First Take SA

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 South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) is calling for urgent action to address the country's pressing issues. With rising crime rates, economic stagnation, and infrastructure in disarray, the ATM is demanding accountability and tangible solutions from the President. To discuss the ATM's expectations and concer...

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) later this evening. This SONA is particularly significant, as it marks Ramaphosa's first address as leader of the Government of National Unity (GNU). As the nation holds its breath, eager to hear his plans for addressing the country's pressing economic and political challenges, Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst,...

As South Africans eagerly await President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, the country's economic challenges remain a pressing concern. With unemployment rates soaring to 33.5% and poverty affecting nearly half of the adult population, political parties are calling on the President to address these issues head-on. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thokozile Madonko, Researcher at...

The Department of Social Development has deregistered over 6,000 non-compliant Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). The department says a total of 203 279 organisations comprising of NPOs, voluntary associations and trusts across South Africa face the risk of deregistration for failure to comply with the requirements to submit annual reports. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpho Mngxitama, Ac...

The Hawks have launched an investigation into the alleged tampering of a Transnet fuel pipeline and theft of fuel in Alberton, Johannesburg. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant colonel, Lloyd Ramovha told our Senior Producer Ronald Phiri that four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident

The Democratic Alliance has confirmed that a landmark agreement has been reached with the Government of National Unity, to ensure the survival of private medical aids under the impending National Health Insurance Act, NHI. This follows intense negotiations between the ANC and DA, which had been at odds over key aspects of the NHI, as well as the Expropriation Act and the Basic Education Laws Amend...

Economists say South African motorists will have to tighten their belts as the price of fuel increased today. Both grades of petrol increased by 82 cents per litre, while diesel went up by R1.01 and R1.05 cents per litre. The increasses come as millions of South Africans struggle to keep their heads above the proverbial water, with the country's ever-rising cost of living and continuing load shedd...

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the State of the Nation Address tomorrow (Thursday), South Africans eagerly await his plans to tackle the country's pressing issues, including rising unemployment, the high cost of living, and persistent load shedding. Save South Africa, a non-profit organization, has been vocal about its concerns and hopes the President will prioritize these issues...

The City of Johannesburg has announced the resumption of Rea Vaya bus services following a brief suspension. This after two bus drivers were fatally shot in separate incidents in Soweto. For more insight into the situation and the concerns of transport workers, Elvis Presslin spoke to Risimagi Mathebula, Shopsteward at Pioneer Transport (Rea Vaya) and Satawu Westrand Secretary

Five mine workers have lost their lives in a tragic incident at Harmony's Doornkop and Joel mines in Gauteng and the Free State. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a 'corporate genocide' - pointing to a broader pattern of neglect and exploitation in the mining sector. For more on this developing story, Elvis Presslin spoke...

Afrikaans e-hailing company Wanatu is being accused of operating without necessary permits and with no vehicle impoundments by Metro Police. This was revealed by Build One SA Gauteng Provincial Legislature Member, Ayanda Allie. The revelation follows recent protests by E-hailing drivers against Tshwane metro police officers impounding their vehicles over a lack of necessary permits. Tshwane MMC fo...

The South African Pharmacy Council has instructed pharmacists to dispense abortion medication, regardless of personal beliefs. This after 13 NGOs and legal centers expressed concerns about pharmacists denying patients access to abortifacients, citing moral or religious reasons. Victoria Satchwell, Executive Director of Abortion Support South Africa spoke to Elvis Presslin about the implications of...

ActionSA has expressed concern over what it refers to as reckless remarks made by US President, Donald Trump in response to South Africa's Expropriation Bill into law. The party was reacting to news that Trump and his administration will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa, after accusing Pretoria of confiscating land and discriminating against certain citizens. ActionSA has refuted...

World Cancer Day is being marked around the globe today, with a focus on the need for personalized care. In South Africa, cancer cases are projected to double by 2030. To discuss the challenges and potential solutions, Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Michael Herbst, a Clinical Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, who's also a Skin Cancer survivor

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate alleged maladministration at Ithala Development Finance Corporation, following a Prudential Authority report that found Ithala to be technically and legally insolvent. This development has put over two-hundred thousand depositors at risk of losing their deposits. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu, Provincial Manag...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed deep concern over US President Donald Trump's misconception of South Africa's Expropriation Act. This after Trump threatened to cut aid funding to South Africa in response to the Act. The DA says the Act doesn't permit arbitrary land seizure and that fair compensation will be required for legitimate expropriations. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin...

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 General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has welcomed the arrest of four police officers linked to the escape of James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as "Tiger," in Stilfontein. However, GIWUSA strongly disputes the characterization of Tshoaeli as a kingpin, arguing that this label implies a level of power and control inconsistent with the dire conditions in which he was found under...

The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has addressed allegations of racial intolerance at Drakensberg Secondary School in Estcourt. Reports indicate that two Hindu students were asked to remove or cover their red prayer strings, also known as Luxmi, during school hours. To discuss this incident, Elvis Presslin spoke to KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi.

National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola says South African police have made nearly 4000 arrests for rape and attempted rape since October last year. Speaking to members of the media on the police's Safer Festive Season operations, Masemola reaffirmed the police's commitment to apprehending perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide. The three-thousand-983 recorded arrests were for cr...

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today address the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, amidst illegal mining challenges. For over 30 years, the Indaba has been the premier platform for mining professionals and investors to tap into Africa's vast mining potential. This year's event comes amidst the challenges of illegal mining in Stilfontein, North West. To share his expertise, Elvis Pre...

The South African Human Rights Commission is expected to begin a national investigative inquiry into the impact of load reduction on the human rights of the country's citizens. The 3-day hearing is expected to access the legal, policy, and practical justifications for Eskom's power cuts, as well as to identify the demographics of the communities most disproportionately impacted by the electricity...

One of South Africa's major banks, Standard Bank, says the recent decision by the country's Reserve Bank to reduce the repo rate, may mark a turning point for the residential property market. In the third such move since September 2024, the Reserve Bank this week announced a 25-basis point cut in the repurchase rate, bringing the prime lending rate down to 11%. Standard Bank says the announcement...

Tensions are running high in Cape Town as opposition parties reject Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis' explanation for not removing JP Smith and Xanthea Limberg from his Mayoral Committee. The mayor's decision follows a police raid on their offices as part of an investigation into housing tender fraud in the construction sector. To shed more light on this developing story, Elvis Presslin spoke to MP and Le...