, while working with SAPS and Community Safety to strengthen security and combat crime. Maile was briefing the media outlining plans to curb issues affecting Gauteng schools. Maile is facing a mammoth task to stabilize compromised safety measures in a number of schools that have been identified high-risk. Briefing the media  had this to say 

Orlando Pirates will have to get past Sekhukhune United in their bid to win a fifth successive MTN8 title.Pirates were pushed into extra time to beat MTN8 debutants Durban City in Soweto.
Sekhukhune United got the better of  AmaZulu in a thrilling 4-3 win, which also needed extra time to separate the teams. The second semi-final will see Mamelodi Sundowns face Golden Arrows, who sent Kaizer Chiefs packing. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more   

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has distanced itself from Morita Forestry, following allegations that the company operated an investment scam that cost South Africans hundreds of millions of rand. The department says it had no formal relationship with Morita Forestry, but participated in a tree-planting event where the company donated about 300 trees. The department says Morita Forestry may have used its participation in the One Million Trees Programme to create an impression of legitimacy. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the department's Chief Director for Forestry Development, Tebogo Mathiane  

The South African Weather Service has issued a severe warning for disruptive snowfall over the Drakensberg and northern parts of Eastern Cape. Snow is also a possibility in Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng as the cold front intensifies. We spoke to Senior Forecaster at the South African Weather Service, Tokelo Chiloane.....

Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching a deal over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. However, Tehran says an agreement alone will not be enough to reopen the strategic waterway. The agreement is considered crucial to broader efforts to end the war, which began after simultaneous American and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February. We spoke to Senior Researcher and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues Thembisa Fakude

The Road Traffic Management Corporation is urging motorists to exercise extreme caution as snow, rain, freezing temperatures and icy conditions affect several provinces. Multiple roads and mountain passes are closed, including parts of the N3, N6, N9, R58 and R74. Motorists are advised to postpone unnecessary travel, reduce speed and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. RTMC spokesperson is Simon Zwane 

The Transport Department says a number of vehicles are currently stranded on the Barkly Pass, with emergency personnel on the ground working to assist. This comes as three mountain passes have been closed in the province due to heavy snowfall. Eastern Cape Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose says motorists are being advised to delay their journeys and avoid certain areas where possible, to prevent further incidents and reduce pressure on emergency services. He is urging motorists to heed warnings issued by authorities, reduce their speed and maintain a safe following distance. RTMC spokesperson is Simon Zwane 

A raging fire has destroyed about 700 shacks at the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, leaving between 400 and 500 residents, mainly women, homeless. KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says more than 400 affected residents had been profiled by yesterday afternoon. Duma says he is liaising with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who is expected to visit the province this week with the UN-Habitat Executive Director. The provincial government says R445 million has been allocated to build new houses for Jika Joe residents. Ndabezinhle Sibiya Spokesperson for MEC of Transport and Human Settlements

Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has proclaimed the 4th of November as the date for the Local Government Elections, formally launching the 90 day election period. The proclamation marks the first major milestone in the election calendar as political parties prepare to contest municipalities across the country. Hlabisa says government is ready to deliver a free and fair election. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Elections Analyst, Wayne Sussman

South Africa will be hoping that their unconvincing start and adversity in the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will serve as a wake-up call to propel them to greater heights for the rest of the tournament.But despite the poor start, Banyana Banyana are just 90 quality minutes away from achieving their first goal -- qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
They take on host nation, Morocco, in a quarterfinal match in Rabat on Saturday evening. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more