http://www.tuksfm.co.za A weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Shania and Vuyo and the Tuks FM news team. Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 18:00-19:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on Tuks FM 107.2. News en Sat, 26 Jul 2025 18:09:12 +0200 Sun, 31 May 2026 19:43:55 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 Tuks FM 107.2 no Tuks FM News team Weekly feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p292/logo_9445_20260319_122608_1400.jpeg http://www.tuksfm.co.za A weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Tuks FM 107.2 episodic Tuks FM 107.2 rss+292+9445@iono.fm false ZA https://iono.fm/e/1681224 https://iono.fm/e/1681224 UP master’s graduate James Mahlokwane warns that social media influencers and AI-generated deepfakes will increasingly shape how South African voters perceive political actors in future elections. His research on strategic disinformation found that younger, digitally literate voters are becoming more critical, but vulnerable groups like the elderly remain at risk.

Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
President Ramaphosa has launched a legal counter-attack, filing a 63-page application to the Western Cape High Court to have the Phala Phala panel’s report declared unlawful. He is also seeking an interdict to stop Parliament’s new impeachment committee from proceeding, arguing the panel relied on hearsay and the wrong legal standard. The ANC backs him, while opposition calls it a delay tactic.

Current Affairs:
Two officials suspended for using AI to draft South Africa’s national AI policy – they used it to translate a Chilean document and edit content, resulting in fake academic references (“AI hallucinations”). Minister Solly Malatsi faces calls to resign but says there will be consequences.

Madlanga Commission:
While the Commission is in recess to finalise its second interim report (due 29 May), a forensic lab captain, Ramahlapane Makgotloe, was arrested for tampering with evidence and dockets in over 30 cases – including the murder investigation of musician DJ Sumbody. The state opposed bail; a formal bail hearing is ongoing.

Crime and Courts:
The NPA has filed a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission against Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni. During a R2.2 million extortion case, she convicted a prosecutor for contempt of court, issued a warrant for his arrest, and struck the matter from the roll. The NPA cites serious concerns about judicial decorum and procedural fairness.

International Scoop:
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has escalated. Israel has pushed beyond the Litani River into Lebanon in a ground operation; Hezbollah is using fiber-optic drones. The US carried out “self-defense” strikes inside Iran, which claims to have shot down an American drone. The Strait of Hormuz remains deadlocked, threatening global oil supplies. The Gaza ceasefire is also under daily strain. Diplomacy is stalled. ]]> News Wed, 27 May 2026 19:06:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 27 May 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 37:13 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1681225 https://iono.fm/e/1681225 UP’s Social Insects Research Group is visiting five Gauteng schools this May to teach learners about pollinators. Without bees and other pollinators, food systems could collapse - most crops depend on them. South Africa is a global centre of bee diversity, and the outreach aims to build ecological literacy early.

Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
Deputy Minister Buti Manamela dissolved the NSFAS board and placed it under an administrator, but then cancelled a parliamentary oversight meeting via WhatsApp, sparking outrage. The Chair of Chairs ordered an urgent hearing and involved parliamentary legal services. Meanwhile, Julius Malema argues NSFAS is beyond repair and wants student funding sent directly to universities, cutting out the “bloated middleman.”

Current Affairs:
Eskom has threatened to cut electricity to parts of Johannesburg from 8 July unless the City of Johannesburg and City Power pay over R5.2 billion in overdue debt. The cuts would be progressive, not all at once. Municipalities collectively owe Eskom R111 billion.

Madlanga Commission:
Hearings are paused until 1 June to draft a second interim report (due 29 May). Witness Brown Mogotsi was arrested after testifying - he allegedly staged his own assassination attempt. He’s now suing the state. Separately, a former police sniper is on trial for killing a key witness. The commission has led to 18 top police officials being suspended.

Crime and Courts:
An Eastern Cape High Court dismissed a stepson’s claim for R251,000 from his stepmother. The judge called it a case of greed, control, and lack of empathy in a blended family. The stepson had paid off her home loan in exchange for her caring for his dying father, but the court found the facts too disputed for a summary judgment.

International Scoop:
The US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran is fragile. President Trump said he was an hour away from ordering new strikes but pulled back after Gulf allies asked for a pause. Back-channel talks via Pakistan continue, but Iran rejected the latest US proposal. A drone strike hit near the UAE’s only nuclear plant. The Strait of Hormuz near-shutdown has cut the UN’s global growth forecast to 2.5%. ]]> News Wed, 20 May 2026 19:15:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 20 May 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 41:09 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1676317 https://iono.fm/e/1676317 A research team from UP and Texas A&M University won a Climate Change AI Innovation Grant. They’re developing machine-learning tools to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle in SA, aiming to boost sustainability and food security in data-limited environments.

Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
The ConCourt struck down Parliament’s Rule 129, ruling that the vote to reject the Phala Phala report was invalid. Parliament must now restart a proper Section 89 impeachment inquiry. Ramaphosa says he won’t resign - no court finding of guilt yet and is challenging the panel’s report. The key allegations: failing to report a theft over R100k, undeclared foreign currency, and using presidential security for a private probe.

Current Affairs:
Engineering firm Proconics is investing in school mentorship programmes, disability support (including a coffee shop employing deaf learners), and community initiatives. They focus on solving local problems with local talent, operating at Sasol, Eskom power stations, and renewable energy projects.

Madlanga Commission:
Final hearings before a pause. Explosive testimony revealed massive cocaine seizures going missing from police custody including R200m and R286m heists. Officers admitted ignoring protocols, using private vehicles for evidence, and lying. Over 18 senior SAPS officials have been suspended. A second interim report is due to Ramaphosa on 29 May.

Crime and Courts:
A 36-year-old Gauteng traffic official accused of raping a woman in their Arcadia apartment block was released on R3,000 bail. The State did not oppose bail. The matter is postponed to 15 July 2026.

International Scoop:
The US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran is holding but fragile. The last major air campaign (Operation Iron Hammer) destroyed two of Iran’s uranium enrichment cascades. ]]> News Wed, 13 May 2026 11:26:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 13 May 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 49:57 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1673893 https://iono.fm/e/1673893 What’s UP @ Tuks?:
Researchers at the University of Pretoria, working with the hearX Foundation, have created a free hearing health training programme that runs on WhatsApp using artificial intelligence. The programme helps teachers spot hearing problems in children early. Hearing loss is the most common sensory issue in kids, and many cases are missed until a child struggles to read, write, or concentrate. Around 90 million young people worldwide have hearing loss, but over 60% of cases can be prevented or treated if caught in time. The AI chatbot guides teachers through simple lessons, using pictures and voice notes. More South African languages will be added later.

· Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
The show argues that attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa are not just xenophobia – they are Afrophobia, or hatred of fellow Africans. We point out that Nigeria gave huge support during apartheid, including an estimated $61 billion, but today South Africans burn shops of Nigerians and other Africans. Meanwhile, wealthy Westerners are welcomed as investors and buy up property in Cape Town. The message is that attacking African neighbours while praising white foreigners is “doing the coloniser’s work for free.”

· Current Affairs:
A spaza shop owner from Vosloorus, Mazwi Kubheka (27), went missing amid fears that he refused to sell his business to foreign nationals. Another shop owner from Soweto, Tumelo Gaillele, was reportedly shot dead for refusing to leave his shop, though police could not confirm his death. Residents in Vosloorus protested, saying they would close all spaza shops until Kubheka is found. Police have opened a missing person case and questioned two people, but no arrests have been made. Political leaders have handed a memorandum to the acting Police Minister calling for action on illegal immigration.

· Madlanga Commission:
The commission has spent over 80% of its R147 million budget and asked for more money. In Tshwane, evidence including WhatsApp messages suggested a tender was manipulated to favour a relative of a suspended police deputy chief. A man named Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi, described as a political fixer, has asked for the lead lawyer to be removed from the case, claiming bias. A hearing on this request will happen soon, so Mogotsi’s testimony is on hold. The commission has also added the City of Johannesburg to its investigation.

· Crime and Courts:
The Public Protector found that the City of Tshwane used a flawed process to appoint Moshema Mosia as Chief of Emergency Services. A complaint said Mosia’s degree was not relevant to fire services and that he had an undisclosed criminal record. The Public Protector also said the city ignored a previous investigation and repeated mistakes in job advertisements, making the process unfair and unclear.

· International Scoop:
US-Israeli war on Iran: A fragile ceasefire is in place after two months of fighting. President Trump rejected Iran’s peace offer and is planning a long-term naval blockade. In response, Iran is blocking a key oil route, which has caused oil prices to rise and pushed millions of people into poverty worldwide. Over 1,700 Iranian civilians have reportedly been killed, and the war has cost the US up to $35 billion so far.

Botswana decriminalises homosexuality: Botswana removed old colonial laws that banned same-sex relationships. This is seen as a big win for human rights in Africa. South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and the Seychelles have also removed similar bans. However, Senegal, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia still have harsh laws against LGBT+ people. ]]> News Wed, 06 May 2026 21:10:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 8 May 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 35:36 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1681228 https://iono.fm/e/1681228 Researchers at the University of Pretoria, working with the hearX Foundation, have created a free hearing health training programme that runs on WhatsApp using artificial intelligence. The programme helps teachers spot hearing problems in children early. Hearing loss is the most common sensory issue in kids, and many cases are missed until a child struggles to read, write, or concentrate. Around 90 million young people worldwide have hearing loss, but over 60% of cases can be prevented or treated if caught in time. The AI chatbot guides teachers through simple lessons, using pictures and voice notes. More South African languages will be added later.

· Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
The show argues that attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa are not just xenophobia – they are Afrophobia, or hatred of fellow Africans. We point out that Nigeria gave huge support during apartheid, including an estimated $61 billion, but today South Africans burn shops of Nigerians and other Africans. Meanwhile, wealthy Westerners are welcomed as investors and buy up property in Cape Town. The message is that attacking African neighbours while praising white foreigners is “doing the coloniser’s work for free.”

· Current Affairs:
A spaza shop owner from Vosloorus, Mazwi Kubheka (27), went missing amid fears that he refused to sell his business to foreign nationals. Another shop owner from Soweto, Tumelo Gaillele, was reportedly shot dead for refusing to leave his shop, though police could not confirm his death. Residents in Vosloorus protested, saying they would close all spaza shops until Kubheka is found. Police have opened a missing person case and questioned two people, but no arrests have been made. Political leaders have handed a memorandum to the acting Police Minister calling for action on illegal immigration.

· Madlanga Commission:
The commission has spent over 80% of its R147 million budget and asked for more money. In Tshwane, evidence including WhatsApp messages suggested a tender was manipulated to favour a relative of a suspended police deputy chief. A man named Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi, described as a political fixer, has asked for the lead lawyer to be removed from the case, claiming bias. A hearing on this request will happen soon, so Mogotsi’s testimony is on hold. The commission has also added the City of Johannesburg to its investigation.

· Crime and Courts:
The Public Protector found that the City of Tshwane used a flawed process to appoint Moshema Mosia as Chief of Emergency Services. A complaint said Mosia’s degree was not relevant to fire services and that he had an undisclosed criminal record. The Public Protector also said the city ignored a previous investigation and repeated mistakes in job advertisements, making the process unfair and unclear.

· International Scoop:
US-Israeli war on Iran: A fragile ceasefire is in place after two months of fighting. President Trump rejected Iran’s peace offer and is planning a long-term naval blockade. In response, Iran is blocking a key oil route, which has caused oil prices to rise and pushed millions of people into poverty worldwide. Over 1,700 Iranian civilians have reportedly been killed, and the war has cost the US up to $35 billion so far.

Botswana decriminalises homosexuality: Botswana removed old colonial laws that banned same-sex relationships. This is seen as a big win for human rights in Africa. South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and the Seychelles have also removed similar bans. However, Senegal, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia still have harsh laws against LGBT+ people ]]> News Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:41:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 29 April 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 45:33 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1681229 https://iono.fm/e/1681229 A recent study by the University of Pretoria and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, along with several other institutions in Europe have revealed interesting and hidden information about the ocean’s most powerful predators.

*Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):*
Julius Malema gets five years in prison for firing a rifle in 2018 but walks free on an appeal that could take until 2032. The same week, President Ramaphosa appoints a former apartheid minister as the ambassador to the United States right as President Donald Trump ramps up his attacks on South Africa. Is it a coincidence? Or a calculated political and racial tactic to silence an African radical leader while smoothing things over with a hostile White House?

*Current Affairs:*
Police in Mpumalanga have arrested a 23 year-old man for allegedly murdering his 30 year-old female neighbour in Mmametlake. We discuss how desensitised society has become to GBVF and crime.

*Madlanga Commission:*
From a suspended CFO’s tender fraud to a top cop’s family ties to a murder kingpin and three arrests in between this week at the Madlanga Commission has turned State Capture 2.0 from a hearing into a handcuff!

*Crime and Courts:*
Nafiz Modack is back on the radar as his murder trial hits another last minute delay as his lawyer scrambles for a missing witness, leaving the judge fuming and the fate of the alleged gang boss hanging in limbo.

*International Scoop:*
We give you the latest update on the US-Israeli war on Iran. We are currently in the middle of a fragile ,extended ceasefire. Just hours before it was set to expire, President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension as a result of mediation by Pakistan. This is to allow for more time to find a more diplomatic solution to the conflict. Even though the ceasefire is currently in place, attacks are still ongoing in the Strait of Hormuz as well as Lebanon. ]]> News Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:43:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 22 April 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 47:36 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1668393 https://iono.fm/e/1668393
*What’s UP @ Tuks?:*
From losing every match and getting relegated in 2023 to lifting the Varsity Cup for a record sixth time on Monday night, Tuks Rugby wrote the ultimate comeback story.

*Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):*
Roelf Meyer was appointed as the South African ambassador to the United States. We discuss the mixed reactions from different political parties and figures and whether or not Meyer’s appointment was a strategy by the president to get back into US President Donald Trump’s good books.

