Update@Noon

"ELECTION WEDNESDAYS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE IEC".  The Electoral Commission urges political parties and aspiring independent candidates to take advantage of the opportunity to submit their candidate nomination and supporter lists through the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS). Early submissions will help avoid the last-minute rush before the system closes in August. Since the OCNS opened in June, more than 20 political parties have actively used the platform. The Commission anticipates closing the system during the third week of August. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to IEC Manager for  Electoral Matters, Kgosietsile Tshoke

Parliament's Impeachment Committee has extended its search for an evidence leader by 48 hours. The committee met this morning with the aim to decide on an evidence leader but MPs decided the pool of available senior counsels is not big enough. This committee was established following a ruling of the Constitutional Court in May, directing that it should investigate whether President Cyril Ramaphosa be removed from office, relating to the Phala Phala theft. Committee Chairperson Makashule Gana explains.

The National Consumer Commission has recalled certain Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, and Lexus LX600 vehicles over safety concerns, urging owners to visit their nearest authorised Nissan or Toyota dealership for the necessary repairs. The Consumer Commission says Consumers who own the affected vehicles are urged to visit their nearest authorised Nissan or Toyota dealership for an inspection and the necessary repairs, which will be carried out at no cost. Phetho Ntaba is the  Spokesperson for the National Consumer Commission

IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson has denied any involvement in an alleged "Khan-IDAC cabal" within the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Johnson said she has no knowledge of the existence of such a group within either SAPS or IDAC. She told the commission that, if such a cabal does exist, she is not part of it, Johnson also denied allegations that she disclosed a SAPS investigation docket to Major-General Feroz Khan, telling the commission the claims are vague, unsupported, and lack any particulars.

The NPA says alleged Tembisa Hospital looting kingpin Hangwani Maumela  will face criminal charges over tender fraud allegations. This follows a High Court order- to forfeit around 326- million rand in assets- which include properties in Gauteng, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal and luxury vehicles allegedly bought with proceeds from Tembisa Hospital Contracts. Over two-billion Rand for PPE and hospital services  was looted during the COVID19 pandemic allegedly by three syndicates including the Maumela syndicate. The investigation was launched after whistle blower Babita Deokaran who worked for the Gauteng Health Department was killed in august 2021. NPA spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago says law enforcement agencies are working to bring the case to court. Foster Mohale is national health department spokesperson 

IDAC Head Advocate Andrea Johnson has told the Madlanga Commission she received a death threat shortly before the arrest of Lieutenant-General Shadrack Khumalo and his co-accused in June 2025. Johnson says the threatening message warned her and members of the investigation team to "get body bags ready." She says it was the first death threat she had received in her career as a prosecutor. The matter was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority's Risk and Security Division, but investigators were initially unable to trace the sender because the message came from an unregistered "burner" phone. Johnson also revealed that days before the threat, an unknown man approached her and her daughter outside their home in what she believes may have been a related incident. She says security measures remain in place to protect her, her family and colleagues, while the investigation continues.

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.

South Africa and Namibia are set to strengthen ties as leaders meet in the 4th Session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission. Ministers from both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen co-operation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the relationship between South Africa and Namibia is a special one. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Professor Henning Melber, Analyst and Senior Advisor at the Nordic Africa Institute in Sweden.  

More than 300 undocumented migrants have now been arrested in Limpopo. This as officials from the police, Home Affairs and the Hawks conduct a multidisciplinary operation to deal with illegal immigration. Police have set up roadblocks across the province including the Capricorn District where some commuters have abandoned their vehicles. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the province's Acting police commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, 

The North West government has expressed profound sadness and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of two young initiates who tragically lost their lives during the 2026 winter initiation season. One initiate died at a registered initiation school in Bodibe Village, while the other died at an illegal initiation school in Khuma. Authorities have since closed the illegal school and rescued 41 initiates, who were taken for medical treatment. Nationally, at least 43 initiates have died, while authorities have opened 116 criminal cases and shut down dozens of illegal initiation schools this year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Northwest Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Thebeetsile Keameditse