First Take SA

Despite the benefits of global connectivity, there is also the growing risks of AI-generated content such as deepfakes, which are increasingly used for fraud and cybercrime. Tayyibah Suliman of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr warns that deepfakes can deceive audiences, enable cybercrime, and damage reputations, often created and shared anonymously. South Africa has already seen cases of identity misuse through deepfakes, including fake executive instructions for fraudulent payments. As these tools improve, it is becoming harder to tell real from fake, making legal and workplace regulation increasingly important. We spoke to Technology & Communications sector Head at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Tayyibah Suliman.

The Organization Undoing Tax Abuse says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's ultimatum to the City of Johannesburg is a welcomed move. Godongwana has given the city until Friday to explain why National Treasury should not stop transferring funds to the metro. OUTA says this is a welcome development, with Treasury now doing what it ought to have done years ago, placing pressure on the City of Johannesburg to address deteriorating financial governance, including R1.2 billion owed to Rand Water and R3.7 billion to Eskom. We spoke to OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage.

Suspended National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola and over a dozen other senior police officers are due back in the Pretoria Magistrates court today in connection with the 228-million rand Medicare24 SAPS tender awarded to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi "CAT" Matlala's company. Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach MP and DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development has raised concerns, following the news that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is negotiating a plea agreement with corruption kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Breytenbach says it appears that the NPA is determined to repeat one of its most disastrous mistakes: the slap on the wrist plea agreement concluded with Angelo Agrizzi. The issue has renewed questions about transparency and the justice system's capacity to handle complex corruption cases. We spoke to Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, in her capacity as a former Prosecutor at the NPA.

The Department of Basic Education is threatening legal action as Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube demands immediate restoration of electricity and water at the department's head office in Pretoria. The department says its account is in good standing and the disconnection was made in error by the City of Tshwane. It is now warning legal action if services are not restored. This comes after city of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya announced disconnections over R104 million debt owed by 200 schools. We spoke to Basic Education ministry spokesperson Lukhanyo Vanqa

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana