PODCAST

First Take SA

SAfm

News and Current Affairs

news

All Episodes

5:20

Playwright Athol Fugard leaves indelible mark on SA...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/10

Renowned playwright Athol Fugard has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and beyond, with his passing at the age of 92. His works, such as "Master Harold and the Boys" and "The Road to Mecca", continue to resonate with audiences globally, offering powerful explorations of racial segregation, identity, and the human condition. To reflect on Athol Fugard's legacy and impact, Elvis Presslin spoke to Janice Honeyman, a distinguished theatre Director and Writer

en-US

10:15

Study finds air pollution spikes illnesses and birth...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/07

A South African Medical Research Council study reveals that living near coal-fired power stations increases the risk of respiratory diseases and premature death by 6%. The research links toxic air pollution to spikes in illnesses and birth defects. Lead researcher Professor Caradee Wright spoke to Elvis Presslin to discuss the findings...

en-US

6:03

IFP: US aid halt is a wake up call for SA

First Take SA ·

2025/03/07

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says the decision by the United States to halt aid funding to South Africa, is an opportunity for the country to strive for economic independence. This comes after President Donald Trump's administration paused US foreign development assistance for 90 days, affecting several African countries, including South Africa. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on US-SA relations, IFP MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa said that this aid halt should serve as a wake-up call for South

en-US

3:54

President Ramaphosa concerned with the state of Gauteng

First Take SA ·

2025/03/07

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his disappointment with the state of Gauteng and its municipalities, urging leaders to take immediate action to address the province's challenges ahead of the G20 Summit. Ramaphosa conveyed his concerns during a meeting with provincial leaders at the Johannesburg Council Chambers in Braamfontein, as part of his oversight visit to Gauteng. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Provincial Government Spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga

en-US

4:36

US withdrawal of International Climate Finance Plan...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/07

The US has withdrawn from the International Climate Finance Plan, effectively cutting off funding for Just Energy Transition Plans in South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This move has sparked concerns about the impact on global climate efforts and the future of these partnerships. To discuss the implications, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lisa Makaula, Advocacy Programme Head at Green Connection

en-US

4:40

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomeoswana

First Take SA ·

2025/03/07

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

5:37

PSA Condemns Threatened Loss of 19,000 Teaching Posts...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/06

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has expressed concern over the potential loss of nearly 19,000 teaching posts in KwaZulu-Natal, stemming from severe budget cuts. The union strongly condemns this move, attributing it to reckless financial mismanagement that jeopardizes the province's education system and puts thousands of educators' livelihoods at risk. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mlungisi Ndlovu, Provincial Manager of the Public Servants Association in KwaZulu-Natal.

en-US

5:27

DA Launches Parliamentary Probe into IPID Amid Rising...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/06

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is launching a parliamentary probe into the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) following a shocking rise in police misconduct. The IPID's 2023/2024 Annual Performance Report revealed over 5,000 cases of misconduct, including deaths in custody, torture, and assault. To discuss the probe, Elvis Presslin spoke to Lisa Schickerling, MP and DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police...

en-US

5:24

NUMSA March on Tshwane Mayor Over Unpaid Retrenchment...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/06

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and its members at the Tshwane Affected Operations Investments (TAOI) are marching to the City of Tshwane mayor's office to demand action on unpaid retrenchment packages for 261 former workers of Tshwane Affected Operations Investments—a bus operator linked to Areyeng. Numsa says despite promises to pay severance and absorb affected workers, the City of Tshwane has failed to deliver, leaving workers frustrated and struggling to

en-US

5:09

SAMWU Slams Ekurhuleni's 50% Cut in Overtime Pay

First Take SA ·

2025/03/06

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) in Ekurhuleni is outraged over the City's decision to slash overtime and acting allowances by 50%, while introducing contracted services. The union believes this move is a thinly veiled attempt to benefit politically connected individuals, rather than improving service delivery, especially with local elections on the horizon. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAMWU Ekurhuleni Regional Chairperson, Chris Mavunda...

