First Take SA

Access to swimming skills and facilities remains limited across the country, with a only a few  South Africans having the lifesaving aquatic skills.  In North West, only One Olympic size public pool remains functional in the whole province, while many others have been left dilapidated. The custodian of the swimming, the potchefstroom based JB Marks Municipality says the maintenance of their olympic size swimming pool has allowed them to host a number of international activities and to teach local communities the lifesaving skill. Sentleeng Lehihi reports.

Police say cases of illicit drug manufacturing facilities discovered on farms in Limpopo since 2020 are alarming.  Drug manufacturing laboratories have been raided in Marble Hall, Grobblersdal and recently in Musina.  A joint operation by the Hawks and SAPS led to the discovery of 600 million crystal meth farm at Musina last week.  Five people were arrested. They are scheduled to appear at the Musina Magistrate's Court on Friday. Katlego Nyoni reports.

The Western Cape government is spending around 65-million-rand into its water resilience programme. This as it prepares for a hot and potentially prolonged summer. According to the province - the funding forms part of a longer-term water resilience programme. Immediate focus are on protecting water supplies and preventing municipalities from running out of water. Lerato Dlalisa reports.

The Democratic Alliance, DA says it will demand answers from the Public Investment Corporation, PIC over the loss of hundreds of millions of rand invested in Efora Energy on behalf of the Government Employees Pension Fund. The DA says more than R760 million was invested between 2011 and 2018, but the value of the Government Employees Pension Fund stake has since fallen sharply with Efora's shares now suspended. We spoke to Andrew Bateman, DA Deputy Spokesperson on Appropriations.

The MK Party has expelled two Members of Parliament, Dr. Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Pumlani Kubukeli, with immediate effect. Speaking to SABC presenter Bongiwe Zwane, Dr Litchfield-Tshabalala said she is confused by the decision and raised concerns about how her removal was handled. Expelled MK Member of Parliament, Dr. Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala speaks to Bongiwe Zwane.

Former Hawks head Dr. Godfrey Lebeya has denied knowing murder accused Katiso "KT" Molefe or contacting him before a police operation at Molefe's Sandton home in December last year. Lebeya finished reading his statement to the Madlanga Commission on Thursday and will return later for cross-examination. He also defended the Hawks' presence at the home and gave evidence on a missing cocaine consignment from the unit's Port Shepstone premises. Sibahle Motha reports.

The Special Tribunal has ordered former Nkandla architect Minenhle Makhanya to repay R147 million for unlawful security upgrades at Jacob Zuma's home. The SIU says costs rose from R27.9 million to R216 million under Makhanya, who approved extras like tunnels and lifts without proper tenders. The Tribunal ruled his appointment was unlawful and he certified work not required by security assessments. The SIU says it will refer any criminal evidence to the NPA. For analysis on the matter, we spoke to Ntombomzi Ngada, Attorney at Ngada Attorneys

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is appearing in the Germiston Magistrates' Court today over fraud and corruption charges linked to blue lights fitted to vehicles linked to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. This is the fifth arrest warrant issued against him. His lawyer attorney, Shafique Sarlie says the defence has not yet received the charge sheet and other suspects are expected to be joined as co-accused. We spoke to Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, MPL and DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate.

The Joburg Crisis Alliance has condemned the City of Johannesburg's appointment of Lesiba Arnold Malotana as Head of Public Safety. The group says the decision ignores calls for ethical and accountable governance, citing unresolved integrity issues, ongoing investigations and a reported high-risk lifestyle audit. The JCA is calling for the appointment to be rescinded, a legal review of council's decision and full disclosure of the information considered. We spoke to JCA programme coordinator, Yunus Chamda.

Western Cape Police Commissioner, Sizakhele Dyantyi, says investigations are at a crucial stage, following Wednesday morning's shootout between police and a suspect in Knysna, which left a policeman dead, as well as the suspect. Police were following up on leads in the recent deaths of Knysna's former Mayor, Aubrey Tsengwa and two others, when the shootout occurred. Sagree Chetty reports.

The South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 is under review, and labour is pushing for changes. MISA says the current plan focuses too much on vehicle manufacturing and ignores hundreds of thousands of jobs in dealerships, workshops and fuel stations. The union has told the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition the retail motor sector must be included.We speak to MISA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on what needs to change in South African Automotive Masterplan 2035.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is calling on residents to plant more trees ahead of Arbor Month in September. The city says its tree population is ageing and under pressure from development, illegal felling, fires, pests and climate change. We speak to Joburg City Parks and Zoo Senior Manager, Jenny Moodley on why expanding the urban forest is urgent and how residents can help.

South African salary earners may have had some relief from easing inflation in July, but economists warn that the pay squeeze is far from over, as pressures on the economy persist. According to the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, average nominal net salary - which is the money paid to workers after deductions - increased further to R21,642. The index tracks take-home pay for about 2.1 million South African salary earners. SABC News Economics Reporter Nosipho Radebe has the story.

The EFF's motion to remove National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, has been defeated. The motion related to Didiza's decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent interdict application in the Western Cape High Court to halt the Parliamentary impeachment process against him. During the debate in the House, EFF leader, Julius Malema, argued that Didiza has not shown impartiality and chose to prioritise her political party. The ANC chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, countered Malema, saying there is a record to show Didiza acted speedily to implement the ruling of the Concourt in May, that an Impeachment committee should be established. Zalene Merrington reports.

The Democratic Alliance, DA is in the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg today seeking to have the Finance Minister's power to raise VAT declared unconstitutional. The party argues tax rates should be decided by Parliament, not by ministerial proclamation. Last year the DA successfully blocked a proposed 2 percent VAT increase through the courts. For more we're joined by COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks.

The South African Freight and Logistics Association and the Road Freight Association are calling for an immediate recovery plan for the Durban Gateway Terminal. They say vessel waiting times have more than doubled since June, with truck delays also rising sharply at the port. The groups blame system, equipment and landside failures and are proposing a 30-day recovery compact with daily targets and one public dashboard. They warn costs are being passed to consumers through lost production, airfreight and trucks standing without bookings. We spoke to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association.

A new Wonga survey shows the cost-of-living crisis is pushing more households into debt just to cover basic needs. 41% of people say they use credit every month for groceries, transport and electricity. 32% borrowed from informal lenders or mashonisas, in the past year, up from 15% in 2025. We speak to Wonga spokesperson, Tina Manyanya about what the findings reveal on household finances and debt.

The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court has heard how North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi, allegedly plotted to stage an escape from court during his previous appearance, disguised as a Prison Officer. The State presented the evidence in the form of an affidavit provided by the investigating officer. This is Mogotsi's forth bail application attempt after two bail applications were denied by the same court and a third one dismissed by the High Court in Johannesburg. The case has been postponed to next Tuesday (1 September). Horisani Sithole filed this report

The ANC Youth League in Ekurhuleni has accused city officials of deliberately blocking jobs meant for young people. The group claims approved positions for cleaners, security guards and grass cutters remain vacant months after interviews concluded. We spoke to Youth League's Regional Chairperson, Simphiwe Patose.

E-hailing groups in the Western Cape have condemned what they call institutional failure at Cape Town International Airport. The Western Cape E-Hailing Association and Operation Ubuntu say neglect by Uber, ACSA and police has led to violence and intimidation in the staging area. They report that unauthorised operators are beating drivers, while legitimate grievances over space and illegal operators remain unresolved. The groups are calling on ACSA, the Department of Mobility and SAPS to take control of the precinct and restart mediation immediately. We spoke Yusuf Dahir, Acting Secretary General of the Western Cape E-Hailing Association.

The Government Employees Medical Scheme, GEMS has placed its Principal Officer Stan Moloabi on precautionary suspension. GEMS says the suspension is pending an internal process but has not provided reasons for the decision. With hundreds of thousands of public servants covered by the scheme, there are growing calls for transparency on what prompted the move. For reaction we spoke to Simon Hlungwani, President of the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA).

Members of the National Assembly will today vote on a motion of no confidence against Speaker Thoko Didiza. The motion was tabled by EFF leader Julius Malema in June over Didiza's decision not to oppose President Ramaphosa's court application to pause the Phala Phala impeachment process. The EFF says Didiza failed in her constitutional duties by not challenging the interdict. The DA's position is expected to be shaped by broader Government of National Unity considerations. But for more on the party's stance,we spoke to DA Chief Whip & Spokesperson on Justice & Constitutional Development, Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.

The Gauteng Department of Health is calling on communities to register as organ and tissue donors. Officials say about 1,100 people in Gauteng are waiting for a kidney transplant, while more than 6,500 people are on waiting lists nationwide. The department says one organ donor can save up to seven lives and tissue donation can help up to 50 people. They are urging families to discuss donation wishes now, to ease decisions during times of grief. We spoke to Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Health Spokesperson.

