First Take SA

A 12-member committee will investigate the Ingonyama Trust board's financial management, following a meeting between Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontsho and AmaZulu King Misuzulu Zwelithini. This development comes on the heels of the king's decision to suspend six members of the board, accusing them of undermining his authority. The minister, however, countered that the king doesn't have the p...

The Pienaar community in Mpumalanga has been plagued by a crippling lack of social services, including vital support such as social grants, counselling, and pauper burials. The crisis began several months ago when the Department of Social Development's (DSD) offices were abruptly closed. The community and the department are now embroiled in a bitter dispute, with each side trading accusations. The...

Disgruntled Tshwane Metro Police officers are set to stage a picket today at the department's headquarters. Their protest centers around allegations of unfair labour practices linked to the selection process for recently advertised Warrant Officer posts. The department is facing a storm of allegations, with nearly 500 black metro police officers claiming they were sidelined in favour of their whit...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to stage a picket today outside the North Gauteng High Court, in support for the Department of Health in the ongoing legal battle over the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. This court case, initiated by the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the South African Private Practitioners' Forum (SAPPF), seeks to overturn President Cyril Ram...

The ANC is strategizing to regain its dominance in Gauteng following a significant electoral setback in the 2024 national elections. measures. The party recently reconfigured its organizational structure in the province to strengthen its electoral support and address internal weaknesses. So can the ANC reclaim power in Gauteng after its 2024 electoral setback? To answer this, Elvis Presslin spoke...

Lobby group AfriForum remains defiant despite the Hawks opening high treason dockets over allegations of spreading misleading information about the Expropriation Act. The group's CEO, Kallie Kriel, has dismissed the charges, stating they won't be intimidated and are eager to take the matter to court to expose what they deem as the ANC's irresponsible policies. The allegations stem from AfriForum's...

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

As Ukraine marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's fight for sovereignty, democracy, and global security. With a staggering 140,000 war crimes documented, the association stresses that Russia's aggression poses a significant threat not only to Ukra...

The EFF will today lead a march to Joburg Water in response to the ongoing water shortages affecting residents and businesses in Gauteng. This move comes after the water crisis in Johannesburg left thousands without a reliable water supply. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer, Dumisani Baleni

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has rejected a newly passed by-law that grants the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) access to private surveillance cameras, including Vuma Cam, for crime prevention purposes. The party's primary concerns revolve around homeowners with CCTV systems now being required to obtain municipal approval and potential hidden fees associated wit...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed the ANC for attempting to push through a 0.75% VAT increase despite widespread opposition. The ANC is reportedly considering joining forces with the EFF to pass the VAT increase if the DA refuses to accept a smaller hike. Speaking to our senior producer Ronald Phiri, DA Finance spokesperson Dr. Mark Burke expressed skepticism about the potential ANC-EFF par...

The Progressive Civics Congress in Limpopo is backing street vendors near the Anglo American Platinum Mogalakwena Mine, who are marching today to protest alleged racism and exploitation. Vendors are protesting systemic racism, high unemployment, and alleged victimization of black-owned businesses, citing limited economic opportunities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Charles Makhubela, Secretary General o...

The Township Economic Commission says the registration deadline will not affect people intending to open new food outlets including tuck or spaza shops. Today is the deadline for the registration of spaza shop businesses. President Cyril Ramaphosa had ordered the registration of the businesses in November last year in response to cases of food poisoning which at least 20 children died. Elvis Press...

As the world marks World NGO Day, non-governmental organizations globally are facing unprecedented challenges, particularly in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to freeze or reduce foreign aid. This move has jeopardized hundreds of NGOs, especially those providing critical healthcare services. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lumka Oliphant, Acting Deputy Director General at the National Dep...

The Zimbabwe National Editor's Forum (ZINEF) has expressed deep concern over the arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is set to appear in court today. Mhlanga's arrest follows his recent interviews with war veterans leader Blessed Geza. Elvis Presslin spoke to Zimbabwe National Editors Forum Co-ordinator, Njabulo Ncube, to discuss the implications of Mhlanga's arrest

The South African film and television industry will today picket outside the Department of Trade and Industry in Tshwane. The industry is protesting the Department's alleged inaction on critical issues affecting the sector. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ayanda Sibisi, Secretary General of the Independent Producers Organisation

Ekurhuleni council Speaker, Nthabiseng Tshivhenga faces a motion of no confidence today. The motion brought by the IFP alleges Tshivhenga failed to maintain council decorum, schedules, and enforce resolutions. IFP NEC Member and provincial Secretary in Gauteng Alderman Alco Ngobese spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the motion

The ANC has announced significant changes to its provincial leadership, with former Gauteng Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi and former NCOP chairperson Amos Masondo appointed as co-convenors of the newly reconfigured provincial task team in Gauteng. This development comes on the heels of a similar announcement in KwaZulu-Natal, where a 67-member task team was unveiled, led by convenor Jeff Radebe and c...

Afriforum CEO Kallie Kriel says the organization will continue to shed light on alleged human rights violations against Afrikaners, despite criticism. A delegation from Afriforum, Solidariteit, and the Solidarity Movement recently met with Trump administration representatives in Washington to discuss concerns over the ANC's policies and governance. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Kallie K...

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) is warning that the South African Post Office may be forced to shut its doors by the end of this month. The CWU attributes this looming crisis to the ineffective utilization of the R3.8 billion allocated for the post office's revitalization. To delve deeper into this critical issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nathan Bowers, National Bargaining Coordinator for th...

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) in the Western Cape is launching a rolling mass action today to protest against austerity measures and teacher job cuts in the province. As part of this action, the teacher union will embark on a stayaway to express their strong dissatisfaction with the provincial government's decisions. For more on SADTU's concerns, Elvis Presslin spoke to Sibon...

RISE Mzansi has called on the Portfolio Committee on Transport to investigate claims of impropriety by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in the selection of the new SAA CEO. A recent media report exposed that Minister Creecy is poised to recommend the least qualified candidate for the top spot - contradicting the airline's board preference. The Portfolio Committ...

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, Nehawu has rejected claims by the DA's Dr. Mark Burke that parliamentary cleaners receive a monthly salary of R30, 000. Dr. Burke, the DA's Spokesperson on Finance, made the remarks during a parliamentary briefing yesterday. He argues that it's unjustifiable for cleaners to earn more than teachers. The revelation has left some South African...

Hundreds of residents, are taking to the streets today to demand the immediate removal of the Makana Municipality's Mayor and Speaker. The protest led by the Concerned Makhanda Residents, comes amid allegations of mismanagement, service delivery failures, and corruption, which have left the community frustrated and desperate for change. Archbishop Nkosinathi Ngesi, the march organizer, spoke to El...

Concerns are escalating in Johannesburg as the city's Westpark Cemetery is projected to reach full capacity by May this year. In response, the metro is encouraging residents to consider cremation or reburials. This has sparked opposition from religious groups and the CRL Commission. They argue that forcing families into cremation infringes upon cultural and religious burial rights. City officials...