Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Bekkersdal gripped by illegal mining violence, oversight visit launched

Loading player...
Illegal mining has turned Bekkersdal into what lawmakers describe as a zone of lawlessness, fear and organised violence. The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has condemned the surge in shootings, kidnappings and criminal activity linked to zama zama operations. A December mass shooting at an illegal tavern left nine people dead, while recent gunfire incidents point to the use of high-calibre weapons. Residents are also being targeted in kidnappings tied to illegal mineral transactions, with families held for ransom. These alarming developments prompted an urgent oversight visit to Bekkersdal Police Station to assess whether authorities are equipped to contain the crisis. Phemelo speaks to Committee Chairperson Dr Bandile Masuku.
10 Feb 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

ECD practitioners call for better municipal support for early learning centres

Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners are calling on municipalities to address the challenges affecting their centres, including unreliable water supply, unsafe infrastructure, delayed inspections and inadequate support. Following a series of ECD Imbizos across the country, practitioners have put forward five key demands and challenged political leaders to make public…
3 Nov 2PM 40 min

Local government elections: Voter do’s and don’ts

Phemelo is joined in studio by Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms to continue unpacking what voters need to know about the 2026 local government elections. They look at important voting do’s and don’ts, including why voters should not photograph or share images of their marked ballots on social media, as…
3 Nov 2PM 34 min

Bronkhorstspruit water remains unsafe despite rehabilitation progress

The City of Tshwane says work to rehabilitate the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works is progressing, with support from Rand Water, but the water remains unsafe for consumption. Mayor Nasiphi Moya says outstanding work, public health monitoring and water quality testing must be completed before a safe supply can be restored…
3 Nov 1PM 10 min

What voters need to know about South Africa’s 2026 local government elections

With South Africans heading to the polls, Phemelo speaks to Rivonia Circle Director Tessa Dooms about what voters need to know before casting their ballots. They unpack the role of local government, how the voting process works, the powers of councillors and how mayors are elected. The discussion also explores…
2 Nov 2PM 46 min

IEC reports over 780,000 special votes on first day

More than 780,000 South Africans cast their ballots on the first day of special voting ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections. The two-day process allows eligible voters who cannot reach polling stations on election day, including the elderly, people with disabilities and essential workers, to vote early. Kaya News reporter…
2 Nov 2PM 10 min
All episodes