Consumers urged to verify all property-related information amid rising rental and property scams.

Consumers urged to verify all property-related information amid rising rental and property scams.

Property is one of the most significant financial investments most South Africans will ever make, yet it is increasingly becoming a target for criminal activity. This is according to Grant Smee, Chief Executive Officer of Only Realty Property Group. He says rising market activity, combined with advanced deception methods, is driving an uptick in property scams. Today we look at the common types of property fraud that are currently affecting the market. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Grant Smee, Chief Executive Officer of Only Realty Property Group

Authorities warn that resistance to Ebola burial protocols in parts of the DRC is slowing containment efforts.

Angry residents of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are angry over being denied access to the body of their loved ones during burials. They have attacked a tam of healthcare workers in the town of Kotana in the South Kivu province as they attempted to carry out a safe burial of an Ebola victim. Many communities in the DRC observe traditional funeral rites that involve touching the deceased during burial.  But health workers have prohibited the practice because the bodies of Ebola victims are highly infectious. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC's correspondent in the DRC, Chris Ocamringa

Coordinated planning and maintenance can reduce extreme weather impact - EC Cogta Department

Over 2500 residents have been displaced following the heavy rains in the Nelson Mandela Bay region in the Eastern Cape this week.  The municipality says at least 21 wards have been affected, with 141 incidents recorded since the South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall. While no fatalities or injuries have been reported, dozens of homes have been flooded and roads remain closed. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Pheelo Oliphant

Constitutional democracy progresses, but more still needs to be done —Professor Reggie Nel

Widely regarded as one of the most progressive in the world, the Constitution of South Africa stands as the cornerstone of the country's democracy. Forged in the spirit of 1994, it drew on the collective wisdom of elected representatives determined to break decisively from apartheid—a system that oppressed the black majority. Its mission was clear: to enshrine and protect the rights of all who live in the country. This year marks 30 years since its adoption. However, questions continue to be raised of the effectiveness of the constitution for the many lived realities of the country's communities.  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Reggie Nel, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University

Health minister urges continued use of HIV preventative measures.

Ramaphosa launched the rollout of Lenacapavir in Mpumalanga yesterday. Lenacapavir is a new injectable prevention drug for HIV. Speaking at the launch Ramaphosa said the launch of Lenacapavir marks a turning point in South Africa's fight against HIV. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi.