First Take SA

National Poet Laureate and liberation struggle giant Professor Keorapetse Kgosietsile has passed away. The 80 year old Kgosietsile passed away earlier today in Johannesburg after a long illness. He is the former husband of Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete with whom he had three children. As an influential ANC cadre in the 1960's, he went into exile in the United States where he made an extensive study of African-American literature and culture. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Raks Seakgwa, a Publisher and cultural activist.

The City of Johannesburg says they have sent out a team to speak to protesting residents of Protea Glen extension six, south of Johannesburg. Residents are protesting over poorly built RDP houses which fell to the ground when a tornado hit the area this past weekend. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the Spokesperson to the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council, Lillian Kolisang, who says they are constantly engaging with the residents to find a solution

Residents of the tornado struck Protea Glen extension six, south of Johannesburg are protesting. They've barricaded roads including the R559 towards Randfontein west of Johannesburg. Its not clear what their protesting about. The area was hit by a tornado over the weekend causing extensive damage to many homes. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to police spokesperson, Captain Kay Makhubele, who says police are on scene, monitoring the situation.

Time now for our weekly edition of TRENDSWATCH where we take a look at news that dominated social media this week. Our producer Molebogeng Sebidi

The Constitutional Court has dismissed the appeal of civil rights organisation Afriforum and trade union Solidarity against the University of Free State's language policy. The two organisations are against the university's policy to make English the primary medium of instruction from 2017, while providing sufficient scope for multi-lingualism across the university. AfriForum had initially argued that while Afrikaans might be a barrier to black students, English was a barrier to many coloured students who had been victims of past discrimination.For more Elvis Preslin spoke to AfriForum's Deputy CEO Alana Bailey. But first this is how Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng handed down judgment

Political parties in Parliament have welcomed the Constitutional Court judgment paving the way to initiate proceedings to impeach a sitting President. It ruled that Parliament has failed to hold President Jacob Zuma accountable following it's ruling over upgrades to his Nkandla home. Elvis Preslin spoke to EFF National spokesperson, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

Gauteng Health MEC, Gwen Ramokgopa, says the mother of a toddler who died at the Incredible Happenings Church in Katlehong east of Johannesburg, on Christmas Eve, does not blame the local clinic for her death. Earlier, media reports said that Nontombi Gwam was told that there were no drips for her daughter at the local clinic. Three-year-old Latoya passed away from what is suspected to be severe dehydration. Meanwhile Prophet Paseka Motsoeneng commonly known as Mbhoro will not appear in court as earlier reported. Mbhoro allegedly assaulted a female paramedic who was attending to a sick child at the Prophet's church in Katlehong on Gauteng's East Rand. Elvis Preslin spoke to our reporter Horisani Sithole...

Three suspects aged 30, 27 and 22 from Tembisa believed to be behind a spate of armed robberies in Gauteng have been arrested. An undercover sting operation closed in on the suspects who are allegedly involved in a chain of robberies where they would follow victims from banks and rob them at gunpoint. Elvis Preslin spoke to Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi

Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development MEC Lebogang Maile has today visited the Constitution Hill in Johannesburg for a site-inspection in preparation for the first ever AFROPUNK Festival to be staged on the African Continent. The event is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday. This despite one of the main international performers Solange Knowles pulling out of the Afropunk music festival yesterday disappointing many festival goers, some who are demanding refunds for the tickets. Elvis Preslin spoke to the MEC Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development Lebogang Maile..

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) says they are shocked with disappointment by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA's) Intentions to increases councillors perks. According to a circular by SALGA, which informs municipal management of the new perks which Councilors, Speakers and Mayors would be getting, will be Gazetted by the minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Des Van Rooyen. SAMWU says the exorbitant improvement in perks is unnecessary. Elvis Preslin spoke to Samwu spokesperson, Papikie Mohale