First Take SA

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...

Disgruntled Tshwane Metro Police officers are set to stage a picket today at the department's headquarters. Their protest centers around allegations of unfair labour practices linked to the selection process for recently advertised Warrant Officer posts. The department is facing a storm of allegations, with nearly 500 black metro police officers claiming they were sidelined in favour of their whit...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to stage a picket today outside the North Gauteng High Court, in support for the Department of Health in the ongoing legal battle over the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. This court case, initiated by the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the South African Private Practitioners' Forum (SAPPF), seeks to overturn President Cyril Ram...

The ANC is strategizing to regain its dominance in Gauteng following a significant electoral setback in the 2024 national elections. measures. The party recently reconfigured its organizational structure in the province to strengthen its electoral support and address internal weaknesses. So can the ANC reclaim power in Gauteng after its 2024 electoral setback? To answer this, Elvis Presslin spoke...

Lobby group AfriForum remains defiant despite the Hawks opening high treason dockets over allegations of spreading misleading information about the Expropriation Act. The group's CEO, Kallie Kriel, has dismissed the charges, stating they won't be intimidated and are eager to take the matter to court to expose what they deem as the ANC's irresponsible policies. The allegations stem from AfriForum's...

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

As Ukraine marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's fight for sovereignty, democracy, and global security. With a staggering 140,000 war crimes documented, the association stresses that Russia's aggression poses a significant threat not only to Ukra...

The EFF will today lead a march to Joburg Water in response to the ongoing water shortages affecting residents and businesses in Gauteng. This move comes after the water crisis in Johannesburg left thousands without a reliable water supply. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer, Dumisani Baleni

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has rejected a newly passed by-law that grants the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) access to private surveillance cameras, including Vuma Cam, for crime prevention purposes. The party's primary concerns revolve around homeowners with CCTV systems now being required to obtain municipal approval and potential hidden fees associated wit...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed the ANC for attempting to push through a 0.75% VAT increase despite widespread opposition. The ANC is reportedly considering joining forces with the EFF to pass the VAT increase if the DA refuses to accept a smaller hike. Speaking to our senior producer Ronald Phiri, DA Finance spokesperson Dr. Mark Burke expressed skepticism about the potential ANC-EFF par...

The Progressive Civics Congress in Limpopo is backing street vendors near the Anglo American Platinum Mogalakwena Mine, who are marching today to protest alleged racism and exploitation. Vendors are protesting systemic racism, high unemployment, and alleged victimization of black-owned businesses, citing limited economic opportunities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Charles Makhubela, Secretary General o...

The Township Economic Commission says the registration deadline will not affect people intending to open new food outlets including tuck or spaza shops. Today is the deadline for the registration of spaza shop businesses. President Cyril Ramaphosa had ordered the registration of the businesses in November last year in response to cases of food poisoning which at least 20 children died. Elvis Press...

As the world marks World NGO Day, non-governmental organizations globally are facing unprecedented challenges, particularly in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to freeze or reduce foreign aid. This move has jeopardized hundreds of NGOs, especially those providing critical healthcare services. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lumka Oliphant, Acting Deputy Director General at the National Dep...

The Zimbabwe National Editor's Forum (ZINEF) has expressed deep concern over the arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is set to appear in court today. Mhlanga's arrest follows his recent interviews with war veterans leader Blessed Geza. Elvis Presslin spoke to Zimbabwe National Editors Forum Co-ordinator, Njabulo Ncube, to discuss the implications of Mhlanga's arrest

The South African film and television industry will today picket outside the Department of Trade and Industry in Tshwane. The industry is protesting the Department's alleged inaction on critical issues affecting the sector. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ayanda Sibisi, Secretary General of the Independent Producers Organisation