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First Take SA

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7:27

Forum for South Africa Not Impressed With...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/30

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA has criticized government's extension of fuel levy relief, calling it deceptive. FOSA says the measure is a short-term fix that fails to address the country's economic crisis. The organisation argues the relief is fiscally misleading and shifts the burden back to consumers. We spoke to National Leader Tebogo Mashilompane

en-US

6:47

Former NSFAS Interim Chair Dr. Mugwena Maluleke Steps...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/30

Former NSFAS interim chair Dr. Mugwena Maluleke says he has no regrets about his service to the student aid body. His exit comes amid a wave of high-level board resignations raising concerns over governance and stability. Questions remain about whether NSFAS can still function effectively despite the leadership gaps. The Department of Higher Education insists funding operations will continue uninterrupted. Dr. Maluleke reflected on his tenure and the broader challenges facing NSFAS

en-US

7:17

Mugabe’s Youngest Son Deported From SA

First Take SA ·

2026/04/30

Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is back in Zimbabwe after being deported from South Africa. He was removed yesterday after pleading guilty to pointing a firearm and contravening immigrations laws. His lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says they are considering an appeal against the Home Affairs ban stopping his return to South Africa. His co-accused Tobias Matonhodze pleaded guilty to attempted murder and received a three-year jail term after which he will be

en-US

4:10

Family Of The Late President Edgar Lungu Due To...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/30

The Zambian government and the family of late president Edgar Lungu will appear in the Pretoria High Court today. The matter concerns the repatriation of Lungu's remains to Zambia. Civic movement Progressive Forces will hold a picket outside the court in support of the Zambian government's position to have him buried in his home country. We spoke to Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, President of Progressive Forces of South Africa.

en-US

5:31

Undocumented Foreign Nationals Allegedly Released...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/30

The Azanian Ground Forces says its meeting with the Elsburg SAPS Station Commander was a resounding success. The AGF raised allegations that some undocumented immigrants are released without court appearances after allegedly paying bribes. We spoke to AGF President and a former MMC for Public Safety in Ekurhuleni, Tlhogi Moseki

en-US

11:06

Popcru Rallies Behind Cosatu Ahead Of May Day...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/29

As workers across South Africa prepare to mark May Day, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union is calling on its members to turn out in full force in support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions May Day rallies. Amid rising living costs, austerity pressures, and deep challenges within the criminal justice system, including understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and deteriorating infrastructure, POPCRU says the fight for worker dignity is far from over. We spoke to Richard Mamabolo,

en-US

5:39

UAE OPEC Exit Not Cause For Panic Economist Explains

First Take SA ·

2026/04/29

The United Arab Emirates says it will withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ on May first after more than 50 years in the alliance. The move removes quota limits on the UAE and allows it to increase oil production. The decision could lift global oil output and shift market dynamics. Meanwhile, South Africa has extended its fuel levy reduction to June to ease pressure on motorists. But what impact will the UAE's exit from OPEC and OPEC+ have on South Africa? We spoke to Frank Blackmore, Lead economist at KPMG

en-US

4:55

SANEF Chair Makhudu Sefara Steps Aside, Rejects SIU...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/29

SANEF chairperson Makhudu Sefara has stepped aside pending an investigation into SIU allegations of lottery fund misappropriation. Sefara denied the claims at an urgent SANEF meeting last night. SANEF accepted his decision and appointed deputy chair Tshamano Makhadi as acting chairperson. An independent legal team will evaluate the evidence. We spoke to Reggy Moalusi, Executive Director at South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF...

en-US

8:24

ActionSA Demands Probe Into R285 Million Textbook Tender

First Take SA ·

2026/04/29

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has asked National Treasury to investigate alleged irregularities in foundation phase textbook procurement. Gwarube warned that problems in the process could affect more than 13 million learners. She has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana requesting a formal probe. The Minister says those found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences. We spoke to Lerato Ngobeni, ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip.