South Africa needs to move infrastructure projects from the drawing board to construction, faster. That's the focus of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium, which is taking place in Cape Town. It brings government and the private sector together, to unlock investment, improve delivery and create jobs. Mkhokheli Bandla filed this report.

The portfolio committee on Land Reform and Rural Development expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of farm worker equity schemes, while the portfolio committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources says the processing of the South African National Petroleum Resources Company Bill is at an advance stage. As Abongwe Kobokana reports, the committees briefed the media on their oversight responsibilities.

Years of collapsing service delivery have destroyed trust in politics among some residents in the North West. They have expressed mixed feelings about the ANC's eight mayoral applicants for the Rustenburg Local Municipality, ahead of the much-anticipated local government elections in November. Initially only one candidate per municipality were supposed to be unveiled, instead the ANC announced the names of all who applied in, Sandton on Saturday. Some residents remain doubtful that the applicants will bring meaningful change, while others are hopeful. SABC News reporter Thabang Morutloa compiled this report

The SACP in the Western Cape has launched its election manifesto at Crossroads in the City of Cape Town. The 2026 Local Government Elections will mark the first time the SACP will contest for elections since 1994, marking a departure from their-long standing arrangement with the ANC-led Tripartite Alliance. They say they are currently working on localizing the 6 priority areas that national has created in order to address the challenges specifically affecting the Western Cape. Tando Ntunja reports

The Madlanga Commission was delayed on Monday as the legal team representing attempted murder accused and businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala sought more time to consult with their client. Matlala eventually appeared before the Commission and invoked his right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions about matters linked to ongoing criminal cases. His lawyers had also threatened to withdraw from the proceedings in a "hypothetical scenario" if the Commission proceeded with Matlala's application without giving them additional time to prepare him. Sibahle Motha reports.

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will hear the state's appeal against a High Court ruling on the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant. The High Court previously found parts of the application process were unconstitutional and unfairly excluded vulnerable people. Government is challenging that decision. Civil society groups say barriers are still leaving some of South Africa's poorest without vital support. We spoke to Nkosinathi Sithole, Head of Litigation at Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI).

Affected mining communities are appearing before Parliament today to demand a formal inquiry into a century of environmental damage and economic debt. Leading the "100 Year Debt Campaign", the groups are presenting their case directly to the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources. They are calling for an immediate investigation into corporate exits, abandoned shafts, and failed land rehabilitation. We spoke to Mining Affected Communities United in Action, MACUA Executive Director, Christopher Rutledge.  

A new political movement, Move SA, has officially registered to contest this year's municipal elections. The organization, spearheaded by prominent housing entrepreneur Rali Mampeule has reportedly established seventy branches and signed up over five thousand members across Gauteng within its first month. Mampeule, known for driving large-scale infrastructure projects says the party will focus directly on municipal accountability and failing basic services. We spoke to MOVE SA, President and Founder, Rali Mampeule.

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

The Rankapole family who lost their daughter in a crash which killed three learners and a driver at Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo, say they are failing to come to terms with her passing. Both vehicles, a bus and a minibus taxi were carrying learners. Several learners were injured and were hospitalised at various health care facilities. The Education Department says it has initiated psychosocial support to the affected families. The SABC News crew visited one of the bereaved families and compiled this report. Avhapfani Munyai reports.

Public Protector of South Africa, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organizations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations. Gcaleka was speaking at the St Paul African Apostolic Church's Annual Feast in Moletsane, Soweto. The annual feast brings together congregants from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a day of prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship. Sashin Naidoo reports.

National Liquor Traders says it agrees children must be protected from underage drinking, but opposes blanket closures of taverns near schools. The group is responding to ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa's proposal, made at the party's manifesto launch to close taverns operating near schools. Convenor Lucky Ntimane told our senior producer Ronald Phiri that many outlets hold valid licences and shouldn't be punished for apartheid-era town planning.

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his party's prospective mayors and councillors 100 days to change the face of their wards and municipalities. This is contained in the 65 page ANC 2026 local government election manifesto he unveiled at Riversand Park Diepsloot north of Johannesburg on Sunday. Ramaphosa said within 100 days all ANC local government representatives must have fixed streets lights, fix potholes, stop water leaks and sewage spills. Our Politics Reporter Ntebo Mokobo attended the launch and filed us this report

Seven Emfuleni Local Municipality employees will appear in court today on charges of fraud and theft. This follows their arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team in Vanderbijlpark. Police allege the suspects took payments from residents to illegally reconnect electricity. Investigations are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out. We spoke to DA Emfuleni Local Municipality mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala.

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU says ActionSA's court bid to review disciplinary outcomes for two Presidential Protection Service officers must not turn Major-General Wally Rhoode and Brigadier Hennie Rekhoto into political targets. The union says approaching the High Court is a constitutional right, but guilt cannot be assumed before a court rules. Popcru adds that all SAPS members are entitled to due process, legal representation and the presumption of innocence, regardless of political pressure around the Phala Phala matter. We spoke to POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, CCMA has found the South African Police Service committed an unfair labour practice after overlooking Captain Christiaan du Plessis for a station commander post in Moorreesburg. It ruled less qualified candidates were shortlisted and the process had numerous irregularities and ordered SAPS to pay Du Plessis 10 months' salary. Trade union Solidarity says the case reflects wider problems with promotions and accountability in the police service. For more on what this means for SAPS, spoke to Solidarity's Public Sector Organiser, Ronel Stander.

Residents and small business owners in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, have accused mining company, Seriti, of overlooking them for employment and business opportunities at its recently opened pit. The residents say they have not benefitted from the mine in terms of job opportunities, business opportunities, skills training or infrastructure development since it began operations, earlier this year. They claim that the mine prioritises individuals from outside the community, when positions become available at its New Largo Pit A in Empumelelweni. Motsebi wa Monareng reports.

The sexual assault case against Dobsonville church elder and political figure, Tshepo Ntsimane, has been postponed to the 3rd of September for pre-trial proceedings. Ntsimane appeared before the Johannesburg High Court in his first appearance since the matter was transferred from the Roodepoort Magistrates' Court. The case is now before a new judge and a new legal team, who are still familiarising themselves with the matter. Luyanda Danca reports

The bail hearing of a Pretoria man accused of the murder of his wife in front of their two children, has taken an emotional turn after the State presented social media posts allegedly written by one of the children following the death of their mother. The woman was allegedly shot and killed in March this year her home in Valhalla, Centurion.  The State says the posts highlight the trauma suffered by the children. The Pretoria Magistrates' Court has postponed the matter to 27 August to rule on whether further evidence, including alleged recordings of threats, can be played in court. Nonhlanhla Ntshingila reports.

EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe says Speaker Thoko Didiza will be ousted in next Wednesday's no-confidence vote. Speaking to Bongiwe Zwane, Maotwe said the motion is over Didiza's handling of the Section 89 impeachment process, and the EFF is lobbying other parties for support.

The National Assembly will vote in a motion of no confidence against the Speaker, Thoko Didiza, next Wednesday. The motion, tabled by EFF leader, Julius Malema in June, relates to Didiza's decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent interdict application in the Western Cape High Court to halt the Parliamentary impeachment process over the Phala Phala matter. The court has in the meanwhile granted the interdict. It is not yet clear if voting will take place in person or on a virtual platform. Zalene Merrington reports.

A third suspect linked to the Reiger Park shooting will appear in the Boksburg Magistrates' Court today. The 27-year-old faces charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.  Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale says the arrest follows ongoing investigations into the attack that claimed the lives of two officers and two women.  

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party and United Africans Transformation are back in the Western Cape High Court today. They are seeking urgent leave to appeal a ruling that froze Parliament's Section 89 impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa. The court halted the Impeachment Committee's work last month at the President's request, pending a review of the independent panel's Phala Phala report. This follows the Constitutional Court's recent dismissal of a direct appeal on the matter. We spoke to MKP MP, Andile  Mgxitama.

The National Assembly will vote next Wednesday on an EFF motion of no confidence against Speaker Thoko Didiza. The motion, tabled by Julius Malema in June, relates to Didiza's decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent interdict to halt the Phala Phala impeachment process. The Western Cape High Court has since granted that interdict. It remains unclear whether the vote will be held in person or on a virtual platform. For more, we're joined by ANC Deputy Chief Whip, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane.

The South African National Editors' Forum, SANEF, has strongly condemned the alleged intimidation of Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi at the Madlanga Commission. Moloi opened a criminal case against businessman Stuart James Scharnick alleging Scharnick confronted and threatened him during a tea break for recording video footage. SANEF Executive Director Reggy Moalusi spoke to producer Tracey Boomgaard about how the threats against reporters undermines media freedom.

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

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