First Take SA

South Africa's progress in fighting HIV and TB is under threat due to US funding cuts, with 39 clinical research sites at risk. This is according to a new report by Doctors Without Borders and the Treatment Action Group done for the first time since the US announced funding cuts for foreign aid earlier this year. The recent analysis reveals that 39 clinical research sites are at risk in South Afri...

Solidarity Union has slapped Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni with a legal ultimatum to retract what they call misinformation claims within seven days or face defamation and treason charges. This follows her accusations that Solidarity and AfriForum spread falsehoods during a U.S. trip. Solidarity's CEO Dirk Hermann, calls it baseless and a threat to civil liberties. This comes as diplomatic tensions...

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's high-stakes visit in Washington, D.C. is set to take place amid rising tensions with the U.S. particularly over President Donald Trump's claims of "genocide" against white farmers in South Africa. Ramaphosa's delegation is expected to meet with Trump tomorrow to discuss bilateral trade and strained diplomatic ties. However, American conservative commentato...

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department is investigating officers accused of soliciting bribes via e-wallet. Motorists claim they're being coerced into sending money to untraceable numbers, with officers allegedly photographing transfer pins. JMPD's Internal Affairs is leading a crackdown on this digital corruption. As the Chief Patrick Jaca warns, corruption and bribery will not be tolera...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic storie 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 South African Students Congress (SASCO) in Tshwane will today embark on a major protest action, dubbed the "Mega Total Shutdown". Students are expected to gather at the Old Patco Depot in Marabastad and march to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The protest aims to bring attention to the plight of students by calling for a complete shutdown of academic activities. For mor...

Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth has announced that the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will provide over R381 million via the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) to the South African Post Office, SAPO. The funds aims to safeguard approximately 6,000 jobs and aid SAPO's revival through a strategic UIF partnership. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Rachel...

The Economic Freedom Fighters will today lead its VAT Victory March to the National Treasury in Pretoria, hailing what it calls a people's win against a proposed VAT hike. The EFF is celebrating what it describes as a major victory for the people, following the withdrawal of a proposed VAT hike in the national budget. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo spoke to Elvis Presslin on the significance...

The Department of Home Affairs has declared Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso an undesirable person, effectively barring him from re-entering South Africa for the next five years. His deportation to Nigeria comes on the heels of Omotoso's acquittal on 32 serious charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, by the Gqeberha High Court last month. Omotoso, the founder of the Jes...

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has announced the withdrawal of recently appointed chairpersons of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) with immediate effect. This after backlash that condemned the ANC's alleged attempts to capture Sector SETAs through alleged crony appointments. To elaborate further on the Union's concerns, Elvis Presslin spoke to G...

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed deep concern over payment delays affecting over 2,000 service providers. Duma says the R1.5 billion in outstanding payments is linked to technical glitches in a new accounting system. MEC Duma says management is working with the national treasury and provincial treasury to clear these payments. This comes after frustrated contractors yesterda...

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that certain sections of the Refugees Act are unconstitutional. The court ruled that considering asylum seekers to have abandoned their applications for failing to renew visas within a month is unfair and breaches international law protecting refugees from forced return to danger. Elvis Presslin spoke to James Chapman, Head of Advocacy and Legal Advisor at Sca...

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) is calling for national unity, urging citizens to put aside differences that hinder progress. This appeal comes amid heated debates surrounding the departure of 49 Afrikaners to the US, who claimed they faced genocide in South Africa. The call for unity also coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming talks with US President Donald...

The Public Servants Association has raised concern over the National Lotteries Commission's alleged near collapse. The Union is citing mismanagement, corruption and poor oversight. The PSA says the crisis threatens vital community programs and workers' livelihoods. Elvis Presslin spoke to Zamani Dladla, PSA Chief Negotiator at the National Lotteries Commission, to discuss this matter further

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has withdrawn the appointments of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) chairpersons amid allegations of cronyism and political interference. The move follows public outcry over the appointment of individuals with alleged ANC connections, including Gwede Mantashe's son and a former KZN Premier. Elvis Presslin spoke to...

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 Public Servants Association (PSA) in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for urgent action following the tragic death of a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, allegedly due to being forced to work while critically ill. The PSA is demanding the immediate suspension of implicated staff and a comprehensive, independent investigation to address the toxic work environment. Elvis Presslin spok...

As cyber threats escalate in South Africa, individuals and businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches, phishing scams, and misinformation campaigns. With the South African government's push for digital transformation, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thabang Phala, Chief Empowerment Officer at CyberM8, to explore the challenges and provide solutions on...

As graduation season is in full swing in various universities, education activist Hendrick Makaneta has urged universities to rein in what he calls chaos disguised as celebration during graduations. He says the waving of knobkerries and assegais on stage is a safety risk and disrespects the dignity of the ceremony. While supporting cultural pride, Makaneta insists traditions must not disrupt proce...

The Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket into the tragic discovery of the body of 11-year-old Jayden Lee Meek in Fleurhof, west of Johannesburg. The body was found on a staircase at the Swazi Complex, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Elvis Presslin spoke to Fleurhof Community leader and activist, Selby Leshaba

A leaked document revealing appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority, SETA boards has raised concerns over the potential politicisation of these key institutions. The Democratic Alliance has written to the Higher Education and Training Portfolio Committee to object, citing the inclusion of prominent ANC-linked individuals, such as Minister Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo and a former K...

Thousands of artists and cultural workers marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday, calling for accountability and reform in the cultural and creative industries. The march, which culminated in the handing over of a memorandum of demands to the Presidency and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, was driven by concerns over systemic collapse of arts governance, erosion of funding...

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has raised concerns over the employment of foreign nationals in sensitive government positions in South Africa. This follows the appointment of a Zimbabwean national as Chief Heritage Officer at Robben Island in Cape Town. The party is warning of potential public security risks and is calling for government departments to prioritize the hiring of South...

Thousands of students and graduates at Tshwane University of Technology's six campuses are reportedly being denied academic records and certificates due to NSFAS's alleged failure to pay fees, while others have been suddenly defunded. Sthembiso Sithole, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Unemployed Graduates Movement says the non-payment has sparked fears of eviction and mass dropouts among students. E...

South African schools are grappling with a disturbing trend of teacher misconduct, with 111 reported cases of sexual misconduct against pupils between April 2024 and March 2025, resulting in 39. A fortieth teacher was recently fired in KwaZulu-Natal for kissing and sexually assaulting a learner. To discuss this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomusa Cembi, spokesperson for the South African Democra...