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First Take SA

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5:14

Freed hostages mark major development in US-brokered...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/14

All 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are back in Israel after two years in captivity. The freed hostages mark a major development in the US-brokered ceasefire deal. Bodies of 28 deceased hostages remain in Gaza but are due to be returned. In exchange, Israel is releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences and over 1,700 Gaza detainees held without charge since October 2023 attacks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested President Isaac Herzog pardon Prime

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3:49

UDM concerned over surge in kidnappings across South...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

The United Democratic Movement, UDM has voiced concern over the surge in kidnappings across South Africa. In the latest incident, Tshwane officers on Saturday stopped a suspicious vehicle on the R80 highway in Rosslyn and freed a bound and hooded man from the back seat. Four suspects were arrested on the scene, with police seizing an AK-47 rifle loaded with live rounds, dashboard blue lights, a vehicle siren, cable ties and T-shirts bearing South African Police Service emblems. The UDM says the case

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8:54

Former PRASA CEO to address media over R55m disputed...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

Former Passenger Rail Agency, PRASA CEO Lucky Montana is due to address the media this afternoon over a disputed tax bill of more than 55 million rand. Montana, now an MP with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, filed criminal charges against SARS officials last week, alleging they fabricated a court judgment to pursue the massive debt and sequestrate his estate - calling it a political vendetta linked to his tenure at PRASA. But SARS hit back hard in a media briefing at the weekend, revealing Montana's tax

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13:10

DA raises concerns over legality of Gauteng's Traffic...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

The Democratic Alliance, DA In Gauteng has raised fresh concerns over the legality of the Gauteng Traffic Warden unit, known as "AmaPanyaza." The DA is demanding that Premier Panyaza Lesufi clarify whether the unit complies with the South African Police Service Act, citing its lack of accreditation and inadequate training for wardens. The party claims the programme, launched just before the 2024 General Elections, lacks a clear budget and defined roles, posing risks to wardens' safety. The DA also

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6:37

Potential coup unfolds in Madagascar

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

A potential coup is unfolding In Madagascar. An elite military unit, CAPSAT, has declared control of the armed forces and is demanding President Andry Rajoelina's resignation. This follows youth-led protests against the government. Yesterday, the armed forces minister recognized a military-backed officer as the new army chief. President Rajoelina has called the move an attempted coup. Meanwhile, South Africa has voiced deep concern over the unrest and is urging all parties to remain calm and respect

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4:08

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

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

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6:45

PSIRA suspends employees following irregularities

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, PSiRA, has suspended eight employees following irregularities uncovered at Cat Protection and Security, owned by controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. The move comes after probes found procedural flaws and weak oversight at the firm, amid allegations pointing to systemic control failures. Matlala faces murder charges, adding to scrutiny on his business dealings. Elvis Presslin spoke to PSiRA CEO, Manabela Chauke

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10:53

SADAG launches campaign marking World Mental Health Day

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group is launching a nationwide campaign today to mark World Mental Health Day, themed "Together for Mental Health." With one in three South Africans likely to face a mental illness in their lifetime, and nine out of ten lacking access to treatment, the issue is critical. SADAG is partnering with government, businesses, schools, and communities to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and drive action for better mental health support. To discuss this further, Elvis

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6:49

Senzo Mchunu's Chief of Staff says raids done to...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The Chief of staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Cedrick Nkabinde has accused National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and KZN's Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of orchestrating raids to intimidate him. Nkabinde says devices were seized from him and Mchunu ahead of their respective appearances before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's Ad Hoc committee probing corruption and political interference within SAPS. Yesterday, police also raided the Centurion home of suspended Deputy Commissioner

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5:42

DA welcomes SIU seizure linked to Hangwani Maumela

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The Democratic Alliance, DA has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit, SIU's seizure of assets linked to Hangwani Maumela, a key figure in the Tembisa Hospital tender scandal. The SIU raided Maumela's Sandton luxury home, confiscating high-end vehicles including three Lamborghinis and artwork in effort to recoup R820 million amid probes into over R2 billion in alleged Tembisa Hospital fraud. DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Dr. Jack Bloom, spoke to Elvis Presslin

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10:44

Criticism over decision to extend validity of ZEPs

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

ActionSA has strongly criticized Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber's decision to extend the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits until May, 2027. The party calls the move another example of government indecision on South Africa's immigration challenges. ActionSA says it supports a humane and orderly immigration process but opposes temporary measures that weaken public trust, border security and equality between citizens and foreign nationals. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lerato Ngobeni,

