First Take SA

The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court has heard how North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi, allegedly plotted to stage an escape from court during his previous appearance, disguised as a Prison Officer. The State presented the evidence in the form of an affidavit provided by the investigating officer. This is Mogotsi's forth bail application attempt after two bail applications were denied by the same court and a third one dismissed by the High Court in Johannesburg. The case has been postponed to next Tuesday (1 September). Horisani Sithole filed this report

The ANC Youth League in Ekurhuleni has accused city officials of deliberately blocking jobs meant for young people. The group claims approved positions for cleaners, security guards and grass cutters remain vacant months after interviews concluded. We spoke to Youth League's Regional Chairperson, Simphiwe Patose.

E-hailing groups in the Western Cape have condemned what they call institutional failure at Cape Town International Airport. The Western Cape E-Hailing Association and Operation Ubuntu say neglect by Uber, ACSA and police has led to violence and intimidation in the staging area. They report that unauthorised operators are beating drivers, while legitimate grievances over space and illegal operators remain unresolved. The groups are calling on ACSA, the Department of Mobility and SAPS to take control of the precinct and restart mediation immediately. We spoke Yusuf Dahir, Acting Secretary General of the Western Cape E-Hailing Association.

The Government Employees Medical Scheme, GEMS has placed its Principal Officer Stan Moloabi on precautionary suspension. GEMS says the suspension is pending an internal process but has not provided reasons for the decision. With hundreds of thousands of public servants covered by the scheme, there are growing calls for transparency on what prompted the move. For reaction we spoke to Simon Hlungwani, President of the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA).

Members of the National Assembly will today vote on a motion of no confidence against Speaker Thoko Didiza. The motion was tabled by EFF leader Julius Malema in June over Didiza's decision not to oppose President Ramaphosa's court application to pause the Phala Phala impeachment process. The EFF says Didiza failed in her constitutional duties by not challenging the interdict. The DA's position is expected to be shaped by broader Government of National Unity considerations. But for more on the party's stance,we spoke to DA Chief Whip & Spokesperson on Justice & Constitutional Development, Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.