There is exactly one month till South Africans head to the polls. Civil society movement Defend Our Democracy is urging voters to evaluate political parties’ manifestos and understand the changes in the electoral system before they go to vote. The group is also urging organisations and individuals to become election observers. Courtesy #DStv403

It seems some parts of the electricity network have not received the memo that we are currently free from rolling blackouts. This would explain why areas around Roodepoort, Randburg, the Joburg Inner City and others, continue to battle blackouts a month after the suspension of power cuts. This raises questions about the ability of power utilities to provide electricity, regardless of Eskom's planned power cuts. eNCA reporter Hloni Mtimkulu has more. Courtesy #DStv403

Transforming South Africa's economy has been happening at a snail’s pace. It remains the most unequal society in the world. That’s what’s coming out of the Black Business Council’s two-day annual summit, as it reflects on the economy in democratic South Africa. eNCA senior reporter, Aviwe Mtila, was there and filed this report. Courtesy #DStv403

eNCA's Heidi Giokos reports. Courtesy #DStv403

Amid growing concerns over the challenges of creating jobs, a controversial question arises. Should universities eliminate their humanities faculties to address the struggles faced by some young graduates in securing employment? Further, do institutions need to begin looking at what they are imparting to the youth and whether it aligns with the demands of the job market? Education expert, Hendrick Makaneta discussed this with eNCA. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/sas-job-market-growing-concerns-over-job-creation-limitations

The Umkhonto WeSizwe Party continues to stir controversy. This time, an investigation has been opened into whether the party submitted fraudulent signatures, to in the elections. According to City Press, a senior member of the party has opened a case, in which he admits to helping to forge some of the signatures. In response, the Independent Electoral Commission says it can only confirm that the ID numbers used as part of the party registration were not fraudulent. The commission is calling for a speedy investigation of the matter. The MK Party's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela discussed this with eNCA. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/mk-party-iec-calls-speedy-investigation-accusations-signature-fraud

South Africans spend more than a third of their earnings on food and rising prices have a substantial impact on their finances according to the FinScope Consumer South Africa 2023 poll. Almost 85-percent of total monthly revenue is spent on groceries, electricity, transportation, and communication. Group chief adviser at Ntiyiso Consulting Group Miyelani Holeni discussed this with eNCA. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/cost-living-crisis-south-africans-struggling-make-ends-meet

Transitioning to electric vehicles is not as straightforward as it might seem. Despite a surge in EV sales in 2023, the market share remains minimal. The high cost of the vehicles, driven by taxes and battery prices, presents a significant barrier to widespread adoption. But why are South Africans reluctant to buy electric vehicles? CEO of the Automotive Business Council, Mikel Mabasa discussed this with eNCA. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/will-electric-vehicles-ever-become-popular-sa

Water and electricity challenges in South Africa mean communities and institutions are forced to explore alternative sources of supply. The education sector is no different, with institutions adopting eco-friendly initiatives.  They're also turning towards water conservation and management strategies, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainability. A lecturer at Rhodes University's Community Engagement Division, Dr Rene Oosthuizen discussed this with eNCA. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/service-delivery-institutions-adopting-eco-friendly-options

Section27, the Cancer Alliance, the Treatment Action Campaign and patients are marching to the Gauteng Health Department offices on Tuesday. They're demanding that the department spend the R784 million set aside by the Gauteng Treasury to outsource radiation oncology services for over 3,000 people with cancer who are currently on the backlog list. The head of Section 27's health rights programme, Khanyisa Mapipa discussed this with eNCA. Watch the interview: https://www.enca.com/news/lobby-groups-and-cancer-patients-march-gauteng-health-department

Eskom has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Independent Electoral Commission, to keep blackouts to a minimum during the elections. South Africans have enjoyed uninterrupted power for over a month, but that honeymoon period is likely to end in winter. Eskom has already announced that it will keep power cuts to stage 2. Energy expert Matthew Cruise at Forest Energy discussed this with eNCA. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/2024-elections-energy-expert-unpacks-power-utilitys-performance

eNCA elections bus has arrived in Modimolle in Limpopo where we will engage residents and officials on various issues. The ANC-led municipality is plagued by poor service delivery which the mayor has promised to address. eNCA reporter Tumelo Mothotoane has the details. Watch the full interview: https://www.enca.com/videos/watch-2024-elections-enca-election-bus-limpopo

The Democratic Alliance says it's ready to govern the Free State. The DA's premier candidate in the province, Roy Jankielsohn, says the party has worked hard to address corruption under the ANC-led government. FULL DEBATE HERE: https://www.enca.com/shows/2024-elections-ufs-town-hall-debate-28-april-2024

The Freedom Front Plus is promising Free State residents service delivery and economic growth should it be elected it into power. Speaking during eNCA's Townhall Debate earlier, party MP, Wouter Wessels, says the ANC has failed to better the lives of residents. FULL DEBATE HERE: https://www.enca.com/shows/2024-elections-ufs-town-hall-debate-28-april-2024

The Patriotic Alliance says it has a plan to address the high unemployment rate in the Free State. The province has the third highest rate of job seekers in the country. FULL DEBATE HERE: https://www.enca.com/shows/2024-elections-ufs-town-hall-debate-28-april-2024

All election manifestos have vowed to tackle the country's skyrocketing unemployment. Curious voters who showed up at eNCA's townhall debate at the Free State University wanted to know how. FULL DEBATE HERE: https://www.enca.com/shows/2024-elections-ufs-town-hall-debate-28-april-2024

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues at the Pretoria High Court today.

There'll be zero tolerance for those attempting to disrupt the elections. So says Defence Minister, Thandie Modise. She was part of the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security cluster that briefed the media on the state of readiness for the upcoming 2024 General Elections. FULL REPORT HERE: https://www.enca.com/top-stories/2024-elections-law-enforcement-ready-elections-0

Eldorado Park in the south of Johannesburg has been battling a mushrooming drug pandemic. This has sparked increased gang violence in the area despite regular anti-crime campaigns. SAPS have set up a bi-weekly operation in the area to counter these crimes. eNCA Producer, Lee McCabe compiled this report. #enca #dstv403 For more stories: https://www.enca.com/

Several people have just been shot on Adelaide Tambo Drive, Durban North. It’s believed one person has passed away while others are critical. eNCA Senior Reporter Dasen Thathiah was on scene. #enca #dstv403 For more stories: https://www.enca.com/