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First Take SA

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4:36

Police Probe Fatal School Shooting in Eastern Cape,...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/23

Eastern Cape police are investigating a fatal shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School in Zwelitsha, where a former teacher allegedly opened fire, killing two educators and injuring another. The suspect, out on bail for sexual assault charges, took his own life at the scene. One of the injured teachers later died in hospital. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Eastern Cape SADTU Secretary, Malibongwe Ntame

en-US

5:17

Pikitup and SAMWU remain Deadlocked After Week-Long...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/23

Johannesburg's waste management company Pikitup and union SAMWU are still at odds, with negotiations ongoing after a week-long strike by casual workers demanding permanent positions. The workers claim they were promised jobs back in 2023, but talks broke down, leading to the strike. The standoff has led to a buildup of waste, with residents complaining of health hazards. Pikitup says it's working to resolve the issue and address the backlog. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader,

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5:06

Government's spending priorities under fire

First Take SA ·

2026/01/22

The government's spending priorities are under fire after allocating R3.7 billion for VIP protection, more than the R2.4 billion budget for the Hawks. ActionSA says the move shows leaders are out of touch, with ministers and deputies also getting a 3.8% salary boost and spending over R500 million on travel in 18 months. ActionSA has slammed the government, saying "people before perks" is being ignored. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley

en-US

7:57

South African rescue specialists on the ground in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/22

The University of Johannesburg's rescue specialists are on the ground in Mozambique, responding to severe flooding that's left over 100 people dead and 173,000 affected. The team, led by Mr. Connor Hartnady, includes experts in swift water and aviation rescue and is working with Rescue South Africa and the Nelson Mandela University to provide critical support. The deployment comes after a request for assistance from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Elvis

en-US

5:35

Politicians under fire after getting 3.8% pay hike

First Take SA ·

2026/01/22

South African politicians are under fire after getting a 3.8% pay hike, despite many citizens struggling with poverty and unemployment. The United Africans Transformation, UAT party says the increase is an "insult to the poor" and wants it reversed. Critics argue the government's priorities are skewed, with many South Africans struggling to access basic services. The pay hike takes effect on the first of April this year. To elaborate further on the party's concerns, Elvis Presslin spoke to UAT

en-US

5:06

Manhunt underway for suspects linked to deadly...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/22

Gauteng police are on a manhunt for suspects linked to a deadly shooting that killed five men in Jeffsville, Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Elvis Presslin spoke to Atteridgeville community leader of the Pheli Joint Civic Movement, Elias Makgwadi

en-US

5:52

Tense stand-off erupts at Addington Primary School in...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/22

A tense stand-off erupted once again between anti-illegal immigration protesters and foreign nationals at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday. A group of March and March, Operation Dudula and MK Party supporters resumed their demonstration at the school over the enrolment of foreign nationals. They are demanding that learners who are South African citizens be prioritised for admission at all schools. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, spokesperson Dr. Dale

en-US

11:03

COSATU protests and pickets in solidarity with Venezuela

First Take SA ·

2026/01/22

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is standing in solidarity with Venezuela, condemning US aggression and calling for global action against imperialism and racism. The union is organizing protests and pickets, including an international action day this morning and a march in Sandton on Saturday. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU's 1st Deputy President, Mike Shingange

en-US

5:46

ANC takes its Back to School programme to KwaZulu-Natal

First Take SA ·

2026/01/21

The ANC is taking its Back to School programme to KwaZulu-Natal this week, with NEC member Dr. Zweli Mkhize leading the charge. The two-day event kicks off today, with visits to four high schools and meetings with religious leaders and the South African Democratic Teachers Union. The initiative aims to address educational challenges and provide support to learners in the province. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC NEC member Dr. Zweli Mkhize to elaborate further on the programme's goals and expected

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5:07

MK Party Takes ANC to SCOPA Over Alleged Misuse of...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/21

The MK Party has taken the ANC to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, SCOPA accusing the party of misusing public funds for a January 8th event in Bloemfontein. The event, branded as a heritage programme, reportedly featured ANC regalia and messaging with state-funded transport and logistics across 51 wards. The party claims this is a violation of constitutional principles and has called for an urgent investigation. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party MP and SCOPA Member, Kwenza Madlala

en-US

10:11

Two Killed, Three Injured in Shooting at Booysens...

First Take SA ·

2026/01/21

Two people are dead and three others injured after a shooting incident at the Booysens Magistrates' Court in Johannesburg yesterday. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has condemned the incident and is working with law enforcement to ensure safety measures are in place. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear. Elvis Presslin spoke to Deputy Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Andries Nel

en-US

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

en-US

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...

en-US

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,

en-US

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.

en-US

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.

en-US

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

en-US

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

en-US

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

en-US

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