First Take SA

ActionSA will lead a protest outside the Office of the Minister of Justice in Pretoria today to demand the removal of National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. The party cites the NPA's deep dysfunction and alleged failures under Batohi's leadership as reasons for her removal. For more on this we're joined by ActionSA Parliamentary Caucus Leader, Athol Trollip...

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is considering expanding the powers of metro police to tackle crime, focusing on copper theft, which has disrupted South Africa's economic centers. Metro police, typically responsible for traffic and by-law enforcement, could soon conduct routine inspections at second-hand dealers to ensure compliance with regulations. Elvis Presslin spoke to OUTA Chairperson Wayne Duvenage

The United National Transport Union (UNTU) has expressed outrage over a recent salary increase proposal from PRASA management, calling it insulting. After a nine-month delay in negotiations, PRASA offered a 3% increase on the Total Guaranteed Package with no allowance adjustments. The union is also concerned about job security, citing PRASA's refusal to agree to a non-retrenchment clause. Elvis Presslin spoke to UNTU Media Liason and Communications Officer, Atenkosi Plaatjie

The Gauteng Department of Health has paid over R3 million to four suspended Tembisa Hospital officials implicated in corruption linked to whistleblower Babita Deokaran's murder. Provincial Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed the payouts in a written reply to the Gauteng Legislature. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom

Former MK Party Secretary General Floyd Shivambu is set to hold a press conference today amid speculation he may announce his departure from the party. This follows his redeployment to parliament after being sacked. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst, Sanet Solomon...

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma is considering a ban on trucks using the R34 near Ulundi due to repeated deadly crashes. The road, heavily used by coal trucks, was the site of a tragic bus accident that killed ten people yesterday. The bus was carrying EFF supporters returning to Vryheid from a Youth Day rally in Durban. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association, to discuss this further

Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane has announced the panel tasked with selecting and recommending board chairs for Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. The selection process has been revamped, and the Minister says she's prepared to answer questions and provide more details to the committee. Elvis Presslin spoke to Karabo Khakhau, the DA's National Spokesperson, to discuss this further

South Africa's triumphant Proteas, led by Captain Temba Bavuma, will arrive home today after defeating Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Eastern Storm's coach, Geoffrey Toyana who coached Bavuma during his formative years at the Lions told our senior producer Ronald Phiri, that Bavuma's soft-spoken leadership style coupled with team effort, led the Proteas to victory

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) plans to picket outside Denel's offices in Irene, Centurion, to demand long-overdue wage increases. NUMSA claims workers have faced severe hardships, including unpaid salaries during the pandemic and no raises for five years. The union accuses Denel's management and the government of mistreating employees while pushing to privatize the company. Elvis Presslin spoke to NUMSA National Spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, to discuss the protest and the workers' demands

The civil rights group OUTA is pressing Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to cancel fines and relax temporary license rules as the backlog of driving license cards climbs toward 700,000. OUTA's Stefanie Fick is pushing for a freeze on penalties for drivers waiting on renewals, a crisis caused by the failure of the country's only card-printing machine. Elvis Presslin spoke to OUTA's Head of Legal, Advocate Stefanie Fick, to unpack this issue

Ousted uMkhonto weSizwe Party founder, Jabulani Khumalo is taking his fight to the Pretoria High Court to reclaim leadership of the party. Khumalo insists the MKP should be led by credible individuals who made significant sacrifices to establish it. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jabulani Khumalo

Operation Dudula has occupied hijacked properties in Johannesburg, trying to reclaim the properties from illegal occupiers. The group gathered at the Rosettenville Moffettview police station citing concerns over foreigners occupying properties while South Africans struggle with housing. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula

The South African Police Service spent R131 million on paid sick leave for 618 officers in the 2023/24 financial year, according to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Responding to a parliamentary question from the DA, Mchunu said most of the funds covered leave periods longer than six months. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lisa Schickerling, MP and DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police

The uMkonto weSizwe (MK) Party officially launched its youth league yesterday in Clermont, west of Durban. Scores of party supporters gathered at the Christianeburg Stadium to witness the launch of the party's youth wing. For more on the MK party's youth league, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nkateko Mkhabela, MKP Youth League Secretary General

South Africa has strongly condemned the targeting of civilians amid escalating clashes between Iran and Israel, which have now entered their fifth day. The South African government is calling for immediate de-escalation, warning that civilians and infrastructure must be protected. The conflict has resulted in nearly 250 deaths, with both nations exchanging deadly strikes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Ori Goldberg, a political commentator, to discuss the implications of this conflict and South Africa's stance on the matter...

