First Take SA

A showdown is looming between the Gauteng Department of Health and the Heads of Clinical Departments at the Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg ahead of what the HODs are calling the unnecessary imminent sacking of 800 healthcare workers. The workers were hired at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak following capacity shortages at one of the world's largest hospitals. This comes as staff at several hospitals in the city battle under what they call increased capacity and pressure following the closure of the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. For more on this here is the Chairperson of the Medical Advisory Committee At Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Professor Mmampapatla Ramokgopa...

The Alexandra Dudula Movement has threatened a complete shutdown of all South African townships as clashes with foreign nationals intensify. The movement went on a rampage yesterday forcing businesses to close down as they made their demands for land and job spaces. The group alleges undocumented foreign nationals have a complete monopoly and dominance of the township informal market leading to many local South Africans out of work and job opportunities. One of the leaders of the movement says they intend on leading all other townships in their call for undocumented foreign nationals to go. One of the leaders of the movement, identified as 'MSYZA'...

DA leader, John Steenhuisen has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa's government to end lockdown regulations and open up the economy to make a full recovery. This as the country's state of emergency is set to expire next week following months of extensions since inception back in March 2020. President Ramaphosa has previously indicated that the latest state of disaster extension will be the last, as new long-term and permanent regulations are being finalized. Steenhuisen says it is time to no longer be fearful of COVID-19 by treating it in the same way as we treat other health risks, such as HIV, TB, and cancer. 

Time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by 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...

Disgruntled ANC Mpumalanga members have threatened to interdict the party's provincial elective conference. This, after the provincial executive committee, was disbanded. Last week the ANC disbanded the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga top structures due to expired mandates and failure to hold conferences in time. Meanwhile, party president, Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to meet with the ANC in Mpumalanga today. For more on this, here is provincial task team co-ordinator, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali

The Correctional Services Department is investigating the death of two inmates at Tswelopelo Correctional Services in Kimberly in the Northern Cape. The death of the inmates follows an alleged attack by three inmates on an official of the centre. Correctional Services department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo

The City of Johannesburg has sought to provide clarity on the future of over 130 employees who received notices informing them of a decision to rescind their permanent employment following a council meeting. The group's employment contracts were converted from fixed-term to permanent by the previous leadership, a decision current Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse maintains was irregular and unlawful. Workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers' Union have rejected what they call a continued narrative accusing them of being 'ANC Caucus' staff members and have challenged that Mayor Phalatse proves this assertion. For more on this, here is SAMWU Cluster Secretary Karabo Ramahuma 

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

Former Bosasa COO turned corruption whistle-blower, Angelo Agrizzi wants the corruption case against him struck from the roll. Agrizzi has failed to appear in court for months, citing ill health. Agrizzi's attorney Daniel Witz says his client is back in the hospital...

ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe says he will take Volume 3 of the State Capture Report on Judicial Review. The report has recommended that Mantashe, former president Jacob Zuma and Nomvula Mokonyane be investigated for corruption. The Zondo Commission found prima facie evidence of corruption against the trio, in connection with money they directly or indirectly received from Bosasa. For the latest on the findings from the State Capture report, here is SABC Specialist Researcher, Mr. Amil Umraw