First Take SA

Nearly three decades after South Africa's land claims process began, many restitution projects have failed to deliver benefits to communities. In Ixopo and Umzimkhulu, once-thriving farms now lie abandoned, a testament to the struggles of land reform. The Dawn Valley and Ponderosa farms, formerly commercial hubs, are largely deserted, with crumbling buildings and minimal crop cultivation. To discu...

The Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Teboho Maruping has been placed on precautionary suspension. This pending an investigation into allegations surrounding a R5 billion agreement with Thuja Holdings. The deal, led by Mthunzi Mdwaba, was deemed invalid by the Pretoria High Court in May this year, with the Supreme Court of Appeal upholding the decision in August. To discuss th...

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has called for Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to resign after boycotting the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa. While Ramaphosa signed the bill, its implementation will be delayed for three months to address concerns about clauses which cover schools admission and language policy. For...

Former President Thabo Mbeki has called on the ANC to utilize state power to regain its majority in Gauteng. Speaking at the ANC Gauteng Renewal Workshop in Johannesburg over the weekend, Mbeki emphasized the need for the party to focus on internal strengthening and improved service delivery. The ANC received 40% of the national vote in the May 2024 elections. Mbeki believes the party can improve...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile's office says he is recovering well after collapsing mid-speech at an event in Limpopo. This comes after Mashatile had previously mentioned struggling with food poisoning in an unrelated incident last week. However, his team has downplayed speculation that there may be underlying health issues contributing to the collapse. Elvis Presslin spoke to Keith Khoza, Acting...

ActionSA has severed ties with the DA in Tshwane, leaving City mayor Cillier Brink's future in jeopardy. Party leader Herman Mashaba announced the decision at ActionSA's Gauteng Provincial Imbizo in Tshwane's Saulsville Arena over the weekend. Mashaba attributed ActionSA's disappointing election results to the Multi-Party Charter, criticizing the alliance's effectiveness. He also hinted that Actio...

The ANC Study Group on Agriculture in Parliament has commended Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen's decision to request the resignation of his Chief of Staff, Roman Cabanac, following widespread public outcry. Cabanac, a podcaster known for his alleged polarizing views, had faced intense criticism for his support of Helen Zille's colonialism remarks and opposition to COVID-19 lockdown measures....

The Northern Cape Province, in collaboration with Who Am I Who Are We SA (WAI-WAW) and the Indigenous First Nation Advocacy South Africa (IFNASA), is set to host its Inaugural Skills Career Dialogue and Exhibition in Olifanthoek on the 18th of September. This event aims to introduce young people from the Northern Cape to various skills, enabling them to meet the critical skills requirements in dif...

The ANC will embark on a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia this weekend to repatriate the remains of struggle combatants. A senior delegation will visit the two countries to facilitate the exhumation and return of mortal remains of anti-Apartheid activists who laid down their lives for South Africa's freedom. Elvis Presslin spoke to Obed Bapela, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC's International Relations Su...

Lobby group AfriForum says it will take legal action against the government as soon as President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law. Despite fierce opposition from the Democratic Alliance, AfriForum, and other groups, Ramaphosa is expected to sign the bill today at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, paving the way for a potential court battle. To elaborate...

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

ActionSA has formally requested the Public Protector to investigate Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane over a controversial R500,000 loan. The loan, obtained from a broker linked to the notorious defuncted VBS Mutual Bank has sparked corruption allegations against Minister Simelane. To delve deeper into this matter Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA's Parliamentary Caucu...

Former minister, Pravin Gordhan has passed away in hospital, surrounded by family, friends and comrades in the liberation struggle. The 75-year old retired from active politics after this year's general election. His last portfolio in the South African Cabinet was Minister of Public Enterprises, from 2018 to 2024, after serving two terms as Minister of Finance, from 2009 to 2014 and again from 201...

The Bench Marks Foundation is calling on government to investigate the causes of the dam collapse in jaggersfounatin and issue its full forensic report. Yesterday marked two years since the incident, were a tailing dam at the Jagersfontein mine in free state burst its wall, sending a torrent of mine waste down the slope to the settlements of Charlesville and Itumeleng. The disaster resulted in thr...

Today marks 47 years since the passing of Black Consciousness Movement leader, Stephen Bantu Biko. Forty-seven years ago, Steve Biko died from severe head injuries sustained while in police detention in Pretoria, a victim of the apartheid regime's brutality. To honour his legacy, the Azanian People's Organization (AZAPO) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) will today host a public lecture at Nel...

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has revealed that lawyers previously involved in fraudulent claims against the Road Accident Fund (RAF) are now turning their attention to the healthcare sector. Speaking in parliament, Dr. Motsoaledi called for the establishment of an expert panel to address the growing number of medical legal claims. Elvis Presslin spoke to Macintosh Polela, Head of Communica...

Eskom has attached Emfuleni Municipality's bank accounts to recover R8 billion in unpaid debt. This after the municipality failed to comply with a debt relief program. Eskom says it has exhausted all legal avenues to secure payment since 2018. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Hassan Mako, MMC for Finance and Revenue at the Emfuleni Local Municipality

The Democratic Alliance is demanding the removal of ActionSA's Tshwane Chairperson, Jackie Mathabathe ahead of a crucial no-confidence vote against Mayor Cilliers Brink. The DA accuses Mathabathe of revealing ActionSA's allegiance by posting a social media message predicting the DA's "Golden Boy" would be ousted in 16 days. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, to d...

The Democratic Alliance, DA has warned it will withdraw from the government of national unity if President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment, BELA Bill into law. The presidency has confirmed that President Ramaphosa will sign the bill on Friday, despite the DA's objections. DA leader John Steenhuisen argues that the bill has significant constitutional implicati...

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 4,135 cases of wrongful arrests during the 2023/24 financial year, leading to claims exceeding R2 billion. This revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi, which has expressed concern that such wrongful arrests are damaging public trust in the police. for more on t...

The Department of Correctional Services is considering installing cellphone and signal jammers around St Alban's Prison amid allegations that serious crimes are being orchestrated from within the facility. The move comes as the Nelson Mandela Bay area sees a surge in crimes such as extortion, murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Department of Correctional Services Spokesper...

Today marks 3 years since South African Airways (SAA) resumed operations after emerging from liquidation. The 90-year-old airline has long relied on state funding, but faced bankruptcy during the Covid-19 pandemic. A proposed sale of a 51% stake in the carrier was scrapped in March. Today, SAA CEO Professor John Lamola is set to deliver a report on the airline's operational performance, financial...

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi says approximately 6,220 foreign nationals are employed in public service. This represents 0.5% of the total workforce. The figure includes permanent residents and temporary employees. To discuss the implications of this revelation, Elvis Presslin spoke to Claude Naiker, Acting Deputy General Manager of the Public Servants Association, PSA

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month in September, a question remains: Should all colonial heritage sites, statues, and monuments be removed to truly reflect our democracy? Heritage Month showcases the nation's diverse culture and heritage, including African, Asian, and European influences. However, some argue that colonial-era symbols perpetuate racism and Black oppression. So should all col...

Former Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has been admitted to hospital, although the exact nature for his admission is still unclear. A statement from his family has assured that he is receiving the best possible medical care. This comes after Gordhan announced his retirement from politics earlier this year, following the May election. The family has requested privacy at this time, but ha...