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First Take SA

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5:58

Inquest into Steve Biko's death to be reopened

First Take SA ·

2025/09/11

The National Prosecuting Authority, NPA will reopen the inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko on Friday, marking 48 years since he died in police custody. Biko, the 30-year-old founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, was arrested in Port Elizabeth in August 1977 and beaten during interrogation. He suffered severe head injuries and was driven more than 1,000 kilometres to Pretoria without medical help. Official records list his cause of death as brain damage leading to

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8:18

Protests hit Johannesburg's Westbury and...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/11

Protests over chronic water shortages in Johannesburg's Westbury and Coronationville areas turned violent yesterday, leaving one elderly man dead and several others injured. Residents blocked roads with burning tyres and debris, demanding reliable water after nearly a week without taps running. Johannesburg Water says the outages stem from ongoing maintenance, but locals say tanker deliveries aren't enough, especially for the elderly. Protesters vow to keep up the action until officials step in

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5:26

Three year anniversary into Jagersfontein tailings...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/11

Today marks three years since the devastating Jagersfontein tailings dam failure in the Free State. On the 11th of September 2022, the dam collapse flooded homes in Charlesville and Skoti, causing widespread damage. In related news, 26 victims of the disaster, along with the Kopanong Local Municipality, have launched a civil lawsuit against Jagersfontein Developments mine, seeking over three billion rand in damages. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jagersfontein Lerumo Justice Forum Chairperson, Thabo

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5:45

Concerns raised over violence targeting SA's justice...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/11

Civil rights organisation Action Society has raised concerned about the wave of violence targeting South Africa's justice system. The organisation has condemned the attacks on courts and legal professionals as a direct threat to the rule of law. This month a man awaiting a bail hearing was fatally shot at Athlone Magistrate's Court in a suspected gang-related hit, two others were wounded. Police believe the accused may have been targeted to prevent him from turning state witness. Elvis Presslin

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6:21

Court dismisses application to challenge Shadrack...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/10

The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an application by Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya to challenge his placement on leave. The court ordered Sibiya to pay legal costs. The decision follows his suspension in July amid allegations of misconduct raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Sibiya sought to have the leave order declared unlawful and to be reinstated, but the court upheld National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola's decision

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9:06

Hostage situation in Mamelodi East results in two deaths

First Take SA ·

2025/09/10

Police in Tshwane are working to resolve a tense hostage situation in Mamelodi East's Buffer Zone. A 32-year-old police constable has been holding his grandmother, nephew, and another young boy inside a house since 8 AM yesterday. Authorities report the officer fired two shots before police arrived. Hostage negotiators and the Special Task Force are on the scene, engaging with the constable, who is said to be cooperating. The motive remains under investigation and the scene is still active. For the

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16:48

Israel carries out airstrike in Doha, Qatar

First Take SA ·

2025/09/10

Hamas says its leadership survived an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, but confirms six people were killed, including a Qatari security officer. Qatar, a key mediator in Israel-Hamas talks, condemned the strike as a "blatant violation" of international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared there would be "no immunity" for Hamas leaders, stating the attack was a response to recent violence in Jerusalem. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ugandan born Lawyer, investigative journalist and

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9:07

September is National Wills month

First Take SA ·

2025/09/10

September marks National Wills Month, shining a spotlight on one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning. From 15 to 19 September, the Law Society of South Africa hosts Wills Week, urging citizens to draft valid wills. With over 85% of South Africans dying intestate, families face delays, disputes, and financial strain. Experts stress that a will is not just for the wealthy, it's a simple act of care and protection. Elvis Presslin spoke to Yvonne Mojela, Fiduciary Specialist at Glu, a

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8:06

SA government criticised over the attendance of the...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/10

The South African government is facing sharp criticism after representatives of the sanctioned M23 rebel group attended a peace and security dialogue in Magaliesburg, Gauteng, without proper vetting. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation hosted the event, which aimed to address conflicts across Africa. The presence of M23, just months after 14 South African soldiers were killed in clashes with the group in Goma, has sparked outrage. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola insists the government was

