First Take SA

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA, has secured a two-year agreement with the Glass Industry Employers. The wage deal for workers in the glass industry provides for above-inflation pay increases, benefiting around 13 000 workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Numsa Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola

The Constitutional Court will today hear a case between former President Jacob Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Zuma's legal team is challenging Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave over allegations of political interference in the South African Police Service. A Judicial Commission of Inquiry, led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate the claims. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sibonelo Nomvalo, MK Party Member of Parliament and a member of the Department of Justice Portfolio Committee

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says South Africa remains committed to finalizing a trade agreement with the United States, despite ongoing challenges. Tau says the country will also not retaliate against recent US tariffs and is open to negotiations. The deal is expected to unlock significant investment and trade opportunities for both countries. Elvis Presslin spoke to Trade, Industry and Competition Ministerial Spokesperson, Kaamil Alli

The Democratic Alliance has raised alarm over the sharp rise in hospital-acquired infections across Gauteng's public hospitals. DA Health Shadow MEC Dr Jack Bloom says over 7,700 patients contracted infections last year, many antibiotic-resistant and life-threatening. Charlotte Maxeke leads with an 11% infection rate one in ten patients. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC of Health, Dr. Jack Bloom

South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing use of corporal punishment in schools, nearly three decades after it was outlawed. This follows a report by the Department of Basic Education, revealing that in 2023, nearly one in five pupils in KwaZulu-Nata and 6.8% nationally were still subjected to corporal punishment. To expand more on the findings, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomusa Cembi, spokesperson for SADTU

Domestic violence remains a serious concern in South Africa, with one in three women experiencing physical intimate partner violence in their lifetime, according to a 2024 report by the Human Sciences Research Council. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is calling for greater awareness and action to address this pervasive issue. To elaborate on the scourge Elvis Presslin spoke to Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

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 Democratic Alliance is opposing the potential sale or lease of the Pretoria City Hall to the Iranian Embassy. The DA cites concerns over the city's historical asset being given to a foreign government. The party has also questioned the benefits of such a deal, pointing to Iran's close ties with the ANC rather than the South African people and the potential negative impact on relations with the United States, a key trading partner. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Caucus Leader, Cilliers Brink

The Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has begun its work, with Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga expressing confidence in the legal team's ability to deliver on its mandate. The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to allegations of infiltration of the justice system by criminal syndicates with ties to some government officials. Elvis Presslin spoke to Adv Paul Hoffman, Director of Accountability Now

A 55-year-old man, previously arrested in connection with the murder of Sindiso Magaqa is expected to appear in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court today. The suspect was re-arrested in Durban yesterday. The suspect, a former municipal manager, was part of a group initially arrested in 2018, including the late Mayor of Umzimkhulu and several others. One of the accused, a hitman, was recently sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to Police National spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

Cameroon's electoral commission has barred opposition leader Maurice Kamto from running in the upcoming presidential election in October later this year. The decision has sparked concerns of unrest and is seen as a boost to 92-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya, who has been in power for decades. Elvis Presslin spoke to Cletus Suhfree, Spokesperson of Ambazonia, based in South Africa, who says the incumbent President should retire from politics

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA, has condemned Macsteel's decision to offer Voluntary Severance Packages to employees without consulting the union. NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim says the packages are inadequate and don't reflect the socio-economic realities faced by workers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Numsa Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola

The South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD) is calling for peer-led strategies to be prioritized in the country's fight against hepatitis. This as the world marks hepatitis day today. South Africa has one of the world's heaviest hepatitis burdens, with an estimated 3.4 million people living with chronic hepatitis B. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Andrew Scheibe, Technical Advisor for the South African Network of People Who Use Drugs (SANPUD)...

