First Take SA

Advocate Busiswe Mkhwebane says since she started working, she has been called a Gupta puppet and Zuma puppet and a spy. She speaks to PMlive anchor Tsepiso Makwetla.

Section 27 says it will institute legal action for recourse against the Gauteng provincial government following the deaths of 94 psychiatric patients between March and December last year. Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgoba released the report of the investigations into circumstances surrounding deaths of mentally-ill patients. Section 27's Sasha Stevens says the organisation will ensure that the provincial government compensate bereaved families and to take neccessary procedure regarding patients still in these establishment.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says he's distressed and angered following the findings of a report into the deaths of psychiatric patients in Gauteng. Health Ombudsman, Malegapuru Makgoba, has revealed that 94 mentally ill patients died between 23 March and 19 December 2016. They died under the care of NGOs, where they had been transferred from Life Healthcare Esidimeni, after the department cancelled its contract with the company. Makgoba also revealed that all 27 NGO's, where psychatric patients were transferred to, had invalid licenses.

Former Tshwane executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa has been appointed Gauteng Health MEC following the resignation of Qedani Mahlangu. The resignation of Mahlangu follows a damning report on investigations into circumstances surrouding the deaths of 94 patients with mental disabilities. Health Ombudsman, Professor Male-ga-puru Makgoba, released the report earlier today. In it, he recommends that disciplinary measures be taken against some senior government officials.

Former Tshwane executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa has been appointed Gauteng Health MEC following the resignation of Qedani Mahlangu. The resignation of Mahlangu follows a damning report on investigations into circumstances surrouding the deaths of 94 patients with mental disabilities. Health Ombudsman, Professor Male-ga-puru Makgoba, released the report earlier today. In it, he recommends that disciplinary measures be taken against some senior government officials.

Top prosecutor Gerrie Nel says his position at Civil Rights Organisation, Afriforum will be a new challenge. Afriforum's CEO, Kalie Kriel and Nel were briefing the media in Pretoria. Nell will join its newly established prosecuting unit as from tomorrow after he announced his resignation at the National Prosecuting Authority earlier today. Afriforum CEO Kallie Kriel says the unit's job will prosecute without fear,favour or prejudice...

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has visited Ha-Masia near Vuwani in Limpopo to congratulate schools that performed well in last year's matric results, despite the demarcation protests. She was accompanied by Education MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe. They have also gone to a school that performed poorly and encouraged the learners. Thousands of learners in Vuwani and surrounding areas missed three months of schooling at the height of violent demarcation protests.

The department of Labour and Home Affairs have set up seperate investigations into the alleged import of over two hundred workers from China. Sephaku has reportedly imported hundreds of Chinese labourers to work at its plant in Lichtenburg . PPC cement company in Slurry near Mahikeng also recently imported over two hundred workrs from China on a project worth R1,7 billion rands. The company says this helps to save 25% of profit. Meanwhile, Home Affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba has warned businesses to employ a majority of South Africans.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has accused the Gupta family and its associates of launching an organised campaign against National Treasury and himself, according to court papers filed today. Gordhan filed his counter affidavit in the North Gauteng High Court in Tshwane this morning, after Oakbay Investments filed court papers on January 20. The papers revolve around a bid by Gordhan, in October last year, in which he sought court protection against being forced by the Guptas to intervene in the matter of the bank account closures of Oakbay Investments. The matter is expected to be heard by the North Gauteng High Court in March.

ANC Secretary-general, Gwede Mantashe says Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe is not yet on the ANC's list for Parliament. Mantashe's statement comes as the party's secretary in North West, Dakota Legoete implied that Brian Molefe is heading to Parliament. During a press briefing at Luthuli House on the outcome of the ANC NEC and Legkotla meeting, Mantashe outlined the party's nomination process...