First Take SA

The South African Defence Force has been plunged into mourning once more, as the grim toll of the conflict-torn DRC claims another soldier. A South African soldier, deployed under the United Nations Mission (MONUSCO), has lost their life while serving in the country. This latest casualty comes on the heels of a recent mortar attack by M23 rebels on a base in eastern DRC, which claimed the lives of...

The election of chairpersons for Parliament's Portfolio Committees is set to take place today. ActionSA says it will nominate Athol Trollip as chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), a crucial body responsible for overseeing government spending and accountability. For more on his nomination, Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Parliamentary Caucus Leader, Athol Trollip

The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that all schools in the province will resume classes today. This despite severe weather conditions which have damaged 29 schools in the province. To provide more information on the situation, Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communication at the Western Cape Education Department spoke to Elvis Presslin

Several NGOs are supporting Dr. John Hlophe's bid for a seat on the Judicial Service Commission. Hlophe, previously impeached as a Western Cape judge, has been nominated to the very body that initiated his impeachment. The Concerned Young Peoples Forum of South Africa, a group backing Hlophe's candidacy, has endorsed him as the ideal candidate for the JSC position, citing his exceptional qualifica...

Wildfires in KwaZulu Natal have resulted in widespread destruction, leaving scores of people displaced and without homes. The provincial Department of Human Settlements reports that it has received preliminary and incomplete information regarding the destruction of homes in multiple areas, including eShowe, Nkandla, UMtshezi, Utretch, and Umtubatuba, due to the recent fires. For more on this Elvis...

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

Heavy rains and powerful winds continue to batter the Western Cape - causing widespread damage and disruption. The intense weather system, part of a series of cold fronts, made landfall over the weekend. The South African Weather Services is warning that the severe conditions will persist throughout the week. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Colin Deiner, Chief Director of the West...

Al Jama-ah Party leader and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks has engaged in crucial discussions with various non-governmental organizations to address pressing challenges facing the sector. The meeting comes a midst a severe funding crisis affecting NGOs in Gauteng. To shed more light on this critical issue Elvis Presslin spoke to Anisa Moosa, a representative from the Natio...

A fire at the National Hospital in Bloemfontein has led to the evacuation of over 80 patients. The Free State Department of Health says no fatalities or injuries were reported following the weekend fire, which is currently under investigation. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to  Free State Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA is warning commuters to prepare for possible service disruptions at Gautrain due to its planned strike. The union has issued a 48-hour notice to management, citing stalled wage talks that began in April. NUMSA is demanding a 13% increase among other benefits. However Gautrain spokesperson Dr. Kesagee Nayager has assured Gautrain passengers...

Disgruntled workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are set to picket outside Durban City Hall in KwaZulu-Natal today. This follows the eThekwini Municipality's decision to terminate their contracts due to alleged funding constraints. To discuss the matter further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Xolani Dube, Regional Secretary of the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in eThek...

ANC Youth League Free State spokesperson, Phiwe Mathe has stepped aside from his duties. Mathe, a provincial executive committee member is facing charges for assaulting the mother of his child. The ANC's 54th National Conference resolved that members charged with corruption or serious crimes must step aside from leadership positions. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to ANCYL National Spokespe...

Free State police have raised concern about the alarming increase in rape incidents in the province. Authorities says there is a concerning trend of reported rape cases where victims were under the influence of alcohol or other substances. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Free State police spokesperson, Sergeant Peter Kareli

Television presenter Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye has thanked his legal team for their dedication to truth and Justice after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped all charges against him. Maarohanye faced 14 charges, including rape, attempted murder, and assault, but the Director of Public Prosecution deemed there was insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution. Maarohanye's lawye...

The African Transformation Movement has condemned Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber's decision to extend temporary concessions for foreign nationals awaiting visa outcomes. Schreiber says the decision will reduce the 145 000 visa backlog. However, the ATM feels the move disregards the well-being and economic prospects of South Africans, and undermines efforts of skilled local workers. For m...

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 Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union, or HAITU, has expressed their approval of Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi's appointment as the new Minister of Health within the Government of National Unity. The nursing union has praised Motsoaledi for his notable achievements in enhancing public health conditions and his proactive engagement with labor unions. Haitu urges the new minister to put an end to...

ActionSA has dismissed the new Gauteng Provincial Executive Council announced by Premier Panyaza Lesufi as a continuation of failed politics. Lesufi unveiled the Council of 10 MECs from various political in Johannesburg last night. The council, formed after talks with the DA collapsed, includes members from the ANC, IFP, PA, and Rise Mzansi. The team is expected to work together to address key ser...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has voiced its opposition to the newly introduced R200 electricity surcharge. In a statement, the party condemned both the 12.7% tariff hike and the additional fee imposed on prepaid customers as unjust and unfair. The DA warned the City Council that this move will disproportionately affect residents, who are already seeing a significant reduction in th...

The family of Xolani Kunene has turned to AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit for assistance after investigators and prosecutors allegedly pressured them to accept a controversial plea deal in their son's murder case. The murder accused, Buhle Mabaso, reportedly offered R500,000 in compensation for a culpable homicide conviction and suspended sentence, despite CCTV footage showing the shooting. T...

The Road Freight Association (RFA) has raised concern about the recent Cabinet announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Association says the new Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa may lack experience in transport and the road freight supply chain. The Association is urging the new Ministers to build on existing efforts to address the logistics crisis and turn aro...

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is intensifying its efforts to address tax non-compliance, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This as the filing season for the 2024 tax year gets underway. The Tax Administration Act of 2011 outlines various criminal offenses related to tax non-payment and outstanding returns. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Jashwin Ba...

Is AI code generation a friend or foe to developers? The latest advancements in artificial intelligence have sparked a divided response among programmers. Some coders are concerned about the potential threat to their livelihood, while others embrace the technology's potential to streamline processes and boost productivity. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to Mvelo Hlophe, CEO at Zaio, an online...

Negotiations between the DA and ANC on forming a Government of Provincial Unity in Gauteng have stalled. DA Federal Chairperson, Helen Zille, says the party is willing to join the provincial Unity only if it's based on a genuine power-sharing partnership. She was briefing the media about the impasse with the ANC in Gauteng. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng leader, Solly Msimang...

The Save South Africa Civic Movement has expressed disappointment and criticism towards the recent cabinet appointments and ministry changes announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The movement says the alliance between the ANC and DA in the 7th administration is the worst in South Africa's democratic history. They view the alliance as a "fake marriage" which prioritizes the interests of the "whit...