Update@Noon

The death toll of initiates in the Eastern Cape has risen to seventeen during this summer initiation season. The OR Tambo District is accounting for the most deaths with six initiates, followed by the Amathole District with four deaths. While Chris Hani District and Buffalo City Metro account for three deaths respectively and one initiate confirmed dead in Alfred Nzo District. The Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs, Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, is on a three-day urgent oversight visit in the province to assess the situation and engage with traditional leaders. Sakina Kamwendo caught up with our reporter Nkuleleko Nyembezi while engaging some of the relevant stakeholders, traditional leaders, parents and government

Residents across parts of Johannesburg have been without water since last week due the city's maintenance plan. Water supplier, Rand Water, has been conducting its proactive infrastructure maintenance on various systems across the province since 13 December and is conducting them in three phases. Affected areas and communities are expressing frustration with Johannesburg Water's planning and communication. For more Sakina Kamwendo caught up with Makenosi Maroo, Rand Water' spokesperson

Summer school holidays have started and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is urging South Africans to prioritise safety, especially in and around water. NSRI says over the past three weeks, rescue crews have seen a notable increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers, dams, and swimming pools. More on safety tips Sakina Kamwendo caught up with Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager

Minister of Public works & infrastructure Dean Macpherson earlier briefed the media on the outcome of a preliminary investigation into the collapse of the four-story building in Verulam, north of Durban. Macpherson has once again confirmed that the building collapse claimed the lives of five people while 6 were injured. Authorities do not believe there are any more people trapped under the rubble. He has also indicated technical criminal and labour related investigations are underway to establish what went wrong...

The department of home affairs has arrested seven Kenyans who abused their tourist visas. The arrests were carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Home affairs says they violated the South African immigration laws. Here is Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber giving further details and Sakina Kamwendo further spoke to Immigration Expert, Ashraf Essop