Music Feature: Celebrating some of the greatest artists of all time

The South African Police Service has launched its 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, focusing on organised crime, gender-based violence and femicide, human trafficking and other threats to public safety. Police say the operation demonstrates their readiness to protect communities during the busy festive period. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on…

Phemelo is joined by Kaya News reporter Katleho Sekhotho to unpack the week’s top stories, including the 2026 Medium-Term Budget, calls for accountability over contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, former president Thabo Mbeki’s testimony before the TRC Cases Inquiry, and CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour’s departure after 43 years with the network.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced temporary fuel levy relief, increased funding for municipalities and social services, and additional resources to fight crime in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, South Africa’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.2% for 2026, despite progress in stabilising government debt. Phemelo speaks…

Rand Water is warning of possible water supply disruptions as municipalities, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, continue to exceed their allocations. The bulk supplier says it is pumping at maximum capacity, but rising consumption is putting increasing pressure on the system, making it harder to balance supply across the network. Phemelo…

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the department will strengthen background checks on teachers following allegations that a teacher sexually assaulted a Grade 4 pupil at Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto. The accused teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension while disciplinary proceedings continue. Maile is calling for stronger safeguards,…