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 devastating floods in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, have left a trail of destruction, with over 70 lives lost and the death toll continuing to rise. Search and rescue operations are underway for four learners swept away in a minibus taxi. To discuss the impact of the floods on education, Elvis Presslin spoke to National Association of School Governing Bodies General Secretary, Matakanye Matakanya

The Supreme Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial in the Nulane Investments case linked to the Gupta family, citing errors in Acting Judge Nompumelelo Gusha's ruling. The National Prosecuting Authority has indicated it may pursue legal action against Gusha for misapplying the law and disregarding the state's evidence. For more on this Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin spoke to Elvis Presslin

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today visit Mthatha's flood-ravaged areas in the Eastern Cape today, where a fierce winter storm has killed over 70 people and caused widespread destruction. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups like Gift of the Givers, the Al-Imdaad Foundation and other NGOs have intensified emergency and rescue efforts in the flood-hit areas in Mthatha, where scores of residents have been displaced by severe flooding. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gift of Givers project manager, Ali Sablay

The Ministers of Home Affairs and Police have dismissed allegations of collusion with anti-migrant group Operation Dudula as "reckless and baseless". The ministers are pushing back against interdicts in the Gauteng High Court, sought by Kopanang Africa and other civil society organizations seeking to curb Dudula's alleged mistreatment of foreign nationals. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula President, Zandile Dabula

The South African government has expressed its condolences to India following the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171. The London-bound flight plummeted shortly after departing Ahmedabad, in the western Indian state of Gujarat.claiming the lives of almost all passengers and crew on board and killed additional people on the ground. The aircraft, carrying individuals from multiple nations, crashed into a residential area, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade. Indian authorities are scrambling to determine the cause of the tragedy, as the nation mourns. For more on this, SABC correspondent in New Delhi, India, Neha Poonia, spoke to Elvis Presslin

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

SAFTU has slammed the R26 billion World Bank loan to South Africa as a dangerous Trojan horse. The approved loan is to support structural reforms aimed at boosting South Africa's infrastructure. The union argues that it's a gateway to privatization, deepening neoliberal reforms and worsening foreign debt. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU'S General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi

Durban businessman Shaun Naidu is taking Nedbank to court in a R39.8 billion lawsuit, alleging the bank wrongly listed him as a suspected fraudster for nearly a decade. The listing on the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service database reportedly damaged his reputation and cost him valuable business opportunities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Shaun Naidu himself

The United States has issued a stark warning to its citizens planning to travel to South Africa, citing violent crime, kidnappings, and potential terrorist threats. The US Level 2 travel advisory alert urges Americans to exercise heightened caution, especially in major cities after dark. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille

Operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal following two days of severe weather that battered parts of the province with strong winds, heavy rain and snowfall. The hardest hit area is the Ugu District on the South Coast, where over 80 homes were damaged and power outages persist. KZN Cogta Mec says Relief efforts are ongoing, with disaster teams on the ground. For more on this Senzelwe Mzila, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Cogta Department spoke to Elvis Presslin

The EFF in the Eastern Cape is blaming the provincial government for the deaths of 49 people in recent floods. The party alleges that government neglect and failing infrastructure are directly responsible for the tragedy. Elvis Presslin spoke to the EFF Eastern Cape Chairperson, Commissar Zilindile Vena

One year into the Government of National Unity, South Africa is still facing a severe economic crisis, according to ActionSA. The party paints a dire picture, citing stagnant economic growth, massive job losses and deepening poverty and inequality. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley

Nearly 5 million young South Africans are jobless, more than Namibia's population. During a National Assembly debate commemorating Youth Day, Rise Mzansi's National Assembly Whip, Makashule Gana, urged South Africans to rebuild the nation to ensure a functional future for its youth. Elvis Presslin spoke to Makashule Gana to elaborate more on his sentiments

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala has denied allegations of interfering with investigations into procurement irregularities at the Independent Development Trust. Minister Zikalala is accused of shielding the IDT's CEO, Tebogo Malaka from corruption probes. Deputy Minister Zikalala spoke to Elvis Presslin to respond to the allegations

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration Chairperson, Jan de Villiers has revealed that a syndicate within government departments is allegedly orchestrating the creation of ghost employees through systemic corruption. De Villiers told our senior producer, Ronald Phiri that the true extent of ghost workers remains unknown. He says a joint audit between the Department of Public Service and Administration and the National Treasury has been launched to investigate the issue

Seven people have lost their lives due to severe flooding in the Eastern Cape. The fatalities were reported in various areas in the province. The provincial government has dispatched its provincial disaster and emergency units to the affected areas to oversee relief efforts. Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape Government Spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie

A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF reveals that 138 million children worldwide were engaged in child labour in 2024, with 54 million in hazardous work that jeopardizes their health and safety. This marks a drop of over 20 million since 2020 and a nearly 50% decrease since 2000. However, UNICEF says the global target to end child labour by 2025 is unlikely to be achieved. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nankali Maksud, Regional Advisor for Child Protection at UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa

United Africans Transformation (UAT) has slammed the surge in youth unemployment, calling it a national shame and proof of the widening gap between government promises and everyday reality. With South Africa's jobless rate now at 32.9% and youth unemployment soaring to 46.1%, the party says the country is in crisis. For more on this, United Africans Transformation party Youth leader, Seabi Makgopa spoke to Elvis Presslin

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg will today hear arguments against Operation Dudula, an organization accused of xenophobic and racist actions. The case, brought by Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, the South African Informal Traders Forum, the Inner City Federation and Abahlali BaseMjondolo alleges that Operation Dudula has engaged in unlawful conduct against foreign nationals. For more on the case Elvis Presslin spoke to Asenati Tukela, an Attorney at the Socio Economic Rights Institute (SERI).

