First Take SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has given municipalities sixty days to carry out women's safety audits in all high-risk areas, following the discovery of eleven women's bodies in Ekurhuleni. He says broken streetlights, hijacked buildings, overgrown spaces and unsafe routes must be identified and fixed urgently. The President has also ordered police and the NPA to recover unresolved rape and murder cases and clear forensic backlogs, with public progress reports every quarter. Cabinet will also receive a plan within sixty days to curb alcohol-related violence. For Reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Gender activist, Nontyatyambo Makapela...

COSATU is lobbying Parliament for the immediate passing of the Second Special Appropriation Bill to unlock ten billion rands in emergency fuel relief. The federation wants the funds directed straight to the Central Energy Fund's Equalisation Fund to cushion consumers against volatile international oil markets. For spoke to COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks.

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, DENOSA, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on the recent killings of women and government's renewed efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Among the measures announced is a four-point action plan that includes stronger law enforcement interventions, community safety audits, and intensified efforts to address systemic weaknesses in the criminal justice system. To discuss the President's address and what more needs to be done to protect women and vulnerable members of society. We spoke to Khutlang Lethena, DENOSA National Gender Chairperson.

Rhodes University says it is deeply concerned about the continued disruption of essential services on campus amid ongoing student protests. The university's leadership has accused the Student Representative Council of preventing staff responsible for critical services from accessing residences and campus facilities. These services include the provision of food, cleaning, and water, which the university says are vital to the health, safety and wellbeing of students. To discuss the situation, We spoke to Olwetu Gwanya, Communications and Media Relations Manager at Rhodes University.

The South African Local Government Association, SALGA says ending gender-based violence and femicide requires urgent action from municipalities. SALGA was responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa's address announcing interventions to confront the escalating crisis. The Association says it supports the directive for all municipalities to conduct women's safety audits within clear timeframes. We spoke to Nozibele Makanda, SALGA Portfolio Head for Health, Community Services and Inclusivity.

A multi-agency aviation probe is underway in Zimbabwe following a devastating helicopter crash that killed all six people on board in the Marondera Rural district. The private aircraft went down at approximately five o'clock yesterday evening east of Harare, completely destroying the cabin upon impact. Emergency response teams and forensic investigators are on the scene dealing with recovery operations in a remote terrain. High-profile local figures are feared to be among the deceased. We spoke to SABC Zimbabwe Correspondent, Ephert Musekiwa

South Africa has issued a third formal demarche against US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell the Third in nine months over alleged undiplomatic conduct. Dirco says both sides remain committed to resolving outstanding issues. Washington however says it has no interest in further diplomatic maneuvering and the ball is in Pretoria's court to repair ties. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says access to South Africa's critical minerals remains a key driver of the friction. Sophie Mokoena reports.

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has withdrawn the reservation of high-demand spectrum for the Wholesale Open Access Network, paving the way for ICASA to license this spectrum to operators. The move could have significant implications for competition, investment, network capacity, and digital connectivity in South Africa. To unpack what this means for the telecommunications sector and consumers, we spoke to Nomvuyiso Batyi, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT).

South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide, with recent killings in Ekurhuleni and other parts of the country once again highlighting the scale of the crisis. In response, the GBVF Sector of the National Dialogue of South Africa is convening a community dialogue in Kempton Park under the theme "From Silence to Safety: Strengthening Community Response to GBVF." The discussion will bring together community members, activists, and stakeholders to explore practical solutions to make communities safer. We spoke to Thembelihle Ntandane, a member of the National Dialogue Steering Committee.

The South African Law Reform Commission has proposed two new bills to radically change how the state handles massive medical negligence claims. The commission warns that an explosion of lawsuits over the last two decades is heavily draining public funds and crippling healthcare service delivery. The draft laws aim to set up an independent redress commission and enforce pre-litigation rules before patients can take the state to court. If passed, the health and justice departments will gain strict legal frameworks to establish provincial databases and manage payout guidelines. For more, we spoke to Ronel Van Zyl, a Senior State Law Advisor at the South African Law Reform Commission.

