First Take SA

As the world marks World Kidney Day today, South Africa is seeing a rise in chronic kidney disease cases. Dr. Karisha Quarrie, Chief Medical Officer at Life Healthcare says a holistic approach is needed to effectively manage this life-threatening condition. Dr. Quarrie spoke to Elvis Presslin

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to co-chair the 8th South Africa and European Union Summit in Cape Town today, alongside EU leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. This summit is a crucial part of the SA-EU Strategic Partnership, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, energy transition, and innovation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to former Diplomat and Internati...

ActionSA has rejected the proposed VAT increase and hidden tax hikes, calling them a burden on hardworking South Africans that will fund government waste and corruption. Member of Parliament Alan Beesley spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss ActionSA's stance on the matter

The National Liquor Traders says the recent excise tax hike will have devastating consequences for the legal liquor industry. With a 6.75% increase in excise duties on alcoholic beverages, the industry fears that honest businesses will struggle to stay afloat while illicit traders thrive. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Convenor to elaborate further about their conce...

Social grant activist Elizabeth Raiters has welcomed the extension of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant until March 2026, but says that the R370 payout has lost significant value due to rising living costs. Despite the finance minister's allocation of R35.2 billion for the grant, Raiters argues that the amount should have been increased to adequately support beneficiaries. Elizabeth Rai...

The ANC says the VAT increase will be offset by higher social grants and an expanded list of zero-rated essential foods to shield lower-income households. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana yesterday tabled the revised 2025/2026 budget after the initial proposal was rejected due to its suggested 16% VAT hike. The new VAT increase will be implemented in two phases: 0.5% from May 1, 2025, and another...

The proposed Value Added Tax increase has sparked concerns among economists, who warn that it could further strain already struggling households. As part of his revised budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a 1 percentage point VAT hike, phased over two years. The first increase of 0.5% is set to take effect in May, followed by another 0.5% hike in April next year. To delve deeper in...

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has identified a disturbing trend of multiple public schools in the province seeking support to obtain liquor licenses, which would allow alcohol sales on school premises. The Department says some schools have already secured licenses without proper authorization. To discuss this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Vuyiseka Mboxela, Spokesperson for the Eastern...

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has strongly condemned the Treasury and South African Reserve Bank's pursuit of extreme neoliberal policies, citing deepened austerity and economic inequality. SAFTU argues that the lack of democratic oversight has led to repeated failures, including the disastrous GEAR policy in 1996. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU Natio...

Labour federation Cosatu is staging nationwide protests today, pushing back against the government's proposed austerity measures, which are set to be unveiled in today's budget speech. The Union is opposed to any increases in Value-Added Tax (VAT) or personal income tax that would disproportionately affect low-income earners. To dive deeper into Cosatu's stance, Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU nati...

Opposition parties are opposing any VAT increases  ahead of today's revised budget speech. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF national spokesperson, Sinawo Tambo on their expectations for today's Budget speech...

Tensions are high ahead of today's revised budget speech, with opposition parties opposing any VAT increases. The Democratic Alliance - a member of the government of national unity is advocating for better revenue collection, while the MK Party threatens nationwide protests if hikes proceed. Elvis PResslin spoke to Democratic Alliance spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has condemned Minister Gayton McKenzie's alleged xenophobic comments in Parliament, which targeted foreign nationals. McKenzie sparked outrage after advocating to ban foreign nationals from accessing public hospitals in the country. Giwusa is now calling for his removal and prosecution for hate speech. To delve deeper into GIWUSA's stan...

As South Africa awaits a pivotal fiscal announcement, concerns are escalating over a proposed 2% Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike. The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) warns that this increase, coupled with delayed government funding, could have devastating consequences for shelters, forcing them to scale back essential services or turn away survivors. To discuss the potential implicati...

Ongoing taxi disputes in Johannesburg have turned deadly, with reports of two fatalities in Soweto following a scuffle over routes between the Witwatersrand Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE). The violence has also led to road blockages, which may continue today. According to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the two deaths occurred when...

The United Africans Transformation party is today marching to the Limpopo Provincial Police headquarters to demand justice and accountability from the authorities. Under the banner "Justice Delayed is Justice Corrupt", the party is calling for an end to delayed justice and greater transparency in the justice system. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to the party's national spokesperson, Doer Mighty Ma...

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has proposed a surprising trade-off; scrapping the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in exchange for avoiding a Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike. This as Minister Godongwana prepares to deliver his Budget speech tomorrow (Wednesday). The proposal has sparked concerns among low-income households, who rely heavily on the SRD grant. To shed more light on this developme...

A deadly shooting in Amaoti, KwaZulu-Natal, has claimed three lives, sparking widespread outrage and demands for urgent police and military intervention. The community, frustrated and fearful for their safety, has taken to the streets, shutting down parts of the area. Joining Elvis Presslin to discuss this developing story is Mbongiseni Phewa, Deputy Chairperson of the Inanda Community Policing Fo...

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

At least eight people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident in KwaZulu-Natal. 80 of the victims were church members traveling from Richards Bay to Shakaskraal when their bus suffered a tyre burst on the N2 between Mandeni and Stanger. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to roll down an embankment. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to IPSS Security Operations Manag...

City Power has uncovered a shocking syndicate involving contractors and even some of its own employees, who are allegedly responsible for vandalizing infrastructure, leading to power outages. Elvis Presslin spoke to Joburg MMC of the Environment and Infrastructure Service Department, Jack Sekwaila, to shed more light on this disturbing development

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing accusations of favouring White, Indian, and Coloured job applicants over Black candidates. This follows a recent job posting that explicitly listed these groups as preferred candidates for vacancies. For further discussions Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Spokesperson on Sport, Arts & Culture, Joe McGluwa

The Democratic Municipal Workers and Allied Union of South Africa, DEMAWUSA will today protest outside both PIKITUP and the Mayor's office over allegations of nepotism. The Union is accusing the state-owned entity of engaging in nepotistic hiring practices, prioritizing friends and relatives over existing workers. JTo delve deeper into this contentious issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to DEMAWUSA Gener...

The Electoral Commission of South Africa is hosting a major conference in Cape Town today, to explore the possibility of introducing electronic voting in the country's elections. Over 200 delegates, including politicians and experts, are attending the three-day event. Elvis Presslin spoke to Terry Tselane, Executive Chairman of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa and former vic...

The ANC in the Eastern Cape has strongly condemned the brutal killing of community activist Pamela Mabini. Mabini - a whistleblower in the Timothy Omotoso rape and trafficking case was gunned down outside her home in Gqeberha. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications, Gift Ngqondi