First Take SA

The Gauteng Department of Health has clarified concerns over radiation oncology services at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The department says four existing linear accelerator machines remain operational and continue to treat cancer patients. It says two new machines meant to expand capacity are not yet licensed by SAHPRA, with staffing among outstanding requirements. Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona says the department is working to meet licensing conditions so the additional capacity can come online.

The case against former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been postponed to next week Tuesday (October 20th), for bail judgment. The State revealed during Sibiya's bail hearing in the Randburg Magistrates court that investigations in the case are at an advanced stage. Sibiya faces multiple charges, including human trafficking and the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl, and the rape of a 18-year-old woman. SABC News Reporter Refilwe Mekoa (PRON: MME-KWAA) has tthe details.

Twenty-eight inmates at Westville Correctional Services in Durban are among 268 prisoners across the country sitting for their 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations. KwaZulu-Natal has a total of 50 inmates writing this year. The National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale visited uSethubeni Youth School at the Durban Correctional Facility to monitor the start of the examinations. The facility has maintained a remarkable record of achieving a 100 percent pass rate for 10 consecutive years. Thobakgale has encouraged inmate learners to look beyond their current circumstances and use education as a stepping stone towards a better future. Khalesakhe Mbhense reports.

The matric class of 2026 at Thembisa West Secondary School in Ekurhuleni hopes to do well in their final year exams. Candidates across the country are sat for the English matric exam Paper. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube visited the school this morning to oversee the National Senior Certificate exam process and ensure exams are administered in a conducive and secure environment for learners and teachers. Neria Hlakotsa filed this report.

The Labour Party says the Constitutional Court must apply one standard to all parties after it ruled in favour of the ANC.The apex court yesterday cleared 181 previously disqualified ANC candidates to contest the November 4th local government elections.It condoned the late filing of nomination documents, finding the delay was minimal and caused no prejudice.The Labour Party says it was robbed of contesting nationally and in four provinces in 2024 after similar glitches on the IEC's online system. We spoke to Joseph Mathunjwa, interim President of the Labour Party.