The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU, has expressed support for the Employment Services Amendment Bill, saying it supports efforts to regulate labour migration and protect jobs, but warns that workers must not be divided along nationality lines while employers continue to exploit cheap labour. The federation says the focus should be on enforcing labour laws, protecting both South African and migrant workers and addressing the root causes of unemployment through economic growth and job creation. We spoke to SAFTU'S General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a four-point plan to effectively deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in the country. This follows a nationwide outcry after the killing of twelve women in some parts of Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg in the past two months. Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings last night, Ramaphosa instructed law enforcement agencies to focus on unresolved GBVF cases, reduce forensic backlogs and that municipalities must identify high risk areas to ensure safety of women when they walk and jog among others. Our Politics Reporter Ntebo Mokobo has more. We also spoke to Gender activist, Nontyatyambo Makapela

A 23-year-old woman has become the latest victim of gender-based violence in Gauteng. Boitumelo Gift Mashita was brutally murdered in Tembisa yesterday, just as police continue to investigate the discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni. The Tembisa Tracking Team launched a manhunt for her estranged husband, who was wanted as a person of interest in the case. Hours later, he was found dead inside his vehicle in Midrand, with police suspecting he may have ingested a toxic substance. To speak more about what is driving the scourge of gender-based violence.We spoke to Kwanele Foundation Founder and GBV activist, Sihle Sibisi.

Zimbabwe's second-largest city Bulawayo is facing another severe water crisis. More than a million residents are under acute water stress as reservoirs deplete, with usable water now reported to be below 50 percent of capacity. The city says years of poor rainfall, a growing population, and ageing infrastructure are putting supply under pressure. Bulawayo has relied on strict water-shedding for over a century to manage shortages, but concerns are mounting about future drought linked to El Niño. We spoke to city's mayor David Coltart joins us now to discuss what is being done to secure supply in the months ahead.

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

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has officially entered South Africa's political landscape ahead of the 2026 local government elections, positioning itself as an alternative to established political parties. Led by its president, Floyd Shivambu, the movement recently launched its Afrika Mayibuye Restoration Manifesto, outlining proposals on issues such as service delivery, land reform, economic empowerment, inequality, governance, and job creation. The movement has also declared its intention to contest municipalities across the country in next year's local government elections. To discuss the party's vision, manifesto commitments, and electoral ambitions, we spoke to the President of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, Floyd Shivambu.

The United Nations General Assembly convenes a high level meeting in New York today to mark 25 years since the Durban Declaration. Adopted in South Africa in 2001, the Programme of Action remains the global blueprint against racism and discrimination. The meeting comes amid continued debate over the framework's legacy and implementation. UN Human Rights Regional Representative for Southern Africa Abigail Noko spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri about its mandate.

Fear is growing in Ekurhuleni after the discovery of several women's bodies across the region in recent weeks. The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, AUBBTA says the killings have created panic among passengers, especially women using public transport. AUBTA is now calling for lockdowns, gated communities and tighter controls at highways and off-ramps in hotspots like Kempton Park and Tembisa. They also wants people and vehicles entering high-risk areas to be verified and for convicted killers to face tougher punishment. We spoke to Chairperson of The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, AUBBTA, Phumudzo Mukhwathi

The Special Investigating Unit, SIU has secured 42.4 million rand in cash, properties, pension benefits and investments linked to alleged bribery at Tembisa Hospital. The assets are connected to businessman Stefan Joel Govindraju, who allegedly paid 100 million rand in bribes to officials to secure procurement deals worth 600 million rand. The SIU says the preservation orders form part of its ongoing probe into corruption at the Gauteng hospital. We spoke to Madeleine Hicklin, DA Gauteng spokesperson on Health.

Three Chapter Nine institutions begin a joint national inquiry into gender based violence in Braamfontein, Johannesburg today. The Commission for Gender Equality, the South African Human Rights Commission and the CRL Rights Commission will probe why reporting, victim support and pre-trial investigations continue to fail women despite government commitments. The five-day sitting at Braampark follows what the commissions call an overwhelming public response to submissions from victims, families and civil society. We spoke to Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality.