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5:50

Clashes erupted between police and students at Fort...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

Two university buildings have been set ablaze at the University of Fort Hare's Alice campus in the Eastern Cape, amid fierce clashes between students and police. The violence erupted this week as protesters demanded a halt to planned changes in student governance.A student demonstration has now shut down all in-person academic activities, forcing the institution to suspend classes indefinitely. The trouble stems from the university's announcement last month to appoint an interim Student

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6:54

Judgement expected in application against 8 SAPS VIP...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

Judgment is expected today in the Section 174 application brought by eight South African Police Service VIP Protection Unit officers, charged in connection with a 2023 assault on civilians along Johannesburg's N1 highway. The officers, part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's security detail, face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, pointing firearms and malicious damage to property. The case stems from a widely shared video showing the officers stopping a VW Polo,

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8:58

Disgruntled investors to picket outside the SAB...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

Mounting frustration is boiling over among black empowerment investors in South Africa's beer industry. A group of fed-up shareholders in SAB Zenzele Kabili, the black economic empowerment arm tied to global brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, is calling their stake in the JSE-listed shares a raw deal. What started as a shot at ownership has soured fast, with some branding it a nightmare and a scam. The disgruntled investors will today picket right outside the SAB Zenzele Kabili offices in Sandton,

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8:09

Controversy over historic lease agreement in Tshwane

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

A dispute over a historic lease agreement in Tshwane has sparked controversy. J.L. Van Druten, owner of a building in Watloo, claims a 1997 agreement exempts him from paying municipal service fees. However, the City of Tshwane says the property now owes R3.8 million. City authorities say decades-old contracts do not override current obligations to pay for essential services. Elvis Presslin spoke to MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management at the City of Tshwane, Obakeng Ramabodu

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11:39

Mkhwanazi: corruption in SAPS deepend over the past...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has told Parliament's Ad Hoc committee probing national security concerns that he believes corruption within South Africa's police service, SAPS has deepened over the past decade. Testifying before the Committee for a second day, Mkhwanazi alleged an unethical relationship between suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and North West businessman Brown Mogotsi. Mkhwanazi's claims form part of broader allegations of criminal infiltration,

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12:15

South African activists arrive home this morning

First Take SA ·

2025/10/08

Six South Africans detained by Israel after boarding the Global Sumud Flotilla are landing at OR Tambo International Airport today. The group includes Mandla Mandela - grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, writer Zukiswa Wanner, activist Reaaz Moolla, Zaheer Soomar, Dr. Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver. Their mission was to challenge Israel's Gaza blockade with humanitarian aid. After interception and detention, they are now heading home. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nazim Adam from the South

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8:22

AfriForum temporarily halts R54b settlement agreement...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/08

Lobby group AfriForum has temporarily halted a R54 billion settlement agreement between Eskom and energy regulator Nersa. The deal stemmed from an error at Nersa, affecting calculations for Eskom's revenue clawback amounts. Originally, Nersa approved tariff hikes of 5.36% for 2026 and 6.19% for 2027. However, admitting mistakes in depreciation and asset valuation, Nersa agreed Eskom could recover the additional R54 billion, pushing increases to 8.76% and 8.83% for those years. Elvis Presslin spoke

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9:22

NEFSA welcomes rollout of National Land Transport Act

First Take SA ·

2025/10/08

The National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa, NEFSA, has welcomed the recent rollout of the National Land Transport Act and its new regulations. The changes recognize e-hailing as part of the country's public transport system, a historic step after years of advocacy by e-hailing groups. However, the Federation expressed serious concerns, stating that many submissions from its affiliates were overlooked. The federation is now pushing for greater driver and operator involvement in shaping

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6:30

Security Company Employees Claim Unpaid Wages for...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/08

Employees of Urban Watch Security, a company providing security services to schools in Gauteng, have accused the firm of failing to pay their salaries for seven months. The workers also claim their contracts were abruptly terminated. Urban Watch Security has denied the allegations, stating that delays in payments from the Department of Basic Education are to blame. Elvis Presslin spoke to Zakhele Nsele, Gauteng Provincial organiser South African Amalgamated and Integrated Workers Union

en-US

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