Update@Noon

The Transport Department says a number of vehicles are currently stranded on the Barkly Pass, with emergency personnel on the ground working to assist. This comes as three mountain passes have been closed in the province due to heavy snowfall. Eastern Cape Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose says motorists are being advised to delay their journeys and avoid certain areas where possible, to prevent further incidents and reduce pressure on emergency services. He is urging motorists to heed warnings issued by authorities, reduce their speed and maintain a safe following distance.

A raging fire has destroyed about 700 shacks at the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, leaving between 400 and 500 residents, mainly women, homeless. KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says more than 400 affected residents had been profiled by yesterday afternoon. Duma says he is liaising with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who is expected to visit the province this week with the UN-Habitat Executive Director. The provincial government says R445 million has been allocated to build new houses for Jika Joe residents. Ndabezinhle Sibiya Spokesperson for MEC of Transport and Human Settlements

Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has proclaimed the 4th of November as the date for the Local Government Elections, formally launching the 90 day election period. The proclamation marks the first major milestone in the election calendar as political parties prepare to contest municipalities across the country. Hlabisa says government is ready to deliver a free and fair election. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Elections Analyst, Wayne Sussman

South Africa will be hoping that their unconvincing start and adversity in the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will serve as a wake-up call to propel them to greater heights for the rest of the tournament.But despite the poor start, Banyana Banyana are just 90 quality minutes away from achieving their first goal -- qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
They take on host nation, Morocco, in a quarterfinal match in Rabat on Saturday evening. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more

This Friday, SAfm’s radio anchor Sakina Kamwendo once again spoke to Martin Creamer, publishing editor of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, delving deeper into the world of mining and engineering.