The National Liquor Traders says it is deeply shocked by the killings in Wedela in Gauteng and Lwandle in the Western Cape. The organisation has sent condolences to families and says places where people gather must never become scenes of terror. Convenor Lucky Ntimane has called for illegal firearms and organized violence to be confronted and cautioned against blaming lawful tavern operators. We spoke to Mr. Ntimane

South African teenagers say they enjoy reading but want more books in their own languages that reflect their daily lives. That is according to the Teen Reading Pilot Survey launched at the National Library in Pretoria. The pilot interviewed 302 teens and 261 caregivers directly, testing inclusion of 10 to 17 year-olds in the National Reading Barometer. Organisers say it paves the way for the full national survey in 2027. For more on the report, we're joined by Dr. Tara Polzer-Ngwato, the Lead Researcher and author of the report

The Afrikaners for South Africa network has condemned plans by Lex Libertas to display 3 000 white crosses in Washington to highlight farm killings. The network says the campaign uses victims as political props and presents a misleading picture of racial persecution to Americans. The group says farm attacks affect all communities and are largely driven by criminal motives. It warns the display risks harming tourism, investment and unity at home. For more we're now joined by Rudi Swanepoel, Dutch-reformed Church Minister, Writer and Speaker from the network Afrikaners for South Africa (AfSA)

The African Transformation Movement, ATM wants Buffalo City investigated for allegedly using municipal jobs, EPWP posts and even a water tank for ANC electioneering. The party cites wards 12, 22, 23 and 39, claiming sitting councillors were bypassed while candidates and branch officials influenced beneficiary lists. It says municipal resources belong to residents not parties and has called on the Speaker and Executive Mayor Princess Faku to account. For more on the allegations we're joined by Zama Ntshona, ATM National Spokesperson

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape has hit back at Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, releasing a timeline to expose the chaotic planning behind the national Heritage Day venue shifts. DA provincial leader, Tertuis Simmers claims George Municipality was only given a three-day notice to host the massive event, making statutory safety compliance and budgeting impossible. The national celebration was moved from KwaZulu-Natal to George before finally landing in Oudtshoorn yesterday. The DA is now demanding full financial accountability from national government for the wasteful expenditure incurred during the venue scramble. For more we're joined by DA Western Cape Leader, Tertuis Simmers

A look at the current top African economic stories. We are joined on the line by 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

Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela claims Sibiya’s case is linked to a succession battle and the general is being targeted. Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges of rape, human trafficking and sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl. The 59-year-old was arrested by the SAPS Commissions Recommendations Task Team following an investigation into exploitation allegations. The state alleges he used electronic communications to groom the minor and raped an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton

The Unemployment Insurance Fund, UIF has welcomed a search and seizure operation conducted by the Special Investigating Unit at PSIRA's offices in Pretoria yesterday.The raid follows a Special Tribunal order and forms part of a probe into a 130-million-rand UIF-funded training contract.The contract was meant to train over 7000 people across all provinces, but only a small number reportedly received training. Department of Employment and Labour Spokesperson, Teboho Thejane elaborates...

South Africa is moving to bring private companies into the large-scale production of the Agricultural Research Council's Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine. The move follows concerns over the ARC's limited manufacturing capacity, with government saying private-sector licensing could help increase vaccine availability and strengthen the country's livestock sector and food security. But with farmers under pressure from the ongoing FMD outbreak, questions remain over how quickly the vaccine can reach farms, how effective the expanded production will be, and whether this move addresses the wider weaknesses in South Africa's FMD response. We spoke to AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges of rape, human trafficking and sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl. The 59-year-old was arrested by the SAPS Commissions Recommendations Task Team following an investigation into exploitation allegations. The state alleges he used electronic communications to groom the minor and raped an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton. For reaction to the case, we spoke to Dr. Shaheda Omar, Clinical Director at The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board is warning learners against pens down parties involving alcohol as Matric exams approach. The Board says these celebrations often turn achievement into tragedy through injury, violence and loss of life. The Board is calling on parents, schools and liquor traders to help prevent underage drinking. For more we spoke to Dr. Mgwebi Msiya, Eastern Cape Liquor Board Spokesperson.

