First Take SA

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA, has raised concerns over government's allocation of nearly R80 million to spaza shop owners, questioning the transparency, fairness and impact of the funding. While the initiative is meant to support small businesses, FOSA argues that without clear accountability and measurable outcomes, the intervention risks missing its intended beneficiaries. The organisation is now calling on government to publish a full list of recipients and provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds have been used. We spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South Africa (FOSA).

The MK Party Is demanding the immediate resignation of Deputy Minister in the Presidency For Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike as the Vice President of the South African Pharmacy Council. The party said his dual role raises serious concerns over governance, ethics and the independence of the statutory regulator. MK Party argued that a sitting Deputy Minister holding office in the Council creates a conflict and undermines public confidence in regulatory integrity. We spoke to Patrick Motubatse, MK Party Member of Parliament.

The African Transformation Movement, ATM has criticised National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza for rejecting their motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. ATM MP Vuyo Zungula said the ATM was unhappy with the decision. In the same breath, Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu said there was no legitimate basis for the rejection and called it opportunistic. We spoke to Vuyo Zungula, ATM Parliamentary Leader.

Several civil society organisations have strongly condemned a recent wave of intimidation and violence targeting migrant communities, including children, in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The groups warn that these actions, which include threats against schools and learners, undermine constitutional rights and put vulnerable children at serious risk. Wee spoke to, Katherine Sutherland, Head of Research and Advocacy at the Equal Education Law Centre.

The African People's Convention (APC) has called for urgent and science-led action in response to the growing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The party is backing warnings from leading epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim, who has raised concern about the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The APC is urging authorities to strengthen border screening, surveillance systems, and public awareness to prevent a potential outbreak locally. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mbhandze Freddy, APC National spokesperson

The City of Johannesburg says it is intensifying efforts to reclaim hijacked and unsafe buildings in the CBD following illegal structures found inside Marble Towers. Law enforcement has also launched a major operation targeting undocumented immigrants and criminal activity in the area. The planned demolition of illegal structures at Marble Towers has been halted after the owners secured an urgent court interdict. Elvis Presslin spoke to MMC for Public Safety and Security in the City of Johannesburg, Moshe Koma

ActionSA has condemned the exoneration of two senior SAPS officials in internal disciplinary hearings linked to the Phala Phala matter. The party says the outcome contradicts IPID findings that recommended action for serious misconduct. ActionSA plans to file a Promotion of Access to Information Act, PAIA application to access the full record of the proceedings, arguing that SAPS internal processes are failing to ensure accountability. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lerato Ngobeni, ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip and National Spokesperson

The Congolese Solidarity Campaign has raised concern over the plight of refugees and migrants in Durban, saying many are living without shelter or protection. The group says on Monday, several individuals seeking safety were turned away from police and temporary accommodation sites and spent the night outside Durban Central Police Station. The organisation is calling for a coordinated response from authorities to address the situation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Congolese Solidarity Campaign President, Reverend Raphael Bahebwa, to shed light on the matter

The Democratic Alliance, DA says Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has not acted on criminal allegations involving members of his executive, citing reports of arrests, assault claims and blocked case openings at Lenasia South Police Station. The DA argues the lack of action creates the impression that MMCs are above the law. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has expelled former King Cetshwayo Councillor Sipho Mbatha over claims he engaged in extortion while falsely acting for the party. The IFP National Council unanimously terminated his membership after reviewing the case. The party issued a public warning distancing itself from any fraudulent acts linked to Mbatha. We spoke to IFP National spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, CONTRALESA has called for urgent government intervention over the coronation of foreign nationals on South African soil. CONTRALESA said the practice undermines traditional authority and disrespects local customs. The call follows recent protests in the Eastern Cape and claims of more similar coronations taking place. The organisation warned that failure to act could lead to communities taking matters into their own hands.We spoke to CONTRALESA Gauteng provincial Secretary, Prince Mongezi Tom.

The Democratic Alliance, DA says it will hand over a petition with over 16 000 signatures to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature today, opposing a 64% cut to Quintile 5 public schools. The party argues the reductions have left many schools struggling to cover basic services like electricity, water and maintenance. The petition calls for the funding decision to be reversed. For more we spoke to Michael Waters, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education.

A look at the current top African economic stories.We speak to 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

The Democratic Alliance will stage a picket today against Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla's return to office. The party says his presence at the head of the city's administration is an indictment on those who enable him. We spoke to DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta is urging reflection and unity as tensions rise around the March and March campaign. He says organisers should honour Nigeria and other African states for their support during the anti-apartheid struggle. Makaneta also warned against targeting undocumented children, stressing every child has a constitutional right to basic education.

