First Take SA

A DA oversight visit to the Cape Town Deeds Office has reportedly discovered a troubling practice of racial classification. The party says South Africans are being forced to declare their race on a mandatory form when buying or transferring property. Land Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso admitted in a parliamentary reply earlier this year that no legal definition of race supports the regulation. Elvis Presslin spoke to MP and DA Spokesperson on Land Reform & Rural Development, Mlindi Nhanha

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 ACDP has strongly condemned a viral video falsely portraying the classified Coloured community in a degrading and incestuous light, calling it racist, defamatory, and rooted in colonial-era stereotypes. The Open Chats team has since issued an apology , which many critics deemed inadequate. Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance has opened a criminal case, the DA approached the Human Rights Commission, and civil society has labelled the remarks as hate speech. Elvis Presslin spoke to ACDP leader in Gauteng Bishop Dulton Keith Adams

Several members of Operation Dudula have been arrested and are being held at Diepkloof Police Station. The group is accused of blocking foreign nationals from accessing public clinics and hospitals in the area. Operation Dudula claims its members are facing charges for allegedly impersonating Home Affairs officials. The group's president, Zandile Dabula, says the arrests are part of a broader effort to undermine their movement's activities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has denied that it owes R62-million in unpaid accommodation fees. The scheme refuted these claims after Private Housing Student Association (PHSA), which represents private landlords, claimed that this money is owed from January 2024 to July 2025. Kagisho Mamabolo, PHSA CEO, says landlords in private accommodation are at financial risk due to the late payments made by NSFAS. Especially those who account for the majority of available beds. Elvis Presslin spoke to Keamogetswe Masike President of the South African Students Federation and NSFAS Spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says claims of grade tampering and racial bias at UCT's Social Development Department are deeply concerning. Manamela is calling for answers from UCT's leadership, demanding clarity on internal probes and how academic standards will be upheld. This comes after allegations surfaced that UCT academics in the faculty of Social Development have allegedly been awarding higher marks to white students while penalizing Black students. Elvis Presslin spoke to former Head of Department at UCT, Professor Ndangwa Noyoo, the UCT whistleblower, who revealed this in an affidavit he penned to the department and the presidency

The South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF has slammed an alleged attempt by the Industrial Development Trust's CEO, Tebogo Malaka, to bribe Daily Maverick investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh. The incident, aimed at halting Myburgh's reporting on corruption allegations against Malaka, comes shortly after her suspension following a PricewaterhouseCoopers probe. The investigation uncovered irregularities tied to IDT's 836-million-rand oxygen plants scandal. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nicki Gules, Head of News at News24 and a member of SANEF

The South African National Defence Force has issued a stern warning to its members over the rising trend of sharing explicit content on social media while in uniform. The Defence Force says such behaviour is a serious breach of military discipline and tarnishes the image of the force. The Defence Force insists personal freedoms do not override military values. Elvis Presslin spoke to SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini

Suspended Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka faces possible criminal charges after allegedly trying to bribe a journalist. Video footage from the Daily Maverick shows Malaka and IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane offering R60,000 in cash to reporter Pieter-Louis Myburgh at a meeting near Stellenbosch. The bribe was reportedly to halt Myburgh's investigation into Malaka's affairs. This comes after her suspension over irregularities in an R836 million oxygen plant tender. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson will address the allegations today outside the Cape Town Central Police Station. Legal Analyst, Advocate Modidima Mannya spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss potential legal consequences

Opposition parties have criticized the appointment of ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane as chair of the parliamentary committee investigating allegations of police corruption made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The EFF, uMkhonto weSizwe Party and ActionSA expressed concerns over an ANC member leading the probe, citing potential bias due to the involvement of ANC figures like suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in Mkhwanazi's claims. Lekganyane, elected unopposed, defended his role, stating he serves the country's interests, not just his party's. The committee has until October 31 to report its findings. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mdumiseni Ntuli, ANC Chief Whip in Parliament,

The Pretoria High Court will today hear an application brought by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government to reinstate their opposition in a constitutional damages case. The case involves 25 families and survivours of apartheid-era human rights violations seeking R167 million in damages for the state's alleged failure to investigate and prosecute crimes recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Zaid Kimmie, Foundation for Human Rights Executive Director. The Foundation is supporting the affected families

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) will today lead a march to Tshwane House to demand the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed workers and payment of outstanding salary increases for City of Tshwane employees. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU Tshwane Regional Chairperson, Lehlohonolo Maphatsoe

The National Freedom Party, NFP is demanding a full investigation into allegations of corruption involving KwaZulu-Natal's Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka and Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane. The party claims companies linked to the MECs' families improperly benefited from government contracts meant for disadvantaged businesses. Elvis Presslin spoke to NFP leader, Irvin Barnes

The Public Servants Association, PSA has condemned the dire conditions at Koster Hospital in North West. The Union is citing falling ceilings, leaking roofs, and dilapidated wiring that endanger employees and patients. The PSA is now demanding immediate intervention from the MEC for Health to inspect, shut down hazardous areas and fund urgent repairs. Elvis Presslin spoke to Labour Relations Officer of the Public Servants Association in the North West Province, Kabelo Moalosi

Opposition parties have criticized the appointment of ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane as chair of the parliamentary committee investigating allegations of police corruption made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The EFF, uMkhonto weSizwe Party and ActionSA expressed concerns over an ANC member leading the probe, citing potential bias due to the involvement of ANC figures like suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in Mkhwanazi's claims. Lekganyane, elected unopposed, defended his role, stating he serves the country's interests, not just his party's. The committee has until October 31 to report its findings. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sibonelo Nomvalo, MK Party Member of Parliament

