First Take SA

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...

The African Transformation Movement, ATM has slammed the Eastern Cape Department of Education for its failures of allegedly putting students at a disadvantage. The National Department of Basic Education has withheld R529.8 million in funding due to the province's inability to meet required standards. The party says the move comes as no surprise, given the dire state of schools in the Eastern Cape....

Controversial Northwest businessman and alleged associate of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Brown Mogotsi is testifying at the Madlanga Commission today and tomorrow. The Commission is investigating allegations of police corruption and is currently in its second phase, giving implicated individuals a chance to respond to allegations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will today deliver a keynote address at the G20 Social Summit's opening ceremony in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The two-day summit aims to amplify the voices of civil society, grassroots organisations and communities, focusing on global issues affecting them. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela

Activists and Citizens Forum has hailed Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as a hero for his courage in exposing corruption and infiltration in the criminal justice system. Activists and Citizens Forum Spokesperson, Dennis Bloem says Mkhwanazi's testimony before the Madlanga Commission has sparked a wave of hope for millions of South Africans who are facing trauma and intimidation in their work...

Residents of Schubart Park are gearing up for a crucial court battle against the City of Tshwane. The hearing, scheduled for today and tomorrow at the North Gauteng High Court, will determine the fate of hundreds of families facing eviction. The City claims to have met the requirements of a previous Constitutional Court ruling, which favoured the residents. However, residents argue this is a thinl...

Heavy rainfall and flooding continue to grip parts of the country. This after the South African Weather Service issued a Level 9 warning for Gauteng and Mpumalanga for persistent adverse weather conditions. More downpours are expected today with possible localised flooding. Level 5 alerts remain for Free State, North West and KwaZulu-Natal. Motorists are urged to must steer clear of low-lying road...

The African Christian Democratic Party, ACDP is questioning the arrival of 153 Palestinian refugees in South Africa, citing potential breaches of immigration laws. The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport last week with reports suggesting intervention by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola allowed them to enter the country. ACDP Deputy President, Wayne...

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union, SADTU, is condemning US President Donald Trump's claims that Afrikaners are victims of genocide in South Africa. The union calls these statements "false and inflammatory, saying they're an attempt to distort South Africa's democratic reality and sow racial division. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has also rejected Trump's claims, calling them a sour...

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

153 Palestinian travellers have been allowed into South Africa after being initially denied entry at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. The group, who arrived on a charter flight from Kenya, were held at the airport due to incomplete documentation. But after intervention from the charity Gift of the Givers, they were admitted into the country. The travellers are eligible for 90-day vis...

Cape Town is experiencing a wave of gang-related violence, with over 30 people killed in just a few days. Residents are speaking out, saying Premier Alan Winde's government isn't doing enough to stop the bloodshed. The Western Cape has seen 63 children murdered between April and August, mostly due to gang violence. Winde recently released a report on alleged police infiltration by the 28s gang, bu...