First Take SA

Members of the Food and Allied Workers' Union are embarking on protected strike action at Heineken Beverages South Africa, following a deadlock in wage negotiations. The union is demanding a 7% wage increase and a revised meal allowance, after dropping several earlier demands in what it says was an effort to reach a compromise. However, the company has held firm at a 5% offer, prompting workers to down tools. We now spoke to FAWU's media liaison officer, Dominique Martin about the looming strike and what it means for workers and the industry.

The Democratic Alliance, DA is heading to the Western Cape High Court today to challenge the Expropriation Act. Party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the law gives government vague powers to seize property without compensation. The DA wants the court to declare the Act unconstitutional. It argues the measure threatens homes, businesses and investment. The party vows to keep fighting for secure property rights. We spoke to Cassiem Khan the Spokeperson for Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr. Mzwanele Nyhontso.

The Bapong Royal Family is calling on government to urgently resolve the long-running Bapo Ba Mogale chieftaincy dispute. Princess Itumeleng Moerane confronted President Cyril Ramaphosa over the issue during an ANC voter drive in Bapong over the weekend. The family rejects the recognition of Andrew Mogale as Kgosi, saying he was imposed by the provincial ANC and is not accepted by the community. They say they have waited years for closure and are now demanding decisive intervention from the Presidency and North West government. We spoke to Princess Itumeleng Moerane.

South Africa has wrapped up the final voter registration weekend. The IEC says it used the last push to get as many eligible citizens onto the voters' roll ahead of the upcoming elections. With registration now closed, focus shifts to verifying the roll, finalising logistics and building voter confidence. IEC Chief Executive Sy Mamabolo reflects on the turnout and what happens next.

The Department of Health says it is preparing for the possible rollout of a new TB vaccine currently in advanced trials. The M72/AS01E vaccine, now in phase 3 trials across several countries including South Africa, could become the first new TB vaccine in over a century, potentially offering protection to adolescents and adults, unlike the existing BCG vaccine which is mainly given to infants. We spoke to Professor Norbet Ndjeka, Head of the National TB Programme at the National Health Department, to unpack what this could mean for the country.

The Constitutional Court has set a strict deadline of next Wednesday for legal filings in the ongoing battle over the Phala Phala farm scandal. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya issued the directive following an appeal by a coalition of opposition parties, including the ATM, MK Party and the EFF. The parties are fighting a lower court order that froze Parliament's independent inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa. We spoke to MK Party MP, Andile Mngxitama.

South Africa continues to grapple with a deepening child hunger crisis, with nearly a quarter of children living in severe food poverty and many at risk of life-threatening malnutrition. Efforts to provide nutritious meals to vulnerable children and support Early Childhood Development centres remain a critical intervention in addressing these challenges, particularly in underserved communities where resources are limited. We spoke to Brian Nell, CEO of Rise Against Hunger Africa.

The City of Ekurhuleni has dismissed three senior officials following a council probe into deep-rooted financial negligence and fraud. Human resources chiefs Linda Gcasheka and Moloko Monyepao, alongside legal head Advocate Kemi Behari, were axed after being implicated in a series of corruption scandals. Investigators discovered the officials falsified security clearance documents to shield a suspended police chief and oversaw a mysterious two-billion-rand revenue drop. ActionSA have backed the firings. We spoke to Tumelo Tshabalala, ActionSA Ekurhuleni Spokesperson.

Trade union federation COSATU has welcomed the appointment of Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai as Chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation, PIC. The state-owned asset manager oversees more than three point six trillion rand in public servant pensions and social security funds. The Federation says Mohai brings stability and a strong anti-corruption record to the fund. COSATU is calling for urgent appointment of worker and depositor board members and full public disclosure of all PIC investments. We spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks.

