First Take SA

The Police Ministry says it has intensified engagements to ensure next week's local government elections take place in a safe and secure environment. The ministry says it is receiving regular briefings from SAPS top management and the NATJOINTS on readiness and coordination. It has also met with Premiers, MECs for Community Safety and the private security industry through PSiRA. The ministry says engagements will continue to assess provincial preparedness and address emerging risks. To elaborate further, we're joined by Kamogelo Mogotsi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Police.

Taxpayers have paid about R2.7 million towards the legal costs of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who stll remains on special leave. Meanwhile Professor Firoz Cachalia serves as Acting Police Minister. The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, says President Cyril Ramaphosa must act to end what he describes as a costly arrangement. Mkhokheli Bandla filed this report

With just a week to go before South Africans go to the polls on 4 November, the IEC has declared its results system fit for purpose. The Electoral Commission launched the National Results Operations Centre, colloquially known as the ROC, in Midrand Johannesburg. The ROC will serve as the engine room for the capture and release of results from 23 thousand voting stations across the country. It will also serve as the nerve centre for the management and oversight of the electoral process, allowing amongst others, representatives of political parties and independent candidates, as well as the media to monitor the integrity of the polls. Busi Bopela reports.

As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, the Gauteng Department of Health is encouraging residents to continue prioritizing mental well-being, challenging stigma and seeking help when needed. The department says mental health support remains available throughout the year at public healthcare facilities across the province. We spoke to Radisha Sukhlal, a Deputy Director at the Mental Health Directorate at the Gauteng Department Of Health.

The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours to help voters ahead of next week's local government elections. From the 2nd to the 4th of November, offices will be open from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. We spoke to Ndileka Cola, Home Affairs Head of Communications