First Take SA

Bafana Bafana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a losing note. A nine men Bafana Bafana side team lost 2-nil to co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament last night. South Africa conceded a goal in each half, and their bad record of failing to win their opening match of the World Cup continues. Bafana Bafana have now failed to win their opening match in four tournaments. For a review on last night's match we're joined by former Bafana Bafana captain and 1996 AFCON winner, Mr. Neil Tovey and sport executive plus former professional player, Mr. Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe. Gentlemen, thanks for being here. Let's start with your immediate take on how Bafana performed against Mexico

The Black Business Unity has raised concerns over growing illegal economic activity in South Africa's townships, informal settlements and urban canters. The group says unregulated trade is hurting compliant businesses, cutting government revenue and slowing local development. The BBU is calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws to protect legitimate operators. For more we're joined by Michael Maloyi, National Public Relations Officer for Black Business Unity

Time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by 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

Scores of Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa. Ahead of the departure, groups of Nigerian nationals gathered at their embassy in Pretoria for registration, documentation checks, and final travel arrangements. The process comes at a sensitive time, with migrant communities in South Africa facing heightened tensions and renewed debate around migration, safety, and integration. To help us unpack the implications of what has now taken place, both in terms of diplomacy and the lived experiences of those affected, we are joined by Dr. ABC Okokoh, President of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter

Victims of disasters in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal are set to receive permanent houses after years in temporary shelters. KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma is expected to handover completed homes today. Over 2,400 houses have been finished so far, with more still under construction. MEC Duma joins us on the line...

Gauteng police are investigating a mass shooting at Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg. Twelve people were killed and at least nine others injured after heavily armed suspects opened fire on residents. Rise Mzansi has called for greater accountability and reform in the security sector. Rise Mzansi Joburg mayoral candidate, Lukhona Mnguni joins us now to discuss restoring safety and trust in vulnerable communities

Think Tank and Advocacy group Lex Libertas has written to Home Affairs Minister, Dr. Leon Schreiber over concerns about the proposed digital ID system. The group says thousands of public submissions have been received opposing the plan, citing risks around data security and oversight. Lex Libertas argues mandatory logging of verifications and broad powers for the Director-General could enable future abuse. For more we're joined by Dr. Ernst Roets, Executive Director of Lex Libertas

The ANCYL and other organisation will today picket at Cartrack's Rosebank office calling for Justice for Gcina Dhladhla who died at the vehicle tracking company. Twenty-nine-year-old Gcina reportedly collapsed and died in a bathroom cubicle. The cause of death is still pending a formal autopsy result. Organisers are calling for public solidarity with her family. We're joined now by Oscar Kanyane, ANCYL Johannesburg Regional Spokesperson

Bafana Bafana face co-host Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup today in Mexico City. South African fans who arrived this week say they are confident ahead of the encounter. The match marks South Africa's return to the tournament's opening fixture on foreign soil. We're joined on the line now by South African legendary football superfan Joy Chauke, better known as Mama Joy

Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee says threats to his life, laid bare at the Madlanga Commission will not deter his work. Court papers claim Tax Justice South Africa founder, Abramjee was threatened in WhatsApp messages involving senior police official Major-General Feroz Khan and tobacco figure Mohamed Sayed. The messages followed Abramjee's exposure of cigarette brands allegedly avoiding tax. He told producer Tracey Boomgaard the threats strengthen his resolve to expose corruption and the illicit economy

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute, SERI, ASF-UK and 1to1 Agency will hold a media workshop in Johannesburg's inner city on Thursday. The session will cover eviction laws and proposed changes to the PIE Act of 1998. Organisers say it aims to help journalists understand housing pressures and recent City of Johannesburg evictions. Reporting on urban housing and displacement will also be discussed. For more we're joined by Edward Molopi, Senior Communications and Advocacy officer at SERI

The Refugee Appeals Authority says asylum seekers waiting outside Durban's refugee office should come forward to receive outstanding appeal notices. Officials launched a "priority backlog" drive on Monday to clear cases delayed for months. Hundreds of refugees are camping outside the centre after alleged attacks targeting undocumented foreign nationals. For more on this, we're joined by Refugee Appeals Authority Chairperson, Advocate Zilpha Raphesu

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has repeated its call for Crime Intelligence's Major-General Firoz Khan and Hawks officer Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa to be suspended. The two were arrested last month for allegedly releasing a businessman caught with unwrought gold. The Madlanga Commission also heard claims they interfered in the 2021 Aeroton drug bust probe. Court papers further allege WhatsApp messages link Khan and businessman Mohammad Sayed to EFF parliamentary questions about a former intelligence inspector-general. For reaction we're joined by Sidney Baloyi, Afrika Mayibuye National spokesperson

African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, AUBBTA says some trade unions are failing to address unemployment for South African citizens. Chairperson Phumudzo Mukhwathi claims unions represent foreign nationals and ghost workers instead of local youth. He alleges some unions take bribes and benefit themselves during wage negotiations with employers. The association is urging government to hold unions accountable. For more, Chairperson of African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, AUBBTA Phumudzo Mukhwathi joins on the line

ActionSA in Gauteng says the South African Human Rights Commission's data that undocumented foreign nationals are not linked to hospital overcrowding does not reflect conditions in the province. Party MPL Emma More argues the Commission used Limpopo figures from 2022 to make a national claim, while Gauteng hospitals face severe capacity shortages daily. She joins us on the line

ActionSA has called on the Special Investigating Unit, SIU to urgently attach assets and recover public money linked to former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi. The party says delays could undermine accountability in the matter. ActionSA also wants all payments to XET Solutions stopped immediately while investigations continue. It's asking that the issue be sent to oversight structures as a matter of urgency. ActionSA Ekurhuleni Caucus Spokesperson, Tumelo Tshabalala, Joins us on the line

The Public Service Commission says public servants may not attend political party study groups outside official government processes. UDM leader General Bantu Holomisa welcomed the advisory, saying it confirms long-held concerns about impartiality in the public service. The Commission warns such meetings risk political bias, unequal access to state information and weaker parliamentary oversight. For more reaction General Holomisa joins us on the line

The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's plan to tighten immigration enforcement, saying Parliament must now ensure the strategy is fully implemented. Committee Chair Mosa Chabane said the President's announcement addresses concerns raised by South Africans about illegal migration and pressure on public services. He stressed that Home Affairs, Border Management and Labour inspectors must work together to act against employers of undocumented migrants and corruption within the system. For more we're joined by Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by 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...

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will step up deportations and inspections of businesses employing undocumented migrants. He announced dedicated immigration courts, border security upgrades and plans to phase out green ID books for a digital ID system. Ramaphosa warned only police and officials may enforce immigration laws and said xenophobia has no place in South Africa. This follows recent protests against undocumented foreign nationals in the country. For more we're joined by Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia spokesperson, Dr. Dale McKinley and is March and March Movement leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma.

A proudly South African brand is making waves in the business space, led by two young entrepreneurs determined to reshape their future and that of their communities. Omotergents was founded by 19-year-old twins, Omohau and Omolemo Mbileni, and has quickly grown from a shared dream into a purpose-driven enterprise. The company produces a range of affordable cleaning products while also empowering others through its Independent Business Owner model. Omohau and Omolemo Mbileni now joins us on the line

Cabinet has adopted a new migration plan that sets quotas for foreign workers across sectors. The National Labour Migration Policy and Employment Services Amendment Bill will let the Minister cap employment of documented foreign nationals and prosecute employers hiring undocumented workers. Government will also register informal businesses and roll out a Spaza Shop Fund to support South African traders. For reaction we're joined by President of the South African Spaza Shops Association, Kgothatso Ramautswa

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa is reviewing content regulations that could affect community radio and independent creators. Solidarity has objected, saying the proposed rules may restrict content sharing and hit smaller broadcasters hardest. The union warns it could reduce diversity on the airwaves if restrictions go ahead. Solidarity Network Coordinator for Communications and Marketing network, Bianca Smit joins us now with more on their concerns...

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has welcomed the swift arrest of three armed security guards accused of attacking an e-hailing driver and several women in KwaNdengezi. The arrests followed intervention by MEC Siboniso Duma, who has praised the coordinated response by law enforcement, including SAPS teams led by Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as well as Operation Shanela, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and Durban Metro Police. The incident has once again raised concerns around safety in the e-hailing sector and the conduct of private security personnel. We spoke to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, KZN Transport and Human Settlements Spokesperson.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today launch a new twice-a-year HIV prevention injection in Mpumalanga. The shot offers six months of protection per dose and will be rolled out nationally. Health officials say it could transform prevention efforts in high-risk areas. The rollout starts today at an event in Mpumalanga. Authorities hope the injectable will reduce new infections nationwide. We spoke to Sibongile Tshabalala, Chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre has filed an application in the North Gauteng High Court to suspend permits for arms exports to the United States. The non-governmental organisation argues the National Conventional Arms Control Committee should have cancelled the permits due to international law concerns. This is the first South African case seeking to stop arms sales to a permanent UN Security Council member. The Chairperson of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, Minister of Defence and President Cyril Ramaphosa are listed as respondents. We spoke to Dr. Atilla Kisla, International Justice Cluster Lead at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the North West Province has apologized after viral videos showed taxi patrollers confronting commuters in Hebron, Britz. The council says the conduct was unacceptable and does not reflect its values. The dispute centres on buses allegedly operating outside agreed peak-hour times on taxi routes. SANTACO and the North West Transport Department have agreed to enforce existing arrangements and restore stability. The organisation condemned any violence or intimidation and urged commuters to remain calm. We spoke to SANTACO North West Provincial Secretary, Shakes Mayekani