Cabinet has approved the extension of driving licence card validity from five to ten years for certain vehicle categories. Government says the move is aimed at reducing backlogs at testing centres, cutting administrative burdens and aligning the country with international norms. However, the decision has sparked debate around road safety, enforcement and whether the system is equipped to handle such a transition. Importantly, the changes are not yet in effect, as legislative amendments still need to be finalised and gazetted. We spoke to Louis Boshoff, campaigns officer at AfriForum.

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

Mounting frustration is once again being directed at congestion and delays at the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe, one of the busiest transit points in the SADC region. The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA) is calling for urgent intervention, proposing a single, integrated "one-stop" border system to replace the current dual-stop checks on both sides. We spoke to AUBBTA Chairperson Mukhwathi Phumudzo.

Parliament's Impeachment Committee is appealing a Western Cape High Court judgment that halted its inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa. The court ruling restricts the Committee to preparatory work and bans public hearings until a judicial review in September. Some political analysts have backed the appeal, while opposition parties are challenging the matter in the Constitutional Court. Parliamentary legal services are currently assessing the impact of this delay on the Committee's constitutional mandate. We spoke to FF Plus Leader, Dr. Corné Mulder.

Journalists at the Daily Dispatch and Herald are reportedly working without pay after new owners Ubuntu Media Holdings missed July salaries following their May acquisition from Arena Holdings. The South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF has slammed the failure, warning that boardroom disputes directly threaten news sustainability, democracy and the livelihoods of hardworking staff. We spoke to SANEF Chairperson, Ms. Katy Katopodis.

Police in Johannesburg have seized a vast haul of counterfeit goods following a major coordinated crackdown in the inner city. The operation by a specialized task force targeted the Marble Tower and Small Street precincts to disrupt illicit trading hubs. Officials from Home Affairs also arrested nine undocumented foreign nationals during the Tuesday raids. Authorities say these joint operations will continue to secure public spaces and uphold the rule of law. We spoke to MMC for Public Safety and Security in the City of Johannesburg, Moshe Koma.

Emergency crews in KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert following a serious Level 6 weather warning for disruptive rain and snow. While some areas have seen conditions ease, eThekwini and the south coast remain under critical threat from heavy downpours. Significant snowfall has also been reported in the Drakensberg mountains, prompting road traffic warnings. Government teams are currently monitoring blocked routes and providing emergency assistance to vulnerable communities. We spoke to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the Spokesperson for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN.

South Africa's Electoral Commission is making a final push for eligible citizens to register for the upcoming local government elections. This weekend marks the absolute last chance for in-person voter registration before the election date is officially proclaimed. Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Sy Mamabolo warns that the voters' roll will close immediately upon proclamation, locking out anyone unregistered.

A major expansion of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system to sixty municipalities is presenting unexpected legal challenges for South African businesses. Employment law specialists warn that companies face mounting compliance pressures, stricter deadlines, and heightened liability risks regarding corporate fleets and employee drivers. Experts say failure to implement tighter internal controls could severely disrupt daily operations and trigger complex labor disputes. We spoke to Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's employment law director, Nadeem Mahomed.

The Economic Freedom Fighters, EFF have launched an urgent Constitutional Court appeal to overturn a ruling that halted the parliamentary inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party is seeking to set aside a Western Cape High Court decision, arguing the judiciary improperly blocked the Section 89 committee from its constitutional duties. The EFF asserts that using legal action to stall the impeachment process sets a dangerous precedent for accountability. We spoke to EFF MP, Mazwi Blose.

The Department of Employment and Labour has warned businesses to be alert to fake inspectors operating across South Africa. It says civic groups including LACO and the Labour Laws Enforcement Organisation are allegedly posing as officials and demanding the hiring of South Africans over foreign nationals. The Department says only inspectors appointed by the Minister and carrying official certificates have legal powers of entry and enforcement. The Department has condemned the vigilante conduct and says it will pursue legal action against those impersonating inspectors. We spoke to Teboho Thejane, Spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Labour.

