Update@Noon

The South African Weather Service says snow has returned to parts of the country as a bitter cold spell continues ahead of the weekend. Snowfall has been reported in the Eastern Cape, parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State along the Lesotho border. Motorists are urged to exercise caution on icy roads. The weather service has also warned of damaging winds and rough seas along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, with cool, partly cloudy conditions expected in Gauteng. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the South African Weather Service forcaster Lehlohonolo Thobela

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says South Africans returning home will always be welcomed, regardless of their political views, following reports that some South Africans who relocated to the United States have allegedly been denied visas. Ntshavheni also says Cabinet has approved extending the validity of light motor vehicle driving licences from five to ten years, subject to legislative amendments, while a revised Electricity Pricing Policy has been released for public comment. The Minister was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. Ntshavheni had this to say.

State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy from the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has told the Madlanga Commission that IDAC's operational manual was routinely ignored under former head Advocate Andrea Johnson. Ramsamy testified that Johnson frequently deviated from established procedures and that staff who questioned her instructions faced intimidation, internal investigations and workplace hostility. He also alleged that decisions were often changed following discussions between Johnson and former IDAC official Dalip Perumal, and claimed the working environment drove many prosecutors and staff to seek counselling through the National Prosecuting Authority's employee wellness program

in a drive to maximise profits, Zimbabwean chicken farmers regularly buy antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), intended for HIV patients in the country, on the black market to mix into chicken feed. Farmers believe the drugs protect their stock from diseases and act as growth stimulants. The Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project (SA AJP) interviewed two people operating on the frontlines of broiler chicken farming in the Harare area, both of whom illuminated the practice. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Investigative Journalist for the Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project (SA | AJP), in collaboration with the Henry Nxumalo Foundation,Dalphine Tagwireyi

Northern Cape police say they are concerned about the number of incidents of statutory rapes in the province. A Number of these cases come to light due to mandatory reporting when the teenage girls become pregnant. But the sentences for these crimes are mostly suspended sentences. Calvinia in the Northern Cape seems to be a hotspot, with numerous reports from police emanating from the area. All those convicted for statutory rape in those areas receiving sentences of less than 10 years, wholly suspended. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Women Waging War Founder, Millicent George