First Take SA

A 40-year-old supplier linked to a 16-million-rand fleet tender in Emfuleni is expected in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court today. Police say he was contracted to deliver 18 municipal vehicles but only seven arrived. He faces charges of fraud, corruption and theft following his arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team in Pretoria. His appearance follows that of former fleet manager Lerato Mpholo who is out on 25-thousand-rand bail. In a separate case, an eighth suspect believed to be the mastermind behind an illegal electricity reconnection scam in the Vaal, will also appear in the same court today. We spoke to Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni...

More than 2,200 candidates from 45 political parties missed the Electoral Commission's August 28 deadline to submit their details for the November 4 local government elections. The ANC is challenging the decision, arguing that some candidate information had been captured on the IEC's online system but that technical problems prevented final confirmation. The IEC, however, says the system was operational throughout the nomination period and that the deadline will not be extended. In an opinion piece, political analyst, Nkosikhulule Nyembezi addresses the ramifications...

SADTU is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to sanction Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube over the continued suspension of the new Foundation Phase textbook catalogue. The union says investigations found no wrongdoing in the procurement process and accuses the Minister of political interference that could undermine transformation and smaller publishers. We spoke to SADTU Secretary General, Xolani Fakude....

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is facing fierce public backlash over its newly announced Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Themba "SkeemGP" Nzimande. The Katlehong businessman, a former cash-in-transit offender turned podcaster, was unveiled as part of the party's mayoral line-up for Gauteng. The announcement has sparked heated debate online about whether a former convict should lead a metro. We spoke to Sydney Baloyi, Afrika Mayibuye National spokesperson...

The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO has denied sidelining AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini from the SADC Summit hosted in KwaZulu-Natal last month. The Ministry says an official invitation was extended to the King for the banquet and opening ceremony. This after the King said holding events in his province without acknowledging him was disrespectful. We spoke to DIRCO spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri..