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First Take SA

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6:41

South African stuck in Bahrain as Middle East war...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/03

Several countries, including the US and Gulf states, have condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks on sovereign territories. The strikes targeted civilian areas, causing fear among populations. South Africans caught in Bahrain and Dubai bombings are living in fear, hoping to return home safely. Elvis Presslin spoke to South African stuck in Bahrain, Yathin Soni, the MD of North Star Consulting...

en-US

4:48

Road Freight Association warns international oil...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/03

The Road Freight Association, is warning South African consumers to prepare for higher costs at the till, as fuel prices are set to rise. The Association attributes the March fuel price increase to rising international oil prices, triggered by supply and logistics risks amid tensions between Iran, the US and Israel. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association...

en-US

4:58

IPID to release Phala Phala report following...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/03

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is set to release its report on the Phala Phala robbery at President Ramaphosa's farm in Limpopo, following the government's decision to declassify the document. The move comes after ActionSA's year-long push for transparency, with the party issuing papers to IPID to ensure the report's immediate release. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont

en-US

5:28

Vodafone partners with Jeff Bezos's Amazon satellite...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/03

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....Elvis Presslin spoke to 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...

en-US

7:20

COSATU calls for heads to roll in looting of R50...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/03

COSATU is calling for decisive action against senior military officials allegedly involved in the looting of the South African Army Foundation. The union says reports of corruption and mismanagement are "extremely concerning" and demands that those responsible be charged and prosecuted. SANDF personnel are reportedly facing poor working conditions, including unpaid suppliers and inadequate equipment. COSATU wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to task the Special Investigations Unit to probe the scandal

en-US

6:28

Constitutional Development Minister launches 30-year...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/02

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi will lead the national launch of the 30-year anniversary of the Constitution's signing into law today. The event, held at Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum, will also launch Human Rights Month, themed "The Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real". The Constitution, which has been in effect since February 1997, reinforces South Africa's democracy, marking three decades of progress. Elvis Presslin spoke to South Africans for

en-US

5:30

Financial Sector Conduct Authority considering next...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/02

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority has completed an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of R50 million from a fund meant to support South African soldiers. The money, contributed by military personnel, was intended for life insurance, funeral policies and other benefits. The authority says it's considering its next steps. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jeff Dubazana, Chief Negotiator for the South African National Defence Union, SANDU

en-US

6:50

Africa4Palestine condemns killing of Iran's Supreme...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/02

Africa4Palestine has condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which allegedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group slammed the attack as an act of aggression. Elvis Presslin spoke to Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager, Alie Komape

en-US

6:56

President Cyril Ramaphosa concerned by escalating...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/02

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over escalating Middle East tensions after Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli attack. Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes, sparking fears of regional conflict. The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session as global leaders react with alarm. Iran has declared 40 days of mourning. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow and Director at Africa Asia Dialogues (Afrasid)

en-US

4:53

Ekurhuleni mayor faces criticism after high-profile...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/27

Ekurhuleni's Executive Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, is facing criticism after Speaker Dorah Mlambo resigned following her appointment as an MMC. ActionSA condemns the mayor's unilateral decisions, saying they're plunging the city into chaos. Another high-profile resignation is that of ANC's Jongizizwe Dlabathi as regional secretary and MMC. The city's future hangs in the balance as calls grow for the mayor to be held accountable. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA City of Ekurhuleni Caucus Chief

en-US

11:38

MISA says 2026 budget offers little respite for workers

First Take SA ·

2026/02/27

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget speech offers little respite for workers struggling with failing infrastructure and unreliable public transport. MISA is skeptical about government's ability to deliver on promised reforms and infrastructure investments. Elvis Presslin spoke to MISA Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi Majola for more

en-US

5:24

Provisional liquidation application of Tongaat Hulett...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/27

The Durban High Court is set to hear an application for the provisional liquidation of Tongaat Hulett today, marking a critical juncture for the 134-year-old sugar giant. Business rescue practitioners have brought the application after the collapse of a rescue plan approved by creditors in 2024, which aimed to sell the company to the Vision Group. The company's troubles began in 2019 with a devastating accounting fraud scandal, leading to a R12-billion write-down in value and exposing a debt burden

en-US

5:22

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2026/02/27

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

6:56

MK Party to open case against Paul O'Sullivan

First Take SA ·

2026/02/27

The uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party plans to open a case against forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan after he walked out of a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee meeting without permission. O'Sullivan reportedly left to catch a flight. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says she will decide on any action against him once she receives the committee report from chairperson Soviet Lekganyane. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party MP, David Skosana

en-US

4:42

DA in Johannesburg criticises appointment of Loyiso...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/27

The Democratic Alliance, DA in Johannesburg, has sharply criticised the appointment of Loyiso Masuku as the City's first female Deputy Mayor, labelling the position an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. DA representatives argue the role duplicates existing duties and will drain millions in public funds better spent on service delivery. Masuku, also ANC regional chairperson and Finance MMC, was elected unopposed with backing from the ANC caucus plus coalition partners Al Jama-ah and Patriotic Alliance

en-US

8:16

Budget 2026: Social grants to increase in April

First Take SA ·

2026/02/26

Social grants will increase in April, with adjustments slightly above inflation. However, the SRD grant remains unchanged at R370, with payments continuing until next year. Meanwhile, SASSA has terminated nearly 35,000 grants deemed incorrect or fraudulent after upgrading its verification processes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Elizabeth Raiters, Social Grant Activist

en-US

14:26

COSATU criticises the 2026 budget

First Take SA ·

2026/02/26

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has criticized the 2026/27 Budget saying it fails to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. While welcoming some allocations for health, education and social security, COSATU says the focus on balancing books has missed the opportunity for a bold stimulus package. The union is concerned about no funds for 10,000 labour inspectors and inadequate support for struggling municipalities. COSATU is also angry about no inflation adjustment for the

en-US

5:32

Standout undergraduate winner of the 2025 Nedbank &...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/26

Msindisi Lizani, a standout undergraduate, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2025 Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. This esteemed contest has become a launching pad for young economists to share their insights on shaping South Africa's future. Lizani's winning essay delves into the impact of tariffs on developing economies, drawing inspiration from former US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies. He examines the role of tariffs in promoting employment and

en-US

6:14

Deputy Defence minister, General Bantu Holomisa...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/26

Deputy Defence Minister, General Bantu Holomisa has visited 2 Military Hospital in Cape Town, highlighting its crucial role in supporting troops deployed to gang-infested areas. The hospital faces infrastructure and resource challenges, with facilities built decades ago. Minister Holomisa emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to modernize the hospital. The visit focused on pharmacy services, vital for patient care and deployment readiness. Elvis Presslin spoke to Minister Bantu

en-US

10:16

NLC Funding Creates 1,303 Jobs, Supports 10,000...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/25

The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sports, and social support services. The initiatives were mainly in Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and

en-US

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