First Take SA

South Africa needs to move infrastructure projects from the drawing board to construction, faster. That's the focus of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium, which is taking place in Cape Town. It brings government and the private sector together, to unlock investment, improve delivery and create jobs. Mkhokheli Bandla filed this report.

The portfolio committee on Land Reform and Rural Development expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of farm worker equity schemes, while the portfolio committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources says the processing of the South African National Petroleum Resources Company Bill is at an advance stage. As Abongwe Kobokana reports, the committees briefed the media on their oversight responsibilities.

Years of collapsing service delivery have destroyed trust in politics among some residents in the North West. They have expressed mixed feelings about the ANC's eight mayoral applicants for the Rustenburg Local Municipality, ahead of the much-anticipated local government elections in November. Initially only one candidate per municipality were supposed to be unveiled, instead the ANC announced the names of all who applied in, Sandton on Saturday. Some residents remain doubtful that the applicants will bring meaningful change, while others are hopeful. SABC News reporter Thabang Morutloa compiled this report

The SACP in the Western Cape has launched its election manifesto at Crossroads in the City of Cape Town. The 2026 Local Government Elections will mark the first time the SACP will contest for elections since 1994, marking a departure from their-long standing arrangement with the ANC-led Tripartite Alliance. They say they are currently working on localizing the 6 priority areas that national has created in order to address the challenges specifically affecting the Western Cape. Tando Ntunja reports

The Madlanga Commission was delayed on Monday as the legal team representing attempted murder accused and businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala sought more time to consult with their client. Matlala eventually appeared before the Commission and invoked his right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions about matters linked to ongoing criminal cases. His lawyers had also threatened to withdraw from the proceedings in a "hypothetical scenario" if the Commission proceeded with Matlala's application without giving them additional time to prepare him. Sibahle Motha reports.

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will hear the state's appeal against a High Court ruling on the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant. The High Court previously found parts of the application process were unconstitutional and unfairly excluded vulnerable people. Government is challenging that decision. Civil society groups say barriers are still leaving some of South Africa's poorest without vital support. We spoke to Nkosinathi Sithole, Head of Litigation at Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI).

Affected mining communities are appearing before Parliament today to demand a formal inquiry into a century of environmental damage and economic debt. Leading the "100 Year Debt Campaign", the groups are presenting their case directly to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources. They are calling for an immediate investigation into corporate exits, abandoned shafts, and failed land rehabilitation. We spoke to Mining Affected Communities United in Action, MACUA Executive Director, Christopher Rutledge.

A new political movement, Move SA, has officially registered to contest this year's municipal elections. The organization, spearheaded by prominent housing entrepreneur Rali Mampeule has reportedly established seventy branches and signed up over five thousand members across Gauteng within its first month. Mampeule, known for driving large-scale infrastructure projects says the party will focus directly on municipal accountability and failing basic services. We spoke to MOVE SA, President and Founder, Rali Mampeule.

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

The Rankapole family who lost their daughter in a crash which killed three learners and a driver at Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo, say they are failing to come to terms with her passing. Both vehicles, a bus and a minibus taxi were carrying learners. Several learners were injured and were hospitalised at various health care facilities. The Education Department says it has initiated psychosocial support to the affected families. The SABC News crew visited one of the bereaved families and compiled this report. Avhapfani Munyai reports.

Public Protector of South Africa, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organizations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations. Gcaleka was speaking at the St Paul African Apostolic Church's Annual Feast in Moletsane, Soweto. The annual feast brings together congregants from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a day of prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship. Sashin Naidoo reports.

National Liquor Traders says it agrees children must be protected from underage drinking, but opposes blanket closures of taverns near schools. The group is responding to ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa's proposal, made at the party's manifesto launch to close taverns operating near schools. Convenor Lucky Ntimane told our senior producer Ronald Phiri that many outlets hold valid licences and shouldn't be punished for apartheid-era town planning.

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his party's prospective mayors and councillors 100 days to change the face of their wards and municipalities. This is contained in the 65 page ANC 2026 local government election manifesto he unveiled at Riversand Park Diepsloot north of Johannesburg on Sunday. Ramaphosa said within 100 days all ANC local government representatives must have fixed streets lights, fix potholes, stop water leaks and sewage spills. Our Politics Reporter Ntebo Mokobo attended the launch and filed us this report

Seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees will appear in court today on charges of fraud and theft. This follows their arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team in Vanderbijlpark. Police allege the suspects took payments from residents to illegally reconnect electricity. Investigations are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out. We spoke to DA Emfuleni Local Municipality mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala.

