First Take SA

SADC leaders say the new US law to curb Russia's influence and activities in Africa will have serious implications on the continent.  The Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act (CMRAAA) aimed at countering Russia's activities in Africa is soon set to become law as the United States looks at measures to deal with Russia over its war on Ukraine. SADC leaders have expressed unhappiness that Africa was being targeted for unilateral and punitive measures through the new act. Elvis Presslin spoke to Africa Affairs Analyst and Channel Africa's head of the Kiswahili service, Nixon Katembo...

DA Mayor for the City of Tshwane, Randall Williams will address members of the media today to respond to allegations of meddling in the city's administration. This follows allegations of Williams interfering with a controversial 26-billion-rand tender bid for an alternative energy contract for the city by allegedly directing the city's manager to appoint an energy service provider. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Chairperson of ActionSA, Michael Beaumont...

TALKING POINTS:

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Workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in the City of Tshwane, will this morning embark on protest action, calling for mayor Randall Williams to resign. The Union says it will submit a memorandum to Williams, also demanding that he honours the collective agreement signed at the bargaining council for a pay increase backdating to 2021, among other things. Tshwane Metro Police Department has advised the public to take note of the march, as some major routes could be affected. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU Gauteng provincial secretary Mpho Tladinyane...

Joburg metro police department employees yesterday embarked on a protest over salary negotiations. The striking officers blockaded the M2  in both directions at the Eloff Street Exit In Johannesburg yesterday demanding to meet the City Mayor over salary disputes. Elvis Presslin spoke to JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla... 

A 45-year-old detective allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl inside a police station. The incident allegedly took place at Kei Mouth police station in East London on Women's Day eve. Our senior producer Ronald Phiri spoke to IPID spokesperson Grace Langa who says the suspect may face additional charges...

Opposition parties say they will use the courts and Parliamentary processes to hold President Cyril Ramaphosa and his administration accountable over the alleged cover-up following the robbery at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.  The forum made up of seven political parties including the DA, EFF, IFP, ACDP, UDM, NFP, ATM, COPE and the PAC said that Parliament must hold President Ramaphosa accountable for violations of laws, his oath of office, and the constitution in terms of what took place at Phala Phala Farm. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA's national spokesperson, Cilliers Brink

Former President Jacob Zuma's daughter and ANC youth league national fundraiser Thuthukile Zuma says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana must vacate office immediately. This follows reports that he allegedly sexually violated a female worker at a hotel at the Kruger National Park. Godongwana has denied the allegations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thuthukile Zuma...

South Africa's military may not be in the position to deploy troops to tackle civil unrest in the country due to budget constraints, according to leaked information. The National Secretary for the South African National Defence Union (SANDU), Advocate Pikkie Greeff says several SANDF bases are in dire straits, with a fleet of aircraft in desperate need of repair. Elvis Presslin spoke to Advocate Pikkie Greeff..

One municipal worker has been killed and three others seriously injured after they were shot outside the Steve Tshwete local municipality's head office in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The workers were reportedly shot by security guards during a strike over wage disputes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Samwu provincial secretary, Sam Lekhuleni...