First Take SA

The first Khoikhoi (Khoekhoegowab) language gathering in Steinkopf, Northern Cape will take place from the 12 - 15 December. It is an immersive opportunity, like no other for artists, creatives, poets and anyone interested in learning one of Southern Africa's First nation languages Khoekhoegowab. The week-long daily activities will see participants engage with the language through song, poetry, reading, theatre and other structured learning activities individualy and in groups.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Nelson Mandela Bay Metro a COVID-19 hotspot, with stricter measures coming into effect at midnight. These include a ban on public drinking, an extended curfew as well as restrictions on gatherings. The President was addressing the nation following a meeting of Cabinet and based on recommendations by the National Coronavirus Command Council. He says these additional restrictions will be enforced alongside the existing Alert-level-1 regulations

Some political analysts say Gauteng Premier David Makhura is losing his political power as ANC provincial chairperson. This follows Makhura's announcement of a cabinet reshuffle. Makhura faces resistance from within the party. ANC Youth League's provincial spokesperson, Nkosazana Mtolo says their members won't resign to make way for former Johannesburg mayor, Parks Tau, who has been drafted into the new provincial cabinet.

The Gauteng government has predicted a surge in COVID-19 infections this festive season. Gauteng Premier David Makhura addressed the media YESTERDAY to outline measures to strengthen the provinces health-care system. Makhura also announced the appointment of Nomathemba Mokghethi as the new MEC of Health. Mokghethi takes over the reins from Bandile Masuku, who was axed in October this year, following a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into alleged Covid-19 tender irregularities

Stricter Covid-19 regulations are seemingly on the cards to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus infections in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro. The acting mayor of the metro --Thsonono Buyeye -- says they're reviewing decisions around the sale of of alcohol including trading times

Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, says those found guilty of attacking truck drivers on the country's roads will be charged with economic sabotage. He briefed the National Assembly on his department's plans for enforcing road safety this festive season. Dozens of freight vehicles were recently torched and vandalised - as some protestors raised concerns about foreign nationals getting trucking jobs. Meanwhile, Police Minister, Bheki Cele, has warned they could call in the army to assist police to put an end to the attacks

Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi says plans are in place to build a new "One Stop" Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe outside Musina in Limpopo. He says the border post will have dedicated lanes for trucks, busses, cars and pedestrians. Motsoaledi says the Zimbabwean government has started building on the other side, and South Africa is expected to start soon.

Political parties in parliament have called on for alternative ways to be found to fund the SABC. Taking part in a debate on the growing crisis at the public broadcaster, parties say the SABC is an important institution, which plays a crucial role in keeping South Africans informed.

The Public Servants Association has vowed to continue with its legal process to have hearings on the long-running wage dispute with government heard at the Labour Court TODAY. This follows government's proposal to all unions representing public servants to have the hearings postponed to February next year while the unions consider an out of court settlement. The dispute centres around the final year of a three-year deal that government entered into regarding public servant salary increases. Earlier this year, government backtracked on the wage deal with Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni further proposing a salary freeze for the next three years. Assistant General Manager at the Public Servants Association, Reuben Maleka says government cannot now hold its workers at ransom.

Government wants to get more HIV-positive people on treatment now to improve the outcomes of the country's HIV/AIDS response. It has therefore launched the "Welcome Back Campaign" encourage more people living with HIV to start taking antiretrovirals and improve their healthcare. This comes as South Africa joins the world in commemorating World AIDS Day today (Tuesday 1 Dec). South Africa currently has 7.6 million people living with HIV which makes it the country with the highest HIV epidemic in the world.