The UN has reported that the flare up of fighting has led to, among other humanitarian consequences, the displacement of over 400-thousand people. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Eujin Byun, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR ) global spokesperson

Reviving the country's economy, job creation, sustainable energy and the killing of SANDF members in the DRC among others, are set to top the agenda of the first Cabinet Lekgotla of the year which starts in Pretoria later today (Wednesday 29 January). The two-day meeting comes at a time when there are serious tensions among some GNU partners over a number of bills, which President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted. The Freedom Front Plus has lobbied other parties to challenge the constitutionality of the Expropriation Act in the Constitutional Court, while the Democratic Alliance has lodged a formal dispute within the GNU. These partners are also poles-apart on the Basic Education Amendment Bill and the National Health Insurance. Ntebo Mokobo has more.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a heartfelt statement, has extended condolences to the bereaved families of the South African soldiers in the DRC, vowing full support as the process of repatriating their remains gets underway. He has assured the nation that South African troops remain resolute, well-equipped, and supported in their mission under the SADC peacekeeping mandate. Amid swirling speculation on the battlefield conditions, the President urges South Africans to stand behind the men and women risking their lives to restore peace. He reiterates that South Africa’s presence in the DRC is not an act of war but a commitment to regional stability. 

Police in Mpumalanga have intensified visibility after 51 Putco buses were set ablaze in the Nkangala District last night. Armed suspects, reportedly in a white Toyota Quantum, targeted depots in Kwamhlanga and Siyabuswa.  In a statement  Mpumalanga police say at Kwamhlanga, 16 buses were burned after 15 suspects stormed a depot, held staff at gunpoint, and injured a security guard. In Siyabuswa, 35 buses were torched across two depots. Police are investigating charges, including arson and attempted murder. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to PUTCO spokesperson Lindokukle Xulu 

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the tragic loss of three soldiers during clashes near Goma Airport in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo yesterday, 27 January 2025. In a statement  the defence force says the incident occurred when M23 rebels launched mortar shells, striking the SANDF base. Additionally, one injured soldier succumbed to his wounds following days of intense fighting, while other injured members are receiving treatment at a Goma hospital. Despite these losses, the department force says SANDF remains steadfast in its peacekeeping duties under MONUSCO and SAMIDRC. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini 

Government officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced that the army is now controlling most of the town of Goma in the country's eastern region. However, the M23 rebels are adamant that they are controlling the town. For an update on the situation in the DRC, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to a journalist in Goma in the Eastern DRC, Emmet Livingstone. 

DA leader, John Steenhuisen has warned the ANC to treat his party as a coalition partner in the Government of National Unity or run the risk of tarnishing relations between the parties. Steenhuisen has been addressing the media on recent political developments and preparations for the upcoming local government elections. This follows an important meeting of the DA Federal Council where tensions with the ANC on the Expropriation Bill together with the National Health Insurance Bill were discussed. Steenhuisen, who expressed feeling under the weather which has affected his voice, says his party may have to reconsider its further participation within the GNU

South Africa has deplored what it termed "unwarranted attacks" against the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission in the DRC and SADC's Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and called on the Security Council to take decisive action against callous acts aimed and undermining its role in the maintenance of international peace and Security. Ambassador Mathu Joyini was addressing an exceptional emergency session of the Council in the aftermath of an M23 advance in eastern Congo that has killed at least 9 SANDF soldiers with several additional injuries confirmed. The sentiment was echoed by the DRC Foreign Minister who urged the Council to use everything in its toolbox to arrest the situation while Rwanda - that is accused of militarily supporting M23 rebels with boots inside Congo - accused the DRC of mismanaging a complex problem in the region. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has paid tribute to nine soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week, calling them gallant fighters who heroically halted the M23 rebels' advance on Goma. This comes amid calls for SA troops in DRC to be called back or withdrawn of their deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tragic losses have sparked criticism, with experts questioning the rationale behind deploying South African troops without sufficient support, including air cover. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SANDF spokesperson  Siphiwe Dlamini  

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has paid tribute to nine soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week, calling them gallant fighters who heroically halted the M23 rebels' advance on Goma. This comes amid calls for SA troops in DRC to be called back or withdrawn of their deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tragic losses have sparked criticism, with experts questioning the rationale behind deploying South African troops without sufficient support, including air cover. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Defence Analyst, Darren Olivier