First Take SA

A devastating storm swept through Welkom in the Free State over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. A tornado-like storm swept through Welkom on Sunday, damaging homes, schools and businesses, leaving many residents and industrial areas affected. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Brian Emmenis, Chairman of the Welkom Publicity Association

The South African Communist Party (SACP) is commemorating the 30th anniversary of Joe Slovo's passing today. The late SACP leader played a pivotal role in South Africa's liberation and was instrumental in building the tripartite alliance. As the SACP honours his life and legacy, they do so at a significant juncture, having finalized plans to contest the 2026 elections independently. For more on th...

South Africa is facing a crisis of initiation-related deaths, sparking widespread concern. The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr. Zweli Mkhize is calling for initiation deaths to be treated as a crisis of epidemic proportion. This comes after police reports recorded 24 initiate deaths in the Eastern Cape by December last year, and...

The festive season holidays have come to an end, and thousands of travelers and holidaymakers are now returning to their various destinations across South Africa. While traffic volumes have increased on national roads, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reports that traffic conditions remain manageable for now. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to RTMC Spokesperson, Simon Zwane

The ANC will celebrate its 113th anniversary this weekend in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, marking a significant milestone for the party. This year's celebration is particularly noteworthy, as it's the first since the ANC lost its majority vote and forced to form a government of national unity. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the party's January 8 Statement at Mandela Park Stadium, Khayelitsh...

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 25-year-old Ntobeko Cele by her partner, Sibusiso Lawrence, in Durban. In a shocking Facebook confession, Lawrence claimed that cheating and ill-treatment in the relationship drove him to commit the heinous crime. Tragically, Lawrence later took his own life. This incident has once again brought to the forefront th...

South Africa is experiencing a surge in rubella cases, with over 10,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported nationwide between January and November 2024. The majority of cases are in children under 15, with Gauteng and the Western Cape provinces being the hardest hit. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to Ramphelane Morewane, Acting Deputy Director for Health Programs at the National Department o...

As we wrap up our final broadcast for 2024, we're taking a closer look at the top political stories that made headlines in South Africa this year. It's been a seismic year, marked by significant shifts in the country's political landscape. The recent general elections saw the ANC lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. This historic election result paved the way for the for...

The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association is calling on the governments of South Africa and Mozambique to find a lasting solution to the crisis in Mozambique. The association's chairperson, Phumudzo Mukhwathi, argues that the frequent closure and opening of the Lebombo Border post is causing uncertainty and disrupting the livelihoods of those who rely on cross-border trade and transportatio...

Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu will today lead the Safer Festive Season operations in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. This collaborative effort aims to provide a safe and secure environment for tourists and locals during the holiday season. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to National Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Former EFF MP and KZN leader Vusi Khoza says EFF MP Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi will be removed from Parliament before the State of the Nation Address (SONA) next year. This prediction comes on the heels of Khoza's own expulsion from the party for allegedly failing to organize transportation for supporters to attend the EFF's 10th-anniversary celebration. According to Khoza, Ndlozi's removal is imminent...

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 City of Tshwane is intensifying its efforts to combat the escalating vandalism of its substation infrastructure, following a recent attack on the SSG Substation in Centurion. The city acknowledges that these criminal acts not only disrupt residents' lives and businesses but also place additional strain on resources. As part of the Executive Mayor's 100-Day Action Plan, the city is bolstering i...

South Africa and Mozambique have taken a crucial step towards strengthening their bilateral ties, following a meeting between International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and Mozambique's Minister of Interior, Pascoal Ronda. The two leaders have committed to mitigating disruptions at the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia ports of entry, which have been impacted by recent protests in Mozambique. Key agr...

South Africa's economic outlook for 2025 is uncertain, according to the North-West University Business School's Policy Uncertainty Index. The index has risen to 65.7, indicating increased uncertainty. To help us make sense of this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Waldo Krugell, Professor of Economics at North-West University

The ANC Youth League in Ehlanzeni is today marching to the City of Mbombela to demand the municipality to absorb general workers. The league is advocating for job security and better working conditions for these workers. To discuss the details of the march and the ANCYL's demands, Elvis Presslin spoke to Ehlanzeni Region Chairperson of the ANC Youth League, Cabanga Maluleka

The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning, alerting residents of severe thunderstorms. The adverse weather conditions are expected to hit various parts of the country this week. For more on this weather warning and what to expect, Elvis Presslin spoke to South African Weather Service Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela

Johannesburg is facing a deepening water crisis. Leaks, interruptions, and inadequate maintenance are threatening public health, economic stability, and the environment. In response, WaterCAN, an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, has launched a petition calling for a significant increase in the Joburg Water capital budget. The petition seeks to boost funding to R3 billion for 2024/...

A recent report has exposed a concerning trend in the attendance records of South African Members of Parliament (MPs) in committee meetings. The findings reveal that many MPs, particularly from opposition parties, have poor attendance records. Notably, the MK party and the EFF have over half of their MPs failing to attend at least 75% of meetings. In contrast, the ANC and Democratic Alliance, DA h...

The North West Social Development Department is repatriating 27 teenage boys from Mozambique who were rescued from disused mines in Stilfontein. The minors were found to be involved in illegal mining activities in the area - where scores of illegal are hiding underground in an attempt to avoid arrest by authorities. For the latest development, Elvis Presslin spoke to Provincial Department spokespe...

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling ordering former Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini to repay R2 million for unauthorized personal security expenses incurred in 2013. The Court found the procurement of private security for Dlamini and her spokesperson illegal, overturning a previous High Court ruling that implicated the SASSA CEO...

The Modjadji Royal Council has vowed to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to officially recognize Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Queen of the Balobedu nation. The Presidency's announcement follows Princess Masalanabo's attainment of adulthood, aligning with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which mandates recognition of rightful successors upon turning 18. However, the...

Yesterday, South Africa marked the National Day of Reconciliation, a public holiday established in 1995 to promote unity and healing after the end of apartheid. However, Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi believes that the country needs to take bold steps toward a comprehensive nation-building agenda. Elvis Presslin spoke to Songezo Zibi to discuss Rise Mzansi's vision for the future

The National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa has joined calls urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to extend the deadline for spaza shop business registration. Today marks the final day for spaza shops and food-handling stores to comply with the president's directive, issued in response to recent incidents of alleged food poisoning. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Rosheda Muller, Pr...

Long queues have been reported at O.R. Tambo International Airport, specifically at the Border Management Authority's passport control processing points. To provide clarity on the situation and the measures being taken to address it, Elvis Presslin spoke to Border Management Authority Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi