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First Take SA

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8:00

4 of the 19 trapped in Russia arrives back in South...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/19

Four of the 19 men who were trapped in Russia have arrived back in South Africa. In November last year, the government received distress calls from 17 of the men, who were believed to have been lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs before reportedly being placed in a military‑training programme. Jabulani Khumalo, who is assisting the families of the South African men still stranded in Ukraine, spoke to Elvis Presslin

en-US

11:17

Former Public Protector challenges Shadrack Sibiya's...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/19

Suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya told the Madlanga Commission that former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane had cleared him and the City of Joburg of wrongdoing over his appointment as head of Group Forensic Investigation Services. But Mkhwebane's 2022 report, posted on X, lists irregularities and calls for further action, directly challenging Sibiya's testimony. General Sibiya is facing scrutiny over corruption, political interference and alleged links to organized

en-US

5:12

DA Gauteng leader to deliver party's alternative True...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/19

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga will today deliver the party's alternative True State of the Province Address. Msimanga, joined by DA MPLs and councillors province-wide, will highlight ongoing service delivery failures plaguing the province. Elvis Presslin spoke to Member of Provincial Legislature and Leader of the DA in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga

en-US

13:33

COSATU in KZN condemns collapse of business rescue...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/19

Trade union federation COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal has strongly condemned the collapse of the business rescue process at sugar producer Tongaat Hulett. The company's administrators last week applied to the High Court to end rescue proceedings and move to provisional liquidation, after key sale agreements lapsed earlier this month and no viable rescue remained possible. COSATU KZN says the failure threatens thousands of jobs in the province. Elvis Presslin spoke to Edwin Mkhize, COSATU KZN Provincial

en-US

8:37

DA calls for answers following break-in at the SAPS...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/19

The Democratic Alliance is calling for urgent answers after a break-in at the SAPS K9 Unit in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. Reports say unknown suspects forced their way in and stole four pistols, one R5 assault rifle, one shotgun, plus around 300 rounds of ammunition, handcuffs and empty magazines. The theft was spotted during a shift change. DA NCOP member on security and justice, Mzamo Billy MP, says this is a major security lapse that puts lives at risk. He spoke to Elvis Presslin

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14:07

COSATU: latest Stats SA figures show positive shift...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/18

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU says the latest Stats SA figures show a positive shift in the labour market.This follows the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which showed that the unemployment rate decreased by point five of a percentage point to 31point four-percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. COSATU is calling on the ANC‑led government to strengthen frontline public and municipal services, boost infrastructure investment and expand public employment

en-US

6:38

Hormone-disrupting chemicals found in sanitary pads...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/18

A new University of the Free State study has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in South Africa, even those labelled organic or chemical-free. The research detected phthalates, parabens and bisphenols in all samples, with at least two such substances in every product. UFS scientists warn that millions of women face regular exposure and are calling for clearer labelling, tougher safety regulations and urgent further research. Elvis Presslin

en-US

5:24

Gauteng ANCYL slams Education department over unpaid...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/18

The ANC Youth League in Gauteng has slammed the Gauteng Department of Education over unpaid municipal electricity bills that have left schools in Ekurhuleni without power. In a strongly worded statement, the League described the situation as unacceptable, saying learners are now forced to study in the dark because of the department's failure to settle accounts with the City of Ekurhuleni. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kgotso Pooe, ANC Youth League Spokesperson in Gauteng

en-US

6:35

Messages continue pouring in for Reverend Jesse Jackson

First Take SA ·

2026/02/18

Messages of sympathy are flooding in for Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, who passed away at his Chicago home on Tuesday at age 84. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Jackson "a good man with lots of personality, grit and street smarts" and offering condolences to his family. Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said Jackson "created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary

en-US

5:02

Anti-alcohol organisations to march against alcohol...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/18

