First Take SA

The Activists and Citizens Forum has welcomed the arrest of suspended acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police headJulius Mkhwanazi, describing it as long overdue. This follows serious allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission, where testimony from senior officials, including Crime Intelligence bossDumisani Khumalo, painted a deeply troubling picture of alleged criminality within law enforcement structures. The allegations first surfaced after KZN Police Commisioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly claimed last year that organised crime has infiltrated the criminal justice system. We spoke to Activists and Citizens Forum Spokesperson, Dennis Bloem.

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to brief media in Johannesburg today on relations between the ANC and the SACP. The briefing follows the ANC's Special NEC meeting held two weeks ago to discuss the SACP's decision to contest future elections independently. Ramaphosa and party officials will also report back on the ANC's Local Government Action Plan after the Councillor Roll Call convened in September last year. We spoke to Dr. Sydney Mufamadi, ANC and SACP Stalwart.

Suspended acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police head Julius Mkhwanazi will appear in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court this morning alongside a senior municipal official. The pair were arrested at the weekend and face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. ActionSA has welcomed the arrests and is calling for Mkhwanazi's immediate dismissal from the City of Ekurhuleni. We spoke to Tumelo Tshabalala, ActionSA Ekurhuleni Spokesperson.

The Gauteng Department of Health has raised concern over a sharp rise in malaria cases and related deaths across the province. While malaria is both preventable and treatable, delayed diagnosis can be fatal. Health officials say the increase is partly linked to travel to high-risk regions such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as neighbouring countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. As the world marks World Malaria Day on the 25th of April, the department is urging residents to remain vigilant, seek early treatment and take preventative measures to curb the spread of the disease. We spoke to Tebogo Matjokotja, Programme Manager for Communicable Disease Control at the Gauteng Department of Health.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has welcomed the 2026 increase in the Basic Conditions of Employment Annual Income Threshold from 1 May. The Federation has also raised serious concerns about past failures to adjust the threshold which governs access to overtime pay, CCMA protections, unemployment insurance and paid leave. COSATU is calling for a comprehensive review to expand coverage and strengthen labour rights. We spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks

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

SECTION27 is raising urgent concerns over the looming eviction of the Talisman Foundation, a long-standing mental healthcare facility in Johannesburg that houses around 200 vulnerable residents. After more than two decades at its current premises, the foundation has been given notice to vacate by next month, sparking fears of a humanitarian crisis, drawing comparisons to the Life Esidimeni tragedy, raising alarm about the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of residents, many of whom are elderly and have lived at the facility for years. We spoke to Asiphe Funda, an Attorney at SECTION27.

The ANC Women's League has welcomed the Judicial Service Commission's decision to upgrade the sanction against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge from misconduct to gross misconduct. The move places the judge in the realm of possible impeachment. In its report released yesterday (Thursday), the JSC said it does not endorse the Tribunal's finding that there was no sexual harassment. The Commission added that the Tribunal failed to apply the appropriate standard in assessing the question. We spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Researcher and Advocacy officer at Judges Matter

The Forum of South Africa (FOSA) has raised concerns following the sentencing of Julius Malema, warning of what it describes as a growing pattern of selective justice in South Africa. While reaffirming that no one is above the law, FOSA argues that the justice system is increasingly inconsistent and unevenly applied. We spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, the National Leader of Forum for South Africa.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has tabled a motion in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to address the growing impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on farmers and food security. The party is calling for urgent and transparent action from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, including the public release of a vaccine distribution plan and the introduction of a live, publicly accessible dashboard to track the outbreak. We spoke to Bronwynn Engelbrecht MPL and DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has announced changes to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team. Mike Mabuyakhulu will replace Jeff Radebe as PTT convenor. Radebe is set to be redeployed elsewhere. Mbalula says the remaining team members will be named next week. The announcement was made yesterday. We spoke to COSATU KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary, Edwin Mkhize.

EFF Leader Julius Malema returns to the dock this morning as the East London Magistrate's Court prepares to decide his sentence in the firearm discharge case. The EFF leader was convicted last year after firing a rifle into the air at a 2018 rally in Mdantsane. The state wants him jailed for up to 15 years, calling the act reckless and dangerous. Malema's lawyers are pushing for a non-custodial sentence, arguing he is a first-time offender. We spoke to Legal Analyst, Abigail Ngobene.

The City of Tshwane will begin disciplinary proceedings against CFO Gareth Mnisi after Council rejected his written arguments against suspension. Mnisi faces allegations of tender rigging and procurement irregularities raised at the Madlanga Commission. He was placed on precautionary suspension yesterday. ActionSA has welcomed the suspension. We spoke to Henriette Frohlich, ActionSA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson.

