The independent electoral commission has expressed great concern over the on-going violence ahead of the August 3rd local government elections. As many as ten ANC members including councillor candidates have been killed in politically related violence in KwaZulu Natal alone. The commission has called for maximum restraint saying its powers to deal with the violence are limited. The electoral body was briefing the media about the state of readiness for the elections in Pretoria. Senior political journalist Amos Phago reports

The International Monetary Fund- IMF says that the political uncertainty in the country and concerns around governance matters continue to shake investor confidence. The institution says high levels of corruption in the country are also impeding economic growth.. MorafeTabane reports

New York businessman, Donald Trump is officially the nominee for the Republican Party after he officially accepts the nomination tomorrow. This report by Sherwin Bryce-Pease in Cleveland, Ohio.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal says it believes the spate of killings in the province is a ploy to intimidate and demoralise their candidates and volunteers ahead of the local government elections. More than ten ANC members including candidates for the coming local government elections have been killed this year. On Monday, two of the party's ward candidates were gunned down in separate incidents. Mbuso Mkhize reports

Eskom says the increase in backyard dwellers in some parts of the country and illegal electricity connections are adding pressure to the electricity network. Sakina Kamwendo speaks to Eskom Group Chief Executive Brian Molefe who says this is the main reason why electricity trips sometimes, causing blackouts in some areas.

South Africa's Dr. Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma will continue as chairperson of the African Union Commission until January next year when elections to replace her will be held. The elections were suspended after all three candidates failed to receive the required two thirds of the votes cast. The deputy chairperson Erastus Mwencha as well commissioners who were due for retirement, will remain in office. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma has expressed her wish to retire after only one four- year term. We spoke to a fellow at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute at Unisa, Dr Richard Iroanya....

Economist and head of ETM Analytic, Jana van Deventer looks at what the failed military coup in Turkey means for emerging markets and how investors view these countries as investment destinations and oil markets having not done well since the beginning of July, will this impacts the average South African.

Another ANC ward candidate has been shot dead, this time at Harding in southern KwaZulu-Natal. Bongani Skhosana was transporting scholars in his mini bus when unknown gunmen opened fire, killing him in full view of the children. Skhosana is the fifth ANC candidate to be killed during the election period. Meanwhile, the party's offices at Richmond in the midlands have been set on fire by unknown people. Vusi Makhosini reports....

Market Analyst Clive Ramathibela looks at Asian shares slipping as the decline in crude oil curbed the enthusiasm on Wall Street, Oil prices falling on concerns of oversupply despite cuts in Shale production and three U.S states planning lawsuits over Volkswagen diesel pollution even after they announced settlements in June....

Trade union solidarity is going to be representing the journalists at the labour court on Thursday. We are now joined on the line by one of the lawyers under trade union Solidarity representing the SABC journalists, Anton van der Bilj