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First Take SA

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8:18

Nigerian Union South Africa defends symbolic ‘king’...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/27

The Nigerian Union South Africa says the coronation of a Nigerian "King" in East London is a cultural gesture, not a challenge to South African traditional leadership. This follows backlash over the recent coronation of a Nigerian national, Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, who was installed as a "King" In East London. The union says the title is symbolic, representing cultural preservation and community leadership. The move has sparked debate over cultural identity and diaspora leadership in South

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5:12

Cyril Ramaphosa shrugs off G7 disinvite after Donald...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/27

President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed South Africa's disinvitation to the G7 summit in France, stating that the country isn't surprised by the development, as they're not a member of the group. The invitation was withdrawn after US President Donald Trump threatened to boycott the meeting if South Africa attended. Elvis Presslin spoke to International Relations expert, Dr. Charles Sinkala

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5:47

African Security Congress slams Eskom over tender...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/27

The African Security Congress, (ASC) has slammed Eskom over alleged corruption and favouritism in security tenders. The organisation claims black-owned companies are being systematically excluded, with contracts going to preferred entities. The ASC is calling for the suspension of Eskom's Remone Govender and Tembela Kulu pending an investigation. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to President of the African Security Congress who is the President of the African Security Congress

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10:18

DA moves to block R10bn Johannesburg wage deal,...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/27

The Democratic Alliance has moved to urgently interdict what it describes as a R10 billion "politically facilitated agreement" between the City of Johannesburg and the South African Municipal Workers' Union. The dispute follows the recent adjustment budget, which the DA says exposes serious risks to Johannesburg's financial sustainability. At the centre of the controversy is a wage-related agreement that could cost more than the City's entire annual infrastructure budget. To discuss this further,

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4:15

Judgment reserved in MK Party bid to block Batohi...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/26

Judgement in the matter between Umkhonto weSizwe party and former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi, has been reserved. The Umkhonto weSizwe party approached the Pretoria High Court in an urgent bid to block Advocate Batohi's pension payout. The urgent bid by the MKP comes amid allegations of misconduct, dereliction of duty and possible perjury levelled against Batohi during her tenure as NDPP. Sibahle Motha reports..

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5:27

Ramaphosa pledges police stability as Masemola faces...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/26

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he'll work with the police minister to ensure stability in the force after National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was summoned to court. Masemola and 12 senior officers face charges linked to the R360 million Medicare24 SAPS tender. The NPA hasn't revealed the specific charges against Masemola. Masemola is due in court in April. The president says he'll address the matter according to the law. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the

en-US

6:02

South Africans brace for fuel surge as petrol jumps...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/26

South African households are bracing for a sharp fuel price shock, with petrol expected to rise by more than R5 per litre and diesel by over R9, increases that could have a ripple effect across the economy, from transport costs to food prices. The Democratic Alliance has proposed an urgent intervention, calling on the National Treasury to cut both the Road Accident Fund and General Fuel Levies by 50% to cushion consumers. Elvis Presslin spoke to Member of Parliament, Dr Mark Burke and DA

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5:39

Cosatu's Matthew Parks pays tribute to renowned...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/26

Tributes are pouring in for renowned journalist and author Terry Bell, who has died aged 84. He passed away while on a family trip with his daughter and son-in-law. Bell was a respected voice in South African journalism, known for his insightful commentary on politics and economics. For more, Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

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5:01

All eyes on South African Reserve Bank as rate...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/26

All eyes are on the South African Reserve Bank ahead of its interest rate decision later today. It comes at a time when the economic outlook has become significantly more uncertain. Oil prices have surged above 100 US dollars, the rand has weakened toward R17 to the dollar and global bond yields remain elevated. Market indicators now suggest a more cautious outlook, with expectations of prolonged inflationary pressure. To unpack the expectations for us, Elvis Presslin spoke to Independent economist,

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6:06

R360m police health deal scandal sees 12 officers in...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

Twelve senior police officers and a company director are set to appear in Pretoria Magistrates' Court today, facing corruption charges tied to the R360m Medicare 24 contract. The contract, meant to provide health services for SAPS staff, was cancelled in May 2025 amid allegations of tender irregularities, with links to implicated individuals, including murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Elvis Presslin spoke to Juanita du Preez, Spokesperson for Action Society

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10:35

SA loses R16.5bn to illicit alcohol as industry urges...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The Drinks Federation of South Africa says illicit alcohol costs the country billions, with an estimated R25 billion annual market value. Illicit trade accounts for 18% of the market, resulting in R16.5 billion in fiscal losses. DF-SA is calling for coordinated action to combat the issue. The federation will participate in the EMEA Security Conference in Cape Town. A Responsible Trade Task Force has been established to tackle the problem. Elvis Presslin spoke to Shamal Ramesar, who is the Head of

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5:00

MK Party seeks urgent court bid to block...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party has approached the High Court in Pretoria on an urgent basis to block what it calls the unlawful release of public funds tied to National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. The party claims serious doubts over Batohi's fitness to remain in office and fears she could still pocket a large gratuity payment despite those concerns. Elvis Presslin spoke tp MK Party MP, Mzwanele Manyi

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5:02

FOSA urges IEC to boost election integrity amid...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) is calling on the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC to strengthen electoral systems and restore public confidence ahead of elections. FOSA cites concerns over vote rigging, ballot paper handling and voting process vulnerabilities. The group demands urgent interventions, including independent monitoring, strict vetting of election staff and prevention of political interference. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South

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6:12

Ethics committee finds Nkabane guilty of misconduct...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests has ordered former Higher Education Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane to apologise in the National Assembly for gross misconduct and misleading Parliament on SETA board appointments. The committee says Nkabane, now ANC Deputy Chief Whip allowed alleged political interference and her advisor to effectively control the process. Elvis Presslin spoke to Karabo Khakhau, MP and DA Deputy Spokesperson on Higher Education and Training

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6:24

SA tourism proposes short-term rental rules, raising...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The Department of Tourism has invited public comment on a proposed Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals, which could lead to mandatory regulations. The code may allow municipalities to reclassify residential properties as commercial, increasing rates and taxes. Hosts and guests are concerned about privacy, with the code requiring platforms to share user data. The public has 60 days to comment on the proposal

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9:24

At least 34 Gauteng schools found to be non-compliant...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

At least 34 Gauteng schools are non-compliant with health and safety regulations, posing a threat to learners and teachers, this according to the Democratic Alliance, DA. The party is calling for urgent action to address the issue. MEC Matome Chiloane says all schools have safety committees, but the DA questions the department's approach. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA's Shadow MEC of Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos

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5:25

Calls mount for authorities to deport foreign...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

Some South Africans have reignited calls to deport foreign nationals serving prison sentences in the country to alleviate overcrowding and the financial burden on taxpayers. Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald says around 26,000 foreign prisoners are costing the state approximately R463 per day each. That's around R11 million a year. Dr. Groenewald wants to send them back to their home countries to serve out their sentences. Elvis Presslin spoke to Golden Miles Bhudu, Prisoners'

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4:17

AfriForum records Supreme Court of Appeal victory in...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

Lobby group, AfriForum has won a court battle against Eskom, forcing the power utility to reveal its coal contracts. The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Eskom's appeal, ordering the release of contracts for coal, diesel and electricity supply to neighbouring countries. The court ruled the public has a right to access the contracts. AfriForum plans to scrutinise the contracts for irregularities. The victory comes nearly four years after AfriForum's initial Promotion of Access to Information Act,

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5:50

DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink under scrutiny...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

ActionSA has formally lodged complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament's Ethics Committee following serious allegations that senior Democratic Alliance, DA public representatives have received additional "top-up" payments from the party in potential violation of the Constitution. In the same breath, the EFF in Tshwane say they will write to the speaker and chief whip of Tshwane council to check if DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink declared an alleged extra R62 000 that he receives every

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5:53

Africa Is Open For Business Author, Victor...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by 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...

en-US

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