First Take SA

The Democratic Alliance is set to brief the media outside the Tambo Memorial Hospital, raising serious concerns over the postponement of critical elective surgeries, in some cases until 2027. The DA says this crisis has persisted despite repeated warnings to the Gauteng Department of Health, and plans to reveal what it calls damning evidence, alongside testimonies from affected patients. We spoke to Democratic Alliance Gauteng Health Spokesperson, Madeleine Hicklin

The corruption trial of former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula continues today at the Pretoria High Court. UDM Leader General, Bantu Holomisa was the state's first witness, telling the court he received information in 2021 that Mapisa-Nqakula had received about R5 million from an SANDF contractor. Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. The case resumes today for further testimony. We spoke to UDM Leader, General Bantu Holomisa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Nkabinde Inquiry has found South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke fit to hold office. The panel found no credible evidence that Advocate Chauke made improper prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matter or acted unlawfully in his coordination duties. It also ruled his decision to provisionally withdraw charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli was not irrational. We spoke to Machini Motloung, President of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA).

The South African Reserve Bank will announce its next interest rate decision today, with many economists expecting another hike. Inflation rose to 4.5% in May, driven by higher oil and fuel prices after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The MPC raised rates by 0.25% in May, taking the prime rate to 10.5% and Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago has warned further increases may be needed. For expectations and the Impact of rate hikes on workers. We spoke to FEDUSA General Secretary, Riefdah Ajam.

Higher Education, Minister Buti Manamela has given the University of Venda Council 14 days to respond to his plan to appoint an independent assessor. The proposed probe would look into allegations of corruption against suspended Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bernard Nthambeleni and COO Lonwabo Botwe. Both were suspended by council last week amid governance and leadership disputes at the university. The department says if no representations are made, the Minister may proceed to appoint the assessor by law. We spoke to Keamogetswe Masike, the President of the South African Students Federation.