First Take SA

Save South Africa has strongly condemned the government's slow response to the escalating tensions with the US, which culminated in the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The organization blames the government's failure to address the false issues raised by Afriforum and Solidarity, which they believe has contributed to the current diplomatic crisis. For more on the situation Elvis Presslin s...

The Free State Department of Education is facing allegations of failing to pay medical aid contributions for its employees. The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) is demanding urgent intervention from the Premier and National Treasury. The Organization has also threatened legal action if payments aren't made immediately. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin s...

A R50,000 reward is being offered for information on the disappearance of community radio journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. The National Press Club and the African Media and Communications Forum announced the reward during a media briefing in Tshwane at the weekend. The pair were last seen in separate locations; Mdhluli in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, and Ndlovu leaving...

Deadly floods have ravaged KwaZulu-Natal, prompting the province's declaration as a disaster zone. The devastating floods have claimed 24 lives since January, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. To shed more light on the situation, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the government's response and relief efforts

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, over allegations of interfering in the arrest of a senior correctional services official facing drug-related charges. IPID has instructed Mkhwanazi to provide a sworn statement by Wednesday to respond to the allegations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ian Came...

The Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP) has welcomed the Treasury's R28.9 billion health bailout, aimed at retaining 9,300 healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics. The Advocacy group says this significant allocation signals the government's commitment to public well-being. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rural Health Advocacy Project Executive Director, Russell Rensburg, to delve deeper into the impl...

The Joburg Council has rejected the Democratic Alliance, DA's motion to reverse the decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. The DA argued that renaming the street after the Palestinian activist wouldn't benefit Johannesburg residents. DA Sandton Ward 103 Councilor, Lynda Shackleford spoke to Elvis Presslin to elaborate on the party's next course of action after the party's motion w...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed the SADC Extraordinary Summit's decision to withdraw peacekeeping troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Ramaphosa says a ceasefire and dialogue are crucial for achieving lasting peace in the DRC. African Union chairperson and Angolan President, João Lourenço, will spearhead negotiations to resolve the conflict in the war-torn cou...

ActionSA has rejected Johannesburg's newly adopted Adjustment Budget, slamming the ongoing R230 electricity surcharge as an unfair burden on residents. The budget, which boosts the City's annual revenue from R76 billion to R77 billion was approved yesterday. While ActionSA welcomes investments in landfill management and public safety, it insists the surcharge must either be scrapped or significant...

As South Africa marks the start of Anti-Racism Week today, we take a closer look at the country's journey towards racial equality. This annual event, held on the 14 to 21 March during Human Rights Month, marks its 10th anniversary. However, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is warning that divisive rhetoric, including unfounded claims of 'white genocide', threatens to undermine national unity. Neeshan...

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 Limpop

As the world marks World Kidney Day today, South Africa is seeing a rise in chronic kidney disease cases. Dr. Karisha Quarrie, Chief Medical Officer at Life Healthcare says a holistic approach is needed to effectively manage this life-threatening condition. Dr. Quarrie spoke to Elvis Presslin

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to co-chair the 8th South Africa and European Union Summit in Cape Town today, alongside EU leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. This summit is a crucial part of the SA-EU Strategic Partnership, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, energy transition, and innovation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to former Diplomat and Internati...

ActionSA has rejected the proposed VAT increase and hidden tax hikes, calling them a burden on hardworking South Africans that will fund government waste and corruption. Member of Parliament Alan Beesley spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss ActionSA's stance on the matter

The National Liquor Traders says the recent excise tax hike will have devastating consequences for the legal liquor industry. With a 6.75% increase in excise duties on alcoholic beverages, the industry fears that honest businesses will struggle to stay afloat while illicit traders thrive. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Convenor to elaborate further about their conce...

Social grant activist Elizabeth Raiters has welcomed the extension of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant until March 2026, but says that the R370 payout has lost significant value due to rising living costs. Despite the finance minister's allocation of R35.2 billion for the grant, Raiters argues that the amount should have been increased to adequately support beneficiaries. Elizabeth Rai...

The ANC says the VAT increase will be offset by higher social grants and an expanded list of zero-rated essential foods to shield lower-income households. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana yesterday tabled the revised 2025/2026 budget after the initial proposal was rejected due to its suggested 16% VAT hike. The new VAT increase will be implemented in two phases: 0.5% from May 1, 2025, and another...

The proposed Value Added Tax increase has sparked concerns among economists, who warn that it could further strain already struggling households. As part of his revised budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a 1 percentage point VAT hike, phased over two years. The first increase of 0.5% is set to take effect in May, followed by another 0.5% hike in April next year. To delve deeper in...

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has identified a disturbing trend of multiple public schools in the province seeking support to obtain liquor licenses, which would allow alcohol sales on school premises. The Department says some schools have already secured licenses without proper authorization. To discuss this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Vuyiseka Mboxela, Spokesperson for the Eastern...

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has strongly condemned the Treasury and South African Reserve Bank's pursuit of extreme neoliberal policies, citing deepened austerity and economic inequality. SAFTU argues that the lack of democratic oversight has led to repeated failures, including the disastrous GEAR policy in 1996. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU Natio...

Labour federation Cosatu is staging nationwide protests today, pushing back against the government's proposed austerity measures, which are set to be unveiled in today's budget speech. The Union is opposed to any increases in Value-Added Tax (VAT) or personal income tax that would disproportionately affect low-income earners. To dive deeper into Cosatu's stance, Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU nati...

Opposition parties are opposing any VAT increases  ahead of today's revised budget speech. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF national spokesperson, Sinawo Tambo on their expectations for today's Budget speech...

Tensions are high ahead of today's revised budget speech, with opposition parties opposing any VAT increases. The Democratic Alliance - a member of the government of national unity is advocating for better revenue collection, while the MK Party threatens nationwide protests if hikes proceed. Elvis PResslin spoke to Democratic Alliance spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has condemned Minister Gayton McKenzie's alleged xenophobic comments in Parliament, which targeted foreign nationals. McKenzie sparked outrage after advocating to ban foreign nationals from accessing public hospitals in the country. Giwusa is now calling for his removal and prosecution for hate speech. To delve deeper into GIWUSA's stan...

As South Africa awaits a pivotal fiscal announcement, concerns are escalating over a proposed 2% Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike. The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) warns that this increase, coupled with delayed government funding, could have devastating consequences for shelters, forcing them to scale back essential services or turn away survivors. To discuss the potential implicati...