First Take SA

The Black Lawyers Association says the Legal Sector Code is vital for transformation in the judiciary. This comes as Norton Rose Fulbright, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans and Bowmans challenge the code in the Pretoria High Court. The firms argue the 2024 B-BBEE rules, requiring up to 50 percent black ownership, are unconstitutional and unworkable. BLA President Nkosana Mvundlela says the challenge is u...

The Constitutional Court will begin hearing a challenge to the National Health Insurance Act. The Board of Healthcare Funders and the Western Cape government argue Parliament failed to ensure meaningful public participation before passing the law. The hearings run from today until Thursday and will test whether sections 59 and 72 of the constitution were met. Major medical aid schemes are backing...

A dramatic and highly dangerous rescue operation has captured national attention in South Africa, after a police officer was lowered from a helicopter to secure a dead crocodile believed to contain human remains. The operation, carried out along the Komati River, involved euthanizing the animal before it was airlifted for forensic examination. Captain Johan Potgieter has been widely praised for hi...

Police have confirmed that missing Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka has been found alive, bringing relief after a month-long disappearance that had raised serious concerns in the community. Kubheka reportedly presented himself at the Vosloorus police station after going missing on the day he was due to pay rent for his business. His case had sparked fears around safety, crime, and the vuln...

Nigeria is working on the permanent repatriation of citizens in South Africa who want to return home. The move follows recent protests and rising tensions over undocumented immigrants and border control. The Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter have confirmed the plan, citing safety and livelihood concerns. We're now joined by Dr. ABC Okokoh, President of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter...

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has submitted a Private Member's Bill to reserve spaza shop ownership strictly for South African citizens. The draft is nearing completion and follows concerns over illegal trade and undocumented foreign nationals. The move comes amid tighter regulation of township economies after foodborne illness outbreaks in 2024 and 2025. Government has already stepped up inspections...

The Activists and Citizens Forum is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently address what it describes as "porous borders" and a potentially life-threatening situation. This comes as some communities demand stricter immigration controls, including the closure of borders and the arrest of undocumented foreign nationals, raising serious questions about law enforcement, human rights, and soci...

Lobby group AfriForum has laid a criminal complaint with the South African Police Service against former Johannesburg mayor Thapelo Amad. This follows a viral video allegedly showing Amad firing shots at a Soweto funeral last year. AfriForum says police failed to act and is pushing for five charges under the Firearms Control Act. The group insists the law must be applied consistently, citing simil...

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has criticized government's extension of fuel levy relief, calling it deceptive. FOSA says the measure is a short-term fix that fails to address the country's economic crisis. The organisation argues the relief is fiscally misleading and shifts the burden back to consumers. We spoke to National Leader Tebogo Mashilompane 

Former NSFAS interim chair Dr. Mugwena Maluleke says he has no regrets about his service to the student aid body. His exit comes amid a wave of high-level board resignations raising concerns over governance and stability. Questions remain about whether NSFAS can still function effectively despite the leadership gaps. The Department of Higher Education insists funding operations will continue unint...

Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is back in Zimbabwe after being deported from South Africa. He was removed yesterday after pleading guilty to pointing a firearm and contravening immigrations laws. His lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says they are considering an appeal against the Home Affairs ban stopping his return to South Africa. His co-accused Tobias...

The Zambian government and the family of late president Edgar Lungu will appear in the Pretoria High Court today. The matter concerns the repatriation of Lungu's remains to Zambia. Civic movement Progressive Forces will hold a picket outside the court in support of the Zambian government's position to have him buried in his home country. We spoke to Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, President of Progressive...

The Azanian Ground Forces says its meeting with the Elsburg SAPS Station Commander was a resounding success. The AGF raised allegations that some undocumented immigrants are released without court appearances after allegedly paying bribes. We spoke to AGF President and a former MMC for Public Safety in Ekurhuleni, Tlhogi Moseki 

As workers across South Africa prepare to mark May Day, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union is calling on its members to turn out in full force in support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions May Day rallies. Amid rising living costs, austerity pressures, and deep challenges within the criminal justice system, including understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and deteriorating inf...

The United Arab Emirates says it will withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ on May first after more than 50 years in the alliance. The move removes quota limits on the UAE and allows it to increase oil production. The decision could lift global oil output and shift market dynamics. Meanwhile, South Africa has extended its fuel levy reduction to June to ease pressure on motorists. But what impact will the U...

SANEF chairperson Makhudu Sefara has stepped aside pending an investigation into SIU allegations of lottery fund misappropriation. Sefara denied the claims at an urgent SANEF meeting last night. SANEF accepted his decision and appointed deputy chair Tshamano Makhadi as acting chairperson. An independent legal team will evaluate the evidence. We spoke to Reggy Moalusi, Executive Director at South A...

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has asked National Treasury to investigate alleged irregularities in foundation phase textbook procurement. Gwarube warned that problems in the process could affect more than 13 million learners. She has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana requesting a formal probe. The Minister says those found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences. We spoke...

The Communication Workers Union and its allies will hold a national shutdown and march today to demand action on the Post Office crisis. Workers want R3.8 billion in urgent funding, a 30% government business allocation, job security and an end to the Business Rescue Process. A memorandum will be handed to the Communications Minister and National Treasury in Pretoria. The unions say SAPO is a publi...

The National Health Laboratory Service has launched South Africa's first National Diabetes Dashboard. The HbA1c dashboard gives a near real-time national view of diabetes control using lab data updated within 48 hours. It comes as diabetes remains a leading cause of death in the country. We spoke to Dr. Siyabonga Khoza, Head of Academic Department at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS),...

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations at OR Tambo International Airport following a series of back-to-back drug trafficking busts over the long weekend. In the latest incident, police intercepted a Dutch national attempting to board a flight to London with 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage, less than 24 hours after a Brazilian national was arrested at the same airport carrying c...

The Gauteng Department of Health says child immunization has fallen to 75%, putting children under one at greater risk of preventable diseases. As Africa marks African Vaccination Week, the department is urging parents to keep vaccinations on schedule. We spoke to Yolandie Luther, Assistant director Expanded program on immunization and Communicable Diseases control.

The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has raised concerns over temporary leadership in South Africa's police service following the suspension of National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed acting national commissioner. Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension over alleged violations of public finance rules. The IFP says it respects due process but wa...

Former NPA head Shamila Batohi has formally declined to give further evidence at the Nkabinde Enquiry in Pretoria. She calls the decision "considered and informed" after "significant thought and reflection". The inquiry is probing the fitness of suspended South Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke to hold office. Batohi walked out in December citing the need to consult lawyers during cross-examination, a req...

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back