First Take SA

A high-level government delegation will head to the Eastern Cape to address the volatile situation in Ngcobo following prolonged shutdowns over transport, safety and services. United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa directly petitioned President Cyril Ramaphosa to step in following weeks of intense community unrest. Local residents blocked major transport routes and halted all business operations to demand urgent service delivery upgrades. For more on this, we spoke to UDM Leader, General Bantu Holomisa.

Airlink says it has withdrawn its application for a formation flyby at FNB Stadium this Saturday due to forecast bad weather. The airline confirms it handed over flight data recorders to the South African Civil Aviation Authority, which is now reviewing last weekend's Cape Town DHL Stadium flypast. Both Airlink and the Aviation Authority say safety was prioritized, with three senior captains on board and a full compliance report will be released once analysis is complete.

The fifth suspect arrested in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance Chief Whip, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu has denied any involvement in the crime. Forty-three-year-old, Manelisi Zuma appeared in the Howick Magistrates Court for his bail application, yesterday. He faces charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder In 2023, Ndlovu was gunned down at his home in full view of his wife and children. Zuma has indicated that he intends to plead not guilty on all charges. Dries Liebenberg reports.

As South Africa heads to the local government elections, basic service delivery is once again under scrutiny in the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality in Mpumalanga. Residents of Msukanyoni in Maphotla say they have waited for years for reliable water supply, with some now forced to collect stagnant, unsafe water, from a water-hole where animals drink from. Residents say they are also without electricity and other basic services. Nonhlanhla Ntshingila reports.

Convicted serial killer Rassie Hlabirwa Nkuna and dismissed police officer Jacob Chego are set to appear in the Pretoria High Court today for sentencing. The pair were found guilty for the 2022 murders of Lucky and Sabeliwe Mogashoa, who were killed near the Etwatwa off-ramp in Ekurhuleni in front of their two children. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe elaborates.