First Take SA

The African Christian Democratic Party, ACDP in Ekurhuleni is calling for accountability and swift justice following recent arrests of senior municipal officials. ACDP councillor Palesa Yates says those arrested must have their day in court after the spotlight placed on governance issues by the Madlanga Commission. The party is also renewing calls for justice in the murder of municipal auditor Mpho Mafole, more than a year after he was gunned down, while raising concerns about ethical leadership and governance within the city. We spoke to ACDP councillor, Palesa Yates.

Former Ekurhuleni City Manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi is expected to apply for bail in the Germiston Magistrate's Court this morning. She and co-accused Linda Gxasheka spent the night in custody after the state asked for time to verify their addresses. Mashazi faces charges of fraud, corruption. Julius Mkhwanazi and Kemi Behari have been granted bail of R50,000 each but remain in custody. For more, we spoke to her legal representative, Johan Eksteen from BDK Attorneys.

The City of Tshwane Council has placed City Manager Johann Mettler on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending an independent investigation. Council also resolved to start disciplinary proceedings against CFO Gareth Mnisi over allegations found to be less serious misconduct. The Mayor says administration remains stable and services will continue. The DA, however, has condemned the suspension as unlawful, alleging 13 votes were deducted after being counted and says it is seeking legal advice. We spoke to DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Cilliers Brink.

The Union Against Hunger will picket outside the South African Human Rights Commission's Food Inquiry today. They plan to hold a symbolic trial of Shoprite in its absence after the retailer and other major chains reportedly failed to appear before the hearings in Johannesburg. The group will hand over a memorandum demanding the Commission compel retailers to attend and explain soaring food prices. We spoke to Union Against Hunger Secretary, Esther Padi.

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back