First Take SA

ANC in the Tshwane Metro reacts to the allegations of Tender fraud that involves the City's Chief Financial Officer. ANC Tshwane region spokesperson is Joel Masilela

The Congress of the People, COPE is calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu immediately. This follows revelations that Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, unilaterally disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) without consulting  President Ramaphosa. COPE says Mchunu's actions show poor judgment and a lack of accountability and that his removal is necessary to restore public trust in the police leadership.  COPE's Acting National Chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi

The Freedom Front Plus In Tshwane has submitted an urgent motion to investigate Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi and possible political interference in a multimillion-rand security tender. The move follows evidence presented to the Madlanga Commission, revealing WhatsApp messages and lists of preferred companies, allegedly linked to the EFF and ActionSA. The opposition party claims the current administration's procurement process is under scrutiny and questions whether the controversy is about accountability or a power struggle for control of public funds. The FF Plus is calling for a change in government to restore transparency and accountability in Tshwane. We caught up with Grandi Theunissen, City of Tshwane Freedom Front Plus Caucus Leader and MMC for Community Safety In Tshwane and ANC Tshwane regional spokesperson, Joel Masilela.

As South Africa commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, many are questioning whether the country's democracy has delivered on its promises. Despite progress, communities continue to face water shortages, electricity instability and collapsing infrastructure, sparking widespread protests. City of Tshwane Researcher, Lesego Mahlangu, in her personal capacity, argues that local government has failed to deliver and that communities must demand accountability and competence from their leaders. With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Mahlangu says it's time for citizens to reclaim their power and hold leaders accountable. She joins us on the line

A top official at Kgosi Mampuru Prison is facing calls for immediate suspension following allegations of a close relationship with murder accused Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told a parliamentary committee that Matlala received preferential treatment, including access to a cellphone. Matlala was recently transferred to a maximum-security prison in Kokstad. Activists and Citizens Forum is demanding an investigation into possible corruption. Dennis Bloem is an activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson

The African Transformation Movement, ATM is calling for an investigation into the reported coronation of a Nigerian "king" in East London. The party says the move undermines South Africa's laws and traditional leadership institutions. ATM is urging authorities, including Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, to look into the matter. The party's Parliamentary Leader, Vuyo Zungula....

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has appointed law firm KRM Inc to investigate the death of 10-year-old Milton Neo Mokgoatsane, who was killed when a goal post fell on him at Reagile Primary School in Tembisa. The investigation will look into allegations surrounding the incident and recommend action. MEC Chiloane met with the family and school officials to outline the probe's terms. The law firm will interview witnesses and examine the circumstances, including potential liability and adherence to laws governing learner care. Elvis Presslin spoke to Spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department Spokesperson, Steve Mabona

The City of Tshwane is facing fresh corruption allegations over 31-point-7 million Rand Water tanker contracts awarded to companies linked to Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise. Modise resigned as director of one company following the payments. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink is also urging further investigation into the R777 million water project, which is already under scrutiny by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Modise has denied any wrongdoing. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont

Environment Minister, Willie Aucamp has decided to push ahead and rule on appeals against environmental authorisations for key offshore oil and gas exploration projects. The decision comes against a backdrop of sharply rising global oil prices fueled by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe strongly criticised environmental groups, accusing their court challenges of delaying South Africa's ability to tap its substantial oil and gas reserves and hampering national development. However, environmental groups argue that exploration could undermine climate objectives and harm marine ecosystems. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Ross Compton, Senior Director of global policy at EnerGeo Alliance, who have welcomed Minister Aucamp's decision...

The Department of Home Affairs is facing pressure to insource over 4 years contracted workers who are part of the Digitisation Programme. Civic group Soil of Africa, representing the workers, says it's unfair for the department to downgrade these employees to insecure month-to-month contracts. The group is planning a march to the Department of Home Affairs and the Union Buildings today to demand permanent employment with full benefits. Elvis Presslin spoke to Soil of Africa Chairperson, King Bongani Ramontja...

US President Donald Trump has slammed Counterterrorism Center's Director, Joe Kent following his resignation in protest of US military action against Iran. Trump called Kent "weak on security" and said he wasn't surprised by the criticism. Kent had claimed Iran wasn't a threat. He also accused Israel and its American lobby of deceiving President, Trump into the conflict. Elvis Presslin spoke to International relations expert Dr. Charles Sinkala to unpack the implications...

The disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team again featured strongly during the second appearance of the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, before the Ad Hoc Committee looking into concerns into issues of national security. Masemola first appeared in October last year, and he was the second witness to testify. The committee  is investigating allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last year in July. Zalene Merrington reports...   

A historic moment in UK–Africa relations is unfolding as Bola Tinubu arrives at Windsor Castle for a state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with growing trade, investment, and a large Nigerian diaspora linking the two nations. Experts say the visit could signal new opportunities for economic cooperation and policy alignment. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dorothea Hodge, Founder and CEO of Aequitas Global...

The South African Post Office, SAPO is facing possible liquidation, with Business Rescue Practitioners indicating they'll initiate proceedings. This comes after SAPO's business rescue plan failed to secure funding and implement a turnaround strategy. The collapse would have severe socio-economic implications, affecting millions of South Africans who rely on the Post Office for essential services. Over 4,300 employees were retrenched in 2023 and further job losses are expected. The Federation of Unions of South Africa, FEDUSA has blamed governance and oversight failures for the possible liquidation. Elvis Presslin spoke to FEDUSA General Secretary, Riefdah Ajam...

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by Victor Kgomoesoana, 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 

Civil society organisations are taking South African authorities back to court, accusing them of failing to protect foreign patients from vigilante groups targeting two Johannesburg clinics. The Treatment Action Campaign, Doctors Without Borders and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia say authorities have not complied with a High Court order to restore safe access to the Yeoville and Rosettenville clinics. The groups claim patients, including pregnant women and children are turned away if they cannot produce a South African identity document. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia spokesperson, Dr. Dale McKinley 

The United Democratic Movement, UDM is calling for stronger relations between South Africa and the United States, saying dialogue is crucial during times of strain. Party leader, General Bantu Holomisa, made the remarks during a meeting with US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell. Holomisa highlighted the need for cooperation on issues like the Middle East conflict and economic growth. He also suggested reviving bilateral mechanisms like the Al-Gore-Mbeki Binational Commission to address outstanding issues. Elvis Presslin spoke to General Holomisa 

Trade Unions representing workers at Ferrochrome producer, Samancor will engage the company in efforts to reduce the number of employees to be retrenched at the company's smelters. Samancor issued retrenchment notices, that envisages that 2400 employees might be retrenched at its smelter operations and corporate office. It cites electricity costs as the reason for its decision. This, though Eskom granted them a decrease of 63 cent per Kilowatt per Hour. Itumeleng Kgajane has more...

In a landmark divorce case, the Western Cape High Court has ruled a man must financially support his ex-wife's children, despite his role as a stepfather. Legal expert Nonhlanhla Mtshali spoke to my colleague Thembekile Mrototo, about what this judgement entails

The National Consumer Commission has issued a product recall for Made for Tots Corn Puffs Chicken 12g sold at Clicks stores. The recall affects just over a thousand units after the product tested positive for a non-pathogenic strain of Listeria. According to the supplier, about 348 units were sold to consumers while the rest have already been removed from store shelves. Consumers who may have bought the product are being urged to check the batch and return it to stores. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba

President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed his administration to drastically reduce road fatalities. He was speaking at the Inaugural National Transport Conference in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. The three-day gathering attended by Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, brought together decision-makers, investors and innovators to engage on how to build a sustainable transport system that works for the economy and job creation. It also saw attendees from some countries in the SADC region, including Mozambique and Tanzania. Ntebo Mokobo has more.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed his administration to drastically reduce road fatalities. He was speaking at the Inaugural National Transport Conference in Midrand, north of Johannesburg. The three-day gathering attended by Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, brought together decision-makers, investors and innovators to engage on how to build a sustainable transport system that works for the economy and job creation. It also saw attendees from some countries in the SADC region, including Mozambique and Tanzania. Ntebo Mokobo has more... 

