First Take SA

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has welcomed the swift arrest of three armed security guards accused of attacking an e-hailing driver and several women in KwaNdengezi. The arrests followed intervention by MEC Siboniso Duma, who has praised the coordinated response by law enforcement, including SAPS teams led by Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as well as Operation Shanela, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and Durban Metro Police. The incident has once again raised concerns around safety in the e-hailing sector and the conduct of private security personnel. We spoke to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, KZN Transport and Human Settlements Spokesperson.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today launch a new twice-a-year HIV prevention injection in Mpumalanga. The shot offers six months of protection per dose and will be rolled out nationally. Health officials say it could transform prevention efforts in high-risk areas. The rollout starts today at an event in Mpumalanga. Authorities hope the injectable will reduce new infections nationwide. We spoke to Sibongile Tshabalala, Chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre has filed an application in the North Gauteng High Court to suspend permits for arms exports to the United States. The non-governmental organisation argues the National Conventional Arms Control Committee should have cancelled the permits due to international law concerns. This is the first South African case seeking to stop arms sales to a permanent UN Security Council member. The Chairperson of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, Minister of Defence and President Cyril Ramaphosa are listed as respondents. We spoke to Dr. Atilla Kisla, International Justice Cluster Lead at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the North West Province has apologized after viral videos showed taxi patrollers confronting commuters in Hebron, Britz. The council says the conduct was unacceptable and does not reflect its values. The dispute centres on buses allegedly operating outside agreed peak-hour times on taxi routes. SANTACO and the North West Transport Department have agreed to enforce existing arrangements and restore stability. The organisation condemned any violence or intimidation and urged commuters to remain calm. We spoke to SANTACO North West Provincial Secretary, Shakes Mayekani

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back