The Multi-Party Women's Caucus in Gauteng has bid farewell to Build One South Africa's sole provincial lawmaker, Ayanda Allie, following her expulsion from the party. Allie's membership was terminated after an internal disciplinary process. Caucus Chairperson, Dr. Nomathemba Mokgethi has thanked Allie for her service and stated that the caucus remains committed to fighting for the dignity and fair treatment of women across the political spectrum. We spoke to Dr. Mokgethi.

The Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has assured the public that South Africa has a full nationwide stock of adult and child rape evidence collection kits. The confirmation comes amid persistent worries over the state's ability to tackle the country's severe gender-based violence crisis. The South African Police Service stated that extra supplies are being actively distributed to replenish local stations. We spoke to police ministry spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi.

The Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa, DEMAWUSA has started a three-day protest at the city's metro political offices. The union says the demonstration escalates its ongoing campaign against systemic injustice facing local government employees. Demonstrators are demanding an end to outsourcing, job insecurity and alleged unfair dismissals. We spoke to the union's General Secretary, Meshack Ntshauba.

The Judicial Service Commission has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. This is pending a National Assembly decision on his possible impeachment. The advice follows a finding of "gross misconduct" against Mbenenge in a landmark sexual harassment case brought by Judges' Secretary Andiswa Mengo. Mbenenge is challenging the finding in court BUT Judges Matter Researcher and Advocacy officer, Mbekezeli Benjamin says the JSC has departed from precedent by not suspending him earlier.

The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance has criticized the City of Johannesburg's recent move to refer over R4 billion worth of alleged financial misconduct cases to its internal Disciplinary Board, describing it as a procedural delay rather than genuine accountability. This comes after Executive Mayor Dada Morero and MMC for Finance Loyiso Masuku praised the City's actions following the 52nd Ordinary Council meeting. We spoke to Julia Fish, Executive Director of JoburgCAN and steering committee member of the Johannesburg Crises Alliance.

Lobby group March and March says it has suspended its working relationship with radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu. Founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma says the move follows what the group calls unacceptable behaviour that could bring it into disrepute. The suspension will remain in place pending further investigations. Tensions emerged after Mchunu met President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the June 30 protests, a meeting Ngobese-Zuma was not part of and later distanced herself from. We spoke to March and March spokesperson, Sandile Dube.

The National Prosecuting Authority has provisionally withdrawn fraud and corruption charges against Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo and their co-accused. State prosecutors say the investigation is not yet complete. Mokwele's legal team expressed disappointment and rejected that, saying the investigation was already concluded. The lawyers say they are reviewing correspondence from the NPA before deciding on their next legal move. We spoke to Nthabiseng Dubazana, Legal expert from Dubazana Attorneys.

The South African government has filed papers to oppose a lawsuit seeking to suspend military export permits to the United States. State attorneys say the trade does not breach domestic law and are challenging the bid to halt lucrative contracts. The Southern Africa Litigation Centre lodged the case in June in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, arguing the National Conventional Arms Control Committee has a duty to act. We spoke to Dr. Atilla Kisla, International Justice Cluster Lead at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre.

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

The African Transformation Movement, ATM says it will urgently approach the Constitutional Court for clarity on the Section 89 impeachment process. The move follows a Western Cape High Court ruling that granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict stopping Parliament's public hearings on the Phala Phala matter. ATM argues the judgment creates constitutional uncertainty and questions whether a lower court can suspend an order of the apex court. The party says it is seeking legal certainty to protect the authority of the Constitutional Court and Parliament's role, not attacking the judiciary. We spoke to ATM spokesperson, Zama Ntshona.

The head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, IDAC, Advocate Andrea Johnson has asked to resign with immediate effect. The NPA confirmed it received her letter and is considering the request, while a copy was also sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa as the appointing authority. The Presidency has not commented. Johnson's request comes amid growing scrutiny after her testimony last week at the Madlanga Commission raised questions about the credibility of some IDAC cases. We spoke to DA Chief Whip & Spokesperson on Justice & Constitutional Development, Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.

