First Take SA

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo has promised to assist Phugwani Village in Limpopo, where residents rely on fountain water shared with animals. Elvis Presslin spoke to Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo

Two media freedom organisations have intervened in a High Court case challenging automatic publication bans on reporting sexual offence and extortion cases, arguing they are unconstitutional. Elvis Presslin spoke to Executive Director of Campaign for Free Expression, Nicole Fritz

Media group Media24 is reportedly planning to close its City Press newsroom, with 19 employees set to lose their jobs. The move has been condemned by the Solidarity union, which represents more than 100 Media24 staff. The company cites financial difficulties as the reason for the closure. The union says the decision will have far-reaching implications and is questioning the management's handling o...

The Democratic Alliance says thousands of Gauteng residents are going hungry after the provincial government's centralisation of food banks. Despite recorded beneficiaries, households are struggling to access food due to logistical barriers. The DA blames the centralisation, saying it has created bottlenecks and ignored warnings. Food parcel distribution targets are being met, but households acces...

 A devastating building collapse in Ormonde, Johannesburg, has left six people dead, with one still trapped under the rubble and three unaccounted for. Two people have been rescued and emergency services are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals. Elvis Presslin spoke to Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku...

Several countries, including the US and Gulf states, have condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks on sovereign territories. The strikes targeted civilian areas, causing fear among populations. South Africans caught in Bahrain and Dubai bombings are living in fear, hoping to return home safely. Elvis Presslin spoke to South African stuck in Bahrain, Yathin Soni, the MD of North Star Consulting.....

The Road Freight Association, is warning South African consumers to prepare for higher costs at the till, as fuel prices are set to rise. The Association attributes the March fuel price increase to rising international oil prices, triggered by supply and logistics risks amid tensions between Iran, the US and Israel. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association...

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is set to release its report on the Phala Phala robbery at President Ramaphosa's farm in Limpopo, following the government's decision to declassify the document. The move comes after ActionSA's year-long push for transparency, with the party issuing papers to IPID to ensure the report's immediate release. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Nati...

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....Elvis Presslin spoke to 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... 

COSATU is calling for decisive action against senior military officials allegedly involved in the looting of the South African Army Foundation. The union says reports of corruption and mismanagement are "extremely concerning" and demands that those responsible be charged and prosecuted. SANDF personnel are reportedly facing poor working conditions, including unpaid suppliers and inadequate equipme...

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi will lead the national launch of the 30-year anniversary of the Constitution's signing into law today. The event, held at Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum, will also launch Human Rights Month, themed "The Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real". The Constitution, which has been in effect since February 1997, reinforces South...

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority has completed an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of R50 million from a fund meant to support South African soldiers. The money, contributed by military personnel, was intended for life insurance, funeral policies and other benefits. The authority says it's considering its next steps. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jeff Dubazana, Chief Negotiator for...

Africa4Palestine has condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which allegedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group slammed the attack as an act of aggression. Elvis Presslin spoke to Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager, Alie Komape 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over escalating Middle East tensions after Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli attack. Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes, sparking fears of regional conflict. The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session as global leaders react with alarm. Iran has declared 40 days of mourning. Elvis Presslin spoke to Them...

Ekurhuleni's Executive Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, is facing criticism after Speaker Dorah Mlambo resigned following her appointment as an MMC. ActionSA condemns the mayor's unilateral decisions, saying they're plunging the city into chaos. Another high-profile resignation is that of ANC's Jongizizwe Dlabathi as regional secretary and MMC. The city's future hangs in the balance as calls grow for...

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget speech offers little respite for workers struggling with failing infrastructure and unreliable public transport. MISA is skeptical about government's ability to deliver on promised reforms and infrastructure investments. Elvis Presslin spoke to MISA Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi Majola for more

The Durban High Court is set to hear an application for the provisional liquidation of Tongaat Hulett today, marking a critical juncture for the 134-year-old sugar giant. Business rescue practitioners have brought the application after the collapse of a rescue plan approved by creditors in 2024, which aimed to sell the company to the Vision Group. The company's troubles began in 2019 with a devast...

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 uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party plans to open a case against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan after he walked out of a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee meeting without permission. O'Sullivan reportedly left to catch a flight. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says she will decide on any action against him once she receives the committee report from chairperson Soviet Lekganyane. Elvis Press...

The Democratic Alliance, DA in Johannesburg, has sharply criticised the appointment of Loyiso Masuku as the City's first female Deputy Mayor, labelling the position an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. DA representatives argue the role duplicates existing duties and will drain millions in public funds better spent on service delivery. Masuku, also ANC regional chairperson and Finance MMC, was elect...

Social grants will increase in April, with adjustments slightly above inflation. However, the SRD grant remains unchanged at R370, with payments continuing until next year. Meanwhile, SASSA has terminated nearly 35,000 grants deemed incorrect or fraudulent after upgrading its verification processes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Elizabeth Raiters, Social Grant Activist

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has criticized the 2026/27 Budget saying it fails to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. While welcoming some allocations for health, education and social security, COSATU says the focus on balancing books has missed the opportunity for a bold stimulus package. The union is concerned about no funds for 10,000 labour inspectors and inadeq...

Msindisi Lizani, a standout undergraduate, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2025 Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. This esteemed contest has become a launching pad for young economists to share their insights on shaping South Africa's future. Lizani's winning essay delves into the impact of tariffs on developing economies, drawing inspiration from former US President...

Deputy Defence Minister, General Bantu Holomisa has visited 2 Military Hospital in Cape Town, highlighting its crucial role in supporting troops deployed to gang-infested areas. The hospital faces infrastructure and resource challenges, with facilities built decades ago. Minister Holomisa emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to modernize the hospital. The visit focused on pharmacy s...

The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sp...