First Take SA

The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sports, and social support services. The initiatives were mainly in Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Limpopo. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Lotteries Commission's Commissioner Jody Scholtz

The ANC is calling for the 2026 National Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection. With economic momentum building and inflation under control, the party wants reforms in electricity, logistics, and water to boost employment. The ANC also wants to protect social services and extend the Social Relief of Distress grant. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Joe Maswanganyi, ANC MP and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance

Voter turnout in local government elections has hit an all-time low of 46% in South Africa. Analysts say residents are rejecting a system failing to deliver basic services like water and electricity. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says weak community structures and reliance on social media stunts by politicians are to be blamed for the decline. She warns trust in local democracy will erode without stronger participatory mechanisms this as Municipal elections are due later this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesego Mahlangu, Researcher in the City of Tshwane writing in her personal capacity

COSATU and affiliates will stage protests ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget Speech in Cape Town today. The unions are opposing austerity measures and a 9.8% GEMS contribution hike. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

South African Local Government Association is hosting its 9th National Communicators Forum in Cape Town today. Under the theme "Elevate, Reclaiming Trust, Credibility and Citizen Connection", the event aims to equip municipal spokespeople with practical tools ahead of next year's local government elections. SALGA says the gathering comes at a critical moment, marking 30 years of organised local government while public trust remains fragile amid rising service delivery challenges. The programme includes leadership talks, hands-on labs and awards recognising outstanding municipal communication work across the country. Elvis Presslin spoke to Salga's Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba

ActionSA Gauteng Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni has criticised Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address, saying the ANC is failing the province. Ngobeni called on Lesufi to account for promises made in previous SOPAs and to provide evidence of delivery. To elaborate on his concerns Ngobeni spoke to Elvis Presslin

The brother of one of the 17 South Africans recruited to fight in Ukraine says he's coming home this week. Sandile Ndhlovu confirms his brother is among 13 enroute to South Africa from Russia, with four already back in South Africa.The men were allegedly lured under false pretences to fight in the war. Ndhlovu spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri

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

Twenty Home Affairs officials have been dismissed and 16 suspended following a probe into document fraud and visa manipulation. The Special Investigating Unit, SIU launched the investigation in April 2024, uncovering recurring schemes and facilitation networks. For reaction, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lemias Mashile, former Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Labour and Home Affairs

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has lodged an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to halt former NDPP Shamila Batohi's pension and post‑term gratuities pending a review. The party also wants to reverse funding for her legal costs in the Nkabinde Inquiry, arguing payments must be lawful and rational amid alleged misconduct. The MK says concerns raised during Batohi's testimony at the inquiry require scrutiny before any benefits are disbursed. The three‑part case is scheduled for hearing in March. For reaction and analysis on the merits of the case, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mametlwe Sebei, Lecturer in the College of Law at University of South Africa, UNISA

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a co‑accused are due in the Alexandra Magistrates Court this morning. They were arrested after a 23‑year‑old gardener was shot twice at Mugabe's Hyde Park residence last week and remains in critical condition. The pair face attempted‑murder charges and have been held at Bramley police station. Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem says the case must be treated purely as a criminal matter, with no political interference and urges the court to deny any preferential treatment. Elvis Presslin spoke to Activists and Citizens Forum Spokesperson, Dennis Bloem

Major COSATU-affiliated public service unions, including NEHAWU, SADTU, DENOSA and POPCRU, will hold a media briefing today to express their anger over GEMS' 9.8% member contribution increase. The Unions will also raise concerns about governance lapses, threats to collective bargaining and announce details of their intended action against the medical scheme. The briefing will take place at COSATU House in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela and Dr. Stan Moloabi, Principal Officer of GEMS

Gauteng's Community Safety Committee says it is deeply shocked and angry after official figures showed at least 97 South African Police Service members have been accused of sexual violence or rape across the country. The number was revealed in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's latest annual report and came up during a stakeholder meeting last Friday. Elvis Presslin spoke to Committee Chairperson, Dr. Bandile Masuku

More than 20 people are set to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today, facing charges of fraud, theft and money‑laundering linked to a R113 million "emergency school repairs" scheme in Mpumalanga. The Hawks, with support from Gauteng, Limpopo and the Western Cape, arrested the suspects in a coordinated operation targeting 40 individuals and companies accused of siphoning funds meant for 21 rural schools. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi

The South African National Roads Agency, SANRAL says toll tariffs on national roads will increase by 3-point-12 percent from the first of march. SANRAL ties the annual adjustment to the consumer price index from Stats SA. The figure, confirmed in the government gazette earlier this month, comes in below last year's 4.85 percent rise. For reaction we're joined by Gavin Kelly, Road Freight Association Chief Executive Officer

Two men will appear before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on charges of attempted murder. One of the suspects is the son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. They face attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting a gardener in Hyde Park, north of Johannesburg. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU‑PF, says they "abhors violence in any form" and that late party President Mugabe had been clear on this. Farai Marapira, is the Zanu PF Spokesperson...

The Public Servants Association will embark on a major protest this Saturday against steep contribution increases to the Government Employees Medical Scheme, GEMS. More than 5,000 PSA members are set to gather at the GEMS head office in Pretoria, with simultaneous demonstrations planned across all nine provinces. For the latest we're joined by Claude Naiker, Acting Deputy General Manager for the Public Servants Association, PSA.

The Casual Workers Advice Office has published its 2025 Strike Barometer and the numbers show a clear uptick in labour unrest last year. 117 strikes took place across South Africa in 2025. That's a sharp rise from the 87 recorded in 2024 and edges above the pre-pandemic figures of 116 in 2018 and 102 in 2019. For more on this we are joined on the line by Sydney Moshoaliba, Casual Workers' Advice Office (CWAO) Researcher...

The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association is calling for the immediate resignation of the head of law enforcement at the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency. AUBBTA chairperson Phumudzo Mukhwathi says the group is devastated after yet another crash yesterday at the same treacherous Tshambudzi mountain curve near Makhado on the N1 - the very spot where 43 people died in a bus plunge back in October last year. Reports say the latest Zimbabwe-bound bus veered off the road and into a ditch in the early hours, with several feared dead and injured. Rescue teams are still at the scene. Mukhwathi blames ongoing illegal cross-border bus operations for the surge in accidents. AUBBTA chairperson Phumudzo Mukhwathi...

The South African Policing Union, SAPU, together with philosopher Professor Motsamai Molefe, will today hold a national dialogue in Pretoria to declare gender-based violence and femicide a National Moral Disaster. The event builds on President Ramaphosa's previous call to treat GBV and femicide as a national disaster. Organisers are now going further, issuing a clear five-point demand: stop GBV, stop femicide, stop rape, stop murder and stop the killing of police officers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesiba Thobakgale, Spokesperson of the South African Policing Union, SAPU

Four of the 19 men who were trapped in Russia have arrived back in South Africa. In November last year, the government received distress calls from 17 of the men, who were believed to have been lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs before reportedly being placed in a military‑training programme. Jabulani Khumalo, who is assisting the families of the South African men still stranded in Ukraine, spoke to Elvis Presslin

Suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya told the Madlanga Commission that former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane had cleared him and the City of Joburg of wrongdoing over his appointment as head of Group Forensic Investigation Services. But Mkhwebane's 2022 report, posted on X, lists irregularities and calls for further action, directly challenging Sibiya's testimony. General Sibiya is facing scrutiny over corruption, political interference and alleged links to organized crime. Elvis Presslin spoke to former Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga will today deliver the party's alternative True State of the Province Address. Msimanga, joined by DA MPLs and councillors province-wide, will highlight ongoing service delivery failures plaguing the province. Elvis Presslin spoke to Member of Provincial Legislature and Leader of the DA in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga

Trade union federation COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal has strongly condemned the collapse of the business rescue process at sugar producer Tongaat Hulett. The company's administrators last week applied to the High Court to end rescue proceedings and move to provisional liquidation, after key sale agreements lapsed earlier this month and no viable rescue remained possible. COSATU KZN says the failure threatens thousands of jobs in the province. Elvis Presslin spoke to Edwin Mkhize, COSATU KZN Provincial Secretary

The Democratic Alliance is calling for urgent answers after a break-in at the SAPS K9 Unit in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. Reports say unknown suspects forced their way in and stole four pistols, one R5 assault rifle, one shotgun, plus around 300 rounds of ammunition, handcuffs and empty magazines. The theft was spotted during a shift change. DA NCOP member on security and justice, Mzamo Billy MP, says this is a major security lapse that puts lives at risk. He spoke to Elvis Presslin

