First Take SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Ford Motor Company's latest 15-point-8-billion-rand investment into the South African economy is a show of confidence in the country's potential. This after Ford Motor South Africa revealed that it would be investing one-billion-dollars into the expansion and development of its assembly plant in Silverton. The investment is expected to create eight to ten thousand new job opportunities in the surrounding community. Ramaphosa was addressing the media during an oversight visit at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone construction site in Pretoria

Heavy rain continues to cause havoc in various parts of Mpumalanga. A number of houses have been badly damaged in Bock-B in the Nkomazi Local Municipality. The Municipality says efforts are being made to help the families whose houses have collapsed. However, they are reluctant to accommodate the affected people in community halls due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Healthcare experts say that community health workers will be critical to the success of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The country has now received the first one-million doses of the Oxford University Astra-Zeneca vaccine from India's Serum Institute, that will be administered to healthcare workers from the 14th of February. Meanwhile, the very same front-line workers who remain critical in the fight against the covid-19 pandemic have denounced government's lack of planning in the fight against the coronavirus and the roll out of vaccines.

Former chairperson of Parliament's Public Enterprises Portfolio Committee, Zukiswa Rantho, is scheduled to testify at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in Johannesburg this morning. Justice and Correctional Services Portfolio Committee member James Selfe and former ANC parliamentarian Dr Makhosi Khoza could also give evidence. Yesterday former SCOPA chairperson Themba Godi told the commission that there was a lack of political will to implement Parliament's recommendations. He says most concerns that SCOPA raised were not taken seriously. According to Godi there's often no follow-up on SCOPA's recommendations

South Africans have taken to various social media platforms to express delight at the easing of level 3 regulations of the national lockdown. President Ramaphosa LAST NIGHT announced that all indications reveal that the country has passed the second wave of the covid-19 pandemic. Curfew times have been pulled back now starting from 11pm till 4am. Beaches, dams, public swimming pools and recreational parks have also been re-opened and alcohol sales from retail outlets will be permitted from Monday to Thursday between from 10 am to 6pm. On-site consumption in resturants and taverns will be permitted at licenced outlets from 10am to 10pm. President Ramaphosa has however warned against complacency, reiterating the need for the careful balance between saving lives and livelihoods

President Cyril Ramaphosa LAST NIGHT dismissed rumours that the COVID 19 vaccination programme will be compulsory for all citizens. The first batch of AstraZeneca doses arrived at the OR Tambo international Airport from India YESTERDAY. The first one million shots of the vaccine will be used to inoculate healthcare workers amid a surge in infections fuelled by a new variant of the coronavirus. During his address to the nation Ramaphosa also announced that the vaccine will be available to all adults living in the country including undocumented migrants.

South Africa's first shipment of one million doses of the India made Astra-Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine is expected to touch down at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg THIS AFTERNOON. The plane carrying the vaccine from the Serum Institute in India left for South Africa YESTERDAY (sunday) via Dubai. SA has been the worst hit country on the African continent and has reported the most cases so far. Government hopes to vaccinate 40 million people by the end of the year -- to achieve herd immunity against the virus.

South Africa's first shipment COVID19 vaccines from India left the country yesterday and the countdown to their arrival in South Africa later TODAY is on. South Africa has been the worst hit on the African continent and has reported the most cases so far. The country has seen a big surge in infections this month driven by a new, more contagious variant of the virus called 501Y.V2.

North West Premier, Job Mokgoro, insists that he has not yet received a letter of suspension from the ANC's Interim Provincial Committee ( IPC). The IPC accuses Mokgoro and four other members of the provincial legislature, of colluding with opposition parties during the election of a new Chair of Chairs in the legislature.

Tributes continue to pour for world-renowned jazz musician and opera singer Sibongile Khumalo. She died from stroke related complications at the age of 63. The Soweto born singer, affectionately known as Ma'Mngoma passed away on Thursday. Throughout her career she was awarded many accolades including The Order of Ikhamanga bestowed on her by President Thabo Mbeki. Khumalo began her musical journey at the age of eight. By 14 she knew she wanted to be an opera singer, but began her career, teaching music instead. In 1991 she began singing professionally. She quickly rose in stature, releasing several award winning albums. Khumalo was celebrated on the international stage and back home former President Nelson Mandela referred to her as The First Lady of Song. Horisani Sithole has takes us though her career which spanned over 30 years.