First Take SA

Members of the Gauteng Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety conducted oversight visits to police stations in Katlehong and Orlando East in Soweto following the deadly shootings of patrons in taverns in these areas. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to the Chairperson of the Committee Ms. Alphina Ndlovana

A newly established civic organization, Cape Forum, says Police Minister Bheki Cele's criticism against the Western Cape government's call for policing powers to be devolved to the province, confirms its belief that a referendum should be called to allow the citizens of the province to have a say in the matter. The organization says a referendum would not only serve to test public support for such a move but would also ensure that the province receives its fair share of taxpayers' money spent on policing. The Western Cape has in recent years been calling for the allocation of SAPS powers to the province alleging that policing is failing under central control. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Heindrich Wyngaard, executive chairperson of civil society organization Cape Forum

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Gauteng will be leading thousands of nurses in the provincial march to the Premier, Treasury, and Gauteng Health department this morning. The march follows months of non-payment of many post-community service nurses, non-absorption of community service nurses, and non-filling of vacant funded nursing positions by the provincial health department. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Simphiwe Gada, DENOSA's Provincial Chairperson

The Joburg theatre celebrated 60 years the past weekend and honored artists and creatives who have contributed to the success of theatre and the arts industry. Themed The Diamond Jubilee Evening of Celebration, the night started with a walk of fame and unveiling of the stars at the main entrance of the theatre celebrating artists such as Brenda Fassie, Hugh Masekela, Gibson Kente, Trevor Noah, Miriam Makeba, Pieter Dirk-Uys, Poet, author and the bard of the liberation struggle Dr. Don Mattera, Comedian Desmond Dube, Johnny Clegg, just to name a few were honored with a star at the entrance of the Joburg Theatre. Elvis Presslin spoke to Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development (MMC) Ronald Harris 

Ninety-seven illegal miners and an elderly farm owner have been arrested in Heidelberg, Gauteng. The suspects - Lesotho nationals between the ages of 18 and 35 were arrested by a national multi-disciplinary team during a clamp down on illicit mining activities. All suspects will appear at the Heidelberg Magistrate's Court on charges of illegal mining, human trafficking, flouting immigration laws, illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Benchmark Foundation Lead researcher and activist, David Van Wyk

Award-winning Poet, author, and anti-Apartheid activist, Dr. Don Mattera has been laid to rest according to Muslim rites last night at the Westpark Cemetry, in Johannesburg. His family says Mattera, who was recovering after a medical checkup at the Military One hospital in Pretoria a few weeks ago, died peacefully at his home in Protea Glen yesterday (Monday). He was 87 years old. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Chair of the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation Jenny Jeftha.

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

The recent trend of mass shootings and killings continued at the weekend with eight people killed, four in Khayelitsha in Cape Town and four in Lenasia in Joburg respectively. Meanwhile, Free State police are also investigating the killing of six women and one man at the Lismore Farm in Kestell. In another shooting incident, six people were shot and killed in Alexandra township in Johannesburg at the weekend. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to Gun Free South Africa's Researcher, Claire Taylor

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the mooted second state-owned power utility to solve the energy crisis is not for immediate consideration. Mineral Resources and Energy Minister and ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe - has suggested that the answer lies in the creation of another state-owned public utility to compete with Eskom. This is as the country grapples with rolling blackouts due to Eskom's challenges with generating capacity. Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Sampson Mamphweli, an Energy Expert with the University of Stellenbosch

Rollance Mabula, The regional coordinator of Operation Dudula in Rustenburg, North West province, has resigned from the movement. Mabula has cited a number of reasons for his resignation, among them, that the movement has deviated from its mandate and principle of being 'apolitical'. The movement launched its North West branch in Rustenburg in April this year. Operation Dudula has been controversial for its stance on illegal migrants in the country. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Rollance Mabula