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First Take SA

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7:33

Irregular appointments at Social Development on the...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/07

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has urged that ministerial oversight be maintained following the Public Service Commission's provisional findings on irregular appointments in Minister Sisisi Tolashe's office. The PSC found that Ms Lesedi Mabiletja was appointed as Private Secretary and acting Chief of Staff without meeting required qualifications and had misrepresented her credentials, with senior officials also found to have altered her CV. Disciplinary action has been recommended

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13:17

Financial crisis facing the City of Johannesburg on...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/07

The financial crisis facing the City of Johannesburg has taken a dramatic turn, following a scathing letter from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to Executive Mayor Dada Morero. The letter paints a deeply troubling picture, from what's been described as an unfunded or "fictional" budget, to a staggering R25 billion debt burden, a liquidity crisis, and allegations of unlawful financial commitments. At the centre of it all are concerns that the city may be in breach of the Municipal Finance

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6:08

Whistleblower Patricia Mashale defends National...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/07

Whistleblower Patricia Mashale has defended National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams as he faces charges of defeating the ends of justice and fraud in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court today. Mashale has questioned the legality of his arrest and said the case could bring long-standing claims around the Sindiso Magaqa murder into open court. She also raised concerns about political and racial bias in the justice system. We spoke to Patricia Mashale to elaborate on her sentiments.

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4:58

EFF to picket outside the Con Court on Friday ahead...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/06

The EFF will picket outside the Constitutional Court on Friday ahead of the long-awaited Phala Phala judgment. The court confirmed it will hand down its ruling on the EFF's bid to challenge Parliament's 2022 decision not to adopt the Section 89 panel report into the 2020 theft at President Ramaphosa's Limpopo farm. The matter was heard in November 2024 after the panel found the president may have a case to answer. For legal analysis on the matter. We spoke to Dr. Bongani Nkosi, Criminal law expert

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5:14

NCC leader Fadiel Adams to appear in court following...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/06

National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams is expected to appear in a KwaZulu-Natal court following his arrest in Cape Town yesterday. Police say he delayed handing himself over following a warrant issued by the Political Killings Task Team over fraud and defeating the ends of justice. The charges relate to alleged interference in the investigation into the murder of former ANC Youth League secretary-general, Sindiso Magaqa. We spoke to Mr Adam's lawyer, Mr. Bruce Hendrikse from Harmse

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6:48

NHI Act on the spotlight

First Take SA ·

2026/05/06

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi says if the Constitutional Court sides with the Board of Healthcare Funders, the NHI Act will fall away and Parliament will have to begin the process anew. The court has been hearing the Board's challenge that Parliament did not allow meaningful public participation when passing the law. We spoke to Faith Mothambi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health.

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5:45

Parliament set to launch an inquiry into the gang...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/06

Parliament is set to launch an inquiry into the gang violence and organised crime crisis affecting communities, especially in the Western Cape. The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the move but warned it must lead to real accountability and measurable results, not just more discussion. Residents in affected areas continue to live in fear as violence persists and pressure grows for concrete solutions. We spoke to Lisa Schickerling, DA Spokesperson on Police, to unpack the party's position.

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4:51

E-hailing operators worried about the impact the fuel...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/06

E-hailing operators face mounting strain as sharp fuel price hikes threaten their livelihoods and profit margins. The increases are expected to drive up fares and weaken demand, adding pressure on commuters already battling transport costs. Industry players warn that without intervention, both drivers and passengers could feel the impact of a deepening affordability crisis. We spoke to National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) National Spokesperson, Tella Masakale.

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9:43

SA Spaza Shop Association condemns violence targeting...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/06

Violence targeting spaza shops and informal traders in South Africa, is leaving many small business owners operating under fear and uncertainty. The South African Spaza Shop Association says these attacks are no longer isolated incidents, but a growing crisis that is undermining township and rural economies and threatening the survival of informal trade networks. The association is now calling for urgent government engagement and coordinated, practical interventions to curb the violence and restore

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16:28

Fuel prices to rise sharply across South Africa from...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/05

Fuel prices will rise sharply across South Africa from Wednesday, adding pressure on struggling households. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced petrol will go up by R3.27 per litre and diesel by R6.19, with paraffin and LPG also increasing. The Government cites global oil price volatility and supply constraints for the hike. Cosatu warns the increases will drive up transport, food and essential goods costs. The Federation is questioning if enough is being done to protect

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4:59

A look at the current top African economic stories

First Take SA ·

2026/05/05

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

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5:45

NEHAWU not impressed by Higher Education Minister...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/05

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, NEHAWU says it is flabbergasted by Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela's decision to place NSFAS under administration without consulting the union. The union argues past administrators left the scheme with maladministration, financial irregularities and poor governance. NEHAWU had urged the Minister to work with stakeholders after board members resigned to stabilise the scheme. We spoke to NEHAWU National Spokesperson, Lwazi Nkolonzi.

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4:47

Black Lawyers Association says the Legal Sector Code...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/05

The Black Lawyers Association says the Legal Sector Code is vital for transformation in the judiciary. This comes as Norton Rose Fulbright, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans and Bowmans challenge the code in the Pretoria High Court. The firms argue the 2024 B-BBEE rules, requiring up to 50 percent black ownership, are unconstitutional and unworkable. BLA President Nkosana Mvundlela says the challenge is unnecessary and equal work distribution is still needed in the profession. Mr. Mvundlela joins us on the

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6:46

The Con-Court to begin hearing a challenge to the NHI...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/05

The Constitutional Court will begin hearing a challenge to the National Health Insurance Act. The Board of Healthcare Funders and the Western Cape government argue Parliament failed to ensure meaningful public participation before passing the law. The hearings run from today until Thursday and will test whether sections 59 and 72 of the constitution were met. Major medical aid schemes are backing the legal challenge to the NHI legislation. For more we're joined by Solidarity Research Institute

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12:28

Human remains found in the belly of a crocodile

First Take SA ·

2026/05/05

A dramatic and highly dangerous rescue operation has captured national attention in South Africa, after a police officer was lowered from a helicopter to secure a dead crocodile believed to contain human remains. The operation, carried out along the Komati River, involved euthanizing the animal before it was airlifted for forensic examination. Captain Johan Potgieter has been widely praised for his bravery, with footage showing him suspended mid-air as he secured the crocodile in what authorities

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9:14

Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka has been...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/04

Police have confirmed that missing Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka has been found alive, bringing relief after a month-long disappearance that had raised serious concerns in the community. Kubheka reportedly presented himself at the Vosloorus police station after going missing on the day he was due to pay rent for his business. His case had sparked fears around safety, crime, and the vulnerability of small business owners in townships. We're now joined by Tumelo Tshabalala, ActionSA

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7:55

Nigeria is working on repatriation of citizens in...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/04

Nigeria is working on the permanent repatriation of citizens in South Africa who want to return home. The move follows recent protests and rising tensions over undocumented immigrants and border control. The Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter have confirmed the plan, citing safety and livelihood concerns. We're now joined by Dr. ABC Okokoh, President of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter to unpack what this means for Nigerian nationals living in South Africa

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10:12

MKP calls for the reservation of spaza shops...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/04

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has submitted a Private Member's Bill to reserve spaza shop ownership strictly for South African citizens. The draft is nearing completion and follows concerns over illegal trade and undocumented foreign nationals. The move comes amid tighter regulation of township economies after foodborne illness outbreaks in 2024 and 2025. Government has already stepped up inspections and registration drives for spaza shops nationwide. For more we're joined by Umkhoto WeSizwe Party MP,

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5:02

Some communities are calling for stricter immigration...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/04

The Activists and Citizens Forum is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently address what it describes as "porous borders" and a potentially life-threatening situation. This comes as some communities demand stricter immigration controls, including the closure of borders and the arrest of undocumented foreign nationals, raising serious questions about law enforcement, human rights, and social stability. Dennis Bloem is the Spokesperson for the Activists and Citizens Forum

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5:13

Criminal charges laid against former Johannesburg...

First Take SA ·

2026/05/04

Lobby group AfriForum has laid a criminal complaint with the South African Police Service against former Johannesburg mayor Thapelo Amad.This follows a viral video allegedly showing Amad firing shots at a Soweto funeral last year. AfriForum says police failed to act and is pushing for five charges under the Firearms Control Act. The group insists the law must be applied consistently, citing similar concerns involving EFF leader Julius Malema. To elaborate further on the case, we're joined by Jacques

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