ActionSA has introduced a constitutional amendment bill aimed at overhauling the executive branch of government. The proposed bill seeks to abolish the positions of 43 deputy ministers, citing redundancy and financial waste. The party's parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, argues that this move will save South Africa billions of rands and promote accountability in government. Elvis Presslin spoke to Athol Trollip to elaborate on his sentiments

The strike by FlySafair pilots continues as negotiations with Solidarity union stall over key issues like scheduling and working conditions. While some headway has been made, critical sticking points remain. The dispute centers around working conditions, particularly the scheduling system, rather than salary increases. Pilots are seeking more predictable rosters and at least one guaranteed weekend off per month. FlySafair has submitted a final offer but Solidarity says it doesn't adequately address pilots' concerns and contains vague language. Elvis Presslin spoke to Solidarity Deputy General-Secretary, Helgard Cronje

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson has stopped funding for the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State due to allegations of councillors receiving large monthly payments. The move comes as Parliament's portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs cracks down on corruption and mismanagement in municipalities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Zweli Mkhize, Chairperson of the committee

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng is calling for urgent action to stop illegal street racing in Johannesburg's suburbs. The party's spokesperson for community safety, Michael Sun, says innocent lives are being put at risk due to reckless driving. Recently, two people lost their lives in a collision involving three vehicles racing on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank. Elvis Presslin spoke to MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety, Michael Sun

The Pestalozzi Trust, a homeschooling civil rights group, has filed a Constitutional Court challenge against the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, known as BELA. The organisation argues that Parliament did not allow sufficient public participation during the law-making process. The BELA Act, signed into law last year, introduces reforms like mandatory Grade R and stricter regulations on school admissions and homeschooling. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to Pestalozzi Trust spokesperson, Chris Cordeiro

The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape is reeling from the assassination of Comrade Xoliseka Lali, Chief Whip of Emalahleni Local Municipality in the Chris Hani District. His body was discovered this week in Komani, where he resided. The ANC strongly condemns this brutal killing, calling it an act of barbarism that undermines public service and community development. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Eastern Cape Spokesperson, Gift Ngqondi

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

EFF leader Julius Malema says the party's 12th anniversary celebrations in Cape Town this weekend will center on uplifting the marginalised. The party, known as the Red Berets, has been a vocal presence in Parliament since 2014. Malema says the celebrations will be a "festival of the poor". For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to Member of the EFF Central Command Team, Commissar Itani Mukwevho

Sibusiso Zitha has been found guilty of murdering celebrity pastry chef Thembekile Letlape. He pleaded guilty to stabbing her multiple times during a domestic dispute at their Fourways apartment in front of their 10-year-old daughter in 2024. The guilty verdict was handed down in the Johannesburg High Court. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thembekile's father, ActionSA MP, Dr. Kgosi Letlape

The General Industrial Workers Union of South Africa,GIWUSA has strongly condemned South African Airways for operating FlySafair routes during a pilots' strike. The union calls SAA's actions, described as an emergency agreement, a state-backed move to undermine the legitimate strike by over 200 FlySafair pilots, organized by Solidarity. GIWUSA accuses the ANC government of betraying workers by using public resources to support a private company, while neglecting essential services like healthcare and education. Elvis Presslin spoke to GIWUSA President, Mametlwe Sebei

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver a keynote address today at the TB Vaccine Country Preparedness Workshop in Pretoria. The event is part of South Africa's ongoing efforts to combat tuberculosis, a leading cause of death and illness in the country. Elvis Presslin spoke to World Health Organization South Africa,TB Technical Expert, Dr. Nkateko Mkhondo

South Africa and eSwatini have expressed concern over the US deportation of dangerous convicted criminals with alleged links to terrorist groups. The men are being held in solitary confinement in eSwatini, but critics say the country is being used as a "dumping ground" - raising serious concerns about security in the region. Elvis Presslin spoke to Swaziland Solidarity Network spokesperson, Lucky Lukhele to discuss the reaction in eSwatini

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng will lay criminal charges today against former Head of the Gauteng Department of Transport, Ronald Swartz. DA Shadow MEC Evert Du Plessis says Swartz, who served from 2013 to 2019, oversaw significant financial mismanagement. A PricewaterhouseCoopers report revealed over R400 million in irregular expenditure on bus subsidies during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years, plus R70 million in fruitless and wasteful spending in 2015/16. None of the lost funds have been recovered. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, Evert Du Plessis

