First Take SA

A major operation is underway in Orkney, North West, where police and soldiers have intercepted illegal mineworkers emerging from a mine shaft. Starvation and dehydration forced 565 illegal miners to escape from underground mines in Orkney in the North West with numbers expected to rise. This mass re-surfacing is linked to law enforcement agency's efforts to restrict these miners' easy access to f...

A 10-year-old girl has died in Alexandra, Johannesburg, after consuming contaminated snacks from a local spaza shop. The girl's father is now calling on the government to conduct regular inspections of informal food outlets such as Spaza shops, to prevent similar tragedies. The incident has left the community in shock, with concerns raised about food safety and regulation. Mapula Mulaudzi, the aun...

The Portfolio Committee on Health has resumed public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill in the Northern Cape, running from today until Sunday. These hearings are part of the final two hearings, with the other taking place in KwaZulu-Natal. The proposed bill seeks to strengthen public health protection measures. To discuss these developments, Elvis Pressli...

The ANC will today hear an appeal from former President Jacob Zuma following his expulsion from the party for leading the rival MK Party. Zuma's actions were deemed a betrayal, with ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula testifying that the former president's goal was to dislodge the party and mobilize society against it. The appeal hearing will be held virtually, despite Zuma's request for an in-pe...

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster has lashed out at taxi association members accused of financial extortion and harassment of private vehicle drivers. Viral videos show taxi patrollers stopping cars, detaining drivers, and demanding fines from motorists for simply giving people lifts. To shed more light on this alarming trend, Elvis Presslin spoke to National Taxi Alliance spokesp...

The Western Cape High Court is set to hear former Judge John Hlophe's appeal today, challenging the court's earlier ruling that barred him from participating in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) successfully obtained an interim interdict against Hlophe's participation in the JSC, citing concerns over his fitness to serve given his gross misconduct...

AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit is scrutinizing the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA ,and the Police over their handling of child pornography allegations against the University of Cape Town, UCT Professor Pierre de Vos. De Vos is accused of distributing child pornography on social media. AfriForum argues that the NPA and SAPS are not treating the complaint with the same rigor as similar ca...

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

Concerns are growing in Mbombela after a lion was spotted roaming the area early Wednesday morning. Security footage shows the majestic creature near The Rest Estate, prompting worries among local residents. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) confirms a free-roaming male lion is present in the area and is being closely monitored. Elvis Presslin spoke to Simphiwe Shungube, Senior Commun...

Operation Dudula and several political parties are launching a coalition today to protect the township economy and improve health standards. This move comes after a devastating incident in Naledi, Soweto, where six children lost their lives after consuming contaminated snacks from a spaza shop. The coalition aims to safeguard local businesses and community health standards, bringing together key p...

Tiger Brands has pledged to cover urgent medical expenses for those affected by the 2017 listeriosis outbreak, which claimed over 200 lives. The company faces estimated damages of R1.5 billion to R2.5 billion in ongoing legal proceedings. Despite no final court verdict on liability, Tiger Brands is engaging with victim representatives to reach a settlement. Zeenat Emmamally, Attorney at Richard Sp...

The Frontier Hospital In Komani, Eastern Cape has been without electricity for 10 days, endangering critically ill patients on life support. Despite Eskom's successful more than 200 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since March, the Frontier hospital faces severe challenges. The hospital remains operational, but staff fear for patients requiring life-support. For more, Elvis Presslin...

Government officials are pushing back after Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber prematurely announced on X (formerly Twitter) that South Africa had signed a visa waiver agreement with Ukraine. Schreiber's post stated the deal was finalized, granting visa-free access to diplomats, but the Presidency clarified that no such agreement had been signed. Officials allege Schreiber bypassed critical prot...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is gearing up for a battle with BMW after the Labour Court rejected their urgent application to ensure fairness for over 500 workers facing dismissal due to alleged medical aid fraud. NUMSA claims that BMW refused to provide clarity on the charges, making it impossible for them to defend their members. NUMSA National spokesperson, Phakamil...

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement today, and for a welcome change, South Africa's economic outlook is looking up. The country's recovery from the pandemic has been driven by decreasing inflation, easing interest rates, and increased energy security, showcasing the economy's resilience. Minister Godongwana is expected to highlight these posi...

Parliament's Health Committee has called on the Department of Health to investigate ways to recover medical costs incurred while treating foreign nationals at state healthcare facilities. This comes as the committee seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of South Africa's healthcare system. Health Committee member and DA MP, Michele Clark spoke to our Senior producer Ronald Phiri about the C...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU will today picket outside Parliament ahead of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. The union is unhappy with the government's economic policies, which they believe have failed to address the country's economic woes. COSATU has been critical of National Treasury's austerity measures, which they argue will worsen the economic situation. Elvis Pr...

Botswana will head to the polls today, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi seeking a second term. He's facing challenges from three candidates, but analysts suggest the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has the edge, helped by a fragmented opposition. Botswana, a nation of 2.3 million, is the world's top diamond producer by value, and has built relative prosperity on its diamond wealth. However,...

72% of entrepreneurs experience mental health issues according to recent research. As Mental Health Month unfolds, award-winning entrepreneur Alison Weihe says she has witnessed firsthand how the pressures of running a business can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Elvis Presslin spoke to Alison to elaborate further on her sentiments about the mental struggles facing entrepreneur

The Johannesburg Labour Court has affirmed that employers can dismiss workers involved in workplace moneylending schemes. This decision follows the dismissal of a senior employee at the Free State National Botanical Gardens, who was found loaning money to colleagues at 50% interest. A forensic investigation revealed the employee's moneylending was disrupting the workplace, and the court backed the...

The Correctional Services Department is probing allegations that wealthy inmates are bribing officials for special treatment. Reports suggest some prisoners, like businessman Thoshan Panday at Westville Correctional Centre, are paying for hospital holidays and other perks, essentially buying their way out of regular prison conditions. To shed more light on this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Miles...

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) is leading a picket at the Labour Court in Braamfontein today, to demand permanent employment for Community Health Workers nationwide. The Union's Day of Action protests is aimed at the National Department of Health's alleged failure to provide reasons for recurring fixed-term contracts for Community Health Workers. Elvis Presslin sp...

Controversy surrounds the uMkhonto weSizwe Party as members continue to express discontent over the appointment of new leaders. This after party leader Jacob Zuma recently welcomed former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane and ex-ANC member Willies Mchunu to key roles. For expert insight, Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast, Political Analyst from Nelson Mandela Univer...

Three suspects are in custody for allegedly facilitating fake marriages between South African women and foreign nationals. This after a joint operation uncovered a secret Home Affairs office in Greyville, Durban, allegedly used to facilitate spousal visas. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mosa Chabane, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs

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