First Take SA

Veteran actor Jet Novuka has described the passing of fellow actor Patrick Shai as a great loss for the South African Film industry. Shai passed on at the weekend and his family has asked for privacy at this time as details surrounding his passing remain sketchy. Reports have alleged that the colorful actor may have allegedly committed suicide. Novuka, best known for his character of Zakes in SABC's Yizo Yizo production says Shai had fought many battles in his acting career, including the fight for the promotion of telling black South African stories

The Basic Education Department says challenges faced during the 2021 academic year were exacerbated by the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, including stop- start schooling, switching to virtual learning and attending classes on rotational basis. Presenting a technical report of the class of 2021 at the SABC's Auckland Park studios, Department DG Mathanzima Mweli said despite these challenges, many matriculants worked hard and have become a shining example for future classes. To take a look at what the matric results mean, here is Executive Dean at the University of Johannesburg's Faculty of Education, Professor Nadine Petersen and Clinical Psychologist, Khosi Jiyane takes a look at how to help guide your child in the event that their results are not satisfactory

ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina has suspended party MP Mervyn Dirks who wanted President Cyril Ramaphosa to account to parliament's watchdog body on public accounts - SCOPA. Majodina also stripped Dirks of all powers as an MP and gagged him from speaking to the media on the matter. This, after Dirks refused Majodina's order to withdraw his letter to SCOPA asking for the committee to summon Ramaphosa to appear before it to explain his remarks in a leaked recording that public funds were used in ANC campaigns. Dirks reportedly told Majodina that as a member of parliament he was bound by his oath to be obedient to the Constitution and hold the executive to account. To ventilate this issue here is UNISA political science professor, Dirk Kotze

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"..

Gauteng police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward after five men were gunned down and their bodies found in Freedom Park next to the Golden Highway near Eldorado Park in Johannesburg. Mystery shrouds the killings and police say reports that the men may have been killed due to gang-related retaliation, which cannot be confirmed at this point. The exact motive at this stage is not known. Gauteng Police spokesperson Dimakatso Sello and Anti-Drug and Social Activist from Eldorado Park, Dereleen James...

There are fears of an escalation of taxi violence in the Western Cape after the body of one of its top taxi leaders was discovered at Monwabisi Beach on Monday. Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA) secretary and deputy chairperson of the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape, Mzoxolo Dibela's body was found dumped at the beach with gunshot wounds to his head. Dibela was murdered just days before an agreement with the City of Cape Town to bring MyCiTi back to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain was to be signed. The agreement has caused some friction within the taxi associations. For more insights into this here is CODETA spokesperson, Andile Kanyi.

The EFF is expected to march to the offices of Minister of sport, Nathi Mthethwa as they intensify their call for the immediate re-opening of sporting facilities in the country. This comes as the country has enjoyed more relaxed Covid-19 restrictions in recent months; with the curfew being scrapped and more recreational facilities being opened to the public. The EFF says it will go ahead with the march because it stands by athletes, creatives, artists, and all who depend on gatherings to make an income. For a look at the viability of such a move, here is retired epidemiologist, Dr. Jo Barnes

The class of 2021 has been commended for producing outstanding results in a tough learning environment. The Independent Examinations Board achieved a 98.39% pass rate, slightly higher than last year's 98.06%. Education expert, Professor Mary Metcalfe helps us to understand the results

The class of 2021 has achieved a 98.39% pass rate in the Independent Examinations Board. Results were released at midnight last night (Tuesday 18th) Which is slightly higher than last year's pass rate of 98.06%. The IEB has commended the class of 2021 for producing outstanding results in a tough learning environment. One of the year's top achievers, Christiaan Botes from Helpmekaar Kollege in Johannesburg...

Controversial consultancy firm, Bain and Company, yesterday announced its withdrawal from Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA). The US firm has been linked to allegations of corruption related to work it did for the South African Revenue Service (Sars), pocketing millions of rands in what was subsequently declared as illegal in the State Capture Commission of Inquiry Report. The company has also apologized saying it was an "unwitting participant in a process that inflicted serious damage" on SARS. The scathing Zondo report found that Bain knew about the appointment of former SARS commissioner Tom Moyane before it was announced and assisted Moyane in crafting a planned restructuring at the tax agency before he even stepped foot into SARS.  Independent researcher and author Dr Dale McKinley has been keenly following the Zondo Commission and it's first report and gives us his perspective