The DA has approached the Electoral Court accusing ActionSA, the EFF, MK Party and GOOD of deliberately avoiding naming their PR candidates ahead of elections. The parties allegedly submitted single-name PR lists in many municipalities saying they will supplement the lists after the election if they win more seats. ActionSA says it wants to assess candidates based on election outcomes before filling additional seats. The DA argues the move disenfranchises voters. We spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont to get their response to the DA's legal challenge.

Trade union federation SAFTU says South Africa must defend its sovereignty as Washington imposes new visa restrictions on some South Africans. It comes after the US issued five demands relating to farmer violence, the Kill the Boer chant, expropriation and B-BBEE. SAFTU says no foreign government can dictate South Africa's laws or foreign policy. But it argues sovereignty must also apply at home, with economic decisions democratized to include workers and communities. We spoke to SAFTU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi

Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga has welcomed more than 2,500 new soldiers, who have completed their basic military training at 3 SAI in the Northern Cape. They are joining an SANDF under increase pressure to assist the police stem the tide of crime, including in hotspots in the Western Cape, where gang violence remains a major challenge, despite the deployment of soldiers. Our reporter, Warren Engelbrecht has the details.

A fatal shooting at a school in Inanda, north of Durban has put the spotlight on growing violence and criminality in schools across KwaZulu-Natal. A security guard was killed during a robbery at Inanda Comprehensive High School on Friday(18/9) night, after four guards were overpowered by armed suspects. The attack comes amid several other violent incidents at schools across the province. Gcinokuhle Malinga reports.

A 59-year-old Lieutenant General is appearing in the Randburg Magistrates Court today on charges of rape and sexual grooming. He was arrested yesterday by the Commissions Recommendations Task Team for the alleged grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August and the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton in May. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the arrest saying police are entrusted to protect women and children and rank cannot put anyone above the law. Police national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe elaborates.

Mpumalanga taxi boss and businessman Joe Sibanyoni repeatedly invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination at the Madlanga Commission on Monday. Sibanyoni returned to the Commission to read his supplementary statement. He invoked his right in relation to communications with taxi figure Bafana Sindane, WhatsApp records, alleged monthly payments and matters linked to the Edwin Construction criminal case. He also testified about security company Gubis85 Solutions and his involvement in matters concerning bus company PUTCO. Sibahle Motha reports.

South Africa is being urged to prepare early for the 2026/27 summer, as a rapidly strengthening El Niño raises the risk of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures. The South African Weather Service says the event could become exceptionally strong by late 2026 or early 2027, but it is also stressing that a strong El Niño does not automatically mean a drought. Farmers, disaster management authorities and communities are being encouraged to act on the available information now rather than wait for the impacts to become clear. We speak to the South African Weather Service about what the latest forecasts mean for the months ahead. We spoke to Dr. Christien Engelbrecht, Lead Scientist, and Long Range Forecaster at the South African Weather Service.

The South African Women in Construction and Built Environment has condemned the viral Sandton restaurant video showing threats against two women. The organisation says the incident has raised wider questions about who benefits from public construction contracts. It claims many women contractors still struggle to access direct work while billions are spent through government entities. The organisation is now calling on government and public entities to publish details on contracts, ownership and how many women-owned firms actually benefited. We spoke to Thembeka Mnisi, President of the South African Women in Construction and Built Environment.

The Public Servants Association, PSA says it is deeply concerned that SASSA owes millions in outstanding rent for offices nationwide. The Department has confirmed R16.5 million alone is owed for the Records Management Centre that stores sensitive records. The PSA warns the arrears could lead to evictions, locked facilities and disruption of services to vulnerable communities. The Union is calling for immediate payment of verified debts, an independent investigation and action against officials responsible for lease management failures. We spoke to Claude Naiker, Assistant General Manager for the Public Servants Association, PSA.

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, TRIM has published Network Statement Version 4, setting out updated rules for access to South Africa's rail network. The framework, approved and gazetted by the Department of Transport, aims to improve transparency, capacity allocation and investment certainty. It also expands opportunities for new rail operators and provides greater flexibility for accessing available capacity. For more we spoke to Moshe Motlohi, Chief Executive Officer of Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager.