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU says ActionSA's court bid to review disciplinary outcomes for two Presidential Protection Service officers must not turn Major-General Wally Rhoode and Brigadier Hennie Rekhoto into political targets. The union says approaching the High Court is a constitutional right, but guilt cannot be assumed before a court rules. Popcru adds that all SAPS members are entitled to due process, legal representation and the presumption of innocence, regardless of political pressure around the Phala Phala matter. We spoke to POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, CCMA has found the South African Police Service committed an unfair labour practice after overlooking Captain Christiaan du Plessis for a station commander post in Moorreesburg. It ruled less qualified candidates were shortlisted and the process had numerous irregularities and ordered SAPS to pay Du Plessis 10 months' salary. Trade union Solidarity says the case reflects wider problems with promotions and accountability in the police service. For more on what this means for SAPS, spoke to Solidarity's Public Sector Organiser, Ronel Stander.

Residents and small business owners in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, have accused mining company, Seriti, of overlooking them for employment and business opportunities at its recently opened pit. The residents say they have not benefitted from the mine in terms of job opportunities, business opportunities, skills training or infrastructure development since it began operations, earlier this year. They claim that the mine prioritises individuals from outside the community, when positions become available at its New Largo Pit A in Empumelelweni. Motsebi wa Monareng reports.

The sexual assault case against Dobsonville church elder and political figure, Tshepo Ntsimane, has been postponed to the 3rd of September for pre-trial proceedings. Ntsimane appeared before the Johannesburg High Court in his first appearance since the matter was transferred from the Roodepoort Magistrates' Court. The case is now before a new judge and a new legal team, who are still familiarising themselves with the matter. Luyanda Danca reports

The bail hearing of a Pretoria man accused of the murder of his wife in front of their two children, has taken an emotional turn after the State presented social media posts allegedly written by one of the children following the death of their mother. The woman was allegedly shot and killed in March this year her home in Valhalla, Centurion. The State says the posts highlight the trauma suffered by the children. The Pretoria Magistrates' Court has postponed the matter to 27 August to rule on whether further evidence, including alleged recordings of threats, can be played in court. Nonhlanhla Ntshingila reports.

EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe says Speaker Thoko Didiza will be ousted in next Wednesday's no-confidence vote. Speaking to Bongiwe Zwane, Maotwe said the motion is over Didiza's handling of the Section 89 impeachment process, and the EFF is lobbying other parties for support.

The National Assembly will vote in a motion of no confidence against the Speaker, Thoko Didiza, next Wednesday. The motion, tabled by EFF leader, Julius Malema in June, relates to Didiza's decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent interdict application in the Western Cape High Court to halt the Parliamentary impeachment process over the Phala Phala matter. The court has in the meanwhile granted the interdict. It is not yet clear if voting will take place in person or on a virtual platform. Zalene Merrington reports.

A third suspect linked to the Reiger Park shooting will appear in the Boksburg Magistrates' Court today. The 27-year-old faces charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale says the arrest follows ongoing investigations into the attack that claimed the lives of two officers and two women.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party and United Africans Transformation are back in the Western Cape High Court today. They are seeking urgent leave to appeal a ruling that froze Parliament's Section 89 impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa. The court halted the Impeachment Committee's work last month at the President's request, pending a review of the independent panel's Phala Phala report. This follows the Constitutional Court's recent dismissal of a direct appeal on the matter. We spoke to MKP MP, Andile Mgxitama.

The National Assembly will vote next Wednesday on an EFF motion of no confidence against Speaker Thoko Didiza. The motion, tabled by Julius Malema in June, relates to Didiza's decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent interdict to halt the Phala Phala impeachment process. The Western Cape High Court has since granted that interdict. It remains unclear whether the vote will be held in person or on a virtual platform. For more, we're joined by ANC Deputy Chief Whip, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane.

The South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF, has strongly condemned the alleged intimidation of Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi at the Madlanga Commission. Moloi opened a criminal case against businessman Stuart James Scharnick alleging Scharnick confronted and threatened him during a tea break for recording video footage. SANEF Executive Director Reggy Moalusi spoke to producer Tracey Boomgaard about how the threats against reporters undermines media freedom.

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

A new University of the Witwatersrand study reveals how female entrepreneurs are keeping Westbury's economy alive amid chronic gang warfare. Researcher Ilene Abrams found that local businesswomen face extreme mobility restrictions and emotional trauma, yet successfully bypass these barriers through informal community networks. The findings show these women deliberately adapt their daily operations to absorb violent shocks, relying heavily on deep community trust rather than formal state support. The study provides a vital blueprint for tailored policy interventions in South Africa's high-risk townships. For more on the research. We spoke to Ilene Abrams, a Wits Masters Graduate whose thesis titled- Resilience in Ganglands: Strategies and Coping Mechanism of Female Entrepreneurs in Westbury, focused on women entrepreneurs

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has strongly condemned a partnership between March and March and Afriforum. The organisations say their engagement aims to strengthen communities, promote the rule of law, improve education and tackle crime. But GIWUSA President Mametlwe Sebei argues the alliance promotes xenophobic populism and Afrikaner nationalism.

