First Take SA

Eleven suspects, including four Mexican nationals, have been arrested after a major drug bust at a clandestine lab on a Swartruggens farm. SAPS Crime Intelligence and the Hawks uncovered drugs worth millions and say the find points to a sophisticated trafficking network in rural areas. The Moral Regeneration Movement says the bust confirms a shift of drug operations away from cities. It is calling for stronger community action based on Ubuntu and shared values. We spoke to Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement in the North West

The City of Johannesburg says it has collected close to R100 million in a few months after clamping down on illegal outdoor advertising. This is a sharp rise from the roughly R4 million generated annually before enforcement began earlier this year. Officials say the campaign targets non-compliant billboards and aims to ensure businesses contribute fairly to service delivery. We spoke to Joburg Property Company CEO, Musah Makhunga.

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has condemned the Public Protector for threatening legal action against people who insult her over the Phala Phala matter. FOSA says the warning of fines or jail risks intimidating public criticism and sets a dangerous precedent. It argues the move undermines freedom of expression and the constitutional principle that no office-bearer is above the law. The group is calling for public institutions to act with integrity and accountability. We spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South Africa (FOSA).

COSATU has rejected Parliament's Impeachment Committee composition, saying it is unconstitutional. The union says limiting the Committee to 31 members cut the ANC's representation to 30%, below its 40% share in Parliament. The Committee was formed after a Constitutional Court ruling to probe allegations around foreign currency found at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm. COSATU warns the setup undermines the 2024 election result and may face legal challenge. We spoke to Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator.

ActionSA says it has laid criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa in connection with the Phala Phala farm burglary. The party says the charges relate to alleged contraventions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, as well as accusations of perjury and fraud. These claims centre on the alleged concealment or underreporting of the amount of money stolen during the 2020 burglary at the President's Limpopo farm. The Presidency has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to the matter, while various law enforcement and oversight bodies continue to face scrutiny over how the case has been handled. We spoke to Lerato Ngobeni, ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip and National Spokesperson to unpack the basis of these charges and what they hope will come from the legal process.