Update@Noon

Many political parties are wrapping up their 2026 Local Government Election  campaign this week. City of Johannesburg' mayoral candidate Mlungisi Mabaso took his campaign to Kokotela Informal settlement in the South. Mabaso says now it will be in the hands of the electorate to change their fortunes by casting their votes. Interacting with community members he called them to vote differently in  order to change their immidiate living conditions. SABC Reporter Ntlantla Kgatlhane has more....

Chants of frustration filled the air outside Festive Chicken at Clayville in Ekhurhuleni, as workers demanded an increase in wages, permanent employment and medical aid. The workers are calling for a salary increase of up to 13-thousand-500 Rand  which they believe is necessary to meet the rising cost of living. Asisipho Mpahleni filed this report....

The Labour Party has told its supporters in Botshabelo in the Free State, that their votes are enough to change their lives. The party says it will prioritise the fight for real jobs and do away with age restrictions.  It is calling for fair and inclusive policies that open doors rather than close them. The party is contesting 51 Wards in the Mangaung Metro Municipality. Makgala Masiteng reports...

The latest gross domestic product rebasing exercise by Statistics South has found that South Africa's economy is 4,9-percent larger than previously estimated. The benchmarking and rebasing exercise lifted the measured size of the economy in 2022 to 6,99-trillion.  Stats SA has indicated that the new benchmarking methodology prioritises reclassified industries and the non-observed economy which has added 8,7-percent to GDP among other considerations.  SABC Economics Reporter Naledi Mabitsela-Ngcobo filed this report.

With just days until America's midterm elections, President Donald Trump's grip on Congress is under threat. Democrats are leading national polls as Republicans fight to defend their majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. For voters, the cost of living is a central concern; for Trump, losing either chamber could mean investigations and roadblocks to his agenda during his final two years in office. More than 39 million Americans have already voted early, as both parties launch their final push in an election that could reshape Washington's direction — with consequences far beyond America's borders. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane says the party is confident its message has resonated with voters, as it prepares to contest its first local government elections on the 4th of November. Maimane was speaking to the media in Finetown, Johannesburg, where the party was hosting its final rally ahead of the polls.  The party has named ethical leadership, economic growth and safety as its key priorities in securing stability in municipalities. Zara Groenewald reports….

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has refused classification of the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America". The Film board says Refused classification means the film is prohibited from creation, possession and distribution is South Africa.Jon Gericke spoke to Legal Officer at the Film and Publication Board (FPB), Andrew Sebapu....

Almost three decades into democracy, government is reviewing the policy framework that guides local government in South Africa. The 1998 Local Government White Paper laid the foundation for transforming municipalities, but government says the challenges facing local government have changed over the years. These include financial instability, deteriorating infrastructure, weak governance and persistent service delivery problems. SABC News specialist researcher Maswele Ralebona joins us to unpack the issues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to remain caretaker leader following an inconclusive election. With nearly 86 percent of votes counted, his right-wing bloc was projected to win 53 seats, against 48 for the opposition. Arab parties were projected to secure 19 seats. Netanyahu has called for a right-wing government, while coalition negotiations continue. Voter turnout reached 77-point-7 percent, the highest in more than two decades. Jon Gerickes spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow and Director Afrasid. 

South Africans head to the polls on the 4th of November for the 2026 Local Government Elections. The SABC is preparing comprehensive election coverage, keeping voters informed about developments, voter participation and results. To discuss the public broadcaster's plans and coverage strategy, Jon Gericke spoke to SABC News Resources Head, Khutso Matlala.