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8:24

2nd day of the Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/09

Today is the second day of the Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia, over 60 children from 14 African countries are urging leaders to put their voices at the heart of climate policies. UNICEF warns that 51 million children across the continent face hunger, displacement, and climate shocks. The summit aim to accelerate climate solutions in response to the worsening impacts of climate change on African economies. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gugu Xaba CEO Save the children South Africa as she joins us from

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6:19

Solidarity takes Minister in the Presidency to court...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/09

Trade union Solidarity is taking Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni to court over alleged defamation, after she claimed that Solidarity and its sister organisation AfriForum led misinformation campaigns against South Africa. The union launched a defamation case against Ntshavheni, with President Cyril Ramaphosa being the second respondent in the case. Elvis Presslin spoke to Solidarity Deputy CEO, Anton van der Bijl

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16:23

Madlanga Commission findings not legally binding

First Take SA ·

2025/09/09

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe corruption and political interference in South Africa's justice system is facing criticism after revealing its findings will not be legally binding. Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson says the Commission's role is to hold public hearings and make recommendations to the president, who will have the final say. The hearings are scheduled to start in Pretoria this month, with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner

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5:34

Today is International Alcohol and Foetal Spectrum...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/09

Today marks International Alcohol and Foetal Spectrum Disorders Day. The day highlights the risks of alcohol use for pregnant women and their unborn children. To address this, a consultant with the South African Network of People who Use Drugs (SANPUD), has spearheaded a new initiative. Julie Mac Donnell developed "Pregnancy and Substance Use", a toolkit designed for South African healthcare professionals. It offers an evidence-based framework to support tailored, empathetic care for pregnant women

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4:47

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/09/09

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

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8:28

12th SA AIDS conference gets underway today

First Take SA ·

2025/09/08

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will open the 12th SA AIDS Conference today at Emperor's Palace in Gauteng. The event gathers leaders, researchers, academics and advocates from South Africa and beyond to tackle the ongoing fight against HIV and its management. Elvis Presslin spoke to Public Health Specialist at Anova Health Institute and SA AIDS Conference 2025 Co-Chairperson, Dr. Kate Rees

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12:53

Exorbitant payments to water board executives slammed

First Take SA ·

2025/09/08

MK Member of Parliament Visvin Reddy has slammed the exorbitant payments made to water board executives. According to a parliamentary response from Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, senior board members earn nearly R50-million a year in fees, with some pocketing up to R100,000 for a single meeting. Reddy calls this a blatant misuse of funds, accusing water boards of becoming cash cows for insiders while South Africans face ongoing water service disruptions. Mr. Reddy spoke to Elvis

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7:15

Shell to appeal court ruling halting offshore...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/08

Shell and the South African government have applied for leave to appeal a High Court ruling that halted offshore drilling along the West Coast. Last month, the Western Cape High Court overturned environmental approval for exploration in Block 5,6 and 7 pointing to inadequate assessments of oil spill risks, climate impacts and effects on coastal communities. The case was brought by The Green Connection and Natural Justice against TotalEnergies and Shell. Elvis Presslin spoke to Shahil Singh, Legal

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6:32

Killing of insolvency lawyer in Johannesburg condemned

First Take SA ·

2025/09/08

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has condemned the killing of insolvency lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, who was shot at his Johannesburg office on Friday. The Minister expressed her condolences to van Niekerk's family, friends and colleagues. Authorities are investigating but no motive has been established. Elvis Presslin spoke to Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development

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6:35

SAHRC slams unlawful evictions in Gauteng municipalities

First Take SA ·

2025/09/08

The South African Human Rights Commission has slammed unlawful evictions carried out by municipalities, law enforcement and private security firms. The Commission says these actions breach the Constitution and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act. The Commission also criticized Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's recent comments about conducting evictions in the early hours, calling them "inhumane, degrading and dangerous. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomzamo Zondo, Executive Director of the

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11:09

Parents urged to sign consent forms for the...

First Take SA ·

2025/09/05

The Gauteng Health Department is urging parents and guardians to urgently sign consent forms to allow children to receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine amid an ongoing outbreak. The department says the six-week vaccination drive, running until September 12th, aims to protect over 3 million children, yet fewer than a million have been reached so far. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mari van der Westhuizen, Child health CDC Assistant Nursing Manager at the Tshwane District Outbreak Response unit from the

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