Update@Noon

INTRO: "ELECTION WEDNESDAYS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE IEC". The Electoral Commission is reinforcing its message on the voter registration process as a final call to eligible citizens ahead of the second voter registration weekend. Following the 2nd and  final Weekend Registration on the 1st and 2nd August 2026, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is expected to gazette the election date, which will result in the closure of the voters' roll. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the IEC Assistant Manager for Civic and Democracy Education, Mmakgabo Ramatlhodi

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa says his meeting with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and King Ndamase reaffirmed the deep historical and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Speaking after the talks in Harare, Mnangagwa says traditional leaders remain central to preserving Africa's heritage and promoting peace and unity. The meeting also focused on migration challenges facing the region, with the Zimbabwean leader saying his country remains committed to working with its neighbours through dialogue, mutual respect and stronger regional cooperation to achieve shared prosperity. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News Specialist Correspondent, Sophie Mokoena. 

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has on Tuesday visited the Nazareth Baptist Church in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, following the wall collapse that left 12 people injured, with four still in hospital. The Minister extended his sympathies to those affected and met church elders at the site. Macpherson says the church has agreed to a Council for the Built Environment investigation into the cause of the collapse before construction resumes. He has also pledged to work with the church and built-environment stakeholders to strengthen construction standards, improve building safety and help prevent similar incidents in future.

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has told the TRC Cases Inquiry that he still wants the truth about the murders and disappearances of anti-apartheid activists. Cele says the urge to know who killed Victoria Mxenge and many others has never faded, adding that uncovering the truth would bring comfort to affected families. He also told the commission he was arrested almost every week after Mxenge's killing and was eventually instructed by his underground commander, which was Mr Jacob Zuma at the time, to leave South Africa because he had become a target for elimination.

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has dismissed Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi as Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation for the second time in less than a year. The King has appointed Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, formerly the deputy Traditional Prime Minister, to the position. Chiliza will serve as the King's principal traditional adviser and coordinate the affairs of the Traditional Prime Minister's Office. The King has urged the Royal House and traditional leaders to support the new appointee. For an analysis Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Cultural Analyst Professor Musa Xulu... 

More than one-thousand suspects have been arrested across the Free State during police's Operation Shanela. Free State police says the multi-disciplinary operation included inspections of liquor outlets, scrapyard's, second-hand dealers and informal businesses. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Free State police Spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli....

Police say work is underway to obtain a full extradition request to have triple murder accused Ndodana Tshuma extradited to the United Kingdom. Tshuma's matter relating to the possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as his extradition case have been postponed to July 22 in the Johannesburg Magistrates court.The 45 year old Zimbabwean national is accused of killing his 42-year-old wife, Nothabo Tshuma and their daughters, 15-year-old Natalie and five-year-old Nala, at their home in the UK. He was arrested in Kensington, east of Johannesburg on Friday. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Repoter Lerato Makola 

Former acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba has told the TRC Cases Inquiry he never oversaw, directed or interfered in investigations into apartheid-era TRC cases. Mothiba says the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation operates independently of the SAPS, reports to the Police Minister and Parliament, and has a ring-fenced budget beyond the National Commissioner's control. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry, probing alleged efforts to stall the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era perpetrators

The head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, Advocate Andrea Johnson, has been rushed to hospital. She was due to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Monday. Johnson is facing a range of allegations including claims of interfering in investigations related to a complaint against suspended Crime Intelligence head Feroz Khan. The commission has now adjourned its proceedings to tomorrow when a new witness will testify. To discuss this further Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Security Strategist and Retired Interpol Ambassador, Andy Mashaile

Several flights were delayed, and others may be diverted at OR Tambo International Airport this morning after thick fog reduced visibility, disrupting operations. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says the conditions had caused low visibility, affecting arrivals and departures. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Head of Operations at OR Tambo Air Traffic Navigation Services, Dhipak Lalla