Solidarity has lodged a complaint with the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland against the South African government. The union says government breached a 2023 agreement on racial legislation that was made a court order but never published as regulations. Solidarity says the move shows contempt for both international processes and local courts and forms part of a broader campaign to end race-based laws. We spoke to Solidarity Deputy CEO, Anton van der Bijl.

The Gauteng Department of Health says hypertension cases are rising among adults under 45 across the province. More than 69,000 new cases were recorded in the 2025/26 financial year, with over 26,000 in people aged 18 to 44. Officials warn the condition, known as the "silent killer," remains a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. We spoke to Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Health's Spokesperson to unpack these findings and what they mean.

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

The Cradle of Humankind in Mogale City, Johannesburg is facing ongoing sewage pollution due to repeated failures at the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant. Untreated and partially treated sewage has been flowing into nearby rivers, raising concerns over ecological damage and risks to underground cave systems holding human evolutionary fossils. The Democratic Alliance says the situation reflects a governance failure that is harming tourism, livelihoods and South Africa's international obligations.The party is now calling on Gauteng's COGTA MEC to urgently intervene. We spoke to Leanne De Jager, MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

Former President Jacob Zuma has instructed lawyers to appeal a Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling that the Arms Deal trial must continue without further delays. Judge Nkosinathi Chili granted the State's "Stop Stalingrad" application, ordering Zuma and a Thales representative to appear in person when proceedings start in February next year. We spoke to the Jacob Zuma Foundation's spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi.

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the removal of Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe from Cabinet, saying the decision follows sustained pressure from the party for accountability. The DA argues that Tolashe's position had become untenable and has praised President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking action. However, the party is now calling for urgency in appointing a permanent replacement at the Department of Social Development. We spoke to Nazley Sharif, DA Social Development spokesperson to discuss what this development means going forward.

AfriForum has asked the City of Johannesburg to explain a proposed 65.6% increase to its water demand management levy, warning it may be unlawful and unfair to residents. The levy would rise from R65.08 to R107.74 per month for domestic users under the 2026/27 draft tariffs now open for comment. AfriForum says the city must show how the increase was calculated and whether it meets legal requirements for transparency and cost-reflectivity. Wer spoke to AfriForum's advisor for Environmental Affairs, Marais de Vaal.

The Gauteng Health department is warning the public against using unregulated injections for body and sexual enhancement after two Ekurhuleni patients suffered severe complications, including organ failure. The departments says substances, accessed through informal channels for procedures like BBLs, are not approved for human use and their contents remain unknown. Gauteng Health is working with regulators and law enforcement to trace the source and distribution. We spoke to Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Health Spokesperson.

Eleven suspects, including four Mexican nationals, have been arrested after a major drug bust at a clandestine lab on a Swartruggens farm. SAPS Crime Intelligence and the Hawks uncovered drugs worth millions and say the find points to a sophisticated trafficking network in rural areas. The Moral Regeneration Movement says the bust confirms a shift of drug operations away from cities. It is calling for stronger community action based on Ubuntu and shared values. We spoke to Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement in the North West

The City of Johannesburg says it has collected close to R100 million in a few months after clamping down on illegal outdoor advertising. This is a sharp rise from the roughly R4 million generated annually before enforcement began earlier this year. Officials say the campaign targets non-compliant billboards and aims to ensure businesses contribute fairly to service delivery. We spoke to Joburg Property Company CEO, Musah Makhunga.

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has condemned the Public Protector for threatening legal action against people who insult her over the Phala Phala matter. FOSA says the warning of fines or jail risks intimidating public criticism and sets a dangerous precedent. It argues the move undermines freedom of expression and the constitutional principle that no office-bearer is above the law. The group is calling for public institutions to act with integrity and accountability. We spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South Africa (FOSA).

COSATU has rejected Parliament's Impeachment Committee composition, saying it is unconstitutional. The union says limiting the Committee to 31 members cut the ANC's representation to 30%, below its 40% share in Parliament. The Committee was formed after a Constitutional Court ruling to probe allegations around foreign currency found at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm. COSATU warns the setup undermines the 2024 election result and may face legal challenge. We spoke to Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator.

ActionSA says it has laid criminal charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa in connection with the Phala Phala farm burglary. The party says the charges relate to alleged contraventions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, as well as accusations of perjury and fraud. These claims centre on the alleged concealment or underreporting of the amount of money stolen during the 2020 burglary at the President's Limpopo farm. The Presidency has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to the matter, while various law enforcement and oversight bodies continue to face scrutiny over how the case has been handled. We spoke to Lerato Ngobeni, ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip and National Spokesperson to unpack the basis of these charges and what they hope will come from the legal process.

