Update@Noon

Venezuela's oil industry is one of the most striking illustrations of how politics can both create and destroy economic prosperity. According to Chief Economist, Don Consultancy Group Chifipa Mhango, Venezuela is endowed with the world's largest proven oil reserves and should, in theory, be among the most prosperous energy economies globally. Instead, it has become a case study in how political choices, institutional decay, and misaligned incentives can cripple a strategic sector and, by extension, an entire national economy. Meanwhile, following the capture of toppled Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has said Venezuela will be turning over upto 50 million barrels of what he calls sanctioned oil to America. He said the money raised will be controlled by him. To discuss the Political Economy of Oil in Venezuela and lessons to be learned , Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chifipa Mhango,Chief Economist at Don Consultancy Group

Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have moved to have retired Justice Sisi Khampepe recused from chairing the TRC prosecutions inquiry, a move angering some victims' families. They cite alleged conflicts of interest linked to her past roles and question her impartiality. Khampepe rejects the claims. The commission has confirmed it received both applications, which will be heard together on 16 January, as families await long-delayed accountability for apartheid-era crimes. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, whose sister Nokuthula Simelane was murdered by apartheid security police in 1983.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed current Head of Special Investigating Unit Andy Mothibi as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions with effect from the first of February. This comes as the tenure of the current head Shamila Batohi comes to an end. Ramaphosa's decision follows the conclusion of an advisory panel process in which six shortlisted candidates were deemed unsuitable for the position. President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Advocate Andy Mothibi for his outstanding work and experience in the justice system. He has reiterated that the appointment of Advocate Mothibi was well with his right as empowered by the constitution , this after concerns have been raised about the appointment. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Affiliate Researcher in the Preventing State Capture and Corruption Program, Nicole Fritz

Addressing members of Parliament's ad hoc committee, chairperson Soviet Lekganyane says the committee is working under tight deadlines. Lekganyane says the technical team wants all oral hearings wrapped up by 6 February, allowing time to draft a final report by mid-February. Lekganyane has urged members to carefully manage hearings scheduled between 14 January and early February, including possible additional witnesses from public submissions. The ad hoc committee is probing allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal police boss Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on allegations of police infiltration.

Johannesburg residents are bracing for another period of limited water supply and disruptions as Johannesburg Water begins Phase Three of its scheduled maintenance operation. Residents are urged to prepare for these water disruptions. The work forms part of Rand Water's scheduled infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the reliability of bulk water supply systems. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo.