First Take SA

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority has completed an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of R50 million from a fund meant to support South African soldiers. The money, contributed by military personnel, was intended for life insurance, funeral policies and other benefits. The authority says it's considering its next steps. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jeff Dubazana, Chief Negotiator for...

Africa4Palestine has condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which allegedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group slammed the attack as an act of aggression. Elvis Presslin spoke to Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager, Alie Komape 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over escalating Middle East tensions after Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli attack. Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes, sparking fears of regional conflict. The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session as global leaders react with alarm. Iran has declared 40 days of mourning. Elvis Presslin spoke to Them...

Ekurhuleni's Executive Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, is facing criticism after Speaker Dorah Mlambo resigned following her appointment as an MMC. ActionSA condemns the mayor's unilateral decisions, saying they're plunging the city into chaos. Another high-profile resignation is that of ANC's Jongizizwe Dlabathi as regional secretary and MMC. The city's future hangs in the balance as calls grow for...

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget speech offers little respite for workers struggling with failing infrastructure and unreliable public transport. MISA is skeptical about government's ability to deliver on promised reforms and infrastructure investments. Elvis Presslin spoke to MISA Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi Majola for more

The Durban High Court is set to hear an application for the provisional liquidation of Tongaat Hulett today, marking a critical juncture for the 134-year-old sugar giant. Business rescue practitioners have brought the application after the collapse of a rescue plan approved by creditors in 2024, which aimed to sell the company to the Vision Group. The company's troubles began in 2019 with a devast...

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 uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party plans to open a case against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan after he walked out of a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee meeting without permission. O'Sullivan reportedly left to catch a flight. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says she will decide on any action against him once she receives the committee report from chairperson Soviet Lekganyane. Elvis Press...

The Democratic Alliance, DA in Johannesburg, has sharply criticised the appointment of Loyiso Masuku as the City's first female Deputy Mayor, labelling the position an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. DA representatives argue the role duplicates existing duties and will drain millions in public funds better spent on service delivery. Masuku, also ANC regional chairperson and Finance MMC, was elect...

Social grants will increase in April, with adjustments slightly above inflation. However, the SRD grant remains unchanged at R370, with payments continuing until next year. Meanwhile, SASSA has terminated nearly 35,000 grants deemed incorrect or fraudulent after upgrading its verification processes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Elizabeth Raiters, Social Grant Activist

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has criticized the 2026/27 Budget saying it fails to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. While welcoming some allocations for health, education and social security, COSATU says the focus on balancing books has missed the opportunity for a bold stimulus package. The union is concerned about no funds for 10,000 labour inspectors and inadeq...

Msindisi Lizani, a standout undergraduate, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2025 Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. This esteemed contest has become a launching pad for young economists to share their insights on shaping South Africa's future. Lizani's winning essay delves into the impact of tariffs on developing economies, drawing inspiration from former US President...

Deputy Defence Minister, General Bantu Holomisa has visited 2 Military Hospital in Cape Town, highlighting its crucial role in supporting troops deployed to gang-infested areas. The hospital faces infrastructure and resource challenges, with facilities built decades ago. Minister Holomisa emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to modernize the hospital. The visit focused on pharmacy s...

The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sp...

The ANC is calling for the 2026 National Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection. With economic momentum building and inflation under control, the party wants reforms in electricity, logistics, and water to boost employment. The ANC also wants to protect social services and extend the Social Relief of Distress grant. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Joe Maswanganyi, ANC MP and Chairperson of...

Voter turnout in local government elections has hit an all-time low of 46% in South Africa. Analysts say residents are rejecting a system failing to deliver basic services like water and electricity. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says weak community structures and reliance on social media stunts by politicians are to be blamed for the decline. She warns trust in local democracy will erode without str...

COSATU and affiliates will stage protests ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget Speech in Cape Town today. The unions are opposing austerity measures and a 9.8% GEMS contribution hike. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

South African Local Government Association is hosting its 9th National Communicators Forum in Cape Town today. Under the theme "Elevate, Reclaiming Trust, Credibility and Citizen Connection", the event aims to equip municipal spokespeople with practical tools ahead of next year's local government elections. SALGA says the gathering comes at a critical moment, marking 30 years of organised local go...

ActionSA Gauteng Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni has criticised Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address, saying the ANC is failing the province. Ngobeni called on Lesufi to account for promises made in previous SOPAs and to provide evidence of delivery. To elaborate on his concerns Ngobeni spoke to Elvis Presslin

The brother of one of the 17 South Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine says he's coming home this week. Sandile Ndhlovu confirms his brother is among 13 enroute to South Africa from Russia, with four already back in South Africa. The men were allegedly lured under false pretences to fight in the war. Ndhlovu spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri

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

Twenty Home Affairs officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended following a probe into document fraud and visa manipulation. The Special Investigating Unit, SIU launched the investigation in April 2024, uncovering recurring schemes and facilitation networks. For reaction, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lemias Mashile, former Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Labour and Home Affairs

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has lodged an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to halt former NDPP Shamila Batohi's pension and post‑term gratuities pending a review. The party also wants to reverse funding for her legal costs in the Nkabinde Inquiry, arguing payments must be lawful and rational amid alleged misconduct. The MK says concerns raised during Batohi's testimony at the inquiry re...

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a co‑accused are due in the Alexandra Magistrates Court this morning. They were arrested after a 23‑year‑old gardener was shot twice at Mugabe's Hyde Park residence last week and remains in critical condition. The pair face attempted‑murder charges and have been held at Bramley police station. Activists and Citizens F...

Major COSATU-affiliated public service unions, including NEHAWU, SADTU, DENOSA and POPCRU, will hold a media briefing today to express their anger over GEMS' 9.8% member contribution increase. The Unions will also raise concerns about governance lapses, threats to collective bargaining and announce details of their intended action against the medical scheme. The briefing will take place at COSATU...