Morning edition

1. 01

   Mini budget brings temporary fuel levy relief

   Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's medium-term budget policy statement led coverage on SAfm, 947, 702, Power FM and Cape Talk. The headline measure was a R10 billion fuel levy cut. It takes R3 a litre off diesel and R1.50 off petrol from 4 November to 1 December, with smaller cuts until 5 January. Treasury said debt would stabilise at 78.4% of GDP, even as growth was revised down to 1.2%. Reaction was mixed. The EFF called the cut an abuse of fiscal powers, while Athol Trollip likened it to a plaster on a septic wound. Stats SA also reported that September inflation rose to 4.5%.

   Heard on 947 · 18:00 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Mini budget brings temporary fuel levy relief, heard on 947
2. 02

   Unchlorinated water linked to gastro outbreaks

   Stations kept returning to water safety. In Tshwane, the Bronkhorstspruit treatment works supplied unchlorinated water for about three weeks, and 408 gastro cases were recorded. The Corder Report said most of those affected were children under four. Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed disciplinary proceedings and said Rand Water had been brought in to help. In Makhanda, Rhodes University reported more than 100 cases across its residences. Preliminary testing there reportedly found E. coli and low chlorine levels. Separately, Johannesburg Water introduced level one restrictions as heat pushed up demand.

   Heard on Kaya 959 · 09:04 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Unchlorinated water linked to gastro outbreaks, heard on Kaya 959
3. 03

   Madlanga Commission weighs secret testimony

   The Madlanga Commission broke its recess to hear arguments over whether Ntandazo Sifolo, acting head of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee, should testify behind closed doors. The story ran on Cape Talk, Kaya 959, 702, Power FM and SAfm. Evidence leaders argued that Sifolo's classified material on organised crime required an in-camera hearing. Advocate Matthew Chaskalson said the commission cannot declassify such information and that media houses should approach a high court for access. Media houses opposed the application on public interest grounds. They also warned that a blanket private hearing could affect the commission's final report.

   Heard on Cape Talk · 14:04 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Madlanga Commission weighs secret testimony, heard on Cape Talk
4. 04

   Soweto teacher suspended over alleged rape of learner

   SAfm, Power FM and 947 followed the alleged rape of a nine-year-old learner by a teacher in a school toilet at a primary school in Zola, Soweto. Parents and community members protested outside the school, demanding the teacher's removal. Early in the morning the Gauteng Education Department said it would wait for a detailed report before acting, which angered residents. Later, Education MEC Lebogang Maile visited the school to establish what had happened. By mid-morning, Power FM reported that the teacher had been placed on cautionary suspension.

   Heard on Power FM · 12:03 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Soweto teacher suspended over alleged rape of learner, heard on Power FM
5. 05

   Proteas push for innings win over Australia

   Sports desks across the stations were full of praise for the Proteas' turnaround in the second Test at St George's Park. South Africa had slumped to 110 for six before Temba Bavuma's career-best 179 rescued the innings. The Proteas then took a 362-run first-innings lead and enforced the follow-on. At stumps on day four, Australia were 156 for four, still 170 behind. Travis Head was holding out on 87 not out, while Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada had two wickets each. Presenters noted that a win would add spice to next week's Cape Town Test.

   Heard on SAfm · 19:07 SASTAsk locl about this ↗: Proteas push for innings win over Australia, heard on SAfm