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on President Donald Trump to withdraw what he calls an unlawful National Guard deployment in Los Angeles. Newsom slams the move as a violation of state sovereignty that stokes unrest and drains vital resources. This follows Trump's dispatch of 2,000 troops to quell protests sparked by federal immigration raids. For three days, demonstrators and immigration agents have clashed across L.A., as Trump's nationwide immigration crackdown intensifies. Elvis Presslin spoke to Johanna Leblanc, Adjunct Professor at Howard University

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 in Johannesburg has called for a full investigation into allegations of misconduct by a member of Mayor Dada Morero's Mayoral Committee. According to the DA, the MMC allegedly used a City of Johannesburg official vehicle without consent to attend party-political activities in eThekwini. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Shadow MMC for Public Safety, Solomon Maila

The Democratic Alliance's Federal Council chairperson, Helen Zille has announced she is considering a run for Johannesburg mayor in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. This as political parties intensify preparations for the municipal polls. For expert political insight, Elvis Presslin spoke to Political analyst, Professor Tumi Senokoane

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is grappling with a major blow after Goodyear South Africa revealed plans to shut down its local manufacturing operations. The decision puts 907 jobs at risk. NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola spoke to Elvis Presslin to unpack the union's response and what this means for the workforce

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA is urging the NPA to drop charges against five Walter Sisulu University students accused of arson and public violence. The group warns that prosecuting the students could ruin their futures with criminal records. The students were involved in a protest after the Mthatha Magistrate's Court granted bail to Manelisi Mampane, a residence manager accused of murdering student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest in April. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to the Forum for South Africa leader, Tebogo Mashilompane

South Africa is on high alert as a cold front is set to sweep across the country this week. The adverse conditions are expected to bring potentially hazardous weather conditions. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa has issued a stark warning calling on provincial and municipal authorities to put their disaster response plans into action In anticipation of the impact. Minister Hlabisa spoke to Elvis Presslin to outline the government's preparations and response strategy

A police sergeant is set to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court today to face charges linked to the alleged kidnapping of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi. The Grade 11 learner from Martie du Plessis Special Needs School was abducted by two men posing as police officers last week in a Toyota Hilux. Free State Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele spoke to Elvis Presslin to shed more light on the case

A powerful winter storm is set to sweep across South Africa starting this weekend. The adverse weather conditions are expected to bringing snow, fierce winds, and heavy rain to most provinces, except Limpopo. To unpack this looming weather event, Elvis Presslin spoke to South African Weather Service Forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has passed away at age 68. Lungu, who led the country from 2015 to 2021 as the Patriotic Front Party leader, died in South Africa while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. He lost the 2021 election to current President Hakainde Hichilema by a wide margin. To discuss Lungu's legacy, Elvis Presslin spoke to Chanoda Ngwira, spokesperson for the Kum'mawa Development Coalition and a close ally of the former president

Ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have reportedly spent over R200 million on travel in less than a year. This according to ActionSA's GNU Performance Tracker, following parliamentary questions to cabinet Ministers. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley

The Black Business Council Summit continues in Kempton Park, with transformation remaining a key focus. The two-day event brings together business leaders and government officials, including several cabinet ministers, to discuss socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth. President Ramaphosa is set to address the summit, which aims to tackle pressing economic issues like unemployment and slow growth. To elaborate further on the event, Elvis Presslin spoke to Elias Monage, President of the Black Business Council

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

In marking World Environment Day which is observed every year on 5 June this year's theme, Ending Plastic Pollution, an urgent call is made about plastic waste choking our planet and threatening human health. A global study by the University of Newcastle for the World Wide Fund for Nature reveals a disturbing truth: we may be ingesting up to 5 grams of plastic each week, equivalent to the weight of a credit card. Doctors Without Borders says The time for bold, urgent action is now. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Neo Tsotetsi, Climate Engagement Coordinator at Doctors Without Borders.

Seven South Africans are among 66 foreign nationals being held at Harare Remand Prison for allegedly entering Zimbabwe illegally. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has called for their immediate deportation, saying migrants shouldn't be treated as criminals. Most detainees hail from countries like Ethiopia, Burundi, and the DRC. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Jessie Majome, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission....

Tensions are boiling over in South Johannesburg's Zamimpilo informal settlement after a 59-year-old man was killed by a stray bullet during a shootout between police and suspected illegal miners. Furious residents accuse police of prioritizing illegal mining over tackling violent crime. In neighboring Riverlea, community's calls are growing to demolish the settlement, described as a battleground for heavily armed Zama Zamas. For more on this we are joined by Riverlea Community Activist Theo Doyle..