RC 261029702Bongani Bingwa
Thursday, 29 October 2026
Election readiness dominated this Thursday's 702 Breakfast, from the IEC's systems assurances and a Ramaphosa deployment in KwaZulu-Natal to Spain's deadly rail crash and a national blood shortage.
- 07:35
President Ramaphosa has deployed more than 500 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal and warned anti-illegal immigration groups planning Durban demonstrations that only the state can deal with illegal migration.
- 06:06
Spain has begun three days of mourning after two high-speed trains collided near Madrid, killing 68 people; the transport minister blamed a computer failure followed by a control-centre decision to restart trains without speed restrictions.
- 06:03
The IEC says it has run performance testing, load evaluation and independent security audits on its systems after the 2024 results board went blank for about two hours, and it launched its results centre in Midrand.
- 06:28
NSFAS applications close this Saturday, 31 October, with no extension granted, and Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela is urging grade 12 pupils to apply early.
- 06:56
The SANBS says it needs around 3,500 units of blood every day, with reserves continuing to decline as collections fall short and the festive season approaches.