First Take SA

The arbitration hearings looking into the events that led to the deaths of more than 100 mentally-ill patients in Gauteng, is underway in Parktown, Johannesburg. During his opening statements at the Life Esidimeni Arbitration on behalf of the state, Tebogo Hutama says government has accepted liability for the deaths and has committed to ensure redress for the families of the victims. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to our reporter, Wisani Wisani Makhubele

Talking about this week's trending topics with Molebogeng Sebidi

Tomorrow sees the 20th Anniversary of the Macufe Festival in the Free State. The event's tagline of "Rea Tshola" will have them serving up a serious feast! Headliners will include Mafikizolo Production, Ringo, Jah Prayzah from Zimbabwe, Nigerian artist Davido, South African legendary Musicians Sipho Mabuse and Tshepo Tshola. Fans will also be wowed by Beninua Angelique Kidjo and American R&B Sensation Chante Moore who joins us for our Open Mic feature today. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to her earlier and Chante says she's excited to be back on South African shores and can't wait to perform music from her new Albul The Rise of the Phoenix

Mars global pet companies will tomorrow host the "First ever Soweto Dog Show" in celebration of World Animal Day. Pet owners and lovers can attend this community outreach program which will be hosted at Mofolo Park, Soweto. Vets will be on site at the event to perform free health screenings, vaccinations and dog dipping for all dogs that come to the event. All proceeds of the event will be donated to the Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre (SARAC). Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the founder of SARAC, Jerry Selwane

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the shooting of five family members at Nteke near Marianhill, west of Durban last night. The deceased were in a house when unknown gunmen opened fire at them. Police spokesperson Nqobile Gwala says four people died on the scene while one died in hospital. A 41-year old male escaped. The killings follow the death of eight members of the Sibiya family at Matimatolo near Greytown in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on Tuesday night. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Captain Nqobile Gwala

The Zimbabwean Embassy has withdrawn its participation in the matter brought by model Gabriela Engels and civil rights group Afri-Forum to review the diplomatic immunity the South African government granted to first lady, Grace Mugabe. The applicants approached the high court in Pretoria to seek permission to serve Mugabe with papers through the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria. Mugabe allegedly assaulted 20 year old Engels with an electrical cord after she found her with her two sons at an upmarket Sandton hotel in August. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to AfriForum Lawyer, Willie Spies

Stormy weather expected over parts of South Africa, according to the South African Weather Service. Thunderstorms are expected to become severe during the course of today until the weekend, as they progressively spread east during the remainder of the week. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to SABC weather presenter and Meteorologist, Azwi Tuwani...

The National Freedom Party (NFP), deputy president, Alex Kekana says he is not part of any group that seeks to oppose the party's president, Zanele kaMagwaza Msibi. Addressing the media on the challenges facing the party, Kekana says they are focused on reviving the party with Magwaza-Msibi at the helm. Msibi, who was present at the briefing, is still recovering from a stroke which saw her taking a lengthy sick leave from political activities. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to NFP National Treasurer, Manzoor shaik-Emam

Transformation in Sports was top of the agenda at the two day Sport and Recreation's conference in Potchesfroom in the North West province . Day two of the conference extensively addressed this challenge. The need for recognition of other sporting codes besided soccer and rugby was also highlighted .Other discussions focused on infrastructure's role in sport and the interchange between sport, the economy and job creation. Tsepiso makwetla spoke to our sports reporter Thabiso Sithole

INTRO: Auditing firm, KPMG, may still survive the controversy surrounding the so-called SARS "rogue" intelligence unit report. The report led to the dismantling of the intelligence unit at SARS and the departure of numerous senior staff members and experienced forensic investigators. No less than six companies have stopped using the firm as its auditors in the wake of the scandal. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Chief Economist at Econometrix Dr Azar Jammine