Morning edition

1. 01

   Bronkhorstspruit water crisis sparks cross-station outrage

   Tshwane's Bronkhorstspruit water crisis led bulletins and phone-ins across 702, Power FM, SAfm, 947, Cape Talk and Kaya 959. The city's treatment works supplied unchlorinated water between 24 September and 14 October after problems with its chlorine supplier. More than 400 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported, mostly children under four. Tests found high E. coli levels, and patient samples showed norovirus and shigella but no cholera. Mayor Nasiphi Moya accepted responsibility and has roped in Rand Water. The DA has opened a criminal case, and callers raged over why residents were not warned sooner.

   Heard on 702 · 23:03 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Bronkhorstspruit water crisis sparks cross-station outrage, heard on 702
2. 02

   Shadrack Sibiya denied bail

   Former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was denied bail by the Randburg Magistrates Court. The story was carried on 702, 947, Kaya 959, SAfm and Power FM, and picked up by The Corder Report podcast. The magistrate found the 59-year-old had failed to show exceptional circumstances and could interfere with the case if released. He faces charges including rape, the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old and human trafficking. The NPA welcomed the ruling and says it is ready for the next stage. The matter returns to court on 24 November, and SAfm unpacked the judgment with a legal analyst.

   Heard on SAfm · 12:16 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Shadrack Sibiya denied bail, heard on SAfm
3. 03

   Mini-budget build-up centres on fuel relief

   Stations previewed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's medium-term budget policy statement, focusing on what he might offer households squeezed by fuel prices. Petrol is about R29 at the coast and above R30 inland, with Brent crude still above $100 a barrel. Earlier relief on the general fuel levy cost the fiscus about R17.2 billion. President Ramaphosa hinted at further relief but cautioned about the cost. Cosatu urged action on unemployment, and Agri SA flagged infrastructure costs. Analysts on 702, Power FM, SAfm, Cape Talk and Kaya 959 weighed debt stabilisation against relief.

   Heard on 702 · 06:31 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Mini-budget build-up centres on fuel relief, heard on 702
4. 04

   Bavuma century puts Proteas on top against Australia

   Temba Bavuma's fifth Test century was the sporting talking point, with Kaya 959 calling it a masterclass at St George's Park. Rain had wiped out most of the first two days, and the Proteas resumed on 95 for 5 before Bavuma led the fightback alongside Marco Jansen. South Africa declared on 425 for 9, leaving Australia on 3 for 1 at the close of day three, trailing by 422 runs with two days remaining. 702 and Cape Talk also tracked the rivalry, with listeners praising Bavuma, Jansen and the returning KG.

   Heard on Kaya 959 · 17:32 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Bavuma century puts Proteas on top against Australia, heard on Kaya 959
5. 05

   Mbeki testifies at TRC cases inquiry

   Former President Thabo Mbeki's testimony at the Khampepe Commission into the non-prosecution of TRC cases drew analysis on 702, Cape Talk, Power FM, Kaya 959 and 947. Mbeki defended his failed bid to have the commission chair recuse herself, noting that four Constitutional Court judges had sided with him. He denied any executive interference in prosecutions and placed responsibility at the NPA's door, suggesting that apartheid-era officials who remained in the NPA might explain the inaction. A legal analyst on Power FM questioned whether pardons granted under his administration raised interference concerns.

   Heard on Cape Talk · 07:05 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Mbeki testifies at TRC cases inquiry, heard on Cape Talk