First Take SA

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has proposed a surprising trade-off; scrapping the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in exchange for avoiding a Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike. This as Minister Godongwana prepares to deliver his Budget speech tomorrow (Wednesday). The proposal has sparked concerns among low-income households, who rely heavily on the SRD grant. To shed more light on this developme...

A deadly shooting in Amaoti, KwaZulu-Natal, has claimed three lives, sparking widespread outrage and demands for urgent police and military intervention. The community, frustrated and fearful for their safety, has taken to the streets, shutting down parts of the area. Joining Elvis Presslin to discuss this developing story is Mbongiseni Phewa, Deputy Chairperson of the Inanda Community Policing Fo...

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

At least eight people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident in KwaZulu-Natal. 80 of the victims were church members traveling from Richards Bay to Shakaskraal when their bus suffered a tyre burst on the N2 between Mandeni and Stanger. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to roll down an embankment. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to IPSS Security Operations Manag...

City Power has uncovered a shocking syndicate involving contractors and even some of its own employees, who are allegedly responsible for vandalizing infrastructure, leading to power outages. Elvis Presslin spoke to Joburg MMC of the Environment and Infrastructure Service Department, Jack Sekwaila, to shed more light on this disturbing development

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing accusations of favouring White, Indian, and Coloured job applicants over Black candidates. This follows a recent job posting that explicitly listed these groups as preferred candidates for vacancies. For further discussions Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Spokesperson on Sport, Arts & Culture, Joe McGluwa

The Democratic Municipal Workers and Allied Union of South Africa, DEMAWUSA will today protest outside both PIKITUP and the Mayor's office over allegations of nepotism. The Union is accusing the state-owned entity of engaging in nepotistic hiring practices, prioritizing friends and relatives over existing workers. JTo delve deeper into this contentious issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to DEMAWUSA Gener...

The Electoral Commission of South Africa is hosting a major conference in Cape Town today, to explore the possibility of introducing electronic voting in the country's elections. Over 200 delegates, including politicians and experts, are attending the three-day event. Elvis Presslin spoke to Terry Tselane, Executive Chairman of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa and former vic...

The ANC in the Eastern Cape has strongly condemned the brutal killing of community activist Pamela Mabini. Mabini - a whistleblower in the Timothy Omotoso rape and trafficking case was gunned down outside her home in Gqeberha. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications, Gift Ngqondi

Renowned playwright Athol Fugard has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and beyond, with his passing at the age of 92. His works, such as "Master Harold and the Boys" and "The Road to Mecca", continue to resonate with audiences globally, offering powerful explorations of racial segregation, identity, and the human condition. To reflect on Athol Fugard's legacy and impact, Elvis Pressl...

A South African Medical Research Council study reveals that living near coal-fired power stations increases the risk of respiratory diseases and premature death by 6%. The research links toxic air pollution to spikes in illnesses and birth defects. Lead researcher Professor Caradee Wright spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the findings...

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says the decision by the United States to halt aid funding to South Africa, is an opportunity for the country to strive for economic independence. This comes after President Donald Trump's administration paused US foreign development assistance for 90 days, affecting several African countries, including South Africa. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on US-SA r...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his disappointment with the state of Gauteng and its municipalities, urging leaders to take immediate action to address the province's challenges ahead of the G20 Summit. Ramaphosa conveyed his concerns during a meeting with provincial leaders at the Johannesburg Council Chambers in Braamfontein, as part of his oversight visit to Gauteng. To discuss this fur...

The US has withdrawn from the International Climate Finance Plan, effectively cutting off funding for Just Energy Transition Plans in South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This move has sparked concerns about the impact on global climate efforts and the future of these partnerships. To discuss the implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lisa Makaula, Advocacy Programme Head at Green Connection

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 Public Servants Association (PSA) has expressed concern over the potential loss of nearly 19,000 teaching posts in KwaZulu-Natal, stemming from severe budget cuts. The union strongly condemns this move, attributing it to reckless financial mismanagement that jeopardizes the province's education system and puts thousands of educators' livelihoods at risk. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is launching a parliamentary probe into the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) following a shocking rise in police misconduct. The IPID's 2023/2024 Annual Performance Report revealed over 5,000 cases of misconduct, including deaths in custody, torture, and assault. To discuss the probe, Elvis Presslin spoke to  Lisa Schickerling, MP and DA Deputy...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and its members at the Tshwane Affected Operations Investments (TAOI) are marching to the City of Tshwane mayor's office to demand action on unpaid retrenchment packages for 261 former workers of Tshwane Affected Operations Investments—a bus operator linked to Areyeng. Numsa says despite promises to pay severance and absorb affected...

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in Ekurhuleni is outraged over the City's decision to slash overtime and acting allowances by 50%, while introducing contracted services. The union believes this move is a thinly veiled attempt to benefit politically connected individuals, rather than improving service delivery, especially with local elections on the horizon. Elvis Presslin spoke...

The Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is challenging the granting of a 20-year licence for Unit 1 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in the Western Cape. The organization made a formal legal appeal to the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. At the heart of SAFCEI's concerns is the assertion that vital safety repairs were not completed befo...

The Justice Minister's decision to postpone the publication of the National Register of Sex Offenders has sparked criticism, with BOSA labeling it a "PR stunt." The delay, attributed to concerns over compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), has raised questions about the government's commitment to transparency and lack of preparedness on the legalities around the registe...

Tensions are running high in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Lehurutshe, Welbedacht, and surrounding areas in Zeerust, North West, as residents take to the streets to demand the restoration of their water supply. The protests, which blocked the N4 highway linking South Africa and Botswana, are set to continue until the Premier personally addresses their grievances. Residents are frustrated with what they see...

MK Party member Bonginkosi Khanyile has been arrested for failing to appear in court. Khanyile is set to face trial for his alleged role in instigating the July 2021 unrest. In a separate development, MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu is facing criticism from within the party. Disgruntled members accuse Shivambu of dismantling the party from within. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke t...

A 12-member committee will investigate the Ingonyama Trust board's financial management, following a meeting between Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontsho and AmaZulu King Misuzulu Zwelithini. This development comes on the heels of the king's decision to suspend six members of the board, accusing them of undermining his authority. The minister, however, countered that the king doesn't have the p...

The Pienaar community in Mpumalanga has been plagued by a crippling lack of social services, including vital support such as social grants, counselling, and pauper burials. The crisis began several months ago when the Department of Social Development's (DSD) offices were abruptly closed. The community and the department are now embroiled in a bitter dispute, with each side trading accusations. The...