First Take SA

The Department of Basic Education has launched new Grade 4 assessments designed to improve foundational learning. The assessments are aligned with the Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education Framework and will be conducted in both home languages and English. This dual-language approach is expected to provide a clearer picture of learner progress and help educators target support more effectively....

The National Prosecuting Authority's Men Ambassadors are hosting a silent picket in Pretoria today to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV campaign. Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Anton du Plessis will deliver a keynote address at the event, which aims to show the NPA's commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Elvis Presslin spoke to D...

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

Parliament has exposed a chaotic licensing system that leaves South African spaza owners struggling while foreign-owned shops benefit from lax enforcement. MPs revealed that locals face confiscations and red tape, yet foreign traders receive most approved licenses. The Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development has heard that the Spaza Shop Support Fund has barely reached appli...

Parliament's standing committee on appropriations has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, seeking clarity on the costs of hosting this weekend's G20 Leaders Summit. Committee chair Dr. Mmusi Maimane says the committee wants to ensure public funds were managed prudently, as hosting the summit served as an opportunity for South Africa to showcase itself to the world. Dr. Maimane spoke to E...

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has welcomed the decision to classify Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a national disaster. The National Disaster Management Centre concluded that GBV meets the threshold of a potential disaster, citing persistent and immediate life-safety risks. The classification calls on all government departments to stren...

The South African Police Service has confirmed that Ms Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma - Mncube has opened a criminal case at the Sandton police station against Ms Duduzile Zuma, Ms Siphokasi Xuma and Mr Blessing Khosa. The case is in relation to seventeen South African men who are allegedly trapped in the Ukraine/Russian War. Ms Mncube claims the men were lured to Russia under false pretences and handed...

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) says it congratulates the Republic of South Africa for hosting exceptionally well, the historic G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The youth league says the Summit is groundbreaking, not only because it was held on African soil under South Africa's capable leadership, but also because it has remained steadfast and focused despite deliberate attempts by U...

Global and local partners are intensifying efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in South Africa. A high-level policy dialogue at the G20 Social Summit brought together government leaders, experts and NGOs to share best practices and strengthen collective action. Cervical cancer is one of the country's most pressing public health threats and the WHO has set a 2030 goal to eliminate the disease. Elv...

The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association is calling for urgent action to resolve the province's shebeen permit crisis. Thousands of township businesses and jobs are at risk due to delays and regulatory contradictions. Shebeen permits were meant to be a temporary measure to help informal traders enter the formal economy, but six years after a court order, the issue remains unresolved. Elvis Presslin...

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

NUMSA, Women For Change alongside other women advocacy groups will today stage a national shutdown in protest against alarming levels of gender-based violence in South Africa. Demonstrations are planned in Gauteng, Freestate, Western Cape and other provinces. The shutdown, led by Women for Change, urges South Africans to show solidarity by changing their profile pictures to purple. Elvis Presslin...

The ANC Women's League has called on the government to declare GBV a national crisis and to implement stricter parole regulations for individuals convicted of gender-based violence and femicide. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Women's League, Secretary General, Nokuthula Nqaba

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board is urging learners to avoid so-called "Pens Down parties" planned for this week, citing concerns over safety and excessive drinking. Reports of gatherings in various parts of the province have been referred to law enforcement. Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape Liquor Board Spokesperson, Dr. Mgwebi Msiya

Operation Dudula will hold a peaceful protest in Johannesburg during the G20 Leaders' Summit this weekend to highlight concerns about unemployment, crime and access to services, which they blame on illegal immigration. The protest comes as South Africa hosts world leaders for the G20 Summit. Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula

The South African Youth Council in the Eastern Cape is celebrating a small victory after meeting with government officials. Over 2000 young people were struggling to get stipends for an internship programme but the council's efforts have led to some progress. The programme, funded by the Office of the Premier had been plagued by payment delays from the start. Elvis Presslin spoke to Provincial Spo...

The Democratic Alliance, DA will today picket outside Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's office to demand accountability for the Tembisa Hospital scandal. The party wants criminal charges laid against those implicated and seized assets sold to reimburse the hospital. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Dr. Jack Bloom

The National Housing Finance Corporation has placed its Chief Executive Officer, Azola Mayekiso on precautionary suspension with immediate effect. The decision follows serious allegations of corruption against the CEO and parallel probes by public watchdogs. Elvis Presslin spoke to Satish Roopa, Chair of Human Capital Committee at the National Housing Finance Corporation

ANC MP Malusi Gigaba has stepped down from his official duties after being charged with corruption related to a multi-billion-rand Transnet tender. The ANC has welcomed the move, citing the party's "step aside" rule. The party states the move shows discipline, maturity and revolutionary consciousness. This week Gigaba appeared in court alongside four co-accused. The ANC has stressed that stepping...

The Congress of South African Students, COSAS in Gauteng has rolled out support programmes for matric pupils currently writing their final exams. The student led organisation is offering guidance to Grade 12 learners on managing exam pressure and stress as learners under pressure often battle anxiety and sleeplessness. Elvis Presslin spoke to Koketso Maphosa, COSAS Gauteng Acting Provincial Secret...

The Global Business Forum for G20 kicks off today, the summit will focus on recommendations from eight B20 Task Forces. The Business 20 serves as the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mr. Elias Monage, President of the Black Business Council

North West businessman Brown Mogotsi dropped a bombshell at the Madlanga Commission yesterday. Under oath, Mogotsi claimed KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini both have ties to the American Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA. Mogotsi told the commission the alleged links date back years and involve direct contact with US int...

A new study has revealled a deepening hunger crisis in South Africa. The study commissioned by FoodForward SA reveals how rising food prices and unemployment leave many households unable to afford adequate nutrition. FoodForward SA hopes to guide national food security strategies in the country based on the findings. Elvis Presslin spoke to Fund Development Manager at FoodForward SA, Mahbobah (Bob...

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

A dispute over the Please Call Me invention payout is heating up, with Black Rock Mining claiming 40% of the reported R700 million from Vodacom. Inventor Nkosana Makate says Black Rock is owed nothing. Makate and his team have agreed to hold onto 40% of the payout, around R280 million, pending a court hearing in December. The remaining 60% is free to be disbursed. To look into the legal aspect of...