Lesufi unpacks Gauteng’s progress on e-tolls, Gautrain and safety

The IEC has cleared 136,790 candidates to contest South Africa’s 4 November local government elections, significantly more than the 95,427 candidates certified in 2021. The candidates will contest seats across the country’s metropolitan, district and local municipalities. Phemelo speaks to IEC General Manager for Electoral Operations James Aphane and the…

Phemelo gets legal analysis from legal expert Bophelo Seleke on the ANC’s Fikile Mbalula and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma defamation case, the NPA’s withdrawal of charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and the ANC’s court battle with the IEC over candidate list submissions.

Police have confirmed the recovery of an eighth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, as fears grow over a series of killings in the region. One suspect has been arrested and another is being sought, with police offering a R400,000 reward for information. Phemelo speaks to Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee.

Phemelo is joined by MK Party Johannesburg mayoral candidate Bongani Baloyi to unpack the party’s plans for the city. Baloyi became South Africa’s youngest executive mayor when he was appointed at 26 in 2013, serving as Midvaal mayor.

Emerging and developing South African visual artists now have until 18 September to apply for the 2026 DALRO Visual Arts Merit Award. The programme offers mentorship, professional development and residencies to help artists build sustainable careers, with 10 finalists set to be selected. Phemelo speaks to DALRO Managing Director Laz…