Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the electricity grid system has demonstrated good performance. However he's concerned about capacity loss factors, including unreliable units and partial load losses, hindering its performance. Despite these issues, the system showed signs of health, but maintaining consistency and addressing load shedding are crucial for achieving this. Ramokgopa, was briefing the media earlier on Thursday. 

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) says Solidarity is making false and spurious statements attempting to implicate it as being the perpetrator of the recent protest action at Gold One's Modder East operations and violence. AMCU was responding to accusations that the mine disregarded alleged atrocities suffered by the miners during the sit- in / hostage situation by AMCU members at Modder East mine in Springs, east of Johannesburg. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to AMCU Secretary General, Jeff Mphahlele.

In August this year, one of the worst taxi strikes in the Western Cape started at short notice, leaving thousands of people stranded. Subsequently,  at least five people were killed, over a 100 people arrested and damages of tens of millions of rand were reported. The strike was called by the South African National Taxi Council, or SANTACO, following the City of Cape Town's implementation of the National Land Transport Act. The city impounded non-compliant vehicles, which ignited the ire of taxi associations across the province, who claimed the industry was unfairly targeted. SABC reporter, Lerato Dlalisa reports.

The Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into the Usindiso Building Fire, Justice Sisi Khampempe, has recused Commissioner Advocate. Thulani Makhubela from the proceedings after a number of anti-foreign nationals and pro-Operation Dudula posts were found on his X account. The Commissioner was appointed to assist Justice Sisi Khampepe's investigation into the Usindiso building fire, which killed 77 people and injured 60 more. The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) brought the application, alleging that Makhubela made xenophobic remarks on the social media platform X. SERI also accuses the commissioner of being close to and actively supporting Operation Dudula, which is known for its anti-foreign-national views. In her ruling, Justice Sisi Khampempe delivering her rulling had this to say.

Some 44 million voters are registered to take part in the presidential, legislative, and regional votes today in the Democratic Republic of Congo as President Felix Tshisekedi seeks a second term. DRC voting commenced despite some calls for elections to be postponed amid fears about security in some areas. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC International News Reporter, Ditaba Tsotetsi.

Three people are facing trial for the robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in February 2020.  Whilst the co-accused siblings, Froliana and David Joseph were granted bail in November, the alleged mastermind behind the robbery, Imanuela David, has been denied bail. The trio is facing charges of house breaking and theft of more than $580 000 from President Ramaphosa's Limpopo farm. Ramaphosa has been cleared of any wrong doing by all the investigating institutions. SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe has more.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says they have been informed that some of their members are being held underground against their will by striking employee's at the Impala Bafokeng Platinum Mine in Rustenburg. Some of the miners who were part of the underground sit-in at the Impala Bafokeng Platinum Mine in Rustenburg in the North West, began resurfacing overnight. On Monday, over 2-thousand workers embarked on a sit-in protest underground over pension funds and employee share scheme. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Bafokeng Impala Platinum Mine Spokesperson, Johan Theron.

Continuing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have forced ships carrying vital goods to travel via the two-weeks long and more expensive Cape of Good Hope route around Africa. The attacks are reportedly perpetrated by Yemen's Houthi movement. The Iran-backed Houthi group has expressed that its attacking vessels in the Red Sea linked to Israel in protest against its military offensive in Gaza. Experts say as vessels gets re-routed around Africa shipping supply chains will be constrained as cargoes travel longer. SABC reporter, Naledi Ngcobo has more

Labour Union, Solidarity is set to take legal action against AMCU and the Gold One Mine over recent events at the mine at the Modder East facility in Springs. The union accuses the company of failing to act in the best interests of its employees during the sit-in/hostage situation, which they say included alleged humiliation, torture, and violations suffered by its members. They demand that the mine revoke suspensions and focus on holding perpetrators accountable. They also argue that Gold One's mandatory leave mandate is unlawful and that members will not report for duty until the company fulfills its legal obligations. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Advocate Paul Mardon on behalf of Solidarity.

Oil company, British Petroleum (BP) says it is temporarily halting the shipment of oil and gas through the Red Sea, between Africa and Asia, after a series of attacks by Houthi militants against commercial vessels transiting the route. Five shipping companies have already made a similar decision, but BP is the first oil company to make the call to avoid the international shipping choke point.  That means instead, vessels will most likely travel via the two-week longer and more expensive route, around the Cape of Good Hope.  Stuart Smith has more from London.