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First Take SA

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6:06

R360m police health deal scandal sees 12 officers in...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

Twelve senior police officers and a company director are set to appear in Pretoria Magistrates' Court today, facing corruption charges tied to the R360m Medicare 24 contract. The contract, meant to provide health services for SAPS staff, was cancelled in May 2025 amid allegations of tender irregularities, with links to implicated individuals, including murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Elvis Presslin spoke to Juanita du Preez, Spokesperson for Action Society

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10:35

SA loses R16.5bn to illicit alcohol as industry urges...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The Drinks Federation of South Africa says illicit alcohol costs the country billions, with an estimated R25 billion annual market value. Illicit trade accounts for 18% of the market, resulting in R16.5 billion in fiscal losses. DF-SA is calling for coordinated action to combat the issue. The federation will participate in the EMEA Security Conference in Cape Town. A Responsible Trade Task Force has been established to tackle the problem. Elvis Presslin spoke to Shamal Ramesar, who is the Head of

en-US

5:00

MK Party seeks urgent court bid to block...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party has approached the High Court in Pretoria on an urgent basis to block what it calls the unlawful release of public funds tied to National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. The party claims serious doubts over Batohi's fitness to remain in office and fears she could still pocket a large gratuity payment despite those concerns. Elvis Presslin spoke tp MK Party MP, Mzwanele Manyi

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5:02

FOSA urges IEC to boost election integrity amid...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) is calling on the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC to strengthen electoral systems and restore public confidence ahead of elections. FOSA cites concerns over vote rigging, ballot paper handling and voting process vulnerabilities. The group demands urgent interventions, including independent monitoring, strict vetting of election staff and prevention of political interference. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South

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6:12

Ethics committee finds Nkabane guilty of misconduct...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests has ordered former Higher Education Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane to apologise in the National Assembly for gross misconduct and misleading Parliament on SETA board appointments. The committee says Nkabane, now ANC Deputy Chief Whip allowed alleged political interference and her advisor to effectively control the process. Elvis Presslin spoke to Karabo Khakhau, MP and DA Deputy Spokesperson on Higher Education and Training

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6:24

SA tourism proposes short-term rental rules, raising...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/25

The Department of Tourism has invited public comment on a proposed Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals, which could lead to mandatory regulations. The code may allow municipalities to reclassify residential properties as commercial, increasing rates and taxes. Hosts and guests are concerned about privacy, with the code requiring platforms to share user data. The public has 60 days to comment on the proposal

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9:24

At least 34 Gauteng schools found to be non-compliant...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

At least 34 Gauteng schools are non-compliant with health and safety regulations, posing a threat to learners and teachers, this according to the Democratic Alliance, DA. The party is calling for urgent action to address the issue. MEC Matome Chiloane says all schools have safety committees, but the DA questions the department's approach. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA's Shadow MEC of Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos

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5:25

Calls mount for authorities to deport foreign...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

Some South Africans have reignited calls to deport foreign nationals serving prison sentences in the country to alleviate overcrowding and the financial burden on taxpayers. Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald says around 26,000 foreign prisoners are costing the state approximately R463 per day each. That's around R11 million a year. Dr. Groenewald wants to send them back to their home countries to serve out their sentences. Elvis Presslin spoke to Golden Miles Bhudu, Prisoners'

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4:17

AfriForum records Supreme Court of Appeal victory in...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

Lobby group, AfriForum has won a court battle against Eskom, forcing the power utility to reveal its coal contracts. The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Eskom's appeal, ordering the release of contracts for coal, diesel and electricity supply to neighbouring countries. The court ruled the public has a right to access the contracts. AfriForum plans to scrutinise the contracts for irregularities. The victory comes nearly four years after AfriForum's initial Promotion of Access to Information Act,

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5:50

DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink under scrutiny...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

