First Take SA

Several civil society organisations have strongly condemned a recent wave of intimidation and violence targeting migrant communities, including children, in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The groups warn that these actions, which include threats against schools and learners, undermine constitutional rights and put vulnerable children at serious risk. Wee spoke to, Katherine Sutherland, Head o...

The African People's Convention (APC) has called for urgent and science-led action in response to the growing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The party is backing warnings from leading epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim, who has raised concern about the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treat...

The City of Johannesburg says it is intensifying efforts to reclaim hijacked and unsafe buildings in the CBD following illegal structures found inside Marble Towers. Law enforcement has also launched a major operation targeting undocumented immigrants and criminal activity in the area. The planned demolition of illegal structures at Marble Towers has been halted after the owners secured an urgent...

ActionSA has condemned the exoneration of two senior SAPS officials in internal disciplinary hearings linked to the Phala Phala matter. The party says the outcome contradicts IPID findings that recommended action for serious misconduct. ActionSA plans to file a Promotion of Access to Information Act, PAIA application to access the full record of the proceedings, arguing that SAPS internal processe...

The Congolese Solidarity Campaign has raised concern over the plight of refugees and migrants in Durban, saying many are living without shelter or protection. The group says on Monday, several individuals seeking safety were turned away from police and temporary accommodation sites and spent the night outside Durban Central Police Station. The organisation is calling for a coordinated response fro...

The Democratic Alliance, DA says Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has not acted on criminal allegations involving members of his executive, citing reports of arrests, assault claims and blocked case openings at Lenasia South Police Station. The DA argues the lack of action creates the impression that MMCs are above the law. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has expelled former King Cetshwayo Councillor Sipho Mbatha over claims he engaged in extortion while falsely acting for the party. The IFP National Council unanimously terminated his membership after reviewing the case. The party issued a public warning distancing itself from any fraudulent acts linked to Mbatha. We spoke to IFP National spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa...

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, CONTRALESA has called for urgent government intervention over the coronation of foreign nationals on South African soil. CONTRALESA said the practice undermines traditional authority and disrespects local customs. The call follows recent protests in the Eastern Cape and claims of more similar coronations taking place. The organisation warned tha...

The Democratic Alliance, DA says it will hand over a petition with over 16 000 signatures to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature today, opposing a 64% cut to Quintile 5 public schools. The party argues the reductions have left many schools struggling to cover basic services like electricity, water and maintenance. The petition calls for the funding decision to be reversed. For more we spoke to&nbsp...

A look at the current top African economic stories. We speak to 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 Democratic Alliance will stage a picket today against Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla's return to office. The party says his presence at the head of the city's administration is an indictment on those who enable him. We spoke to  DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane 

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta is urging reflection and unity as tensions rise around the March and March campaign. He says organisers should honour Nigeria and other African states for their support during the anti-apartheid struggle. Makaneta also warned against targeting undocumented children, stressing every child has a constitutional right to basic education.

Solidarity has lodged a complaint with the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland against the South African government. The union says government breached a 2023 agreement on racial legislation that was made a court order but never published as regulations. Solidarity says the move shows contempt for both international processes and local courts and forms part of a broader campai...

The Gauteng Department of Health says hypertension cases are rising among adults under 45 across the province. More than 69,000 new cases were recorded in the 2025/26 financial year, with over 26,000 in people aged 18 to 44. Officials warn the condition, known as the "silent killer," remains a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. We spoke to  Steve Mabona, Gauteng Depart...

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

The Cradle of Humankind in Mogale City, Johannesburg is facing ongoing sewage pollution due to repeated failures at the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant. Untreated and partially treated sewage has been flowing into nearby rivers, raising concerns over ecological damage and risks to underground cave systems holding human evolutionary fossils. The Democratic Alliance says the situation refle...

Former President Jacob Zuma has instructed lawyers to appeal a Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling that the Arms Deal trial must continue without further delays. Judge Nkosinathi Chili granted the State's "Stop Stalingrad" application, ordering Zuma and a Thales representative to appear in person when proceedings start in February next year. We spoke to the Jacob Zuma Foundation's spokesperson, Mzw...

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the removal of Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe from Cabinet, saying the decision follows sustained pressure from the party for accountability. The DA argues that Tolashe's position had become untenable and has praised President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking action. However, the party is now calling for urgency in appointing a permanent replacement at th...

AfriForum has asked the City of Johannesburg to explain a proposed 65.6% increase to its water demand management levy, warning it may be unlawful and unfair to residents. The levy would rise from R65.08 to R107.74 per month for domestic users under the 2026/27 draft tariffs now open for comment. AfriForum says the city must show how the increase was calculated and whether it meets legal requiremen...

The Gauteng Health department is warning the public against using unregulated injections for body and sexual enhancement after two Ekurhuleni patients suffered severe complications, including organ failure. The departments says substances, accessed through informal channels for procedures like BBLs, are not approved for human use and their contents remain unknown. Gauteng Health is working with re...

Eleven suspects, including four Mexican nationals, have been arrested after a major drug bust at a clandestine lab on a Swartruggens farm. SAPS Crime Intelligence and the Hawks uncovered drugs worth millions and say the find points to a sophisticated trafficking network in rural areas. The Moral Regeneration Movement says the bust confirms a shift of drug operations away from cities. It is calling...

The City of Johannesburg says it has collected close to R100 million in a few months after clamping down on illegal outdoor advertising. This is a sharp rise from the roughly R4 million generated annually before enforcement began earlier this year. Officials say the campaign targets non-compliant billboards and aims to ensure businesses contribute fairly to service delivery. We spoke to  Jobu...

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has condemned the Public Protector for threatening legal action against people who insult her over the Phala Phala matter. FOSA says the warning of fines or jail risks intimidating public criticism and sets a dangerous precedent. It argues the move undermines freedom of expression and the constitutional principle that no office-bearer is above the law. The group is...

COSATU has rejected Parliament's Impeachment Committee composition, saying it is unconstitutional. The union says limiting the Committee to 31 members cut the ANC's representation to 30%, below its 40% share in Parliament. The Committee was formed after a Constitutional Court ruling to probe allegations around foreign currency found at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm. COSATU warns the...

ActionSA says it has laid criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa in connection with the Phala Phala farm burglary. The party says the charges relate to alleged contraventions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, as well as accusations of perjury and fraud. These claims centre on the alleged concealment or underreporting of the amount of money stolen during the 202...