First Take SA

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is blaming the government's lax immigration control for exacerbating the Stilfontein mining crisis. This comes as rescue operations have been suspended, with 246 illegal miners rescued and arrested, and 78 confirmed dead. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to Zama Ntshona, Spokesperson of the African Transformation Movement, ATM

Desperate parents in Gauteng are still queuing up at education district offices, hoping to secure school placements for their children. Many arrived prepared, with their kids dressed in school uniforms, despite admitting to missing the online application deadline. Amidst the chaos, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has vowed that every child will be placed. For a deeper understanding of this unfoldin...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has embarked on a strike in response to Bidvest's plans to cut jobs at the South African Container Depot (SACD) in Durban. The strike follows failed section 189 consultations between NUMSA and Bidvest, which would have affected 106 workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to NUMSA National Spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, to shed more light on t...

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has strongly condemned the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for imposing a hefty 13.4% hike in medical aid premiums for 2025. This significant increase will undoubtedly worsen the financial strain on public servants, who are already struggling to make ends meet due to high living costs. Furthermore, POPCRU has criticized GEMS' high admin...

Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement, marking a potential end to the devastating 15-month war in Gaza. This breakthrough follows months of intense negotiations, facilitated by key mediators like Qatar. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, claiming the lives of approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. I...

ActionSA and Forum 4 Service Delivery have joined forces, with plans to contest the 2026 local government elections together under the ActionSA banner. This merger is significant, as Forum 4 Service Delivery brings 38 municipal seats across five provinces to the table. As part of this union, Dr. Mbahare Kekana, the leader of Forum 4 Service Delivery, will take on the role of Deputy President at Ac...

The community Bishop Lavis in Cape Town will today protest over severe teacher shortage, overcrowding, and absence of science subjects in local schools. This demonstration, led by the Bishop Lavis Action Community (BLAC), is in response to the Western Cape Education Department's contentious decision to axe 2407 teaching posts. Amanda Davids, Media Liaison for BLAC, speaks to Elvis Presslin to shed...

The government-led rescue mission at the disused Stilfontein mine shaft has recovered over 50 bodies and rescued over 100 illegal miners as rescue operations continue. This according to the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa). This operation follows a crackdown on illegal mining in the area, resulting in the apprehension of over 1500 individuals involved in illicit mining act...

The Modjadji Royal Council is gearing up for a legal battle against President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to recognize Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the rightful queen of the Balobedu nation. The council claims that Ramaphosa's move was unilateral and that they were not consulted, which they deem "regrettable". They're seeking a court review to overturn the decision, allegedly in favour of Prince...

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Mpumalanga has strongly condemned remarks made by ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji, suggesting that SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila should leave the party and join Umkhonto we Sizwe. The SACP views these comments as a deep misunderstanding of the congress movement. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesetja Dikgale, SACP Spokesperson in Mpumalanga, to...

The Department of Basic Education has enlisted the Hawks to investigate disturbing allegations that matric results were compromised and sold online for a mere R100 before their official release. Social media posts sparked widespread concern, prompting the Information Regulator to demand urgent answers from the department. Mukelani Dimba, Executive for Education & Communication at the Informati...

It's a big day today for thousands of young learners across the country as they take their first steps into grade one. The excitement, nerves, and anticipation are palpable as they embark on this new chapter in their educational journey. We're joined now by one of these eager learners, Difunge Radali, who's starting grade one today. Elvis Presslin spoke with Difunge about her thoughts, feelings, a...

As the aviation industry holds its breath, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is scrambling to mitigate a potential jet fuel shortage at OR Tambo International Airport. The crisis unfolded after a devastating fire damaged Natref refinery's Crude Distillation Unit on January 4. With current supplies sufficient until January 20 and new deliveries expected on January 27, ACSA reassures passengers t...

As schools in Gauteng prepare to reopen tomorrow, the provincial government has issued a stern warning to scholar transport operators to adhere to all necessary regulations. This comes after a devastating 2024 academic year, marked by multiple fatal crashes involving learner transport vehicles. To discuss the measures being taken to ensure learner safety, Elvis Presslin spoke to Sibongile Maseko,...

It's a double celebration for South Africa's matric class of 2024! The Independent Examinations Board has announced an impressive 98.47% pass rate, the highest in five years. Meanwhile, the national pass rate has reached a record-breaking 87.3%, surpassing last year's rate of 82.9%. Among the standout performers is Ronewa Netshiatavhadulu, who achieved exceptional results. He spoke to Elvis Pressl...

South Africa's legal landscape is set for a significant showdown as top law firm Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa takes the government to court over a new legal sector code. The code, aimed at increasing black participation in South Africa's legal industry, has been deemed "unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid" by the law firm. We delve into the implications of this legal battle and AfriForum...

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 Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Limpopo is calling for urgent action to improve safety measures at public health facilities. This comes after a disturbing incident where two on-duty nurses were kidnapped and raped at Chuene Clinic. Provincial Secretary of DENOSA in Limpopo, Jacob Molepo, spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the organization's plans to engage with the...

KwaZulu-Natal's Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has denied allegations of interference and abuse of power. Reports have surfaced that Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi allegedly protected a senior correctional services official implicated in alleged drug-related activities at Westville Maximum Prison. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to shed more...

Allegations have surfaced that a website was illegally offering 2024 National Senior Certificate exam results for sale at R100, ahead of today's official announcement. The website which has since been taken down has prompted concerns over exam security and integrity. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Spokesperson on Basic Education, Delmaine Christians

King Khoisan SA is recovering well at the ManneDipico hospital in Colesberg after a devastating car accident on the N9 on Friday, which tragically claimed the life of his wife, Queen Khoisan. The couple was en route to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where King Khoisan SA was facing an eviction order. For over seven years, he and others have been protesting on the lawn of the Union Buildings, dem...

A landmark case starts today where Judge President Selby Mbenenge faces allegations of sexual harassment. This groundbreaking case marks the first time a sitting judge in South Africa will be formally investigated for such allegations, potentially setting a precedent for handling similar cases within the judiciary. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal is due to hear evidence from a secretary in the judic...

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has thrown its weight behind the call to halt the planned demolition of the historic Victoria Grounds in Qonce, formerly King William's Town. The grounds hold significant cultural, historical, and sporting value, and the ATM is urging Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to intervene. Elvis Presslin spoke...

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) has welcomed the National Treasury's decision to hold municipal managers accountable for failing to comply with statutory obligations regarding workers' deductions. Municipal managers who owe pension funds R1.4 billion could face criminal charges if they don't comply. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU General Secretary, Dumisane Magagula

Illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West claim that over 100 bodies remain underground. The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has condemned the South African Police Service's actions, which they believe have exacerbated the crisis. The trapped miners are still sending out desperate pleas for help asking for food, water, and medical attention. Elvis Presslin spoke to GIWUSA...