First Take SA

World Cancer Day is being marked around the globe today, with a focus on the need for personalized care. In South Africa, cancer cases are projected to double by 2030. To discuss the challenges and potential solutions, Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Michael Herbst, a Clinical Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, who's also a Skin Cancer survivor

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate alleged maladministration at Ithala Development Finance Corporation, following a Prudential Authority report that found Ithala to be technically and legally insolvent. This development has put over two-hundred thousand depositors at risk of losing their deposits. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu, Provincial Manag...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed deep concern over US President Donald Trump's misconception of South Africa's Expropriation Act. This after Trump threatened to cut aid funding to South Africa in response to the Act. The DA says the Act doesn't permit arbitrary land seizure and that fair compensation will be required for legitimate expropriations. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin...

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 General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has welcomed the arrest of four police officers linked to the escape of James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as "Tiger," in Stilfontein. However, GIWUSA strongly disputes the characterization of Tshoaeli as a kingpin, arguing that this label implies a level of power and control inconsistent with the dire conditions in which he was found under...

The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has addressed allegations of racial intolerance at Drakensberg Secondary School in Estcourt. Reports indicate that two Hindu students were asked to remove or cover their red prayer strings, also known as Luxmi, during school hours. To discuss this incident, Elvis Presslin spoke to KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi.

National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola says South African police have made nearly 4000 arrests for rape and attempted rape since October last year. Speaking to members of the media on the police's Safer Festive Season operations, Masemola reaffirmed the police's commitment to apprehending perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide. The three-thousand-983 recorded arrests were for cr...

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today address the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, amidst illegal mining challenges. For over 30 years, the Indaba has been the premier platform for mining professionals and investors to tap into Africa's vast mining potential. This year's event comes amidst the challenges of illegal mining in Stilfontein, North West. To share his expertise, Elvis Pre...

The South African Human Rights Commission is expected to begin a national investigative inquiry into the impact of load reduction on the human rights of the country's citizens. The 3-day hearing is expected to access the legal, policy, and practical justifications for Eskom's power cuts, as well as to identify the demographics of the communities most disproportionately impacted by the electricity...

One of South Africa's major banks, Standard Bank, says the recent decision by the country's Reserve Bank to reduce the repo rate, may mark a turning point for the residential property market. In the third such move since September 2024, the Reserve Bank this week announced a 25-basis point cut in the repurchase rate, bringing the prime lending rate down to 11%. Standard Bank says the announcement...

Tensions are running high in Cape Town as opposition parties reject Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis' explanation for not removing JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg from his Mayoral Committee. The mayor's decision follows a police raid on their offices as part of an investigation into housing tender fraud in the construction sector. To shed more light on this developing story, Elvis Presslin spoke to MP and Le...

Zimbabwe will today host the SADC Heads of State and Government summit on the DRC crisis. The summit comes at a critical time, with tensions escalating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has warned of a potential confrontation with South Africa, following President Cyril Ramaphosa's accusations that Rwanda's defense force is supporting the M23 rebels who are respons...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has rejected the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, NERSA's approved electricity tariff increases. The party is citing the significant burden it will place on South African consumers. NERSA has approved a 12.74% tariff hike for the 2025/26 financial year, substantially lower than Eskom's requested 36% increase. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kevin Mileham, DA Spokespe...

The United Africans Transformation party is seeking transparency regarding the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the tragic loss of 13 South African soldiers in the region. The party is also calling for accountability amidst the ongoing clashes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Bantu Mahlatsi, President of the United Africans...

The South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU, is marching to the National Treasury to demand urgent action on jobs and healthcare reform. With over 800 qualified doctors remaining unemployed after completing their training, the union is pushing for government intervention to address the crisis in the health sector. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Cedric Sihlangu, the General Secretary of...

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

Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two male suspects for the torching of 51 Putco buses in Nkangala District. The men aged 29 and 37 apprehended on Tuesday are accused of arson and attacks which also left a Putco security guard with a gunshot wound. For more insights into this developing story, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli

The Gauteng Department of Health has refuted recent media reports alleging that it intends to compel school girls aged 12 years and above, to receive contraceptives without their consent. The reports began earlier this month following a school visit by provincial Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, where she was reported to have announced the alleged proposed rollout of the program. Gauteng Health...

As the South African Reserve Bank prepares to announce its interest rate decision today, economists predict a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate. To explore the implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to senior Economist, Xhanti Phayi

The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party in KwaZulu-Natal has pledged its support for former President Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, as she prepares to appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court today. Her court appearance is linked to the 2021 civil unrest, which saw about 65 alleged instigators face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and terrorism. To shed more light on this development, Elvi...

The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked concerns about the future of global road safety initiatives, particularly in Africa. With funding for critical programs now hanging in the balance, the continent's already vulnerable road safety landscape is facing an uncertain future. Elvis Presslin spoke to engineer and road safety expert Lemo Monyatsi 

Former Defence and International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has condemned the recent attacks on South African peacekeeping soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which tragically claimed the lives of 13 soldiers. Speaking to senior producer Ronald Phiri, Sisulu emphasized that South Africa will not remain passive while its soldiers are attacked on the front lines, particularly...

The Public Servants Association (PSA) in KwaZulu-Natal is outraged over the Department of Social Development's decision to dismiss community caregivers and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees without renewing their contracts. This move affects numerous employees who provide vital support to vulnerable communities, including the elderly, sick, and those in dire social and economic cond...

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has strongly condemned the escalating security situation in Eastern DRC, labeling it "appalling and unacceptable." Lamola's remarks came during a virtual African Union Peace and Security Council meeting, where he also denounced the activities of the M23 armed group and Rwanda's support for the rebel group. To gain deeper insights into...

Treatment Action Campaign says more than 20,000 South African healthcare workers face potential job losses following the US government's cuts to aid funding for international development. The Community-led HIV and TB organization says US President Donald Trump's administration cut ties with NPOs after historically providing over R6.5 billion in aid in the fight against HIV, TB, and other diseases....