First Take SA

The Public Service Commission says public servants may not attend political party study groups outside official government processes. UDM leader General Bantu Holomisa welcomed the advisory, saying it confirms long-held concerns about impartiality in the public service. The Commission warns such meetings risk political bias, unequal access to state information and weaker parliamentary oversight. F...

The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's plan to tighten immigration enforcement, saying Parliament must now ensure the strategy is fully implemented. Committee Chair Mosa Chabane said the President's announcement addresses concerns raised by South Africans about illegal migration and pressure on public services. He stressed that...

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by 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...

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will step up deportations and inspections of businesses employing undocumented migrants. He announced dedicated immigration courts, border security upgrades and plans to phase out green ID books for a digital ID system. Ramaphosa warned only police and officials may enforce immigration laws and said xenophobia has no place in South Africa. This follows rec...

A proudly South African brand is making waves in the business space, led by two young entrepreneurs determined to reshape their future and that of their communities. Omotergents was founded by 19-year-old twins, Omohau and Omolemo Mbileni, and has quickly grown from a shared dream into a purpose-driven enterprise. The company produces a range of affordable cleaning products while also empowering o...

Cabinet has adopted a new migration plan that sets quotas for foreign workers across sectors. The National Labour Migration Policy and Employment Services Amendment Bill will let the Minister cap employment of documented foreign nationals and prosecute employers hiring undocumented workers. Government will also register informal businesses and roll out a Spaza Shop Fund to support South African tr...

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa is reviewing content regulations that could affect community radio and independent creators. Solidarity has objected, saying the proposed rules may restrict content sharing and hit smaller broadcasters hardest. The union warns it could reduce diversity on the airwaves if restrictions go ahead. Solidarity Network Coordinator for Communication...

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has welcomed the swift arrest of three armed security guards accused of attacking an e-hailing driver and several women in KwaNdengezi. The arrests followed intervention by MEC Siboniso Duma, who has praised the coordinated response by law enforcement, including SAPS teams led by Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as well as Operation Sha...

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today launch a new twice-a-year HIV prevention injection in Mpumalanga. The shot offers six months of protection per dose and will be rolled out nationally. Health officials say it could transform prevention efforts in high-risk areas. The rollout starts today at an event in Mpumalanga. Authorities hope the injectable will reduce new infections nationwide. We spoke t...

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre has filed an application in the North Gauteng High Court to suspend permits for arms exports to the United States. The non-governmental organisation argues the National Conventional Arms Control Committee should have cancelled the permits due to international law concerns. This is the first South African case seeking to stop arms sales to a permanent UN Securi...

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the North West Province has apologized after viral videos showed taxi patrollers confronting commuters in Hebron, Britz. The council says the conduct was unacceptable and does not reflect its values. The dispute centres on buses allegedly operating outside agreed peak-hour times on taxi routes. SANTACO and the North West Transport Department hav...

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

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng will hold a media briefing outside Wits University over high death rates linked to heart surgeries at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. The Cardiothoracic Department, run jointly by Wits Medical School and the Gauteng Health Department, faces scrutiny over mortality and morbidity allegations. DA Shadow MEC for Health Dr. Jack Bloom says new evidence shows a deepening cr...

The Gauteng High Court has dismissed the Information Regulator's appeal against publishing matric results. Yesterday the court refused leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, upholding a December order that allows results in newspapers and online. The Regulator had argued publication breached POPIA, but courts ruled the Department of Basic Education can continue the practice. Matric results will rem...

Tax season is approaching and the Office of the Tax Ombud is urging South Africans to prepare early. The Ombud says delays, penalties and stress often come from late filing or not knowing your rights with Sars. They advise taxpayers to be accurate and proactive and note independent help is available if disputes come up. We spoke to  Russel Mamabolo, Specialist Communications and Outreach at t...

Zimbabwe has been elected to a two-year non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. It is the country's third term on the body responsible for international peace and security. Zimbabwe will replace Somalia from the first of January and join the DRC and Liberia as the African A3 group on the Council. We spoke to Zanu PF Spokesperson, Farai Marapira.

The National Prosecuting Authority, NPA has reinstated prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba after his earlier suspension. Ntaba was suspended for failing to appear in the extortion case against Joe 'Ferrari' Sibanyoni, and was later found in contempt. On her last day, retired Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni authorised a warrant for his arrest. The Magistrates Commission confirms it received a supplementary N...

The Information Regulator has issued enforcement notices to Central Johannesburg TVET College and Sibanye Stillwater for breaking data protection and access laws. The college shared sensitive student details without safeguards, while Sibanye refused access to Social and Labour Plan records. Both must now take corrective action or face fines and possible jail time. We spoke to  Mfana Gwala, a...

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has suspended Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi's membership with immediate effect pending an internal corruption investigation. She has been instructed to hand over all party documents, records and assets. Philasande Mkhize has been appointed as Chief Whip with immediate effect. The MK Party also clarified that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla holds no official position and acts only as an...

National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza has rejected allegations of bias in the Section 89 impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa. African Transformation Movement MP, Vuyolwethu Zungula claimed Ms. Didiza had met the President's lawyers after the Constitutional Court's Phala Phala ruling and should recuse herself. Parliament called the claims false and said they were based on tabloi...

The Road Freight Association says South Africa's latest fuel price cut will offer limited relief for truckers. CEO Gavin Kelly warns that levies and structural costs are still pushing transport prices higher. He says the industry remains under pressure despite the adjustment. We spoke to road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly.

The latest fuel price adjustment has sparked strong criticism, with the Forum for South Africa accusing government of failing to shield citizens from rising living costs. FOSA argues that while global factors do play a role, the real issue lies in domestic policy. The organisation is now calling for urgent intervention, warning that continued increases could deepen poverty and economic strain. We...

The Civic Engagement Forum of Zimbabwe says about146 Zimbabwean nationals have reportedly been displaced in Daggafontein, Springs, east of Johannesburg, following recent attacks. Many are now reportedly homeless and have been given a 15 June deadline by community leaders to leave the area. The organisation warns of further displacement and a growing humanitarian risk. To elaborate further on the m...

Lawyers representing KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga will today file court papers to challenge her expulsion from the National Freedom Party, NFP. Her legal team says the process was procedurally unfair and will seek to stop the KZN Speaker from removing her. Ms. Shinga, the NFP's only MPL in KZN, had her appeal dismissed by the party's tribunal over the weekend. For more we spo...

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has condemned the killing of a 19-year-old man from Giyani during protests in the Western Cape. Nhlamulo Sambo was allegedly mistaken for an undocumented foreign national after he was heard speaking Xitsonga. In a statement, Mayibuye described his death as a failure of society. The movement said it rejects violence and vigilantism and would not associate with groups us...