First Take SA

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary tomorrow (Friday). Founded on 21st of March 1975 in KwaNzimela, Melmoth, the party will take this opportunity to reflect on its significant contributions to South Africa's history and its vision for the future. To discuss the party's milestone and future prospects, Elvis Presslin spoke to IFP National Spokesperson, Mkh...

Talks are underway to resolve the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department strike that brought traffic to a standstill yesterday. The strike, deemed illegal, was sparked by demands for salary increases, reinstated overtime, and danger pay. Ekurhuleni Finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi is optimistic that metro police officers will return to work today following a conflict resolution meeting. To shed...

The Cape Independence Advocacy Group is taking its quest for a sovereign Western Cape to the global stage by seeking support from the United States. The group has formally notified the President, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Western Cape Premier of its plans to send a delegation to the US. This move aims to secure both financial backing and diplomatic endorsement for it...

Terence Mcnamee a Global Fellow of the Wilson Center  says South Africa's strained relations with the U.S. could see a reset if former finance minister Trevor Manuel takes the reins in Washington. This follows the expulsion of ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, labeled "persona non grata" by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mcamee argues that Manuel's global financial expertise and diplomatic sta...

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi has denied allegations that she prioritized attending the Special Olympics in Italy over participating in the South African Human Right's inquiry into scholar transport challenges in the province. Motsumi insists she was never invited to the three-day probe, which examined transport issues in rural schools. She was in Italy for the Special Olympics at the tim...

Former SAA Technical chairperson and SAA board member Yakhe Kwinana appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court, facing serious charges including extortion, theft, intimidation, and malicious damage to property. Kwinana is accused of taxi violence and extortion cases in eBhongweni, East London. Elvis Presslin spoke to Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, to shed more light on...

The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg has formally requested a probe into City Power's governance and financial management. The party is citing alleged fraudulent spending of R335 million in six months on failed projects and deceptive invoices. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Caucus Leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

COSATU in the North West is leading a provincial picket today against austerity measures at the North West Legislature. The protest comes ahead of the Provincial Government's budget speech today. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng says it is demanding a speedy investigation into the alleged theft of R5.5 million from the Sedibeng Licensing Department, which implicates the son of Sedibeng Mayor, Councillor Lerato Maloka. The party says the theft occurred in December last year through fraudulent transactions on the eNatis system, using a cashier's user number and password. For more on t...

The FW de Klerk Foundation's annual report card for 2024 has revealed a concerning deterioration in human rights in South Africa. The report assessed 27 rights enshrined in the Constitution's Bill of Rights, finding that 11 rights have worsened, 10 remain unchanged, and only 4 have improved. To elaborate further on the report Elvis Presslin spoke to FW de Klerk Foundation's Executive Director, Chr...

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved Eskom's 12.74% tariff increase for direct customers and 11.32% for municipalities. The South African Local Government Association, SALGA's Head of Energy and Electricity, Nhlanhla Ngidi is warning that the tariff increase will exacerbate illegal electricity connections as struggling consumers seek illicit means to access power. Ngi...

ActionSA has introduced the Cut Cabinet Perks Bill to curb government waste. The legislation aims to end the lavish lifestyles of cabinet members. The Bill comes as the Government of National Unity proposes a regressive VAT hike that would further burden ordinary South Africans. To discuss the details of this bill and its implications for the country, Elvis Presslin spoke to Alan Beesley, ActionSA...

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 Al Jama-ah party has strongly condemned the expulsion of South Africa's Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, which coincidentally occurred on World Islamophobia Day. The party views this act as a disturbing reflection of the divisive actions of US president Donald Trump and his administration. To delve deeper into this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Ganief Hendricks, the Leader of...

Save South Africa has strongly condemned the government's slow response to the escalating tensions with the US, which culminated in the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The organization blames the government's failure to address the false issues raised by Afriforum and Solidarity, which they believe has contributed to the current diplomatic crisis. For more on the situation Elvis Presslin s...

The Free State Department of Education is facing allegations of failing to pay medical aid contributions for its employees. The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) is demanding urgent intervention from the Premier and National Treasury. The Organization has also threatened legal action if payments aren't made immediately. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin s...

A R50,000 reward is being offered for information on the disappearance of community radio journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. The National Press Club and the African Media and Communications Forum announced the reward during a media briefing in Tshwane at the weekend. The pair were last seen in separate locations; Mdhluli in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, and Ndlovu leaving...

Deadly floods have ravaged KwaZulu-Natal, prompting the province's declaration as a disaster zone. The devastating floods have claimed 24 lives since January, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. To shed more light on the situation, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the government's response and relief efforts

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, over allegations of interfering in the arrest of a senior correctional services official facing drug-related charges. IPID has instructed Mkhwanazi to provide a sworn statement by Wednesday to respond to the allegations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ian Came...

The Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP) has welcomed the Treasury's R28.9 billion health bailout, aimed at retaining 9,300 healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics. The Advocacy group says this significant allocation signals the government's commitment to public well-being. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rural Health Advocacy Project Executive Director, Russell Rensburg, to delve deeper into the impl...

The Joburg Council has rejected the Democratic Alliance, DA's motion to reverse the decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. The DA argued that renaming the street after the Palestinian activist wouldn't benefit Johannesburg residents. DA Sandton Ward 103 Councilor, Lynda Shackleford spoke to Elvis Presslin to elaborate on the party's next course of action after the party's motion w...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed the SADC Extraordinary Summit's decision to withdraw peacekeeping troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Ramaphosa says a ceasefire and dialogue are crucial for achieving lasting peace in the DRC. African Union chairperson and Angolan President, João Lourenço, will spearhead negotiations to resolve the conflict in the war-torn cou...

ActionSA has rejected Johannesburg's newly adopted Adjustment Budget, slamming the ongoing R230 electricity surcharge as an unfair burden on residents. The budget, which boosts the City's annual revenue from R76 billion to R77 billion was approved yesterday. While ActionSA welcomes investments in landfill management and public safety, it insists the surcharge must either be scrapped or significant...

As South Africa marks the start of Anti-Racism Week today, we take a closer look at the country's journey towards racial equality. This annual event, held on the 14 to 21 March during Human Rights Month, marks its 10th anniversary. However, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is warning that divisive rhetoric, including unfounded claims of 'white genocide', threatens to undermine national unity. Neeshan...

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 Limpop