First Take SA

In the City of Tshwane, the Bad Buildings Committee has stepped up enforcement against illegal structures and safety violations. This week a multi-disciplinary operation in Pretoria West and surrounding industrial areas issued 21-day contravention notices, warnings and fines to several property owners. Officials say the sweep targeted illegal construction, health and safety breaches and unauthoris...

Tensions ran high at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday as parents clashed over learner enrolment. Protesters demanded immigrant children be admitted, while others insisted South African learners be prioritised. The school says it followed proper admission procedures, but civic movement March and March claims nearly 100 local children were denied space. Addington is the reportedly only p...

Frustrated parents in Gauteng are calling for the scrapping of the online school application system, with thousands of learners still unplaced as the 2026 academic year begins. Around 4,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 students are yet to be allocated schools, with many reportedly placed far from home. The Gauteng Department of Education says it's releasing placement offers daily, but parents remain skepti...

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the resignation of Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka, who was suspended following allegations of attempting to bribe a journalist. Macpherson had laid criminal charges against Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, citing "sickening" corruption attempts. The move comes after a video surfaced showing Malaka...

The Democratic Alliance is urging International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to take action against Iran at the United Nations Human Rights Council. The call comes as Iran's death toll from anti-government protests nears 3000. The DA says South Africa's constitution requires the government to protect human rights globally and condemn authoritarian regimes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Na'eem Jeenah...

The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA) is calling on the government to declare a national disaster in Limpopo Province due to severe flooding and infrastructure damage. Heavy rainfall has left communities stranded, roads blocked and food transportation disrupted, particularly in border areas with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, such as Bennde Mutale Village. AUBBTA Chairperson, Phumudz...

ActionSA is preparing legal papers to challenge the classification of the IPID report into the Phala Phala investigation as "Top Secret". The party argues the decision is an attempt to keep the report from the public and is challenging the constitutionality of the Minimum Information Security Standards policy. The report relates to the investigation into the conduct of Presidential Protection Unit...

Border Management Authority officers at Beitbridge Port of Entry have intercepted another group of undocumented minor children. Authorities detained 33 children, aged between 4 and 15 years, all travelling without proper documentation from South Africa to Zimbabwe. Two Zimbabwean men have been arrested on charges of facilitating illegal movement of persons under the Immigration Act. For the latest...

As the school bells prepare to ring today, marking the official start of the 2026 academic year, families across the country are feeling that familiar mix of excitement and bittersweet nerves. This as their little ones are trading in playtime for pencils and books today as they embark on their Grade 1 journey. It's a big day for these little learners, filled with excitement, nerves and endless pos...

Matric results are out and it's a time of mixed emotions for many learners. The #MatricUngazibulali campaign is calling on learners, families and communities to stand together against exam-related suicide and despair. The campaign, launched in 2019 by Dr. Sanele Gamede, reminds matriculants that their lives and dreams are bigger than their results. The campaign encourages open conversations about...

Flooding in Limpopo's Vhembe and Mopani districts has forced some schools to remain closed today. Heavy rains have caused disruptions and the Department of Education is assessing the damage. Parents and teachers have been advised to stay away from affected schools until further notice. For the latest update Elvis Presslin spoke to Limpopo Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi is calling for a halt to Elon Musk's Starlink project in South Africa. Zibi cites national security concerns and Musk's alleged spread of misinformation about the country as reasons for his opposition. Zibi questions Musk's intentions, pointing to his public stance against South Africa's policies. We're joined live by Mr. Zibi, to discuss his concerns about Starlink...

  The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department has launched an inspection of scholar transport services, with 63 fleets failing initial checks. The inspection focuses on driver permits, vehicle condition, and safety features. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says the inspection aims to ensure pupil safety of about 77,000 pupils and will continue until schools reopen. For more we are joined on the line b...

The Gauteng government's decision to slash school budgets by 64% has been slammed by the DA, who say it's a "financial burden" on already-stressed parents. The cuts affect quintile five schools, which are fee-paying institutions and come at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet. For more we're now joined by Michael Waters, MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education

The Matric class of 2025 has achieved an 88% national pass rate, beating last year's 87.3%. However, BOSA leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane says the real pass rate is 54.7% - masking deeper problems. Maimane is calling for a 50% pass mark, arguing the current 30% standard sets learners up for failure. Dr. Mmusi Maimane joins us on the line...  

Gauteng Traffic Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are ramping up road safety operations as holidaymakers head back to Gauteng. Motorist can Expect increased patrols, roadblocks and high-visibility operations on major routes, including the N3 from KwaZulu-Natal, N1 from Limpopo, N4 from Emalahleni, N12 from Potchefstroom and N1 from Bloemfontein. Officers are cracking down on reckl...

Nearly 5,000 Gauteng learners are still awaiting placement for the 2026 school year, with 1,381 Grade 1 and 3,477 Grade 8 learners yet to be placed. The Western Cape Education Department faces ongoing school re-opening pressure and SADTU in KwaZulu Natal reports concerns from school principals about readiness for reopening. Elvis Presslin spoke to SADTU spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi...

Operation Dudula is pushing ahead with its 'Put South Africans First' campaign, focusing on public school admissions. The group claims South African pupils are being excluded due to capacity issues and says it'll support affected parents. This follows previous criticism from Parliament over the group's stance on foreign nationals accessing public schools. The Gauteng Education Department says immi...

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is set to announce the top achievers and provinces today, with individual results be released on Tuesday. The results will be published in accredited newspapers, displaying exam numbers and marks only, ensuring learner privacy. Minister Gwarube has encouraged the Class of 2025 learners to be proud of their hard work and determination. The announcement comes...

The Africa Muslims Agency and Afri-Save are leading relief efforts for residents affected by the veld fires in the Kouga area of the Eastern Cape. The fires, which ravaged the region and displaced families, are now under control, with clean-up operations underway in Humansdorp. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Hassan Choonara, Director of the Africa Muslims Agency... 

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have intercepted over 20 minors near the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo. The children, aged 5-17, were travelling without parental supervision, raising concerns about child protection and exploitation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Border Management Authority Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi

Over R25-million has been paid to 233 suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in under two years, with charges including rape, corruption and hijacking. Rise Mzansi Chief Organizer and National Assembly Caucus Whip, Makashule Gana says the party is alarmed by the figures and will seek a briefing from SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). For more on the p...

A massive fire is raging across several areas in Kouga, prompting urgent evacuation orders and road closures. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions, affecting areas like Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road and Kromme River. Emergency services are on the scene, and residents are being urged to evacuate immediately. For the latest update Elvis Pressl...

The ANC marked its 114th anniversary yesterday, with celebrations set to culminate at Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg this Saturday. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the party's unique role in South Africa, highlighting its ability to bring people together despite challenges. The ANC says it is working to mend strained relations with the SACP to preserve their alliance. Ramaphosa acknowledged t...