Residents from Riverlea in the south of Johannesburg took to the streets to protest against violence allegedly linked to illegal mining. Five suspected zama zamas were killed at the weekend in Riverlea, following an alleged turf war between rival factions. They believe corrupt police officers are allowing illegal miners to operate in the community freely. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to reporter Sashin Naidoo and Mining Expert, Sifiso Dladla... 

Parliament's Section 194 committee, looking into the fitness of the suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane to hold office, is compiling its draft report. The existence of the committee follows the National Assembly's adoption of a motion to probe Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office, after several negative court findings against her. Suspended Public Protector's term of office ends on the 15th of October. Many times the work of the committee was delayed, including two recusal applications for the chairperson, Qubudile Dyantyi and court challenges against the Parliamentary process. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to  SABC repoter Lulama Matya.. 

The Coal-Face with Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

1. Gold is being taken out of the West Rand mine dumps in an impressive new R2.5-billion development project.

2. A new opencast mine will begin producing platinum group metals in Limpopo by year-end.

3. The generation of green hydrogen was this week declared fully competitive.

Just days before the start of the African National Congress (ANC) Veterans League Conference, its presidential hopeful, Tony Yengeni, has been barred from contesting for the post.  Yengeni was set to square off with party veteran Dr Snuki Zikalala, who is the Convener of the Veterans League. He says he got an invitation stating that he can only attend the conference as a guest and not as a delegate. The ANC Veterans' League will hold its National Conference this weekend to elect new leaders. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ANC NEC member Tonny Yengeni

The Institute for Economic Justice together with the #PayTheGrants, have filed an application at the Pretoria High Court to challenge regulations which they say exclude many eligible people from getting the Social Relief Grant. They say fewer people have access to the grant today than was the case at its peak in March 2022. The latest research estimates at least 16 million people should be eligible for the SRD grant. Yet, in May 2023, while 14.4 million applied for the grant, only 8.4 million were approved, with 7.1 million people actually being paid. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy Chairperson of the #PayTheGrant, Elizabeth Raiters...

Residents of Mqhekezweni in the Eastern Cape live in fear as criminals demand protection fee, or they could be victims of rape.  The chief in that area has indicated that they are aware of this and the community is patrolling however the challenge is that the criminals are armed with guns. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to reporter, Fundiswa Mhlekude... 

Qubudile Dyantjie, Chairperson of the Section 194 committee probing the fitness of suspended public protector Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane has briefed the committee on the application by Mkhwebane to remove himself from presiding over her inquiry.  Dyantyi has decided not to recuse himself and says Mkhwebane failed to provide all the recordings she relied on in the recusal application. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to our reporter in parliament, Joseph Mosia.. 

Workers at the Cape Town Office of the State Attorney are enraged that one of their colleague has been on sick leave for seven years while receiving full pay and benefits. Despite being watched by coworkers while on regular holiday trips Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Solicitor-General within the department of Justice and Correctional Services Fhedzisani Pandelani

 Individuals wishing to establish and operate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and religious institutions may soon undergo mandatory vetting by state security services to evaluate whether they pose a threat to national security. President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet recently adopted the 2023 General Intelligence Law Amendment Bill (Gilab), which makes numerous substantial changes to the laws governing the State Security Agency (SSA), South Africa's leading government intelligence and security body. Gilab is part of Ramaphosa's government's response to the SSA's deeply rooted problems, including political factionalism, mismanagement of millions in clandestine funding, and a general disdain for the law and the Constitution. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to  Daily Maverick freelancer Heidi Swart 

Russia-Africa Summit aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent. This 2nd Summit is expected to consider four declarations and a three-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration. Russian president Vladimir Putin has welcomed African leaders at the 2nd Humanitarian and Economic Russia/Africa summit currently ongoing in St' Petersburg. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Professor of International Relations and Director at the African Centre for the Study of the United States at Wits University, Professor Gilbert Khadiagala