A former Special Task Force member has appeared in court charged with murdering a key witness, raising concerns about the unit's integrity. Matipandile Sotheni, a trained sniper, is accused of killing Madlanga Commission whistleblower, Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D. Crime analysts say some task force members are being recruited by organised crime syndicates because of the skills they possess. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mpho Kwinika, General Secretary of the Independent Policing Union of South Africa (IPUSA)

A Cape Town father and former teacher is calling for a major rethink of homework in South Africa. Joseph Nefdt has launched a petition titled "Stop all educational homework in South Africa," arguing that excessive homework is leaving many children overwhelmed and stressed. He spoke to Elvis Presslin 

The police in Limpopo say they are intensifying crime prevention efforts through Operation Shanela II, which recently led to the arrest of 27 suspects, including one in possession of dagga worth over R2 million in Hoedspruit. A 38-year-old foreign national was arrested shortly after entering the Hoedspruit Central Business District while driving a white bakkie. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 22 sacks of dagga, graded as Swaziland dagga, with an estimated street value of over R2 million. Elvis Presslin spoke to Police Spokesperson in Limpopo Colonel Malesela Ledwaba

The South African Democratic Teachers Union and the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa, have raised concerns about governance and possible financial mismanagement at the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority. They say the ETDP SETA Board opposed a controversial Marshalltown office lease over safety, compliance and cost concerns, but allege those decisions were ignored. The unions are now calling for urgent action, including stopping further payments, securing assets, launching an independent investigation, and suspending the Acting CEO. Elvis Presslin spoke to Basil Manuel, executive director of NAPTOSA....

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has rejected proposals to liquidate the South African Post Office, blaming the institution's crisis on the failures of its Business Rescue Practitioners. COSATU is now calling on the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to approach the courts to remove the practitioners and appoint competent administrators to lead a turnaround of SAPO. Elvis Presslin spoke to Matthew Parks, COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator 

The South African National Defence Force has been deployed alongside the South African Police Service under Operation Prosper for 13 months, with more than 2,000 troops deployed nationwide. The operation, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will focus on crime hotspots in the Free State, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. The SANDF and SAPS held a joint media briefing where they outlined the aim of the deployment. National Police Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola said they have heard the calls from communities. 

Media reports suggest that the African National Congress (ANC) intends to recall Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. This comes ahead of the local government elections in a few months. The party held a meeting this weekend to discuss Morero's future. Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst Levy Ndou 

The Public Servants Association, PSA is calling for urgent intervention after a Grade-1 learner nearly fell into an open pit-toilet at Mogogelo Primary School in North West. The union says the incident highlights systemic failures in providing safe sanitation in schools. The PSA is demanding that the Premier and education officials take immediate action to address the infrastructure crisis.For more we are joined on the line by PSA Labour Relations Officer in North West, Nceba Baardman

South Africa's low-cost airline FlySafair has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge on ticket prices, citing a sharp increase in global jet fuel costs. The airline says the measure is necessary to manage rising operating expenses while continuing to offer affordable travel. We're joined now by Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair...

Defend Our Democracy says President Cyril Ramaphosa's attempt to remove Justice Sisi Khampepe from the TRC Prosecutions Commission raises serious concerns about judicial independence. The movement views the move as an effort to derail the Commission's investigation into apartheid-era crimes. The commission's work is far advanced, with several weeks of hearings already held. The group is demanding President Ramaphosa to respect the Commission's independence. Here is the Chairperson of Defend Our Democracy, Rosalie Manning

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoesoana, author of  Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

Government departments are said to  owe about R12.4 billion in unpaid invoices, up 17% in a quarter. This according to the latest National Treasury payment data. Delayed payments are hitting small businesses hard, disrupting payroll and stalling growth. Area Manager at Business Partners Limited, Lawrance Ramotala says this is pushing SMEs into survival mode and undermining job creation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Thapelo Kgosi, a small business owner who services various government departments 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has rejected DA claims that he was involved in the financial settlement with former provincial Health CFO, Lerato Madyo who is the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Gauteng Health, implicated in a scandal involving R850 million in fraudulent, suspicious contracts at Tembisa Hospital. Lesufi says his office had no role in the negotiations or decision and that he refused retrospective approval after being informed. An independent legal probe is now underway into the agreement. But the Health Department insists the exit followed labour rules and was not a golden handshake. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Dr. Jack Bloom...

A number of South Africans who arrived in the United States as refugees since May last year are now reportedly heading back home. Many had fled in 2025, citing government-backed racial discrimination and persecution targeting the Afrikaner community. President Trump granted them priority refugee status February last year. AfriForum says the underlying problems that drove them away still have not been resolved by the South African government. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ernst Van Zyl, head of Public relations at Afriforum...

