First Take SA

The South African Communist Party, SACP will hold its annual commemoration for struggle icon Joe Slovo today in Soweto. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila is set to deliver the keynote address at the Heroes' Acre in Avalon Cemetery. Alliance partners, including representatives from the ANC and Cosatu, are expected to attend the event. This comes against a backdrop of ongoing strains in the tripa...

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns in a New York federal court. Maduro was captured by US forces in Caracas on Saturday and transported to the US for trial. During his court appearance, Maduro claimed he was "kidnapped" and remains Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro's...

A 54-hour water shutdown is set to begin in Johannesburg from today at 4pm, with the city warning it could take seven days to fully recover. The shutdown is part of Rand Water's planned maintenance programme, affecting areas including Roodepoort, Fleurhof, Doornkop, Meadowlands and Braamfischerville. Executive Mayor Dada Morero says residents should store water and use it sparingly during this tim...

As the 2026 academic year kicks off, education experts are emphasizing the importance of structured goal-setting for learners. According to Ntsako Mhlanga, founder of Learnergy, many students struggle due to unclear goals, poor routines, and limited accountability. Mhlanga advises parents and guardians to help learners set clear, subject-based academic goals, focus on routine and consistency and s...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has strongly condemned the US military attack on Venezuela. NUMSA has called the attack an "undemocratic, dictatorial, and unilateral attack" on the Democratic Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. NUMSA accuses US President Donald Trump of being a "savage, ruthless bully and champion of colonialism and imperialism" and calls on Americans to h...

FF Plus leader Dr. Corné Mulder has welcomed the news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture, stating that the end of the socialist failure in Venezuela should be celebrated. Mulder says the strong condemnation from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the ANC minister doesn't represent his party's views or those of all South Africans. Maduro was c...

Residents of Soshanguve and East Lynne in Tshwane are expressing frustration and anger after enduring prolonged electricity outages since December, followed by water disruptions. The City of Tshwane says it's working around the clock to restore power, but residents claim little progress has been made, with some areas still without electricity. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Metro Leader, Cilli...

Thousands of travellers are still crossing into South Africa at the Beitbridge Border Post, with many returning to work after travelling to neighbouring countries for the festive season. The Border Management Authority (BMA) is warning travellers to have all required documents ready, as lawlessness will not be tolerated. The BMA has deployed drone technology to strengthen border control and manage...

Inmates in South African prisons have written to EFF leader Julius Malema, accusing Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald of racism and subjecting them to "cruel and inhumane" conditions. The inmates claim conditions have worsened under Groenewald, with limited phone access, poor diet, and few parole releases. They're urging Malema to take legal action to have Groenewald's appointme...

South African activist groups have strongly condemned the United States' bombing of Venezuela, describing it as a "violent act of US military aggression". Africa4Palestine and Anti-Fascist International alleges the attack is motivated by Venezuela's oil and rare earth minerals. The country's President Nicolas Maduro has been captured by US forces. Elvis Presslin spoke to Board Member of Africa4Pal...

The appointment of the new National Director of Public Prosecutions, NDPP is under scrutiny, with calls for the process to remain apolitical. The current state of the NPA is a concern, with crucial cases being lost, including those related to corruption, rape, and state capture. Activists and the Citizens Forum are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritize the country's interests over party p...

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the key political events that defined South Africa. The Government of National Unity endured amid intense negotiations and disputes over budget and policy differences, following the ANC's historic loss of majority in 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the landmark G20 summit in Johannesburg, the first on African soil, though US President Donald Trump boy...

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli faces a critical test today as a motion of no confidence against him is put to a vote in the provincial legislature. The motion, brought by the MK Party, cites allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. Ntuli, however remains unfazed, insisting his government is stable and focused on service delivery. The EFF has announced its support for the motion, w...

The South African Local Government Association, SALGA is urging the National Treasury to release funds owed to 75 municipalities. The National Treasury reportedly withheld the Local Government Equitable Share due to non-compliance with financial regulations. SALGA argues that the Treasury didn't follow proper procedures and didn't provide clear communication to municipalities, making it hard for t...

As the school holidays get underway, The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children has called on parents and caregivers to prioritize child safety. Clinical Director Shaheda Omar says while the festive season is a time for celebration, it's also a period of increased risk for young people. With the festive season in full swing, Our senior producer Ronald Phiri spoke to Ms. Omar, about how to keep a wa...

The United Africans Transformation, UAT party is calling for the dissolution of the Government of National Unity, citing its inability to function effectively due to internal conflicts and policy disagreements. The party says the GNU is a "coalition in chaos", unable to provide stable leadership or deliver on its promises. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mighty Mabule, UAT National Spokesperson

AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has lost his membership with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after visiting Israel and expressing support for the country's actions in Gaza. EFF leader Julius Malema says the King's actions went against the party's stance on Israel but emphasizes that this won't affect the party's relationship with the royal family and the AbaThembu people. The King's trip...

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

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed SACP members on ANC election committees to step aside from planning meetings. The directive comes after the SACP formally resolved to contest the 2026 local government elections independently for the first time since 1994. Ramaphosa says dual members cannot take part in ANC strategy discussions while the SACP is preparing to stand against the governing party....

The Department of Health is marking Universal Health Coverage Day today. The day aims to push governments to speed up efforts to ensure everyone gets quality healthcare without financial strain. Elvis Presslin spoke to Moremi Nkosi, Chief Director for National Health Insurance, at the Department of Health

The Democratic Alliance is threatening legal action to block the appointment of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions . The party cites concerns over the alleged flawed interview process. The DA had previously called for Advocate Menzi Simelane's removal from the shortlist, but Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the DA's case lacks merit. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Suhayfa Bhamjee...

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will today brief the media on a marking irregularity in this year's Matric exams. The Minister is expected to outline measures to safeguard the integrity of the National Senior Certificate results. Elvis Presslin spoke to Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta

The Pan Africanist Congress, PAC will hold its National Elective Congress in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape today until Sunday. Delegates are expected to discuss organisational matters, political direction, policy positions and the election of new leadership. The PAC says the congress will realign the movement with its core principles of African self-determination, continental unity, land restoration and...

The National Empowerment Fund CEO, Mziwabantu Dayimani says South Africa's broad-based BEE codes are working, citing significant gains in ownership and skills development. However, challenges persist in enterprise and supplier development, with uneven progress across sectors. Dayimani argues that BEE remains crucial for inclusive economic growth and addressing inequality. Mr. Dayimani spoke to Elv...

The ANC's top leadership has rejected the idea of SACP members holding dual membership with the party, amid a row over the SACP's decision to contest elections outside the tripartite alliance. The ANC's secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, says the party's national executive committee has given the SACP an ultimatum: to backtrack on its decision or lose its ANC membership. Elvis Presslin spoke to CO...