First Take SA

Renowned playwright Athol Fugard has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and beyond, with his passing at the age of 92. His works, such as "Master Harold and the Boys" and "The Road to Mecca", continue to resonate with audiences globally, offering powerful explorations of racial segregation, identity, and the human condition. To reflect on Athol Fugard's legacy and impact, Elvis Pressl...

A South African Medical Research Council study reveals that living near coal-fired power stations increases the risk of respiratory diseases and premature death by 6%. The research links toxic air pollution to spikes in illnesses and birth defects. Lead researcher Professor Caradee Wright spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the findings...

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says the decision by the United States to halt aid funding to South Africa, is an opportunity for the country to strive for economic independence. This comes after President Donald Trump's administration paused US foreign development assistance for 90 days, affecting several African countries, including South Africa. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on US-SA r...

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his disappointment with the state of Gauteng and its municipalities, urging leaders to take immediate action to address the province's challenges ahead of the G20 Summit. Ramaphosa conveyed his concerns during a meeting with provincial leaders at the Johannesburg Council Chambers in Braamfontein, as part of his oversight visit to Gauteng. To discuss this fur...

The US has withdrawn from the International Climate Finance Plan, effectively cutting off funding for Just Energy Transition Plans in South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This move has sparked concerns about the impact on global climate efforts and the future of these partnerships. To discuss the implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lisa Makaula, Advocacy Programme Head at Green Connection

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) has expressed concern over the potential loss of nearly 19,000 teaching posts in KwaZulu-Natal, stemming from severe budget cuts. The union strongly condemns this move, attributing it to reckless financial mismanagement that jeopardizes the province's education system and puts thousands of educators' livelihoods at risk. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is launching a parliamentary probe into the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) following a shocking rise in police misconduct. The IPID's 2023/2024 Annual Performance Report revealed over 5,000 cases of misconduct, including deaths in custody, torture, and assault. To discuss the probe, Elvis Presslin spoke to  Lisa Schickerling, MP and DA Deputy...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and its members at the Tshwane Affected Operations Investments (TAOI) are marching to the City of Tshwane mayor's office to demand action on unpaid retrenchment packages for 261 former workers of Tshwane Affected Operations Investments—a bus operator linked to Areyeng. Numsa says despite promises to pay severance and absorb affected...

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in Ekurhuleni is outraged over the City's decision to slash overtime and acting allowances by 50%, while introducing contracted services. The union believes this move is a thinly veiled attempt to benefit politically connected individuals, rather than improving service delivery, especially with local elections on the horizon. Elvis Presslin spoke...

The Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is challenging the granting of a 20-year licence for Unit 1 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in the Western Cape. The organization made a formal legal appeal to the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. At the heart of SAFCEI's concerns is the assertion that vital safety repairs were not completed befo...

The Justice Minister's decision to postpone the publication of the National Register of Sex Offenders has sparked criticism, with BOSA labeling it a "PR stunt." The delay, attributed to concerns over compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), has raised questions about the government's commitment to transparency and lack of preparedness on the legalities around the registe...

Tensions are running high in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Lehurutshe, Welbedacht, and surrounding areas in Zeerust, North West, as residents take to the streets to demand the restoration of their water supply. The protests, which blocked the N4 highway linking South Africa and Botswana, are set to continue until the Premier personally addresses their grievances. Residents are frustrated with what they see...

MK Party member Bonginkosi Khanyile has been arrested for failing to appear in court. Khanyile is set to face trial for his alleged role in instigating the July 2021 unrest. In a separate development, MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu is facing criticism from within the party. Disgruntled members accuse Shivambu of dismantling the party from within. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke t...

A 12-member committee will investigate the Ingonyama Trust board's financial management, following a meeting between Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontsho and AmaZulu King Misuzulu Zwelithini. This development comes on the heels of the king's decision to suspend six members of the board, accusing them of undermining his authority. The minister, however, countered that the king doesn't have the p...

The Pienaar community in Mpumalanga has been plagued by a crippling lack of social services, including vital support such as social grants, counselling, and pauper burials. The crisis began several months ago when the Department of Social Development's (DSD) offices were abruptly closed. The community and the department are now embroiled in a bitter dispute, with each side trading accusations. The...

Disgruntled Tshwane Metro Police officers are set to stage a picket today at the department's headquarters. Their protest centers around allegations of unfair labour practices linked to the selection process for recently advertised Warrant Officer posts. The department is facing a storm of allegations, with nearly 500 black metro police officers claiming they were sidelined in favour of their whit...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to stage a picket today outside the North Gauteng High Court, in support for the Department of Health in the ongoing legal battle over the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. This court case, initiated by the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the South African Private Practitioners' Forum (SAPPF), seeks to overturn President Cyril Ram...

The ANC is strategizing to regain its dominance in Gauteng following a significant electoral setback in the 2024 national elections. measures. The party recently reconfigured its organizational structure in the province to strengthen its electoral support and address internal weaknesses. So can the ANC reclaim power in Gauteng after its 2024 electoral setback? To answer this, Elvis Presslin spoke...

Lobby group AfriForum remains defiant despite the Hawks opening high treason dockets over allegations of spreading misleading information about the Expropriation Act. The group's CEO, Kallie Kriel, has dismissed the charges, stating they won't be intimidated and are eager to take the matter to court to expose what they deem as the ANC's irresponsible policies. The allegations stem from AfriForum's...

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

As Ukraine marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine's fight for sovereignty, democracy, and global security. With a staggering 140,000 war crimes documented, the association stresses that Russia's aggression poses a significant threat not only to Ukra...

The EFF will today lead a march to Joburg Water in response to the ongoing water shortages affecting residents and businesses in Gauteng. This move comes after the water crisis in Johannesburg left thousands without a reliable water supply. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer, Dumisani Baleni

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has rejected a newly passed by-law that grants the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) access to private surveillance cameras, including Vuma Cam, for crime prevention purposes. The party's primary concerns revolve around homeowners with CCTV systems now being required to obtain municipal approval and potential hidden fees associated wit...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed the ANC for attempting to push through a 0.75% VAT increase despite widespread opposition. The ANC is reportedly considering joining forces with the EFF to pass the VAT increase if the DA refuses to accept a smaller hike. Speaking to our senior producer Ronald Phiri, DA Finance spokesperson Dr. Mark Burke expressed skepticism about the potential ANC-EFF par...