First Take SA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has tabled a motion in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to address the growing impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on farmers and food security. The party is calling for urgent and transparent action from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, including the public release of a vaccine distribution plan and the introduction of...

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has announced changes to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team. Mike Mabuyakhulu will replace Jeff Radebe as PTT convenor. Radebe is set to be redeployed elsewhere. Mbalula says the remaining team members will be named next week. The announcement was made yesterday. We spoke to COSATU KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary, Edwin Mkhize.

EFF Leader Julius Malema returns to the dock this morning as the East London Magistrate's Court prepares to decide his sentence in the firearm discharge case. The EFF leader was convicted last year after firing a rifle into the air at a 2018 rally in Mdantsane. The state wants him jailed for up to 15 years, calling the act reckless and dangerous. Malema's lawyers are pushing for a non-custodial se...

The City of Tshwane will begin disciplinary proceedings against CFO Gareth Mnisi after Council rejected his written arguments against suspension. Mnisi faces allegations of tender rigging and procurement irregularities raised at the Madlanga Commission. He was placed on precautionary suspension yesterday. ActionSA has welcomed the suspension. We spoke to Henriette Frohlich, ActionSA Tshwane Caucus...

The Public Servants Association, PSA says the Information Regulator's move from Persal to Sage was poorly executed without a clear plan or staff consultation. The regulator migrated to Sage 360 in April to improve efficiency and compliance. The PSA claims staff were terminated from Persal unknowingly, bonuses face double taxation and GEMS medical aid has been disrupted. But the Regulator says sala...

The appointment of Roelf Meyer as ambassador has sparked mixed reactions across South Africa, with some praising his experience and others questioning the decision. Meyer, known for his role in South Africa's transition to democracy, has been both commended for his negotiation skills and criticised over concerns about representation and political alignment. President Cyril Ramaphosa says he believ...

The MK Party is mourning the loss of Lindiwe Mkhwanazi, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, who passed away on Monday after a short illness. The party says Mkhwanazi joined the legislature in June 2024 and served with dedication and integrity. We spoke to MK Party Gauteng Provincial Legislature Spokesperson, Bafana Mahlabe.

The DA is set to grill Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Maropene Ramokgopa over allegations she received undisclosed luxury vehicles. The party says the gifts, if proven, breach the Executive Ethics Code. The DA says it will submit parliamentary questions and pursue accountability if needed. We spoke to Darren Bergman, MP and DA Spokesperson on Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation.

The Public Servants Association, PSA is accusing the Information Regulator of leadership failure, citing unpaid salaries, lost benefits and unsafe working conditions. The Union says a flawed payroll system switch has left employees struggling financially. The PSA threatens legal action if outstanding salaries and reinstatement of benefits are not resolved. To respond to the allegations, We spoke t...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed veteran politician Roelf Meyer as South Africa's new ambassador to the United States. The move comes as Pretoria seeks to repair ties with Washington following a challenging period of strained relations. Meyer, 78, replaces Ebrahim Rasool in the role. Meyer played a key role in South Africa's democratic transition. For reaction, We spoke to Dr. Emmanuel Mata...

ActionSA hits out against a R16 million fleet procurement scandal  ActionSA has hit out at Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo for allegedly shielding Emfuleni Local Municipality over a R16 million fleet procurement scandal. The party says the municipality paid for 17 cars but received only six, with one later vanishing, yet provided no proper answer...

FEDUSA and COSATU are pushing back against a 9.5% increase in GEMS contributions, calling it unaffordable for public servants. Labour unions say the hike deepens financial strain amid a cost-of-living crisis. GEMS has proceeded with the increase despite union objections. FEDUSA says the issue reflects a broader national concern about the affordability of healthcare, as many South Africans are incr...

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 African Transformation Movement, ATM has lodged an impeachment motion against President Cyril Ramaphosa. This follows a report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate on the Phala Phala farm theft probe. The party alleges a cover-up involving senior police officers, including General Wally Rhoode. The motion is now with National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza. Elvis Presslin spoke t...

Pope Leo has begun an 11-day African tour with a visit to Algeria, the first by a Catholic pontiff. The trip aims to promote peace, interfaith dialogue and highlight Africa's growing importance to the Church. The Pope is expected to address issues like migration, stability and corruption. Despite Algeria having a small Catholic population, the visit is seen as a powerful gesture of unity between C...

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has welcomed the recent arrest of three police officials in Klerksdorp accused of corruption and extortion, describing it as a positive step toward restoring integrity within law enforcement. The arrests have sparked renewed calls for intensified efforts to eliminate corruption within policing structures. The MRM is now calling for stronger c...

A third passenger bus transporting undocumented foreign nationals in the Free State province was intercepted this past weekend. Of the 55 passengers on board, 29, including seven minors, were found to be undocumented. The incident also raised serious safety concerns, as the bus reportedly had a non-functional door, defective trailer brakes, and worn tyres. Additionally, the driver was allegedly op...

Newly elected Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis will kick off a community engagement tour in Gauteng today. He'll be joined by senior party officials, including new DA Federal Chairperson Solly Msimanga, Helen Zille and Cilliers Brink. This follows the party's Federal Congress, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg at the weekend. The tour is expected to focu...

FOSA: recent deportation figures proof of failed border management system The Forum for South Africa, FOSA says recent deportation figures are not a success but rather proof of a failed border management system. This after Home Affairs announced that nearly 110,000 undocumented immigrants were deported over the past two years. But FOSA argues this is a result of a system that allows illegal immigr...

Three political parties, GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi and BOSA have scrapped plans to contest the 2026 local government elections under the Unite for Change banner. The parties say integrating their structures and activists proved too complex to implement before the election. Instead, they will contest the elections individually and pursue consolidation afterwards. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rise Mzansi l...

The ANC and its Youth League is outraged following the arrest of a 58-year-old man accused of raping a minor in Dobsonville, Soweto. The man, a prominent pastor and social media influencer, is expected to appear in court. The league says he has no place in the ANC or any leadership position if guilty. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Gauteng Provincial Deputy Coordinator, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

The Democratic Alliance is gearing up for its Federal Congress in Midrand this weekend. Over 2,000 delegates are expected, with several candidates vying for the top leadership positions. The congress will also consider constitutional amendments and policy proposals. Voting for Federal Council positions has already begun. The event is set to be the party's biggest yet. For analysis on the matter, E...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has welcomed the Protected Disclosures Bill, released for public comment, which aims to protect whistleblowers from victimisation. The Bill provides legislative interventions in response to the Zondo Commission and COSATU's proposals. However, COSATU is concerned that public servants are excluded from rewards for whistleblowing. The federation is...

Defend Our Democracy has welcomed new laws aimed at professionalising the public sector. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Public Administration Management Amendment Act and the Public Service Amendment Act. The laws aim to prevent political interference in government appointments. Martha Ngoye, Acting Director at Defend Our Democracy and a Whistleblower, spoke to Elvis Presslin

ActionSA says the Department of Health spent over R800 000 on a disciplinary process against an official who exposed alleged tender fraud. The party claims this is a misuse of public funds meant for critical health interventions. The official, Advocate Maile Ngake, reported irregularities amounting to R1.2 billion. The Hawks are now investigating procurement processes. ActionSA is calling for tran...