Members of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa, together with other anti‑alcohol organisations will today march to Parliament to raise concern about the harmful impact of alcohol on children and local communities. Organisers point to alcohol abuse as a major factor behind high murder rates on the Cape Flats and they are calling for stronger measures to curb its availability and protect vulnerable residents. Elvis Presslin spoke to Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South

en-US

7:14

DA: Gauteng lost 54 000 jobs in fourth quarter of 2025

First Take SA ·

2026/02/18

The Democratic Alliance says Gauteng lost 54,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025, the steepest decline of any province. This with unemployment at 33 % and about 2-point-56 million residents out of work. DA leader Solly Msimanga links the slump to under‑investment caused by high crime, power and water outages and crumbling infrastructure, especially in central business districts such as Johannesburg. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty spoke to Elvis Presslin

en-US

6:44

ACDP appalled by disruptions at a school in Benoni

First Take SA ·

2026/02/17

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) says it is appalled by last week's disruptions to teaching and learning at Wordsworth High School in Benoni- East of Gauteng. ACDP Cllr Palesa Yates says the protest by community members supporting girl learners wishing to wear male school uniforms amounts to grandstanding by those with an inappropriate political agenda. Our schools need to focus on preparing our children for the world of work and not on encouraging sexuality in those still too young to

en-US

5:28

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2026/02/17

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

5:46

ActionSA shortlists five candidates for Joburg mayor...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/17

ActionSA leader and former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has entered the race for the city's mayoral seat ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The party's selection committee has shortlisted five candidates, including Mashaba, national chairperson Michael Beaumont, party spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni, Gauteng provincial leader Funzi Ngobeni and MP Dereleen James. Interviews began on Monday and a final decision will be announced on Saturday. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National

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5:23

DA in Ekurhuleni welcomes suspension of two senior...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/17

The Democratic Alliance in the City of Ekurhuleni has welcomed the decision to place Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari and Head of Human Resources Linda Qxasheka on full suspension. Both officials were named in the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria for failing to discipline suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi. A report from police watchdog IPID recommended disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi over an alleged corrupt contract with a private security firm linked to

en-US

4:33

Three farmers and Eskom employee to appear in court

First Take SA ·

2026/02/17

Three farmers and an Eskom employee are expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate's Court today for their bail applications. The suspects stand accused for alleged electricity theft and illegal connections. Eskom Gauteng Spokesperson, Amanda Qithi spoke to Elvis Presslin

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5:32

SANDF ready for deployment to gang-affected communities

First Take SA ·

2026/02/17

Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Bantu Holomisa says the South African National Defence Force is ready to deploy soldiers to gang‑affected communities nationwide, following President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address. Civic group Cape Forum has welcomed the plan, saying a military presence in areas such as the Cape Flats could help bring stability. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Heindrich Wyngaard, Cape Forum Executive Chairperson

en-US

6:11

Oudtshoorn Activists Demand Arrests After Child Assault

First Take SA ·

2026/02/16

Community activists In Oudtshoorn, Western Cape are demanding the immediate arrest of those behind a disturbing assault on children, that's now gone viral online. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm has been opened and that investigators are still piecing together exactly what happened. Locals are furious and insist the perpetrators face charges without delay. Fresh photos circulating on social media reveal serious injuries on at

en-US

13:05

WASP Condemns Abahlali Leader Killing

First Take SA ·

2026/02/16

The Workers and Socialist Party, (WASP) has condemned the killing of Abahlali baseMjondolo leader Zweli "Khabazela" Mkhize, who was shot on Thursday evening in eNkanini, Ellandale, Gauteng. Police say two hitmen arrived in a Renault and gunned him down at a friend's home. WASP says Mkhize's death is part of a pattern of violence against Abahlali baseMjondolo leaders and holds the state responsible for creating conditions that enable such attacks. The party has called for a police investigation and

en-US

4:57

E-Hailing Murder Suspect in Court

First Take SA ·

2026/02/16

A woman arrested in connection with the brutal murder of an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court today.She faces charges of hijacking and murder. Police say the driver was overpowered inside his vehicle after picking up a man and a woman who had requested the ride. The hijacked vehicle and the driver's body were later found in Atteridgeville on the same day. Elvis Presslin spoke to National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA)

en-US

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