First Take SA

A Weekly slot on PMLIVE where we dissect stories that made headlines not only on the news but social media too.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has again warned that he will close down institutions which continue to be violent and ungovernable. Nzimande was speaking during an exclusive interview with the SABC this morning following the ongoing protests by students nationally demanding free education. Nzimande had issued a similar warning in Cape Town earlier this week. Nzimande also called on parents to also take charge.

A large group of paramedics took part in a demonstration in Philippi on the Cape Flats calling for an end to violent attacks on rescue workers and ambulances in townships. In terms of a memorandum read during a gathering at a local stadium there's been more than 80 attacks on paramedics and ambulances in the Cape Metro this year.

In our Arts and Culture feature today we speak to Bukhosi Nyathi, a young artist whose work speaks about issues affecting humanity such as: child abuse, female hygiene as well celebrating successful women. Nyathi is among other young artists showcasing their artwork at the Dancing with the Devil Exhibition taking place at the Jo Anke Gallery in Bramley; Johannesburg

The managing director of the waste management company PIKITUP of the City of Johannesburg Amanda Nair has been relieved of her duties. Nair says she has no intention of taking legal action against her former employers. She was placed on special leave in July after trade union SAMWU accused her of maladministration.

Highlights of this week's top stories and social media trending topics

Learning at Lawson Brown High School in Port Elizabeth has been disrupted after protesting learners demanded an amendment to the Code of Conduct regarding hair restrictions. Earlier this week, four learners were allegedly told they would not be allowed to write their matric trail examinations if they did not relax and trim their hair in accordance with strict hairstyle policy. Several learners including the EFF picketed on the premises in solidarity with the four learners.

.Government has finally spoken out over the spat between Eskom and treasury. The power utility has been given orders to comply with treasury's investigation on coal contracts. It now has to submit a 172 page document to treasury on its coal related contracts. Treasury earlier accused Eskom for failing to comply with its investigations of coal contracts particularly those concluded between Eskom and Gupta owned Tegeta Exploration and resources. Treasury says Eskom refused to provide further evidence that is vital to the review. Public Enterprise minister Lynne Brown has stepped into the fry on other SOE's.

A group of student organisations from the University of Pretoria have pledged solidarity with leaners from Pretoria High School for Girls who have allegedly been forced to straighten their hair. Gauteng MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi earlier met with the school's learners. He will meet with the school's Governing Body at 6 o'clock tonight.

The situation outside the Pretoria High School for Girls is calm but tense as members of various student organizations are picketing outside the school in solidarity with the learners who accused some teachers of racism. The learners claim they are forced to straighten their hair. All gates leading into the premises have been locked and there is a high police presence in and outside the school. Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lusufi was in discussions with the black learners delegation ealier this morning and later met with the school authority and School Governing Body delegation.