ECR Newswatch Interviews
Hear the latest news soundbytes or interviews from KZN's No. 1 news team: East Coast Radio Newswatch. © East Coast Radio.
Residents shocked by foul-smelling foam from Palmiet River
Westville residents were met with an alarming sight as thick, white foam drifted from the Palmiet River onto nearby properties, filling the air with a strong chemical stench. Many believe it signals serious pollution flowing into the waterway. Local resident Sharlene Versveld says the smell was so intense it was…
Foam clouds spark alarm along the Palmiet River
Westville residents woke up to a bizarre sight: thick, foul-smelling foam floating through streets and collecting on properties near the Palmiet River. Many say the stench was chemical and overpowering, raising fears of pollution in the water. Local resident and photographer Rorke Shirley captured striking images of the foam clouds…
Palmiet River foam under investigation
Local ward councillor Melanie Brauteseth says urgent action is being taken after Westville residents woke up to thick, foul-smelling foam covering parts of the Palmiet River and nearby properties. Residents reported large, airborne “clouds” of white foam with a strong chemical odour, believed to be caused by pollutants entering the…
BREAKING NEWS: Second missing plane found near Howick after KZN search
Search and rescue teams in the Midlands have found the wreckage of a second small aircraft that went missing in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday. Both planes were each carrying only the pilot, and flying to Margate on the KZN south coast. Nushera Soodyal has been speaking to Gregory Critchley from the…
Motsoaledi: SA enters new era in fight against HIV with Lenacapavir
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is marking a new chapter in the fight against HIV.
KZN ‘fully prepared’ for looming matric final exams - MEC
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka says the province is fully prepared for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams.
Mkhwanazi told Sibiya over Cele’s AKA involvement
Parliament has heard that Shadrack Sibiya had a good working relationship with KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi until there were arrests in the murder of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes.
Bluff residents drag Transnet to court
A group of Bluff residents has taken legal action against Transnet over what they say is a failure to stop an ongoing land invasion on property owned by the company in the Durban South area.
Lifesaving SA: Parents need to watch children closely, even in bathtubs
Lifesaving SA has urged parents and childminders to keep a close watch on children near water, including bathtubs. Tamasha Khanyi spoke to the organisation's Dhaya Sewduth about water safety measures ahead of the October school holidays.
Johannesburg Paramedic Recalls Trying to Save Passenger Mid-Flight
A Johannesburg paramedic shares the harrowing moments he tried to save a passenger’s life on a FlySafair flight from Durban. The passenger had been cleared to fly, but a midair medical emergency turned the journey traumatic for everyone on board.
Comedian Barry Hilton Talks Depression, ADHD, and Life Lessons
As the UN kicks off it's first official meeting on mental health, comedian-turned-advocate Barry Hilton shares his experiences with depression, ADHD, and dyslexia. Reflecting on childhood challenges, imposter syndrome, and life after COVID-19, Hilton urges those struggling to seek help and encourages everyone to listen without judgment.
BABOON UPDATE: Nonna and Willie's monkey business in Durban has come to an end
Since Sunday, the two cheeky chimps have sent wildlife teams on a wild goose chase around Umbilo and the harbour.
Multiple weather warnings for KZN on Heritage Day
Residents may have to put their Heritage Day braai plans on hold, with the South African Weather Service warning of heavy rain in KwaZulu-Natal.
‘Stowaway’ baboon on the loose in Durban’s Umbilo
A stowaway baboon, believed to be from Cape Town, has rescuers in Durban running in circles as they try to safely capture him. "There is a baboon, it's a young juvenile of about two years old. We don't know where he came from,” says Steven Smith from Monkey Helpline.
Mkhwanazi claims presidency interferes with SAPS operations in Richards Bay
Claims of the Presidency meddling in police deployments to a crime-ridden area of Richards Bay have been heard by the commission of inquiry looking into alleged corruption and political interference into the work of the SAPS. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Friday testified that in 2021, he sent a…
KZN cancer survivor runs to break stigma, inspire men
A KwaZulu-Natal prostate cancer survivor is urging men to take charge of their health through early screening. Dumisani Pakkies was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer in 2020. He says acceptance and family support helped him through his recovery.
One year on, still no justice for Zarah Ramsamy
The community of Malvern, south of Durban, says it's hopeful justice will prevail in the case of Zarah Ramsamy. The 11-year-old girl was killed in September last year during a hijacking at a popular restaurant in the area.
Imbali crèche employee says 'sixth sense' helped save children
A cook at a Pietermaritzburg crèche believes a little voice in her head saved the lives of the children, moments before a taxi slammed into the school. Nombulelo Mfeka had been preparing food at the crèche in the morning when her "sixth sense" prompted her to act. The clip is…
ConCourt rules husbands able to take wives’ surnames
The Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that husbands can legally take their wives' surnames.
Zarah Ramsamy murder case remains unsolved one year on
A Durban family says they haven't given up on the hope of seeing their daughter's killers behind bars. Thursday marked a year since 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy was killed during a hijacking in Malvern, south of Durban.