Calls are mounting to extend the Madlanga Commission investigating alleged infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement and government. Early findings point to corruption and weak oversight in municipalities like Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Concerns are also rising over the effectiveness of municipal Section 79 and 80 committees, meant to ensure accountability but reportedly hampered by politicisation. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu joined us for the discussion

Asylum seekers and advocacy groups have expressed concern over the Constitutional Court's ruling that bars rejected applicants from submitting new applications once their case is finalised. The decision overturns a Supreme Court of Appeal judgment that allowed rejected asylum seekers to reapply while remaining in South Africa. Many now worry the ruling could leave genuine refugees with no legal recourse if circumstances change or new evidence emerges. FWe spoke to Claude Marie Bernard Kayitare, Head of Programs and Partnership at the Southern Africa Network for Immigrants and Refugees, SANIR and member of the Coordinating Committee of Kopanang Africa against Xenophobia.

ActionSA has called on President Ramaphosa to fire GNU ministers it blames for South Africa's worsening jobs crisis. The party cited Stats SA data showing 345,000 jobs lost in the first quarter of 2026, pushing unemployment to 32.7%. It said community services and construction were hit hardest, with youth unemployment also rising sharply. ActionSA says the figures reflect policy failure and will write to the President demanding urgent action. We spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley to unpack their response and proposed solutions.

The African People's Convention, APC has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to account to Parliament over the Phala Phala Review Panel report. The APC says taking the matter to judicial review avoids giving the public and Parliament his side of the story. It argues that challenging a process meant to clear his name undermines accountability. The party says Parliament must proceed with its duties as outlined by the Constitutional Court. For more we're joined by Freddy Mbhandze, APC National Spokesperson.

The Solidarity Trades' Network has threatened legal action against the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations over delays in issuing red seal certificates to young artisans. It says nearly 100 artisans have joined a class action after waiting months despite completing training and passing trade tests. Coordinator Stef Pretorius says the delays are unlawful and harming careers and incomes. He joined us for the conversation

The Social Movement for Advocacy, Rights and Transformation, SMART says a scathing report from the Gauteng Liquor Board's (GLB) Committee of Inquiry report reveals corruption, maladministration and unlawful licensing practices. SMART says thousands of illegal outlets operate near schools and residential areas due to weak oversight and too few inspectors. The group is calling for criminal investigations, closure of illegal outlets, lifestyle audits and an overhaul of the Gauteng Liquor board to restore public confidence. We spoke to Lehlogonolo Muthevhuli, Manager for Advocacy And Communication at SMART to discuss these findings.

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana

President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking the Section 89 panel report on Phala Phala on review and says he will not resign. Parliament is expected to proceed with impeachment proceedings in parallel. The South African People's Civic Organisation has called on the President to step aside, saying it would help protect public confidence and allow due process to unfold without perceived interference. SAPCO says the call is about accountability and preserving the integrity of the presidency. We spoke to SAPCO President, Loyiso Toyiya to unpack their position.

Mpumalanga will mark International Nurses Day with a special event in Secunda hosted by DENOSA and the provincial Health Department. This year's theme, "Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives," focuses on working conditions, training and support for nurses. Outstanding nurses will be honoured for excellence in patient care, education and leadership. We're now joined by Cyril Mdhluli, Provincial Secretary of DENOSA to reflect on the significance of this day and the state of nursing in South Africa...

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not resign from his office but will rather take the Indepedent Panel Report on Phala Phala on judicial review. Ramaphosa announced this in an address to the nation on Monday night (11/05) beamed from his offices at the Union Buildings in Pretora. This address follows the judgment of the Constitutional Court last Friday (08/05) finding that the rules governing Parliament's impeachment process are unconstitutional. The rules were challenged by the EFF and ATM who argued that the National Assembly in 2022 acted irrationally when it decided not to appoint a committee to look into the recommendations of an independent panel into the matter chaired by Former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. The panel found that Ramaphosa had a prima facie case to answer regarding foreign currency stolen from a couch on his Phala Phala farm in 2020. We spoke to our reporter Busi Bopela, Lisa Schickerling, MP and DA Spokesperson on Police, Public Protector spokesperson, Ndili Msoki and Otlile Mooketsi, Practicing attorney and Director at Mooketsi Maluleke Incorporated...

