TALKING POINTS:
*** President Ramaphosa’s SONA commitment to look into the development of a hydrogen economy is of great significance.
*** Transnet’s latest plans to rail manganese to the ports is an important boost for South Africa’s export potential.
*** South Africa should follow Australia’s example of allowing mining companies to generate their own solar power.

Economists say President Cyril Ramaphosa should be judged by how well he coordinate and implement plans announced in his state of the nation address. President Ramaphosa's SONA speech emphasised the need for economic growth and job creation, good governance and the importance to address Eskom's crisis. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to ensure the speed up of the release of the 230 billion-rand of support for the ailing power utility Eskom. Will throwing money at Eskom, solve the utililty crisis and the country's energy problems. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to energy analyst and managing director at EE Publishers Chris Yelland...

Health workers union, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) has raised concerns about overcrowing at hospitals in Gauteng. The Union has called on it's members not to care for more than the number of patients that they can manage, as this could lead to litigation. Tembisa and Kopanong hospitals have since admitted that their facilities are overcrowded due to the increasing demand for healthcare services. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chairperson of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), Simpiwe Gada and Gauteng Health Department HOD, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed former President, Jacob Zuma's request to appeal against the finding that he was not entitiled to state funding. The high court has now instructed the state attorney to take steps and recover the money. The Democratic Alliance says that they have always felt that Zuma 'Should be held liable to pay his legal fees', and they feel that justice has been served. Krivani Pillay spoke to James Selfe, Da's federal executive chairperson

Police say they're working around the clock to find the person or people behind the murders of homeless people in Pretoria. The body of the fifth homeless person was discovered at a bus terminal not far from the UNISA campus in Muckleneuk *yesterday. Criminologist and former head of the police's psychological investigating unit, Gerard Labuschagne, says because of the intimate nature of the crimes it is possible the killer knows the victims. He added that the police will make a big mistake if they don't investigate the deaths as a serial killer. Krivani Pillay spoke Gerald Labuschangne, Criminologist and former head of the police's psychological investigating unit...

Security is tight in and around the Parliamentary Precinct ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address this evening. Ramaphosa will deliver his second state of the Nation Address this year. The Presiding Officers of Parliament Thandi Modise and Amos Masondo say they are ready for the official opening of Parliament *this evening. Modise who is the Speaker of the National Assembly says she believes that this evening's proceeding will go well. Krivani Pillay spoke to Cas Coovadia, President of the Business Unity South Africa

Organised crime flourished under Jacob Zuma's presidency as South Africa's criminal justice agencies were manipulated for political and personal gain. This statement was contained in the joint submission from the Institute for Security Studies and Corruption Watch to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. The submission claims that manipulation of the criminal justice system also took place under former president Thabo Mbeki, but mostly thrived under Zuma, at the expense of the country's safety and economic wellbeing. Krivani Pillay spoke to Head of the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme at the ISS, Gareth Newham

The families of apartheid security force victims have written a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request a commission of inquiry to investigate the suppression of the Truth Reconciliation and Commission (TRC) cases. The families say they been appalled at the manner in which the unfinished business of the TRC was handled by the previous administrations. They want the president to appoint a commission of inquiry into the political interference that has stopped the investigation and prosecution of all the cases referred by the TRC to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Joburg residents will be without water for two and a half days next week. Rand water is planning a major water shut down for 54 hours from Monday 24th. Joburg Water says Rand Water, which is the main bulk water supplier is planning a major water shutdown that will affect ALL its reservoirs and towers. Nico de Jager, MMC for environment and infrastructure services says this would result in the limited water supply to all Rand Water customers.

Residents of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, are marching to the City of Johannesburg's offices in Sandton to demand better services. Residents took to the streets this morning in protest over Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba's promises to rebuild about 80 illegal properties that were demolished by the Red Ants last month. In April residents embarked on a similar march to the same offices to raise concerns over poor service delivery issues and the continued mushrooming of illegal dwellings in the township.