First Take SA

Time for our Open Mic feature. Today we profile the beautiful voice behind the theme songs on Mzansi Magic's Lockdown, Nelisiwe Phaith Sibiya, self proclaimed Queen of Maskandi. Ronald Phiri spoke to Nelisiwe about how she became the voice of that gripping drama series

Time now for our weekly edition of TRENDSWATCH where we take a look at news that dominated social media this week. Our producer Molebogeng Sebidi

New Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasized that his first task will be to revive the ailing economy of his country. Mnangagwa was officially sworn in as the 3rd President Of Zimbabwe. This follows the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe earlier this week, after being at the helm for 37 years. Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Isaac Khomo, a journalist at Channel Africa.

This week Parliament passed the bill that paves the way for the health promotions levy (formerly called the sugar tax) to become law and will come into effect on 1 April 2018. A task team will monitor the implementation of the health promotion levy to assess its effectiveness. Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Treasury's Deputy Director-General on Tax and Financial Sector Policy, Ismail Momoniat

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) has advised consumers to avoid getting caught by sales gimmicks and approach Black Friday offers with a level head. The common American tradition of extremely low prices in stores has become popular in South Africa as customers prepare for the festive. The Credit Regulator says consumers should not give in to "impulse buying and avoid being tempted by the flood...

The South African Reserve Bank has decided to keep the interest rate unchanged at 6.75% per annum. Announcing the decision on the repo rate this afternoon in Pretoria, Governor Lesetja Kganyago added that the prime lending rate will also remain at 10.25%. Benjamin Moshatama spoke to Jana van Deventer, the Head of Financial Markets at ETM Analytics

Two Civil Society Organisations, African Monitor and the Economic Justice Network, are currently hosting a three-day media briefing on Illicit Financial Flows. South Africa has seen a surge In illicit financial flows and money laundering, especially in the mining sector. It is estimated that billions leave the country annually. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Namhla Mniki-Mangaliso, who is the Director...

A 500-year-old painting of Christ believed to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci has been sold in New York for a record 450 million US dollars. The painting is known as Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World). It is the highest auction price for any work of art and brought cheers and applause at the packed Christie's auction room. Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 and there are fewer than 20 of his...

Residents in some parts of Johannesburg may have to wait longer for water to be fully restored. This comes as Joburg Water continues to repair pipes about 35 metres deep. Parts of Joburg that have been without water since yesterday morning include: Sandton, Bryanston, Douglasdale, Witkoppen, Fourways, Lonehill and Broadacres, among others. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Joburg Water spokesperson, Isaac...

The speaker of parliament in Zimbabwe has officially announced that former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be sworn in on Friday. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe stepped down from his position yesterday, following mounting pressure from the people of his country and political parties. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to our reporter In Harare, Mbali Sibanyoni and human rights lawyer, Nqobizitha Ml...

Africa's overall governance methods remain positive on average, but in recent years has moved at a slower pace. This is according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation which released its 2017 Ibrahim Index of African Governance this week. South Africa retained its 6th position scoring 70% in overall governance out of the all the 54 African countries assessed but there is still room for improvement. Tsepiso...

The High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgement in the matter where Corruption Watch and Freedom Under Law are challenging former NPA Mxolisi Nxasana's R17 million golden handshake. Nxasana's lawyers are arguing that he was forced out of office and he wants his job back. After listening for arguments since Monday, the full bench led by Judge President, Dunstan Mlambo, asked the disputing parties...

The leader of the opposition MDC-T, Morgan Tsvangirai, says a democratic Zimbabwe cannot be build by another undemocratic process. Tsvangirai was addressing thousands of protesters gathered outside the Africa Unity Square, as Parliament sits to table a motion to impeach President Robert Mugabe. Tsvangirai has asked for free and fair elections, to restore the country's dignity. Tsepiso Makwetla spo...

Unless the world tackles inequality, more than 167-million children will live in extreme poverty by the year 2030. The United Nations General Assembly declared today, the 20th of November, as World Children’s Day in 1954. The day is intended to prompt governments to pay more attention to the welfare of their youngest citizens. UNICEF is commemorating the day by emphasizing that it’s a day for chil...

A 16-year-old Pretoria learner has decided to speak publicly about her mental diagnosis as the world commemorates Children’s Day. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, depression and anxiety can target anyone regardless of race, age, gender and culture. Krivani Pillay spoke to young Tynae Gunny about her decision to speak out

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed with costs former NPA head Mxolisi Nxasana's bid introduce his version of events in an application to have his golden handshake set aside. The former NPA head filed the affidavit, in which he says he is ready to resume office and willing to repay R17.3m golden handshake. Corruption Watch and Freedom Under Law have approached the court to review and set asid...

The South African Security Forces union (SASFU) says it is shocked that Brian Molefe now serves as a highly paid military colonel in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). SASFU says Molefe is not entitled to receive the R57,000 a month salary. The union says this is a pure of case of corruption and calls on the defence minister to reverse this decision and recover all money paid to Mr...

Zimbabwe is facing a constitutional crisis and Zimbabweans have to hold both President Robert Mugabe and the entire ZANUPF accountable. These are some of the sentiments expressed by various opposition parties in the South African Parliament. Others want the 93 year old leader to step down and welcomed his imminent impeachment. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to political and constitutional law analyst, Pro...

Lawmakers from President Robert Mugabe's ruling party, ZANU-PF, are set to meet in Harare to discuss the process of impeaching him. Despite mounting calls for his resignation and today's noon deadline to step down, Mugabe has defiantly stayed on as president of Zimbabwe. Yesterday, the party recalled him as their leader. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to our reporter, in Harare, Zimbabwe, Noma Bolani.

Time now for our weekly edition of TRENDSWATCH where we take a look at news that dominated social media this week. Our producer Molebogeng Sebidi has more

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has made his first public appearance since the country's army took over on Wednesday. He attended a graduation ceremony in the capital, Harare. Mugabe was at the Harare Open University, accompanied by his security detail, two days after being placed under house arrest. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Siphamandla Zondi, who is with the Institute for Strategic and pol...

SACP leader Chris Hani's killer Janusz Walus will remain in jail after being denied parole. Justice Minister, Michael Masutha, made the announcement at a media briefing in Pretoria earlier today. This follows a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling in August which gave Masutha 90 days to make a decision. Walus, a Polish immigrant and Conservative Party MP Clive Derby-Lewis, were sentenced to death for Ha...

The ANC veterans and stalwarts group have held their National Consultative Conference at the Johannesburg Constitutional Hill today. Speakers at the conference included former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, ANC NEC member Derek Hanekom and ANC presidential hopeful Lindiwe Sisulu. The group raised key concerns which they say needed to be addressed in the party, including the loss of three key met...

Time for our Open Mic feature. Today we profile two talented artists, who are no strangers to the music scene. Award wining House Music producer, DJ Mizz and Afro-soul sensation, singer and writer, Yves. Ronald Phiri spoke to the two talented artists, who collaborated for their new single "Badlaliwe Abantu"

Alan Mukoki says he will take legal action against Rachel Kalidas. This follows allegations by Kalidass that Former Land Bank CEO, Alan Mukoki is alleged to be a preferred candidate for the SABC CEO position. Kalidass resigned as a member of the newly appointed SABC board where she says the environment has again become unbearable. Speaking to Tsepiso Makwetla, Mukoki says he has advised his lawyer...