Allegations continue to mount against one of South Africa's largest institutions for mentally and physically challenged people. Durban Coastal and Mental Health was earlier implicated in a rape case and claims of exploiting patients. It has now emerged that the mental institution uses some mental patients as security guards. Nonjabulo Mntungwa reports

North West MEC for Health, Dr. Magome Masike, says they are beginning to see some improvement since measures were put in place following national government's decision to place the department under administration. Masike briefed the media this morning. The province's health system was plagued by serious problems including allegations of corruption, a shortage of staff and equipment, poor service and a long NEHAWU strike that started in February. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to MEC Masike.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it does not foresee any problems in the next payment cycle. Grant beneficiaries stood in long queues this week as the agency experienced technical problems mostly at Post Office pay points. Frustrated beneficiaries had to be compensated with food parcels while they waited for their payments. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SASSA's Kgomotso Diseko.

Trade unions at power utility Eskom have rejected the company's revised offer of a 6.5% wage increase. The unions are currently in talks with the employer. The unions wants 9 percent. Eskom had initially offered a zero percent increase. NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola gave us an update.

British police say a man and a woman found unconscious near Salisbury in the UK, where a former Russian spy and his daughter were attacked with a nerve agent in March, - were exposed to the same substance, known as Novichok. The couple are in a critical condition in the same hospital that treated the Russian pair and a huge police operation has now been launched to find the source of the nerve agent. Catherine Drew reports from London

The Board of Healthcare Funders has admitted that its members structure products in a way that does not afford consumers to make good comparisons of what is being offered. The organisation was speaking following revelations by the Competition Commission's Health Market Inquiry into private healthcare funding. The Commission released its provisional report during a media briefing in Sandton, Johannesburg this morning. There have been numerous complaints from consumers over the years that medical aid schemes are charging exorbitant fees making it difficult for some to access quality healthcare. Chairperson of the Inquiry Justice Sandile Ngcobo delivered the report.

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa has thrown its weight behind the EFF on the land debate. Contralesa says they agree that Section 25 of the constitution, which deals with the right of property ownership, should be amended and that the government should be the custodian of expropriated land. This comes as Parliament's Constitutional Review Committee holds countrywide public hearings into the matter. However, King of Amazulu, Goodwill Zwelithini said yesterday that government should back off from the land issue. Contralesa made the announcement during a joint media briefing with the EFF in Braamfontein, Johannesburg today. Contralesa Secretary-General, Zolani Mkiva, addressed the media.

The Home Affairs office in Mangaung in Bloemfontein has been reopened following a cash in transit heist and a bomb scare. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen at the Mangaung Municipality Metro in Bloemfontein. The police's bomb squad unit and forensic investigators are still on the scene to gather evidence. It is believed the robbery took place in the early hours of the morning. It was earlier reported that the robbers took security guards hostage. Our reporter following this story, Ishmael Modiba.

The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) says it wants learner transport to be subsidized. The student body held a media briefing at the Chief Albert Luthuli House to discuss challenges faced by learners in schools. These include sexual assault, violence and the pass rate. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to COSAS President General, John Macheke.

A new video has been released of the 12 boys and their football coach trapped in a Thai cave, in which they say they are in good health. Smiling and at times laughing, they each introduce themselves one by one. They were found on Monday after nine days trapped deep in the cave by rising water, and have since received food and medical treatment. But their rescue might take months, as they must either be taught to dive or wait for the water to recede. BBC's Lebo Diseko reports.