A new University of the Witwatersrand study reveals how female entrepreneurs are keeping Westbury's economy alive amid chronic gang warfare. Researcher Ilene Abrams found that local businesswomen face extreme mobility restrictions and emotional trauma, yet successfully bypass these barriers through informal community networks. The findings show these women deliberately adapt their daily operations to absorb violent shocks, relying heavily on deep community trust rather than formal state support. The study provides a vital blueprint for tailored policy interventions in South Africa's high-risk townships. For more on the research. We spoke to Ilene Abrams, a Wits Masters Graduate whose thesis titled- Resilience in Ganglands: Strategies and Coping Mechanism of Female Entrepreneurs in Westbury, focused on women entrepreneurs. We spoke to Ilene Abrams, a Wits Masters Graduate whose research focused on women entrepreneurs in Westbury.

Crime Intelligence Brigadier Dineo Mokwele's attorneys say the NPA has agreed to unconditionally withdraw charges against their client. This follows a letter from Ndebele Attorneys to NPA head Advocate Andy Mothibi demanding a final withdrawal after he conceded prosecution policy was not followed. The NPA has now instructed IDAC to confirm the charges will be dropped unconditionally. We spoke to Attorney James Ndebele.

The Democratic Alliance has removed MP Dr. Mark Burke from its finance cluster with immediate effect following a potential conflict of interest. This follows an affidavit alleging about R4 billion in possible exchange-control contraventions linked to Kastelo, the fintech company Dr. Burke founded. DA Parliamentary Leader George Michalakis says Dr. Mark Burke has recused himself from the finance committee and finance cluster. We spoke to ANC Programming Whip, Cameron Dugmore.

The EFF has rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa's objection to Advocate Thandazani Madonsela serving as Evidence Leader in the Section 89 Impeachment Committee. The party says the President's claims of a personal grievance and prior ANC legal work are speculative and do not amount to a conflict of interest. EFF argues Parliament cannot run a constitutional process based on suspicion and that the Committee already considered and appointed Madonsela democratically. We spoke to EFF Deputy President, Godrich Gardee.

The ANC in Ekurhuleni has expressed concern following the arrest of DA PR Councillor Kabelo Mahonko. Mahonko appeared in the Benoni Magistrate's Court facing charges of murder and kidnapping. Allegations are that she tracked down two men suspected of burglarising her home and allegedly subjected them to torture, with one man dying. We spoke to ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary, Jongizizwe Dlabathi.

The recent attack on a Limpopo farmer by criminals allegedly posing as police officers has sent shockwaves through South Africa's farming community. Beyond the violence itself, the incident raises deeper concerns about trust, security, and the evolving tactics of rural criminals. If farmers can no longer automatically trust a uniform at their gates, it fundamentally changes how rural communities approach safety and crime prevention. To discuss these challenges and practical solutions,we spoke to Oshinica Abrahams from KB Lifestock Farming.

JMPD Tactical Response Unit officers have arrested a man in Lenasia South, Johannesburg in connection with recent gang violence in Westbury. The suspect is allegedly linked to a shooting that left four people dead over the weekend. JMPD Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla elaborates.

The National Prosecuting Authority is expected in court this week to unconditionally withdraw all fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and his seven co-accused. Prosecutors are currently pushing for an expedited court date this week to formally throw out the case ahead of their scheduled September reappearance. The dramatic U-turn comes after NPA head Advocate Andy Mothibi reviewed the case file and set aside the charges originally brought by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. The decision follows the high-profile resignation of former IDAC boss Advocate Andrea Johnson amid growing controversy over the prosecution's handling of the matter. We spoke to Jabulani Mabena, Deputy National Spokesperson for the South African Policing Union (SAPU)

Civil rights group AfriForum and community movement March and March have launched a joint grassroots initiative to address alleged government service failures across South Africa. Following high-level talks in Pretoria, the organizations agreed to bypass state incompetence by pooling resources for community safety and local legal challenges. We spoke to AfriForum CEO, Kallie Kriel.

Organized criminal syndicates are using sophisticated, tech-driven scams to target consumers and businesses across South Africa. The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service says it flagged R7.4 billion in potential fraud losses last year, a 47 percent increase on 2024. Its annual report shows 131 million checks on the fraud database, with voice-phishing, fake documents and money mule networks now combined in single attacks. With municipal elections approaching, the Fraud Prevention Service is calling for urgent intelligence sharing between the private and public sectors to curb the threat.We spoke to Manie van Schalkwyk, CEO of the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology has shut down all its campuses and ordered the evacuation of student residences following an arson attack at its Bellville campus. The move comes amid growing tensions over proposed financial clearance and registration requirements for 2027, which many students argue could lock out thousands who are already struggling financially. While university management says the safety of staff and students is its primary concern, student activists maintain that the proposed measures amount to financial exclusion. To help us unpack the situation, we spoke to DA Student Organisation, DASO Federal Chair, Gilbert Monnanyana.