South Africa's Department of International Relations has summoned US Ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell the Third for a formal demarche after he labelled the "Kill the Boer" chant hate speech at a recent event in Hermanus, Western Cape. DIRCO says the public comments breached diplomatic protocol and disrespected South African sovereignty. The ambassador later clarified on X that his personal view aligns with many South Africans who see the song as harmful. Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Isaac Khambule, Director of the Africa Centre for Evidence at the University of Johannesburg 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has raised concerns about the deployment of the South African National Defence Force troops in Gauteng. Cameron says footage from Eldorado Park, Westbury and Riverlea shows soldiers arresting civilians, with no police in sight. He wants answers on the command structure and rules of engagement. The military is supporting police in the area, but Cameron says Parliament hasn't approved the deployment. He spoke to Elvis Presslin to elaborate further on his concerns 

The South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU will today march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to demand urgent action on the country's youth unemployment crisis. The COSATU affiliate says the jobless rate for those aged 15 to 24 now exceeds 70%, describing it as a "ticking timebomb" threatening national stability and growth. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr Talente Biyela, the Chairperson of the SAMATU Junior Doctors Committee 

Police in the Eastern Cape have uncovered an 11 member syndicate allegedly involved in 62 insurance-related murders. The suspects insured family members and vulnerable individuals before killing them for payouts. Similar arrests were made in Limpopo, where five suspects were nabbed in connection with insurance killings and fraud linked to former police officer Rachel Kutumela. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gift Ngqondi, ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Head of Communications...

Police have raided multiple properties linked to businessman Calvin Mathibeli in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng as part of a tender fraud investigation. The move follows a Durban High Court order for Mathibeli to retract statements alleging corruption by KZN Provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mathibeli was accused of making defamatory claims about Mkhwanazi. The police operation is ongoing. Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis

Police have raided multiple properties linked to businessman Calvin Mathibeli in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng as part of a tender fraud investigation. The move follows a Durban High Court order for Mathibeli to retract statements alleging corruption by KZN Provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mathibeli was accused of making defamatory claims about Mkhwanazi. The police operation is ongoing. Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis

ActionSA has blamed the Government of National Unity (GNU) for South Africa's stagnant economy, citing a mere 0.4% growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 1.1% for the full year. The party argues that the GNU has failed to present a credible plan to lift the country out of its low-growth trap, leading to declining living standards and increased poverty. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley 

Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile will table the 2026/2027 provincial budget today, amid high expectations from residents seeking improved services. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Finance and MPL, Ruhan Robinson warns that the budget must prioritise fixing ageing infrastructure, maintaining roads and combating crime, rather than funding new projects. Key challenges include the e-Toll debt, water supply issues and public transport expansions. The DA says it will scrutinize the budget for effective allocation and value for money. To elaborate further on the party's sentiments, Elvis Presslin spoke to Ruhan Robinson... 

It's now time to take a look at the current top African economic stories.....We are joined on the line by Victor Kgomoesoana, 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... 

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Community Safety Committee has welcomed the establishment of two specialised units to combat political killings and kidnappings in the province. The units will focus on investigating political assassinations and kidnappings and crimes targeting infrastructure projects. The move follows alarming crime stats, including the murder of 10 police officers in Gauteng between October and December 2025. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety... 

The Joburg Property Company, JPC, has opened 16 criminal cases with police after uncovering fraudulent transfers of city properties. The company says certain individuals are involved in the alleged scams. Investigations are ongoing, and JPC is working with authorities to recover the properties. Elvis Presslin spoke to Joburg Property Company Spokesperson, Lucky Sindane...

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union, SADTU in KwaZulu Natal is up in arms over the provincial Department of Education's decision to renege on the government's early retirement offer. The department had initially invited employees to apply for early retirement without penalties but is now citing its inability to comply with the Cabinet decision. SADTU accuses the department of disrespect and undermining collective bargaining. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nomarashiya Caluza, SADTU KZN's Provincial Secretary

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) in Kimberley says Ekapa Mine Management confirmed to the union that at any given time, at least one of the bodies of five men trapped underground would be retrieved. It's been 20 days since the mud rush trapped the miners 890 metres underground in Ekapa Minerals Joint shaft. Tebogo Msimanga filed the following report...