First Take SA

Public Servants Association (PSA) is demanding an urgent investigation into the suspicious death of Dr. Francis Idika, a respected Medical Manager at Vryheid Hospital, in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr. Idika, known for his dedication to healthcare, allegedly endured years of workplace bullying and victimisation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu, Provincial Manager of the Public Servant...

The newly approved Budget, passed by a slim margin of 194 to 182 votes, has widened rifts within the Government of National Unity (GNU), especially between the ANC and DA. The escalating tensions have sparked concerns about the GNU's stability and speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle. Meanwhile, the DA is set to lodge a legal challenge in the Western Cape High Court against Parliament's...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is preparing to file a legal challenge in the Western Cape High Court against Parliament's approval of the 2025/26 National Budget. The party argues that the Finance Committee's meeting on April 1st, failed to adhere to Parliament's standing rules, specifically citing that the Fiscal Framework was not formally presented to the Committee for approval or rejection. To br...

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (NAFCOC) 60th Anniversary celebration on Friday at the Durban International Conference Centre. This milestone event will reflect on NAFCOC's six decades of commitment to economic empowerment and transformation, while honouring the legacy of its founding members who fought for the liberatio...

The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) has given a cautious welcome to the peace agreement brokered by SADC defense chiefs in Goma. This deal promises the safe return of SANDF troops, who have been stuck in their bases for 63 days, as well as the recovery of military equipment. SANDU Chief Negotiator Jeff Dubazana shares his insights with Elvis Presslin

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will this week visit Limpopo's Vhembe West District to hand over newly constructed toilets and assess progress at local schools. She will also provide a national update on efforts to eliminate pit toilets in schools following the missed March 31 deadline. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Section27 spokesperson Pearl Nicodemus,  the Organization has been...

COSATU in Limpopo will stage a picket today outside the Mankweng Magistrate's Court, where a 58-year-old teacher is set to appear on rape charges. He was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old student multiple times between November 2024 and March 2025 in the Capricorn South Education District. The suspect initially fled after pretending to report himself to the police, triggering a manhu...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused ActionSA of working with ANC to push through a 1% VAT increase over the next two years.  ActionSA, however, has refuted this, asserting that the ANC has instead backed their 2025 Budget amendments, which block a proposed 0.5% VAT rise and secure income tax relief by addressing "bracket creep". Yesterday, Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance adopt...

A heavy police presence in Zimbabwe on Monday stifled planned mass protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's bid to extend his rule until 2030. Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017 after Robert Mugabe's ousting, is in his final term. Former allies, the war veterans, led the calls for demonstrations but faced a fierce crackdown. Fearing unrest, businesses shut down, streets emptied, and in weste...

The Public Servants Association (PSA) in KwaZulu-Natal is outraged over the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Health allegedly disregarding frontline workers during their recent visit. The PSA claims the committee sidestepped the real healthcare crisis, which includes severe shortages of medical staff and equipment. Elvis Presslin spoke to  Nkosinathi Thwala, KwaZulu-Natal PSA Provin...

Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane has vehemently denied allegations of her involvement in corrupt activities with Eskom contractor Vitrovian. The allegations claim Simelane was involved in inflating prices for community liaison work during her tenure at Vitrovian, for which she was paid at least R700,000. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced plans to lay criminal charges against...

South Africans are taking to the streets today in nationwide protests, demanding justice for 7-year-old Cwecwe, who was allegedly raped at Bergview College in Eastern Cape. Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula who will be taking part in the demonstrations

Lobby group Afriforum says there is no evidence supporting allegations that 7-year-old Cwecwe was raped at Bergview College in Eastern Cape. This as the school principal faces allegations of rape. The organization has sent a letter to the Matatiele police station commander, expressing concerns over the handling of the case. Furthermore, Afriforum reveals that the school principal sought legal advi...

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

Zimbabwe is bracing for widespread protests today as liberation war veterans and citizens demand President Emmerson Mnangagwa's removal, amid escalating tensions over his intention to extend his rule beyond 2028. The war veterans, once loyal to Mnangagwa, have now shifted their support to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, citing the president's failure to revive the economy. With tensions escal...

Public Interest SA has slammed the arrest of former SAA board member Yakhe Kwinana as an outrageous miscarriage of justice. Kwinana, embroiled in past controversies, was granted R2 000 bail on Friday after facing extortion and property damage charges. The non-profit organization says her arrest was excessive, questioning why she was detained for over a week while others in similar cases walked fre...

The EFF in the Northern Cape has launched a scathing attack on the predominantly Afrikaans town of Orania, calling into question its very existence. This despite the Constitution's guarantee of self-determination for cultural groups. The party aims to pressure provincial and national governments to rethink their stance on Orania's existence and its right to self-determination. Elvis Presslin spoke...

Civil organizations and political parties are demanding justice for a 7-year-old learner, allegedly raped at a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The incident, which came to light in October 2024, has sparked widespread public outcry, with many taking to social media to call for swift action. In response, the Eastern Cape Education Department has deregistered Bergview College, citing the s...

The ANC is confident the national budget will be passed In Parliament this week despite fierce opposition. Parliament is expected to vote on the 2025 budget delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday. But the two biggest partners in the GNU remain at loggerheads over the proposed 0.5 percentage point VAT hike. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC National spokesperson, Mahlengi Bh...

It's a controversy that could shake up the World Cup qualifiers. The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has formally requested FIFA to investigate whether Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player in their recent qualifier against Lesotho. The association contends that Bafana Bafana midfielder, Tebogo Mokoena, received yellow cards in two separate matches against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbab...

South Africa is set to commemorate the centenary birthday of Dr. Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe today. Sobukwe, founding member and first president of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) was a revered leader in the country's liberation struggle. The Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, in partnership with the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, Robert Mangaliso...

The South African Police Service recently met with AfriForum to discuss allegations of white genocide related to farm murders. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says AfriForum has acknowledged that the crime statistics on such murders are accurate. This development comes after AfriForum and other groups raised concerns about farm murders, claiming they were part of a larger genocide...

ActionSA has written to Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreib, requesting that he reject the citizenship application of Phil Craig, a British national and co-founder of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group. The party accuses Craig of undermining the unity of the Republic and threatens to take legal action if his application is approved. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has also called...

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 is set to deliver a keynote address at the National Water and Sanitation Indaba today. The crucial gathering highlights the government's commitment to tackling South Africa's water security challenges. The Indaba, taking place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, aims to address the country's water crisis, a priority task outlined by President Ramaphosa in...