Cape Town businessman and alleged underworld gang boss, Nafiz Modack  accused of the murder of a top police detective Charl Kinnear has taken a stand to testify at the trial taking place in the Cape Town High Court.  He's started by giving a background of his alleged involvement in the property and security business now alleged to be  part of Cape Town underworld. Mlamli Maneli reports...

Some university students; including those at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students are reported to be struggling with various financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including for accommodation. Hundreds of students  at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) are said to be sleeping in a student centre, hallways and even outside due to a lack of available campus housing for about three weeks now. Every day, student numbers are taken, and administrators promise a placement as soon as possible, yet students have still been camping for weeks. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Kagisho  Mamabolo , Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of the Private Student Housing Association and Ishmael Mnisi, Spokesperson for  National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

The South African Social Security Agency and Postbank are appealing to grant beneficiaries to replace their SASSA Gold Cards with the new Postbank Black Cards by the end of this month. Should the beneficiaries fail to get the new card before the deadline, they will be unable to access their SASSA grant payments. After the deadline, Gold Cards will no longer be functional for any transactions. SASSA Spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explains...

The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali says the department has fully complied with the Public Protector's remedial actions or directives. This included a mandate to develop an escape prevention strategy and guidelines within 90 days, along with ensuring compliance with Section 95(3) of the Correctional Services Act. Ntsalintshali says the department submitted key documents all within the stipulated deadlines.  This as Department officials are currently briefing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services regarding the Escape Prevention Strategy, a step in implementing the Public Protector's recommendations following the high-profile escape of Thabo Bester. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Zalene Merrington 

The South African Human Rights Commission's Eastern Cape Provincial Office has unveiled its latest investigation report on school sanitation. The report evaluates the government's adherence to its obligations in ensuring safe and dignified sanitation for learners. The Commission initiated this investigation independently, focusing on the suitability of ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets in primary schools across the province. Following the various media reports of the deaths of young learners falling into school pit toilets. The commission says despite policy commitments, pit toilets remain widespread, posing serious health and safety risks. For more on this we are joined by Dr Eileen Carter - Eastern Cape  Provincial Head 

It is still unclear as to how many suspected illegal miners remain trapped underground at a disused mine shaft in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. This as search and rescue operations resumed today at Shaft 2 of the Rand Leases Mine. Police and emergency personnel are currently on site. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi...

King Khoisan SA and his supporters have been evicted at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This comes after  their deadline to vacate  the premises expired. Government was granted an eviction order on December 11 and King Khoisan SA was given 30 days from the date of the order to vacate the premises. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to King Khoisan SA...

Over 6-thousand Non Profit Organisations have been deregistered by the department of Social Development for failing to comply with registration requirements. The department warned that more than 200-thousand organisations, risk deregistration for failing to submit annual reports as required by the NPO Act. Non-profit organisations play a crucial role in South Africa providing solutions to various social, economic, and environmental issues. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Acting Chief Director: Community Development at the National Department of Social Development Luyanda Ngonyama 

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly.  

The Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) is reported to be  in a state of shambles. The streets are said to be filled with potholes, and waste/ garbage not collected which may lead to health hazards. Some of the buildings are reported to remain hijacked and dilapidated where occupants  allegedly don't pay for services. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Hasina Gori and a Member of the Steering Committee of the Joburg Crisis Alliance Mark Heywood