The Competition Tribunal yesterday heard oral arguments on Harith Aviation's proposed acquisition of SAfair Holdings. The deal would give Harith ownership of South Africa's largest domestic airline, FlySafair. The Competition Commission recommended in July that the merger be approved, subject to conditions. The Tribunal also heard submissions from airline CemAir, before it makes a final decision on the transaction. We spoke to Helgard Cronjé, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity.

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

Sugar workers in South Africa have gone back on strike after wage talks between FAWU and the Sugar Manufacturing and Refining Employers Association collapsed. The Food and Allied Workers Union is demanding a 13 percent wage increase, plus housing, transport and medical aid improvements. Employers have tabled a five-point-four percent increase, with another zero-point-six percent linked to a tariff adjustment. The dispute affects workers across the country's sugar manufacturing and refining plants. We spoke to Dominique Martin, FAWU's media Officer.

Defenders of the People (DOP) has raised alarm over a long-standing housing crisis affecting approximately 300 households in Winnie Mandela Section, Olifantsfontein, where multiple families have allegedly been allocated to a single residential stand, creating overcrowding, conflict and uncertainty. The party says generations of residents have been forced to live under a controversial "two-in-one" arrangement, while successive administrations in the City of Ekurhuleni have failed to provide a lasting solution. DOP has since initiated discussions with municipal authorities, demanding urgent intervention and greater transparency in efforts to resolve the matter. We spoke to DOP National Spokesperson, Councillor Samuel Mokalapa.

The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, will hold a press conference today on the Spaza Shop Support Fund. She is expected to give an update on application processing and support to qualifying South African-owned spaza shops. The briefing follows a Portfolio Committee hearing which heard only R57 million of the R500 million fund has been disbursed to 930 shops so far. The Minister will also address claims that foreign nationals benefited from the fund. We spoke to Kgothatso Ramautswa, President of the South African Spaza Shops Association.

Community organization Movement For CARE has launched The Cost Of CARE campaign opposing a proposed barrier in Cape Town. The group says money earmarked for the wall should instead fund housing, basic services and safer public spaces. A public launch will be held at Cissie Gool House in Woodstock on Wednesday. We spoke to Nkosikhona Swaartbooi, Coordinator for the Movement For Collective Action and Racial Equity (Movement For CARE).

Solidarity has welcomed the US Senate's approval of a two-year extension of AGOA to December 2028, saying its recent Washington delegation helped secure support. The extension still needs House approval and the President's signature but no major obstacles are expected. Solidarity's Head of Public Liaison, Jaco Kleynhans says the deal gives certainty to South African exporters and workers, but warned the White House could still revise the list of beneficiary countries. The organization is urging government to repair US-SA relations to protect South Africa's place in the trade agreement. We spoke to Solidarity's Head of Public Liaison, Jaco Kleynhans

The 46th SADC Summit continues in Durban, KwaZulu Natal today. President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting and chairing under the theme of industrialization, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals. The summit comes amid tensions in South Africa over recent deportations and perceived rising anti-foreigner sentiment. Leaders are expected to discuss migration, trade and regional stability. We spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow at Afrasid.

Zimbabwe is continuing to mourn the victims of the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy, with a memorial service held at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba town as families and the wider community grapple with the loss of at least 44 lives. The government-operated ferry capsized on Tuesday after reportedly encountering strong waves in bad weather. Official records indicate that at least 119 passengers and crew were documented on board, despite the vessel having a capacity of 90 people. 77 survivors have been rescued, while search and recovery operations continue for those still missing. Zimbabwe declared a State of Disaster, bringing additional resources into the rescue operation and providing support to affected families. Producer, Tracey Boomgaard caught up with Zimbabwe's Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe

The Special Investigating Unit will now probe nearly R4 billion in contracts between Khumzi Investments and the Eastern Cape Department of Education. UDM leader, General Bantu Holomisa wrote to the Auditor-General and Parliament, flagging R3.4 billion allegedly spent on travel and accommodation over five years. He says 1,317 payments worth R336 million were made to the company in 2025 alone, while many schools still lack basics like toilets and transport. We spoke to General Holomisa.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Community Safety Committee meets today in Sandton to examine the management of Community Policing Forums and community patrollers. The session follows claims of intimidation, threats of contract termination and interference with patrollers' right to freedom of association. Committee Chairperson Dr. Bandile Masuku says they will hear directly from affected groups and assess governance in community safety structures. We spoke to Dr. BandileMasuku

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