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First Take SA

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5:46

DA calls for immediate dismissal of Gauteng's Head of...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/15

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng is calling for the immediate dismissal of Lesiba Arnold Malotana, the Head of the Health Department, rejecting his current suspension with full pay. The DA accuses Malotana of longstanding underperformance and links to multiple scandals, including a Special Investigating Unit probe into allegations of a multi-million-rand bribe to secure a contract. In August, Premier Panyaza Lesufi faced questions from DA Shadow MEC for Health, Dr. Jack Bloom, about Malotana's

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6:11

President Ramaphosa to visit tragic bus crash scene

First Take SA ·

2025/10/15

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Louis Trichardt following a tragic bus crash that claimed 43 lives. The bus was traveling from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe and Malawi when the accident occurred. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba says authorities are investigating boxes of medication and condoms found scattered at the crash site. Elvis Presslin spoke to African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association Chairperson, Phumudzo Mukhwathi

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20:24

KZN police commissioner accused of stirring public chaos

First Take SA ·

2025/10/15

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has accused KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of using corruption allegations against him to block his path from becoming national commissioner after Fannie Masemola's term. Appearing for a second day before Parliament's Ad Hoc committee probing police corruption, Sibiya denied meddling in murder probes or ties to shady figures, calling Mkhwanazi's claims a bid to stir public chaos. Elvis Presslin spoke to Security

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4:35

POPCRU concerned over unexplained pension fund values...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/15

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU, has raised concern over unexplained reductions in pension fund values reported by its members in recent statements from the Government Employees Pension Fund. POPCRU says these changes were made without consultation or clear explanation. The GEPF attributes the reductions to actuarial projections, but POPCRU argues these should not affect existing balances and questions the decision's legitimacy and governance. The union is demanding full disclosure

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7:06

A Protea is Not a Flower exhibition opens at the...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/15

A Protea Is Not a Flower, is a thrilling exhibition presented by Zeitz MOCAA featuring South African contemporary visual artists Robin Rhode and Lerato Shadi based in Germany, responding to the life and works of poet Don Mattera, painter Gerard Sekoto and writer Bessie Head. The exhibition opens on 16 October 2025 and runs until 15 November 2026. Elvis Presslin spoke to Khanyi Mawhayi, the Curator of A Protea Is Not a Flower at Zeitz MOCAA Museum

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15:25

Madagascar's President reportedly flees the country...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/14

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina is reported to have fled the country on a French military plane. The move comes after mass protests led by young people, dubbed "Gen Z", rocked the nation with demands for change escalating into unrest. Segments of the military allegedly refused orders to crack down on demonstrators, instead siding with protesters, fuelling the crisis. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mme Sophie Mokoena, SABC's International Correspondent, for analysis on the situation in Madagascar and

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7:57

Ad Hoc Committee told Shadrack Sibiya not solely...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/14

Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has told Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee he wasn't solely responsible for disbanding the Political Killings Task Team. Sibiya says he acted on instructions from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Appearing before the committee probing allegations of corruption and political interference in the justice system, Sibiya denied being the key figure behind the task team's disbandment. He's the third witness to testify before the committee. For

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3:48

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/10/14

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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8:19

ActionSA: ANC's debt settlement agreement with...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/14

ActionSA has reportedly obtained the confidential agreement behind the ANC's R150 million debt settlement with Ezulweni Investments, which it says breaks the Political Party Funding Act. The deal, now public through ANC court papers, shows the ANC ordered R190 million worth of election materials to write off the R150 million debt - a move ActionSA calls an unlawful donation-in-kind exceeding the R15 million annual donor limit. ActionSA says the agreement contravenes the Act, contradicting statements

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5:14

Freed hostages mark major development in US-brokered...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/14

All 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are back in Israel after two years in captivity. The freed hostages mark a major development in the US-brokered ceasefire deal. Bodies of 28 deceased hostages remain in Gaza but are due to be returned. In exchange, Israel is releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences and over 1,700 Gaza detainees held without charge since October 2023 attacks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested President Isaac Herzog pardon Prime

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3:49

UDM concerned over surge in kidnappings across South...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

The United Democratic Movement, UDM has voiced concern over the surge in kidnappings across South Africa. In the latest incident, Tshwane officers on Saturday stopped a suspicious vehicle on the R80 highway in Rosslyn and freed a bound and hooded man from the back seat. Four suspects were arrested on the scene, with police seizing an AK-47 rifle loaded with live rounds, dashboard blue lights, a vehicle siren, cable ties and T-shirts bearing South African Police Service emblems. The UDM says the case

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8:54

Former PRASA CEO to address media over R55m disputed...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

Former Passenger Rail Agency, PRASA CEO Lucky Montana is due to address the media this afternoon over a disputed tax bill of more than 55 million rand. Montana, now an MP with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, filed criminal charges against SARS officials last week, alleging they fabricated a court judgment to pursue the massive debt and sequestrate his estate - calling it a political vendetta linked to his tenure at PRASA. But SARS hit back hard in a media briefing at the weekend, revealing Montana's tax

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13:10

DA raises concerns over legality of Gauteng's Traffic...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

The Democratic Alliance, DA In Gauteng has raised fresh concerns over the legality of the Gauteng Traffic Warden unit, known as "AmaPanyaza." The DA is demanding that Premier Panyaza Lesufi clarify whether the unit complies with the South African Police Service Act, citing its lack of accreditation and inadequate training for wardens. The party claims the programme, launched just before the 2024 General Elections, lacks a clear budget and defined roles, posing risks to wardens' safety. The DA also

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6:37

Potential coup unfolds in Madagascar

First Take SA ·

2025/10/13

A potential coup is unfolding In Madagascar. An elite military unit, CAPSAT, has declared control of the armed forces and is demanding President Andry Rajoelina's resignation. This follows youth-led protests against the government. Yesterday, the armed forces minister recognized a military-backed officer as the new army chief. President Rajoelina has called the move an attempted coup. Meanwhile, South Africa has voiced deep concern over the unrest and is urging all parties to remain calm and respect

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4:08

AFRICA BRIEF with Victor Kgomoeswana

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

en-US

6:45

PSIRA suspends employees following irregularities

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, PSiRA, has suspended eight employees following irregularities uncovered at Cat Protection and Security, owned by controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. The move comes after probes found procedural flaws and weak oversight at the firm, amid allegations pointing to systemic control failures. Matlala faces murder charges, adding to scrutiny on his business dealings. Elvis Presslin spoke to PSiRA CEO, Manabela Chauke

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10:53

SADAG launches campaign marking World Mental Health Day

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group is launching a nationwide campaign today to mark World Mental Health Day, themed "Together for Mental Health." With one in three South Africans likely to face a mental illness in their lifetime, and nine out of ten lacking access to treatment, the issue is critical. SADAG is partnering with government, businesses, schools, and communities to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and drive action for better mental health support. To discuss this further, Elvis

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6:49

Senzo Mchunu's Chief of Staff says raids done to...

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The Chief of staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Cedrick Nkabinde has accused National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and KZN's Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of orchestrating raids to intimidate him. Nkabinde says devices were seized from him and Mchunu ahead of their respective appearances before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's Ad Hoc committee probing corruption and political interference within SAPS. Yesterday, police also raided the Centurion home of suspended Deputy Commissioner

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5:42

DA welcomes SIU seizure linked to Hangwani Maumela

First Take SA ·

2025/10/10

The Democratic Alliance, DA has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit, SIU's seizure of assets linked to Hangwani Maumela, a key figure in the Tembisa Hospital tender scandal. The SIU raided Maumela's Sandton luxury home, confiscating high-end vehicles including three Lamborghinis and artwork in effort to recoup R820 million amid probes into over R2 billion in alleged Tembisa Hospital fraud. DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Dr. Jack Bloom, spoke to Elvis Presslin

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10:44

Criticism over decision to extend validity of ZEPs

First Take SA ·

2025/10/09

ActionSA has strongly criticized Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber's decision to extend the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits until May, 2027. The party calls the move another example of government indecision on South Africa's immigration challenges. ActionSA says it supports a humane and orderly immigration process but opposes temporary measures that weaken public trust, border security and equality between citizens and foreign nationals. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lerato Ngobeni,

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