First Take SA

Soil of Africa is rejecting the Gauteng Department of Education's claim that only 4,858 learners are unplaced for the 2026 academic year, calling it a "failure" and a "crisis of governance". The organisation says thousands of children being denied access to education is unacceptable and reflects poor planning and weak infrastructure delivery. Soil of Africa's President, King Bongani Ramontja, will...

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 United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela. One vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and now called Marinera, was boarded in the North Atlantic after weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard. The ship had changed its name and adopted a Russian flag to evade capture. The second vessel, carrying oil and sailing under a Cameroonian flag, was seized in the Caribbean. The seizures ar...

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is warning matriculants to be cautious of unregistered institutions offering fake study opportunities. SAQA says students should verify institutions before paying fees. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAQA's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Makhapa Makhafola

A coalition of South African trade unions, political groups and civil society organisations will picket outside the American Embassy in Pretoria today to condemn -of what they say - is the US military invasion of Venezuela and the 'kidnapping' of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says it supports the protest saying the...

A proposal has been put forward to increase South Africa's legal drinking age from 18 to between 21 and 23. Gatekeepers South Africa has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing the country's struggles with alcohol abuse and its link to domestic violence, drunk driving, and other risks. Despite previous proposals, little progress has been made to address the issue. For reaction to the proposal...

The appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions has been met with cautious optimism by ActionSA. The party says the move highlights the need for reform in how the heads of the prosecuting authority are appointed. ActionSA is concerned that Mothibi's appointment, made unilaterally by President Cyril Ramaphosa, may not bring the change needed to address t...

AZAPO is calling for FIFA to ban the United States from international football competitions, citing the country's "illegal aggression" against Venezuela. The group is condemning the US military strikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro saying it's a violation of international law. Elvis Presslin spoke to AZAPO President, Nelvis Qekema

A group of 14 South African youths, lured to Thailand with promises of employment are facing deportation today after being detained for allegedly being victims of human trafficking. The group was reportedly recruited by a South African male and their situation has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of South Africans abroad. Elvis Presslin spoke to Security Strategist and retired Inte...

A 47-year-old foreign national has been arrested in Johannesburg's CBD on suspicion of human trafficking. The man was detained after police intercepted a vehicle and rescued two teenage boys, and another 10 were found walking half-naked on Broad Street in Mulbarton. The suspect will appear in court tomorrow (Thursday) facing charges of being an illegal immigrant and suspected trafficking in person...

SA's ECD system facing a crisis South Africa's early childhood development (ECD) system is facing a crisis, with millions of children being left behind due to a lack of access to quality early learning. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says the system is plagued by class divisions, underfunding and inadequate infrastructure, perpetuating inequality and limiting opportunities for young children. To elabo...

The Labour Court has ruled in favour of Councillor Wesley Neumann, reinstating him as Principal of Heathfield High School. Neumann, a GOOD Party councillor, was dismissed in 2022 for keeping schools closed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to safety concerns. The court deemed the dismissal "disproportionate" and unfair. The Western Cape Education Department is reviewing the judgment and considering...

The South African Communist Party, SACP will hold its annual commemoration for struggle icon Joe Slovo today in Soweto. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila is set to deliver the keynote address at the Heroes' Acre in Avalon Cemetery. Alliance partners, including representatives from the ANC and Cosatu, are expected to attend the event. This comes against a backdrop of ongoing strains in the tripa...

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns in a New York federal court. Maduro was captured by US forces in Caracas on Saturday and transported to the US for trial. During his court appearance, Maduro claimed he was "kidnapped" and remains Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro's...

A 54-hour water shutdown is set to begin in Johannesburg from today at 4pm, with the city warning it could take seven days to fully recover. The shutdown is part of Rand Water's planned maintenance programme, affecting areas including Roodepoort, Fleurhof, Doornkop, Meadowlands and Braamfischerville. Executive Mayor Dada Morero says residents should store water and use it sparingly during this tim...

As the 2026 academic year kicks off, education experts are emphasizing the importance of structured goal-setting for learners. According to Ntsako Mhlanga, founder of Learnergy, many students struggle due to unclear goals, poor routines, and limited accountability. Mhlanga advises parents and guardians to help learners set clear, subject-based academic goals, focus on routine and consistency and s...

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has strongly condemned the US military attack on Venezuela. NUMSA has called the attack an "undemocratic, dictatorial, and unilateral attack" on the Democratic Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. NUMSA accuses US President Donald Trump of being a "savage, ruthless bully and champion of colonialism and imperialism" and calls on Americans to h...

FF Plus leader Dr. Corné Mulder has welcomed the news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture, stating that the end of the socialist failure in Venezuela should be celebrated. Mulder says the strong condemnation from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the ANC minister doesn't represent his party's views or those of all South Africans. Maduro was c...

Residents of Soshanguve and East Lynne in Tshwane are expressing frustration and anger after enduring prolonged electricity outages since December, followed by water disruptions. The City of Tshwane says it's working around the clock to restore power, but residents claim little progress has been made, with some areas still without electricity. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Metro Leader, Cilli...

Thousands of travellers are still crossing into South Africa at the Beitbridge Border Post, with many returning to work after travelling to neighbouring countries for the festive season. The Border Management Authority (BMA) is warning travellers to have all required documents ready, as lawlessness will not be tolerated. The BMA has deployed drone technology to strengthen border control and manage...

Inmates in South African prisons have written to EFF leader Julius Malema, accusing Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald of racism and subjecting them to "cruel and inhumane" conditions. The inmates claim conditions have worsened under Groenewald, with limited phone access, poor diet, and few parole releases. They're urging Malema to take legal action to have Groenewald's appointme...

South African activist groups have strongly condemned the United States' bombing of Venezuela, describing it as a "violent act of US military aggression". Africa4Palestine and Anti-Fascist International alleges the attack is motivated by Venezuela's oil and rare earth minerals. The country's President Nicolas Maduro has been captured by US forces. Elvis Presslin spoke to Board Member of Africa4Pal...

The appointment of the new National Director of Public Prosecutions, NDPP is under scrutiny, with calls for the process to remain apolitical. The current state of the NPA is a concern, with crucial cases being lost, including those related to corruption, rape, and state capture. Activists and the Citizens Forum are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritize the country's interests over party p...

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the key political events that defined South Africa. The Government of National Unity endured amid intense negotiations and disputes over budget and policy differences, following the ANC's historic loss of majority in 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the landmark G20 summit in Johannesburg, the first on African soil, though US President Donald Trump boy...

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli faces a critical test today as a motion of no confidence against him is put to a vote in the provincial legislature. The motion, brought by the MK Party, cites allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. Ntuli, however remains unfazed, insisting his government is stable and focused on service delivery. The EFF has announced its support for the motion, w...