Serious concerns have been raised about policing capacity in Pretoria West following an oversight visit by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety. The Committee has flagged critical infrastructure and ICT failures at the local police station, including fragmented office buildings, outdated systems, and slow network connectivity, all of which are said to be undermining effective policing and service delivery. To unpack these issues, We spoke to Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dr. Bandile Masuku.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is expected to meet Parliament's legal advisors this week to weigh next steps after the Constitutional Court ordered the revival of impeachment processes against President Ramaphosa. The MK Party has filed a motion of no confidence, adding pressure ahead of local government elections. The ruling found Parliament's 2022 rejection of the Section 89 panel report irrational. The Phala Phala matter has drawn renewed scrutiny despite earlier clearances by oversight bodies. We spoke to Roland Henwood, lecturer at the Department of Political Sciences at University of Pretoria.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU says it fully supports its affiliate, the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union, SACCAWU in opposing planned job cuts at Pick n Pay. SACCAWU says the retailer intends to retrench 22,000 workers and has accused the company of trying to bypass collective bargaining by serving notices directly to staff. The union also alleges Pick n Pay wants to cut benefits including transport allowances, subsidised meals and Sunday premiums. SaccaWu will hold a press conference in Johannesburg today to set out its response. Pick n Pay has not commented on the allegations. Swe spoke to SACCAWU National Spokesperson, Sithembele Tshwete.

The Congress of the People, COPE has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately dismiss Minister Sisisi Tolashe from Cabinet. COPE cites allegations of abuse of power, unlawful dismissal and the misuse of a government employee's salary. The party says the President's delay in acting fuels public anger and a perception of impunity. It is also demanding a full, independent investigation into the claims. We spoke to COPE Acting National Chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi to unpack their position.

Santam has partnered with the South African Weather Service to install nine new automatic weather stations aimed at closing observational gaps and improving early warning systems. The stations, now operational in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga are expected to support more accurate forecasts and disaster preparedness. The SA Weather Service say the collaboration is key to reducing weather-related losses and building community resilience. For more we're joined by Rudzani Malala, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction at the South African Weather Service

The Constitutional Court will today deliver its judgment on the Section 89 Phala Phala report. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he will respect the court's decision, reiterating that the judiciary operates independently. The ruling follows an EFF and ATM challenge to Parliament's rejection of an impeachment inquiry into the 2020 farm burglary. EFF members are expected to picket outside the court ahead of the ruling. For more we're now joined on the line by Nqobile Mhlongo, EFF MP

Joburg Mayor Dada Morero is meeting Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana today following concerns over the City's finances. Treasury says the City owes creditors R25 billion but has only R3.9 billion in cash available. The Minister has also ordered the City to halt its recent agreement with union SAMWU, warning of risks to the economy. Mayor Morero says the City remains operational and is committed to transparency. For more we're joined by City of Joburg Mayor, Mr. Dada Morero

The United National Transport Union (UNTU) has declared a deadlock in wage negotiations with SA Cargo Services. The union has accused the company of bad faith bargaining, secrecy and exploiting workers, rejecting what it calls an "inhumane" 3.5% wage increase against an 11.8% demand. UNTU is also raising serious concerns about working conditions, lack of financial transparency and what it describes as a broader pattern of multinational companies prioritising profits over workers' rights. We spoke to UNTU Media Liaison and Communications Officer, Atenkosi Plaatjie to unpack these developments.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has recorded 27 rape cases involving law enforcement officers in Gauteng, raising fresh concerns over police accountability and oversight. The Democratic Alliance, DA has criticised Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for allegedly only accounting for five of the cases in the provincial legislature. The DA is calling for urgent reform and stronger consequences for officers who abuse their authority. For more we spoke to Michael Sun, MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety.

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has urged that ministerial oversight be maintained following the Public Service Commission's provisional findings on irregular appointments in Minister Sisisi Tolashe's office. The PSC found that Ms Lesedi Mabiletja was appointed as Private Secretary and acting Chief of Staff without meeting required qualifications and had misrepresented her credentials, with senior officials also found to have altered her CV. Disciplinary action has been recommended against several officials and Ms Mabiletja, who has since resigned. We spoke to Bridget Masango, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development.

The financial crisis facing the City of Johannesburg has taken a dramatic turn, following a scathing letter from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to Executive Mayor Dada Morero. The letter paints a deeply troubling picture, from what's been described as an unfunded or "fictional" budget, to a staggering R25 billion debt burden, a liquidity crisis, and allegations of unlawful financial commitments. At the centre of it all are concerns that the city may be in breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act, legislation designed to safeguard financial stability and service delivery in municipalities. Political party Rise Mzansi says this confirms what residents have long experienced: a city in decline, plagued by governance failures and financial mismanagement. We spoke to Rise Mzansi's Chief Organiser, Makashule Gana, to unpack these serious allegations and what they mean for Johannesburg residents.

Whistleblower Patricia Mashale has defended National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams as he faces charges of defeating the ends of justice and fraud in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court today. Mashale has questioned the legality of his arrest and said the case could bring long-standing claims around the Sindiso Magaqa murder into open court. She also raised concerns about political and racial bias in the justice system. We spoke to Patricia Mashale to elaborate on her sentiments.