First Take SA

The Gauteng Department of Education has suspended two inspectors from its Infrastructure Unit. The inspectors were assigned to manage a project to conduct repairs at Noordgesig Secondary School in Soweto following a fire that broke out at the school last year. Following the fire incident that occurred at the said school, the Department had allocated funds for urgent repairs and reconstruction work. However, it is suspected that repairs might have not been completed, some of the committed upgrades are suspected to have been partially done or not carried out at all. Elvis Presslin spoke to Hendrick Makaneta, an Education Activist and Steve Mabona, Gauteng Education Department spokesperson

The High Court in Pretoria has granted an interdict halting the burial of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu. The Zambian government had approached the court, seeking to stop the burial which was scheduled to take place yesterday in South Africa. The government argues that disputes over Lungu's final resting place need to be resolved before any burial can take place. Elvis Presslin spoke to Advocate Simba Chitando, a human rights lawyer, to analyze this interdict

The Kenyan government has reportedly ordered all television and radio stations to halt live broadcasts of ongoing protests in Nairobi and across the country. This marks the first anniversary of last year's deadly anti-tax demonstrations that saw parliament stormed. The Communications Authority of Kenya cites constitutional violations, but the move has sparked outrage among journalists and activists who call it an attack on press freedom. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to Kenyan intersectional feminist and activist, Marylize Biubwa

ActionSA say it supports Parliament's decision to launch a full inquiry into the Road Accident Fund. The party criticised the Fund, calling it a center of corruption and mismanagement after a poor performance by its board before SCOPA. ActionSA has written to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, demanding the board's removal and has proposed a motion for debate. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA MP, Alan Beesley for more details

The Sizekhaya consortium has denied having any links to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. This follows scrutiny over a multibillion-rand deal to run South Africa's national lottery. Reports suggested Mashatile's family was connected to the winning bidder. Sizekhaya Holdings, which won an eight-year licence from Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau in May 2025, includes Bellamont Gaming among its shareholders. Bellamont is co-owned by Khumo Bogatsu, Mashatile's sister-in-law and twin sister of his wife, Humile Mashatile and KwaZulu-Natal businessman Moses Tembe. Elvis Presslin spoke to Toby Chance, Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition

The Public Service Commission says the government owes over R16 billion in leave payouts to nearly 190,000 public service employees hired before July 2000. Claude Naiker, Acting Deputy General Manager for the Public Servants Association, PSA spoke to Elvis Presslin

The Democratic Alliance has tabled three motions of no confidence against Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu and Chief Whip Sithembiso Zungu. The motion is set to be debated by the Johannesburg Council today. Elvis Presslin spoke to Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, Caucus Leader for the DA in Johannesburg

The South African Weather Service says another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from tomorrow until Friday. An intense cold front is expected to make landfall over the south-western parts of South Africa, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions across the region. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to South African Weather Service Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa says a review of the White Paper on Local Government must address the critical issue of adequate funding for municipalities. Minister Hlabisa was speaking at a high-level dialogue in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, yesterday. Representatives from political parties convened talks centred on professionalising local government administration, reforming structures and systems, strengthening accountability and examining the roles of coalitions and traditional leadership. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Minister Hlabisa

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) will today lead a march to the Shorburg Building to advocate for worker rights and human dignity within the criminal justice sector. This following reports of sexual harassment and systemic abuse within the police and correctional services, particularly against new recruits. For more on this, Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spokesperson, spoke to Elvis Presslin

Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader John Steenhuisen will today head a community visit to Hanover Cottages in Hanover Park to commemorate the party's 25th anniversary. The visit is part of the DA's ongoing engagement with communities as it celebrates a quarter-century of political presence. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to National Spokesperson of the Democratic Alliance, Karabo Khakhau

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

ActionSA will today launch a nationwide campaign to fix local government in South Africa. The party says this initiative will focus on areas struggling with service delivery failures. The party's national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the initiative

South Africa has raised concerns over the U.S. role in the growing Israel-Iran conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for diplomatic efforts to end the war following reports of a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites. Meanwhile, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies has criticised the Department of International Relations, DIRCO for insufficient support for citizens in Israel. This follows a travel advisory urging South Africans in Iran to register with the Tehran embassy. Wendy Kahn, National Director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, spoke to Elvis Presslin

A high-Level raid has uncovered substantial quantities of hidden contraband at the Odi Correctional Services Centre in Mabopane, north of Tshwane. This follows a meticulously planned operation led by Correctional Services Commissioner Samuel Thobakgale yesterday. Elvis Presslin spoke to Golden Miles Bhudu, a prominent prison rights activist

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party is pushing to oust Mpumalanga Convener Mary Phadi from its provincial ranks and legislature. The move comes as Phadi fights to stay in her role. Phadi has filed fa contempt of court claim against the party for not reinstating her as a court ordered. The matter is expected to be heard in the Mbombela High Court in Mpumalanga. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ms. Phadi

The Workers and Socialist Party has condemned US strikes on Iran, warning that the attacks could lead to widespread suffering and economic disruption worldwide. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mametlwe Sebei, Executive Committee member of the Workers and Socialist Party

Crime prevention in Gauteng is being severely hampered by a staggering 710 police vehicles that are not serviceable, out of a total of 5,630. This alarming figure was revealed by Premier Panyaza Lesufi in response to questions from the Democratic Alliance in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The DA is now demanding that the Premier engage with the Minister of Police and the provincial SAPS Commissioner to prioritize replacing these vehicles and ensure effective policing. Elvis Presslin spoke to Crezane Bosch, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today deliver the keynote address at the 30th anniversary of South Africa's Constitutional Court. The celebration will be held at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The Constitutional Court - established after the 1994 democratic election, serves as the nation's highest court. Elvis Presslin spoke to former Constitutional Judge and social justice activist, Justice Albie Sachs

Former UDM co-founder Roelf Meyer says Floyd Shivambu might gain some support for a new political party, but the crowded political landscape makes it tough for new players to succeed. Shivambu recently announced plans to consult communities about launching a party. Meyer, speaking to senior producer Ronald Phiri, drew on his experience founding the UDM with Bantu Holomisa to highlight the challenges Shivambu faces

Israel is considering targeting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after killing several top Iranian military commanders. The threat comes after an Iranian missile strike on a hospital near Tel Aviv, which Defence Minister Israel Katz says will not go unaccounted for. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political and International Relations Analyst, Musa Mdunge

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

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