RC 260812SAfmElvis Presslin
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The episode was dominated by unemployment shock, a legal fight over Fadil Adams’ alleged laptop failure, and debate over tougher illegal-mining laws after the Rustenburg deaths.
- 05:15
South Africa’s official unemployment rate climbed to 33.6% in the second quarter, with youth unemployment at 47.4% and 345,000 more people out of work, prompting calls for a major stimulus package.
- 05:55
Parliament said it has no ICT record backing Fadil Adams’ claim that his parliamentary laptop failed for 18 months, and a criminal law expert said he could face perjury or contempt if he lied under oath.
- 05:48
The government’s mining bill would criminalise illicit mining and related activities, with fines up to R100 million and jail terms of up to 30 years, after 14 illegal miners died in a cave-in near Rustenburg.
- 05:18
COSATU argued the economy needs cheaper electricity, stronger public spending and support for SMEs and infrastructure, saying the unemployment crisis has become normalised for too long.