First Take SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed SACP members on ANC election committees to step aside from planning meetings. The directive comes after the SACP formally resolved to contest the 2026 local government elections independently for the first time since 1994. Ramaphosa says dual members cannot take part in ANC strategy discussions while the SACP is preparing to stand against the governing party....

The Department of Health is marking Universal Health Coverage Day today. The day aims to push governments to speed up efforts to ensure everyone gets quality healthcare without financial strain. Elvis Presslin spoke to Moremi Nkosi, Chief Director for National Health Insurance, at the Department of Health

The Democratic Alliance is threatening legal action to block the appointment of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions . The party cites concerns over the alleged flawed interview process. The DA had previously called for Advocate Menzi Simelane's removal from the shortlist, but Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the DA's case lacks merit. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Suhayfa Bhamjee...

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will today brief the media on a marking irregularity in this year's Matric exams. The Minister is expected to outline measures to safeguard the integrity of the National Senior Certificate results. Elvis Presslin spoke to Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta

The Pan Africanist Congress, PAC will hold its National Elective Congress in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape today until Sunday. Delegates are expected to discuss organisational matters, political direction, policy positions and the election of new leadership. The PAC says the congress will realign the movement with its core principles of African self-determination, continental unity, land restoration and...

The National Empowerment Fund CEO, Mziwabantu Dayimani says South Africa's broad-based BEE codes are working, citing significant gains in ownership and skills development. However, challenges persist in enterprise and supplier development, with uneven progress across sectors. Dayimani argues that BEE remains crucial for inclusive economic growth and addressing inequality. Mr. Dayimani spoke to Elv...

The ANC's top leadership has rejected the idea of SACP members holding dual membership with the party, amid a row over the SACP's decision to contest elections outside the tripartite alliance. The ANC's secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, says the party's national executive committee has given the SACP an ultimatum: to backtrack on its decision or lose its ANC membership. Elvis Presslin spoke to CO...

ActionSA has objected to the shortlisting of Advocate Menzi Simelane as National Director of Public Prosecutions, citing adverse findings against him. The party says Simelane's inclusion in the NDPP shortlisting undermines the process and calls for a candidate with unquestionable integrity to head the NPA. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Parliamentary Caucus Leader, Athol Trollip

The ANC Youth League in Johannesburg has congratulated the ANC's newly elected Regional Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Loyiso Masuku. The League says the 16th Regional Conference was a success, showcasing unity and commitment to renewal and service. The league is calling for youth prioritisation in City administration and entities and an urgent performance review of ANC-deployed departmen...

The Democratic Alliance has written to the City of Johannesburg to demand answers over an alleged R10 billion agreement with SAMWU. The party is citing concerns over unaffordable commitments and potential misleading of Council and the union. The party questions the timing, given Johannesburg's struggling services and finances. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-E...

It's International Human Rights Day today marking the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The landmark document enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms for all, regardless of race, colour, religion or status. Elvis Presslin spoke to Human Rights lawyer, Mametlwe Sebei..

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 Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) is gearing up for its 2026 conference, with a focus on driving economic growth and job creation through franchising. The sector already contributes 15% to the country's GDP and has massive potential for creating new jobs. FASA says the franchise model can accelerate the growth of small and medium enterprises, and provide crucial platforms for mentor...

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says the party must renew itself or risk becoming irrelevant. Speaking at the National General Council in Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa emphasized the need to tackle factionalism before the ANC's 120th anniversary celebrations. The council is assessing the implementation of resolutions from the 2022 National Conference. Ramaphosa's warning comes amid concerns about the party'...

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola says police are making progress in the investigation into the assassination of Marius Van Der Merwe, also known as Witness D. Van Der Merwe was shot and killed in front of his family last Friday in Brakpan, Johannesburg. Three people of interest have been identified and one has been taken in for questioning. He had testified in the Madlanga Com...

AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is facing backlash after expressing support for Israel's actions in Gaza, saying the country can't be blamed for retaliating against Hamas and Palestine. The king was part of a delegation hosted by Israel's foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa'ar. Dalindyebo has accused South African leaders of spreading propaganda about the war in Gaza. Africa4Palestine Communi...

Workers at North West Transport Investment, or NTI, say they are facing an uncertain Christmas as their employer struggles to pay salaries due to a subsidy not being paid by the Gauteng Department of Transport. The South African Workers Union Ya Bashumi (SAWU) is heading to the Pretoria High Court today to fight for the workers' rights. Elvis Presslin spoke to the President of the South African Wo...

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has condemned the murder of Marius van der Merwe, a witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission. Van der Merwe was killed in front of his wife and children, an act the SACC describes as "witness-silencing" and "retribution for his truth-telling". The Council is calling for urgent action to protect witnesses and apprehend those responsible for t...

The Gauteng National Taxi Alliance has condemned the removal of taxis from the Fourways mall precinct In Johannesburg saying it's unacceptable. The alliance is urging authorities to engage with stakeholders and provide alternative arrangements to minimize disruption to commuters. The move has left many commuters without access to transportation and the alliance is calling for a resolution to the i...

The City of Tshwane says it is working to restore power supply to affected areas following days of heavy downpours. Several parts of Pretoria have been without power since Tuesday, with suburbs like Brooklyn, Sunnyside, Menlo Park, and Gezina among those affected. The Democratic Alliance has accused the city's administration of failing to respond to the crisis saying the situation is unacceptable....

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has condemned the recent surge in gun violence, including a mass shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria, that claimed 11 lives, including three minors and women. In a separate incident, Madlanga commission witness Marius van der Merwe was gunned down at his residence, prompting NATJOINTS, SANDF and the State Security Agency to convene a meeting to strengthen safety pro...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA is marching to the Office of the Presidency at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today to demand urgent intervention to save the country's smelters. The union is protesting massive job losses at companies like Glencore, Samancor and Almar Investments, with thousands of workers affected. NUMSA is calling for a bold industrial policy, including...

Communities across South Africa are marking the fourth annual International Khoikhoi Language Week, running from the first to the sixth of December. Activists, artists, educators and young people have issued a nationwide call to honour, revive and protect Khoekhoegowab, the Khoikhoi language once widely spoken across large parts of southern Africa. Elvis Presslin spoke to Toroga Denver -from Munan...

Former President Jacob Zuma has lost his bid to overturn a court order to repay nearly R29 million in legal fees. Justice Anthony Millar ruled that Zuma must settle the amount within 60 days or face asset seizure, including his presidential pension. Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal analyst, Melusi Xulu

ActionSA has rejected the Rates and Monetary Amounts Bill in the National Assembly, saying the legislation, as it stands, fuels the illicit economy and punishes legal business. Parliamentary member Alan Beesley told the House the country now has two economies: a legal one growing at barely one percent and an illegal one expanding at over six percent a year. He blamed repeated above-inflation excis...