First Take SA

Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests has ordered former Higher Education Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane to apologise in the National Assembly for gross misconduct and misleading Parliament on SETA board appointments. The committee says Nkabane, now ANC Deputy Chief Whip allowed alleged political interference and her advisor to effectively control the process. Elvis Presslin...

The Department of Tourism has invited public comment on a proposed Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals, which could lead to mandatory regulations. The code may allow municipalities to reclassify residential properties as commercial, increasing rates and taxes. Hosts and guests are concerned about privacy, with the code requiring platforms to share user data. The public has 60 days to comm...

At least 34 Gauteng schools are non-compliant with health and safety regulations, posing a threat to learners and teachers, this according to the Democratic Alliance, DA. The party is calling for urgent action to address the issue. MEC Matome Chiloane says all schools have safety committees, but the DA questions the department's approach. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA's Shadow MEC of Education, Sergi...

Some South Africans have reignited calls to deport foreign nationals serving prison sentences in the country to alleviate overcrowding and the financial burden on taxpayers. Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald says around 26,000 foreign prisoners are costing the state approximately R463 per day each. That's around R11 million a year. Dr. Groenewald wants to send them back to their...

Lobby group, AfriForum has won a court battle against Eskom, forcing the power utility to reveal its coal contracts. The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Eskom's appeal, ordering the release of contracts for coal, diesel and electricity supply to neighbouring countries. The court ruled the public has a right to access the contracts. AfriForum plans to scrutinise the contracts for irregularities....

ActionSA has formally lodged complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament's Ethics Committee following serious allegations that senior Democratic Alliance, DA public representatives have received additional "top-up" payments from the party in potential violation of the Constitution. In the same breath, the EFF in Tshwane say they will write to the speaker and chief whip of Tshwane council t...

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... 

The Motor Industry Staff Association, MISA says it agrees with Deputy President Paul Mashatile that workers need support to adapt to Artificial Intelligence. Mashatile is challenging labour federations to develop a Digital Workers' Charter. He warns that AI can improve efficiency but demands new skills and it could reshape jobs. Elvis Presslin spoke to MISA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola

The SABC has cancelled Face the Nation, citing cost and scheduling changes. The move follows allegations of censorship and political interference, which the SABC and Presidency deny. The ANC equally rejects claims that it tried to influence programming at the public broadcaster. Elvis Presslin spoke to Presidency Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya 

The Public Servants Association, PSA has slammed the North West Education Department for downplaying a massive R100 million ghost-employee payroll scandal an isolated incident. Auditor-General findings point to alleged deep systemic failures and negligence in the department's financial controls. The Union is demanding full accountability and wants both the Head of Department and CFO to step down i...

The South African Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Gauteng, excluding the City of Tshwane today. Heavy downpours, localised flooding, hail and damaging winds are expected. Elvis Presslin spoke to forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela for more

The Democratic Alliance, DA plans to approach the Madlanga Commission with allegations of corruption in Tshwane. DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink says Deputy Mayor, Eugene Modise has undeclared interests in security and water tanker companies. Brink claims funds meant for infrastructure were diverted to politically connected entities. Modise has denied wrongdoing. For reaction, we're joined by...

Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie is facing intimidation charges after ActionSA MP, Dereleen James accused him of threatening her. The row started when James questioned McKenzie's travel expenses and Kenny Kunene's links to alleged crime figure Katiso Molefe. McKenzie had accused James of spreading lies about him on Facebook Live. ActionSA plans to lay charges against the minister. McKenzie denies...

The Gauteng Department of Health is taking steps to recover R4.6 billion in outstanding patient fees. A significant portion, R2.4 billion, is owed by self-paying patients, including foreign nationals. The department has appointed debt collectors and is targeting traceable debt categories. Elvis Presslin spoke to Siyabonga Jikwana, Chief Director  of Health Economics and Finance at the Gauteng...

ANC in the Tshwane Metro reacts to the allegations of Tender fraud that involves the City's Chief Financial Officer. ANC Tshwane region spokesperson is Joel Masilela

The Congress of the People, COPE is calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu immediately. This follows revelations that Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, unilaterally disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) without consulting  President Ramaphosa. COPE says Mchunu's actions show poor judgment and a lack of accountability and that his remova...

The Freedom Front Plus In Tshwane has submitted an urgent motion to investigate Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi and possible political interference in a multimillion-rand security tender. The move follows evidence presented to the Madlanga Commission, revealing WhatsApp messages and lists of preferred companies, allegedly linked to the EFF and ActionSA. The opposition party claims the current...

As South Africa commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, many are questioning whether the country's democracy has delivered on its promises. Despite progress, communities continue to face water shortages, electricity instability and collapsing infrastructure, sparking widespread protests. City of Tshwane Researcher, Lesego Mahlangu, in her personal capacity, argues that local government has fai...

A top official at Kgosi Mampuru Prison is facing calls for immediate suspension following allegations of a close relationship with murder accused Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told a parliamentary committee that Matlala received preferential treatment, including access to a cellphone. Matlala was recently transferred to a maximum-security prison in Kokstad. Activist...

The African Transformation Movement, ATM is calling for an investigation into the reported coronation of a Nigerian "king" in East London. The party says the move undermines South Africa's laws and traditional leadership institutions. ATM is urging authorities, including Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, to look into the matter. The party's Parliamentary Leader,...

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

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has appointed law firm KRM Inc to investigate the death of 10-year-old Milton Neo Mokgoatsane, who was killed when a goal post fell on him at Reagile Primary School in Tembisa. The investigation will look into allegations surrounding the incident and recommend action. MEC Chiloane met with the family and school officials to outline the probe's terms. The law...

The City of Tshwane is facing fresh corruption allegations over 31-point-7 million Rand Water tanker contracts awarded to companies linked to Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise. Modise resigned as director of one company following the payments. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink is also urging further investigation into the R777 million water project, which is already under scrutiny by the Special Invest...

Environment Minister, Willie Aucamp has decided to push ahead and rule on appeals against environmental authorisations for key offshore oil and gas exploration projects. The decision comes against a backdrop of sharply rising global oil prices fueled by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantash...

The Department of Home Affairs is facing pressure to insource over 4 years contracted workers who are part of the Digitisation Programme. Civic group Soil of Africa, representing the workers, says it's unfair for the department to downgrade these employees to insecure month-to-month contracts. The group is planning a march to the Department of Home Affairs and the Union Buildings today to demand p...