First Take SA

The Presidency has reacted to the spytapes ruling by saying it hopes the NPA will now reconsider President Jacob Zuma's submissions - especially in the light of recent revelations about the integrity of an audit report which underpins the prosecution. The Presidency says in a statement that it had a anticipated the Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling in Bloemfontein. The SCA dismissed with costs the appeal by Zuma and the NPA against an earlier ruling setting aside a decision to drop the charges. The presidency says this means NPA head Shaun Abrahams will now consider Zuma's representations under the correct prescripts of the law. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor James Grant‚ of the Wits University school of law

The Department of National treasury is in Washington DC, for the 2017 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group's annual meeting. The delegation from treasury plans to use the meetings to attract international investors in a bid to boost the country's economic growth. The IMF has since cut South Africa's economic growth forecast for 2017, to 0-point-7 percent. The fund has cited political uncertainty and the declining consumer and business confidence across the country as the reasons behind the cut. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Sifiso Buthelezi

The High Court in Pretoria today ruled that anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol was pushed from John Vorster Square. The court ruled that Timol's death while in police custody was not suicide as previously indicated. Timol died in police custody in the 1970's after being tortured by police. Timol's family says the ruling is important to all those who suffered political detention. The NPA agreed to reopen an inquest when a private investigation by the family uncovered new evidence which was presented to the National Prosecuting Authority. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku

Kenya's government has banned protests in main city centres, citing lawlessness during opposition rallies against the electoral commission. The ban comes a day after thousands of opposition supporters held demonstrations in opposition leader Raila Odinga's strongholds demanding reforms ahead of repeat polls later this month. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Uhuru Kenyatta's spokesperson Manoah Esipisu

In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Reach for Recovery project aims to raise funds to purchase silicone breast prostheses for thousands of disadvantaged South African breast cancer survivors. The Reach for Recovery says thousands of rands are dedicated annually to breast cancer research, but that money does not directly assist survivors. The Power of Pink in conjunction with Reach for Recovery's Ditto project offers cancer treatment for thousands of South African women in need. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Stephne Jacobs who is the Chairperson of R4R's Board of Management who is also a breast cancer survivor

Six police officers have been taken to hospital after they were attacked by a group of men, during a drug raid at a house in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media. A dead body was found during the raid. According to Gauteng Police spokesperson Kay Makhubele says officers were following up on information about a suspected drug den, when they were attacked. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Captain Kay Makhubele

Time now for our arts and culture feature and today we speak to actress Thuso Mbedu who has recently scored a nomination for "best performance by an actress" in the 2017 International Emmy Awards. The 23-year-old actress has been nominated for her role as young heroine Winnie in Mzansi Magic drama Is'thunzi. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Thuso Mbedu

The KwaZulu-Natal government says it is still assessing the damage caused by storms that caused havoc in the province. The death toll from Tuesday's devastating storm in KwaZulu-Natal has now risen to fourteen. Most of the deaths occurred in areas in and around Durban. Forty-two schools were damaged - including nine high schools. The strong wind and heavy rain also caused damage at many health care institutions in and around eThekwini including Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital at Umlazi where two people died when a wall collapsed. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor Ivan Turok, Executive Director at the Human Sciences Research Council.

The Gauteng Health Department Chief Director for Planning, Molefi Mosenogi says he believes the deaths of 118 mentally-ill patients could have been prevented had then Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu been a qualified health professional. Mosenogi was testifying in Life Esidimeni arbitration hearings in Parktown, Johannesburg. Now of the stand os the Director General for the National Department Health, Malebona Matsoso who gave testimony that she was never given specifics about the plan of transferring the mentally-ill patients. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to our reporter, Wisani Makhubele.

About 54 learners have allegedly been sexually assaulted by a scholar patroller, at AB Xuma Primary School, In Orlando East of Soweto. The matter was reported to the Orlando Police Station and the patroller has since been arrested. The pupils range from the age of 6-12 years. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Steve Mabona, Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education