First Take SA

Lobby group AfriForum has laid a criminal complaint with the South African Police Service against former Johannesburg mayor Thapelo Amad. This follows a viral video allegedly showing Amad firing shots at a Soweto funeral last year. AfriForum says police failed to act and is pushing for five charges under the Firearms Control Act. The group insists the law must be applied consistently, citing simil...

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has criticized government's extension of fuel levy relief, calling it deceptive. FOSA says the measure is a short-term fix that fails to address the country's economic crisis. The organisation argues the relief is fiscally misleading and shifts the burden back to consumers. We spoke to National Leader Tebogo Mashilompane 

Former NSFAS interim chair Dr. Mugwena Maluleke says he has no regrets about his service to the student aid body. His exit comes amid a wave of high-level board resignations raising concerns over governance and stability. Questions remain about whether NSFAS can still function effectively despite the leadership gaps. The Department of Higher Education insists funding operations will continue unint...

Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is back in Zimbabwe after being deported from South Africa. He was removed yesterday after pleading guilty to pointing a firearm and contravening immigrations laws. His lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says they are considering an appeal against the Home Affairs ban stopping his return to South Africa. His co-accused Tobias...

The Zambian government and the family of late president Edgar Lungu will appear in the Pretoria High Court today. The matter concerns the repatriation of Lungu's remains to Zambia. Civic movement Progressive Forces will hold a picket outside the court in support of the Zambian government's position to have him buried in his home country. We spoke to Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, President of Progressive...

The Azanian Ground Forces says its meeting with the Elsburg SAPS Station Commander was a resounding success. The AGF raised allegations that some undocumented immigrants are released without court appearances after allegedly paying bribes. We spoke to AGF President and a former MMC for Public Safety in Ekurhuleni, Tlhogi Moseki 

As workers across South Africa prepare to mark May Day, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union is calling on its members to turn out in full force in support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions May Day rallies. Amid rising living costs, austerity pressures, and deep challenges within the criminal justice system, including understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and deteriorating inf...

The United Arab Emirates says it will withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ on May first after more than 50 years in the alliance. The move removes quota limits on the UAE and allows it to increase oil production. The decision could lift global oil output and shift market dynamics. Meanwhile, South Africa has extended its fuel levy reduction to June to ease pressure on motorists. But what impact will the U...

SANEF chairperson Makhudu Sefara has stepped aside pending an investigation into SIU allegations of lottery fund misappropriation. Sefara denied the claims at an urgent SANEF meeting last night. SANEF accepted his decision and appointed deputy chair Tshamano Makhadi as acting chairperson. An independent legal team will evaluate the evidence. We spoke to Reggy Moalusi, Executive Director at South A...

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has asked National Treasury to investigate alleged irregularities in foundation phase textbook procurement. Gwarube warned that problems in the process could affect more than 13 million learners. She has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana requesting a formal probe. The Minister says those found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences. We spoke...

The Communication Workers Union and its allies will hold a national shutdown and march today to demand action on the Post Office crisis. Workers want R3.8 billion in urgent funding, a 30% government business allocation, job security and an end to the Business Rescue Process. A memorandum will be handed to the Communications Minister and National Treasury in Pretoria. The unions say SAPO is a publi...

The National Health Laboratory Service has launched South Africa's first National Diabetes Dashboard. The HbA1c dashboard gives a near real-time national view of diabetes control using lab data updated within 48 hours. It comes as diabetes remains a leading cause of death in the country. We spoke to Dr. Siyabonga Khoza, Head of Academic Department at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS),...

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations at OR Tambo International Airport following a series of back-to-back drug trafficking busts over the long weekend. In the latest incident, police intercepted a Dutch national attempting to board a flight to London with 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage, less than 24 hours after a Brazilian national was arrested at the same airport carrying c...

The Gauteng Department of Health says child immunization has fallen to 75%, putting children under one at greater risk of preventable diseases. As Africa marks African Vaccination Week, the department is urging parents to keep vaccinations on schedule. We spoke to Yolandie Luther, Assistant director Expanded program on immunization and Communicable Diseases control.

The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has raised concerns over temporary leadership in South Africa's police service following the suspension of National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed acting national commissioner. Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension over alleged violations of public finance rules. The IFP says it respects due process but wa...

Former NPA head Shamila Batohi has formally declined to give further evidence at the Nkabinde Enquiry in Pretoria. She calls the decision "considered and informed" after "significant thought and reflection". The inquiry is probing the fitness of suspended South Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke to hold office. Batohi walked out in December citing the need to consult lawyers during cross-examination, a req...

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

As South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violence, a growing movement is calling for a shift in how we address the root causes. The Heartlines Fathers Matter campaign is urging men—and society at large—to recognise the critical role fathers and male role models play in shaping the emotional development of children and preventing violence before it begins. For Themba Dla...

In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has upheld a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal, confirming that directives issued by the South African Human Rights Commission are not legally binding. While the Commission retains its powers to investigate complaints and make findings on human rights violations, the judgment makes it clear that it cannot enforce compliance th...

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued notice to cancel the registration of trade union BEMAWU. Deputy Registrar Mongwadi Mary Ngwetjana cites failure to comply with sections of the Labour Relations Act and says the union ceased to function. BEMAWU and interested parties now have 60 days to submit written representations on why registration should not be cancelled. We spoke to William...

The Zambian government will repatriate former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral after a 2025 Gauteng High Court ruling. The Lungu family's appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal has reportedly lapsed, clearing the way for the process. Authorities have not confirmed when repatriation will begin as investigations continue. We spoke to Mr. Chanoda Ngwira, Friend to former Zambian President Edg...

The DA will today open a criminal case against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe. The charges relate to Minister Tolashe's alleged failure to declare luxury vehicles donated by the Chinese Embassy. The DA will open the case this morning at Cape Town Police Station. The party wants SAPS to run a full investigation into the matter. We spoke to DA MP, Nazley Sharif

The Public Servants Association has strongly condemned the continued attacks on educators in Ekurhuleni, raising serious concerns about the safety of teachers in schools. The union says these incidents not only threaten the lives of educators but also undermine the learning environment and the broader education system. With growing calls for urgent intervention, questions are now being raised abou...

The ANC has recalled Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane after a recording surfaced of him offering R200,000 to opposition councillors. In the audio, Maimane asked them to turn against the ANC, his own party, ahead of upcoming local government elections. We spoke to ANC North West spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping.