First Take SA

A leaked document revealing appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority, SETA boards has raised concerns over the potential politicisation of these key institutions. The Democratic Alliance has written to the Higher Education and Training Portfolio Committee to object, citing the inclusion of prominent ANC-linked individuals, such as Minister Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo and a former K...

Thousands of artists and cultural workers marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday, calling for accountability and reform in the cultural and creative industries. The march, which culminated in the handing over of a memorandum of demands to the Presidency and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, was driven by concerns over systemic collapse of arts governance, erosion of funding...

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has raised concerns over the employment of foreign nationals in sensitive government positions in South Africa. This follows the appointment of a Zimbabwean national as Chief Heritage Officer at Robben Island in Cape Town. The party is warning of potential public security risks and is calling for government departments to prioritize the hiring of South...

Thousands of students and graduates at Tshwane University of Technology's six campuses are reportedly being denied academic records and certificates due to NSFAS's alleged failure to pay fees, while others have been suddenly defunded. Sthembiso Sithole, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Unemployed Graduates Movement says the non-payment has sparked fears of eviction and mass dropouts among students. E...

South African schools are grappling with a disturbing trend of teacher misconduct, with 111 reported cases of sexual misconduct against pupils between April 2024 and March 2025, resulting in 39. A fortieth teacher was recently fired in KwaZulu-Natal for kissing and sexually assaulting a learner. To discuss this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomusa Cembi, spokesperson for the South African Democra...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a scathing attack on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's administration, accusing it of failing to curb rising unemployment in the province. Gauteng's unemployment rate has increased to 34.7%, with 2.7 million residents now jobless. The DA's Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty, argues that the administration's economic strategies and "Nansi Isp...

The ANC has strongly condemned the United States government's decision to grant refugee status to 49 Afrikaners, calling it a fabrication designed to delegitimize South Africa's democracy. The party argues that these individuals are not fleeing persecution, but rather seeking to avoid transformation and accountability for historic privilege. To further discuss this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Politic...

The Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) has strongly condemned the recent migration of 49 white Afrikaners to the United States, accusing them of fleeing accountability for past injustices and betraying their country. AZAPO is calling for these individuals to be stripped of their South African citizenship, labeling them "enemies of the state." Elvis Presslin spoke to Jabu Rakwena, AZAPO's Secret...

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) has condemned a Labour Court ruling that exempts the City of Tshwane from paying a 5.4% wage increase for the 2023/24 financial year. The judgment, delivered by Judge Snyman on Friday also sends a separate exemption application from the 2021/22 period back to the bargaining council for review. SAMWU says the ruling undermines collective bargaining...

President Cyril Ramaphosa says white Afrikaners leaving for the United States do not qualify as refugees. His statement follows the arrival of the first group in the US on Monday, after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration. The group departed from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday. Ramaphosa says Afrikaners face no persecution or mistreatment in South Afri...

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has expressed deep concern over the continued decline of South Africa's manufacturing sector, citing the latest official data from Statistics South Africa. According to SAFTU, this decline reflects a systemic economic crisis rooted in neoliberal policies, falling investment levels, and an extractive economic structure that has never been dismant...

Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is set to appear in court today after his arrest by Eastern Cape police for immigration violations. This follows his recent acquittal on charges of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Local residents are now calling for his deportation. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape ANCWL spokesperson, Landy Sikhinzi

ActionSA has renewed its long-standing appeal to Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, for the recovery of the bodies of three mineworkers - Solomon Nyirenda, Pretty Mkambule, and Yvonne Mnisi, who tragically lost their lives in the Lily Mine disaster in February 2016. Despite the passage of over nine years, the bodies remain trapped underground. ActionSA is urging governmen...

The Supreme Court of Appeal will today hear the case of Manyaku Maria Thulare's appeal against the previous judgement by Judge Ephraim Makgoba, which dethroned her as Acting Queen of Bapedi. This is a culmination of a back-and-forth where the Thulare Royal House of Bapedi Kingdom wanted the recognition of Prince Morwa-mohube Thulare as Acting King of Bapedi. To further discuss this, Elvis Presslin...

The Gauteng Department of Health is set to appeal a court order mandating it to provide cancer treatment for patients. This despite an interim court order requiring the Department to provide radiation oncology services. The Cancer Alliance and SECTION27 say the will oppose the appeal. To discuss this further we are joined on the line by Head of Health Rights at Section27, Khanyi Mapipa....

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV (14th). He's the first American to hold the position. Father Hugh O'Connor, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, joins us for reaction. Father O'Connor...

Police investigating the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli have found two bodies, believed to be the couple. The discovery was made after suspects in custody led authorities to the location. DNA tests are now being carried out to confirm the identities of the bodies. For more on this we're now joined by African Media and Communicators Forum Chairperso...

The G20 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment Conference wraps up today at Sun City Resort in North West Province. Hosted by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, this 3-day event has brought together policymakers, academics, and advocates to craft actionable strategies for transforming financial systems, promoting economic justice, and boosting entrepreneurial opportun...

Bed wetting is one of the most common childhood conditions, yet it remains a silent struggle in many households due to stigma, shame, and misinformation. A South African study found that 16% of children aged 5 to 10 experience bedwetting, with the condition occurring twice as often in boys than in girls. Dr Andrew Ferreirinha, a pediatrician says bed wetting is not a behavioral issue or a parentin...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for a comprehensive review of the South African Police Service's internal disciplinary regulations following the acquittal of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protectors. The officers were caught on video assaulting civilians, yet an internal SAPS disciplinary committee found no wrongdoing. Although a court case against the eight VIP Protection Officers...

The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools is today celebrating the 100th anniversary of Afrikaans, a language with a complex history and significant cultural importance in South Africa. FEDSAS CEO, Dr. Jaco Deacon joins us to discuss the celebration, the importance of mother-tongue education, and the language's role in the country's identity...

Scores of residents at the Durban Deep informal settlement in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, are facing forced evictions, allegedly to make way for a power station project. The residents claim they weren't provided with formal eviction notices and are being relocated to another informal area that is plagued by crime and poor living conditions. Elvis Presslin spoke to Xolani Madiba, President of the Mof...

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has accused the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health of financial mismanagement, by leaving suppliers unpaid and accumulating a staggering debt of over R1.7 billion. The Department has admitted that payments will only be made in the next financial year. Elvis Presslin spoke to PSA Provincial Organiser, Xolani Dhlamini

Power has been restored at Weskoppies Hospital after the Gauteng Health Department struck a deal with the City of Tshwane. This follows Monday's disconnection over R1.2 million in unpaid electricity bills. The department says contingency plans kept services running despite the blackout. But DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom has slammed the situation, saying patients should not suffer due to...

The Catholic Church has begun its ancient ritual to select a new pope. 133 cardinals are meeting in Rome, in a secretive conclave to choose the successor to Pope Francis, who has passed away. To discuss this historic moment, Elvis Presslin spoke to Father Hugh O'Connor, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference