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First Take SA

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6:56

DA outraged by creation of new deputy mayor position...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/30

The Democratic Alliance, DA is outraged over the creation of a new Deputy Mayor position in Johannesburg. The DA estimates setting up the office will cost at least R10 million, this while city services are crumbling. To elaborate further on the party's concerns, Elvis Presslin spoke to Alex Christians, DA Johannesburg Speaker Designate

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6:08

MISA: Don't sacrifice retail motor industry to...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/30

The Motor Industry Staff Association, MISA is cautioning the government against protecting the automotive manufacturing industry at the expense of the retail motor industry. MISA says imposing tariffs on Chinese and Indian vehicle brands could harm job creation in the retail sector. Instead, the association is urging the government to encourage these brands to invest in local manufacturing and create more jobs. MISA welcomes Chery's investment in South Africa and says the influx of new brands has

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10:58

DBE: Foreign learners only 1.8% of total school...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/30

The Department of Basic Education is pushing back against claims that foreign learners are overrunning South African schools, saying the figure is only 1.8% of total enrolment. The Department calls such assertions "patently false" and an attempt to sow division. The department says real challenges like infrastructure backlogs and funding constraints are being addressed and schools must remain spaces of inclusion and safety for all. Elvis Presslin spoke to Basic Education Department Spokesperson,

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7:33

COSATU KZN Outraged Over Unpaid Municipal Workers in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/29

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in KwaZulu-Natal is outraged over the non-payment of municipal workers' salaries in Impendle. Workers are still waiting for their January salaries, which were due on the 23rd, and are facing financial hardship. COSATU is calling for immediate intervention and demands the full payment of outstanding salaries, saying the situation reflects poor governance and financial mismanagement. Elvis Presslin spoke to Edwin Mkhize, COSATU's Provincial

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10:19

Judge Bernard Ngoepe to Probe Claims Navy Defied...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/29

Judge Bernard Ngoepe will lead an inquiry into allegations that the South African Navy ignored President Cyril Ramaphosa's instructions regarding Iran's participation in the Exercise Will for Peace 2026 naval drills. The exercises took place in Simon's Town, Western Cape. The board includes Judge Monica Leeuw, Judge Kathleen Satchwell and Rear Admiral Patrick Duze. Elvis Presslin spoke to SANDF Spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini and Defence Analyst, Kobus Marais

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4:15

EFF Gauteng Slams Suspension of Rea Vaya Feeder Buses...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/29

The EFF Gauteng is up in arms over the suspension of Rea Vaya feeder buses in Soweto. The party says the alleged "unilateral decision" by Joburg Mayor Dada Morero will hurt commuters who rely on the service. EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer Dumisani Baleni spoke to Elvis Presslin

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5:56

DA Opposes Renaming of KwaZulu-Natal

First Take SA ·

2026/01/29

The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal is pushing back against calls to rename the province "KwaZulu". The proposal by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has IFP support, but critics say it could divide communities and erase history. DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers told our Senior producer Ronald Phiri that there are far more pressing issues, like service delivery, economic recovery, unemployment and infrastructure challenges than renaming the province

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4:25

ActionSA Calls for Next SARS Commissioner to Be...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/29

Opposition party ActionSA is calling for the next South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner to be appointed from within the organisation. The party says this would ensure continuity and protect the institution's credibility, following Commissioner Edward Kieswetter's impending departure. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley

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5:42

High Court battle underway over proposed K148 road in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/29

A High Court battle is underway over the proposed K148 road in Gauteng. Developer Francois Nortjé's company, NT55 Investments, is challenging environmental approvals, citing procedural and environmental irregularities. The road's construction has been halted by an interdict, but the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is appealing. The appeal hearing is set for February 17. Concerns include a reduced wetland buffer zone and failure to scope a sewerage plant. Elvis Presslin spoke to

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5:38

March and March Movement Criticises Authorities After...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/28

The March and March Movement has hit out at authorities after its founder, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, was charged with incitement to commit violence.The lobby group calls the decision disappointing, saying the state should rather address the underlying issues than target its leader. Ngobese-Zuma handed herself over to police at Point Station yesterday. She denies any wrongdoing and insists the protests outside Addington Primary School against the placements of undocumented foreign nationals over South

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8:54

Eastern Cape Premier Condemns Visit by Israeli...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/28

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane is condemning a recent visit by Israeli embassy officials to public institutions in the province. Mabuyane says the officials visited healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University without the provincial government's knowledge or consent. He's rejecting what he calls a "sinister deal" and says the King had no mandate to negotiate with Israel. For more clarity Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane's spokesperson, Sonwabo

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10:04

Thousands of Film and TV Workers Protest Government's...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/28

Thousands of film and TV workers are set to march in Cape Town and Pretoria this week, to protest the government's handling of the industry. The "Save SA Film Jobs" coalition says the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's film and TV incentive system is in crisis, with approvals stalled for almost two years and productions collapsing. The coalition warns that without urgent intervention, the industry faces "deindustrialization" and job losses. Elvis Presslin spoke to Chairperson of

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5:19

EFF Youth Command to Open Criminal Case Over Sale of...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/28

The Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command will today open a criminal case at the Hatfield Police Station against individuals accused of selling places at universities and other tertiary institutions.The EFF Youth have called on students and whistleblowers to come forward with evidence, including screenshots and testimonies of payoffs. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nyakallo Mokoena, member of the Economic Freedom Fighters, EFF Youth Command Central Youth Interim Leadership Corps

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6:51

Gauteng Education Department Denies 64% Funding Cut...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/28

The Gauteng Department of Education has denied claims of a 64% funding cut for Quintile 5 schools. The department calls the claims "false, misleading and reckless", saying they've been distorted by the Democratic Alliance. The DA launched a petition against the alleged cuts, which they say will harm learners and teachers from April this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Education Department Spokesperson, Steve Mabona

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4:59

Johannesburg Development Agency CEO Arrested Amid...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/28

The Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Development Agency, JDA, Themba Mathibe has reportedly been arrested amid allegations of contract irregularities and corruption. Authorities reportedly found over a million rands in cash at his premises.The arrest follows a raid at the offices of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, Joshco, on Monday. Joshco has confirmed the operation but hasn't disclosed any details about arrests. Mathibe, who previously served as Joshco's Chief Operations

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8:16

FAWU Condemns SASKO Retrenchments Across South Africa

First Take SA ·

2026/01/27

The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) is condemning SASKO's ongoing retrenchments and closure of distribution and despatch units across South Africa. The union says SASKO has closed several depots, retrenching around 661 workers in the past year, mainly FAWU members. FAWU claims this is part of a deliberate pattern of union-bashing, targeting FAWU strongholds. The union is calling for government action, urging the state to acquire SASKO and place it under democratic control and worker management

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5:53

Good News for Prepaid Users: More Value on Data Bundles

First Take SA ·

2026/01/27

Prepaid mobile users in South Africa are set to get more value from their data bundles. The communications regulator, ICASA, has introduced new rules forcing network operators to let unused data roll over at least once when a bundle expires. From January 23 next year 2027, companies must automatically carry over remaining data on the same terms as the original purchase, with older bundles used first. ICASA says the current practice of letting data and airtime vanish is unfair and exploitative. The

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4:59

No Plans to Expropriate Masia Communal Land — Land...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/27

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has dismissed reports of plans to expropriate communal land in Limpopo's Masia area for private interests. The department says a visit to the Matsila Development Trust area was to discuss rural development initiatives and stalled projects, following an invitation from Chief Matsila. The clarification comes after the Masia Traditional Authority accused Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso of trying to take communal land. The community has reportedly been

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5:54

COSATU Calls on Government to Scrap R372m Defence...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/27

COSATU is calling on government to scrap the R372 million budget for the Defence Force Day parade in Thohoyandou. The union says the spending is a "grotesque waste of funds" that could address pressing needs in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). COSATU is citing struggles in the SANDF, including budget cuts, mismanagement and poor conditions for soldiers, such as deteriorating barracks and reduced meals. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

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6:42

ANC Johannesburg Region Accuses SANCO of Undermining...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/27

The ANC's Johannesburg Region is accusing alliance partner SANCO of trying to undermine its newly elected leadership. The row follows the discovery of ballot papers from the region's conference at a house in Pretoria, with a police presence. The ANC's Sasabona Manganye says the discovery is "a movie" and denies any involvement in manipulating the conference, which saw Loyiso Masuku elected as regional chair. The party is investigating claims of procedural irregularities. Elvis Presslin spoke to

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