First Take SA

Between January and June 12, 2024, a disturbing 333 children in the Western Cape received medical treatment for firearm-related injuries, with a devastating 58 fatalities. The Western Cape Health Department, warns that if current trends continue, the number of child homicides involving firearms may exceed 100 by the end of the year. The most vulnerable group appears to be children aged 15 and olde...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a letter to its leader, John Steenhuisen, accusing the party of undermining efforts to establish a government of national unity. The letter comes as negotiations between the DA and the African National Congress (ANC) have reached an impasse over the Trade and Industry portfolio, hindering the formation of a unified government...

Four esteemed foundations are calling for a national dialogue to unite the country and shape its future. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Steve Biko Foundation, and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust - have joined forces to provide a platform for reflection and addressing the various challenges facing South Africa. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Neeshan Balton,...

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has denied claims that the Nasi iSpani programme has been discontinued, calling them baseless and false. The confusion arose from a leaked circular about the end of a one-year contract for the Green Army EPWP participants, which is a separate program from the Gauteng Traffic Wardens. Lesufi has assured that the Nasi iSpani programme, which has employed thousands of G...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, 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

Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the Enyobeni tavern tragedy, which claimed the lives of 21 young people in Scenery Park, Eastern Cape. The families of the victims, including Ntombizonke Mgangala, who lost her niece in the incident, are still seeking answers and closure. Ntombizonke joins Elvis Presslin to share her story and reflect on the tragedy that occurred on June 26, 2022, a day t...

Eskom is seeking to increase electricity tariffs by a significant 36% in 2025, following a 12% rise earlier this year. If the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approves the proposal, the hike will take effect on April 1, 2025. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has vehemently opposed the move, warning that it will result in the loss of free basic electricity for m...

A petition launched by Concerned Citizens has garnered nearly ten thousand signatures, calling for the removal of newly sworn-in MP Andile Mngxitama from Parliament. The petition accuses Mngxitama, a member of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, of perpetuating hate speech and urges the South African Human Rights Commission to take legal action against him. This comes after a video taken five years a...

Kenyan President William Ruto has withdrawn a controversial financial bill. The bill sparked nationwide protests and violent crackdowns that resulted in 22 deaths. In a televised address yesterday Ruto announced the withdrawal of the bill citing the widespread expression of dissatisfaction from the public. Happy Olal, National Convener of the Social Justice Centers in Kenya spoke to Elvis Presslin

The Azanian People's Organisation, AZAPO has condemned the delay in announcing the new cabinet. As South Africans eagerly await the announcement of the new government of national unity cabinet by President Cyril Ramaphosa, AZAPO warns that the ongoing delay will create a power vacuum that poses a substantial threat to the nation's stability. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to AZAPO National...

Recently appointed KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, is taking swift action to combat construction mafias with a strategic approach. These criminal groups, which emerged in KZN around 2014/15, are notorious for demanding protection fees from local construction projects and companies, and also extorting a share of infrastructure project costs. Their illicit activi...

South Africa has reported three additional confirmed cases of Mpox (previously known as monkeypox), bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 16. One fatality has also been recorded. The affected individuals are all male, ranging in age from 23 to 43 years old. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Foster Mohale, Spokesperson for the Department of Health

The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party will today picket outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court. This action comes in response to the arrest of the Independent Electoral Commission's area manager in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, who is suspected of tampering with ballot papers in the recent elections. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party KZN, Spokesperson Vincent Mdunge

Zimbabweans have expressed concern over the Patriotic Alliance (PA) party's calls for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants from South Africa. PA leader Gayton McKenzie's alleged anti-immigrant rhetoric and demands for widespread deportations have sparked fears among Zimbabweans. The party, which secured 9 seats in parliament in the recent elections, has vowed to use its political power...

The ANC is facing backlash on social media for reinstating corruption-accused former Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa as a Member of Parliament. Kodwa was among a group of MPs sworn in recently, after missing the initial swearing-in ceremony earlier this month. The ANC has been criticized for allowing Kodwa's return to Parliament, despite its own "step-aside" rule, which aims to preve...

The future of 100 matric students at EJ Singwane Secondary School in Pienaar, Mpumalanga, hangs in the balance as they anxiously await their 2023 exam results, clouded by allegations of widespread cheating. Reports suggest that students from 20 schools in the Bohlabelo district, including EJ Singwane, paid R1,500 to access exam answers through WhatsApp groups. Furthermore, invigilators are implica...

North West, Matlosana Local Municipality Mayor, James Tsolela has resigned amidst allegations of corruption. The move comes after the provincial ANC leadership recommended his removal to Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. Tsolela resigned after reportedly admitting guilt to malfeasance. For reaction on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Johannes Legransie, DA Caucus Leader in Matlosana

Former ANC MP, Annelizé van Wyk has accused the DA of attempting to establish a parallel cabinet within the Government of National Unity. This comes as 10 political parties that constitute the unity government are engaged in last-minute negotiations to form a cabinet. The DA has reportedly submitted a new list of demands, which includes the appointment of its members to key positions such as deput...

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is carrying out nationwide inspections to ensure businesses comply with consumer protection regulations. In Limpopo, the NCC has uncovered significant violations of the Consumer Protection Act, notably the sale of expired or near-expired products. The commission alleges that these suppliers are prioritizing their own interests over consumer well-being, and is...

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the Constitution does not mandate proportional allocation of cabinet positions based on party representation. His remarks on X (formerly Twitter) comes amidst reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is seeking 12 ministerial positions in the Government of National Unity. While the President has the discretion to appoint cabinet members, Magwenya emph...

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

Rand Water is set to begin maintenance at the Eikenhof pump station in Johannesburg today. This follows its completion of work in Mogale City, which was finished ahead of schedule. The 37-day maintenance project, which started at the weekend aims to preserve the quality and integrity of Rand Water's infrastructure across Gauteng. During this period, residents and businesses may experience low wate...

Controversy surrounds the expected return of former Arts & Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa to Parliament. ActionSA has cautioned the ANC against Kodwa's reinstatement, citing serious corruption allegations. Kodwa is accused of accepting a R1.7 million bribe. ActionSA says the ANC should prioritize the integrity of Parliament and withdraw Kodwa's candidacy. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to...

A payment dispute regarding overtime compensation for police officers who worked during the recent elections continues. According to the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU, its members in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga are still awaiting payment for their extra hours worked. However, police management say 66% of officers nationwide have received their special allowances, with further paym...

President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet announcement remains pending, fueling speculation about intense deliberations and negotiations over key ministerial appointments. The delay comes as South Africans eagerly await the reveal of which Members of Parliament will be appointed ministers in the new Government of National Unity. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is pushing for equitable power sharing within...