First Take SA

COSATU is calling on government to scrap the R372 million budget for the Defence Force Day parade in Thohoyandou. The union says the spending is a "grotesque waste of funds" that could address pressing needs in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). COSATU is citing struggles in the SANDF, including budget cuts, mismanagement and poor conditions for soldiers, such as deteriorating barra...

The ANC's Johannesburg Region is accusing alliance partner SANCO of trying to undermine its newly elected leadership. The row follows the discovery of ballot papers from the region's conference at a house in Pretoria, with a police presence. The ANC's Sasabona Manganye says the discovery is "a movie" and denies any involvement in manipulating the conference, which saw Loyiso Masuku elected as regi...

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

A team of South African disaster response specialists has returned from Mozambique, where they helped with flood relief efforts. The team, which included Rescue South Africa and University of Johannesburg experts Connor Hartnady and Xavier Millar, was deployed at the request of the Mozambican government and the UN. Elvis Presslin spoke to Aidan Justus, Chief Executive Officer of Rescue South Afric...

The Young Intelligent Minds of South Africa, YIMOSA is criticizing the government's handling of recent floods in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and other provinces. They say poor infrastructure is to blame for the devastation. The group is frustrated with 'show visits' by ministers who promise aid but reportedly deliver little. They point to KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape, where flood victims still need hous...

ActionSA is merging with two other parties, aiming to create a united alternative ahead of this year's municipal elections. Details of the partnership are expected to be revealed today at a press conference. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst, Dr. Ongama Mtimka

The Masia Traditional Authority in Limpopo has accused Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso of trying to expropriate communal land in the Masia area near the Vhembe district for private interests. The community claims they've written to the ministry seeking clarity on unexplained investments in their area, but received no response. This comes as the community struggles to recover from rece...

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 ANC in Ekurhuleni is celebrating a High Court victory, with the court ordering energy regulator Nersa to relook at the city's electricity tariffs for 2024/25. The decision brings relief to residents and small businesses hit by high electricity costs. The ANC says the ruling vindicates its campaign for affordable tariffs and commitment to public consultation. The suspension of a disputed tariff...

EFF leader Julius Malema is back in the East London Magistrate's Court today for pre-sentencing, following his conviction for discharging a firearm during the party's 2018 anniversary celebrations. Malema was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm and reckless endangerment. EFF National Spokesperson, Thembi Msane spoke to Elvis Presslin

Scholar transport services in Lenasia and parts of Soweto, Johannesburg, are currently on a stay-away following a crackdown on overloading. Over 60 vehicles were impounded and three drivers arrested during a blitz inspection. This comes in the wake of a fatal crash in Vanderbijlpark on Monday that killed 14 learners. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sibongile Maseko, General Secretary of the Greater Gauten...

Eastern Cape police are investigating a fatal shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School in Zwelitsha, where a former teacher allegedly opened fire, killing two educators and injuring another. The suspect, out on bail for sexual assault charges, took his own life at the scene. One of the injured teachers later died in hospital. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape SADTU Secretary, Malibong...

Johannesburg's waste management company Pikitup and union SAMWU are still at odds, with negotiations ongoing after a week-long strike by casual workers demanding permanent positions. The workers claim they were promised jobs back in 2023, but talks broke down, leading to the strike. The standoff has led to a buildup of waste, with residents complaining of health hazards. Pikitup says it's working...

The government's spending priorities are under fire after allocating R3.7 billion for VIP protection, more than the R2.4 billion budget for the Hawks. ActionSA says the move shows leaders are out of touch, with ministers and deputies also getting a 3.8% salary boost and spending over R500 million on travel in 18 months. ActionSA has slammed the government, saying "people before perks" is being ign...

The University of Johannesburg's rescue specialists are on the ground in Mozambique, responding to severe flooding that's left over 100 people dead and 173,000 affected. The team, led by Mr. Connor Hartnady, includes experts in swift water and aviation rescue and is working with Rescue South Africa and the Nelson Mandela University to provide critical support. The deployment comes after a request...

South African politicians are under fire after getting a 3.8% pay hike, despite many citizens struggling with poverty and unemployment. The United Africans Transformation, UAT party says the increase is an "insult to the poor" and wants it reversed. Critics argue the government's priorities are skewed, with many South Africans struggling to access basic services. The pay hike takes effect on the f...

Gauteng police are on a manhunt for suspects linked to a deadly shooting that killed five men in Jeffsville, Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Elvis Presslin spoke to Atteridgeville community leader of the Pheli Joint Civic Movement, Elias Makgwadi

A tense stand-off erupted once again between anti-illegal immigration protesters and foreign nationals at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday.  A group of March and March, Operation Dudula and MK Party supporters resumed their demonstration at the school over the enrolment of foreign nationals. They are demanding that learners who are South African citizens be prioritised for admissi...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions  (COSATU) is standing in solidarity with Venezuela, condemning US aggression and calling for global action against imperialism and racism. The union is organizing protests and pickets, including an international action day this morning and a march in Sandton on Saturday. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU's 1st Deputy President, Mike Shingange

The ANC is taking its Back to School programme to KwaZulu-Natal this week, with NEC member Dr. Zweli Mkhize leading the charge. The two-day event kicks off today, with visits to four high schools and meetings with religious leaders and the South African Democratic Teachers Union. The initiative aims to address educational challenges and provide support to learners in the province. Elvis Presslin s...

The MK Party has taken the ANC to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, SCOPA accusing the party of misusing public funds for a January 8th event in Bloemfontein. The event, branded as a heritage programme, reportedly featured ANC regalia and messaging with state-funded transport and logistics across 51 wards. The party claims this is a violation of constitutional principles and has called fo...

Two people are dead and three others injured after a shooting incident at the Booysens Magistrates' Court in Johannesburg yesterday. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has condemned the incident and is working with law enforcement to ensure safety measures are in place. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear. Elvis Presslin spoke to Deputy Justice and Constituti...

South African Aids Council, SANAC's Civil Society Forum Children's Sector is calling for accountability after more than12 children died in a Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash yesterday. They are  demanding action from Scholar Transport Associations, the Department of Education and government, citing systemic neglect and weak safety regulations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Oupa Shumeni, Natio...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has welcomed a new gazette empowering labour inspectors to enforce pension fund payment compliance. The move targets employers who deduct contributions from workers' salaries but fail to pay them, with over 15,000 employers defaulting last year, affecting 600,000 workers. The security sector, municipalities and automotive industry are key offender...

RISE Mzansi is mourning the loss of learners in a devastating crash in Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg. The party is calling for improved road safety measures, including regular stats updates to Parliament and a clampdown on unroadworthy vehicles. The Department of Transport recently reported a 5% reduction in road deaths but RISE Mzansi says more needs to be done. Elvis Presslin spoke to RISE Mzansi...