*Current Affairs:*
Taxi bosses in the Western Cape are committed to working towards ending violence in the industry. New leadership of the South African Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the province was appointed.

*Madlanga Commission:*
We highlighted the suspension of Tshwane’s CFO for alleged tender rigging and Julius Mkhwanazi is still under a lot of pressure as he is still testifying at the Madlanga Commission. We discuss the fact that Julius Mkhwanazi lied about the death of his birth mother to get a postponement of appearance. After carrying out its own investigations, the commission found out through Home Affairs that the person who died was actually his step mother.

*Crime and Courts:*
He fired a bullet into the air while in a crowd of about 20 000 people and now Julius Malema is one courtroom decision away from losing his seat in Parliament and spending the next 15 years in prison.

*International Scoop:*
We give you an update on the US-Israeli war on Iran. A two week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan last week has collapsed almost immediately after it was established. A key development this week is the enforcement of a blockade by the US Navy on Iranian ports which is meant to economically pressure Iran but also gives rise to renewed war. ]]> News Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:01:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 15 April 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 53:11 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1664578 https://iono.fm/e/1664578 What's UP @ Tuks?:
We highlighted a UP student-led initiative in partnership with M-powerment, to plant 750 cabbage patches to feed vulnerable children and had an interview with the President of M-Powerment to further explain the initiative.

Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (South African politics):
ActionSA MP Dereleen James laid criminal charges against Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe for allegedly failing to declare two luxury SUVs received as gifts, with the vehicles reportedly registered under her children’s names, raising concerns about breaches of PRECCA and executive ethics laws.

Current Affairs:
South Africa received nearly 40,000 doses of the HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly treatment aimed at reducing new infections.

Madlanga Commission:
The Madlanga Commission exposed serious corruption within the Tshwane Metro Police Department, with Commissioner Yolande Faro describing systemic failures and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi arrested after police found illegal firearms, ammunition, a grenade, and hidden case dockets linked to serious crimes.

Crime and Courts:
We looked into a case where five suspects were arrested in the Free State for the murder of 36-year-old Johannes Mollo, who was mistakenly identified as another man and killed.

International Scoop:
A two-week ceasefire between Israel and Iran collapsed almost immediately amid continued attacks, while Senegal passed a law increasing prison sentences for same-sex relationships to up to 10 years and criminalising the “promotion of homosexuality,” drawing criticism as a human rights violation from the United Nations. ]]> News Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:58:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap | 8 April 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 37:22 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1661178 https://iono.fm/e/1661178
A weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Shania and Vuyo and the Tuks FM news team.

Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 18:00-19:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on TuksFM 107.2. ]]> News Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:49:00 +0200 0 0 "IYKYK - Political Scoop" 25 March 2026 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 39:56 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1657916 https://iono.fm/e/1657916 A weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Shania and Vuyo and the Tuks FM news team.

Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 18:00-19:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on TuksFM 107.2. ]]> News Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:06:00 +0200 0 0 The Wednesday Wrap 18 March 2026: "What's Up at Tuks, Politics and Why they matter to You" 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 51:12 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1580209 https://iono.fm/e/1580209
The Wednesday Wrap is a weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Tshegofatso Makola and the Tuks FM news team.

Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 19:00-20:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on TuksFM 107.2. ]]> News Wed, 28 May 2025 20:29:00 +0200 0 0 Interview with former MK Chief Whip, Mzwanele Manyi 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 10:11 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1580208 https://iono.fm/e/1580208
The Wednesday Wrap is a weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Tshegofatso Makola and the Tuks FM news team.

Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 19:00-20:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on TuksFM 107.2. ]]> News Wed, 21 May 2025 20:26:00 +0200 0 0 Interview with Dr Shaheda Omar from The Teddy Bear Clinic 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 11:10 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1580211 https://iono.fm/e/1580211
The Wednesday Wrap is a weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Tshegofatso Makola and the Tuks FM news team.

Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 19:00-20:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on TuksFM 107.2. ]]> News Wed, 07 May 2025 21:25:00 +0200 0 0 Interview with the EFF Youth Command’s, Phumelelani Mshumi 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 8:40 The Wednesday Wrap https://iono.fm/e/1580207 https://iono.fm/e/1580207
The Wednesday Wrap is a weekly wrap of news and current affairs from the UP campus, Hatfield community and the country at large. Led by Tshegofatso Makola and the Tuks FM news team

Listen live on www.tuksfm.co.za, every Wednesday from 19:00-20:00 (SA Time) to The Wednesday Wrap on TuksFM 107.2. ]]> News Wed, 07 May 2025 20:23:00 +0200 0 0 Interview with Afriforum's Head of PR, Ernst van Zyl 0 0 Tuks FM News team full 12:33 The Wednesday Wrap