Update@Noon

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Government of National Unity is prioritising inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction and easing the cost of living, while building a capable and ethical state. Addressing thousands at National Freedom Day celebrations at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, he stressed that strengthening local government is key to transforming municipalities into efficient, responsive service centres that meet citizens' needs amid ongoing national challenges and service delivery pressures. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst Professor Lesiba Tefo

Suspended Tshwane Metro Police deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini has come under intense questioning before the Madlanga Commission over a message referencing alleged EFF-linked company lists. Commissioners pressed him on his WhatsApp exchange with Sergeant Nkosi, where he wrote, "Please check with Mfowethu (CFO) if it's the same list as his from CIC Juju. " Dhlamini further told the Commission that there were two individuals who were "name-dropping" political figures and misrepresenting their involvement in procurement processes. 

The Boksburg Magistrate's Court has postponed to Tuesday the ruling on the bail application of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi and City of Ekurhuleni manager, Kagiso Lerutla. They were arrested at the weekend on charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Thabiso Radebe 

The State in the case involving Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president, and co-accused Tobias Matondze is seeking imprisonment for both men. The pair appeared this morning at the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg after pleading guilty to several charges including attempted murder and the shooting and wounding of a former employee at their residence. Sentencing has been postponed to Wednesday next week. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca 

The City of Joburg says Rea Vaya buses will operate special services this Sunday for the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC at FNB Stadium. The city says fans will be transported from Sandton, Alexandra, Cresta, Yeoville, Parktown, Florida North, the Joburg CBD and parts of Soweto. City of Johannesburg spokesperson Virgil James explains 

The South African Communist Party says its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is not a break from the alliance but a push to advance working-class interests. General Secretary Solly Mapaila told media the move follows concerns over the direction of governance and the need for accountable representation. Mapaila says the party rejects what it calls attempts by the African National Congress to pressure its members, insisting the SACP remains committed to the broader struggle while asserting its independence in the electoral space.

In a tense sitting before the Madlanga Commission, suspended Tshwane Metro Police officer, Major Lebogang Phiri, has come under sharp questioning over his role in responding to repeated vandalism at water infrastructure sites. Phiri outlined that during late December 2024 and early January 2025, a pattern of vandalism had emerged targeting reservoirs and pump stations, allegedly linked to organised criminal activity exploiting water shortages through illegal tanker operations. Major Phiri has been accused of assigning contract work to private security firms without the necessary delegated authority and of allegedly steering contracts towards Gubis85. 

A 56-year-old Tshepo Ntsimane, a Soweto church elder accused of raping a 12-year-old Dobsonville child, has abandoned his bail application before the matter was postponed for further investigations to the 20th of May. Ntsimane made a brief appearance in court today at the Roodepoort magistrates court. The court also heard that key evidence, including a witness statement and video footage, are still outstanding. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Luyanda Danca

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is warning communities against using transformer oil as a health remedy. The department says the industrial substance may contain toxic Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), posing serious risks to human health and the environment. Official's stress it is not approved for medical use and can cause long-term harm.  Sakina Kamwendo spoke to chief director for environmental economics in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Obed Baloyi 

Suspended Sedibeng SAPS District Commissioner Mbangwa Nkhwashu has told the Madlanga commission that he was approached through a mutual contact to meet businessman Katiso Molefe, whom he initially had no prior relationship with. Nkhwashu has been implicated through the testimony of Witness B, who alleged that he attempted to obtain the murder docket in the case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Further evidence presented at the Commission suggests that Nkhwashu visited Molefe while he was in prison for Swart’s murder—allegedly after visiting hours and in a vehicle without registration plates.