First Take SA

 The National Union of Mineworkers has condemned De Beers' decision to suspend production at Venetia Mine for two years. The company has also started Section 189A retrenchment proceedings, placing 1,214 workers at risk of job losses. NUM says the move is a severe blow to employees, families and surrounding communities and that the company should have consulted workers earlier. We're now joined on the line by NUM National Health and Safety Secretary and Diamonds Sector Chief Negotiator, Masibulele Naki

Concerns are mounting at the Public Investment Corporation after the suspension of CEO Patrick Dlamini and Chief Investment Officer August van Heerden. The DA says the removals expose deep dysfunction at the state asset manager responsible for public pension funds. The party is now calling for urgent parliamentary intervention to restore accountability and stability at the PIC. We speak next to the DA's Finance Spokesperson, Dr Mark Burke, for more

More than ten years after the Lily Mine collapse, the bodies of Pretty Nkambule, Solomon Nyirenda and Yvonne Mnisi are still underground. Their families say they continue to wait for closure and answers. ActionSA is leading a picket outside the National Prosecuting Authority in Pretoria today, calling for justice and accountability. The party says the delays have deepened the families' pain and eroded trust in the justice system. We're now joined by ActionSA President, Mr. Herman Mashaba for more

The EFF says it has written to Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela after allegedly finding four middleman companies are still working for NSFAS despite claims they were terminated. The party says NSFAS could be paying over R220 million a year in fees to the companies, based on R1.1 billion paid out in one 2026 payment cycle. EFF MP Sihle Lonzi says that money should go to students instead, and is asking the Minister to name the companies and explain how the contracts are still running. Mr. Lonzi, joins us on the line

The MK Party is dismissing the Ad Hoc Committee's preliminary SAPS report as an attempt to shield the Government of National Unity. Committee members themselves say the second draft omits critical information. The panel was set up to probe allegations of criminal infiltration and political interference raised last July by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. For more on this, we're joined now by MK Party MP, David Skosana

The Western Cape High Court will hear President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent application today and tomorrow to halt Parliament's Section 89 impeachment proceedings. The President wants the process suspended while he reviews the Independent Panel report that found a prima facie case against him over Phala Phala. Parliament's Impeachment Committee says it will oppose the bid today, with Chairperson Makashule Gana insisting Parliament has a constitutional duty to continue its work. For more on this we're now joined on the line by Legal analyst, Advocate Mokgadi Joey Machaba

In late June, public health experts warned that an unlawful anti-migrant deadline could spark a crisis, and that warning has now become reality. Within days, tens of thousands of people were displaced by violence or its threat and processed through sites like Musina and the Beitbridge border post. Despite the South African government's rapid response, serious concerns remain about overcrowding, poor sanitation, disrupted medical care, and rising psychological trauma. Today, we unpack the public health implications of this crisis and what must be done to protect lives and uphold constitutional rights. We spoke to Prof Hassan Mahomed, a public health specialist in solidarity with Healthcare Workers Against Xenophobia (HCWAX).

A South African court has handed down judgment in the extradition case of Zimbabwean activist Wellington Masiwa, also known as Comrade Nyoka-yema-bhunu. Masiwa is a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa but Zimbabwe says the request relates to fraud charges and not politics. The case has sparked debate over extradition law, political asylum and the protection of activists in South Africa. In an exclusive interview from the holding cells, Masiwa spoke to Producer Tracey Boomgaard about his arrest and time in the country.

The Madlanga Commission has hit another delay after IDAC Head Advocate Andrea Johnson was rushed to hospital yesterday. Her legal team submitted a medical certificate, while North West businessman Suliman Carrim will also miss Wednesday's sitting as he continues to receive treatment reportedly outside Gauteng. Suspended Deputy Crime Intelligence Head Major-General Feroz Khan and Mike van der Walt are among witnesses still waiting to testify after being hospitalised. The repeated postponements have led South Africans to question whether delays are becoming a pattern at the inquiry. We spoke to IFP Chief Whip, Nhlanhla Hadebe.

The Public Investment Corporation board has placed its Chief Executive Patrick Dlamini on precautionary suspension. The move follows a dispute over the Lanseria Airport investment and allegations that Dlamini appointed PwC for a forensic probe without board approval. Businessman Kagiso Matjila has also filed a R900-million damages claim against Dlamini personally. The PIC, which manages about R3.6-trillion in public servants' pensions says the suspension is not a finding of guilt and that Dlamini will respond through internal processes. We spoke to Claude Naiker, Assistant General Manager for the Public Servants Association, PSA.

Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede has officially joined the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Gumede will serve as the party's deputy convener in KwaZulu-Natal. MK Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo described her as a committed and experienced leader who will strengthen the party's structures in the province. Gumede was mayor from 2016 to 2019 and still faces corruption charges linked to the Durban Solid Waste tender, which she denies. We spoke to Political Analyst, Dr. William Mpofu.

The South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU says government must immediately employ hundreds of unemployed South African doctors who remain jobless while the public health system is understaffed. The union says the move is urgent to ease pressure on hospitals and address what it calls an injustice against local graduates. This comes as ActionSA raises concerns over Gauteng Health reportedly spending more than R612 million a year on foreign healthcare professionals. We spoke to SAMATU General Secretary Dr. Cedric Sihlangu.

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

The Democratic Alliance, DA has stepped up its fight against child rape by calling for a national probe into government departments that are failing to report and investigate cases. The party submitted evidence to the South African Human Rights Commission showing weak compliance with compulsory reporting laws, especially when pregnant girls under 16 appear in hospitals. We spoke to Angel Khanyile, MP and DA Spokesperson on Women, Youth & People with Disabilities.

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has rejected allegations that she helped family members get jobs in the public service. Her deputy Steve Letsike is also facing similar allegations. In a statement, Chikunga called the reports false and misleading, saying all public service appointments follow a legal recruitment process managed by accounting officers. She stressed that executive authorities do not appoint staff outside the law and that appointments are made on merit and transparency. We spoke to  Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner, Advocate Neo Sephoti. The Commission is investigating the allegations levelled against the Ministers.

The Madlanga Commission is set for a pivotal week, with Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson due to testify today. Senior IDAC investigator Brian Padayachee is also expected to appear this week. Johnson will respond to recent allegations questioning IDAC's conduct and independence, including claims she interfered in an assault case involving suspended Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan. We spoke to Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).

A three-day inquest into the death of Anele Tembe starts this morning at the Cape Town Magistrate's Court. The court will hear evidence on how Tembe died after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in April 2021. Proceedings will also determine whether anyone can be held legally responsible and if further legal action should follow. At the time of her death, Tembe was engaged to late South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes - who was shot and killed In Durban in 2023. We spoke to Criminal Lawyer, Bruce Hendricks, Attorney at Hendricks-Harmse Attorneys.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of footballer Jayden Adams and young rugby player Luqobo Makwedini. Mackenzie said the pair's passing is a huge blow to their families, teammates and South African sport as a whole. He highlighted how both athletes inspired many young people through their talent and dedication. We spoke to Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie.

Solidarity has hit the City of Tshwane with a letter of demand after officials placed City Manager Johann Mettler on precautionary suspension. The union says the move came despite a detailed 18-page response they submitted on his behalf and looks like a politically motivated witch-hunt. Deputy Chief Executive Anton van der Bijl called the process unlawful and unconstitutional, warning the metro faces court action if it does not back down. We spoke to Mr. van der Bijl

The African Christian Democratic Party, ACDP in Ekurhuleni is calling for accountability and swift justice following recent arrests of senior municipal officials. ACDP councillor Palesa Yates says those arrested must have their day in court after the spotlight placed on governance issues by the Madlanga Commission. The party is also renewing calls for justice in the murder of municipal auditor Mpho Mafole, more than a year after he was gunned down, while raising concerns about ethical leadership and governance within the city.  We spoke to ACDP councillor, Palesa Yates.

Former Ekurhuleni City Manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi is expected to apply for bail in the Germiston Magistrate's Court this morning. She and co-accused Linda Gxasheka spent the night in custody after the state asked for time to verify their addresses. Mashazi faces charges of fraud, corruption. Julius Mkhwanazi and Kemi Behari have been granted bail of R50,000 each but remain in custody. For more, we spoke to her legal representative, Johan Eksteen from BDK Attorneys.

The City of Tshwane Council has placed City Manager Johann Mettler on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending an independent investigation. Council also resolved to start disciplinary proceedings against CFO Gareth Mnisi over allegations found to be less serious misconduct. The Mayor says administration remains stable and services will continue. The DA, however, has condemned the suspension as unlawful, alleging 13 votes were deducted after being counted and says it is seeking legal advice. We spoke to DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Cilliers Brink.

The Union Against Hunger will picket outside the South African Human Rights Commission's Food Inquiry today. They plan to hold a symbolic trial of Shoprite in its absence after the retailer and other major chains reportedly failed to appear before the hearings in Johannesburg. The group will hand over a memorandum demanding the Commission compel retailers to attend and explain soaring food prices. We spoke to Union Against Hunger Secretary, Esther Padi.

