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First Take SA

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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

8:09

SACP questions criticism surrounding SANDF Chief's...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/18

The South African Communist Party, SACP, has questioned the criticism surrounding SANDF chief Rudzane Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran. Iranian media reports that Maphwanya praised Iran's military capabilities, suggesting potential cooperation with South Africa to promote mutual interests and global security. However, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO has clarified that Maphwanya's remarks do not align with South Africa's official foreign policy stance. Elvis Presslin

en-US

5:23

SANTACO slams false media claims it ordered private...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/18

The South African National Taxi Council, SANTACO, has slammed false social media claims suggesting it ordered private motorists not to carry passengers. The council says taxi use is voluntary and only law enforcement can regulate transport. This follows the tragic killing of an e-hailing driver at Maponya Mall in Soweto, where he was allegedly shot by disgruntled taxi operators. His vehicle, along with another e-hailing car, was set alight. The incident triggered protests around the mall and

en-US

5:24

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/08/15

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

5:41

NEFSA condemns brutal murder of e-hailing driver at...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/15

The National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) has condemned the brutal murder of an e-hailing driver at Maponya Mall in Soweto. One person was burned to death and two others were shot and wounded in the attack on Wednesday night. The federation demands urgent intervention from authorities, Maponya Mall, and industry bodies to end transport violence. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tella Masakale, National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) Spokesperson...

en-US

9:08

National Dialogue kicks off as it continues to draw...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/15

The National Dialogue which kicks off today continues to draw attention as South Africans seek solutions to the country's socioeconomic issues. The Dialogue has sparked debate, with anti-corruption and Social Justice activist Dr. Makhosi Khoza questioning the selection of participants. In a statement, Khoza criticized the dominance of English and Afrikaans in business and education, which reportedly marginalize 75% of South Africans who speak Bantu languages. Khoza is calling for inclusive policies,

en-US

9:09

Mobile cancer screening campaign launched to reach...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/14

The PinkDrive, in partnership with Rio Tinto and the Department of Health, has launched a mobile cancer screening campaign to reach underserved communities in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga. The organisation says the initiative running until the end of August, aims to screen over 12,000 people for various cancers and health conditions, while providing vital health education. Elvis Presslin spoke to Noelene Kotschan, Founder and Director of PinkDrive

en-US

4:46

e-Hailing attack at Maponya Mall leaves one dead and...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/14

At least one person was reportedly burned to death and two others shot and wounded after two e-hailing vehicles were attacked at Maponya Mall in Soweto last night. The police have opened a case of murder, attempted murder and arson. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still unknown. Elvis Presslin spoke to Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku

en-US

7:23

Rights groups criticize US's report on Human Rights...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/14

Global rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have strongly criticized the U.S. State Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. The groups accuse the reports of being politically driven, selectively documenting abuses in some nations while downplaying violations by governments the U.S. seeks to engage. South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO has equally dismissed the U.S. report on the country as inaccurate and

en-US

5:37

Upington teacher suspended following a controversial...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/14

The Northern Cape Education Department has suspended an Upington teacher following a controversial incident at Duineveld High School last week. The teacher allegedly wore blackface during a school function, sparking widespread outrage after images went viral on social media. This marks the second racism-related incident at the school in two years. The EFF in the province have condemned the incident, demanding accountability and urgent anti-racism education in schools. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF

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5:02

Over 100 learners hospitalised following suspected...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/14

Over 100 learners from Gobisizwe Agricultural School in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape, have been hospitalised following suspected food poisoning. Provincial health officials say the pupils were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional Hospital and Ngangelizwe Community Health Centre. Several are receiving treatment on drips, while those in more serious condition were airlifted to hospital. Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape Provincial Health Spokesperson, Siyanda Manana

en-US

10:21

Gauteng ECD Forum to march to the Premier's office

First Take SA ·

2025/08/14

The Gauteng ECD Forum is set to march to the Premier's office in Johannesburg today, to raise concerns about the Early Childhood Development sector. After the ECD function shifted from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education in 2022, stakeholders say they're facing multiple challenges, including inadequate funding of just R17 per child per day for registered centres. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sisonke Early Childhood Development Forum Chairperson, Connie Mkhabela

en-US

13:25

Advocacy group opposes proposal to legalise prostitution

First Take SA ·

2025/08/13

As South Africa marks Women's Month, celebrating the resilience and achievements of women, advocacy group Embrace Dignity and survivors of prostitution have strongly opposed a recent proposal by EFF leader Julius Malema to legalise prostitution. Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, Co-founder of Embrace Dignity, expressed disappointment, stating that legalising prostitution would effectively endorse pimping, brothel-keeping, and the commodification of women's bodies for men's sexual gratification. She spoke

en-US

7:41

Solidarity Movement announces withdrawal from the...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/13

The Solidarity Movement, including AfriForum and Solidarity, has announced its withdrawal from this weekend's first session of the national dialogue. The organisations claim the ANC has "hijacked" the dialogue to advance its own agenda. To elaborate further on the Movement's sentiments, Elvis Presslin spoke to Werner Human, Head of Operations at the Solidarity Movement

en-US

5:00

Tensions high in Germiston over evictions of council...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/13

Tensions are high in Germiston, where evictions at council flats have sparked protests and accusations of municipal negligence. The Forum of South Africans (FOSA) has condemned the torching of Home Affairs offices and illegal occupations but points the finger at Ekurhuleni Municipality for allowing the crisis to escalate. FOSA claims corrupt municipal officials enabled illegal occupants to reside in the flats for over a decade, only for them to now face eviction for non-payment or unlawful tenancy

en-US

10:55

Gauteng unemployment rate surges

First Take SA ·

2025/08/13

Gauteng's unemployment rate has surged to 33.8%, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey. Over 2.6 million residents are without jobs and nearly 600,000 have given up searching. Alarmingly, 10.3 million young people across the province are neither working nor in education or training. Premier Panyaza Lesufi is pushing to revive the Nasi Ispani programme to boost youth employment. But the Democratic Alliance and other critics argue it's a band-aid solution, failing to address deeper

en-US

8:43

SA could see more provincial coalition governments...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/13

Political analyst Professor Susan Booysen warns that South Africa could see more provincial coalition governments after the 2029 general election. Speaking at the launch of the Coalition Barometer for 2023 to early 2025 by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, Booysen highlighted that coalitions have become a permanent feature of South African politics.Elvis Presslin spoke to Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) Research Consultant, Professor Susan Booysen

en-US

8:09

Over 4000 learners drop out of school in the first...

First Take SA ·

2025/08/12

Over 4,000 learners have reportedly dropped out of school in the first quarter of 2025. The Public Servants Association (PSA) is outraged, calling the situation a betrayal of constitutional duty due to neglect, poor planning, and weak leadership by the Northern Cape Department of Education. The PSA is demanding accountability and a full forensic investigation into the dropouts. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Northern Cape Public Servants Association Provincial Manager, Steve Ledibane

en-US

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