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First Take SA

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5:54

DA urges International Relations minister to take...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/15

The Democratic Alliance is urging International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to take action against Iran at the United Nations Human Rights Council. The call comes as Iran's death toll from anti-government protests nears 3000. The DA says South Africa's constitution requires the government to protect human rights globally and condemn authoritarian regimes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Na'eem Jeenah, Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for strategic reflection

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7:28

Calls for the Limpopo province to be declared a...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/14

The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA) is calling on the government to declare a national disaster in Limpopo Province due to severe flooding and infrastructure damage. Heavy rainfall has left communities stranded, roads blocked and food transportation disrupted, particularly in border areas with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, such as Bennde Mutale Village. AUBBTA Chairperson, Phumudzo Mukhwathi is urging President Ramaphosa to declare Limpopo a national disaster area and spoke to Elvis

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8:40

ActionSA to Challenge 'Top Secret' Status of Phala...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/14

ActionSA is preparing legal papers to challenge the classification of the IPID report into the Phala Phala investigation as "Top Secret". The party argues the decision is an attempt to keep the report from the public and is challenging the constitutionality of the Minimum Information Security Standards policy. The report relates to the investigation into the conduct of Presidential Protection Unit members at Phala Phala, with the Public Protector previously finding their actions constituted

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5:23

Another group of undocumented minors intercepted at...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/14

Border Management Authority officers at Beitbridge Port of Entry have intercepted another group of undocumented minor children. Authorities detained 33 children, aged between 4 and 15 years, all travelling without proper documentation from South Africa to Zimbabwe. Two Zimbabwean men have been arrested on charges of facilitating illegal movement of persons under the Immigration Act. For the latest update Elvis Presslin spoke to Mmemme Mogotsi, Border Management Authority Spokesperson

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4:31

Excitement and Nerves as Schools Open for the 2026...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/14

As the school bells prepare to ring today, marking the official start of the 2026 academic year, families across the country are feeling that familiar mix of excitement and bittersweet nerves. This as their little ones are trading in playtime for pencils and books today as they embark on their Grade 1 journey. It's a big day for these little learners, filled with excitement, nerves and endless possibilities. Elvis Presslin spoke to Grade 1 learner, Kgato Kanyane alongside her father Mr. Oscar

en-US

5:29

Matric Results Out: #MatricUngazibulali Urges...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/14

Matric results are out and it's a time of mixed emotions for many learners. The #MatricUngazibulali campaign is calling on learners, families and communities to stand together against exam-related suicide and despair. The campaign, launched in 2019 by Dr. Sanele Gamede, reminds matriculants that their lives and dreams are bigger than their results. The campaign encourages open conversations about mental health and urges learners to ask for help rather than suffer in silence. Dr. Gamede spoke to

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7:28

Some schools in Limpopo to remain closed today

First Take SA ·

2026/01/14

Flooding in Limpopo's Vhembe and Mopani districts has forced some schools to remain closed today. Heavy rains have caused disruptions and the Department of Education is assessing the damage. Parents and teachers have been advised to stay away from affected schools until further notice. For the latest update Elvis Presslin spoke to Limpopo Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya

en-US

7:36

Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has called for a halt to...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/13

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi is calling for a halt to Elon Musk's Starlink project in South Africa. Zibi cites national security concerns and Musk's alleged spread of misinformation about the country as reasons for his opposition. Zibi questions Musk's intentions, pointing to his public stance against South Africa's policies. We're joined live by Mr. Zibi, to discuss his concerns about Starlink.

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5:51

The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department MEC Siboniso...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/13

The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department has launched an inspection of scholar transport services, with 63 fleets failing initial checks. The inspection focuses on driver permits, vehicle condition, and safety features. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says the inspection aims to ensure pupil safety of about 77,000 pupils and will continue until schools reopen. For more we are joined on the line by MEC Siboniso Duma...

