Update@Noon

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating the murder of a foreign national who was allegedly assaulted by a group of about 50 people in Durban's CBD this morning. Police say the man - believed to be in his late 30s - was attacked after two men allegedly pulled off the group and approached him. 
The man was declared dead at the scene on the corner of Doctor Pixley kaSeme and Maud Mfusi Street. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda 

Former ANC and Mkhonto weSizwe Operative Ronnie Kasrils says many young recruits arrived at MK camps wanting to "kill the Boers", but were taught that the struggle was not against people because of the colour of their skin, but against the apartheid system. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa must create more opportunities for young people to gain work experience, warning that a lack of experience should not be mistaken for a lack of ability. Ramaphosa has called on business leaders and government to recognise young people's potential, determination and willingness to learn, and give them opportunities to develop their skills. Today the President gave a keynote address at the SA National Leadership Convening on Youth Employment at the Galleria Conference and Events Venue, Sandton. Meanwhile, an overwhelming response to police (SAPS) nationwide recruitment drive has highlighted severe youth unemployment pressures across South Africa. SAPS has recorded an overwhelming response to its nationwide recruitment drive, logging 156 131 profile registrations in less than 24 hours after opening its eRecruitment portal for 5 500 entry-level trainee posts, for 2026-2027. To discuss this further Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Labour lawyer and analyst Michael Bagraim

Most political parties in Parliament have reacted positively to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, while some likened it to political point-scoring ahead of the local government elections next month. Among others, government has revised down its economic growth forecast for 2026 to one-point-two percent from one-point-six percent projected in the February Budget. Growth is expected to reach two percent by 2029.  Godongwana also announced a drop in fuel levy of three rand a litre for diesel and one rand-50 cents for petrol, on November 4th.  Zalene Merrington reports...

Government has revised down its economic growth forecast for 2026 to 1,2-percent from 1,6-percent projected in the February Budget.  Growth is expected to reach 2-percent by 2029. Government says it has identified 38-billion-rand in targeted savings to be redirected to social and economic priorities over the medium term. The South African Revenue Service has also collected an extra 17-billion rand in additional tax revenue due to higher precious metal prices. Meanwhile, consumers can also look forward to a temporary fuel relief until January next year. Naledi Mabitsela-Ngcobo reports.

International mediators gathered at a United Nations-backed consultative forum in Geneva, Switzerland today, seeking a coordinated push to end Sudan's war as drone attacks continue to kill civilians in markets and homes. Nearly two dozen countries took part, amid U.N. demands for greater pressure on the warring parties and those supplying their weapons. Neither the Sudanese government nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attended the forum, which brings mediators together to coordinate peace efforts. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports that the meeting comes a day after the U.N. condemned deadly drone attacks on a market and fuel depot in the disputed Abyei region with reports putting the death toll at above 153.

Gauteng police have arrested a 37-year-old woman and her alleged accomplice for allegedly staging her kidnapping to extort R40 000 from her cousin in Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg. Police say the suspects were arrested on Tuesday following investigations by Kwa-Thema detectives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Crime Intelligence. The woman was found alive on October 10, with injuries to her hands, after the kidnapping was reported on October 8. Both suspects are expected to appear in court on charges of extortion, defeating the ends of justice and staging a crime scene. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi has more 

With just under a month to go before South Africans head to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Elections, we take a closer look at the voting process and the ballots voters can expect at the voting station on Election Day. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Manager of Electoral Registrations and Liaison at the Electoral Commission of South Africa IEC, Kgosietsile Tshoke

This Wednesday, SAfm anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to  ABSA's Investment Analyst Motheo Maphosa, for the latest market update.

An educator at a school in Soweto, has been placed on precautionary suspension following allegations of sexual assault involving a Grade Four learner.  Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the learner and her family will receive psychosocial support as departmental disciplinary processes and police investigations continue. Yesterday, angry Zola residents protested outside the call, calling for justice for  the child. Amid renewed concerns about the safety and protection of children in schools, Maile has urged the school community to remain calm and allow due process to take its course Sakina Kamwendo spoke Gauteng Education spokesperson Onwabile.Lubhelwana