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

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

Israel election dispute and uncertainty over South Africa’s AGOA status

Israel’s election commission says the general election results will stand despite allegations of foreign interference, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party questioned the outcome without providing evidence. Meanwhile, South Africa faces uncertainty over its continued eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides preferential access to…
2 Nov 2PM 10 min

WaterCAN calls for urgent intervention in Joburg water crisis

WaterCAN is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Water Coordination Committee (WaterCom) to urgently intervene as parts of Johannesburg endure prolonged water outages, with some communities reportedly without supply for up to 10 days. The organisation says residents are increasingly frustrated, with protests taking place across the city, and is demanding…
2 Nov 2PM 14 min

SAHRC says Gauteng water crisis is rooted in failing infrastructure

The South African Human Rights Commission says Gauteng’s water crisis is not simply about water shortages, but reflects ageing infrastructure, high water losses and failures in municipal distribution systems. Its 171-page inquiry report highlights persistent interruptions and weaknesses in water and sanitation services across the province’s nine water services authorities…
2 Nov 2PM 11 min
All episodes