First Take SA

The battle for Johannesburg is intensifying ahead of the 4 November local government elections, with Al Jama-ah fielding Ashley Mama as its mayoral candidate. Mama's campaign is focusing on some of the city's most pressing concerns, including service delivery, accountability, economic development, job creation and community safety. With Johannesburg also facing pressure on infrastructure and decli...

This year's local government elections have attracted unlikely characters which are energising the political landscape. Unlike traditional politicians, these individuals originate from the cultural entertainment and business sectors amongst others. Over five hundred and forty political parties will be contesting the local government elections which are less than forty days away. SABC Senior politi...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) began voting for its top six leadership positions at its 15th National Congress in Kempton Park. This follows a chaotic start to the congress in September, which collapsed due to fierce leadership factions and eligibility disputes. The votng process was managed by an independent electoral instititute, EISA (Electoral Institute for Sustainable Dem...

The Madlanga Commission says it will obtain a statement from Serge Cabonge. This follows voice recordings attributed to him that were played in the Randburg Magistrate's Court during the bail hearing of Shadrack Sibiya. The Commission says Cabonge has been mentioned in its hearings before and his claims will now form part of its broader investigation. It says it will not comment further for now. F...

Lobby group AfriForum says Johannesburg's water crisis shows the municipal service delivery model is failing residents. The organisation says the city's consideration of private sector involvement is an admission that the current system is not working. It says residents should not be held hostage by municipal monopolies when sustainable alternatives exist. AfriForum is calling for private and comm...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at FEDUSA's 8th National Congress today. He will be standing in for President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Congress is underway at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre at O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg and runs until Friday. The federation says the gathering comes as workers face rising living costs and pressure on household incomes. we spok...

The South African Youth Economic Council has welcomed a Labour Court order halting the restart of the recruitment process for the National Skills Fund CEO. SAYEC says the dispute raises questions about leadership and stability at the Fund. The Council also flagged the plight of over 400 engineering students who it says have not received accommodation and meal allowances since April. We spoke to SA...

The man who assassinated SACP leader Chris Hani, Janusz Walus, could soon run for public office in Poland. Far-right political groups in the country are reportedly eyeing Walus as a candidate for the upcoming 2027 parliamentary elections. Walus was deported to his home country in December 2024 after serving nearly three decades in a South African prison. Our senior producer Ronald Phiri spoke with...

The South African Police service says Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya's resignation will be treated as a dishonourable discharge. This after his lawyers tendered the resignation when disciplinary hearings had already started. Sibiya faces accusations including his alleged relationship with businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala. We spoke to  policing and Security specialist Eldred de Klerk.

ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe's walkout at COSATU's reconvened National Congress in Kempton Park is sparking debate over unity within the alliance. Mantashe, who was leading the ANC delegation, reportedly refused to speak before the SACP and SANCO, insisting the ANC traditionally speaks last. Attempts by ANC Veterans League President, Dr. Snuki Zikalala and COSATU General Secretary Solly...

More than 960-thousand candidates have registered to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, which get underway today across South Africa. For matriculants, this marks the culmination of years of hard work, preparation and sacrifice, and for many, the beginning of the next chapter in their lives. While excitement is high, so too are the pressures and expectations that come with on...

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is reconvening its 15th National Congress today following earlier disruptions. Delegates are gathering at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, after internal friction completely paralyzed the initial gathering. COSATU affiliates are anticipated to attend as leadership moves to restore order and conclude outstanding business. 

The Department of Basic Education is ready for the 2026 matric examinations, with thousands of candidates expected to sit for the National Senior Certificate exams across the country. Briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube says examination papers have been set, schools assessed for readiness and learners prepared through rigorous assessments and addition...

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has condemned the shooting at the Bushbuckridge home of President of Contralesa Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena. Police are investigating attempted murder and malicious damage to property following the incident on Thursday. Mayibuye says traditional leaders should not have to carry out public duties under threat of gunfire and has called for a properly resourced investigation....

The EFF and the African Legal Professionals Association are in the Western Cape High Court today challenging the Impeachment Committee's decision to rescind Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as its evidence leader. The two applicants want the court to set aside the Committee's decision and have Madonsela reinstated. They argue the move to remove him was irrational and undermines the credibility and fa...

The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign in KwaZulu-Natal says threats against the Constitution and the Constitutional Court following its recent ruling on asylum seekers amount to an attack on the rule of law. The group says the ruling does not automatically grant asylum but requires Home Affairs to fairly consider applications in line with human rights obligations. We spoke to Yeshelen Govender, Spoke...

President Donald Trump has approved the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan for the 2009 Fort Hood, Texas shooting. The execution is set for the third of December by firing squad. The Pentagon is now weighing a plan to live stream it. No execution has ever been broadcast live in the US and legal experts say the proposal sits in an untested legal area. For reaction and analysis on the matter...

The Jacob Zuma Foundation has appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Presidency to ensure proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead. Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi says the upkeep of the residence through Public Works and the replacement of his ageing vehicle fleet warrant serious consideration. He joins us on the line.

As the world marks World Mental Health Day tomorrow, focus is shifting to the emotional wellbeing of children and families. Experts say mental health challenges among young people are rising globally. Parents and schools are grappling with anxiety, behavioural difficulties and learning challenges. We spoke to Educational Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology...

Examination quality assurance body, UMALUSI says it's all systems go for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams which will start on the 13th of October, UMALUSI says strict quality controls and security measures are in place to secure the exams. The body says they are satisfied with measures put in place to conduct, administer and manage the 2026 matric exams. The exams will end on the 26th of...

Tensions were high in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape when a handful of protesters approached hundreds of asylum seekers queueing outside the Home Affairs Refuge Offices, demanding that they leave. This as the asylum seekers were waiting outside these offices for the processes of obtaining permits following the Constitutional court ruling that they can proceed with applications. They claim that they...

A protest aimed at halting the processing of asylum applications at the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Durban turned violent for a second consecutive day. A scrapyard reportedly operated by a foreign national, located near the centre, was set alight amid heightened tensions. The Refugee Reception Centre has since been closed, with a heavy police presence...

Despite calls from government and politicians to keep our towns and cities clean, some townships continue to resemble dumpsites. Residents in the affected areas blame infrastructure failures and lack of by-law enforcement. They also point to waste management entities that struggles with an aging fleet and failure to pay maintenance contracts including Pikit-up in Johannesburg. Our Politics Reporte...

Violence broke out in Soweto, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape over the Constitutional Court's July ruling on asylum seekers. The judgment forced Home Affairs to assess applications on merit instead of irregular entry. Residents blockaded roads, torched vehicles, looted businesses and forced spaza shops to close. Government said unfounded claims can still be rejected while genuine refugees fleei...