First Take SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa's relative reportedly scored contracts worth R381 million Rand from Gauteng hospitals. The figure was revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to the DA's provincial Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom. Hangwani Maumela who is reportedly a distant relative of president Cyril Ramaphosa scored the multi-million Rand contracts over a period of three years. Murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran had identified these contracts as 'possibly fraudulent', as well as other suspicious payments totaling R850 million. Ramaphosa has denied having any relationship with Maumela or knowledge of his business deals. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to the DA's Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to win the country's parliamentary elections. Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history, is set to make a return to power as his far-right party leads in the country's fifth election since 2019. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to the Executive Director of the Afro-Middle East Centre, Naeem Jeena

Gauteng police are investigating an inquest following the discovery of 19 bodies of alleged illegal miners in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg. Ronald Phiri spoke to provincial Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili about the discovery

The South African Police Service will today launch its annual National Safer Festive Season campaign in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The launch is a precursor of the festive season operations which will be rolled out in each province to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and holidaymakers in the country. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Police spokesperson Major General Mathapelo Peters

Media and Communications Strategist Kim Heller has denied being paid R120 000 to defend suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane against criticism. The Parliamentary inquiry into Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office has heard how her office paid three consultants for communication services to counter negative media reports about her. Kim Heller, Political Commentator, Professor Sipho Seepe, and Mkhwebane's advisor, Paul Ngobeni reportedly charged the office R120 000 for their first service which included media statements, social media postings, and communications advice. Speaking to our Senior producer Ronald Phiri, Kim Heller dismissed the allegations as defamatory and untrue

Motorists will pay more for fuel at the pump as new prices come into effect today. The petrol price went up by 51 cents a litre for both grades. Diesel will increase by R1.43 cents a litre - sending the price to R25.49 cents a litre. The price of illuminating paraffin is now 77 cents a litre. The Central Energy Fund (CEF) attributed the price hikes to rising international fuel prices and the weakened Rand. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association for a road freight logistics perspective on the latest fuel price increase

Equal Education and Equal Education Law Centre will be in court today to challenge the introduction of collaboration schools, donor-funded schools, and intervention facilities by the Western Cape Provincial School Education Amendment Act. The organization says the act makes it possible for two new types of schools to be established collaboration and donor-funded schools. It says these schools give donors and private entities significant control of public schools in a way that undermines the principles of democratic governance and accountability. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to Head of Equal Education Western Cape, Ntsiki Dlulani.

The ANC in the Free State province is yet to convene its provincial conference, following another postponement of the conference which was scheduled to happen this past weekend. The Free State and the Western Cape are the two remaining provinces that have not held their conferences ahead of the party's national conference next month. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Free State Provincial Spokesperson Oupa Khoabane 

The Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will today brief the media the following the certificate of recognition handing-over ceremony by President Ramaphosa to King MisuZulu kwaZwelithini at the weekend. The briefing comes amidst recent social media uproar over rituals performed by three Anglican Bishops on the Zulu King at Moses Mabhida stadium, in Durban on Saturday. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Makhosi Khoza, Spokesperson for the Indonsa Yesizwe think tank, who says they have noted, with much trepidation, the performance of Anglican or unexplained rituals on the King

Imtiaz Fazel is expected to start his five-year term as the new Inspector General of Intelligence today, following his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This comes after the National Assembly approved Fazel's nomination for the position following a public process, in which 25 candidates applied for the position. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to an Independent intelligence analyst, Thami Nkosi