First Take SA

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU turns forty this weekend. COSATU, the country's largest union federation, will celebrate the milestone with a massive rally at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. The federation's history is marked by key roles in anti-apartheid activism and shaping post-1994 labour policies. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabe...

As the 2026 Legends Township Marathon approaches, Joe Morris, the legendary Founder of the Township Marathon, noted that the Marathon is a living, breathing testament to the enduring community spirit of Eldorado Park and has become a movement dedicated to health, youth empowerment, economic development, community resilience and social upliftment for nearly three decades. For more on the Township M...

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

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied allegations of corruption and misconduct, telling the Madlanga Commission he was trying to address EMPD's vehicle shortage and support injured officers. Mkhwanazi claims his collaboration with businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala was above board and senior management, including former Mayor Tania Campbell, w...

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the "Not In My Name Provincial Men's Indaba" in Bloemfontein, Freestate today. The event aims to mobilise men and boys to fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Elvis Presslin spoke to Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is brushing off talks of internal turmoil. Party president Floyd Shivambu is rejecting claims of a crisis saying the recent wave of resignations is normal in any growing organisation. Among those who have stepped down is first deputy president Robert Nwendo. But former deputy president Nolubabalo Mcinga has hit back saying the departures prove the party was built on em...

The National Union of Mineworkers, NUM marks its 43rd anniversary today with a main event in Matlosana in the North West. The Union was launched on this day in 1982 in Klerksdorp and quickly grew into one of the country's biggest union for black mineworkers. Founding General Secretary Cyril Ramaphosa, President James Motlatsi and Deputy president Elijah Barayi led the union in its early years. Thr...

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is facing fresh corruption allegations. AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit claims provincial prosecutors tried to shield him from charges by misleading the Hawks. The unit says it has proof the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to prosecute Mabuyane months ago, but falsely claimed more investigation was needed. The Hawks have contradicted this versio...

The MK Party has raised concern over South Africa's water crisis saying the country is already in a catastrophic situation. The party blames failed political leadership at all levels of government, citing collapsed water systems and municipalities. The party says national leadership is paralysed and local government is plagued by corruption and incompetence. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Member of Pa...

The National Assembly is to establish a new parliamentary committee with powers to scrutinise the Presidency. The portfolio committee will oversee the budget of the Presidency and hold both the President and Deputy President to account. The committee will have the power to investigate matters related to the President or Presidency and the Director General in the Presidency will be required to acco...

The Democratic Alliance, DA will today lay criminal charges of fraud against Tshwane Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise at the SAPS Brooklyn Police Station. The party says Modise is linked to irregular benefits from a City contract and his presence at a crime strategy briefing raises concerns. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jacqui Uys, DA Tshwane Caucus Chief Whip

South Africa is joining the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga is calling for a disability-inclusive society saying it's crucial for social cohesion, equality and national development. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tshifhiwa Matodzi, a person with a disability

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has announced that Ithala Bank depositors will finally be able to access their funds before Christmas, bringing relief to over 250,000 customers who have been unable to withdraw their money since 2023. The National Treasury has released a R2.2 billion guarantee, paving the way for depositors to regain access to their money. Premier Ntuli apologized to those affect...

The South African National Taxi Council, SANTACO has launched its Hlokomela Festive Season campaign, aiming to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for commuters during the holiday season. The campaign, which started in November, will run until January next year. The campaign includes roadworthiness checks, safety awareness activations, and engagements with Hlokomela Champions across nine pr...

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

Parliament has unanimously adopted a motion to establish a comprehensive inquiry into the violent crime crisis in Cape Town. The Economic Freedom Fighters, EFF party initiated the motion, citing evidence of rampant gang violence, mass shootings and policing failures in the region. The inquiry will be led by the Portfolio Committee on Police, in collaboration with other security cluster committees....

A proposed 20% online gambling tax has sparked concerns it will drive gamblers to illegal operators and undermine consumer protection. The tax, part of National Treasury's plans, is being criticized for its potential impact on the industry and job losses. Garron Whitesman, a leading expert in gambling law, told our Senior Producer Ronald Phiri that the proposal is "constitutionally unacceptable" a...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a disinformation campaign affecting South Africa's relations with the US. Addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa said the US administration's stance has been influenced by false information spread by groups and individuals in South Africa and abroad. He warns this is harming the country's interests, costing jobs and damaging ties with a key partner.&nbs...

Police have arrested another suspect in connection with allegations that several South Africans were recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The suspect is due to appear in court in Kempton Park today, along with four others facing similar charges. The Hawks' Crimes Against the State unit is investigating the case. For more we're now joined by Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale...

The ANC Youth League has slammed reports claiming moves are underway to recall President Cyril Ramaphosa. The League says the claims are an attempt to create instability ahead of the ANC's National General Council. ANCYL National Spokesperson, Zama Khanyase joined us on the line

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a disinformation campaign affecting South Africa's relations with the US. Addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa said the US administration's stance has been influenced by false information spread by groups and individuals in South Africa and abroad. He warns this is harming the country's interests, costing jobs and damaging ties with a key partner. For...

South Africa has hit back at US President Donald Trump's decision to bar the country from the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami. President Cyril Ramaphosa described Trump's comments as "regrettable" and based on "misinformation". The controversy stems from South Africa hosting the G20 Summit in Johannesburg earlier this year, which was hailed as a success. The US boycotted the event, citing alleged human r...

A damning report by the South African Human Rights Commission has revealed systemic racial discrimination in the allocation of state-owned land in Hartbeespoort, North West province. The investigation found that black applicants were consistently sidelined for over a decade, with only one black male granted a lease out of 78 applications. The report states that white occupants retained and even ex...

National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams has laid criminal charges of fraud and corruption against former Police Minister Bheki Cele and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The charges follow allegations by Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who claims he paid Cele R500,000 to recover seized firearms. Matlala also alleges a meeting was arranged between Cele and Mkhwanazi, where Mkhwanazi...

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, AARTO Act is set to be implemented in July next year, but concerns have been raised about its enforcement on foreign nationals driving in South Africa. The AARTO system focuses on individual driver behaviour and aims to improve road safety through a demerit points system. However, one of our listeners raised questions about how foreign truc...