First Take SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recent floods in Limpopo as catastrophic, with 36 houses damaged in Mbaula village. The province is experiencing widespread flooding, affecting hundreds of families, particularly in Vhembe and Mopani districts. The South African Weather Service has issued a level 10 warning, with further heavy rainfall expected. The government has deployed multi-disciplinary teams to assist affected areas, including rescue operations and damage assessments. Elvis Presslin spoke to Limpopo government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela

The Office of the Tax Ombud is urging taxpayers to know their rights and get help with SARS disputes. The Tax Ombud offers free, independent assistance with tax complaints. Tax Ombud officials will be available for radio interviews to explain the services they offer and how to access them. The Tax Ombud's "Be A Smart Taxpayer" campaign aims to educate taxpayers on their rights and obligations. The office has published a guide to taxpayer rights and entitlements. Francois Viljoen, Specialist Systemic Investigation at the office of the Tax Ombudsman, spoke to Elvis Presslin

KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Martin Mayer is calling for schools to get relief from municipal rates. Some schools in the province have faced water and electricity cuts due to unpaid bills. MEC Mayer visited the Durban School for the Hearing Impaired in Amanzimtoti, where he handed over books and acknowledged the challenges faced by schools. The MEC says it's unfair for schools to be burdened with high municipal costs and is pushing for rates to be scrapped or reduced. Elvis Presslin spoke to KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyer

ActionSA has introduced the Fallen Whistleblowers Bill, aimed at protecting those who expose corruption. The party says the bill is a response to the government's failure to tackle corruption, which they say has severe consequences for South Africans. ActionSA claims whistleblowers have been targeted and even killed for speaking out against corruption, citing cases like Babita Deokran and Marumo Eric Phenya. The party's leader Herman Mashaba says it's time to take decisive action against corruption. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Malebo Kobe

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is warning that 230 jobs are at risk at British American Tobacco's Heidelberg factory due to the growing illicit tobacco trade. British American Tobacco is closing its South African manufacturing plant, citing the rise of cheap, illegal cigarettes as a major factor. COSATU says the illicit trade now accounts for 75% of total sales, with illegal products selling at a quarter of the price of legitimate cigarettes. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks