Update@Noon

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande says South Africa needs to strengthen domestic funding for research to reduce its vulnerability to changes in foreign funding priorities. Nzimande was speaking in Pretoria while releasing a report of the Ministerial Working Group on Science, Technology and Innovation funding for public comment. The report follows the withdrawal of U.S. federal funding from major South African health-research and clinical-trial programmes in January 2025. Nonhlanhla Ntshingila reports....

Political parties contesting the upcoming municipal elections in KwaZulu-Natal have taken a strong stand against political killings, violence and intimidation. Seventeen political parties contesting all wards in the province have signed the Independent Electoral Commission's provincial Code of Conduct in Durban. They thereby commit themselves to upholding the rules for free, fair and peaceful elections. According to the IEC , a total of 101 parties and 104 independent candidates will contest elections 54 municipalities in KZN. Celumusa Zulu reports . . .

COSATU says the US Embassy should engage the South African government through diplomatic channels to address disagreements between the two countries. The trade union federation has criticised recent statements and media activity by the embassy, arguing that they undermine South Africa’s sovereignty and diplomatic relations. Matthew Parks is (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)

The demand for housing continues to grow as more people move to urban areas in search of work and opportunity. But for many, living closer to economic hubs is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
And while Temporary Relocation Areas are meant to provide short-term relief, in some cases, residents have spent years waiting for permanent homes. Shamiela Fisher reports..

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a four-point plan to effectively deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in the country. This follows a nationwide outcry after the killing of twelve women in some parts of Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg in the past two months. Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings last night, Ramaphosa instructed law enforcement agencies to focus on unresolved GBVF cases, reduce forensic backlogs and that municipalities must identify high risk areas to ensure safety of women when they walk and jog among others. Our Politics Reporter Ntebo Mokobo has more.