First Take SA

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) says while former Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene's timing to resign is regrettable, the appointment of Tito Mboweni as his replacement does not spell an introduction of a new fiscal direction but rather a move to entrench stability at National Treasury. BUSA's CEO, Tanya Cohen has urged Mboweni to maintain commitments made in the February Budget as the country heads to the Medium-Term Budget Policy statement in just over two weeks. Cohen adds that Nene's resignation signals the seriousness with which the current leadership in government views allegations into state capture. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Business Unity South Africa's CEO, Tanya Cohen and Political Economy Analyst Zamikhaya Maseti

Political pressure is building on Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene to step down. So far, several opposition parties including the EFF, DA, Cope and the UDM have called for Nene's head following his admission to the State Capture Inquiry that he had several meetings with the Gupta family during his first term as finance minister and before that while he was deputy finance minister. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to political economist and senior research fellow at Trade Collective, Lebohang Pheko..

Trade union NEHAWU has warned it will shut down all SASSA offices on Wednesday. Social Security Agency workers affiliated to Nehawu are set to strike over the transfer of social grant payments from Cash Paymaster Services to the South African Post Office. Nehawu general secretary, Zola Saphetha, has accused SASSA of refusing to resolve challenges brought about by this move

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Framework Agreement of the Jobs Summit as revolutionary decisions. This came out at the two-day Jobs Summit, underway in Midrand in Gauteng, earlier this afternoon. Government, business, labour and civil society have agreed on a number of measures to stimulate the economy and create jobs. These include among others; avoiding retrenchments and helping struggling companies. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Labour analyst Mamokgethi Molopyane

TALKING POINTS:

*** Ethiopia turning off the internet as violence flares up

*** Zimbabwean court ordereding illegal occupiers of a white farmer's property to vacate the land immediately

*** Mining firms saying Zambia's tax hike plan would ruin the economy

A group calling themselves The Gauteng Shut-Down Co-ordinating Committee (GSCC) says more than 10 coloured communities across Gauteng will embark on total shutdowns today. Residents from various coloured communities such as Eldorado Park, Westbury and Ennerdale in the Johannesburg are said to be taking to the streets from as early as 4 AM this morning. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to demonstrations Co-ordinator Anthony Williams...

Today is the second and final day of the job summit in Midrand east of Johannesburg- over the years entrepreneurship has been seen as one of the drivers to help create employment in South Africa. However, how easy is it for one to become an entrepreneur in this country. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Nwabisa Mayema who is an entrepreneur and motivational speaker

In Westbury, west of Johannesburg, another total shutdown is planned this morning. The community in the area went on the rampage burning tyres protesting against gang violence. Police minister, Bheki Cele and National commissioner, General Khehla Sitole will again be in the area today, following their visit on Tuesday where Cele announced a number of measures that will be implemented to help deal with crime and drug related violence. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Westbury community leader, Shahim Ishmael

Advocacy group, #Unite Behind, will be protesting at the Cape Town Train Station this afternoon against service issues facing Metrorail. Train services have been negatively impacted by ongoing arson attacks on trains, as well as the vandalising or theft of rail infrastructure. Last month several commuters were aslo stabbed and thrown off a moving train in Stellenbosch. Metrorail says it's lost at least 47 coaches in the Western Cape since the start of August. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Protest organiser Zuki Vuka from advocacy group, #Unite Behind

The husband of a woman who's death sparked the violent protests in Westbury, west of Johannesburg, says the arrest of the perpetrators will not bring his wife back. Reuben Peterson was reacting to Police Minister Bheki Cele's undertaking that police will apprehend the remaining two suspects sought in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife within the next 48 to 72 hours. Two suspects are already behind bars. Cele visited Westbury and addressed residents on what the police will do to deal with their concerns. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to lecturer of Criminology at the University of Free State Ashwill Phillips