en-US

6:17

Postal Unions Protest Over Future of SA Post Office

First Take SA ·

2026/04/29

The Communication Workers Union and its allies will hold a national shutdown and march today to demand action on the Post Office crisis. Workers want R3.8 billion in urgent funding, a 30% government business allocation, job security and an end to the Business Rescue Process. A memorandum will be handed to the Communications Minister and National Treasury in Pretoria. The unions say SAPO is a public lifeline and warn of escalation if demands are ignored. We spoke to Bokaba Kodisang, General Secretary

en-US

6:55

Lifestyle Choices Among Major Diabetes Risk Factors

First Take SA ·

2026/04/29

The National Health Laboratory Service has launched South Africa's first National Diabetes Dashboard. The HbA1c dashboard gives a near real-time national view of diabetes control using lab data updated within 48 hours. It comes as diabetes remains a leading cause of death in the country. We spoke to Dr. Siyabonga Khoza, Head of Academic Department at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Head of the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand

en-US

5:52

Unpacking Africa’s Top Economic Stories with Victor...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/28

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

en-US

5:25

SAPS Ramps Up Drug Crackdown at OR Tambo

First Take SA ·

2026/04/28

Law enforcement agencies have intensified operations at OR Tambo International Airport following a series of back-to-back drug trafficking busts over the long weekend. In the latest incident, police intercepted a Dutch national attempting to board a flight to London with 60kg of khat concealed in his luggage, less than 24 hours after a Brazilian national was arrested at the same airport carrying cocaine worth an estimated R8.7 million.We spoke to Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng

en-US

5:42

Gauteng Child Immunisation Drops to 75%

First Take SA ·

2026/04/28

The Gauteng Department of Health says child immunization has fallen to 75%, putting children under one at greater risk of preventable diseases. As Africa marks African Vaccination Week, the department is urging parents to keep vaccinations on schedule. We spoke to Yolandie Luther, Assistant director Expanded program on immunization and Communicable Diseases control.

en-US

8:42

Pressure Grows Over SAPS Leadership Suspensions

First Take SA ·

2026/04/24

The Inkatha Freedom Party, IFP has raised concerns over temporary leadership in South Africa's police service following the suspension of National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has been appointed acting national commissioner. Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension over alleged violations of public finance rules. The IFP says it respects due process but warns that key posts in the security cluster being held in acting capacities creates instability. We spoke

en-US

6:10

Batohi Declines Further Testimony at Nkabinde Enquiry

First Take SA ·

2026/04/24

Former NPA head Shamila Batohi has formally declined to give further evidence at the Nkabinde Enquiry in Pretoria. She calls the decision "considered and informed" after "significant thought and reflection". The inquiry is probing the fitness of suspended South Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke to hold office. Batohi walked out in December citing the need to consult lawyers during cross-examination, a request the inquiry later refused. We spoke to MK Party MP, Mzwanele Manyi.

en-US

5:20

A look at the current top African economic stories...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/24

A look at the current top African economic stories with VictorKgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

en-US

16:08

Fathers Matter Campaign Highlights Dads’ Role in...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/24

As South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violence, a growing movement is calling for a shift in how we address the root causes. The Heartlines Fathers Matter campaign is urging men—and society at large—to recognise the critical role fathers and male role models play in shaping the emotional development of children and preventing violence before it begins. For Themba Dlamini, this message is deeply personal. After surviving a violent hijacking, he was struck not only by

en-US

9:23

ConCourt Rules SAHRC Directives Not Legally Binding

First Take SA ·

2026/04/23

In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has upheld a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal, confirming that directives issued by the South African Human Rights Commission are not legally binding. While the Commission retains its powers to investigate complaints and make findings on human rights violations, the judgment makes it clear that it cannot enforce compliance through its directives. The ruling raises important questions about the powers of Chapter 9 institutions

en-US

6:47

Employment Dept To Cancel BEMAWU Trade Union...

First Take SA ·

2026/04/23

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued notice to cancel the registration of trade union BEMAWU. Deputy Registrar Mongwadi Mary Ngwetjana cites failure to comply with sections of the Labour Relations Act and says the union ceased to function. BEMAWU and interested parties now have 60 days to submit written representations on why registration should not be cancelled. We spoke to William Bird, Director of Moxii Africa, formerly Media Monitoring Africa.

en-US

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