en-US

6:24

SAFCEI challenging 20-year licence for Unit 1 of Koeberg

First Take SA ·

2025/03/05

The Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is challenging the granting of a 20-year licence for Unit 1 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in the Western Cape. The organization made a formal legal appeal to the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. At the heart of SAFCEI's concerns is the assertion that vital safety repairs were not completed before the licence was granted, posing unnecessary risks to the people of Cape Town. To elaborate further on

en-US

5:19

Criticism after Justice minister postpone's...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/05

The Justice Minister's decision to postpone the publication of the National Register of Sex Offenders has sparked criticism, with BOSA labeling it a "PR stunt." The delay, attributed to concerns over compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), has raised questions about the government's commitment to transparency and lack of preparedness on the legalities around the register. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to BOSA Deputy Leader and member of Parliament, Nobuntu

en-US

4:19

Tensions run high in areas of Zeerust in the North West

First Take SA ·

2025/03/05

Tensions are running high in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Lehurutshe, Welbedacht, and surrounding areas in Zeerust, North West, as residents take to the streets to demand the restoration of their water supply. The protests, which blocked the N4 highway linking South Africa and Botswana, are set to continue until the Premier personally addresses their grievances. Residents are frustrated with what they see as empty promises from previous premiers and are demanding urgent action. Elvis Presslin spoke to

en-US

12:30

Bonginkosi Khanyile arrested for not appearing in...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/05

MK Party member Bonginkosi Khanyile has been arrested for failing to appear in court. Khanyile is set to face trial for his alleged role in instigating the July 2021 unrest. In a separate development, MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu is facing criticism from within the party. Disgruntled members accuse Shivambu of dismantling the party from within. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Thapelo Maisha, a former MK Youth League Deputy President in Limpopo

en-US

10:37

Committee to investigate Ingonyama Trust board's...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/05

A 12-member committee will investigate the Ingonyama Trust board's financial management, following a meeting between Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontsho and AmaZulu King Misuzulu Zwelithini. This development comes on the heels of the king's decision to suspend six members of the board, accusing them of undermining his authority. The minister, however, countered that the king doesn't have the power to suspend board members, sparking a heated debate. The committee is expected to probe the

en-US

9:01

Mpumalanga's Pienaar community plagued by lack of...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/04

The Pienaar community in Mpumalanga has been plagued by a crippling lack of social services, including vital support such as social grants, counselling, and pauper burials. The crisis began several months ago when the Department of Social Development's (DSD) offices were abruptly closed. The community and the department are now embroiled in a bitter dispute, with each side trading accusations. The community alleges that the department flouted hiring guidelines, appointing friends and associates to

en-US

5:45

Disgruntled TMPD officers to picket over unfair...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/04

Disgruntled Tshwane Metro Police officers are set to stage a picket today at the department's headquarters. Their protest centers around allegations of unfair labour practices linked to the selection process for recently advertised Warrant Officer posts. The department is facing a storm of allegations, with nearly 500 black metro police officers claiming they were sidelined in favour of their white and coloured colleagues. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson,

en-US

4:51

COSATU to picket at the North Gauteng High Court over...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/04

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to stage a picket today outside the North Gauteng High Court, in support for the Department of Health in the ongoing legal battle over the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. This court case, initiated by the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the South African Private Practitioners' Forum (SAPPF), seeks to overturn President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to sign the NHI into law, citing concerns over its constitutionality. To delve deeper

en-US

5:35

ANC strategizing to regain dominance in Gauteng after...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/04

The ANC is strategizing to regain its dominance in Gauteng following a significant electoral setback in the 2024 national elections. measures. The party recently reconfigured its organizational structure in the province to strengthen its electoral support and address internal weaknesses. So can the ANC reclaim power in Gauteng after its 2024 electoral setback? To answer this, Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Gauteng Provincial Coordinator, Hope Papo

en-US

5:11

AfriForum remains defiant despite opening of high...

First Take SA ·

2025/03/04

Lobby group AfriForum remains defiant despite the Hawks opening high treason dockets over allegations of spreading misleading information about the Expropriation Act. The group's CEO, Kallie Kriel, has dismissed the charges, stating they won't be intimidated and are eager to take the matter to court to expose what they deem as the ANC's irresponsible policies. The allegations stem from AfriForum's lobbying efforts in the US, which reportedly led to President Donald Trump cutting aid funding to South

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