First Take SA

The Democratic Alliance has written to President Cyril Rampahosa, requesting an urgent meeting about Eskom and the growing power crisis. This as the National Energy Regulator-NERSA has granted the power utility a tariff increase of 18-point-65 percent instead of the 32 percent it had applied for, effective from the first of April this year. For some reaction, Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises, Ghaleb Cachalia

Consumers should brace themselves for tougher times ahead as after Nersa granted Eskom an electricity tariff hike of 18-point-65 percent. The approved hike is lower than the 35 percent that the power utility had applied for. The tariff increase will be effective from the first of April this year. NERSA says its decision to grant the tariff increase was a tough one given the current financial constraint facing consumers. However, it says that given the current rolling blackouts and the difficult operating environment that Eskom is facing an increase was mandatory. Elvis Presslin spoke to Elias Monage, President of the Black Business Council

Time to take a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, 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

With matric results coming out next Thursday, learners anxiously wait to see if they have succeeded. The outcome and waiting for results usually come with anxiety and depression. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has set up an online support chat with experts to help those in need. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to Operations Manager at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Vanishaa Gordhan

The urgent application brought by President Cyril Ramaphosa against his predecessor, former President Jacob Zuma, is expected to be heard in the Gauteng High Court today. The President filed papers to interdict Zuma from taking further steps to give effect to his private prosecution proceedings against him. Ramaphosa is also seeking the court to excuse him from appearing before it on the 19th of January. Zuma launched the court action against the President for allegedly contravening the NPA Act on the disclosure of his medical records by prosecutor, Advocate Billy Downer and journalist, Karyn Maughan. Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal analyst Ms. Paula Mahlangu

Agri SA says the current energy crisis may have implications for food security in the country. This is as the National Energy Regulator (NERSA) is today expected to announce its decision on whether to grant Eskom a 32 percent tariff increase. Elvis Presslin spoke to Agri SA Executive Director Christo van der Rheede

The ANC in Tshwane is planning to remove Tshwane Mayor Randal Williams through a motion of no confidence. The move is reportedly due to the adverse Auditor-General report for 2021/2022 issued against the City of Tshwane. The report exposed an R10.4 Billion irregular expenditure and a fruitless and wasteful expenditure understated by a billion Rand. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Tshwane Secretary, George Matjila

Limpopo MEC for Social Development, Nandi Ndalane, and her protectors are in hospital with serious injuries following a car accident yesterday.  The MEC was with her driver and bodyguard when the vehicle they were traveling in overturned on the R511 road in Thabazimbi. MEC Ndalane was in the area to monitor the reopening of schools for the 2023 academic year. For the latest update, Elvis Presslin spoke to provincial Social Development spokesperson, Adele van der Linde

The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga will monitor schools in Gauteng as inland schools begin the 2023 academic year this morning. Over one thousand 300 Gauteng grade one and eight learners who applied online, are yet to be placed. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to Basic Education Department Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga

Teachers and learners in Gauteng are getting ready to go back to school. Schools in the inland provinces will begin the 2023 academic year this Wednesday.  MEC for Education in Gauteng Matome Chiloane will today give an update on online applications for Grades 1 and 8 at Hoerskool Jeugland in Kempton and also touch on school readiness. For more on this and to give us insight regarding the teacher's expectations, readiness, and outstanding issues that may need to be resolved Elvis Presslin spoke to teacher union SADTU's General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke