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First Take SA

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18:29

ANC marked its 114th anniversary

First Take SA ·

2026/01/09

The ANC marked its 114th anniversary yesterday, with celebrations set to culminate at Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg this Saturday. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the party's unique role in South Africa, highlighting its ability to bring people together despite challenges. The ANC says it is working to mend strained relations with the SACP to preserve their alliance. Ramaphosa acknowledged the difficulties but stressed the party's commitment to unity and renewal.The January 8 Statement, a key

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6:47

Soil of Africa rejects figures for unplaced learners...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/09

Soil of Africa is rejecting the Gauteng Department of Education's claim that only 4,858 learners are unplaced for the 2026 academic year, calling it a "failure" and a "crisis of governance". The organisation says thousands of children being denied access to education is unacceptable and reflects poor planning and weak infrastructure delivery. Soil of Africa's President, King Bongani Ramontja, will lead oversight visits in Gauteng next week to demand accountability from authorities. Mr Ramontja with

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5:00

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2026/01/09

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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8:12

Two oil tankers linked to Venezuela seized

First Take SA ·

2026/01/08

The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela. One vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and now called Marinera, was boarded in the North Atlantic after weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard. The ship had changed its name and adopted a Russian flag to evade capture. The second vessel, carrying oil and sailing under a Cameroonian flag, was seized in the Caribbean. The seizures are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, with the US accusing the

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5:41

Matriculants cautioned against unregistered institutions

First Take SA ·

2026/01/08

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is warning matriculants to be cautious of unregistered institutions offering fake study opportunities. SAQA says students should verify institutions before paying fees. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAQA's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Makhapa Makhafola

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7:48

Picket to be held outside the American embassy in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/08

A coalition of South African trade unions, political groups and civil society organisations will picket outside the American Embassy in Pretoria today to condemn -of what they say - is the US military invasion of Venezuela and the 'kidnapping' of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says it supports the protest saying the US actions violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. For the latest Elvis Presslin spoke to

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8:20

Proposal for legal drinking age to be increased

First Take SA ·

2026/01/08

A proposal has been put forward to increase South Africa's legal drinking age from 18 to between 21 and 23. Gatekeepers South Africa has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing the country's struggles with alcohol abuse and its link to domestic violence, drunk driving, and other risks. Despite previous proposals, little progress has been made to address the issue. For reaction to the proposal Elvis Presslin spoke to Maurice Smithers, Coordinator of Working for an Alcohol Safer South Africa

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10:34

ActionSA cautiously optimistic over Adv Andy...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/08

The appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions has been met with cautious optimism by ActionSA. The party says the move highlights the need for reform in how the heads of the prosecuting authority are appointed. ActionSA is concerned that Mothibi's appointment, made unilaterally by President Cyril Ramaphosa, may not bring the change needed to address the NPA's deep-seated problems. Mothibi will serve as NDPP for just two years before retiring, raising

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6:46

AZAPO Demands FIFA Ban US Over Venezuela "Aggression"

First Take SA ·

2026/01/07

AZAPO is calling for FIFA to ban the United States from international football competitions, citing the country's "illegal aggression" against Venezuela. The group is condemning the US military strikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro saying it's a violation of international law. Elvis Presslin spoke to AZAPO President, Nelvis Qekema

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9:44

14 SA Youths Face Deportation from Thailand

First Take SA ·

2026/01/07

A group of 14 South African youths, lured to Thailand with promises of employment are facing deportation today after being detained for allegedly being victims of human trafficking. The group was reportedly recruited by a South African male and their situation has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of South Africans abroad. Elvis Presslin spoke to Security Strategist and retired Interpol Ambassador, Andy Mashaile

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4:48

Suspect Arrested After Half-Naked Teens Rescued in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/07

A 47-year-old foreign national has been arrested in Johannesburg's CBD on suspicion of human trafficking. The man was detained after police intercepted a vehicle and rescued two teenage boys, and another 10 were found walking half-naked on Broad Street in Mulbarton. The suspect will appear in court tomorrow (Thursday) facing charges of being an illegal immigrant and suspected trafficking in persons. Elvis Presslin spoke to Hawks Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale

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12:04

SA Early Childhood Development System in Crisis -...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/07

SA's ECD system facing a crisis South Africa's early childhood development (ECD) system is facing a crisis, with millions of children being left behind due to a lack of access to quality early learning. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says the system is plagued by class divisions, underfunding and inadequate infrastructure, perpetuating inequality and limiting opportunities for young children. To elaborate further on her sentiments Lesego Mahlangu spoke to Elvis Presslin

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7:18

Heathfield High Principal Reinstated After Labour...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/07

The Labour Court has ruled in favour of Councillor Wesley Neumann, reinstating him as Principal of Heathfield High School. Neumann, a GOOD Party councillor, was dismissed in 2022 for keeping schools closed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to safety concerns. The court deemed the dismissal "disproportionate" and unfair. The Western Cape Education Department is reviewing the judgment and considering an appeal. Neumann's lawyer Advocate Vernon Seymour spoke to our senior producer Ronald Phiri about the

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10:16

SACP Marks Annual Joe Slovo Commemoration in Soweto

First Take SA ·

2026/01/06

The South African Communist Party, SACP will hold its annual commemoration for struggle icon Joe Slovo today in Soweto. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila is set to deliver the keynote address at the Heroes' Acre in Avalon Cemetery. Alliance partners, including representatives from the ANC and Cosatu, are expected to attend the event.This comes against a backdrop of ongoing strains in the tripartite alliance, particularly over the SACP's plans to contest the upcoming local government elections

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10:37

Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in US Court

First Take SA ·

2026/01/06

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns in a New York federal court. Maduro was captured by US forces in Caracas on Saturday and transported to the US for trial. During his court appearance, Maduro claimed he was "kidnapped" and remains Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to related charges. The couple faces decades to life in

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7:12

Joburg Water Shutdown: 54 Hours, 7-Day Recovery

First Take SA ·

2026/01/06

A 54-hour water shutdown is set to begin in Johannesburg from today at 4pm, with the city warning it could take seven days to fully recover. The shutdown is part of Rand Water's planned maintenance programme, affecting areas including Roodepoort, Fleurhof, Doornkop, Meadowlands and Braamfischerville. Executive Mayor Dada Morero says residents should store water and use it sparingly during this time. Elvis Presslin spoke to WaterCan Communications Manager, Jonathan Erasmus

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11:35

Structured Goal-Setting Key as 2026 Academic Year...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/06

As the 2026 academic year kicks off, education experts are emphasizing the importance of structured goal-setting for learners. According to Ntsako Mhlanga, founder of Learnergy, many students struggle due to unclear goals, poor routines, and limited accountability. Mhlanga advises parents and guardians to help learners set clear, subject-based academic goals, focus on routine and consistency and schedule regular academic check-ins. Education entrepreneur and Founder of Learnergy, Ntsako Mhlanga

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12:41

NUMSA condemns military attack on Venezuela

First Take SA ·

2026/01/05

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has strongly condemned the US military attack on Venezuela. NUMSA has called the attack an "undemocratic, dictatorial, and unilateral attack" on the Democratic Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. NUMSA accuses US President Donald Trump of being a "savage, ruthless bully and champion of colonialism and imperialism" and calls on Americans to hold him accountable. To further discuss this Elvis Presslin spoke to NUMSA Spokesperson, Phakamile

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7:11

FF Plus Welcomes Capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro

First Take SA ·

2026/01/05

FF Plus leader Dr. Corné Mulder has welcomed the news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture, stating that the end of the socialist failure in Venezuela should be celebrated. Mulder says the strong condemnation from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the ANC minister doesn't represent his party's views or those of all South Africans. Maduro was captured by US Delta Force in a pre-dawn operation and is facing federal narco-terrorism charges in New

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6:54

Frustration by Prolonged Power Outages and Ongoing...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/05

Residents of Soshanguve and East Lynne in Tshwane are expressing frustration and anger after enduring prolonged electricity outages since December, followed by water disruptions. The City of Tshwane says it's working around the clock to restore power, but residents claim little progress has been made, with some areas still without electricity. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Tshwane Metro Leader, Cilliers Brink

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