First Take SA

Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe has responded to criticism over his appointment to the electricity and energy committee in parliament. Molefe, who was sworn in as an MK Party representative last week, faces allegations of advancing state capture during his tenure at Eskom, according to the Zondo Commission's findings. In an interview with our Senior Producer Ronald Phiri, Molefe explained why he joi...

Lobby group AfriForum is warning that the Tshwane Metro will descend into chaos if the current ruling coalition collapses. The group has launched a petition urging the public to reject a potential coalition between the ANC and EFF in Tshwane. The move comes as ActionSA considers joining forces with the ANC and EFF to unseat Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ernst van Zyl, Afri...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with 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

A landmark agreement between the Ministers of Sport and Basic Education will make sports and arts mandatory in public schools nationwide. The move aims to increase access to cultural programs, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas. Basil Manuel, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa, speaks to Elvis Presslin on the implications of this new...

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has denounced the recent violent incident in Limpopo, where two women and a man were attacked while searching for food. GIWUSA President Mametlwe Sebei says the killings are a stark reflection of the deep-rooted racism and exploitation under capitalism. Elvis Presslin spoke to GIWUSA president, Mametlwe Sebei

A manhunt is underway in Mpumalanga after two pupils were allegedly raped at gunpoint while walking to school on Monday. Elvis Presslin spoke to Provincial Police spokesperson Donald Mdluli on the investigation

A traditional leader in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, has been fatally shot by police during a search operation. Dalindzolo Mareke, chief of Mthatha West, was among three suspects killed after allegedly confronting officers at a police base claiming harassment. Mareke had previously denied involvement in extortion activities. Elvis Presslin spoke to OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Phumzile...

South Africa's economy has shown signs of recovery, with a 0.4% growth in GDP for the second quarter of 2024, following stagnation in the first quarter. According to Stats SA this rebound is largely attributed to the absence of load-shedding, which previously hampered production. Seven out of ten industries contributed positively, including finance, manufacturing, and trade. For more on this Elvis...

The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit begins today, with China and African nations poised to sign fresh cooperation agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative. The three-day summit aims to strengthen partnerships across Africa, focusing on achieving more substantial outcomes. For expert analysis on the bilateral and geopolitical implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to Chrispin...

The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has sounded the alarm over the rapid rise of extortion in South Africa. Cameron warns that extortion poses a significant threat to the country's economy and social fabric. Speaking during a National Assembly session on the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's plans to tackle the growing problem, Cameron highlighted the far-reach...

South Africa's roads have been plagued by a series of devastating bus crashes, sparking mounting concerns over bus safety. In the latest incident, a bus crash in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday claimed the lives of two pupils, with 60 others injured. This tragedy follows a string of fatal accidents, including a collision on KwaZulu-Natal's roads that left 21 people dead. Nine lives were lost when a bus ve...

ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji has described the uMkhonto weSizwe Party as a 'home for the corrupt' after several high-profile figures implicated in state capture were sworn in as MPs. Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Mzwanele Manyi and former Prasa chief executive Lucky Montana have joined the MK party founded by former President Jacob Zuma. Malatji has reiterated calls for ANC...

ActionSA has initiated legal proceedings against the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC over its alleged failure to probe a R150 million debt settlement involving the ANC. The IEC had earlier found no sufficient evidence to justify an investigation into the matter. In a separate move, ActionSA has also submitted new complaints to the IEC against the EFF and MK party, alleging that their campaig...

A new report by the Stop Stockouts Project and Ritshidze has shed light on the causes of contraceptive shortages in South Africa. The report, released during Women's Month in August, reveals that poor national procurement planning and budgetary limitations are key drivers of stockouts. The report, based on surveys and interviews in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West provinces, found t...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with 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 African Transformation Movement (ATM) is urging a rethink on the R30,000 cap on pension withdrawals, introduced as part of the government's Two-Pot retirement system in September. The party warns that this limit could exacerbate financial struggles for debt-burdened workers. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona

The Young Communist League of South Africa has condemned statements by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula as "reckless"  against SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila. The Young Community League criticized Mbalula's remarks on X as part of a pattern of ANC leaders publicly berating their General Secretary. The League has also opposed the ANC's decision to form a government of national unity with...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described attacks on police officers as equivalent to treason, saying they constitute an attack on the state. Mashatile was speaking at an annual commemoration event honouring police officers who died in the line of duty between April last year and March this year. The Independent Policing Union of South Africa has echoed Mashatile's calls by pledging to campaig...

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the police service is exploring ways to assist families of murdered officers in pursuing civil claims against the perpetrators. The initiative aims to ensure justice is served beyond criminal proceedings, by holding perpetrators financially accountable for the harm caused. Mchunu made the announcement at a commemoration event for 39 police officers killed in the l...

The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) is demanding the expropriation of a farm in Limpopo, where two women were allegedly murdered and their remains fed to pigs. The farm's owner, Zacharia Olivier, and two workers, Rudolf de Wet and William Musora, are accused of the crime. The PAC has instructed its President and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, to explore t...

The Gauteng Department of Health has issued a warning to parents and caregivers to be highly vigilant due to a concerning spike in food poisoning cases among children. Reports since February this year have exceeded 200 cases, resulting in 10 fatalities. The affected areas include townships, informal settlements, and hostels. To elaborate further on these incidents, Elvis Presslin spoke to Jennifer...

South Africa is launching a historic partnership to combat financial crime and corruption. The Department of Justice, SABRIC, and the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College are signing a landmark agreement today. This comes as the country faces challenges in detecting and addressing white-collar crimes due to limited resources. Elvis Presslin spoke to Neptune Masumbuka, Head of the Brigitte Mabandla Ju...

The Gauteng Provincial Government will today launch a multi-stakeholder initiative to revitalize the Johannesburg CBD. The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, COGTA says the programme is part of the broader Old CBD Revitalisation Strategy and aims to improve lighting, security, and cleanliness, making the area more attractive for investment. Premier Panyaza Lesufi...

The MK Party has welcomed former South African Rainbow Alliance, SARA leader, Colleen Makhubele into its ranks. The party says Makhubele's extensive experience in both the private and public sectors will make her a valuable asset. Makhubele, who previously served as Speaker of Johannesburg and a former member of the Congress of the People (COPE) and SARA, ditched her own party after its poor perfo...

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