ECR Newswatch Interviews
Hear the latest news soundbytes or interviews from KZN's No. 1 news team: East Coast Radio Newswatch. © East Coast Radio.
Early KZN sardine run sightings spark excitement ahead of school holidays
KwaZulu-Natal’s iconic sardine run could be just weeks away. Angling Times’ Vinesh Soogreem unpacks the latest sardine sightings near Port Edward, what ocean conditions are signalling, and why fishermen and spectators are already preparing for one of South Africa’s biggest marine events. He also shares important safety tips for beachgoers…
Could real-time data speed up disaster response and service delivery in KZN?
KwaZulu-Natal is rolling out a new Geospatial Information Management Strategy aimed at improving planning, disaster response and municipal service delivery. In this podcast, Newswatch’s Lauren Hendricks explores how real-time spatial data could help cities respond more quickly to floods, sewage spills and infrastructure failures. The story also focuses on why…
World Bee Day: KZN beekeepers warn habitat loss threatens food security
On World Bee Day, KZN beekeepers warn that shrinking habitats and forage loss are threatening pollinators critical to food security. Listen to why protecting bees matters for the future of farming and survival.
Running for change: Princess Nandi Zulu on purpose, pain and the Cape Town Marathon
Princess Nandi Zulu shares why she is running marathons for charity, the discipline behind her training, and her mission to support vulnerable communities. Newswatch’s Lauren Hendricks caught up with the Zulu royal on her preparation for the Cape Town Marathon.
Hantavirus explained: Rare virus, real risks and why South Africa faces low threat
South African epidemiologist, Dr Jo Barnes says the virus was first isolated and identified in the 1950s. She says there are about 10 000 cases a year, mainly in Europe and Asia and in South and North America.
Python rescued off Durban beach is 'active and recovering nicely'
Snake rescuer Nick Evans says a python rescued some 2km off the Durban coast could have slithered out of a boat taking part in the Durban Ski Boat Club Festival. Evan has told Newswatch Senior Reporter, Nushera Soodyal that the African Rock Python is recovering well…
Monswamy family massacre: Slain Newtown husband supported community through business
Relative Vimalessan Pillay says through his engineering and construction business, Alan Monswamy created jobs for the local residents. He says he went out of this way to help the community and shared a close relationship with his workers and their families. Newswatch reporter, Lauren Hendricks attended Friday afternoon's media briefing…
Trauma and tragedy: Inside the Pietermaritzburg nurse murder case
The husband of a murdered Pietermaritzburg nurse says her young daughter, who witnessed the attack, is battling severe trauma. Aleyka Shaik was stabbed to death in Northdale last month. Newswatch's Lauren Hendricks spoke to Shaik's husband Tristen Arjuna…
New history curriculum: 1860 Heritage Centre raises concerns over inclusivity
Questions are still being raised about whether the proposed new school History curriculum is truly inclusive. Selvan Naidoo from the 1860 Heritage Centre spoke to Senior Reporter, Nushera Soodyal. He has given a grade-by-grade breakdown of their concerns facing high school pupils.
Fuel Shock Ahead: Petrol and diesel prices set to surge again in May
Motorists could be in for another major blow as early data points to steep fuel price hikes in May, with diesel potentially rising by up to R8 a litre and petrol by as much as R6. Economist Dawie Roodt says global oil prices remain the key driver, despite a temporary…
Sibusiso Dyonase hopes to broaden DA appeal among young voters
Sedibeng caucus leader, Sibusiso Dyonase says if elected, his priority will be to attract younger voters and broaden the party’s appeal to marginalised communities. Dyonase spoke to Newswatch Senior Reporter, Nushera Soodyal ahead of the party’s national elective conference this weekend.
Geordin Hill-Lewis wants to turn the DA into South Africa’s biggest political force
Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, says he believes he has what it takes to make the DA the biggest political movement in South Africa. Hill-Lewis spoke to Newswatch Senior Reporter, Nushera Soodyal ahead of the party’s national elective conference this weekend.
Early flu season hits South Africa: Expert urges calm and action
With South Africa having already entered flu season, a health expert is urging the public not to panic - but to act. The flu season typically peaks between June and August, but this year it began earlier than usual in March. According to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Influenza…
Durban family’s Camino de Santiago trip cancelled amid war and rising costs
A Durban couple's long-awaited trip to Spain fell apart overnight as tensions in the Middle East escalated, leaving them facing rebooking costs that doubled in just a few days. Jacintha Lambert says she and her husband had been planning their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trip since November last year.
Rapid Midlands Tornado: SA Weather Service explains sudden storm surge
The South African Weather Service Forecaster Nhlanhla Sithole has explained how the short-lived tornado that formed near Bishopstowe, developed too quickly to warn residents. The meteorological service says the weather system began as a weak storm just after 17:00 in a valley area on Sunday evening, before rapidly intensifying.
PMB husband recounts final moments holding pregnant wife as she died
Tristan Arjuna's world has been shattered after his partner was murdered. Aleyka Shaik, who was six months pregnant, was stabbed to death on Sunday evening in Northdale. Her husband, Arjuna, says he and Shaik, who was a nurse, had spent the day together before she left, saying she'd be back…
Fuel hikes raise commuter transport cost fears
Commuters say they are worried about how the fuel price hikes will affect their transport costs.
“Those weeks while Erin was in a coma were incredibly difficult."
Caylie Hauptfleisch, Erin Willmot's sister describes the traumatic experience they have faced since he was attacked and left with amnesia.
Two men are marking Human Rights Day in Durban with a powerful 65kg symbolic march across five communities to promote un
Brian Fell and Kurtis Kinsey are putting on a symbolic show of unity by carrying 65 kilograms of weights on their backs. They are going to walk through Mariannridge, Newlands, Greenwood Park, Sydenham and Wentworth on Human Rights Day on Saturday. Newswatch's Lauren Hendricks caught up with them…
Baby Line expands support for vulnerable mothers in hospitals
Joanne Teunissen, co-founder of The Baby Line under The Durban North Baby Home, says the programme works as a counselling and support service for mothers throughout their pregnancy, and during the early months after giving birth.