The Public Servants Association, PSA says the Information Regulator's move from Persal to Sage was poorly executed without a clear plan or staff consultation. The regulator migrated to Sage 360 in April to improve efficiency and compliance. The PSA claims staff were terminated from Persal unknowingly, bonuses face double taxation and GEMS medical aid has been disrupted. But the Regulator says salaries were still paid on time despite the concerns. We spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu, PSA National Provincial Coordinating Manager.

The appointment of Roelf Meyer as ambassador has sparked mixed reactions across South Africa, with some praising his experience and others questioning the decision. Meyer, known for his role in South Africa's transition to democracy, has been both commended for his negotiation skills and criticised over concerns about representation and political alignment. President Cyril Ramaphosa says he believes Meyer has what it takes to take to South Africa forward in relation to the US. Ramphosa also lambasted those who took to social media platforms questioning the decision to appoint Meyer. Civil society group AfriForum is among those weighing in on the debate, raising questions about the broader implications of the appointment. We spoke to Ernst Van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at Afriforum.

The MK Party is mourning the loss of Lindiwe Mkhwanazi, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, who passed away on Monday after a short illness. The party says Mkhwanazi joined the legislature in June 2024 and served with dedication and integrity. We spoke to MK Party Gauteng Provincial Legislature Spokesperson, Bafana Mahlabe.

The DA is set to grill Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Maropene Ramokgopa over allegations she received undisclosed luxury vehicles. The party says the gifts, if proven, breach the Executive Ethics Code. The DA says it will submit parliamentary questions and pursue accountability if needed. We spoke to Darren Bergman, MP and DA Spokesperson on Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation.

The Public Servants Association, PSA is accusing the Information Regulator of leadership failure, citing unpaid salaries, lost benefits and unsafe working conditions. The Union says a flawed payroll system switch has left employees struggling financially. The PSA threatens legal action if outstanding salaries and reinstatement of benefits are not resolved. To respond to the allegations, We spoke to Information Regulator CEO, Mosalanyane Mosala.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed veteran politician Roelf Meyer as South Africa's new ambassador to the United States. The move comes as Pretoria seeks to repair ties with Washington following a challenging period of strained relations. Meyer, 78, replaces Ebrahim Rasool in the role. Meyer played a key role in South Africa's democratic transition. For reaction, We spoke to Dr. Emmanuel Matambo, Research Director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg

ActionSA hits out against a R16 million fleet procurement scandal ActionSA has hit out at Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo for allegedly shielding Emfuleni Local Municipality over a R16 million fleet procurement scandal. The party says the municipality paid for 17 cars but received only six, with one later vanishing, yet provided no proper answers on investigations or recovery of the funds. ActionSA is accusing the MEC of allegedly accepting a copied-and-pasted response from the municipal manager that simply cited "internal processes" instead of opening a criminal case as required by law. Elvis Presslin spoke to Action SA's Gauteng Caucus Leader, Funzi Ngobeni to elaborate further about their concerns and Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni

FEDUSA and COSATU are pushing back against a 9.5% increase in GEMS contributions, calling it unaffordable for public servants. Labour unions say the hike deepens financial strain amid a cost-of-living crisis. GEMS has proceeded with the increase despite union objections. FEDUSA says the issue reflects a broader national concern about the affordability of healthcare, as many South Africans are increasingly forced to downgrade or abandon medical cover altogether. Elvis Presslin spoke to Joseph Mashigo, FEDUSA Chief Negotiator at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC)

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 African Transformation Movement, ATM has lodged an impeachment motion against President Cyril Ramaphosa. This follows a report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate on the Phala Phala farm theft probe. The party alleges a cover-up involving senior police officers, including General Wally Rhoode. The motion is now with National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza. Elvis Presslin spoke to Zama Ntshona, ATM National Spokesperson

Pope Leo has begun an 11-day African tour with a visit to Algeria, the first by a Catholic pontiff. The trip aims to promote peace, interfaith dialogue and highlight Africa's growing importance to the Church. The Pope is expected to address issues like migration, stability and corruption. Despite Algeria having a small Catholic population, the visit is seen as a powerful gesture of unity between Christians and Muslims. Elvis Presslin spoke to Father Hugh O'Connor, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has welcomed the recent arrest of three police officials in Klerksdorp accused of corruption and extortion, describing it as a positive step toward restoring integrity within law enforcement. The arrests have sparked renewed calls for intensified efforts to eliminate corruption within policing structures. The MRM is now calling for stronger collaboration, the use of technology, and the establishment of specialized units to combat corruption and restore confidence in the criminal justice system. MRM Provincial Convenor, Lesiba Kgwele spoke to Elvis Presslin

A third passenger bus transporting undocumented foreign nationals in the Free State province was intercepted this past weekend. Of the 55 passengers on board, 29, including seven minors, were found to be undocumented. The incident also raised serious safety concerns, as the bus reportedly had a non-functional door, defective trailer brakes, and worn tyres. Additionally, the driver was allegedly operating the vehicle without a valid licence. Elvis Presslin spoke to Phumudzo Mukhwathi, Chairperson of the African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA).

