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First Take SA

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News and Current Affairs

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7:17

Gauteng Learners Stranded as Education Department...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/05

Thousands of Gauteng learners are reportedly without transport after the provincial education department failed to pay scholar‑transport operators. The Democratic Alliance says at least 20 schools are affected, with operators reporting they have not received payments for more than three months, breaching a 30‑day contract term. The Gauteng Small Bus Operators' Council says the Department of Roads and Transport has also not issued required permits, prompting many operators to suspend services. DA

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6:10

NUM members protest outside IDC offices over job cuts

First Take SA ·

2026/02/05

Members of the National Union of Mineworkers, NUM have been protesting outside the Industrial Development Corporation's head office in Sandton, demanding action over imminent job cuts at Cast Products South Africa, which faces liquidation. The union says hundreds of jobs are on the line and is calling on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to intervene and find a solution. For more on the situation, Elvis Presslin spoke to NUM PWV Regional Organiser, Mpho Hlongwane

en-US

7:16

AgriSA welcomes extension of AGOA

First Take SA ·

2026/02/05

AgriSA has welcomed the United States Senate's approval of a one‑year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA. The Act grants eligible sub‑Saharan African nations, including South Africa, duty‑free access to the US market. AgriSA says the so‑called "Liberation Day" tariffs of 30 percent have reduced some of AGOA's benefits but the programme remains vital for local exporters. To discuss the impact, Elvis Presslin spoke to AgriSA Chief Executive Officer, Johann Kotze

en-US

6:13

The first Annual "The Rural" Career Expo is underway...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/04

The Baphiring Tribal Authority, in partnership with The Princess & Friends NPC, is hosting the first Annual "The Rural" Career Expo. The event is currently underway at the Baphiring Tribal Offices and Sports Grounds in Mabaalstad, exposing around 4 000 learners to career paths in accountancy, commerce, STEM field - science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) , medical sciences, arts and humanities. It also provides career guidance, mentorship and access to scholarships and bursaries

en-US

2:55

Water shortage in Johannesburg enters its seventh day

First Take SA ·

2026/02/04

The water shortage in Johannesburg, especially in Midrand, has entered its seventh day, leaving thousands without running water. As local elections approach, RISE Mzansi says the crisis must be addressed at the ballot box. The party is urging residents to vote for new leadership in the upcoming local government elections to address the ongoing water challenges. Elvis Presslin spoke to RISE Mzansi National Chairperson and Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa

en-US

4:24

DA in Ekurhuleni concerned over salary increases for...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/04

The Democratic Alliance in the City of Ekurhuleni has raised concerns over salary increases awarded to two senior officials who are now on precautionary suspension. Caucus leader Brandon Pretorius says Khemie Beharie, Head of Legal Services, and Linda Gxasheka, Head of Human Resources, each received a 28 percent raise, about R585,000, just two months after being appointed to their departmental posts. Both officials are currently suspended pending investigations linked to separate allegations from

en-US

7:26

DA leader expected to announce he will not seek...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/04

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is expected to announce today that he will not seek re‑election at the party's federal congress In April. Steenhuisen, who has led the DA since 2019 and also serves as Agriculture Minister, has faced mounting criticism from groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity, as well as from some farmers. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel described Steenhuisen's centralised, state‑heavy response to the foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak as the "last straw," saying it reflected

en-US

5:52

World Cancer Day: South Africa's cancer burden is...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/04

Today marks World Cancer Day, which is observed globally on the 4th of February. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) says the country's cancer burden is growing fast with new cases projected to double by 2030, reaching around 220,000 annually. The Association says people‑centred care can save lives, restore dignity and give hope. Elvis Presslin spoke to CANSA Clinical Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, Professor Michael Herbst

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6:29

MK Party Criticises O'Sullivan, Mogotsi's...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/03

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has condemned the refusal by Paul O'Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament's Ad-Hoc Committee, citing alleged security concerns. The party says no individual is above the law and all persons summoned to appear before the committee must comply. The MK Party notes inconsistencies in Mr. O'Sullivan's position on security concerns and says adequate security arrangements were offered to Mr. Mogotsi, which he declined. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party Member of

en-US

4:48

Disgruntled Midrand residents to hold peaceful march

First Take SA ·

2026/02/03

Disgruntled residents of Midrand in Johannesburg will hold a peaceful march today on Vodacom Boulevard and Lever Road to demand water. The community says they have been without water for two weeks and are demanding immediate action. Concerned Midrand Resident, Lebogang Shovhote spoke to Elvis Presslin

en-US

5:41

Investigation to be conducted into Doornfontein...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/03

The City of Johannesburg says a full investigation will be conducted into the Doornfontein explosion, which caused a wall to partially collapse. Public Safety MMC Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku says the building was a warehouse converted into a residential structure. DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille says the explosion, which left four people injured, could have been prevented. Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku spoke to Elvis Presslin

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5:04

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2026/02/03

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

8:08

Shock and disappointment after DIRCO declared Israeli...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/02

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies says it is shocked and disappointed by DIRCO's decision to declare Israeli Chargé d'Affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata, giving him three days to leave the country. DIRCO says Seidman committed unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms, challenging South Africa's sovereignty. In response, Israel has declared South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, persona non grata, citing South Africa's actions against Israel

en-US

4:53

KZN Hawks Head breached security protocols

First Take SA ·

2026/02/02

KwaZulu-Natal police say Hawks Head Major-General Lesetja Senona breached security protocols by entering the police headquarters on a weekend and failing to sign the register. The provincial department issued a statement in response to Senona's claims that he was kicked out of his office and had his electronic devices confiscated on the instruction of Provincial Police Commissioner Lt. Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Senona also alleged he was followed to his Durban residence by marked SAPS vehicles. Police

en-US

13:38

Strong emotions over changing of geographical names...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/02

The changing of geographical names of places and towns continues to evoke strong emotions across South Africa. This week, 21 name changes and name registrations from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were approved. The Executive Director of Lex Libertas, Ernst Roets says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie's approval of these name changes, including Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sokubwe, shows the problem of centralised power in South Africa. Roets says opposition parties in the

en-US

7:38

Gauteng Provincial Government slams DA theat over...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/02

The Gauteng Provincial Government says the DA's threat of a legal review of the Traffic Wardens' Peace Officers declaration is politically motivated and not based on principle. It says the process follows recommendations from the Public Protector and is a result of collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Police and the provincial government. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga

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5:24

DA in Gauteng to seek legal opinion over Peace...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/02

The Democratic Alliance, DA in Gauteng says it will seek legal opinion on the decision to declare more than 9,000 Crime Prevention Wardens, known as Amapanyaza, as Peace Officers. DA provincial leader, Solly Msimanga says the process appears rushed and may lack the required training and legislative framework. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Leader, Solly Msimanga

en-US

5:52

Health Department launches the 2026 HPV vaccination...

First Take SA ·

2026/02/02

The Department of Health will launch the 2026 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination drive today, targeting girls aged 9 and older, mainly in Grade 5, to protect them from cervical cancer. Over 5,700 cases of cervical cancer are reported annually in South Africa, with more than 3,000 deaths. Unvaccinated girls and women with HIV face higher risks. For more on the vaccination roll out, Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Fikile Ndlovu, Deputy Director General for HIV, TB, Maternal and Child Health at the

en-US

6:37

ActionSA welcomes Tshwane's decision to blacklist...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/30

ActionSA has welcomed the City of Tshwane's move to blacklist companies linked to controversial businessman Edwin Sodi, involved in the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant scandal. The party says this is a long-overdue step towards justice for Hammanskraal residents who suffered due to alleged corruption. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont

en-US

5:17

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2026/01/30

en-US

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