A senior police officer in Soweto has been involved in a tragic murder-suicide, sparking widespread concern about intimate partner violence within the police force. The National Shelter Movement of South Africa is calling for urgent action, including zero-tolerance policies against officers accused of domestic abuse. The organization says survivours of gender-based violence must have faith in the system to protect them, not enable their abusers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Anisa Moosa, National Coordinator for the National Shelter Movement of South Africa

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, in Mpumalanga is set to lead a provincial march against gender-based violence and femicide in KwaMhlanga. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, Thabo Mokoena, to speak about the significance of this event and what the organisation hopes to achieve with the march

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says the SACP's decision to contest elections independently will have far-reaching implications for their alliance. Ramaphosa expressed the ANC's disagreement with the SACP's decision after a four-day National Executive Committee meeting in Germiston. To expand a bit more on the tensions within the Tripartite alliance, Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst, Dr. Ebrahim Harvey

The South African Municipal Workers Union, SAMWU is concerned about the rising violence in municipalities. A recent report revealled that 148 local officials were murdered since 2018 - many of which were linked to exposing corruption. The union says this deadly trend threatens service delivery and silences accountability. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU General Secretary, Dumisane Magagula

The Public Protector's office has confirmed it has no record of complaints from Zimbabwe's Human Rights Commission regarding Zimbabweans being denied healthcare in South Africa. It clarified that last year's visit from the Commission was a benchmarking exercise focused on practices, not an audit of South African services. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over reports of clinics refusing treatment based on nationality or documentation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jessie Majome, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission

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

South African authorities have arrested a man found in possession of 56,000 child abuse images. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has strongly condemned the crime, calling it a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children. Elvis Presslin spoke to ATM MP, Vuyolwethu Zungula

The Progressive Forces of South Africa will hold a picket outside the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria today. The court is hearing a case about where former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be buried. Lungu died in South Africa in June, and there's a dispute between his family and the Zambian government over whether he should be buried in South Africa or repatriated back to Zambia. Elvis Presslin spoke to Progressive Forces' National Organiser, Bonang Sepoloane to explain why the group is protesting the possibility of Lungu being buried in South Africa

The Eastern Cape Education Department has strongly condemned a violent assault on a female learner from David Mama Secondary School in Mdantsane. Videos circulating online show the girl being attacked by male classmates after getting off a school bus. In the footage, the boys are seen hitting the victim while others laugh and record the incident. A second clip shows further harassment of the same learner, with students heard laughing in the background. Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape Education Department Spokesperson, Vuyiseka Mboxela

The South African Communist Party's General Secretary Solly Mapaila says the party has never been allocated a government department to manage, despite past requests. Speaking at the SACP's 104th anniversary celebration in KwaDlengezwa, KwaZulu-Natal, yesterday, Mapaila noted that a bid for the Department of Arts and Culture was denied under former President Jacob Zuma. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU national spokesperson, Zanele Sabela

The Basotho Covenant Movement Malatanaha is denying allegations of setting up illegal military training camps in South Africa. Last month, Lesotho's security chiefs claimed the group is recruiting and training Basotho youths for terrorism purposes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Abdulmalik Molapo, the group's spokesperson, to respond to these allegations and shed more light on the group's activities

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a major shake-up in the province's administration, with some department heads facing reshuffles or removal. The move comes amid concerns over under-expenditure and poor performance in several departments. Lesufi cited recent audit outcomes, which highlighted operational shortcomings, as a key reason for the decision. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mike Moriarty, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development

US tariffs on selected South African exports are set to take effect today. The US is expected to impose a 30% tariff. To discuss the impact on local businesses, we're joined by Elias Monage, President of the Black Business Council...

The High Court has ruled against the City of Tshwane's "cleansing levy", declaring it unlawful. Residents are set to receive refunds. To discuss the implications we're joined by Arno Roodt from AfriForum. The lobby group successfully challenged the levy in court...

Police in Gqeberha are investigating the murder of a public prosecutor who was shot and killed outside her home in Algoa Park yesterday. The police is appealing for information that can lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. For more on the case we're joined by Gift Ngqondi, ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications...

Operation Dudula is set to launch a campaign in December to block what they describe as illegal foreigners from accessing public schools in the new year. The organization says this move aims to address concerns around access to education for South African citizens. To elaborate further on this campaign Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula, about the plans and the potential implications for schools and communities

The South African Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee is set to announce its decision on interest rates, with expectations of at least one more rate cut. Many are hoping for a 25-basis-point reduction. Elvis Presslin spoke to Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG South Africa, about what this could mean for the economy and ordinary citizens

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed the arrest of two more suspects in connection with the December 2023 murder of Umngeni Municipality Chief Whip, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu. Ndlovu was shot dead at his Mpophomeni home near Howick. This brings the total number of suspects arrested to five. The initial three Thobani Hlongwa, Khayelihle Shabalala, and Nxamalala induna Zwelithini Buthelezi are due back in the Howick Magistrate's Court today. Elvis Presslin spoke to Francois Rodgers KZN provincial leader of the Democratic Alliance, and the MEC of finance in the province

Child rights groups have expressed alarm over a viral video showing a mother urging her four-year-old son to smoke mandrax. The mother, along with two others adults, have been arrested and now faces child abuse charges. Authorities are investigating, and the child is under protection. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to Save the Children South Africa Programme Director, Megan Briede

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