First Take SA

Zimbabwe will today host the SADC Heads of State and Government summit on the DRC crisis. The summit comes at a critical time, with tensions escalating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has warned of a potential confrontation with South Africa, following President Cyril Ramaphosa's accusations that Rwanda's defense force is supporting the M23 rebels who are respons...

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has rejected the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, NERSA's approved electricity tariff increases. The party is citing the significant burden it will place on South African consumers. NERSA has approved a 12.74% tariff hike for the 2025/26 financial year, substantially lower than Eskom's requested 36% increase. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kevin Mileham, DA Spokespe...

The United Africans Transformation party is seeking transparency regarding the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the tragic loss of 13 South African soldiers in the region. The party is also calling for accountability amidst the ongoing clashes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Bantu Mahlatsi, President of the United Africans...

The South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU, is marching to the National Treasury to demand urgent action on jobs and healthcare reform. With over 800 qualified doctors remaining unemployed after completing their training, the union is pushing for government intervention to address the crisis in the health sector. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Cedric Sihlangu, the General Secretary of...

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

Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two male suspects for the torching of 51 Putco buses in Nkangala District. The men aged 29 and 37 apprehended on Tuesday are accused of arson and attacks which also left a Putco security guard with a gunshot wound. For more insights into this developing story, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli

The Gauteng Department of Health has refuted recent media reports alleging that it intends to compel school girls aged 12 years and above, to receive contraceptives without their consent. The reports began earlier this month following a school visit by provincial Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, where she was reported to have announced the alleged proposed rollout of the program. Gauteng Health...

As the South African Reserve Bank prepares to announce its interest rate decision today, economists predict a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate. To explore the implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to senior Economist, Xhanti Phayi

The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party in KwaZulu-Natal has pledged its support for former President Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, as she prepares to appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court today. Her court appearance is linked to the 2021 civil unrest, which saw about 65 alleged instigators face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and terrorism. To shed more light on this development, Elvi...

The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked concerns about the future of global road safety initiatives, particularly in Africa. With funding for critical programs now hanging in the balance, the continent's already vulnerable road safety landscape is facing an uncertain future. Elvis Presslin spoke to engineer and road safety expert Lemo Monyatsi 

Former Defence and International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has condemned the recent attacks on South African peacekeeping soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which tragically claimed the lives of 13 soldiers. Speaking to senior producer Ronald Phiri, Sisulu emphasized that South Africa will not remain passive while its soldiers are attacked on the front lines, particularly...

The Public Servants Association (PSA) in KwaZulu-Natal is outraged over the Department of Social Development's decision to dismiss community caregivers and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees without renewing their contracts. This move affects numerous employees who provide vital support to vulnerable communities, including the elderly, sick, and those in dire social and economic cond...

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has strongly condemned the escalating security situation in Eastern DRC, labeling it "appalling and unacceptable." Lamola's remarks came during a virtual African Union Peace and Security Council meeting, where he also denounced the activities of the M23 armed group and Rwanda's support for the rebel group. To gain deeper insights into...

Treatment Action Campaign says more than 20,000 South African healthcare workers face potential job losses following the US government's cuts to aid funding for international development. The Community-led HIV and TB organization says US President Donald Trump's administration cut ties with NPOs after historically providing over R6.5 billion in aid in the fight against HIV, TB, and other diseases....

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the amended Marine Pollution Act. The law is aimed at protecting South Africa's extensive coastline from ship-related pollution. With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, the country's environmental and economic security rely heavily on preserving its marine environment. To delve deeper into this significant development, Elvis Presslin spoke to Monica S...

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union is today expected to submit a memorandum of demands to National Treasury and South African Reserve Bank, in a bid to prevent the impending liquidation of Ithala Bank. NEHAWU is among a number of entities that have opposed the Prudential Authority's appication to liquidate the state-owned bank due to insolvency. The union says the bank's more...

Former President Jacob Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Sambudla-Zuma, is set to appear in the Durban Magistrates Court tomorrow in connection with the July 2021 unrest. The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed her court appearance and have called on party members to show their support by gathering outside the court. This development comes as 65 alleged instigators are expected...

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is today expected to address the nation on the tragic deaths of 13 SANDF members in the DRC. The briefing is expected to provide details on the recent incident. For more insights, Elvis Presslin spoke to SA National Defence Union (SANDU) Chief Negotiator, Jeff Dubazana

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over a R236 million Johannesburg Water tanker tender awarded to Nutinox and Builtpro Construction, sparking calls for a National Treasury investigation. As the controversy unfolds, DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeo-zonjoku, spoke to Elvis Presslin to provide insight into the allegations surrounding this lucrative tender...

Ithala Bank is in court today, seeking an urgent order to enforce a previous ruling that allows its board to manage the bank's operations and accounts. This comes after the Prudential Authority's bid to liquidate the bank due to insolvency. The KwaZulu-Natal Treasury department has filed papers in support of Ithala Bank, opposing the liquidation application. For insight into this unfolding drama,...

South African dancer Mara Gwatyu is stepping into the international spotlight after being selected to showcase her work at the esteemed Cyprus Dance Film Festival in February. This international festival celebrates the best of dance filmmaking. Mara spoke to Elvis Presslin, to share more about this incredible opportunity

The Indigenous First Nation Advocacy South Africa (IFNASA) has strongly condemned the newly signed Land Expropriation Without Compensation Act, calling it a devastating blow to the land restitution rights of indigenous San and Khoi people. The Advocacy group believes the Act prioritizes cheap reconciliation over justice, further marginalizing already vulnerable communities. To delve deeper into th...

Fighting has intensified in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, as rebels and government forces continue to clash. The M23 militia, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has taken control of the city, prompting concerns of a full-scale war between central African states. The DRC accuses Rwanda of using the M23 as a proxy force to exploit mineral resources, while Rwanda cites security concerns. Meanwhile, th...

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 African Transformation Movement (ATM) is demanding accountability from the South African government and military leadership for deploying what they deem ill-equipped soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo. This outcry comes after nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers and two others were killed in a battle with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The ATM has expressed outrage...