Newly elected Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis will kick off a community engagement tour in Gauteng today. He'll be joined by senior party officials, including new DA Federal Chairperson Solly Msimanga, Helen Zille and Cilliers Brink. This follows the party's Federal Congress, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg at the weekend. The tour is expected to focuses on jobs, service delivery and community safety. Elvis Presslin spoke to newly elected DA Federal Chairperson, Solly Msimanga

FOSA: recent deportation figures proof of failed border management system The Forum for South Africa, FOSA says recent deportation figures are not a success but rather proof of a failed border management system. This after Home Affairs announced that nearly 110,000 undocumented immigrants were deported over the past two years. But FOSA argues this is a result of a system that allows illegal immigration to escalate. The organisation is calling for urgent action, including sealing the country's borders and a nationwide audit of undocumented foreign nationals. Elvis Presslin spoke to FOSA National Leader, Tebogo Mashilompane

Three political parties, GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi and BOSA have scrapped plans to contest the 2026 local government elections under the Unite for Change banner. The parties say integrating their structures and activists proved too complex to implement before the election. Instead, they will contest the elections individually and pursue consolidation afterwards. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi

The ANC and its Youth League is outraged following the arrest of a 58-year-old man accused of raping a minor in Dobsonville, Soweto. The man, a prominent pastor and social media influencer, is expected to appear in court. The league says he has no place in the ANC or any leadership position if guilty. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Gauteng Provincial Deputy Coordinator, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

The Democratic Alliance is gearing up for its Federal Congress in Midrand this weekend. Over 2,000 delegates are expected, with several candidates vying for the top leadership positions. The congress will also consider constitutional amendments and policy proposals. Voting for Federal Council positions has already begun. The event is set to be the party's biggest yet. For analysis on the matter, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mohale Ernest Selelo, Political analyst and Lecturer, at the University of Limpopo

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has welcomed the Protected Disclosures Bill, released for public comment, which aims to protect whistleblowers from victimisation. The Bill provides legislative interventions in response to the Zondo Commission and COSATU's proposals. However, COSATU is concerned that public servants are excluded from rewards for whistleblowing. The federation is urging the government to resource witness protection programmes to ensure the safety of whistleblowers. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

Defend Our Democracy has welcomed new laws aimed at professionalising the public sector. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Public Administration Management Amendment Act and the Public Service Amendment Act. The laws aim to prevent political interference in government appointments. Martha Ngoye, Acting Director at Defend Our Democracy and a Whistleblower, spoke to Elvis Presslin

ActionSA says the Department of Health spent over R800 000 on a disciplinary process against an official who exposed alleged tender fraud. The party claims this is a misuse of public funds meant for critical health interventions. The official, Advocate Maile Ngake, reported irregularities amounting to R1.2 billion. The Hawks are now investigating procurement processes. ActionSA is calling for transparency and reforms to protect whistleblowers. For more we're now joined on the line by Dr. Kgosi Letlape, ActionSA Member of Parliament

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 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is set to kick off in Cape Town this weekend. The event features a 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday and a 21.1km Half Marathon on Sunday. Over 30,000 runners are expected to participate in the iconic event. A new board was appointed to improve race standards after last year's disruptions. Elvis Presslin spoke to our very own SAfm producer and runner, Marumo Kekana, who will be participating in the 56km Ultra Marathon tomorrow

The South African Communist Party in Gauteng has welcomed the eventual adoption of the province's 2026/27 budget, following an initial failure to secure enough support in the legislature. Valued at approximately R179.2 billion, the budget is critical to funding key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services in South Africa's economic hub. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nkosithethile Bonga, SACP Gauteng Spokesperson

The ANC is set to formally open interviews for metro mayoral candidates this week. The selection process is currently underway. The final list of candidates will be made public by the end of May. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC National spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri

DA NCOP Member on Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell says one week of army deployment on the Cape Flats has delivered no credible plan, no measurable results and far fewer troops than promised. The DA says despite the presence of soldiers, violence continues unabated. Nine people were shot in Mitchell's Plain this week alone, including children in a brazen attack at a taxi rank. Critics argue the deployment lacks a clear operational plan, measurable goals and adequate intelligence, raising serious questions about whether it is making any real impact in curbing gang violence. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell

The South African National AIDS Council, SANAC has welcomed the arrival of the ground-breaking HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir. The twice-yearly injectable is said to be a game-changer in HIV prevention, particularly for high-burden countries like South Africa. SANAC is pushing for local manufacturing to enhance sustainability and affordability. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gertrude Mngola, Health Products Grant Specialist at the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)

DignitySA is taking its campaign for medical assistance in dying to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. The organisation will ask the court to declare the current ban on assisted dying unconstitutional. If successful, Parliament will have 24 months to draft new legislation. DignitySA, which will hold a media briefing today says it's a matter of personal choice and dignity. The application will be heard in the Pretoria High Court. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Nkateko Mnisi, 1st Deputy President of the South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU

Teaching and learning in Eldorado Park schools are once again under threat due to electricity disconnections, as concerns grow over funding shortfalls and rising municipal costs. The Democratic Alliance says the Gauteng Department of Education is shifting responsibility onto schools without providing adequate financial support to cover essential services.The DA is now calling on Gauteng Education MEC Lebohang Maile to urgently intervene to prevent further disruptions. We spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Dos Santos

The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran, calling them "reckless and dangerous". Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, warning that a "whole civilization will die" if Tehran fails to meet his demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The federation warns that Trump's rhetoric represents a real and present danger to global peace. We spoke to SAFTU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi...

ActionSA Member of Parliament, Dereleen James is expected to lay criminal charges against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe at the Cape Town Central Police Station. The move follows allegations that the minister failed to declare luxury vehicles allegedly received from Chinese officials, raising serious questions about transparency and compliance with parliamentary disclosure rules. James says the charges stem from what she describes as a "deceitful attempt" to conceal benefits that may amount to a breach of ethics and possibly the law. We spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Dereleen James.

Plettenberg Bay residents are calling for tough disciplinary steps against Bitou Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi after a video surfaced in December 2025 showing her allegedly firing a gun in public at a welcome home ceremony for initiates. The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed she is facing charges, though no court date has been set. The ANC in the Western Cape has stepped up pressure for her immediate removal from office. For more on this we spoke ANC Regional Spokesperson, Moyisi Magalela.

Police Sergeant Fannie Nkosi will remain in jail until April 13th after his bail hearing was postponed. Nkosi faces charges including theft and possession of illegal ammunition, following a raid at his Pretoria home. The Forum for South Africa, FOSA says Nkosi's arrest must be the start of a wider probe. FOSA warns against targeting only middlemen while the real culprits go free. We spoke to FOSA's National Leader, Tebogo Mashilompane.

The Motor Industry Staff Association, MISA is calling for government action to reduce paraffin prices, which have risen by R11.67 per litre. MISA says the price hike will worsen energy poverty and food insecurity for millions of South Africans who rely on paraffin for cooking, heating, and lighting. The association is urging the government to implement targeted subsidies for paraffin and invest in alternative energy solutions for vulnerable communities. This comes after the government announced a temporary R3 reduction in the fuel levy for April. We spoke to Motor Industry Staff Association, MISA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola.

A police Captain is appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court today, facing allegations of defrauding the South African Police Service (SAPS) of millions of rand. The 53-year-old is accused of manipulating the finance system to withdraw cash meant for presidential protectors' expenses. In a separate case, a police Sergeant who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission is also due in court. We spoke to Lisa Schickerling, MP and DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police, for reaction to the surge in allegations of corruption against police officers and subsequent court appearances. We also spoke to Lesiba Thobakgale, Spokesperson of the South African Policing Union, SAPU...

The South African National Civic Organisation, SANCO in Gauteng has rejected Premier Panyaza Lesufi's recent cabinet reshuffle and called for his immediate resignation. The civic organisation says the changes sideline the Alliance and insult residents. SANCO is criticising the appointment of former Ekurhuleni Finance MMC Nkululeko Dunga to the Finance portfolio in Gauteng. SANCO has also condemned handing the Economic Development portfolio to Rise Mzansi, which holds one seat, calling it political horse trading. The group further demands the disbandment of the ANC Provincial Task Team, saying it has destabilised governance. We spoke to Matlakala Abram Mashishi, SANCO Gauteng Provincial Chairman…

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

Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow & Director At Africa Asia Dialogues says US President Donald Trump’s threats to Iran are not good for the world. This follows US President Donald Trump’s comments that Iran faces destruction if it refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The comments come as efforts intensify to revive a ceasefire between Iran and the US. Trump was briefing a news conference at the White House following the successful rescue of a U.S. airman inside Iran. He says Iran could be taken out in one night if a deal is not reached.