First Take SA

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has defended the government's decision to accept an R11-billion loan from the World Bank saying it is necessary. Briefing Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance yesterday, Minister Godongwana says there are no "specific conditions" attached to the mammoth loan. For more on this, here is Committee Chairperson, Mr. Joe Maswanganyi

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar. Since the start of the coup in February last year, nearly 1,500 people were killed, 11,000 activists and citizens were illegally detained and over 400,000 residents were forcibly displaced. The coup also saw mass protests against the military but despite this, the military continues to commit crimes against humanity with impunity. For more on this, here is Ro Nay San Lwin, an Activist and Co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, a Non-Governmental and Nonprofit Organization trying to end human rights abuse and killings in Myanmar

The Pietermaritzburg High Court is expected to deliver judgment in former President Jacob Zuma's application for leave to appeal the dismissal of his special plea, on the 16th of February. Judge Koen dismissed Zuma's special plea in October last year, in which the former president argued that state prosecutor - Advocate Billy Downer - should not prosecute the corruption case because of his alleged bias and lack of impartiality. Here is a political analyst from the Nelson Mandela University, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast. 

The Judicial Service Commission is expected to begin its long-awaited interviews for the position of the country's new Chief Justice. The interviews will take place in Sandton in Johannesburg, where four candidates will be interviewed publicly, until Friday. The candidates are Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Supreme Court of Appeal President Mandisa Maya, and Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Division, Dunstan Mlambo. For more on this, here is Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin

South Africans are in for yet another price hike, this time at the fuel pumps, as the price of fuel is expected to rise by 53c a litre for both grades of petrol and between 79c and 80c for a litre of diesel. The new prices come into effect as of MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. This comes just days after the Reserve Bank hiked the repo rate by 25-basis points and research showed an increase in the price of food in a number of municipalities over the past year in the country. For a look at how the latest increase will affect consumers, here is SABC Economics Editor, Tshepo Mongoai

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".

Soweto residents working under the banner 'Operation Dudula' took to the streets of Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, over the weekend marching against illegal foreign nationals who are trading without permits in South African townships. The group gained prominence after confronting suspected drug dealers and illegal occupants of government subsidy houses. The group marched through Rosettenville demanding that shop owners prioritize the employment of South Africans. Spokesperson for the Coalition of Communities against Xenophobia, Mametlwe Sebei talks to us about what he thinks of 'Operation Dudula'...

Media watchdogs groups are calling for reports of possible political interference at the SABC to be properly investigated. This follows the sacking of the public broadcaster's head of news, Phathiswa Magopeni. Magopeni's dismissal follows a disciplinary hearing which found her guilty of failing to prevent the broadcast of an interdicted Special Assignment episode. Magopeni has been given until midday today to hand over all SABC property in her possession. She has however expressed an intention to challenge her dismissal. For more on this here is Co-Founder of the Right2Know campaign, Dr Dale Mckinley...

The Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to increase rates by twenty-five basis points. This takes the Repo rate to four percent and the banks' prime lending rate to seven-point-five percent.  The Bank says the current repurchase rate reflects an accommodative policy stance that will keep financial conditions supportive of credit demand as the economy continues to recover. For a look at how the increased repo rate will impact the average consumer, here is Supervisor in the Statistics and Research division at the National Credit Regulator, Bongani Gwexe

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"