First Take SA

Additional train and bus trips have been scheduled between Paarl and Cape Town, as part of the contingency measures to help commuters who have been left stranded by renewed taxi violence. This, as another person has been gunned down at a taxi rank in Milnerton near Cape Town. The shooting comes hours after a truce was announced by Transport minister Fikile Mbalula, including an immediate ceasefire between warring associations, Cata and Codeta. An arbitration process to finalise the months-long feud is still underway. Public transport analyst, Paul Browning

As of THIS MORNING, the price of fuel has increased to record high levels that will have a domino effect on food prices, transport costs and services. Petrol now costs R18-30 cents per litre inland. Diesel is up by 58-cents a litre and illuminating paraffin by 50-cents a litre. While this steep increase is a major blow to consumers and motorists, it is a double blow for the unemployed and poor people in informal settlements who depend on illuminating paraffin for heating and cooking. Abahlali baseMjondolo, a grassroots movement of poor shack dwellers, is concerned that the increase in fuel costs may lead to more illegal connections to the electricity grid. Sbu Zikode the President of Abahlali baseMjondolo...

Co-operative and Traditional Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has proclaimed the local government election date as the 27th of October - until such time as the Constitutional Court postpones the elections. Dlamini-Zuma says she is bound by the Constitution and other legal statutes to timeously proclaim the date of the local government elections. She announced that gazetting the date does not contradict the recommendations of the Moseneke Inquiry that elections should be deferred to February next year or their acceptance by the IEC. Researcher at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa EISA, Thembelani Mazibuko...

The National Department of Health is working on a program that will enable them to vaccinate undocumented foreigners against Covid-19. According to Stats SA and the United Nations, there are roughly four million undocumented foreigners living in South Africa. Liela Magnus has more... 

Employees at the SABC may soon be under surveillance, as the organisation intends contractually to intercept communications.  In clause 24 of the new contract, the public broadcaster says it reserves the right to act on any incoming and outgoing emails. It also says it reserves the right to read, save and block cellphone and telephone conversations as well as SMSs. Sashin Naidoo reports...

Trade unions representing Mango Airlines' workers are heading to court to demand that the low-cost airline be placed under Business Rescue. Their application will be heard in the Johannesburg High Court today (Tuesday). Unions want clarity on the airline's future, citing that the Public Enterprises Department has no intention of keeping the cash-strapped carrier in the sky. President of the South African Crew Association Zazi Sibanyoni-Mugambi....

The inquest into the Life Esidimeni tragedy has once again stalled after proceedings were postponed to the 30th of August to allow legal parties more time to prepare. This is the second time that the inquest was postponed for consultations. The inquest is hearing witnesses testify about events in 2016 that led to the deaths of 144 Life Esidimeni patients when the Gauteng health department terminated its contract with the facility. The latest postponement has reminded many of the adage 'justice delayed is justice denied'.  For some reaction to the postponement, here is Life Esidimeni family committee member Christine Nxumalo...

Homeschooling is growing at an enormous pace in South Africa as parents opt to keep their children at home. Covid-19 has seen many parents looking for alternatives rather than sending their children back to normal mainstream school. Service provider, SEAT Academy began in July last year with a handful of students, currently, they have just under one thousand students registered with them. John Volkwyn, CEO and head of Seat Academy....

On today's episode of Africa Brief,  Victor Kgomoesoana, Director at "Africa Is Open For Business" looks at this week's top African economic stories, including Seychellois Cargo Service Now Exporting Fish to Nigerian And Ugandan Hotels, Production of Local Mahangu, a common staple food also known as pearl millet, Bounces Back and Hospitals Turn Back Patients As Resident Doctors Begin Strike

For the first time this year, the Gauteng education department has introduced a phased approach to manage the high volumes when online applications officially open later this month.  MEC Panyaza Lesufi, announced that online application process for the 2022 academic year will open from 10 August for grade 8 applications, and September 13th for grade 1 pupils. For some reaction to the online system, which is reportedly sometimes fraught with difficulties for both schools and parents, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Khume Ramulifho...