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

The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is set to face criminal prosecution following submissions by AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit. Mbalula is accused of crimen injuria over allegations that he falsely accused Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse of sexually assaulting or raping a child. AfriForum says it is also pursuing a separate prosecution against EFF leader Julius Malema in relation to the same principal. The developments come as Mbalula is already involved in another legal dispute with ANC NEC member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma over allegations concerning the ANC's 2022 elective conference. We spoke to Barry Bateman, Spokesperson for Afriforum's Private Prosecution Unit.

The Democratic Alliance is calling for an urgent debate in Parliament on the escalating gender-based violence and femicide crisis in Ekurhuleni, following the discovery of multiple women's bodies in the area over the past two months. SAPS has established a multidisciplinary team to investigate the cases, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the investigations be prioritised. Police have also cautioned that they have not yet established whether all the cases are connected. The DA says Parliament must now focus on accountability, asking what government is doing to protect women, investigate these crimes and prevent further deaths. We spoke to the Lisa Schickerling, DA Spokesperson on Police about its call for an urgent parliamentary debate and what it believes should happen next.

A fire at the SWAPO informal settlement in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg has destroyed 20 shacks, up from the initial 15. KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma says verification found 19 foreign nationals were among those affected.The department also alleges a foreign national was collecting 250 rand per shack and that illegal electricity connections were in use. Government says fully subsidised housing is for qualifying South African citizens, while emergency housing offers temporary relief. For more, we're joined by Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN.

The Democratic Alliance is demanding answers from President Cyril Ramaphosa following reports that the military has acknowledged an elite Special Forces role in a 2022 high-profile abduction of alleged ISIS financier Abdella Abadiga and Kadir Abotese. 12 operators face charges over the Mall of Africa kidnappings and the subsequent assassination of Hawks investigator Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa. The DA is also challenging attempts to move the trial of the 12 men from civilian to military courts. For more we spoke to Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans.

Kempton Park is now Gauteng's kidnapping hotspot with 76 cases recorded between April and June this year, up more than 58 percent from last year. The Gauteng Community Safety Committee says the province accounted for over half of all kidnappings nationally, with 2,367 cases in the quarter. For the latest we're joined by Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety.

Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been arrested and released on a warning following a viral video showing him threatening to murder women at a Sandton restaurant. The incident has drawn fierce condemnation from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, who has ordered Home Affairs to investigate Mudzinganyama's residency status. In the same breath, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has launched an immediate investigation into his company's lucrative SANRAL tenders. Mudzinganyama has issued a public apology and is scheduled to appear in the Randburg Magistrate's Court in October. For reaction we spoke to Her Royal Highness Princess Eurika Mogane, National Commissioner for the Commission for Gender Equality.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is facing three separate legal challenges from within his own party. Judgment has been reserved in the contempt case brought by ANC member Lwazi Rotya over branch meeting data amid claims of manipulation and ID harvesting. In the same breath, Mbalula says Andile Lungisa should have used internal structures instead of going to court over his alleged removal from the Nelson Mandela Bay list. Meanwhile Eastern Cape secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi has threatened Mbalula with legal action for defamation. Producer Tracey Boomgaard spoke to Political analyst, Dr. Ongama Mtimka about what the latest legal threat by Ngcukayitobi against Mbalula says about tensions between the ANC Eastern Cape and its national leadership.

The Madlanga Commission marked a year on Thursday since it was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2025. Its Chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, used the occasion to reflect on the evidence presented before the Inquiry. He raised concerns about emerging evidence indicating serious criminality within the criminal justice system. Since its establishment, the Commission has heard evidence from 110 witnesses over 174 days. Sibahle Motha reports.

The killing of women in Kempton Park and elsewhere in Ekurhuleni has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of women and the wider crisis of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. The SANAC Civil Society Forum is calling for thorough investigations and prosecution, but says the response cannot only come after women have already lost their lives. The Forum is also calling for safety assessments of areas where women are vulnerable, looking at everything from street lighting and public transport to police visibility, surveillance and access to emergency assistance. We're joined by the Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum and Co-Chairperson of SANAC, Mr. Solly Nduku.