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8:12

The DA has slammed the Gauteng government decision to...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/13

The Gauteng government's decision to slash school budgets by 64% has been slammed by the DA, who say it's a "financial burden" on already-stressed parents. The cuts affect quintile five schools, which are fee-paying institutions and come at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet. For more we're now joined by Michael Waters, MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education

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10:11

BOSA leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane raises concerns over...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/13

The Matric class of 2025 has achieved an 88% national pass rate, beating last year's 87.3%. However, BOSA leader Dr. Mmusi Maimane says the real pass rate is 54.7% - masking deeper problems. Maimane is calling for a 50% pass mark, arguing the current 30% standard sets learners up for failure. Dr. Mmusi Maimane joins us on the line...

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4:46

AFRICA BRIEF: Economic stories across the continent

First Take SA ·

2026/01/13

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8:50

Gauteng Police Intensify Holiday Return Roadblocks

First Take SA ·

2026/01/12

Gauteng Traffic Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are ramping up road safety operations as holidaymakers head back to Gauteng. Motorist can Expect increased patrols, roadblocks and high-visibility operations on major routes, including the N3 from KwaZulu-Natal, N1 from Limpopo, N4 from Emalahleni, N12 from Potchefstroom and N1 from Bloemfontein. Officers are cracking down on reckless driving, drunk driving and speeding. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson,

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4:31

Thousands of Gauteng Learners Still Await Placement

First Take SA ·

2026/01/12

Nearly 5,000 Gauteng learners are still awaiting placement for the 2026 school year, with 1,381 Grade 1 and 3,477 Grade 8 learners yet to be placed. The Western Cape Education Department faces ongoing school re-opening pressure and SADTU in KwaZulu Natal reports concerns from school principals about readiness for reopening. Elvis Presslin spoke to SADTU spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi...

en-US

15:26

Operation Dudula Pushes South Africans First Schools...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/12

Operation Dudula is pushing ahead with its 'Put South Africans First' campaign, focusing on public school admissions. The group claims South African pupils are being excluded due to capacity issues and says it'll support affected parents. This follows previous criticism from Parliament over the group's stance on foreign nationals accessing public schools. The Gauteng Education Department says immigration status isn't a factor in placements, with over 97% of placed learners being South African

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7:37

DBE is set to announce Matric Top Achievers.

First Take SA ·

2026/01/12

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is set to announce the top achievers and provinces today, with individual results be released on Tuesday. The results will be published in accredited newspapers, displaying exam numbers and marks only, ensuring learner privacy. Minister Gwarube has encouraged the Class of 2025 learners to be proud of their hard work and determination. The announcement comes after a significant examination cycle, with over 900,000 learners writing the National Senior

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5:00

Muslim Agencies Lead Kouga Fire Relief Efforts

First Take SA ·

2026/01/12

The Africa Muslims Agency and Afri-Save are leading relief efforts for residents affected by the veld fires in the Kouga area of the Eastern Cape. The fires, which ravaged the region and displaced families, are now under control, with clean-up operations underway in Humansdorp. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Hassan Choonara, Director of the Africa Muslims Agency...

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11:07

Over 20 minors intercepted near the Beitbridge border...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/09

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have intercepted over 20 minors near the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo. The children, aged 5-17, were travelling without parental supervision, raising concerns about child protection and exploitation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Border Management Authority Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi

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4:15

Millions paid to suspended SAPS officers in under two...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/09

Over R25-million has been paid to 233 suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in under two years, with charges including rape, corruption and hijacking. Rise Mzansi Chief Organizer and National Assembly Caucus Whip, Makashule Gana says the party is alarmed by the figures and will seek a briefing from SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). For more on the party's concerns, Mr. Gana spoke to Elvis Presslin

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7:36

Fires in Gqeberha prompts evacuations and road closures

First Take SA ·

2026/01/09

A massive fire is raging across several areas in Kouga, prompting urgent evacuation orders and road closures. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions, affecting areas like Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road and Kromme River. Emergency services are on the scene, and residents are being urged to evacuate immediately. For the latest update Elvis Presslin spoke to the Mayor of Kouga Municipality, Hattingh Bornman and Aron Rondganger, Eskom Zone Manager

en-US

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