First Take SA

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola says police are making progress in the investigation into the assassination of Marius Van Der Merwe, also known as Witness D. Van Der Merwe was shot and killed in front of his family last Friday in Brakpan, Johannesburg. Three people of interest have been identified and one has been taken in for questioning. He had testified in the Madlanga Com...

AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo is facing backlash after expressing support for Israel's actions in Gaza, saying the country can't be blamed for retaliating against Hamas and Palestine. The king was part of a delegation hosted by Israel's foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa'ar. Dalindyebo has accused South African leaders of spreading propaganda about the war in Gaza. Africa4Palestine Communi...

Workers at North West Transport Investment, or NTI, say they are facing an uncertain Christmas as their employer struggles to pay salaries due to a subsidy not being paid by the Gauteng Department of Transport. The South African Workers Union Ya Bashumi (SAWU) is heading to the Pretoria High Court today to fight for the workers' rights. Elvis Presslin spoke to the President of the South African Wo...

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has condemned the murder of Marius van der Merwe, a witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission. Van der Merwe was killed in front of his wife and children, an act the SACC describes as "witness-silencing" and "retribution for his truth-telling". The Council is calling for urgent action to protect witnesses and apprehend those responsible for t...

The Gauteng National Taxi Alliance has condemned the removal of taxis from the Fourways mall precinct In Johannesburg saying it's unacceptable. The alliance is urging authorities to engage with stakeholders and provide alternative arrangements to minimize disruption to commuters. The move has left many commuters without access to transportation and the alliance is calling for a resolution to the i...

The City of Tshwane says it is working to restore power supply to affected areas following days of heavy downpours. Several parts of Pretoria have been without power since Tuesday, with suburbs like Brooklyn, Sunnyside, Menlo Park, and Gezina among those affected. The Democratic Alliance has accused the city's administration of failing to respond to the crisis saying the situation is unacceptable....

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has condemned the recent surge in gun violence, including a mass shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria, that claimed 11 lives, including three minors and women. In a separate incident, Madlanga commission witness Marius van der Merwe was gunned down at his residence, prompting NATJOINTS, SANDF and the State Security Agency to convene a meeting to strengthen safety pro...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA is marching to the Office of the Presidency at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today to demand urgent intervention to save the country's smelters. The union is protesting massive job losses at companies like Glencore, Samancor and Almar Investments, with thousands of workers affected. NUMSA is calling for a bold industrial policy, including...

Communities across South Africa are marking the fourth annual International Khoikhoi Language Week, running from the first to the sixth of December. Activists, artists, educators and young people have issued a nationwide call to honour, revive and protect Khoekhoegowab, the Khoikhoi language once widely spoken across large parts of southern Africa. Elvis Presslin spoke to Toroga Denver -from Munan...

Former President Jacob Zuma has lost his bid to overturn a court order to repay nearly R29 million in legal fees. Justice Anthony Millar ruled that Zuma must settle the amount within 60 days or face asset seizure, including his presidential pension. Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal analyst, Melusi Xulu

ActionSA has rejected the Rates and Monetary Amounts Bill in the National Assembly, saying the legislation, as it stands, fuels the illicit economy and punishes legal business. Parliamentary member Alan Beesley told the House the country now has two economies: a legal one growing at barely one percent and an illegal one expanding at over six percent a year. He blamed repeated above-inflation excis...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU turns forty this weekend. COSATU, the country's largest union federation, will celebrate the milestone with a massive rally at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. The federation's history is marked by key roles in anti-apartheid activism and shaping post-1994 labour policies. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabe...

As the 2026 Legends Township Marathon approaches, Joe Morris, the legendary Founder of the Township Marathon, noted that the Marathon is a living, breathing testament to the enduring community spirit of Eldorado Park and has become a movement dedicated to health, youth empowerment, economic development, community resilience and social upliftment for nearly three decades. For more on the Township M...

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

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied allegations of corruption and misconduct, telling the Madlanga Commission he was trying to address EMPD's vehicle shortage and support injured officers. Mkhwanazi claims his collaboration with businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala was above board and senior management, including former Mayor Tania Campbell, w...

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the "Not In My Name Provincial Men's Indaba" in Bloemfontein, Freestate today. The event aims to mobilise men and boys to fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Elvis Presslin spoke to Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is brushing off talks of internal turmoil. Party president Floyd Shivambu is rejecting claims of a crisis saying the recent wave of resignations is normal in any growing organisation. Among those who have stepped down is first deputy president Robert Nwendo. But former deputy president Nolubabalo Mcinga has hit back saying the departures prove the party was built on em...

The National Union of Mineworkers, NUM marks its 43rd anniversary today with a main event in Matlosana in the North West. The Union was launched on this day in 1982 in Klerksdorp and quickly grew into one of the country's biggest union for black mineworkers. Founding General Secretary Cyril Ramaphosa, President James Motlatsi and Deputy president Elijah Barayi led the union in its early years. Thr...

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is facing fresh corruption allegations. AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit claims provincial prosecutors tried to shield him from charges by misleading the Hawks. The unit says it has proof the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to prosecute Mabuyane months ago, but falsely claimed more investigation was needed. The Hawks have contradicted this versio...

The MK Party has raised concern over South Africa's water crisis saying the country is already in a catastrophic situation. The party blames failed political leadership at all levels of government, citing collapsed water systems and municipalities. The party says national leadership is paralysed and local government is plagued by corruption and incompetence. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Member of Pa...

The National Assembly is to establish a new parliamentary committee with powers to scrutinise the Presidency. The portfolio committee will oversee the budget of the Presidency and hold both the President and Deputy President to account. The committee will have the power to investigate matters related to the President or Presidency and the Director General in the Presidency will be required to acco...

The Democratic Alliance, DA will today lay criminal charges of fraud against Tshwane Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise at the SAPS Brooklyn Police Station. The party says Modise is linked to irregular benefits from a City contract and his presence at a crime strategy briefing raises concerns. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jacqui Uys, DA Tshwane Caucus Chief Whip

South Africa is joining the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga is calling for a disability-inclusive society saying it's crucial for social cohesion, equality and national development. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tshifhiwa Matodzi, a person with a disability

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has announced that Ithala Bank depositors will finally be able to access their funds before Christmas, bringing relief to over 250,000 customers who have been unable to withdraw their money since 2023. The National Treasury has released a R2.2 billion guarantee, paving the way for depositors to regain access to their money. Premier Ntuli apologized to those affect...

The South African National Taxi Council, SANTACO has launched its Hlokomela Festive Season campaign, aiming to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for commuters during the holiday season. The campaign, which started in November, will run until January next year. The campaign includes roadworthiness checks, safety awareness activations, and engagements with Hlokomela Champions across nine pr...