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First Take SA

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14:28

SANAC Children's Sector Calls for Accountability...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/21

South African Aids Council, SANAC's Civil Society Forum Children's Sector is calling for accountability after more than12 children died in a Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash yesterday. They are demanding action from Scholar Transport Associations, the Department of Education and government, citing systemic neglect and weak safety regulations. Elvis Presslin spoke to Oupa Shumeni, National Chairperson, SANAC Civil Society Forum Children's Sector

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4:35

COSATU welcomes Gazette Empowering Inspectors to...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/21

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU has welcomed a new gazette empowering labour inspectors to enforce pension fund payment compliance. The move targets employers who deduct contributions from workers' salaries but fail to pay them, with over 15,000 employers defaulting last year, affecting 600,000 workers. The security sector, municipalities and automotive industry are key offenders, with R7.26 billion in outstanding contributions. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Spokesperson Zanele

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10:01

RISE Mzansi mourns loss of learners in Vanderbijlpark...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/20

RISE Mzansi is mourning the loss of learners in a devastating crash in Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg. The party is calling for improved road safety measures, including regular stats updates to Parliament and a clampdown on unroadworthy vehicles. The Department of Transport recently reported a 5% reduction in road deaths but RISE Mzansi says more needs to be done. Elvis Presslin spoke to RISE Mzansi Chief Organiser and National Assembly Whip and MP, Makashule Gana...

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11:18

Backlash over removal of artwork from the Venice...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/20

The South African government is facing backlash over the removal of an artwork from the Venice Biennale. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie pulled Gabrielle Goliath's Elegy, citing "division", but critics say it's a clear case of state censorship. The artwork, a ritualised practice of mourning, tackles femicide, sexual violence and patriarchal systems. McKenzie's move has sparked outrage, with the DA condemning the action and calling for his accountability. Human rights activist,

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5:43

Driver negligence blamed for killing of 14 learners

First Take SA ·

2026/01/20

The Greater Gauteng Learner Transport Organisation has pinned the blame for the Vanderbijlpark accident, In Vaal which killed 14 learners, on the driver's negligence. The Organisation's General Secretary Sibongile Maseko says the driver had proper documentation but failed to ensure safety. She spoke to our Senior producer Ronald Phiri, expressing her sorrow and that they're working with authorities to improve scholar transport safety.

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6:15

Grieving mother speaks on the Vanderbijlpark crash

First Take SA ·

2026/01/20

Parents of the 14 learners killed in a tragic taxi scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark say they are still waiting for a visit from the owner of the taxi and the taxi organisation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mmaki Josephine Mokhobo, a grieving mother who lost her daughter in the tragic scholar transport accident.

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6:27

Probe Demanded Over SANDF Defiance of Presidential...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/19

ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance are calling for an urgent investigation into reports that senior SANDF officials defied President Cyril Ramaphosa's orders during naval drills in Simon's Town. The President had reportedly instructed that Iran be excluded from the exercises, but Iranian warships allegedly took part. ActionSA's parliamentary chief whip, Lerato Ngobeni, says this is a "serious breach of the constitutional chain of command". Ngobeni has written to the Joint Standing Committee on

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6:59

RISE Mzansi backs National Treasury's move to extend...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/19

RISE Mzansi is backing National Treasury's decision to extend the deadline for public comment on the proposed online gambling tax to the 27th of February this year. The party is urging all South Africans to participate in the process, saying the proposed tax is a step towards regulating an industry that has caused harm to lives and livelihoods. Elvis Presslin spoke to RISE Mzansi Chief Organiser and National Assembly Whip and MP, Makashule Gana

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12:50

SALGA Urges Immediate Action to Improve Disaster...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/19

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is calling for urgent national action to strengthen disaster management systems. The government has declared a national disaster in provinces hit by severe flooding, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Western Cape, which has also faced fires. SALGA Chairperson for Emergency Services and Disaster Management Working Group, Mluleki Nkosi says affected municipalities are struggling to cope due to resource constraints. Elvis

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9:55

Government Declares National Disaster as Floods and...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/19

The government has declared a national disaster in provinces hit by severe flooding, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Western Cape; which has also experiencenced wild fires. Heavy rainfall has displaced many communities, damaged homes and disrupted basic services. The South African Red Cross Society has responded to the disasters, but says that collective action is needed to address the scale of the impact. For an update; Elvis Presslin spoke to Kwa Zulu Natal Red Cross

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14:31

President Ramaphosa Describes Limpopo Floods as...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/16

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the recent floods in Limpopo as catastrophic, with 36 houses damaged in Mbaula village. The province is experiencing widespread flooding, affecting hundreds of families, particularly in Vhembe and Mopani districts. The South African Weather Service has issued a level 10 warning, with further heavy rainfall expected. The government has deployed multi-disciplinary teams to assist affected areas, including rescue operations and damage assessments. Elvis Presslin

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7:04

Tax Ombud Urges Taxpayers to Know Their Rights in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/16

The Office of the Tax Ombud is urging taxpayers to know their rights and get help with SARS disputes. The Tax Ombud offers free, independent assistance with tax complaints. Tax Ombud officials will be available for radio interviews to explain the services they offer and how to access them. The Tax Ombud's "Be A Smart Taxpayer" campaign aims to educate taxpayers on their rights and obligations. The office has published a guide to taxpayer rights and entitlements. Francois Viljoen, Specialist Systemic

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4:22

KZN Public Works MEC Martin Meyer Calls for Municipal...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/16

KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Martin Mayer is calling for schools to get relief from municipal rates. Some schools in the province have faced water and electricity cuts due to unpaid bills. MEC Mayer visited the Durban School for the Hearing Impaired in Amanzimtoti, where he handed over books and acknowledged the challenges faced by schools. The MEC says it's unfair for schools to be burdened with high municipal costs and is pushing for rates to be scrapped or reduced. Elvis Presslin spoke to KZN

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5:36

ActionSA introduces Fallen Whistleblowers Bill

First Take SA ·

2026/01/16

ActionSA has introduced the Fallen Whistleblowers Bill, aimed at protecting those who expose corruption. The party says the bill is a response to the government's failure to tackle corruption, which they say has severe consequences for South Africans. ActionSA claims whistleblowers have been targeted and even killed for speaking out against corruption, citing cases like Babita Deokran and Marumo Eric Phenya. The party's leader Herman Mashaba says it's time to take decisive action against corruption

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5:12

COSATU Raises Alarm as Illicit Tobacco Trade Puts 230...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/16

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is warning that 230 jobs are at risk at British American Tobacco's Heidelberg factory due to the growing illicit tobacco trade. British American Tobacco is closing its South African manufacturing plant, citing the rise of cheap, illegal cigarettes as a major factor. COSATU says the illicit trade now accounts for 75% of total sales, with illegal products selling at a quarter of the price of legitimate cigarettes. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU

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4:35

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2026/01/16

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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10:29

Tshwane cracks down on illegal and unsafe buildings

First Take SA ·

2026/01/15

In the City of Tshwane, the Bad Buildings Committee has stepped up enforcement against illegal structures and safety violations. This week a multi-disciplinary operation in Pretoria West and surrounding industrial areas issued 21-day contravention notices, warnings and fines to several property owners. Officials say the sweep targeted illegal construction, health and safety breaches and unauthorised manufacturing setups. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, Henriette

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5:00

Parents clash over enrolment at Durban's Addington...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/15

Tensions ran high at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday as parents clashed over learner enrolment. Protesters demanded immigrant children be admitted, while others insisted South African learners be prioritised. The school says it followed proper admission procedures, but civic movement March and March claims nearly 100 local children were denied space. Addington is the reportedly only public primary school in the area. Elvis Presslin spoke to March and March Leader, Jacinta Zinhle

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8:10

Parents frustrated as Gauteng online system leaves...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/15

Frustrated parents in Gauteng are calling for the scrapping of the online school application system, with thousands of learners still unplaced as the 2026 academic year begins. Around 4,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 students are yet to be allocated schools, with many reportedly placed far from home. The Gauteng Department of Education says it's releasing placement offers daily, but parents remain skeptical. The department has extended call centre hours to assist, but critics argue systemic failures are

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7:45

Public Works minister welcomes IDT CEO exit amid...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/15

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the resignation of Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka, who was suspended following allegations of attempting to bribe a journalist. Macpherson had laid criminal charges against Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, citing "sickening" corruption attempts. The move comes after a video surfaced showing Malaka and Makgolane allegedly offering R60,000 to Daily Maverick Investigative journalist, Pieter-Louis

en-US

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