First Take SA

The Democratic Alliance is demanding the removal of ActionSA's Tshwane Chairperson, Jackie Mathabathe ahead of a crucial no-confidence vote against Mayor Cilliers Brink. The DA accuses Mathabathe of revealing ActionSA's allegiance by posting a social media message predicting the DA's "Golden Boy" would be ousted in 16 days. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, to d...

The Democratic Alliance, DA has warned it will withdraw from the government of national unity if President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment, BELA Bill into law. The presidency has confirmed that President Ramaphosa will sign the bill on Friday, despite the DA's objections. DA leader John Steenhuisen argues that the bill has significant constitutional implicati...

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has revealed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 4,135 cases of wrongful arrests during the 2023/24 financial year, leading to claims exceeding R2 billion. This revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi, which has expressed concern that such wrongful arrests are damaging public trust in the police. for more on t...

The Department of Correctional Services is considering installing cellphone and signal jammers around St Alban's Prison amid allegations that serious crimes are being orchestrated from within the facility. The move comes as the Nelson Mandela Bay area sees a surge in crimes such as extortion, murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Department of Correctional Services Spokesper...

Today marks 3 years since South African Airways (SAA) resumed operations after emerging from liquidation. The 90-year-old airline has long relied on state funding, but faced bankruptcy during the Covid-19 pandemic. A proposed sale of a 51% stake in the carrier was scrapped in March. Today, SAA CEO Professor John Lamola is set to deliver a report on the airline's operational performance, financial...

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi says approximately 6,220 foreign nationals are employed in public service. This represents 0.5% of the total workforce. The figure includes permanent residents and temporary employees. To discuss the implications of this revelation, Elvis Presslin spoke to Claude Naiker, Acting Deputy General Manager of the Public Servants Association, PSA

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month in September, a question remains: Should all colonial heritage sites, statues, and monuments be removed to truly reflect our democracy? Heritage Month showcases the nation's diverse culture and heritage, including African, Asian, and European influences. However, some argue that colonial-era symbols perpetuate racism and Black oppression. So should all col...

Former Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has been admitted to hospital, although the exact nature for his admission is still unclear. A statement from his family has assured that he is receiving the best possible medical care. This comes after Gordhan announced his retirement from politics earlier this year, following the May election. The family has requested privacy at this time, but ha...

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, South Africa is shining a light on the critical issue of teen suicide prevention. Globally, the statistics are alarming: approximately 3,000 people take their own lives every day, with 20 or more attempts for every completed suicide. This translates to a staggering one million lives lost to suicide annually, with a devastating impact on families and friends...

The Pension Fund Adjudicator is warning companies over non-payment of employee contributions amid rising two-pot claims. Under the two-pot system, workers are permitted annual withdrawals from their provident and pension funds. However, as they review their accounts, The Pension Fund Adjudicator predicts a surge in complaints due to discrepancies, highlighting a growing concern that requires atten...

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has dismissed the Western Cape Education Department's proposal to cut 2,400 teaching posts. This due to an alleged 33% underfunding by the national government. SADTU, COSATU and other unions are threatening a strike action if the budget cuts are not recalled. SADTU's Provincial Secretary Sibongile Kwazi spoke to Elvis Presslin on the dispute

Opposition parties are demanding Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's suspension or resignation over a questionable VBS-linked loan. Simelane faces the ANC's integrity commission to explain a R575,600 loan from the defunct VBS Mutual Bank. Critics argue her position as Justice Minister gives her control over the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA potentially allowing her to thwart investigations in...

Relatives of victims and survivors of the devastating 2017/2018 Listeriosis outbreak are demanding accountability from Tiger Brands. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has confirmed that the Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane, owned by Tiger Brands was contaminated with the deadly ST6 strain of Listeria. The outbreak, which made global headlines, resulted in over 200 fatalities an...

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 South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is taking its fight for enforceable recommendations to the Constitutional Court, following a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that its directives are not legally binding. Although the Appeals Court acknowledged the importance of respecting and following the Commission's findings, it emphasized that they require a court order to carry legal weight. Th...

In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Road Traffic Management Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with Police Services arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane for allegedly soliciting bribes from drivers on the N1 highway. This operation aims to root out corruption and restore integrity to the traffic management system. To discuss the details and implications of this operation Elvis P...

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is launching a groundbreaking initiative, the Literacy Promotion Collective, in collaboration with various stakeholders as part of Literacy Month. This pioneering project seeks to promote inclusive literacy practices that celebrate Africa's rich linguistic diversity, with a focus on advancing reading development rooted in African languages. To delve into the...

A crackdown on illegal mining in Rustenburg, North West, has led to the arrest of eight suspects who attempted to evade capture by hiding underground. This latest bust comes on the heels of a previous arrest, where a 65-year-old homeowner and his accomplice were taken into custody for allegedly permitting a group of illegal miners to use a bedroom in the homeowner's residence as an entry point to...

An investigation has been launched by the Gauteng Department of Health into allegations of substandard conditions and patient care at Helen Joseph Hospital. The probe follows a viral video shared on social media by former broadcaster Tom London, a patient at the hospital, who described the conditions as 'deplorable' and accused medical staff of showing a lack of compassion. For more on this story,...

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has personally witnessed the devastating effects of extortion on the community of Mthatha during a visit to the area. He received an update on the ongoing investigations into these cases, revealing that 36 cases are currently being probed since the launch of a dedicated hotline. To share a personal account of the extortion crisis in Mthatha, w...

Lobby group AfriForum has strongly criticized the government's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (Triple-B EE) policies, labeling them a "catastrophic failure" that harms job creation and discourages investment. AfriForum's Head of Public Relations, Ernst van Zyl, says the ANC's BEE requirements are preventing the launch of Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, i...

Umalusi, the accreditation body, has denied claims by UNISA Online School that it is accredited, stating it only accredits private providers, not online schools. Umalusi emphasizes that registration with an accredited assessment body does not equal an Umalusi accreditation. The body confirms online schools operate in an unregulated environment, without provincial education department registration....

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has successfully challenged its deregistration by the country's Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission had decided to deregister the party in June for failing to submit its annual financial reports. However, the Windhoek High Court has overturned this decision, allowing the NEFF to continue operating as a registered political party - In time to...

The Western Cape High Court is currently considering three separate applications seeking to halt the appointment of MK Parliament leader Dr. John Hlophe to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Dr. Hlophe was nominated by the National Assembly to serve on the JSC in July, but his appointment has been met with opposition from the DA, Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch. For more on this Elvis...

Black business owners in Hartbeespoort, North West, claim they are facing a concerted effort by their white counterparts to undermine and disrupt their business activities. The claims come amid a spate of threats and violent attacks, leaving Black business owners fearing for their lives. In a disturbing escalation, two properties belonging to Black entrepreneurs were set ablaze, sparking concerns...