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

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng will hold a media briefing outside Wits University over high death rates linked to heart surgeries at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. The Cardiothoracic Department, run jointly by Wits Medical School and the Gauteng Health Department, faces scrutiny over mortality and morbidity allegations. DA Shadow MEC for Health Dr. Jack Bloom says new evidence shows a deepening crisis that needs urgent intervention. The party is calling for accountability from hospital management.

The Gauteng High Court has dismissed the Information Regulator's appeal against publishing matric results. Yesterday the court refused leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, upholding a December order that allows results in newspapers and online. The Regulator had argued publication breached POPIA, but courts ruled the Department of Basic Education can continue the practice. Matric results will remain publicly accessible this year. For analysis on the matter,we spoke to UKZN Professor of Law, Donrich Thaldar

Tax season is approaching and the Office of the Tax Ombud is urging South Africans to prepare early. The Ombud says delays, penalties and stress often come from late filing or not knowing your rights with Sars. They advise taxpayers to be accurate and proactive and note independent help is available if disputes come up. We spoke to Russel Mamabolo, Specialist Communications and Outreach at the Office of the Tax Ombuds.

Zimbabwe has been elected to a two-year non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. It is the country's third term on the body responsible for international peace and security. Zimbabwe will replace Somalia from the first of January and join the DRC and Liberia as the African A3 group on the Council. We spoke to Zanu PF Spokesperson, Farai Marapira.

The National Prosecuting Authority, NPA has reinstated prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba after his earlier suspension. Ntaba was suspended for failing to appear in the extortion case against Joe 'Ferrari' Sibanyoni, and was later found in contempt. On her last day, retired Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni authorised a warrant for his arrest. The Magistrates Commission confirms it received a supplementary NPA complaint linked to the Sibanyoni bail matter on that same day. We spoke to Kagisho Kagisho, Chief Negotiator and Labour Relations Officer for the Public Servants Association (PSA).

The Information Regulator has issued enforcement notices to Central Johannesburg TVET College and Sibanye Stillwater for breaking data protection and access laws. The college shared sensitive student details without safeguards, while Sibanye refused access to Social and Labour Plan records. Both must now take corrective action or face fines and possible jail time. We spoke to Mfana Gwala, a member of the Information Regulator to unpack the implications of these enforcement actions.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has suspended Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi's membership with immediate effect pending an internal corruption investigation. She has been instructed to hand over all party documents, records and assets. Philasande Mkhize has been appointed as Chief Whip with immediate effect. The MK Party also clarified that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla holds no official position and acts only as an ordinary member. For analysis on the matter we spoke to KZN-based political analyst, Thobani Zikalala

National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza has rejected allegations of bias in the Section 89 impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa. African Transformation Movement MP, Vuyolwethu Zungula claimed Ms. Didiza had met the President's lawyers after the Constitutional Court's Phala Phala ruling and should recuse herself. Parliament called the claims false and said they were based on tabloid reports. We spoke to Zama Ntshona, ATM National Spokesperson and ANC Chief Whip in Parliament, Mdumiseni Ntuli

The Road Freight Association says South Africa's latest fuel price cut will offer limited relief for truckers. CEO Gavin Kelly warns that levies and structural costs are still pushing transport prices higher. He says the industry remains under pressure despite the adjustment. We spoke to road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly.

The latest fuel price adjustment has sparked strong criticism, with the Forum for South Africa accusing government of failing to shield citizens from rising living costs. FOSA argues that while global factors do play a role, the real issue lies in domestic policy. The organisation is now calling for urgent intervention, warning that continued increases could deepen poverty and economic strain. We spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South Africa.

