Discover
First Take SA

4998 Episodes
Reverse
The United Africans Transformation, UAT has slammed Eskom's R23.9 billion profit announcement, calling it a stark reflection of South Africa's ongoing inequality and governance crisis. The party says while Eskom celebrates its financial recovery, millions in rural areas, informal settlements and townships face persistent blackouts, disconnections and unreliable electricity. The group is urging immediate public dialogue to address these challenges and push for energy justice. Elvis Presslin spoke to the National Spokesperson for the United Africans Transformation, Mighty Mabule
The Democratic Alliance, DA will today lodge a formal complaint against the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, PRASA at the Public Protector's office in Johannesburg. This follows DA oversight visits uncovering alleged abuse and misspending of R3.5 billion in taxpayer funds. DA Deputy Spokesperson on Transport, Thami Mabhena, speaks to Elvis Presslin to elaborate on their scheduled complaint
South African prisons are set to roll out cell phone signal jammers in a crackdown on inmate-led crime rings. The move follows fresh reports of extortion schemes masterminded from inside maximum-security facilities. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has voiced outrage after learning a construction contractor fled a Bishop Lavis roads project under threats phoned in from Pollsmoor Prison. Minister of Correctional Services, Dr. Pieter Groenewald told the mayor that tenders are now out for advanced blocking tech to target high-risk sites like Pollsmoor first. Elvis Presslin spoke to Miles Bhudu, founder of the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR)...
The Government Communication and Information System, GCIS is hosting a webinar today to mark Cyber Security month. The event will focus on promoting responsible use of online platforms and strengthening cybersecurity. Bringing together public sector leaders, regulators, civil society and law enforcement, the session will combine policy discussions with real-world insights from digital influencers and cyberbullying victims. Elvis Presslin spoke to Hulisani Ramugadi, Acting CEO at the Film and Publication Board
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities CRL will launch its Section 22 Committee today. The event takes place at Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg drawing Christian leaders from across the country.This comes eight years after the Commission's landmark report on the commercialisation of religion and abuses tied to people's beliefs. The investigation laid out clear findings and steps to curb misconduct by some religious practitioners. Elvis Presslin spoke to ACDP President, Reverend Dr. Kenneth Meshoe
The Patriotic Alliance, PA met with the ANC last night to discuss reinstating PA Deputy President Kenny Kunene as a member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport in the City of Johannesburg. Kunene was sworn in as a councillor last week Friday following his suspension after he was found at the home of murder accused, Katiso "KT" Molefe during a police raid. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Greater Johannesburg Regional Coordinator, Mr. Sasabona Manganye
Africa4Palestine has expressed profound sadness at the untimely death of former Minister Nathi Mthethwa and extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends and those mourning his loss. Mthethwa was remembered as a steadfast supporter of Palestine's struggle for dignity, justice and self-determination. During his tenure as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, he notably backed the boycott of Israel, withdrawing support for Miss South Africa's participation in an Israeli pageant and helping halt Israeli sporting events in South Africa. Elvis Presslin spoke to Communications and Campaigns Manager for Africa4Palestine, Alie Komape
EFF MP Carl Niehaus is questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of South Africa's Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who was found dead outside a Paris hotel. The 58 year-old former Police Minister reportedly fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that in 2011, as Police Minister Mthethwa pressured then inspector-general of intelligence Faith Radebe to drop corruption charges against former crime intelligence head, Richard Mdluli. Niehaus suspects foul play, though French prosecutors haven't ruled out suicide. EFF MP Carl Niehaus spoke to Elvis Presslin
The South African National Editors' Forum has launched a campaign called "Appointment with the President," urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to hold an open dialogue with the media. The forum says it's time for the President to engage directly with editors and senior journalists, a common practice in democracies worldwide. SANEF expressed frustration, noting that Ramaphosa's last such meeting was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Elvis Presslin spoke to Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Editors' Forum, Tshamano Makhadi
The 25-year-old African Growth and Opportunity Act, Agoa, expired yesterday, leaving more than 30 Sub-Saharan African countries in limbo. This landmark trade agreement granted duty-free access to the US market for thousands of African products, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the continent. The Trump administration has expressed support for a one-year extension of Agoa, but uncertainty looms as Congressional approval hangs in the balance. President Trump's tariff-heavy trade policies have already impacted Agoa's benefits, with some African exports facing US import taxes between 10% and 30%. Dr. Mmatlou Kalaba, Senior Researcher at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy spoke to Elvis Presslin to elaborate on the impact of AGOA's expiration
Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo is urging the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to hear his evidence before wrapping up, warning that skipping it would leave a gaping hole in the final report. Teffo, whose name has surfaced in related parliamentary probes into police corruption, insists his input is key to unpacking allegations of criminality and interference in the justice system. The commission, probing explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has so far heard from top brass including National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola but Teffo's plea comes as hearings push toward a close. Elvis Presslin spoke to Advocate Malesela Teffo
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
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, NEHAWU has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit's interim report on Tembisa Hospital. The report reveals that R2 billion in state resources were looted through corruption, fraud, maladministration, procurement fraud, money laundering, collusion and bid rigging. NEHAWU condemned the theft, stating that these funds could have supported healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing essential resources. Elvis Presslin spoke to NEHAWU National Spokesperson, Lwazi Nkolonzi
South Africa is in the grip of powerful criminal networks, according to top cop Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission yesterday Khumalo named the "Big 5" as the country's most influential cartels. The syndicates reportedly operate from Cape Town to the nation's borders and beyond. The syndicates are involved in drug smuggling, extortion and rigging lucrative government tenders worth billions. Khumalo says they've infiltrated politics, with links to party structures and decision-making corridors. Elvis Presslin spoke to Independent Crime Analyst, Dr. Chris De Kock
South Africa will today launch Africa's first National Action Plan, NAP to tackle substandard and falsified medical products. The initiative aims to curb the spread of fake and poor-quality medicines, which the World Health Organisation says claims numerous lives globally each year, often undetected. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, alongside the National Department of Health and WHO, will unveil the plan this morning. Elvis Presslin spoke to SAHPRA's Head of Regulatory Compliance, Mokgadi Daphney Fafudi
Climate justice activists, community leaders, students and Capetonians will today protest outside the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where the Africa Energy Week 2025 is underway. The Green Connection say fossil fuels worsen climate change, fuel pollution, deepen poverty and inequality, especially in marginalised communities. This comes months after the International Court of Justice ruled that governments must protect children's right to a healthy environment amid the climate crisis. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ntombi Mapapu, Senior Energy and Climate Justice Coordinator at the Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI)...
Gauteng traffic police have raised concerns over a surge in road crashes this weekend, which coincide with payday. Authorities reported over 20 incidents since Friday, ranging from minor to fatal. Traffic police spokesperson Obed Sibasa says drunk driving, speeding, unsafe overtaking and reckless driving are the main causes. For more on this we are joined by Spokesperson for Gauteng Traffic Police Obed Sibasa
Judgment is expected in the drawn-out firearm case against EFF leader Julius Malema and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman in the East London Magistrate's Court today. The pair stand accused of illegally firing a weapon during the EFF's fifth anniversary rally back in July 2018 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges including unlawful discharge in a public area, possession of a firearm and ammunition and endangering the public. Malema says the case is a "political trial" with a botched prosecution. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson for AfriForum Community Safety and Legal analyst, Melusi Xulu...
ActionSA in Gauteng is calling on residents to boycott the Patriotic Alliance in next year's elections if Kenny Kunene is reinstated as Johannesburg's MMC of Transport. Kunene stepped down as MMC and councillor in July after being found at the home of murder accused Katiso Molefe during a police raid. He was also suspended from PA activities. Last week, PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced that a law firm had cleared Kunene of any wrongdoing. McKenzie has threatened to withdraw the PA from the Government of National Unity and all municipal coalitions by tomorrow if Joburg Mayor Dada Morero does not reinstate Kunene. Kunene was re-sworn in as a Johannesburg city councillor last week. For more on this we joined by ActionSA Joburg Regional Secretary, Lebo Mokoka
Lobby group AfriForum and the Orania Movement have strongly condemned the vandalism of Afrikaner monuments in Pretoria. The damage targeted a gun barrel and a boot on two Boer warrior statues flanking the Paul Kruger statue in Church Square. This follows the EFF's recent push to remove colonial and apartheid-era statues nationwide. The party has also proposed renaming Kruger National Park in a motion tabled in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. AfriForum and the Orania Movement call the EFF's actions an attack on Afrikaner heritage and their right to exist in South Africa. For more we're joined by Joost Strydom, Head of the Orania Movement