First Take SA

The Public Servants Association (PSA) is calling for urgent intervention by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to address the escalating crisis in the South African judiciary. Lower Court Judges are protesting nationwide, citing systemic neglect of their conditions of service and remuneration. The PSA says the judges, who handle 95% of the country's judicial workload, have not...

The National Union of Mineworkers and South African Communist Party (SACP) are set to lead a protest outside the Western Cape provincial legislature today, demanding action against violent crime and corruption. The protest, led by SACP General-Secretary Solly Mapaila and NUM President Phillip Vilakazi, comes as gang violence continues to plague the Cape Flats, with multiple people dying in mass sh...

The deputy Chief of Police in the City of Ekurhuleni Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi was at the centre of the Madlanga Commission yesterday. This for his links with attempted murder accused and alleged cartel member Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Testimony before the Madlanga Commission has demonstrated that Brigadier Mkhwanazi signed two memorandums of understanding with Matlala's security company. This was...

The Democratic Alliance, DA has accused Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela of filling Sector Education and Training Authority boards with ANC loyalists. The DA says the appointments, announced 28 days after they were made, include former ANC mayors, members of provincial executive committees and youth league executives. Critics argue this perpetuates a pattern of using SETAs as "ANC sweet sho...

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) has ended a seven-month-long wage impasse with the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) after both parties reached an agreement. The deal was finalised on Tuesday following a strike action in October. Key issues resolved include decentralisation of offices, job evaluations, housing allowance and salary progression. Elvis P...

Political parties and independent candidates contesting the 2026 local government elections may face shorter campaign broadcasts. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa, is proposing a reduction in the length of political election broadcasts from 50 seconds to 40 seconds. Icasa has released draft amendments to the regulations and is inviting public comment until January 9...

The South African government has confirmed the extradition of Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande from Eswatini. The brothers are accused of murdering musician AKA and his friend Tebello Motsoane. They're expected to return to South Africa next week Tuesday to face trial. Elvis Presslin spoke to Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development

FlySafair and its cabin crew are at odds after wage talks broke down, leading to a lockout of certain staff. The airline offered a 5.7% raise and 7.5% annual bonus, but the South African Cabin Crew Association rejected the deal. FlySafair is seeking mediation and says flights will continue with minimal disruption. Elvis Presslin spoke to President of the South African Cabin Crew Association, Advoc...

The Congress of the People, COPE has criticized the Government of National Unity, GNU for prioritising self-preservation over the needs of ordinary South Africans. COPE's Acting National Chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi expressed concern over the GNU's recent statement, which he described as "shallow" and failing to address the country's pressing challenges. With unemployment standing at 33.2% and 63%...

The Madlanga Commission has heard more damning testimony linking suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, General Shadrack Sibiya to alleged corruption. SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo told the commission that an investigation linked Sibiya to criminal syndicates through a detective in his office. The commission has also heard that the...

The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, AUBBTA has announced plans to file criminal charges against Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa and officials at the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency. The move stems from last month's deadly bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo which claimed 43 lives, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals. Elvis Presslin spoke to AUBBTA...

The One Stop Border Post Bill is being debated in the National Assembly with lawmakers discussing its potential to improve border management. The bill aims to make it easier for people and goods to move legally across borders while cracking down on illegal activity. The bill's proponents argue it could boost trade, ease congestion and enhance South Africa's competitiveness in the region. However,...

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 DA is demanding answers from Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela following the resignation of NSFAS Chairperson Dr. Karen Stander. Dr. Stander cited threats, bullying and racism as reasons for her departure. The DA wants Manamela to appear before Parliament to account for the allegations and outline steps to restore governance and accountability at NSFAS. Elvis Presslin spoke to MP and DA...

The City of Johannesburg will today begin verifying and registering informal traders who were removed from the city center. The High Court ordered the City to allocate trading stands for vendors based on availability, subject to verification processes, to ensure compliance with city bylaws. Elvis Presslin spoke to City of Joburg spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane

The Government of National Unity, GNU has concluded a two-day retreat in Gauteng, where leaders from 10 parties reaffirmed their commitment to the coalition. The GNU members led by President Cyril Ramaphosa held a private meeting at the Cradle Boutique Hotel in Krugersdorp. The leaders used the gathering to address internal differences and recommit to the coalition's objectives. Elvis Presslin spo...

Two female security guards were attacked at a clinic in Xhwili village in the Eastern Cape. One was allegedly murdered, while the other, who was shot in the head,and is in hospital. The women were allegedly kidnapped and raped before being left in a field. For more information Elvis Presslin spoke to Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa's spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana

The Independent Financial Advisors Forum, IFAF, has withdrawn its legal challenge against the City of Johannesburg. The decision comes after the Council of Medical Schemes reaffirmed that medical aid members have the right to choose their own broker. IFAF had argued the city's tender process, which would have appointed a single medical aid brokerage provider, violated this right. With this develop...

Police are bolstering their presence in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni after a deadly shooting claimed six lives and left three injured. National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola met with senior officers and community leaders to discuss the response. The area is on high alert as police hunt for suspects who opened fire indiscriminately before fleeing. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has convened a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Krugersdorp, West of Johannesburg. The talks aim to resolve recent disagreements and accusations within the coalition. The GNU Clearing House, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, was established earlier this year to iron out policy differences among the 10 parties. Elvis Press...

The City of Tshwane has reported an increase in typhoid cases in some areas. According to Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya, tests on the city's water supply haven't shown a link to the cases. She says the city is working with national authorities to determine the source of the outbreak and will continue regular water testing. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Health Departmental Spokesperson, Foster Mohale

Thousands of workers from across South Africa are set to march to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in Pretoria today. The workers, part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Community Work Programme (CWP), are demanding justice, payment, and dignity. They're being led by the Maanda Ashu Workers Union of South Africa (MAWUSA), an associate member of the Afrika Mayibuye...

Taxi bosses in Gauteng are living in fear after a surge in murders, including the recent killing of the Alexandra Randburg Midrand Sandton Taxi Association, ARMSTA, chairperson and his bodyguard. This follows the murder of Gauteng National Taxi Association chairperson Thami Moyo last month. The incidents have raised concerns about tensions in the taxi industry, just months after several rival taxi...

The United Democratic Movement, UDM has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa's celebration of South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force greylist saying it's "tone deaf" and ignores the struggles of ordinary citizens. The party's statement comes after the latest Afrobarometer findings showed nearly half of South Africans would not oppose military rule and seven in ten are frustrated...

Residents of Johannesburg are set to march to the City Council Chambers tomorrow (Saturday) to demand action over the city's water crisis. They say the situation has become a human rights and economic emergency, affecting hospitals, schools and small businesses. Dr. Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager of WaterCAN, joins us to discuss the crisis and the residents' demands...