The National Pulse

Informal settlements are increasingly encroaching onto South Africa’s military bases, raising serious concerns about national security, infrastructure and the SANDF’s ability to protect strategic facilities. News24 reports that the Defence Department estimates it would cost about R520.9 million to secure the perimeters of several affected bases, while questions are being raised about d...

The National police has deployed a specialised team to support recovery efforts after a deadly mine collapse near Rustenburg has left at least 14 suspected illegal miners dead on Tuesday. We find out more on the incident and operations. GUEST: Major General Nonkululeko Phokane – SAPS Spokesperson

Today, Zambians are casting their ballots in a closely watched general election, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term amid concerns over the cost of living, jobs and the country’s economic recovery.  GUEST: Dr Tendai Mbanje - Governance and Elections Expert at the University of Pretoria

Recently appointed MK Party first Deputy President, Duduzane Zuma, says South Africans should be grateful to his father for his contributions to the country. Speaking at a Biznews conference recently, Duduzane said his father has helped the country to avoid “revolts.” GUEST: Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, Political Analyst from the Nelson Mandela University

The Department of Water and Sanitation is calling on the public to get behind 17-year-old Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, the winner of the 2026 South African Youth Water Prize, as he prepares to represent South Africa at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden later this month.  GUEST: Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, Winner of the 2026 South African Youth Water Prize

The Constitutional Court has denied direct access to several parties hoping to directly appeal the Western Cape High Court judgment halting the impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa.  GUEST: Vuyo Zungula - ATM Parliament Leader

You penned a piece that doctors must look beyond treating individual illnesses and use their voices to advocate for healthier, more equitable societies. The article explores the role of medical professionals in challenging inequality, shaping health policy and strengthening healthcare systems, particularly across Africa. GUEST: Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa is chairperson of the South African Medical Associat...

We now cross over to our SABC International Reporter who’s covering the The SADC Council of Ministers meeting currently underway in Durban today. GUEST: Khayalihle Khumalo – SABC News International Reporter

The Zimbabwean authorities say 15 bodies have been recovered after a passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba. We get an update on the latest with… GUEST: Ephert Musekiwa – SABC Zimbabwe Correspondent

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in Limpopo says it's concerned with the volume of service delivery complaints it has been receiving from residents across the province. GUEST: Victor Mavhidula - SAHRC Limpopo Provincial Manager

Zambia holds an election tomorrow to decide if President Hakainde Hichilema will get a second five-year term. Election posters are said to everywhere in Zambia, from lamp posts and shop fronts to massive billboards, with faces of presidential and parliamentary candidates looming over passers-by as more than eight million registered voters will get the chance to choose a president and a new parliam...

Deputy Director for Investigations at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate in KwaZulu-Natal, Len John, is on the stand at the Madlanga Commission talking about alleged squads targeted suspects linked to cash-in-transit robberies, taxi operators and drug syndicates, allegedly operating under the guise of a Task Team.  GUEST: Andy Mashaile, Security Strategist

Creative Minds Technologies has done something that has never been done before in South Africa and built a humanoid robot that listens to you speak in ANY of our 11 official languages and replies back in that exact same language. All of this happening automatically. No settings needed. No menus. The robot just knows. Question is, is this a chatbot? Does it have a script? Creative Minds Technologie...

This past weekend, the DA announced in its manifesto that it had plans to allow private-sector firms to provide municipal services. Trade union federation, COSATU, has rejected the DA’s call to privatise municipal services, claiming that it would be a recipe for disaster. What do analysts make of this plan? Let’s find out from… GUEST: Sandile Swana, Political & Governance An...

The South African Mint is taking us higher with the latest release in its Odyssey of the Sky series — the 2026 Martial Eagle, celebrating one of Africa’s most powerful birds of prey. Beyond its appeal to collectors, the coin brings together African wildlife, symbolism and world-class craftsmanship, raising interesting questions about how our natural heritage can be preserved and celebr...

We now get a status updates of how things look like especially in key areas that have set out severe weather warnings… GUEST: Tokelo Chiloane - South African Weather Service Weather Forecaster

As the country continues to experience adverse weather conditions due to wet, very cold and windy conditions expected over various parts of the country, we cross over to SABC reporter who has moving around the province… GUEST: Ndabezinhle Sibiya – Spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements

The Whistleblower House plays a critical role in protecting and supporting whistleblowers who expose corruption, fraud and wrongdoing, often at significant personal risk. But the organisation is facing a funding crisis that threatens its ability to provide this vital support, raising questions about who will protect those who speak out in the public interest. GUEST: Ben Theron – Chief Execut...

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye have signed a joint defence pact as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate with the United States and Israel’s war on Iran. The agreement, called the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement, was signed in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on Friday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Pakista...

Stats SA has published the latest unemployment data, showing another significant climb in the unemployment rate. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of the year, South Africa’s unemployment rate has increased by 0.9 percentage points to 33.6%. Let’s get analysis on these numbers from… GUEST: Solly Molayi, Stats SA Acting DDG Responsible For Popu...

On Thursday The Mail & Guardian released its 2026, 200 Young South Africans list under the theme Honouring The Legacy, Shaping Tomorrow. The iconic project also celebrates a remarkable milestone as it has been 20 years since the project was launched. We look at this year's list with… GUEST: Lesego Chepape - M & G Journalist

South Africa is officially heading to the polls on November 4 for the highly anticipated 2026 municipal elections. The announcement follows the official gazetting of the date by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, signalling the formal closure of the voters' roll and the start of the election period. SABC News Specialist Researcher Maswele Ralebona join...

As brands compete for consumer attention, many are turning to arts and cultural events to build authentic connections with audiences. We explore why investing in creative platforms has become a powerful marketing strategy, and what both brands and artists gain from these partnerships. GUEST: Lauren Lockhart Barker: Visionary Design Strategist at Belgotex

A new SANEF study has revealed that three out of four women journalists in South Africa have experienced online bullying and misogyny, highlighting what researchers describe as a shift from the traditional "glass ceiling" to a dangerous "cyber ceiling." We speak to the editor of Glass Ceilings 2026, Dr Glenda Daniels, about the report's findings, what they mean for press freedom, gender equality a...

A legal battle aimed at holding six ANC MPs accountable over state capture allegations has hit another delay, with activist organisation #UniteBehind accusing Parliament's legal team of frustrating the judicial process through technical objections. The group is now considering approaching the Constitutional Court, raising broader questions about accountability, ethics in public office, and whether...