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU says the latest Stats SA figures show a positive shift in the labour market.This follows the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which showed that the unemployment rate decreased by point five of a percentage point to 31point four-percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. COSATU is calling on the ANC‑led government to strengthen frontline public and municipal services, boost infrastructure investment and expand public employment programmes and relief for the poor and unemployed. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

A new University of the Free State study has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in South Africa, even those labelled organic or chemical-free. The research detected phthalates, parabens and bisphenols in all samples, with at least two such substances in every product. UFS scientists warn that millions of women face regular exposure and are calling for clearer labelling, tougher safety regulations and urgent further research. Elvis Presslin spoke to Team Free Sanitary Pads Founder, Nokuzola Ndwandwe

The ANC Youth League in Gauteng has slammed the Gauteng Department of Education over unpaid municipal electricity bills that have left schools in Ekurhuleni without power. In a strongly worded statement, the League described the situation as unacceptable, saying learners are now forced to study in the dark because of the department's failure to settle accounts with the City of Ekurhuleni. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kgotso Pooe, ANC Youth League Spokesperson in Gauteng

Messages of sympathy are flooding in for Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, who passed away at his Chicago home on Tuesday at age 84. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Jackson "a good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts" and offering condolences to his family. Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said Jackson "created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary also expressed deep sadness at his passing. Jackson, a longtime civil‑rights leader and two‑time presidential candidate, is remembered for his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Elvis Presslin spoke to Chicago-based faith leader, Pastor Stephen Thurston, a close family friend who also grew up playing at the Jackson house

Members of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa, together with other anti‑alcohol organisations will today march to Parliament to raise concern about the harmful impact of alcohol on children and local communities. Organisers point to alcohol abuse as a major factor behind high murder rates on the Cape Flats and they are calling for stronger measures to curb its availability and protect vulnerable residents. Elvis Presslin spoke to Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa Campaign Manager, Nomcebo Dlamini

The Democratic Alliance says Gauteng lost 54,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025, the steepest decline of any province. This with unemployment at 33 % and about 2-point-56 million residents out of work. DA leader Solly Msimanga links the slump to under‑investment caused by high crime, power and water outages and crumbling infrastructure, especially in central business districts such as Johannesburg. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty spoke to Elvis Presslin

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) says it is appalled by last week's disruptions to teaching and learning at Wordsworth High School in Benoni- East of Gauteng. ACDP Cllr Palesa Yates says the protest by community members supporting girl learners wishing to wear male school uniforms amounts to grandstanding by those with an inappropriate political agenda. Our schools need to focus on preparing our children for the world of work and not on encouraging sexuality in those still too young to vote. Elvis Presslin spoke to ACDP Ekurhuleni Councillor Caucus, Palesa Yates

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 leader and former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has entered the race for the city's mayoral seat ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The party's selection committee has shortlisted five candidates, including Mashaba, national chairperson Michael Beaumont, party spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni, Gauteng provincial leader Funzi Ngobeni and MP Dereleen James. Interviews began on Monday and a final decision will be announced on Saturday. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont

The Democratic Alliance in the City of Ekurhuleni has welcomed the decision to place Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari and Head of Human Resources Linda Qxasheka on full suspension. Both officials were named in the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria for failing to discipline suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi. A report from police watchdog IPID recommended disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi over an alleged corrupt contract with a private security firm linked to attempted‑murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ekurhuleni DA Caucus Leader, Brandon Pretorius

Three farmers and an Eskom employee are expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate's Court today for their bail applications. The suspects stand accused for alleged electricity theft and illegal connections. Eskom Gauteng Spokesperson, Amanda Qithi spoke to Elvis Presslin

Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Bantu Holomisa says the South African National Defence Force is ready to deploy soldiers to gang‑affected communities nationwide, following President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address. Civic group Cape Forum has welcomed the plan, saying a military presence in areas such as the Cape Flats could help bring stability. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Heindrich Wyngaard, Cape Forum Executive Chairperson

Community activists In Oudtshoorn, Western Cape are demanding the immediate arrest of those behind a disturbing assault on children, that's now gone viral online. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm has been opened and that investigators are still piecing together exactly what happened. Locals are furious and insist the perpetrators face charges without delay. Fresh photos circulating on social media reveal serious injuries on at least one of the youngsters, deep gashes reportedly caused by being shot at close range with a paintball gun. Elvis Presslin spoke to Secretary General of the People's Prosperity Movement (PPM), Chad Louw

The Workers and Socialist Party, (WASP) has condemned the killing of Abahlali baseMjondolo leader Zweli "Khabazela" Mkhize, who was shot on Thursday evening in eNkanini, Ellandale, Gauteng. Police say two hitmen arrived in a Renault and gunned him down at a friend's home. WASP says Mkhize's death is part of a pattern of violence against Abahlali baseMjondolo leaders and holds the state responsible for creating conditions that enable such attacks. The party has called for a police investigation and urged working-class communities to organise for self-defence and political representation. Elvis Presslin spoke to WASP NEC Member, Mametlwe Sebei

A woman arrested in connection with the brutal murder of an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court today.She faces charges of hijacking and murder. Police say the driver was overpowered inside his vehicle after picking up a man and a woman who had requested the ride. The hijacked vehicle and the driver's body were later found in Atteridgeville on the same day. Elvis Presslin spoke to National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) National Spokesperson, Tella Masakale

The ANC in Gauteng has expressed its desire to maintain cooperation with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in all municipalities across the province. This comes after EFF leader Julius Malema announced earlier this month that his party would terminate its cooperation agreements with the ANC in Gauteng. Malema accused ANC Ekurhuleni chairperson Dr. Nkosidipile Xakaza of attempting to exclude the EFF from its governance responsibilities in the metro. Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC's two‑day Gauteng Lekgotla in Johannesburg, provincial coordinator Hope Papo reaffirmed the ANC's intention to continue working with the EFF. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer, Dumisani Baleni

Scholar transport services across Gauteng will resume this morning after the Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council (GASBOC) confirmed receipt of payment from the provincial Department of Education. The services had been suspended due to non-payment by the department, affecting thousands of learners. Elvis Presslin spoke to Secretary of Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council (GASBOC), Paul Zikhali

The Congress of the People (COPE) says undocumented foreign nationals are a growing concern in South Africa, citing challenges at border management and its impact on local communities. The party raised issues around crime, drug trafficking, and violence against women and children, calling for stronger leadership and citizen-focused governance. Elvis Presslin spoke to COPE's National Chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the National Government will ease pressure on local municipalities by simplifying the system. Where municipalities fail, he says national government will intervene more quickly and direct corrective measures to better serve the people. Ramaphosa also announced a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair, to address water problems across the country. Johannesburg Metro is the latest area facing serious water issues. Technical experts and resources will be deployed to affected municipalities. For more, we're joined by SALGA President, Bheke Stofile

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will be deployed to support police in dealing with gang violence and illegal mining in the Western Cape, Gauteng and other provinces. The announcement was made last night during his State of the Nation Address. For the latest, we're now joined by Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis...

The National Taxi Alliance says it takes seriously any calls to remove scholars from its taxis. The Greater Gauteng Learner Transport Organisation will hold a stay‑away from school today, protesting what it calls "abuse and impoundment of learner transport operators' vehicles" and unpaid invoices. The Taxi Alliance says while it respects the right to strike, it has asked scholar transport operators not to disrupt its services to stranded learners. For the latest, we're joined on the line by Theo Malele, National Taxi Alliance spokesperson...

Political parties have responded with mixed reactions to President Ramaphosa SONA in Cape Town last night. Some parties praised the speech, highlighting areas of alignment with their policies. Others expressed skepticism, saying the address contained nothing new and was full of empty promises. For more on the reactions, we're joined by Political analyst, Dr. Levy Ndou…

Love is blind… but debt is not. This is according to Debt Advisors who advise about the messy link between love and money. This Valentine's Day, as South Africans spend big on romance in a tight economy, debt experts warn that flashy gestures often hide financial pressure and undisclosed debt, problems that surface later, when it's hardest to escape. We are now joined on the line by Sharon Mmitsi, Debt Counsellor at National Debt Advisors

As South Africa approaches the 2026 State of the Nation Address, United Africans Transformation (UAT) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to move beyond repetition and symbolism. UAT says the address must include clear, time‑bound commitments that address weak economic growth, high unemployment, rising violent crime and deteriorating public services. The party also demands a full, transparent report on what the government has delivered since taking office, warning that without accountability, the SONA will remain another exercise in reassurance without results. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr Wonder Mahlatse President of United Africans Transformation party