First Take SA

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is launching a groundbreaking initiative, the Literacy Promotion Collective, in collaboration with various stakeholders as part of Literacy Month. This pioneering project seeks to promote inclusive literacy practices that celebrate Africa's rich linguistic diversity, with a focus on advancing reading development rooted in African languages. To delve into the...

A crackdown on illegal mining in Rustenburg, North West, has led to the arrest of eight suspects who attempted to evade capture by hiding underground. This latest bust comes on the heels of a previous arrest, where a 65-year-old homeowner and his accomplice were taken into custody for allegedly permitting a group of illegal miners to use a bedroom in the homeowner's residence as an entry point to...

An investigation has been launched by the Gauteng Department of Health into allegations of substandard conditions and patient care at Helen Joseph Hospital. The probe follows a viral video shared on social media by former broadcaster Tom London, a patient at the hospital, who described the conditions as 'deplorable' and accused medical staff of showing a lack of compassion. For more on this story,...

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has personally witnessed the devastating effects of extortion on the community of Mthatha during a visit to the area. He received an update on the ongoing investigations into these cases, revealing that 36 cases are currently being probed since the launch of a dedicated hotline. To share a personal account of the extortion crisis in Mthatha, w...

Lobby group AfriForum has strongly criticized the government's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (Triple-B EE) policies, labeling them a "catastrophic failure" that harms job creation and discourages investment. AfriForum's Head of Public Relations, Ernst van Zyl, says the ANC's BEE requirements are preventing the launch of Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, i...

Umalusi, the accreditation body, has denied claims by UNISA Online School that it is accredited, stating it only accredits private providers, not online schools. Umalusi emphasizes that registration with an accredited assessment body does not equal an Umalusi accreditation. The body confirms online schools operate in an unregulated environment, without provincial education department registration....

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has successfully challenged its deregistration by the country's Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission had decided to deregister the party in June for failing to submit its annual financial reports. However, the Windhoek High Court has overturned this decision, allowing the NEFF to continue operating as a registered political party - In time to...

The Western Cape High Court is currently considering three separate applications seeking to halt the appointment of MK Parliament leader Dr. John Hlophe to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Dr. Hlophe was nominated by the National Assembly to serve on the JSC in July, but his appointment has been met with opposition from the DA, Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch. For more on this Elvis...

Black business owners in Hartbeespoort, North West, claim they are facing a concerted effort by their white counterparts to undermine and disrupt their business activities. The claims come amid a spate of threats and violent attacks, leaving Black business owners fearing for their lives. In a disturbing escalation, two properties belonging to Black entrepreneurs were set ablaze, sparking concerns...

Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe has responded to criticism over his appointment to the electricity and energy committee in parliament. Molefe, who was sworn in as an MK Party representative last week, faces allegations of advancing state capture during his tenure at Eskom, according to the Zondo Commission's findings. In an interview with our Senior Producer Ronald Phiri, Molefe explained why he joi...

Lobby group AfriForum is warning that the Tshwane Metro will descend into chaos if the current ruling coalition collapses. The group has launched a petition urging the public to reject a potential coalition between the ANC and EFF in Tshwane. The move comes as ActionSA considers joining forces with the ANC and EFF to unseat Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ernst van Zyl, Afri...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, 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

A landmark agreement between the Ministers of Sport and Basic Education will make sports and arts mandatory in public schools nationwide. The move aims to increase access to cultural programs, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas. Basil Manuel, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa, speaks to Elvis Presslin on the implications of this new...

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has denounced the recent violent incident in Limpopo, where two women and a man were attacked while searching for food. GIWUSA President Mametlwe Sebei says the killings are a stark reflection of the deep-rooted racism and exploitation under capitalism. Elvis Presslin spoke to GIWUSA president, Mametlwe Sebei

A manhunt is underway in Mpumalanga after two pupils were allegedly raped at gunpoint while walking to school on Monday. Elvis Presslin spoke to Provincial Police spokesperson Donald Mdluli on the investigation

A traditional leader in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, has been fatally shot by police during a search operation. Dalindzolo Mareke, chief of Mthatha West, was among three suspects killed after allegedly confronting officers at a police base claiming harassment. Mareke had previously denied involvement in extortion activities. Elvis Presslin spoke to OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Phumzile...

South Africa's economy has shown signs of recovery, with a 0.4% growth in GDP for the second quarter of 2024, following stagnation in the first quarter. According to Stats SA this rebound is largely attributed to the absence of load-shedding, which previously hampered production. Seven out of ten industries contributed positively, including finance, manufacturing, and trade. For more on this Elvis...

The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit begins today, with China and African nations poised to sign fresh cooperation agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative. The three-day summit aims to strengthen partnerships across Africa, focusing on achieving more substantial outcomes. For expert analysis on the bilateral and geopolitical implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to Chrispin...

The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has sounded the alarm over the rapid rise of extortion in South Africa. Cameron warns that extortion poses a significant threat to the country's economy and social fabric. Speaking during a National Assembly session on the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's plans to tackle the growing problem, Cameron highlighted the far-reach...

South Africa's roads have been plagued by a series of devastating bus crashes, sparking mounting concerns over bus safety. In the latest incident, a bus crash in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday claimed the lives of two pupils, with 60 others injured. This tragedy follows a string of fatal accidents, including a collision on KwaZulu-Natal's roads that left 21 people dead. Nine lives were lost when a bus ve...

ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji has described the uMkhonto weSizwe Party as a 'home for the corrupt' after several high-profile figures implicated in state capture were sworn in as MPs. Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Mzwanele Manyi and former Prasa chief executive Lucky Montana have joined the MK party founded by former President Jacob Zuma. Malatji has reiterated calls for ANC...

ActionSA has initiated legal proceedings against the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC over its alleged failure to probe a R150 million debt settlement involving the ANC. The IEC had earlier found no sufficient evidence to justify an investigation into the matter. In a separate move, ActionSA has also submitted new complaints to the IEC against the EFF and MK party, alleging that their campaig...

A new report by the Stop Stockouts Project and Ritshidze has shed light on the causes of contraceptive shortages in South Africa. The report, released during Women's Month in August, reveals that poor national procurement planning and budgetary limitations are key drivers of stockouts. The report, based on surveys and interviews in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West provinces, found t...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, 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 African Transformation Movement (ATM) is urging a rethink on the R30,000 cap on pension withdrawals, introduced as part of the government's Two-Pot retirement system in September. The party warns that this limit could exacerbate financial struggles for debt-burdened workers. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona