PODCAST

First Take SA

SAfm

News and Current Affairs

news

All Episodes

5:11

KZN Transport MEC concerned over payment delays for...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/16

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed deep concern over payment delays affecting over 2,000 service providers. Duma says the R1.5 billion in outstanding payments is linked to technical glitches in a new accounting system. MEC Duma says management is working with the national treasury and provincial treasury to clear these payments. This comes after frustrated contractors yesterday, including road builders and public transport providers, stormed the Department's offices, demanding

en-US

5:13

Court rules sections of Refugees act unconstitutional

First Take SA ·

2025/05/16

The Western Cape High Court has ruled that certain sections of the Refugees Act are unconstitutional. The court ruled that considering asylum seekers to have abandoned their applications for failing to renew visas within a month is unfair and breaches international law protecting refugees from forced return to danger. Elvis Presslin spoke to James Chapman, Head of Advocacy and Legal Advisor at Scalabrini, the organisation that brought this matter before the courts

en-US

4:48

SACCI calls for national unity following departure...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/16

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) is calling for national unity, urging citizens to put aside differences that hinder progress. This appeal comes amid heated debates surrounding the departure of 49 Afrikaners to the US, who claimed they faced genocide in South Africa. The call for unity also coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump, where South Africa's land expropriation laws and foreign policy are likely to be discussed. To

en-US

4:38

PSA concerned over alleged near collapse of National...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/16

The Public Servants Association has raised concern over the National Lotteries Commission's alleged near collapse. The Union is citing mismanagement, corruption and poor oversight. The PSA says the crisis threatens vital community programs and workers' livelihoods. Elvis Presslin spoke to Zamani Dladla, PSA Chief Negotiator at the National Lotteries Commission, to discuss this matter further

en-US

5:37

SETA chairperson appointments withdrawn following...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/16

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has withdrawn the appointments of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) chairpersons amid allegations of cronyism and political interference. The move follows public outcry over the appointment of individuals with alleged ANC connections, including Gwede Mantashe's son and a former KZN Premier. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF MP, Sihle Lonzi, to discuss the implications of this decision

en-US

4:32

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/05/16

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

en-US

12:05

Intern's death at KZN hospital sparks outrage and...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

The Public Servants Association (PSA) in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for urgent action following the tragic death of a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, allegedly due to being forced to work while critically ill. The PSA is demanding the immediate suspension of implicated staff and a comprehensive, independent investigation to address the toxic work environment. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu, Provincial Manager of PSA in KwaZulu-Natal

en-US

11:03

Cyber security more crucial than ever as threats...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

As cyber threats escalate in South Africa, individuals and businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches, phishing scams, and misinformation campaigns. With the South African government's push for digital transformation, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thabang Phala, Chief Empowerment Officer at CyberM8, to explore the challenges and provide solutions on protecting citizens and businesses against cyber risks

en-US

5:06

Calls for traditions to be reigned in at university...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

As graduation season is in full swing in various universities, education activist Hendrick Makaneta has urged universities to rein in what he calls chaos disguised as celebration during graduations. He says the waving of knobkerries and assegais on stage is a safety risk and disrespects the dignity of the ceremony. While supporting cultural pride, Makaneta insists traditions must not disrupt proceedings or endanger others. Elvis Presslin spoke to Hendrick Makaneta, an education activist

en-US

5:47

Inquest docket opened into death of 11-year-old...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

The Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket into the tragic discovery of the body of 11-year-old Jayden Lee Meek in Fleurhof, west of Johannesburg. The body was found on a staircase at the Swazi Complex, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Elvis Presslin spoke to Fleurhof Community leader and activist, Selby Leshaba

en-US

5:21

DA objects to SETA board appointments

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

A leaked document revealing appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority, SETA boards has raised concerns over the potential politicisation of these key institutions. The Democratic Alliance has written to the Higher Education and Training Portfolio Committee to object, citing the inclusion of prominent ANC-linked individuals, such as Minister Gwede Mantashe's son Buyambo and a former KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Elvis Presslin spoke to Karabo Khakhau, DA National Spokesperson

en-US

12:50

Calls for accountability and reform in the cultural...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

Thousands of artists and cultural workers marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday, calling for accountability and reform in the cultural and creative industries. The march, which culminated in the handing over of a memorandum of demands to the Presidency and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, was driven by concerns over systemic collapse of arts governance, erosion of funding transparency, and political interference. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to the Spokesperson for

en-US

5:54

ACDP raises concerns over employment of foreign...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/15

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has raised concerns over the employment of foreign nationals in sensitive government positions in South Africa. This follows the appointment of a Zimbabwean national as Chief Heritage Officer at Robben Island in Cape Town. The party is warning of potential public security risks and is calling for government departments to prioritize the hiring of South African citizens. To elaborate on the ACDP's concerns, Elvis Presslin spoke to Party President,

en-US

5:43

TUT students and graduates denied academic records...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/14

Thousands of students and graduates at Tshwane University of Technology's six campuses are reportedly being denied academic records and certificates due to NSFAS's alleged failure to pay fees, while others have been suddenly defunded. Sthembiso Sithole, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Unemployed Graduates Movement says the non-payment has sparked fears of eviction and mass dropouts among students. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sthembiso Sithole

en-US

6:56

Schools grapple with teacher misconduct trend

First Take SA ·

2025/05/14

South African schools are grappling with a disturbing trend of teacher misconduct, with 111 reported cases of sexual misconduct against pupils between April 2024 and March 2025, resulting in 39. A fortieth teacher was recently fired in KwaZulu-Natal for kissing and sexually assaulting a learner. To discuss this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomusa Cembi, spokesperson for the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU)

en-US

5:15

DA accuses Gauteng Premier's administration of...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/14

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a scathing attack on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's administration, accusing it of failing to curb rising unemployment in the province. Gauteng's unemployment rate has increased to 34.7%, with 2.7 million residents now jobless. The DA's Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty, argues that the administration's economic strategies and "Nansi Ispani" programme have not delivered sustainable jobs. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mike Moriarty

en-US

10:23

ANC condemns refugee status given to 49 Afrikaners

First Take SA ·

2025/05/14

The ANC has strongly condemned the United States government's decision to grant refugee status to 49 Afrikaners, calling it a fabrication designed to delegitimize South Africa's democracy. The party argues that these individuals are not fleeing persecution, but rather seeking to avoid transformation and accountability for historic privilege. To further discuss this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst Dr. Piet Croucamp

en-US

11:15

AZAPO condemns recent migration of 49 white...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/13

The Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO) has strongly condemned the recent migration of 49 white Afrikaners to the United States, accusing them of fleeing accountability for past injustices and betraying their country. AZAPO is calling for these individuals to be stripped of their South African citizenship, labeling them "enemies of the state." Elvis Presslin spoke to Jabu Rakwena, AZAPO's Secretary for Publicity and Information

en-US

5:47

SAMWU condemns court ruling exempting Tshwane from...

First Take SA ·

2025/05/13

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) has condemned a Labour Court ruling that exempts the City of Tshwane from paying a 5.4% wage increase for the 2023/24 financial year. The judgment, delivered by Judge Snyman on Friday also sends a separate exemption application from the 2021/22 period back to the bargaining council for review. SAMWU says the ruling undermines collective bargaining and sets a dangerous precedent that weakens workers' rights. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU Deputy

en-US

18:55

Afrikaners leaving for the US not qualified as refugees

First Take SA ·

2025/05/13

President Cyril Ramaphosa says white Afrikaners leaving for the United States do not qualify as refugees. His statement follows the arrival of the first group in the US on Monday, after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration. The group departed from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday. Ramaphosa says Afrikaners face no persecution or mistreatment in South Africa, and that their departure stems from unwillingness to accept the country's constitutional reforms. To

en-US

7,856 results

First Take SA

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS News

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci