First Take SA

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is warning of a crisis in KwaZulu-Natal, as commuter bus companies threaten to halt operations over unpaid government subsidies. Several major operators say they have not received payments from the provincial Department of Transport since April, despite contractual obligations. With reserves now depleted and rising fuel costs adding pressure, services that thousands rely on daily to get to work, school and healthcare facilities could come to a standstill as early as next week. We spoke to COSATU spokesperson, Zanele Sabela.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and four co-accused are expected in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court today.
They were arrested yesterday in connection with the alleged murder and disappearance of Emmanuel Mbense in April 2022. Police allege Mbense was abducted, tortured and his body dumped in the Spaarwater Dam near Nigel. Speaking to our Senior producer Ronald Phiri earlier, Mkhwanazi's attorney, Shafique Sarlie says his client denies the charges and will apply for bail.

The South African Local Government Association, SALGA has welcomed Cabinet's decision to send the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill to Parliament. Commonly called the "Coalition Bill", it aims to bring more stability, transparency and accountability to municipal coalitions. Coalition-led councils have jumped from 27 after the 2016 elections to 70 after 2021, making them a key feature of local government. SALGA says while the law is important, parties must also sign clear coalition agreements and focus on service delivery ahead of the 2026 polls. We spoke to SALGA spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba.

The Madlanga Commission has heard allegations of a plan to get suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to make false statements to Parliament, so he could later face perjury charges. The claim was made on Wednesday by State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, IDAC. Ramsamy also testified about alleged involvement by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Major General Feroz Khan in investigations into senior Crime Intelligence officials. SABC reporter Sibahle Motha filed this report. We also spoke to ActionSA MP Dereleen James.

South Africa's diplomatic credibility is under scrutiny following confusion around former President Jacob Zuma's recent trip to India. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola briefed the media on the High Commission's role, but the DA says the briefing raised more questions than answers. The DA accuses DIRCO of "muddying the waters" and wants clarity on who authorised Zuma's reception and whether protocol was breached, including a reported meeting with Ajay Gupta. Minister Lamola also announced DIRCO and the Presidency are developing a new framework for protocol assistance to former presidents and deputy presidents. We spoke to Ryan Smith MP and DA Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation.