First Take SA

Fuel prices will rise sharply across South Africa from Wednesday, adding pressure on struggling households. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced petrol will go up by R3.27 per litre and diesel by R6.19, with paraffin and LPG also increasing. The Government cites global oil price volatility and supply constraints for the hike. Cosatu warns the increases will drive up transport, food and essential goods costs. The Federation is questioning if enough is being done to protect workers and the poor. COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks joins us to elaborate on their concerns.

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, NEHAWU says it is flabbergasted by Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela's decision to place NSFAS under administration without consulting the union. The union argues past administrators left the scheme with maladministration, financial irregularities and poor governance. NEHAWU had urged the Minister to work with stakeholders after board members resigned to stabilise the scheme. We spoke to NEHAWU National Spokesperson, Lwazi Nkolonzi.

The Black Lawyers Association says the Legal Sector Code is vital for transformation in the judiciary. This comes as Norton Rose Fulbright, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans and Bowmans challenge the code in the Pretoria High Court. The firms argue the 2024 B-BBEE rules, requiring up to 50 percent black ownership, are unconstitutional and unworkable. BLA President Nkosana Mvundlela says the challenge is unnecessary and equal work distribution is still needed in the profession. Mr. Mvundlela joins us on the line to elaborate further on his sentiments

The Constitutional Court will begin hearing a challenge to the National Health Insurance Act. The Board of Healthcare Funders and the Western Cape government argue Parliament failed to ensure meaningful public participation before passing the law. The hearings run from today until Thursday and will test whether sections 59 and 72 of the constitution were met. Major medical aid schemes are backing the legal challenge to the NHI legislation. For more we're joined by Solidarity Research Institute economic researcher, Theuns du Buisson.