Former PRASA boss Lucky Montana says the SIU has not obtained a preservation order against him, only a provisional order to start legal proceedings. In a statement, he says he was served on 9 July and has filed a notice to oppose, with his affidavit due by 19 August 2026. Montana accused the SIU of misleading the public and said state agencies have targeted him for years over the R53-billion Gibela train contract. He denies any wrongdoing and says he is not intimidated by the latest legal action. We spoke to Legal Analyst, Mpumelelo Zikalala.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union, SADTU has condemned Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's statement on developments at the Public Investment Corporation. SADTU, which represents thousands of public servants whose pension savings are managed through the Government Employees Pension Fund, says the Minister's comments raise serious questions about governance, accountability and the protection of workers' deferred wages. At the centre of the issue is whether senior executives are being treated differently when it comes to governance processes, particularly the use of precautionary suspensions in cases involving serious allegations. We spoke to SADTU spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi.

The Border Management Authority says long freight queues at Beitbridge are due to congestion on the Zimbabwean side of the border. The BMA and SARS say all South African operations, including immigration, cargo and health checks, are running normally. Zimbabwean officials report limited parking and slow processing by clearing agents, with abnormal-load trucks taking up space. The BMA says it is engaging counterparts in Zimbabwe to speed up movement and clear the backlog. We spoke to BMA spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, together with Show Racism the Red Card, has raised alarm over what they describe as a disturbing surge in racism across international football in 2026. Despite campaigns and initiatives led by FIFA, tens of thousands of abusive posts were recorded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup alone, exposing what critics say is a failure to tackle systemic racism in the game. We spoke to Rethabile Ratsomo, programme manager of the Advancing Non-Racialism Programme at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

A new SECTION27 report says South Africa's 2025 health budget does not meet the needs of women, particularly those in poor and rural areas. It finds under investment in infrastructure is limiting access to care, while floods and heatwaves are damaging facilities and increasing demand.The report notes 89% of professional nurses are women and that women do most unpaid care work, yet funding to support them remains low. SECTION27 is calling for a gender-responsive and climate-resilient health budget and says government must close the gap between policy commitments and actual spending. We spoke to SECTION27 Budget Analyst, Matshidiso Lenqcoasa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has released the National Water Action Plan following a meeting of the National Water Crisis Committee at the Union Buildings. The plan sets out short, medium and long-term actions to stabilise failing municipal systems, increase infrastructure investment and tackle corruption in the water sector. For reaction on the National Water Action Plan. We spoke to WaterCAN Executive Manager, Dr. Ferrial Adam.

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

The City of Ekurhuleni insists that the removal of office furniture by the Germiston Sheriff is not due to unpaid service providers, but rather a dispute over sheriff fees. The City says the capital amounts have already been settled. While officials say urgent legal steps are underway to recover the assets, the incident has raised questions about governance, financial management and administrative processes within the metro. We spoke to ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary, Jongizizwe Dlabathi to respond to these developments.

The Democratic Alliance is set to brief the media outside the Tambo Memorial Hospital, raising serious concerns over the postponement of critical elective surgeries, in some cases until 2027. The DA says this crisis has persisted despite repeated warnings to the Gauteng Department of Health, and plans to reveal what it calls damning evidence, alongside testimonies from affected patients. We spoke to Democratic Alliance Gauteng Health Spokesperson, Madeleine Hicklin

The corruption trial of former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula continues today at the Pretoria High Court. UDM Leader General, Bantu Holomisa was the state's first witness, telling the court he received information in 2021 that Mapisa-Nqakula had received about R5 million from an SANDF contractor. Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and money laundering. The case resumes today for further testimony. We spoke to UDM Leader, General Bantu Holomisa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Nkabinde Inquiry has found South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke fit to hold office. The panel found no credible evidence that Advocate Chauke made improper prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matter or acted unlawfully in his coordination duties. It also ruled his decision to provisionally withdraw charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli was not irrational. We spoke to Machini Motloung, President of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA).

