First Take SA

When household budgets are stretched, the promise of a quick gambling win can seem tempting, but it can also put long-term financial security at risk. The latest 2026 Township Customer Experience Report found that 55% of stokvel members surveyed had gambled at least once in the past year, highlighting how financial pressure can influence even disciplined savers. So how do we prevent gambling from...

The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver judgment today in the ANC's case against the IEC. The party is challenging the disqualification of its candidate lists in six municipalities, which affects one hundred and eighty one councillor candidates. The ruling will have major implications for the  November 4th Local Government Elections. For more on this, we spoke toPolitical analyst, Dr....

The March and March Movement says it has learnt that its leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma and SA First Forum Acting CEO Xolani Zuma will be arrested before Friday. The Movement claims the arrest warrant issued by the NPA is politically motivated and aimed at causing unrest ahead of the November local government elections. It has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to distance himself from what it terms...

The Concerned Citizens of South Africa is calling for a national shutdown on Monday over record fuel prices. Inland petrol reached thirty rand and twenty-five cents a litre in October, putting pressure on households. The movement wants government to cut fuel taxes and levies to bring prices down. We spoke to Concerned Citizens of South Africa national Organiser, Ntokozo Mkhize.

The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association is set to hold a peaceful protest in Johannesburg today following the deadly Wedela tavern shooting. Eighteen people were killed on the West Rand, raising fresh concerns about safety at taverns. The association says it will call for stronger action against illegal firearms, organised crime and mass shootings. We spoke to Gauteng Liquor Traders Association spo...

In Reiger Park on the East Rand, young people are turning to sport to escape gangsterism and build a better future. One of them is local athlete Jadin Norman, who is using athletics to stay off the streets and inspire his peers. Elvis Presslin spoke to him about the challenges facing youth in Reiger Park and the power of sport as an alternative..

The battle for Johannesburg is intensifying ahead of the 4 November local government elections, with Al Jama-ah fielding Ashley Mama as its mayoral candidate. Mama's campaign is focusing on some of the city's most pressing concerns, including service delivery, accountability, economic development, job creation and community safety. With Johannesburg also facing pressure on infrastructure and decli...

This year's local government elections have attracted unlikely characters which are energising the political landscape. Unlike traditional politicians, these individuals originate from the cultural entertainment and business sectors amongst others. Over five hundred and forty political parties will be contesting the local government elections which are less than forty days away. SABC Senior politi...

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) began voting for its top six leadership positions at its 15th National Congress in Kempton Park. This follows a chaotic start to the congress in September, which collapsed due to fierce leadership factions and eligibility disputes. The votng process was managed by an independent electoral instititute, EISA (Electoral Institute for Sustainable Dem...

The Madlanga Commission says it will obtain a statement from Serge Cabonge. This follows voice recordings attributed to him that were played in the Randburg Magistrate's Court during the bail hearing of Shadrack Sibiya. The Commission says Cabonge has been mentioned in its hearings before and his claims will now form part of its broader investigation. It says it will not comment further for now. F...

Lobby group AfriForum says Johannesburg's water crisis shows the municipal service delivery model is failing residents. The organisation says the city's consideration of private sector involvement is an admission that the current system is not working. It says residents should not be held hostage by municipal monopolies when sustainable alternatives exist. AfriForum is calling for private and comm...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at FEDUSA's 8th National Congress today. He will be standing in for President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Congress is underway at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre at O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg and runs until Friday. The federation says the gathering comes as workers face rising living costs and pressure on household incomes. we spok...

The South African Youth Economic Council has welcomed a Labour Court order halting the restart of the recruitment process for the National Skills Fund CEO. SAYEC says the dispute raises questions about leadership and stability at the Fund. The Council also flagged the plight of over 400 engineering students who it says have not received accommodation and meal allowances since April. We spoke to SA...

The man who assassinated SACP leader Chris Hani, Janusz Walus, could soon run for public office in Poland. Far-right political groups in the country are reportedly eyeing Walus as a candidate for the upcoming 2027 parliamentary elections. Walus was deported to his home country in December 2024 after serving nearly three decades in a South African prison. Our senior producer Ronald Phiri spoke with...

The South African Police service says Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya's resignation will be treated as a dishonourable discharge. This after his lawyers tendered the resignation when disciplinary hearings had already started. Sibiya faces accusations including his alleged relationship with businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala. We spoke to  policing and Security specialist Eldred de Klerk.

ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe's walkout at COSATU's reconvened National Congress in Kempton Park is sparking debate over unity within the alliance. Mantashe, who was leading the ANC delegation, reportedly refused to speak before the SACP and SANCO, insisting the ANC traditionally speaks last. Attempts by ANC Veterans League President, Dr. Snuki Zikalala and COSATU General Secretary Solly...

More than 960-thousand candidates have registered to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, which get underway today across South Africa. For matriculants, this marks the culmination of years of hard work, preparation and sacrifice, and for many, the beginning of the next chapter in their lives. While excitement is high, so too are the pressures and expectations that come with on...

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

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is reconvening its 15th National Congress today following earlier disruptions. Delegates are gathering at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, after internal friction completely paralyzed the initial gathering. COSATU affiliates are anticipated to attend as leadership moves to restore order and conclude outstanding business. 

The Department of Basic Education is ready for the 2026 matric examinations, with thousands of candidates expected to sit for the National Senior Certificate exams across the country. Briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube says examination papers have been set, schools assessed for readiness and learners prepared through rigorous assessments and addition...

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has condemned the shooting at the Bushbuckridge home of President of Contralesa Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena. Police are investigating attempted murder and malicious damage to property following the incident on Thursday. Mayibuye says traditional leaders should not have to carry out public duties under threat of gunfire and has called for a properly resourced investigation....

The EFF and the African Legal Professionals Association are in the Western Cape High Court today challenging the Impeachment Committee's decision to rescind Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as its evidence leader. The two applicants want the court to set aside the Committee's decision and have Madonsela reinstated. They argue the move to remove him was irrational and undermines the credibility and fa...

The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign in KwaZulu-Natal says threats against the Constitution and the Constitutional Court following its recent ruling on asylum seekers amount to an attack on the rule of law. The group says the ruling does not automatically grant asylum but requires Home Affairs to fairly consider applications in line with human rights obligations. We spoke to Yeshelen Govender, Spoke...

President Donald Trump has approved the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan for the 2009 Fort Hood, Texas shooting. The execution is set for the third of December by firing squad. The Pentagon is now weighing a plan to live stream it. No execution has ever been broadcast live in the US and legal experts say the proposal sits in an untested legal area. For reaction and analysis on the matter...

The Jacob Zuma Foundation has appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Presidency to ensure proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead. Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi says the upkeep of the residence through Public Works and the replacement of his ageing vehicle fleet warrant serious consideration. He joins us on the line.