First Take SA

South Africa will not impose a blanket ban on poultry imports from Brazil following an outbreak of Newcastle disease in Santa Catarina. The Department of Agriculture says trade will continue under strict veterinary certification to protect local animal health. The decision is aimed at maintaining a stable supply of poultry products. It has implications for farmers, importers and consumers. To explain the measures in place and the potential risks, We spoke to Dr. Botlhe Modisane, Chief Director for Animal Production and Health at the National Department of Agriculture

The Police Ministry says it has intensified engagements to ensure next week's local government elections take place in a safe and secure environment. The ministry says it is receiving regular briefings from SAPS top management and the NATJOINTS on readiness and coordination. It has also met with Premiers, MECs for Community Safety and the private security industry through PSiRA. The ministry says engagements will continue to assess provincial preparedness and address emerging risks. To elaborate further, we're joined by Kamogelo Mogotsi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Police.

Taxpayers have paid about R2.7 million towards the legal costs of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who stll  remains on special leave. Meanwhile Professor Firoz Cachalia serves as Acting Police Minister. The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, says President Cyril Ramaphosa must act to end what he describes as a costly arrangement. Mkhokheli Bandla filed this report

With just a week to go before South Africans go to the polls on 4 November, the IEC has declared its results system fit for purpose. The Electoral Commission launched the National Results Operations Centre, colloquially known as the ROC, in Midrand Johannesburg. The ROC will serve as the engine room for the capture and release of results from 23 thousand voting stations across the country. It will also serve as the nerve centre for the management and oversight of the electoral process, allowing amongst others, representatives of political parties and independent candidates, as well as the media to monitor the integrity of the polls. Busi Bopela reports.

As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, the Gauteng Department of Health is encouraging residents to continue prioritizing mental well-being, challenging stigma and seeking help when needed. The department says mental health support remains available throughout the year at public healthcare facilities across the province. We spoke to Radisha Sukhlal, a Deputy Director at the Mental Health Directorate at the Gauteng Department Of Health.

The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours to help voters ahead of next week's local government elections. From the 2nd to the 4th of November, offices will be open from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. We spoke to Ndileka Cola, Home Affairs Head of Communications

The South African Local Government Association, SALGA, is urging South Africans to turn out in numbers for next week's local government elections. The association says Wednesday, the 4th of November, is a chance to elect ethical and capable leaders for the seventh administration. This as the newly launched Revised White Paper seeks to fix infrastructure and strengthen accountability in municipalities. Special voting begins on Monday, with election day declared a public holiday to allow for safe voting. To elaborate further we spoke to SALGA spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba.

Former President Thabo Mbeki says next week's local government elections are likely to produce hung municipalities. He says coalitions will be unavoidable in some areas where no party secures an outright majority. Mbeki has called on South Africans to participate fully in the electoral process.

Freedom of Religion South Africa has put political parties on the record regarding faith and state regulation ahead of next week's local government elections. The advocacy organisation surveyed parliamentary parties to unpack their stances on the CRL Rights Commission's legislative processes. Group leaders say the initiative aims to empower voters with factual positions rather than endorsing any specific political movement. The findings come as national debates intensify over how much oversight the state should have over religious bodies. Wespoke to Freedom of Religion SA Head of Legal, Liesl Pretorius to discuss the findings.

South Africa's Electoral Court will go into next week's local government elections without a full permanent complement. This after the Judicial Service Commission concluded its October interviews for superior courts, with the Electoral Court absent from the process. The JSC reportedly failed to shortlist enough candidates for the vacancies. Judges Matter Researcher and Advocacy officer, Mbekezeli Benjamin spoke to my colleague Oliver Dickson, about the implications of not having a full permanent complement at the Electoral Court.