First Take SA

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 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is set to kick off in Cape Town this weekend. The event features a 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday and a 21.1km Half Marathon on Sunday. Over 30,000 runners are expected to participate in the iconic event. A new board was appointed to improve race standards after last year's disruptions. Elvis Presslin spoke to our very own SAfm producer and runner, Marumo...

The South African Communist Party in Gauteng has welcomed the eventual adoption of the province's 2026/27 budget, following an initial failure to secure enough support in the legislature. Valued at approximately R179.2 billion, the budget is critical to funding key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services in South Africa's economic hub. Elvis Presslin spoke to N...

The ANC is set to formally open interviews for metro mayoral candidates this week. The selection process is currently underway. The final list of candidates will be made public by the end of May. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC National spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri

DA NCOP Member on Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell says one week of army deployment on the Cape Flats has delivered no credible plan, no measurable results and far fewer troops than promised. The DA says despite the presence of soldiers, violence continues unabated. Nine people were shot in Mitchell's Plain this week alone, including children in a brazen attack at a taxi rank. Critics argue...

The South African National AIDS Council, SANAC has welcomed the arrival of the ground-breaking HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir. The twice-yearly injectable is said to be a game-changer in HIV prevention, particularly for high-burden countries like South Africa. SANAC is pushing for local manufacturing to enhance sustainability and affordability. Elvis Presslin spoke to  Gertrude Mngola, Heal...

DignitySA is taking its campaign for medical assistance in dying to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. The organisation will ask the court to declare the current ban on assisted dying unconstitutional. If successful, Parliament will have 24 months to draft new legislation. DignitySA, which will hold a media briefing today says it's a matter of personal choice and dignity. The application wi...

Teaching and learning in Eldorado Park schools are once again under threat due to electricity disconnections, as concerns grow over funding shortfalls and rising municipal costs. The Democratic Alliance says the Gauteng Department of Education is shifting responsibility onto schools without providing adequate financial support to cover essential services. The DA is now calling on Gauteng Education...

The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran, calling them "reckless and dangerous". Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, warning that a "whole civilization will die" if Tehran fails to meet his demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The federation warns that Trump's rhetoric represents a real and present...

ActionSA Member of Parliament, Dereleen James is expected to lay criminal charges against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe at the Cape Town Central Police Station. The move follows allegations that the minister failed to declare luxury vehicles allegedly received from Chinese officials, raising serious questions about transparency and compliance with parliamentary disclosure rules. James...

 Plettenberg Bay residents are calling for tough disciplinary steps against Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi after a video surfaced in December 2025 showing her allegedly firing a gun in public at a welcome home ceremony for initiates. The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed she is facing charges, though no court date has been set. The ANC in the Western Cape has stepped up pressu...

Police Sergeant Fannie Nkosi will remain in jail until April 13th after his bail hearing was postponed. Nkosi faces charges including theft and possession of illegal ammunition, following a raid at his Pretoria home. The Forum for South Africa, FOSA says Nkosi's arrest must be the start of a wider probe. FOSA warns against targeting only middlemen while the real culprits go free. We spoke to FOSA'...

The Motor Industry Staff Association, MISA is calling for government action to reduce paraffin prices, which have risen by R11.67 per litre. MISA says the price hike will worsen energy poverty and food insecurity for millions of South Africans who rely on paraffin for cooking, heating, and lighting. The association is urging the government to implement targeted subsidies for paraffin and invest in...

A police Captain is appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court today, facing allegations of defrauding the South African Police Service (SAPS) of millions of rand. The 53-year-old is accused of manipulating the finance system to withdraw cash meant for presidential protectors' expenses. In a separate case, a police Sergeant who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission is also due in cou...

The South African National Civic Organisation, SANCO in Gauteng has rejected Premier Panyaza Lesufi's recent cabinet reshuffle and called for his immediate resignation. The civic organisation says the changes sideline the Alliance and insult residents. SANCO is criticising the appointment of former Ekurhuleni Finance MMC Nkululeko Dunga to the Finance portfolio in Gauteng. SANCO has also condemned...

A look at the current top African economic stories with 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... 

Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow & Director At Africa Asia Dialogues says US President Donald Trump’s threats to Iran are not good for the world.  This follows US President Donald Trump’s comments that Iran faces destruction if it refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The comments come as efforts intensify to revive a ceasefire between Iran and the US. Trump was brief...

The Federation of Unions of South Africa FEDUSA says it backs the suspension of University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu. The move follows a forensic investigation into irregular executive appointments. FEDUSA had previously called for Buhlungu to step down due to governance concerns. We spoke to FEDUSA's General Secretary, Riefdah Ajam...

As South Africa prepares for the busy Easter travel period, the South African National Taxi Council, SANTACO is ramping up efforts to improve road safety through its Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign. With thousands of commuters expected to travel across provinces such as Limpopo for religious pilgrimages and family gatherings, traffic volumes are set to rise significantly. We spoke to Rebecca Phala,...

The Democratic Alliance has urged authorities to investigate the Patriotic Alliance and its leader Gayton McKenzie over allegations linking them to alleged organised crime and the drug trade. Western Cape Metro Chairperson, JP Smith wants SAPS, SARS, the Hawks and IEC to probe funding, lifestyle and other potential offences. The call follows allegations surfaced in public discourse and the Madlang...

Gauteng's new MECs are set to be sworn in today after Premier Panyaza Lesufi reshuffled his cabinet. The EFF's Nkululeko Dunga takes over as Finance MEC, while Lebogang Maile moves to education replacing MEC, Matome Chiloane. Lesufi says changes aim to stabilise government and boost the economy. The EFF welcomes Dunga's appointment, citing his pro-poor track record. For more we're joined by EFF Ga...

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is commemorating World Autism Month today. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga is expected to receive a memorandum from Autism Matters RSA and partners in Cape Town. The event highlights South Africa's push for an inclusive society for people on the autism spectrum. For more we spoke to Phuti Mabelebele, Chief Director for Advocacy and Mainstrea...

The University of Fort Hare's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, has been placed on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending the outcome of a disciplinary process. The decision follows a forensic investigation into irregularities in the appointment processes of two executive directors. According to the university, the suspension is a holding measure and does not constitute a disci...

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa, GIWUSA  says the government's temporary R3 fuel levy reduction falls far short of what is needed. President Mametlwe Sebei says while the move shows government recognises the crisis, it does little against a R6 petrol and R10 diesel hike. Sebei says working-class families will still bear the brunt of the increases. The union is repeating i...

The Democratic Alliance, DA says it welcomes the R3 fuel levy decrease announced by the Finance Minister, following the party's call for relief. However, the opposition party says the over R7 diesel and R2 petrol price increases will still hurt budgets. The DA is concerned about how the relief will be funded saying spending must be made more efficient. To elaborate further on their sentiments, her...