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First Take SA

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6:16

SADTU welcomes investigation of ghost workers in...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/22

The South African Democratic Teachers Union, SADTU has welcomed the Education Labour Relations Council's appointment to investigate claims of ghost workers in public schools. The nationwide inquiry, backed by five teacher unions, the Department of Basic Education and all nine provincial education departments, aims to tackle corruption and rebuild trust in the education payroll system. Elvis Presslin spoke to SADTU, spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi

en-US

7:26

PA leader accuses the SAHRC of defamation

First Take SA ·

2025/08/22

Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has accused the South African Human Rights Commission of defamation. The Commission found prima facie evidence of hate speech in McKenzie's past social media posts, which were flagged as offensive. McKenzie called the findings premature and politically motivated, saying they harm his reputation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal Analyst, Advocate Modidima Mannya

en-US

5:18

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/08/22

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

10:48

OUTA welcomes decision to place three SETA's under...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/21

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, OUTA, has welcomed the government's decision to place three Sector Education and Training Authorities, CETA, Services SETA, and LGSETA under administration. However, the watchdog warns this step alone won't address years of corruption, wasteful spending, and leadership failures. OUTA is questioning why INSETA was excluded from the intervention despite its own governance issues and has raised concerns about the credibility of some appointed administrators. The

en-US

6:11

DIRCO dismisses allegations of racially motivated...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/21

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO has dismissed allegations of racially motivated attacks in rural and farming communities, as stated in the 2024 US Human Rights Report. DIRCO calls the claims inaccurate, citing South African police data from January to March 2025, which recorded six murders in farming areas, involving farm workers, dwellers and farmers, with no evidence of racial motives. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson for AfriForum

en-US

6:09

Concerns raised over dissolution of the South African...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/21

The Portfolio Committee on Tourism has raised concerns over the recent dissolution of the South African Tourism Board by Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. Reports indicate the Minister acted after the Board overstepped its authority by appointing a member to perform duties of the former Chairperson, Professor Gregory Davids, who resigned in July. The Board also reportedly violated its own charter by holding a special meeting without the Chairperson's approval. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ms

en-US

5:56

FEDUSA welcomes decision to reinstate powers for...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/21

The Federation of Unions of South Africa, FEDUSA has welcomed the Department of Employment and Labour's move to reinstate powers for labour inspectors to enforce pension fund payments. FEDUSA says this tackles widespread theft of workers' retirement savings by dishonest employers in industries like cleaning, security and local government, where unpaid contributions have ballooned into billions, leaving many workers in poverty. Elvis Presslin spoke to the General Secretary of FEDUSA, Riefdah Ajam

en-US

6:11

Protests to take place over coal exports to Israel

First Take SA ·

2025/08/21

Trade unions, civic groups and pro-Palestine activists are protesting across South Africa today, opposing the government's coal exports to Israel amid the ongoing Hamas and Israel conflict. Demonstrations are expected outside the Department of Trade and Industry in several provinces. Protesters claim South Africa's coal supplies fuel Israel's energy needs, powering systems used to profile Palestinians and conduct military strikes in Gaza. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mametlwe Sebei, President of the

en-US

8:58

ActionSA slams the approval of radio ads regarding...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/20

ActionSA has slammed the Department of Health for approving radio ads claiming vaping is as harmful as smoking cigarettes. The party calls the statement false and misleading, citing scientific evidence that vaping poses fewer risks than combustible cigarettes. ActionSA accuses the Department of spreading propaganda and undermining Parliament by presenting unpassed provisions of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill as law. The Bill remains under review by the Portfolio

en-US

5:19

Criticism after President raises annual political...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/20

