Update@Noon

Former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Head Advocate Andrea Johnson has conceded before the Madlanga Commission that suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola should not have been joined with accused persons facing fraud and corruption charges, Masemola faces charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) tied to the alleged irregular awarding of an R228 million SAPS tender to Medicare 24. Johnson agreed that Masemola, who faces only charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), could be prejudiced by being tried alongside those accused of serious corruption offences. However, she rejected suggestions that prosecutors deliberately sought to embarrass or tarnish Masemola's reputation, insisting there was never any intention to portray him as complicit in fraud or corruption. 

The battle over President Cyril Ramaphosa's impeachment inquiry is headed to the Constitutional Court, with the EFF seeking to overturn an interim High Court interdict halting Parliament's Section 89 Committee. The MK Party and United Africans Transformation have now joined the EFF and the African Transformation Movement in the direct appeal, becoming the fourth and fifth applicants in the matter. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Legal Analyst, Nthabiseng Dubazana....

"ELECTION WEDNESDAYS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE IEC".  The Electoral Commission is calling on all South Africans who are eligible to vote to make use of the final voter registration weekend, taking place on 1–2 August, to register to vote or update their registration details ahead of the 4 November Local Government Elections. While the voter registration weekend provides an important opportunity for in-person registration and updates, eligible voters will still be able to register and update their details through the Commission's online voter portal after the weekend. The online portal will remain open until the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) formally proclaims the election date, which is expected in the days following the registration weekend. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to IEC Assistant Manager Civic and Democracy Education, Mmakgabo Ramatlhodi

Former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Advocate Andrea Johnson has admitted before the Madlanga Commission that arresting senior suspects was unnecessary and amounted to an abuse of arrest powers. Johnson conceded less intrusive measures, including summonses, could have secured court attendance without arrests. The admission followed sustained questioning over the arrests of Lieutenant General Khumalo and other suspects, with commissioners arguing the process unjustifiably infringed constitutional rights. 

Former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson has told the Madlanga Commission she was aware of allegations that Crime Intelligence secret funds were allegedly used to benefit former police minister Bheki Cele, but says there was no evidence linking those funds to the purchase of a vehicle. Johnson testified that she could not determine from the complaint how the money was allegedly used. She also told the commission concerns over the abuse of Crime Intelligence secret funds date back to earlier investigations, including the prosecutions of former police commissioner Jackie Selebi, former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli and former Crime Intelligence CFO Major General Solly Lazarus.

The death toll from this morning's head-on collision on the N2 near Mooiplaas outside KuGompo in the Eastern Cape has risen to six. The Eastern Cape Department of Transport says the woman who was critically injured and rushed to hospital has died from her injuries. The department has conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims. The road remains partially closed while recovery teams and investigators continue working at the scene. EC Transport Spokesperson – Unathi Binqose 

Public Interest SA says the resignation of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Head Advocate Andrea Johnson does not restore public confidence in the institution. It says that senior officials who enabled Advocate Johnson's conduct and are implicated in wrongdoing have remained within IDAC. Advocate Johnson resigned following increased scrutiny after her testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last week. To discuss this Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Public Interest SA Chairperson, Tebogo Khaas

The Judicial Service Commission has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge pending Parliament's decision on his possible impeachment. The recommendation follows a finding of gross misconduct against Mbenenge over sexual harassment allegations made by Judges' Secretary Andiswa Mengo. The allegations relate to in-person interactions and electronic communications between June 2021 and November 2022. Mbenenge is challenging the misconduct finding in court. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin Reacher and advocacy officer at Judges Matter.

The Gauteng Department of Education has announced that applications for admission to Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2027 academic year will officially open at on Wednesday the 5th August 2026, and close at midnight on Friday the 4th of September 2026. Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says during this period, all parents and legal guardians seeking placement for learners entering Grade 1 or Grade 8 at a public school in Gauteng must submit their applications exclusively through the Gauteng Online Admissions System. Maile says parents must register using new login credentials, as previous usernames and passwords will not be valid. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Pan-African Parliament remains a symbol of Africa's unity, peace and shared development. Addressing the opening of the Seventh Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, he said the continent faces growing challenges from global conflicts, economic instability and climate change. Ramaphosa urged African countries to stand together to shape their own future and extended condolences to countries affected by recent disasters, calling for greater continental solidarity.