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

South Africa's asylum system is showing signs of progress, with the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa recording one of the biggest reductions in its backlog in years. The Department of Home Affairs says active refugee appeals have dropped by more than 12%, with thousands of cases finalised as part of a broader reform programme. However, with tens of thousands of cases still pending questions remain about whether these reforms will be enough to fully restore confidence in the system. We spoke to Advocate Zilpha Raphesu, the chairperson of the Refugee Appeals Board.

Impeached former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane says she will oppose an application by the Legal Practice Council to have her struck from the roll of advocates. The statutory regulatory body has cited several grounds, including alleged unprofessional conduct. Advocate Mkhwebane is expected to file her answering papers in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. We spoke to  Advocate Mkhwebane.

Labour federation the Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is holding its National Day of Action today alongside affiliates including SAMWU and SADTU. Members are marching to the National Treasury in Pretoria to hand over a memorandum. The memorandum is also directed to CoGTA, SALGA and the Department of Water and Sanitation. COSATU says the action is to defend workers' rights, collective bargaining and quality public services. To elaborate further on today's march we spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela.

Citizen-led movement March and March will today march to alleged drug dens and businesses in KZN, accused of employing undocumented foreign nationals. The group has committed to holding a march every Thursday. March and March says the weekly protests are aimed at putting pressure on authorities to act on crime and job opportunities in the area. We spoke to March and March Movement leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma.

The Activists and Citizens Forum says the only way for EFF leader, Julius Malema to clear his name is to appear before the Madlanga Commission and present his version of events. The call follows damning allegations that Malema, General Feroz Khan, Mo Sayed, and other questionable figures are involved in illegal activities. We spoke to Dennis Bloem, Spokesperson for the Activists and Citizens Forum.

Tensions between the United States and Iran are  said to be escalating rapidly following a fresh exchange of strikes and sharp rhetoric. Donald Trump has warned of hitting Iran "hard," suggesting the ceasefire is effectively over. The US has reportedly targeted dozens of Iranian-linked sites, while Iran has responded with attacks on US positions in the Gulf, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. We spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow & Director At Africa Asia Dialogues.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the controversial Constitutional Amendment Number Three into law, pushing his rule until 2030. The move scraps the 2028 elections, ends direct presidential votes by the public and hands that power to parliament while stretching future terms to seven years. At 83, Mnangagwa's decision has sparked fresh debate over democracy in the southern African nation. Elvis Presslin spoke to Ngqabutho Mabhena, General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Communist party...

The Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa has extended support to initiates undergoing customary initiation this winter. The Council says while it respects the role of traditional leaders, practitioners and families, safety, health and dignity must come first. It has called for strict adherence to health regulations, legal frameworks and cultural protocols to prevent injuries and fatalities. Elvis Presslin spoke to the Council's Acting Registrar, Fhatuwani Bruce Mbedzi.

The South African Local Government Association, SALGA says it has noted National Treasury's decision to temporarily withhold July 2026 equitable share payments from 69 municipalities. While SALGA agrees accountability is needed, it warns the move must not compromise service delivery. Treasury says the withholding aims to enforce fiscal discipline. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesetja Dikgale, SALGA Chairperson for the Municipal Finance and Fiscal Policy Working Group...

The Constitutional Court has upheld a ruling that sections of the Refugee Act are unconstitutional. The case was brought by the Scalabrini Centre and Lawyers for Human Rights in 2023. Judges ruled on Tuesday that asylum seekers cannot be turned away for lacking documents or missing a five-day reporting deadline. The court said each application must be considered individually, on its own merits. For more on what this judgement entails, Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Immigration Lawyer, Ashraf Essop.

ActionSA has referred the Phala Phala matter to the Information Regulator after its request for documents was denied. The party is seeking records including an affidavit signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and financial documents linked to the farm theft case. ActionSA says it's concerned about the difference between the R8.7 million initially declared stolen and court evidence of transactions over R15 million. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont...

Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena will today brief the media on the deaths of healthcare professionals at public facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. The briefing is expected to cover findings and recommendations on safety and working conditions in the sector. Attention now turns to key stakeholders, including Denosa, which represents nurses on the frontline. Elvis Presslin spoke to Sibonelo Gumede, Deputy Provincial Chairperson for DENOSA in KZN

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has raised urgent concerns regarding a growing and largely overlooked social crisis in South Africa: the increasing number of fathers being denied meaningful access to their children. Despite ongoing efforts to protect the rights of women and children, there is a rising concern that the rights of children to maintain relationships with both parents are not being adequately upheld. The ATM has called on the Portfolio Committee on Social Development to urgently convene a parliamentary engagement to investigate these concerns. We spoke to ATM National Spokesperson, Zama Ntshona.

