First Take SA

A key suspect in a major fraud case linked to the Human Settlements Flood Disaster Relief Fund is expected in the Durban Magistrates Court this morning. The kingpin faces charges for illegally accessing emergency housing funds as part of a syndicate dismantled under Operation NenzaniLaEzweni. MEC Siboniso Duma says authorities are making strong progress in rooting out officials and politicians who...

City Power says it has made significant headway in cutting electricity losses in Johannesburg, with the rate dropping from just over 40 percent last July to around 25 percent by April this year. The utility credits the improvement to its Revenue Enhancement Programme, which has recovered roughly 1-point-6 billion rand through billing corrections, meter audits and the removal of illegal connections...

The Democratic Alliance, DA in Gauteng has welcomed the Public Protector's report setting 30-day deadlines to fix fire-damaged sections of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. The report notes repair costs have ballooned sharply while critical services remain disrupted. We spoke to Dr. Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health.

As South Africa marks Africa Day, the South African Human Rights Commission is raising alarm over growing tensions linked to marches reportedly targeting undocumented foreign nationals. The Commission has now called for an urgent virtual imbizo, bringing together civil society, community leaders and stakeholders to address rising reports of violence, displacement, and threats to human dignity. The...

The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that forensic pathology service centres in Hillbrow, Pretoria and Diepkloof have resumed operations following several days of protest action over working conditions. The disruption led to delays in post-mortem services and placed strain on families awaiting the release of loved ones. As operations stabilise, attention now turns to how the Department i...

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back  

Community groups, faith leaders, students and residents say they reject a planned March and March protest against undocumented nationals In Cape Town tomorrow. They argue the planned march from Belville to Parow misdirects public anger toward migrants and refugees instead of addressing unemployment, corruption and failing services. The organisations warn rhetoric has led to intimidation and violen...

The National Consumer Commission has referred FlySafair to the National Consumer Tribunal over allegations of overbooking and overselling tickets. The case follows complaints from passengers who were denied boarding despite holding valid tickets. FlySafair says overbooking is part of its business model as the matter moves to the Tribunal for review. We spoke to Prudence Moilwa, Executive Head for...

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA, has raised concerns over government's allocation of nearly R80 million to spaza shop owners, questioning the transparency, fairness and impact of the funding. While the initiative is meant to support small businesses, FOSA argues that without clear accountability and measurable outcomes, the intervention risks missing its intended beneficiaries. The organisation i...

The MK Party Is demanding the immediate resignation of Deputy Minister in the Presidency For Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike as the Vice President of the South African Pharmacy Council. The party said his dual role raises serious concerns over governance, ethics and the independence of the statutory regulator. MK Party argued that a sitting Deputy Minister holding office...

The African Transformation Movement, ATM has criticised National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza for rejecting their motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. ATM MP Vuyo Zungula said the ATM was unhappy with the decision. In the same breath, Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu said there was no legitimate basis for the rejection and called it opportunistic. We spoke to V...

Several civil society organisations have strongly condemned a recent wave of intimidation and violence targeting migrant communities, including children, in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The groups warn that these actions, which include threats against schools and learners, undermine constitutional rights and put vulnerable children at serious risk. Wee spoke to, Katherine Sutherland, Head o...

The African People's Convention (APC) has called for urgent and science-led action in response to the growing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The party is backing warnings from leading epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim, who has raised concern about the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treat...

The City of Johannesburg says it is intensifying efforts to reclaim hijacked and unsafe buildings in the CBD following illegal structures found inside Marble Towers. Law enforcement has also launched a major operation targeting undocumented immigrants and criminal activity in the area. The planned demolition of illegal structures at Marble Towers has been halted after the owners secured an urgent...

ActionSA has condemned the exoneration of two senior SAPS officials in internal disciplinary hearings linked to the Phala Phala matter. The party says the outcome contradicts IPID findings that recommended action for serious misconduct. ActionSA plans to file a Promotion of Access to Information Act, PAIA application to access the full record of the proceedings, arguing that SAPS internal processe...

The Congolese Solidarity Campaign has raised concern over the plight of refugees and migrants in Durban, saying many are living without shelter or protection. The group says on Monday, several individuals seeking safety were turned away from police and temporary accommodation sites and spent the night outside Durban Central Police Station. The organisation is calling for a coordinated response fro...

The Democratic Alliance, DA says Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has not acted on criminal allegations involving members of his executive, citing reports of arrests, assault claims and blocked case openings at Lenasia South Police Station. The DA argues the lack of action creates the impression that MMCs are above the law. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has expelled former King Cetshwayo Councillor Sipho Mbatha over claims he engaged in extortion while falsely acting for the party. The IFP National Council unanimously terminated his membership after reviewing the case. The party issued a public warning distancing itself from any fraudulent acts linked to Mbatha. We spoke to IFP National spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa...

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, CONTRALESA has called for urgent government intervention over the coronation of foreign nationals on South African soil. CONTRALESA said the practice undermines traditional authority and disrespects local customs. The call follows recent protests in the Eastern Cape and claims of more similar coronations taking place. The organisation warned tha...

The Democratic Alliance, DA says it will hand over a petition with over 16 000 signatures to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature today, opposing a 64% cut to Quintile 5 public schools. The party argues the reductions have left many schools struggling to cover basic services like electricity, water and maintenance. The petition calls for the funding decision to be reversed. For more we spoke to&nbsp...

A look at the current top African economic stories. We speak to Victor Kgomoesoana, 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 Democratic Alliance will stage a picket today against Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla's return to office. The party says his presence at the head of the city's administration is an indictment on those who enable him. We spoke to  DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane 

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta is urging reflection and unity as tensions rise around the March and March campaign. He says organisers should honour Nigeria and other African states for their support during the anti-apartheid struggle. Makaneta also warned against targeting undocumented children, stressing every child has a constitutional right to basic education.

Solidarity has lodged a complaint with the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland against the South African government. The union says government breached a 2023 agreement on racial legislation that was made a court order but never published as regulations. Solidarity says the move shows contempt for both international processes and local courts and forms part of a broader campai...

The Gauteng Department of Health says hypertension cases are rising among adults under 45 across the province. More than 69,000 new cases were recorded in the 2025/26 financial year, with over 26,000 in people aged 18 to 44. Officials warn the condition, known as the "silent killer," remains a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. We spoke to  Steve Mabona, Gauteng Depart...