First Take SA

The ANC veterans and stalwarts group have held their National Consultative Conference at the Johannesburg Constitutional Hill today. Speakers at the conference included former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, ANC NEC member Derek Hanekom and ANC presidential hopeful Lindiwe Sisulu. The group raised key concerns which they say needed to be addressed in the party, including the loss of three key metro municipalities during the August 3 local government elections, the Constitutional Court ruling on Nkandla and the release of the State of Capture report by the Public Protector. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to ANC presidential hopeful and Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu

Time for our Open Mic feature. Today we profile two talented artists, who are no strangers to the music scene. Award wining House Music producer, DJ Mizz and Afro-soul sensation, singer and writer, Yves. Ronald Phiri spoke to the two talented artists, who collaborated for their new single "Badlaliwe Abantu"

Alan Mukoki says he will take legal action against Rachel Kalidas. This follows allegations by Kalidass that Former Land Bank CEO, Alan Mukoki is alleged to be a preferred candidate for the SABC CEO position. Kalidass resigned as a member of the newly appointed SABC board where she says the environment has again become unbearable. Speaking to Tsepiso Makwetla, Mukoki says he has advised his lawyers to follow up on the allegations

Zimbabweans are calling for a peaceful transition of power, rather than a coup. This comes after the country's military has taken over the capital city Harare. Mugabe informed President Jacob Zuma that he is safe but confined to his home. Zimbabweans say President Jacob Zuma is only intervening quickly now that President Robert Mugabe has put in tight corner but did not do much when the entire country was crying to him. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to an eye witness in Zimbabwe, under the pseudonym of "Edward"and to political analyst and civil society leader, Brian Kagoro...

The Zanu-PF War Veterans' League is calling on Zimbabwe's ruling party to recall President Robert Mugabe. This comes as the Zimbabwean army moves towards what it calls a peaceful transition of power, rather than a coup. The war veterans' proposal would compel Mugabe to resign and provide a constitutional means of removing him from power. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to our reporter Ephert Musekiwa

The SABC board say they are committed to carrying out its tasks as laid out in the Broadcasting Act. This follows the decision by Communications Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane to appeal a high court judgement that gave the SABC board the right to appoint the broadcaster's top executives. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the Chairperson of the SABC Board, Bongumusa Makhathini

The Parliamentary Inquiry into Eskom has heard damning evidence implicating Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown in state capture. Eskom board spokesperson Khulani Qoma said Brown was incompetent and not able to act as a shareholder representative. He added that Brown had failed to take action against Eskom executives that were damaging the reputation of the company. Qoma says one board member had in fact told him that Brown worked for the Gupta family. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor William Gumede from the Wits School of Governance.

ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe says the processes of holding branch general meetings towards the December elective conference is close to completion. Speaking at a briefing in Johannesburg earlier Mantashe said there will be no extensions for Branch General Meetings which must be completed this weekend. Mantashe said that they were working hard to complete all branch meetings and resolve disputes troubling some provinces. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to ANC National spokesperson Zizi Kodwa

The DA has welcomed the Fees report released President Jacob Zuma, earlier today. In the report, the commission recommends that all university students who can't afford to pay fees, should be awarded government-guaranteed bank loans. In January 2016, Zuma established the Heher Commission to investigate the feasibility of Fee-Free Higher Education and Training in South Africa. The report says South Africa should increase spending on higher education to the same level as similar countries. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Belinda Bozzoli, the DA shadow minister of higher education and training and EFF national spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi

Universities South Africa says its shocked that President Jacob Zuma released the Fees Commission report when students are sitting for their exams. Zuma released the long awaited report at midday today. The report recommends that government hike spending on higher education by 1% of GDP and that TVET college students not pay fees. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Universities South Africa CEO, Professor Ahmed Bawa and to independant accountant Khaya Sithole