The South African Reserve Bank will announce its next interest rate decision today, with many economists expecting another hike. Inflation rose to 4.5% in May, driven by higher oil and fuel prices after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The MPC raised rates by 0.25% in May, taking the prime rate to 10.5% and Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago has warned further increases may be needed. For expectations and the Impact of rate hikes on workers. We spoke to FEDUSA General Secretary, Riefdah Ajam.

Higher Education, Minister Buti Manamela has given the University of Venda Council 14 days to respond to his plan to appoint an independent assessor. The proposed probe would look into allegations of corruption against suspended Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bernard Nthambeleni and COO Lonwabo Botwe. Both were suspended by council last week amid governance and leadership disputes at the university. The department says if no representations are made, the Minister may proceed to appoint the assessor by law. We spoke to Keamogetswe Masike, the President of the South African Students Federation.

ActionSA says the Gauteng provincial government spends an estimated R3.1 billion a year to educate foreign national learners. The party has raised concerns about pressure on resources, citing overcrowded classrooms and budget constraints. While the Constitution guarantees basic education for every child regardless of nationality, ActionSA is questioning whether the system can sustain the growing demand. We spoke to Education Activist, Hendrick Makaneta

Parliament's Section 89 Impeachment Committee meets today to discuss potential candidates for evidence leader, with legal experts saying the role needs a highly skilled legal mind. The meeting comes as the Western Cape High Court is expected to rule on President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent bid to halt the Committee's work pending a review of the Phala Phala panel report. Today the Committee will also consider draft terms of reference to guide the enquiry into whether the President has a case to answer. For more we're joined by MK Party MP, Andile Mngxitama...

Gauteng's water supply is gradually stabilising following the successful completion of Rand Water's second phase of planned maintenance. While reservoir levels are improving and pumping systems are back online, some areas, particularly higher-lying communities, are still experiencing delays in full restoration. Authorities say recovery is ongoing, with residents urged to continue using water sparingly as systems normalise. To give us an update on the recovery process, Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Provincial Government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga...

The Judicial Conduct Tribunal into Free State High Court, Judge Lepono Lekale starts this week in South Africa's first inquiry into judicial incapacity due to illness. Judge Lekale has been on sick leave since 2018 because of an eye condition and the tribunal must decide if he can still perform his duties. Evidence will cover medical reports and the balance between health and accountability, with impeachment possible if incapacity is found. Appointed in 2012, Lekale is known for major rulings including gang life sentences and the Bophelo House protest case. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Researcher and Advocacy officer at Judges Matter...

Lobby group AfriForum has submitted a PAIA request to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for full details on Minister Gayton McKenzie's 2026 FIFA World Cup trip to North America. The request follows reports that nearly R31 million was spent on an 18-member delegation, hospitality suites, match tickets and fan events. Afriforum says the minister's statement gave no supporting documents and is asking for invoices, audits and other financial records. Elvis Presslin spoke to AfriForum Head of Public Relations, Ernst van Zyl

Thousands of Gauteng learners are back on the roads today as schools reopen for the third term and traffic volumes have spiked across the province. The Gauteng Traffic Police are calling on scholar and public transport operators to ensure vehicles are roadworthy, compliant and driven by licensed drivers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, Sello Maremane, to discuss what this means for parents, operators and motorists.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has rejected government's decision to accept a one-point-five billion US dollars or roughly a R25 billion, Development Policy Loan from the World Bank. The federation warns the loan could open the door to more privatisation, austerity and increased private sector control of public infrastructure. SAFTU says the move signals a continuation of neoliberal policies that will put more pressure on workers and service delivery. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU spokesperson, Newton Masuku, to discuss the union's position.