First Take SA

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) say they will hold a big demonstration at power utility Eskom's Megawatt Park offices in Johannesburg tomorrow on Thursday. The unions are protesting a wage offer of zero percent by Eskom, while unions demand a 15 percent increase. Joining us on the line is the NUM's National Spokesperson, Livhuwani Mammburu

One mine worker is still missing at the Sibanye-Stillwater mine's Ikamva shaft, near Westonaria, West of Johannesburg. Four other miners died after they succumbed to heat and gas exposure. Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe visited the mine last night and briefed the media after his visit. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Sibanye-Stillwater spokesperson, Thabisile Phumo

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Afrikaans speaking community to embrace the land debate to build a united South Africa. Delivering an address to mark the centenary celebrations of the Afrikanerbond in Paarl in the Western Cape, Ramaphosa said the country cannot change its divided past. Mlamli Maneli reports.

Law enforcement agencies in Durban say preparations ahead of former president Jacob Zuma's court appearance have been finalised. Zuma is expected to appear in the Durban High Court on Friday facing 16 counts of fraud, money laundering and racketeering. More than 10-thousand supporters are expected to start gathering today for a night vigil at Albert Park in Durban. Nonjabulo Mntungwa gives us an update of what is expected

A man is expected to appear in the Lenasia Magistrates court today after he allegedly shot and killed his son whom he mistook for a criminal. Police say the father dropped off his son at Fred Norman Seconday school in Ennerdale south of Johannesburg on Tuesday night. He fell asleep while waiting for his son inside the vehicle. And when the son knocked on the car window he got frightened at allegedly shot at the boy. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to associate professor and head of Safety and Security Management at the Tshwane University of Technology professor Jacob Mofokeng

Law enforcement agencies have declared war on cash-in-transit heists, which have seen a marked increase compared to 2017. At least 159 cash-in-transit heists have been reported in the country this year. This week, cash-in-transit heists were reported in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Police have managed to foil two heists in Limpopo and Gauteng. One suspect was shot and killed, and seven others were arrested during the two separate incidents. Police Minister Bheki Cele, says police will ensure crime is reduced to zero. Maluti Obuseng reports

A father has been arrested in Ennerdale south of Johannesburg, for allegedly shooting dead his son who he mistook for a criminal. Police say the man took his 14-year-old son to attend evening classes at the Fred Norman Secondary School in the area. After dropping off the child, the father waited inside his vehicle and fell asleep. When the boy returned from the class, he knocked on the passenger window, startling his father, who then opened fire. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Soweto police spokesperson Mpande Khoza

Substance abuse among South African youth is increasing on a daily basis. Statistics show that the country ranks among the top 10 in terms of the amount of alcohol consumed every year, while dagga, tik and cocaine use is twice the average of international consumption. It's also been shown that children, as young as 12 years old, are becoming addicted to drugs. An international organisation and church, Victory Outreach International, has set up a number of recovery homes in Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Joburg and Pretoria. I caught up with the directors of the men's and women's homes, Byron Veldman and Sumaya Hussan respectively, and began by asking Byron to tell us more about the recovery home..

The ANC has condemned a Facebook post by Dihlabeng executive mayor Lindiwe Makhalema in which she called President Cyril Ramaphosa a sell-out. The ANC says the mayor's conduct violates the party's social media policy. The ANC's social media policy prescribes that any social media posting by members must be legal, ethical and respectful. Ishmael Modiba reports....

The SABC board has been rapped over the knuckles by Parliament's Communications Committee, for presenting inadequate information on its discussions with labour unions. The unions met with the committee last month to complain about labour relations in the organisation. Among others, the committee wanted detailed information on the latest developments surrounding the dismissal of employees who were implicated in alleged medical aid fraud. Zalene Merrington reports.