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First Take SA

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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

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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

en-US

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

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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

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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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