DA leader in the Western Cape, Bonginkosi Madikizela says racism in South Africa manifests itself in all political parties. Madikizela was responding, YESTERDAY evening, to reasons given by now former chief whip of the DA in the Cape Town City council, Shaun August, that he is leaving the DA because of racism in the party. August together with four other councillors dramatically resigned yesterday during a council meeting which was to discuss a report implicating Cape Town Mayor, Patricia De Lille. Krivani Pillay spoke to political analyst from the Nelson Mandela University, Ongama Mtimka

Alliance partners expect newly appointed Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, to not only give substance to the economic stimulus package announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa -- but also to boost confidence in the economy. The country entered a technical recession, plunging an already stagnant economy into deeper trouble. The former governor of the Reserve Bank will have his work cut out, as he navigates the tough economic challenges. Meanwhile, economists expect Finance Minister to make some announcements on expenditure rather than tax increases when he delivers the mid-term budget. Economists say there is no more room for VAT increases. Also revenue collection needs to be more efficient by increasing tax compliance measures and fixing tax administration and governance challenges at SARS. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to political economist and senior research fellow at Trade Collective, Lebohang Pheko

SAMWU in Limpopo has called on the ANC to recall its deployees in the Vhembe District Municipality over links to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. Municipal workers yesterday downed tools and forcefully removed the municipal manager, Reuben Rambado from office. Rambado, together with Executive Mayor, Florence Radzilani are amongst the implicated people in the Reserve Bank report tittled 'The Great Bank Heist'. Radzilani is also the ANC provincial deputy chairperson in Limpopo. SAMWU's shopsteward at Vhembe District Municipality, Timson Tshililo says they will stay away from work until the implicated parties are removed from office. Tsepiso Malwetla spoke to SAMWU's provincial Secretary in Limpopo, Patrick Aphane and Vhembe District Municipality spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai...

The Judge in the rape trial of controversial Nigerian pastor -- Timothy Omotoso -- has refused to recuse himself from the case, following a request by the defence for him to do so. Judge Mandela Makaula has agreed to postpone the case till Thursday, to allow the defence time to prepare its argument for an appeal. Omotoso and two co-accused are on trial in the Port Elizabeth High Court, and are facing 97 sex related charges. Meanwhile, Omotoso remains in custody and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sithohave have been granted bail, supporters of Cherly Zondi and other witnesses who are yet to testify have alleged that Omotoso is receiving preferential treatment while in custody. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo

TALKING POINTS:
*** Paul Biya who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, won a landslide victory in a controversial presidential election
*** The Bank of Mauritius has been conferred the Capital Finance International Award for Best Central Bank Governance
*** Dispute between Tullow Oil and the Uganda government over a law governing taxation of the sale of shares

New Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's Medium-term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) is expected to give clarity on Government's intention to reprioritise 50 billion rand of funds to stimulate the economy and create jobs. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the stimulus package in September. Economists say re-prioritising funds is the better option rather than increasing taxes. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) chief executive Bonang Mohale

Students at the Tshwane University of Technology have welcomed the arrest of two police officers believed to be linked to the death of 3rd year LLB student, Katlego Monareng. Monareng was shot and killed in August during a protest over SRC election results at the Soshanguve campus, north of Pretoria. Its alleged the police fired live ammunition at the students as warning shots. The arrested police captain and a constable will appear in court TODAY where TUT students will also hold demostrations. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to student leader at the TUT Soshanguve campus, Thabang Boima

The Giyani municipality in Limpopo, which invested 161 million rands in VBS, has initiated legal processes to recoup some of the monies linked to the mutual bank's scandal. Municipal spokesperson, Steven Mabunda says former chief financial officer, Hitler Maluleke, has been fired while the former technical services director - Precious Mathebula - resigned after their involvement in the VBS scandal. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Giyani Munipality spokesperson, Steven Mabunda

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has lamented the public sector salary bill ahead of his maiden Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday. Using Eskom as an example, Mboweni says the power utility will probably need to shed over 30-thousand jobs as it is bloated. He was speaking at the second annual Kader Asmal Memorial lecture at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's Mowbray Campus in Cape Town. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to general secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) Zwelinzima Vavi

The Jesus Dominion International Church (JDI), of which controversial rape accused Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso is the founder, has been the target of furious protesters this past weekend. Various political parties and members of the public joined forces in a protest to have the church closed. Yesterday (sunday) they gathered in front of the church in Port Elizabeth while a service was underway. They later dispersed peacefully after the congregants left the building at the conclusion of a two hour church service. Meanwhile, Some church leaders have called on the church to stand and speak out against what's happening. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Pastor Siyabonga Malinga the senior pastor at HIS Planting family church