First Take SA

More than 660-thousand people have lost their jobs in Gauteng since the beginning of the national COVID-19 lockdown. Premier David Makhura revealed this at yesterday's weekly briefing on the province's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Premier says moving to alert level 1 of the lockdown gives government an opportunity to continue with its economic development plans, and he hopes there won't be a need for more stringent lockdown regulations as that would further hurt the economy.

South African borders are officially open to international travellers, subject to some restrictions. Government says only people with a valid PCR test certificate which is not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin will be allowed into the country. Those entering the country will also be screened upon entry and may be asked questions about their contacts.

The long-awaited Vrede Dairy Project probe has been completed. Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane says the investigation has identified all implicated parties and they have been served with notices. The Vrede Dairy Project was established in 2012, on the Krynaauwslust farm in the Free State. An earlier investigation by former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela revealed that no payments were made to the intended black beneficiaries. Mkhwebane addressed the media in Pretoria, where she released numerous reports.

The Hawks and the Special investigating Unit are still searching for two suspects they believe are linked to the Free State asbestos tender saga, currently under the spotlight at the State Capture Commission in Johannesburg. Six suspects were arrested YESTERDAY (wednesday 30 September), three in the Free Sate and three in Gauteng. Among those arrested are ousted Mangaung Metro Mayor, Olly Mlamleli, who was MEC when the contract was awarded to a Blackhead - Diamond Hill joint venture. The State Capture Commission is probing the 255 million-rand contract awarded to a company by the Free State government for the eradication of asbestos in government houses.

Labour unions say the latest unemployment figures are unacceptable and a disaster, despite a decrease in the numbers. Stats SA yesterday reported that official unemployment decreased to 23-point-three per cent in the second quarter from 30-point-one per cent in the first quarter of the year. The country also lost 2-point- 2 million jobs in the second quarter. However, the expanded definition of the unemployment rate - which includes people who have stopped looking for a work - increased by two-point-three-percentage points to 42 per cent in second quarter.

Labour unions say the latest unemployment figures are unacceptable and a disaster, despite a decrease in the numbers. Stats SA yesterday reported that official unemployment decreased to 23-point-three per cent in the second quarter from 30-point-one per cent in the first quarter of the year. The country also lost 2-point- 2 million jobs in the second quarter. However, the expanded definition of the unemployment rate - which includes people who have stopped looking for a work - increased by two-point-three-percentage points to 42 per cent in second quarter.

Residents of Diepsloot extension 13, north of Johannesburg, are angry at Eskom for cutting off illegal electricity connections in their area yesterday. The power utility's energy management and losses campaign is targetting those tapping into the grid illegally. Eskom says illegal connections in Gauteng cost the company 2.5-billion rand annually and are a leading cause of network overloading and repeated transformer and mini-substation failures.

Residents of Diepsloot extension 13, north of Johannesburg, are angry at Eskom for cutting off illegal electricity connections in their area yesterday. The power utility's energy management and losses campaign is targetting those tapping into the grid illegally. Eskom says illegal connections in Gauteng cost the company 2.5-billion rand annually and are a leading cause of network overloading and repeated transformer and mini-substation failures.

ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, has described as ridiculous the refusal by the Independent Electoral Commission to register his party. Mashaba reacted to the rejection of his party's application while leading a delegation to Mashishing, Mpumalanga, following calls from the local community for help

ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, has described as ridiculous the refusal by the Independent Electoral Commission to register his party. Mashaba reacted to the rejection of his party's application while leading a delegation to Mashishing, Mpumalanga, following calls from the local community for help