Midday Edition: News making headlines this afternoon

President Jacob Zuma has confirmed that a mining phakisa will be held next month, amidst the crisis in the mining industry and discussions to avert thousands of job losses.

The president is leading talks with role players at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

Mining minister Ngoako has also expressed concern over the loss of jobs. 

President of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), Joseph Mathunjwa also says he is worried over job losses. 

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma who is chairman of the AU Chairperson addressed the Global Child Forum at the CSIR in Pretoria this morning. Dlamini-Zuma spoke about humanity and the impact of war on children. 

Sport minister Fikile Mbalalu said at the launch of the national indigenous games in Polokwane, 'while Bafana Bafana has talented players he's not certain why they fail on the field'. Mbalula further said the national team will need to turn a corner. 

The team is gearing up for their Nelson Mandela Challenge match against Senegal at Orlando Stadium this evening. 

Police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, has confirmed it's investigating a case of rape involving an officer at a Limpopo police station. 

The officer allegedly raped a 22-year-old woman in the holding cells at the Seshego Police Station. 

The directorate's Grace Langa says the woman was arrested after her father opened a case of child neglect against her. 

Ipid says while this is the first formal case to be opened against the officer, it's alleged this is not the first such incident.

The police officer is expected to appear in the Seshego Magistrate's Court tomorrow.

In Lebanon, two people have died and some 750 treated for respiratory problems, as a massive sandstorm blankets much of the Middle East. An emergency meeting has been scheduled for later this afternoon, on the storm's effects. It's only expected to abate from tomorrow night. 

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