ActionSA has formally lodged complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament's Ethics Committee following serious allegations that senior Democratic Alliance, DA public representatives have received additional "top-up" payments from the party in potential violation of the Constitution. In the same breath, the EFF in Tshwane say they will write to the speaker and chief whip of Tshwane council to check if DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink declared an alleged extra R62 000 that he receives every

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5:53

Africa Is Open For Business Author, Victor...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by 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

8:33

Motor Industry Staff Association affirms calls for...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/24

The Motor Industry Staff Association, MISA says it agrees with Deputy President Paul Mashatile that workers need support to adapt to Artificial Intelligence. Mashatile is challenging labour federations to develop a Digital Workers' Charter. He warns that AI can improve efficiency but demands new skills and it could reshape jobs. Elvis Presslin spoke to MISA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola

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6:24

Presidency Denies Political Pressure Behind SABC’s...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/23

The SABC has cancelled Face the Nation, citing cost and scheduling changes. The move follows allegations of censorship and political interference, which the SABC and Presidency deny. The ANC equally rejects claims that it tried to influence programming at the public broadcaster. Elvis Presslin spoke to Presidency Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya

en-US

4:43

R100m NW Edu Ghost Workers Scandal Not Isolated - PSA

First Take SA ·

2026/03/23

The Public Servants Association, PSA has slammed the North West Education Department for downplaying a massive R100 million ghost-employee payroll scandal an isolated incident. Auditor-General findings point to alleged deep systemic failures and negligence in the department's financial controls. The Union is demanding full accountability and wants both the Head of Department and CFO to step down immediately. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nceba Baardman, Public Servants Association, PSA, North West Labour

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4:10

Gauteng Braces for Severe Weather Conditions

First Take SA ·

2026/03/23

The South African Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Gauteng, excluding the City of Tshwane today. Heavy downpours, localised flooding, hail and damaging winds are expected. Elvis Presslin spoke to forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela for more

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5:25

DA Considers Dragging Tshwane to Madlanga Commission...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/23

The Democratic Alliance, DA plans to approach the Madlanga Commission with allegations of corruption in Tshwane. DA mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink says Deputy Mayor, Eugene Modise has undeclared interests in security and water tanker companies. Brink claims funds meant for infrastructure were diverted to politically connected entities.Modise has denied wrongdoing. For reaction, we're joined by Joel Masilela ka Mahlangu, ANC Greater Tshwane Regional Spokesperson

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4:33

ActionSA to Lay Charges Against McKenzie Over Alleged...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/23

Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie is facing intimidation charges after ActionSA MP, Dereleen James accused him of threatening her. The row started when James questioned McKenzie's travel expenses and Kenny Kunene's links to alleged crime figure Katiso Molefe. McKenzie had accused James of spreading lies about him on Facebook Live. ActionSA plans to lay charges against the minister. McKenzie denies making threats. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont

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5:49

Foreign Nationals Among Patients Owing Gauteng Health...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/23

The Gauteng Department of Health is taking steps to recover R4.6 billion in outstanding patient fees. A significant portion, R2.4 billion, is owed by self-paying patients, including foreign nationals. The department has appointed debt collectors and is targeting traceable debt categories. Elvis Presslin spoke to Siyabonga Jikwana, Chief Director of Health Economics and Finance at the Gauteng Department of Health...

en-US

12:00

Tshwane rocked by Tender fraud allegations involving...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/20

ANC in the Tshwane Metro reacts to the allegations of Tender fraud that involves the City's Chief Financial Officer. ANC Tshwane region spokesperson is Joel Masilela

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3:59

COPE is calling for President Ramaphosa to fire...

First Take SA ·

2026/03/20

The Congress of the People, COPE is calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu immediately. This follows revelations that Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, unilaterally disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) without consulting President Ramaphosa. COPE says Mchunu's actions show poor judgment and a lack of accountability and that his removal is necessary to restore public trust in the police leadership. COPE's Acting National Chairperson, Pakes

en-US

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