Update@Noon

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) says it would not consider changing regulations on BEE ownership requirements for telecoms licences until the law is amended. The regulator says it cannot recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to local ownership requirements unless the law is amended. Icasa says it remains committed to advancing transformation, economic inclusion and empowerment within the telecommunications sectors and all sectors it regulates. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to ICASA Chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi....

Independent legal and political analyst Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba says despite COSATU’s objections, there appears to be little legal basis to successfully challenge Parliament’s impeachment committee composition. Parliament has confirmed a 31-member impeachment committee to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm matter. This follows a constitutional court ruling that Parliament acted unlawfully in blocking the Section 89 report in 2022. The committee includes nine ANC members, five DA representatives, three MK Party members, two EFF members, and one representative from each of the other 12 parties. Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions has rejected the committee's composition as unconstitutional. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to an independent legal and political analyst, Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba.

The Automobile Association (AA) is planning to launch a campaign that aims to make vehicle manufacturers criminally liable for deaths incurred or injuries sustained in accidents that could have been prevented had the manufacturers conformed to Global NCAP safety protocols. This follows the release of the results of the latest #SaferCars For Africa campaign crash test. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to AA CEO, Bobby Ramagwede

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola has sharply criticized officers who moved sealed bags from a container into a bakkie during the 9 July 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust in Johannesburg. Sebola told commissioners the scene's integrity was compromised and insisted no officer could identify cocaine by smell alone. He said he only suspected the substance was cocaine after piercing a sealed package with a pin and discovering a shiny powder.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Minister Sisisi Tolashe from her position as minister of social development. In a statement, the presidency confirmed the decision is effective immediately. The minister in the presidency for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has been appointed as acting minister. Tolashe is facing mounting allegations of corruption, misconduct, and misuse of public funds. This follows her failure to declare luxury SUVs donated to the ANC Women's League, which she leads. She is also accused of being involved in improper hiring practices and exploiting departmental staff for personal purposes. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president, explains