First Take SA

Nigeria is through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 2-1 victory over South Africa in Cairo last night. Bafana Bafana couch Stuart Baxter stuck with the same side that shocked hosts Egypt in the last round, as match-winner Thembinkosi Lorch retained his place, but this did not assist the team following a late winner by the Super Eagles

The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has heard how the former chief of State Protocol Bruce Koloane has continued to assist the Gupta family in its businesses in his capacity as South Africa's ambassador to the Netherlands. During his testimony yesterday Koloane admitted to name dropping to influence officials to approve the controversial Waterkloof Gupta Plane landing, describing his action as an error of judgement

Some councillors in the Joburg Metro say they are living in fear, as residents in their respective areas are frustrated about challenges of erratic electricity supply. Yesterday councillors from the ANC Caucus staged a march outside the Eskom headquarters in Sunninghilll, north of Johannesburg. They are demanding that the power utility improve its supply of electricity to their areas. Residents have reportedly threatened councillors from Ivory Park, Diepsloot, Soweto and Organge Farm and vandalised their homes after blaming them for the electricity problems.

The United Democratic Movement leader, Bantu Holomisa who was instrumental in revealing the corruption at the Public Investment Corportion (PIC) says the Corporation's former CEO, Dan Matjila should also be investigated over allegations that he unduly benefited from a 2-point-45 million rand loan extended by the troubled VBS mutual bank. Matjila who is already facing numerous allegations of corruption, testified at the Commission yesterday. He has since denied that he took a loan from VBS

Cape Town police have initiated a 72 hour lockdown action plan in Philippi East, following eleven murders in the township over the weekend. Two men were shot and killed at a tavern on Saturday night, while three bodies were discovered in a nearby house. Another three men were also shot in a separate incident i the same area. On Friday night, six young women were shot and killed in the Marcus Garvey informal settlement. Police say there's been no arrests so far

African heads of state and governments have met in Niamey, Niger to officially launch the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The agreement will pave the way for free movement of goods, services, investments and people around the continent. The AfCFTA comes after 17 years of tough negotiations. African countries currently trade only about 16 percent of their goods and services among one another, compared to 65 percent with European countries. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the agreement will be a game changer for the continent.

In a historic win that has changed their profile, Bafana Bafana knocked hosts Egypt out of the Africa Cup of Nations and booked their place in the quarter-finals with a late winner in Cairo. Thembinkosi Lorch scored on 85 minutes to give South Africa a stunning 1-0 victory. Stuart Baxter's men will now take on Nigeria in the quarter-finals on Wednesday

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says the department will present its report about the status of E-tolls in the Gauteng province in August this year following the directive from the President that the issue must be thoroughly discussed. Mbalula was speaking in Durban at the N3 Marrianhill Toll Plaza where law enforcement agencies and the department held a post-Durban July road block

The first 4th Industrial Revolution SA - Digital Economy Summit opens in Midrand, north of JHB later today. The summit will be hosted by the 4th Industrial Revolution South Africa partnership, an alliance between partners from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society. Today's summit will assist government to explore opportunities presented by the digital revolution and to identify policies, strategies and action plans that will position South Africa as a competitive global player.

The government of Lesotho and the opposition have signed an agreement to open Parliament to legislative reforms. The agreement was signed yesterday during President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the mountain kingdom. While the agreement is being hailed a bold step to stabilise the political tensions in Lesotho, the opposition is not making guarantees about the motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Tom Thabane.