Police have reopened the 2021 death of Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi as a murder investigation. His death was initially attributed to Covid-19 but an exhumation and forensic tests found he was poisoned. Authorities confirm multiple raids were conducted at properties in Centurion linked to SAPS members. Police say a breakthrough has been made and a number of people of interest are being investigated. But no arrests have been made so far. We spoke to Independent Crime Analyst, Dr. Chris De Kock.

The DA has condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Ayanda Dlodlo as South Africa's ambassador to France. She replaces the late Nathi Mthethwa, who died in Paris last year. The DA cites allegations from the State Capture Commission and a Public Protector probe linked to Ms. Dlodlo. The party says the appointment damages South Africa's reputation with a key trade partner. The Presidency has not yet responded to the criticism. We spoke to FF Plus Leader, Dr. Corné Mulder.

The DA in Tshwane will hold a media briefing outside the Gauteng North High Court this morning. Mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink will outline the party's impending legal action against Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance, Eugene Modise.Brink is expected to detail the reasons for the challenge and what it means for governance in the city. We spoke to Cilliers Brink.

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

Today marks one year since KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly revealed alleged corruption and criminal infiltration in the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi also accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu - who is current on special leave, of unlawfully disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and seizing its dockets. The revelations prompted the establishment of the Madlanga Commission now hearing testimony from around eighty witnesses. As South Africans reflect on the anniversary, questions remain about real accountability in the criminal justice system. We spoke to Corruption Watch's spokesperson, Janine Erasmus.

The ZEP Coordinating Committee says thousands of school-going children of Zimbabwean families are being pulled out of South African schools due to 'forced' deportations. The group is particularly concerned about the 2026 Matric class and learners in Grades 10, 11 and 7 who face major curriculum and registration barriers if they relocate now. We spoke to Edward Muchatuta, National Coordinator of the ZEP Coordinating Committee.

The National Union Of Mineworkers, NUM says three suspects accused of threatening its Branch Chairperson at Impala triple-M 1 Shaft will appear in court again today. Police arrested the men in June, they were found with two unlicensed firearms and a stolen vehicle. Bail has been opposed twice at Tlhabane Magistrate's Court. We spoke to William Shiko, NUM Rustenburg Region Deputy Secretary.

Tributes continue to pour in for former MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Dr. Ntuthuko Mahlaba, who died  after being struck by a car while jogging on Allen Street in Newcastle. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma described his passing as a depletion of dedicated leaders, crediting Dr. Mahlaba for accelerating schools, clinics, hospitals and thousands of houses in the province. Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, including whether the driver remained on the scene. We spoke to Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN.

Civil society group Kopanang African Against Xenophobia says more than 1,100 people, including 80 children, were taken from the Malawi Consulate in Johannesburg to Lindela Repatriation Centre on Friday. The group says no social workers were present during the operation, which it calls a violation of the Children's Act and a humanitarian catastrophe being covered up. The group is also calling for the urgent reunification of a Malawian mother and her two-week-old baby, who were separated following the woman's arrest.We spoke to KAAX spokesperson, Dr. Dale McKinley.

The Casual Workers Advice Office says it has been flooded with calls from migrant workers who were allegedly dismissed, threatened or denied rights as anti-immigration sentiments rise in workplaces. The non-profit organization that provides free legal advice and organizing support to precarious workers says migrant workers were reportedly told not to return on the day of the marches, some receiving termination notices and left without pay or accommodation. The organisation says employers are exploiting the climate to target migrant and vulnerable workers and stressed that immigration status cannot be used to break labour law. We spoke to Andile Nyembezi, from the Casual Workers' Advice Office.

A new digital tool is aiming to change the way South Africans respond to crime and emergencies. The Crime Emergency App has been launched as a public safety initiative designed to make it easier for communities to report incidents in real time, connect with authorities, and ultimately improve response times. As concerns around crime and personal safety remain high across the country, this app could play a critical role in strengthening coordination between citizens and law enforcement. We spoke to  Crime Emergency App Innovator,Mapula Mailula.

The Constitutional Court has ruled the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town failed to meet their constitutional obligation to provide affordable housing when they sold the Tafelberg site in Sea Point in 2015. The court said the decision perpetuated apartheid spatial patterns and that land in well-located areas must be used for housing with access to transport, jobs and services. Provincial Infrastructure Minister, Tertuis Simmers says the province respects the judgment and will engage stakeholders to comply within the set timeframes. 

The International Relations Department (DIRCO) says it will assess Nigeria's request for compensation after its citizens allegedly abandoned properties during Tuesday's protests against undocumented immigration. Nigeria has told citizens to document assets left behind as over 600 people have been repatriated, with hundreds more awaiting return. For legal analysis on the matter, we spoke to Lynette Cherry Singh, Founder and Managing Director at Cherry-Singh Incorporated.