Civil society group My Vote Counts has criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to raise the annual political donation limit to R30 million from R15 million and the disclosure threshold to R200,000 from R100,000. Senior Researcher Joel Bregman told our senior producer, Ronald Phiri, that the changes will reduce transparency in political funding, potentially allowing private interests to exert greater influence and increasing the risk of corruption

en-US

6:29

Suspect in custody after violent attack on three DA MPs

First Take SA ·

2025/08/20

A suspect is in custody following a violent attack on three Democratic Alliance MPs in Philippi, Cape Town. The incident occurred shortly after an oversight visit to the SAPS Training College. Chairperson of Parliament's Police Portfolio Committee, Ian Cameron, along with DA MPs Lisa-Maré Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell, were ambushed by men armed with bricks who smashed their vehicle's windows. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA National Spokesperson, Willie Aucamp

en-US

6:21

Today marks the 1983 launch of the UDF

First Take SA ·

2025/08/20

Today marks the anniversary of the United Democratic Front's launch In 1983, In Cape Town's Rocklands Community Centre, Mitchell's Plain. The UDF, a major anti-apartheid coalition, united groups to oppose the Apartheid Government's Tricameral Constitution, which offered limited rights to Indians and Coloureds while excluding Blacks entirely. The launch was strategically timed to coincide with the government's planned introduction of the constitution. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU national

en-US

12:43

NUMSA and Goodyear Tyres reach a settlement over the...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/19

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, NUMSA has reached a settlement with Goodyear Tyres, bringing relief to over 900 workers affected by the closure of the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape after 78 years of operation. Each employee will receive a lump sum severance package starting at approximately R100,000, along with additional non-financial benefits. Although Goodyear declined to keep the factory open, NUMSA, supported by the government, is actively seeking new investors to

en-US

5:41

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/08/19

en-US

6:07

Limpopo's premier dismisses allegations of irregular...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/19

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has dismissed allegations of irregular payments and nepotism at Mogalakwena Local Municipality. The claims surfaced on a social media account allegedly run by Mogalakwena Municipal Manager Morris Montengo Maluleka. According to the post, Premier Ramathuba and Cooperative Governance MEC Basikopo Makamu supposedly directed Maluleka to process suspicious transactions and hire relatives of the two politicians. The account has since been deactivated. Elvis Presslin

en-US

5:06

The e-Hailing Partners Council in Gauteng to protest...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/19

The e-Hailing Partners Council is marching today to the Gauteng Legislature and provincial Roads and Transport Department to protest ongoing issues. The group accuses the departments of failing to issue operating permits, conducting unfair vehicle impoundments and neglecting to integrate efficient transport systems. They also claim the Taxi Violence Police unit has not been deployed to key areas like Maponya Mall, Bosman Station, Chris Hani and Eastgate. This follows the tragic death of an e-hailing

en-US

20:50

Two ANC NEC members criticised over public remarks...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/19

The ANC has sharply criticized two of its National Executive Committee members, Malusi Gigaba and Senzo Mchunu, for recent public remarks. This after Gigaba claimed the ANC has "lost its way" and failed to achieve its goals, while also calling for the postponement of the National Dialogue held this past weekend. Mchunu warned that the party is on the verge of collapse. The ANC labelled their statements a "flagrant violation" of party protocols. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC National spokesperson,

en-US

5:16

DA slams plan to cut electricity to entire...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/18

The DA in Johannesburg has slammed City Power's plan to cut electricity to entire neighbourhoods unless 80% of households prove legitimate vending compliance. The DA calls the policy unconstitutional, unlawful and unfair, arguing it punishes paying customers and harms vulnerable residents. The party is demanding the City to scrap the blanket disconnection plan immediately. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

en-US

7:02

AMCU's president calls for a major political overhaul...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/18

AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa has called for a major political overhaul in South Africa. Speaking at the 13th anniversary of the Marikana massacre near Rustenburg, in the North West, Mathunjwa proposed reducing the country's over 600 registered political parties to just two. Mathunjwa argues this would streamline governance and address ongoing challenges. Elvis Presslin spoke to AMCU President, Joseph Mathunjwa

en-US

5:58

OUTA reveals questionable European trip by Transport...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/18

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has revealed a questionable European trip by seven Transport Department officials, who travelled to France and Amsterdam to inspect a smart card printing machine for driver's licenses, only to reportedly examine the wrong one. A video shared on X shows the group toasting in Amsterdam, raising concerns about the trip's purpose amid a 600,000-driver's license backlog. The correct machines are in the Czech Republic and Greece, not France. Elvis Presslin spoke

en-US

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