First Take SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the National Government will ease pressure on local municipalities by simplifying the system. Where municipalities fail, he says national government will intervene more quickly and direct corrective measures to better serve the people. Ramaphosa also announced a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair, to address water problems across the country. Johannesburg Metro is the latest area facing serious water issues. Technical experts and resources will be deployed to affected municipalities. For more, we're joined by SALGA President, Bheke Stofile

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will be deployed to support police in dealing with gang violence and illegal mining in the Western Cape, Gauteng and other provinces. The announcement was made last night during his State of the Nation Address. For the latest, we're now joined by Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis...

The National Taxi Alliance says it takes seriously any calls to remove scholars from its taxis. The Greater Gauteng Learner Transport Organisation will hold a stay‑away from school today, protesting what it calls "abuse and impoundment of learner transport operators' vehicles" and unpaid invoices. The Taxi Alliance says while it respects the right to strike, it has asked scholar transport operators not to disrupt its services to stranded learners. For the latest, we're joined on the line by Theo Malele, National Taxi Alliance spokesperson...

Political parties have responded with mixed reactions to President Ramaphosa SONA in Cape Town last night. Some parties praised the speech, highlighting areas of alignment with their policies. Others expressed skepticism, saying the address contained nothing new and was full of empty promises. For more on the reactions, we're joined by Political analyst, Dr. Levy Ndou…