Update@Noon

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has hit back at accusations that the newly announced temporary fuel levy relief is a political stunt aimed at winning votes ahead of next month's local government elections. ​Some opposition parties criticised the Minister's Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, claiming the timing of the three-rand per litre diesel reduction and one-rand-50 petrol relief-set to take effect on the 4th of November-was strategically linked to the upcoming polls.

Government has revised down its economic growth forecast for 2026 to 1,2-percent from 1,6-percent projected in the February Budget. Growth is expected to reach 2-percent by 2029. Government says it has identified 38-billion-rand in targeted savings to be redirected to social and economic priorities over the medium term. The South African Revenue Service has also collected an extra 17-billion rand in additional tax revenue due to higher precious metal prices. Meanwhile, consumers can also look forward to a temporary fuel relief until January next year. Naledi Mabitsela-Ngcobo reports.

International mediators gathered at a United Nations-backed consultative forum in Geneva, Switzerland today, seeking a coordinated push to end Sudan's war as drone attacks continue to kill civilians in markets and homes. Nearly two dozen countries took part, amid U.N. demands for greater pressure on the warring parties and those supplying their weapons. Neither the Sudanese government nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attended the forum, which brings mediators together to coordinate peace efforts. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports that the meeting comes a day after the U.N. condemned deadly drone attacks on a market and fuel depot in the disputed Abyei region with reports putting the death toll at above 153.

Rand Water has warned that record-high water consumption by some municipal customers is placing the supply system under increasing pressure. The utility says it is pumping at maximum capacity, but demand continues to rise. Spokesperson Makenosi Maroo says municipalities must reduce consumption to allocated levels, warning that continued overconsumption could lead to supply restrictions to protect the system. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Rand spokesperson Makenosi Maroo

Two former State Security Agency officers accused of fraud, forgery and theft for misappropriating R12 million in SSA funds will have their trial open to the media. The State Security Agency has granted media access to the trial of Thulani Dlomo and Patrick Mshothola taking place at the Pretoria High Court. The trial was previously closed to the public and the media after an order by Judge Mashudu Munzhelele. To discuss this further we are joined on the line by Executive Director of the Campaign for Free Expression, Nicole Fritz....