'An opposition coalition can rescue Gauteng from ANC' – John Steenhuisen (DA)

On Thursday, DA leader John Steenhuisen concluded the party's nationwide Rescue South Africa Tour in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest metro.

Steenhuisen chatted to Mandy Wiener (scroll to 03:50 for this interview)

The DA is determined to increase its support in the province.

Steenhuisen expressed confidence in the DA's ability to govern Gauteng through an opposition coalition.

The party ruffled some feathers this week with its new campaign advert depicting the South African flag ablaze.

"I definitely think we'll be able, through an opposition coalition, to rescue Gauteng away from the ANC."

- John Steenhuisen

"The next three weeks will be crucial to the campaigning."

- John Steenhuisen

ALSO IN THE MIDDAY REPORT:

African Christian Democratic Party to protest the signing of the Bela Bill

Today, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is anticipated to finalise the adoption of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, advancing the controversial schools legislation towards enactment.

However, dissenting voices such as the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) are poised to commemorate the occasion with protest marches across four provinces.

City Power restores electricity in more areas affected by M1 fire

City Power has successfully reinstated power to additional areas affected by the power outages stemming from the underground fire incident on the M1 highway last week.

It's been reported that the utility has managed to restore electricity supply to neighbourhoods in Parktown West.

Book of the week: 'Prescription: Ice Cream' by Alastair McAlpine

Starting from confronting the bustling wards of Baragwanath Hospital during his internship to experiencing the challenges of rehabilitation firsthand as a patient, Alastair McAlpine recounts the peaks and valleys inherent in the journey of being a medical practitioner in South Africa.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interviews.