First Take SA

The ANC will embark on a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia this weekend to repatriate the remains of struggle combatants. A senior delegation will visit the two countries to facilitate the exhumation and return of mortal remains of anti-Apartheid activists who laid down their lives for South Africa's freedom. Elvis Presslin spoke to Obed Bapela, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC's International Relations Su...

Lobby group AfriForum says it will take legal action against the government as soon as President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law. Despite fierce opposition from the Democratic Alliance, AfriForum, and other groups, Ramaphosa is expected to sign the bill today at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, paving the way for a potential court battle. To elaborate...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

ActionSA has formally requested the Public Protector to investigate Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane over a controversial R500,000 loan. The loan, obtained from a broker linked to the notorious defuncted VBS Mutual Bank has sparked corruption allegations against Minister Simelane. To delve deeper into this matter Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA's Parliamentary Caucu...

Former minister, Pravin Gordhan has passed away in hospital, surrounded by family, friends and comrades in the liberation struggle. The 75-year old retired from active politics after this year's general election. His last portfolio in the South African Cabinet was Minister of Public Enterprises, from 2018 to 2024, after serving two terms as Minister of Finance, from 2009 to 2014 and again from 201...

The Bench Marks Foundation is calling on government to investigate the causes of the dam collapse in jaggersfounatin and issue its full forensic report. Yesterday marked two years since the incident, were a tailing dam at the Jagersfontein mine in free state burst its wall, sending a torrent of mine waste down the slope to the settlements of Charlesville and Itumeleng. The disaster resulted in thr...

Today marks 47 years since the passing of Black Consciousness Movement leader, Stephen Bantu Biko. Forty-seven years ago, Steve Biko died from severe head injuries sustained while in police detention in Pretoria, a victim of the apartheid regime's brutality. To honour his legacy, the Azanian People's Organization (AZAPO) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) will today host a public lecture at Nel...

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has revealed that lawyers previously involved in fraudulent claims against the Road Accident Fund (RAF) are now turning their attention to the healthcare sector. Speaking in parliament, Dr. Motsoaledi called for the establishment of an expert panel to address the growing number of medical legal claims. Elvis Presslin spoke to Macintosh Polela, Head of Communica...

Eskom has attached Emfuleni Municipality's bank accounts to recover R8 billion in unpaid debt. This after the municipality failed to comply with a debt relief program. Eskom says it has exhausted all legal avenues to secure payment since 2018. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Hassan Mako, MMC for Finance and Revenue at the Emfuleni Local Municipality

The Democratic Alliance is demanding the removal of ActionSA's Tshwane Chairperson, Jackie Mathabathe ahead of a crucial no-confidence vote against Mayor Cilliers Brink. The DA accuses Mathabathe of revealing ActionSA's allegiance by posting a social media message predicting the DA's "Golden Boy" would be ousted in 16 days. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, to d...

The Democratic Alliance, DA has warned it will withdraw from the government of national unity if President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment, BELA Bill into law. The presidency has confirmed that President Ramaphosa will sign the bill on Friday, despite the DA's objections. DA leader John Steenhuisen argues that the bill has significant constitutional implicati...

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 4,135 cases of wrongful arrests during the 2023/24 financial year, leading to claims exceeding R2 billion. This revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi, which has expressed concern that such wrongful arrests are damaging public trust in the police. for more on t...

The Department of Correctional Services is considering installing cellphone and signal jammers around St Alban's Prison amid allegations that serious crimes are being orchestrated from within the facility. The move comes as the Nelson Mandela Bay area sees a surge in crimes such as extortion, murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Department of Correctional Services Spokesper...

Today marks 3 years since South African Airways (SAA) resumed operations after emerging from liquidation. The 90-year-old airline has long relied on state funding, but faced bankruptcy during the Covid-19 pandemic. A proposed sale of a 51% stake in the carrier was scrapped in March. Today, SAA CEO Professor John Lamola is set to deliver a report on the airline's operational performance, financial...

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi says approximately 6,220 foreign nationals are employed in public service. This represents 0.5% of the total workforce. The figure includes permanent residents and temporary employees. To discuss the implications of this revelation, Elvis Presslin spoke to Claude Naiker, Acting Deputy General Manager of the Public Servants Association, PSA

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month in September, a question remains: Should all colonial heritage sites, statues, and monuments be removed to truly reflect our democracy? Heritage Month showcases the nation's diverse culture and heritage, including African, Asian, and European influences. However, some argue that colonial-era symbols perpetuate racism and Black oppression. So should all col...

Former Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has been admitted to hospital, although the exact nature for his admission is still unclear. A statement from his family has assured that he is receiving the best possible medical care. This comes after Gordhan announced his retirement from politics earlier this year, following the May election. The family has requested privacy at this time, but ha...

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, South Africa is shining a light on the critical issue of teen suicide prevention. Globally, the statistics are alarming: approximately 3,000 people take their own lives every day, with 20 or more attempts for every completed suicide. This translates to a staggering one million lives lost to suicide annually, with a devastating impact on families and friends...

The Pension Fund Adjudicator is warning companies over non-payment of employee contributions amid rising two-pot claims. Under the two-pot system, workers are permitted annual withdrawals from their provident and pension funds. However, as they review their accounts, The Pension Fund Adjudicator predicts a surge in complaints due to discrepancies, highlighting a growing concern that requires atten...

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has dismissed the Western Cape Education Department's proposal to cut 2,400 teaching posts. This due to an alleged 33% underfunding by the national government. SADTU, COSATU and other unions are threatening a strike action if the budget cuts are not recalled. SADTU's Provincial Secretary Sibongile Kwazi spoke to Elvis Presslin on the dispute

Opposition parties are demanding Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's suspension or resignation over a questionable VBS-linked loan. Simelane faces the ANC's integrity commission to explain a R575,600 loan from the defunct VBS Mutual Bank. Critics argue her position as Justice Minister gives her control over the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA potentially allowing her to thwart investigations in...

Relatives of victims and survivors of the devastating 2017/2018 Listeriosis outbreak are demanding accountability from Tiger Brands. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has confirmed that the Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane, owned by Tiger Brands was contaminated with the deadly ST6 strain of Listeria. The outbreak, which made global headlines, resulted in over 200 fatalities an...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is taking its fight for enforceable recommendations to the Constitutional Court, following a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that its directives are not legally binding. Although the Appeals Court acknowledged the importance of respecting and following the Commission's findings, it emphasized that they require a court order to carry legal weight. Th...

In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Road Traffic Management Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with Police Services arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane for allegedly soliciting bribes from drivers on the N1 highway. This operation aims to root out corruption and restore integrity to the traffic management system. To discuss the details and implications of this operation Elvis P...