Patriotic Alliance Deputy President Kenny Kunene has denied any personal relationship with businessman Katiso Molefe. This after being found at Molefe's Gauteng home during a police operation. Four suspects, including Molefe, were arrested in connection with the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody, real name Oupa John Sefoka, who was gunned down in Woodmead. The DA is calling for Kunene's resignation. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

The National Assembly will today consider the Appropriation Bill, a key part of the national budget that allocates funds to government departments and public entities. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Chief Whip in Parliament, Mdumiseni Ntuli

The South African Council of Churches, alongside other church leaders, is hosting a two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference starting today. The event unites church leaders nationwide to address the moral and spiritual crisis of corruption. The conference will conclude with the adoption of a Covenant Against Corruption, reflecting the Church's collective stance. Elvis Presslin spoke to Reverend Mzwandile Molo, General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, for more details

The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association is call for Joburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene's resignation. This follows his presence at a police raid at a suspect's home in the DJ Sumbody murder case. Kunene claims he was there to accompany a journalist. Elvis Presslin spoke to African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA) Chairperson, Phumudzo Mukhwathi

A 40-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole will appear in Kempton Park Magistrates' Court today. Mafole was shot earlier this month while heading home from work. He had been investigating a two-billion-rand shortfall in the metro's electricity accounts. Police are still searching for a second suspect, Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to the South African Municipal Workers' Union, SAMWU Ekurhuleni Regional Chairperson, Chris Mavunda

The Defender of Democracy has criticized the ANC's stance on Jacob Zuma saying the party is "tasting its own medicine". The organization notes that the ANC previously defended Zuma, but now labels him a sellout. Zuma recently visited Morocco, expressing support for the Kingdom's claim to Western Sahara, a territory disputed with the Algeria-backed Polisario front. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem of Activists and Citizens Forum spoke to Elvis Presslin

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 Department of Water and Sanitation has reassured South Africans that antiretroviral drug traces found in drinking water pose no health risk. This follows a study by North West University and the Water Research Commission, which detected ARV residues on wastewater plants some above recommended safety levels. The ministry maintains the amounts are extremely minimal, measured in nanograms, and cannot transmit HIV or affect the safety and quality of drinking water. Deputy minister of Water and Saniation, Sello Seitlholo spoke to Elvis Presslin

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the dismissal of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane. The DA says Nkabane's removal is a step toward greater accountability after she was accused of misleading Parliament about a non-existent selection panel for the controversial SETA board appointments. Buti Manamela, previously the Deputy Minister, has been appointed as the new Minister, with Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube named as his deputy. DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau says the ANC still has a long way to go in addressing corruption and Elvis Presslin spoke to Michael le Cordeur, Emeritus Professor and Researcher in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University

A devastating report on the collapse of the 75 Victoria Street building in George, Western Cape has revealed systemic failures in the construction industry. The Council for the Built Environment's findings point to neglected safety standards and cost-cutting measures as key factors in the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 75 workers. The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims' families, calling the disaster a preventable loss driven by prioritizing profits over human life. Elvis Presslin spoke to GIWUSA President, Mametlwe Sebei

The National E-hailing Federation of South Africa has voiced strong support for app-based transport workers striking across Gauteng. The federation says the recent protests by E-hailing drivers reflect deep frustration over exploitation and unfair policies by multinational ride-hailing companies. Disgruntled drivers are demanding fair pay, better health and safety measures, compensation for injuries or deaths and an end to unfair deactivations without due process. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mr. Uhuru Nekhuwani, President of the National E-hailing Federation of South Africa National

Airports Company South Africa, ACSA has suspended its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Lieutenant-General Mzwandile Petros, pending an independent probe into alleged operational irregularities. This follows an incident where a passenger boarded a flight to Ethiopia from OR Tambo International Airport with two training hand grenades in their luggage. The items were detected during a routine check at Bole International Airport in Ethiopia. The Civil Aviation Authority has fined ACSA R2 million for the security breach. Elvis Presslin spoke to Aviation Analyst, Phuthego Mojapele

FlySafair pilots have embarked on a two-week stayaway after rejecting the airline's 5.7% wage increase offer. Trade union Solidarity, representing over 200 pilots, secured a 14-day strike notice in response to FlySafair's seven-day lockout, which bars pilots from work without pay. With airports designated as National Key Points, picketing is prohibited, forcing pilots to stage a stayaway. Solidarity's Deputy General-Secretary, Helgard Cronjé, spoke to Elvis Presslin for the latest on today's stay-away

Over 400 families are living in shacks at Seaview Cemetery in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, with some households built directly on graves. The settlements, which began forming in 1981, have grown as families previously relocated to Welbedacht in Chatsworth in the early 2000s have returned, alongside new informal structures. The eThekwini Municipality is now urging residents to respect the sacred nature of cemeteries. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal

Members of Operation Dudula are calling for stronger measures to secure South Africa's borders to stop illegal immigration to the country. Operation Dudula members marched to the Human Rights Commission in Johannesburg to handover a memorandum of grievances. The organisation says South Africans need to be pioritised when it comes to accessing basic services including housing, health and education.

The Department of Higher Education and Training is set to brief a parliamentary committee today on the controversial appointments of Sector Education and Training Authorities, SETA, board chairpersons

The Nelson Mandela Foundation is calling on individuals, organisations and communities worldwide to champion justice and create lasting change this Mandela Day

The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party is set to march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria today in support of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane will today lead a peaceful march in Bhisho, Eastern Cape, alongside over 400 TVET student leaders. The campaign, organised by SATVETSA, seeks to raises awareness around gender-based violence and femicide. Backed by civil society and health partners, the march underscores the call for dignity, justice and safe learning spaces. For more on this Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane's spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana spoke to Elvis Presslin

We continue our special broadcast commemorating 75 years of the SABC's storytelling legacy, a cornerstone of our nation's broadcasting history. From delivering breaking news to sharing the stories that shape our identity, the SABC has been a trusted voice for generations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Snuki Zikalala, former SABC Head of News, who played a pivotal role in steering the newsroom through South Africa's most transformative moments

SABC News is today marking 75 years of storytelling. The broadcaster aired its first radio bulletin back in 1950, following its founding in 1936. Over the decades, it has become a trusted source of news, offering bulletins in all South Africa's official languages. As we reflect on this rich legacy, Elvis Presslin spoke to former SABC journalist and political editor, Denzil Taylor, to walk us through the broadcaster's historic journey

The evolution of the broadcast media has impacted the lives of millions of South Africans. As we mark the more than seven decades of the SABC News and Current Affairs, we look at how the public broadcaster continues to be a leading platform to inform, educate and entertain millions across the country, the continent and abroad. SABC Producer Tshepo Ikaneng compiled this report

SABC's San radio station remains the lifetime and pride of the !Xun and Khwe communities of Platfointein the Northern Cape. X-K FM or !Xunkhwesa Dom Kxui FM took to the airwaves on the 18th of August 2020. The first broadcast was aired from a stationery container at Schmidtsdrift. More than 4000 families of the Xun and Khwe communities, were settled at Schmidtsdrift by the South African Defence Force after Namibia gained independence in 1990. The San community welcomed the various efforts to integrate the communities and to help preserve their heritage, including the successes achieved by the SABC over the years. Karabo Siyoko filed this report

From navigating financial struggles to shaping public discourse, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has faced a complex journey of challenges and triumphs. As SABC News commemorates its 75th anniversary of news reporting today, we shed light into the past and present of this iconic institution. Elvis Presslin spoke to William Bird, Director of Media Monitoring Africa, to unpack the SABC's evolving role and its impact on South Africa's media landscape

The Commission for Gender Equality has welcomed the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the Semenya v. Switzerland case. The judgment found that Caster Semenya's right to a fair trial was violated, highlighting that restrictions on her participation in sport were based on World Athletics regulations rather than law. The Commission says these regulations unfairly discriminate against athletes with Differences of Sex Development, infringing on their rights to dignity, equality, and bodily integrity. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality, Javu Baloyi