The Civic Engagement Forum of Zimbabwe says about146 Zimbabwean nationals have reportedly been displaced in Daggafontein, Springs, east of Johannesburg, following recent attacks. Many are now reportedly homeless and have been given a 15 June deadline by community leaders to leave the area. The organisation warns of further displacement and a growing humanitarian risk. To elaborate further on the matter, we spoke to General Sithole, National Civic Engagement Ambassador.

Lawyers representing KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga will today file court papers to challenge her expulsion from the National Freedom Party, NFP. Her legal team says the process was procedurally unfair and will seek to stop the KZN Speaker from removing her. Ms. Shinga, the NFP's only MPL in KZN, had her appeal dismissed by the party's tribunal over the weekend. For more we spoke to Innocent Shezi, Caucus Manager of the NFP in the KZN Legislature.

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has condemned the killing of a 19-year-old man from Giyani during protests in the Western Cape. Nhlamulo Sambo was allegedly mistaken for an undocumented foreign national after he was heard speaking Xitsonga. In a statement, Mayibuye described his death as a failure of society. The movement said it rejects violence and vigilantism and would not associate with groups using immigration concerns to justify criminal acts. For more on this, we spoke to Mayibuye National Spokesperson, Sidney Baloyi.

ActionSA has expressed disappointment after Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana was elected chairperson of Parliament's Impeachment Committee. The party voted against Mr Gana, who was nominated by the ANC, saying the inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa requires an independent Chair. ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip, Lerato Ngobeni says the Committee's credibility depends on being free from political influence. She joined us to elaborate further on her sentiments.

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

The Democratic Alliance says the Gauteng Health Department has defied the Legislature by missing a deadline to outline how it will honour slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran. The DA says the failure to consult her family and act on the resolution reflects ongoing disregard for accountability, especially as no criminal charges have been laid in the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal she exposed. We spoke to Dr. Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health.

Guinea held parliamentary and municipal elections yesterday, its first since the 2021 coup. Nearly seven million voters were reportedly eligible to elect 147 MPs and 342 mayors. President Mamadi Doumbouya's opponents called for a boycott of the process. ECOWAS deployed a 40-member team to observe voting, counting and results as a test of Guinea's democratic transition. For more on this, We spoke to Dr. Tendai Mbanje from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria and an Election Observer

Two 28-year-old men are appearing in Mkhuhlu Magistrate's Court today for the murder of three people in Marite, Mpumalanga. Police arrested them on Friday after an intelligence operation by Calcutta and Acornhoek detectives. One suspect was found with an unlicenced firearm believed to be linked to the killings. Provincial MEC for Community Safety, Jackie Macie welcomed the arrests and called for more patrols in the Calcutta precinct, especially at night.

Parliament's Section 89 Committee is meeting for the first time today. MPs on the panel will elect a chairperson and begin the formal process of the Phala Phala impeachment inquiry. The Committee was set up to determine if there's enough evidence for President Cyril Ramaphosa to face impeachment over the 2020 robbery at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. We spoke to IFP Chief Whip, Nhlanhla Hadebe.

The Democratic Alliance has raised strong objections to reports that the City of Tshwane may reinstate workers dismissed after the violent and unprotected strike in 2023. The DA warns that rehiring those implicated in violence and misconduct would undermine accountability and could entrench a culture of lawlessness within the municipality. We spoke to Cilliers Brink, DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate to unpack the party's concerns.

A growing number of South Africans are struggling to get a good night's rest, and the consequences go far beyond feeling tired. A recent local study shows that nearly one in three people experience nocturnal sleep problems, affecting everything from mood and concentration to productivity and long-term health. Experts warn that what many dismiss as "normal" poor sleep could, in fact, point to more serious conditions. We spoke to Dr Sarel Theron, a neurologist from Mediclinic Durbanville, to unpack the science behind sleep, the risks of chronic sleep disruption and what people can do to improve their sleep health.

The All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa will embark on a national shut down tomorrow, in protest against the hiring of foreign national drivers. The group claims its long-standing grievances submitted to the Department of Employment and Labour have not been addressed. Disruptions are expected on major highways including the N2 and N3 in KwaZulu-Natal as the forum demands government intervention. We spoke to Gugu Sokhela, Secretary-General of the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa.

The City of Johannesburg says it will act on a High Court ruling that dismissed Marble Towers owners' bid to stop the demolition of unlawful trade containers. The court ordered the building to halt illegal construction and submit compliant plans within 20 days. Mayor Dada Morero has welcomed the ruling, saying it strengthens the City's authority to enforce building and fire safety in the inner city. We spoke to Tlou Montja, Director for Litigation Management Services in the City of Johannesburg.