First Take SA
First Take SA is a news and current affairs podcast from SAfm, the South African Broadcasting Corporation's national radio station. It covers current events, politics, and social issues affecting South Africa. Episodes typically feature analysis and interviews tied to the day's news. The show is produced in South Africa for a South African audience.
Episodes
Al Jama-ah announces Ashley Mama as its Johannesburg mayoral candidate
The battle for Johannesburg is intensifying ahead of the 4 November local government elections, with Al Jama-ah fielding Ashley Mama as its mayoral candidate. Mama's campaign is focusing on some of the city's most pressing concerns, including service delivery, accountability, economic development, job creation and community safety. With Johannesburg also facing pressure on infrastructure and decli
New political parties gear up for this year's local government elections
This year's local government elections have attracted unlikely characters which are energising the political landscape. Unlike traditional politicians, these individuals originate from the cultural entertainment and business sectors amongst others. Over five hundred and forty political parties will be contesting the local government elections which are less than forty days away. SABC Senior politi
All Eyes On Kempton Park As COSATU Leadership Results Expected Today
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) began voting for its top six leadership positions at its 15th National Congress in Kempton Park. This follows a chaotic start to the congress in September, which collapsed due to fierce leadership factions and eligibility disputes. The votng process was managed by an independent electoral instititute, EISA (Electoral Institute for Sustainable Dem
Madlanga Commission says it will obtain a statement from Serge Cabonge
The Madlanga Commission says it will obtain a statement from Serge Cabonge. This follows voice recordings attributed to him that were played in the Randburg Magistrate's Court during the bail hearing of Shadrack Sibiya. The Commission says Cabonge has been mentioned in its hearings before and his claims will now form part of its broader investigation. It says it will not comment further for now. F
AfriForum says Johannesburg's water crisis shows the municipal service delivery model is failing residents
Lobby group AfriForum says Johannesburg's water crisis shows the municipal service delivery model is failing residents. The organisation says the city's consideration of private sector involvement is an admission that the current system is not working. It says residents should not be held hostage by municipal monopolies when sustainable alternatives exist. AfriForum is calling for private and comm
Deputy President Paul Mashatile to deliver the keynote address at FEDUSA's 8th National Congress today
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at FEDUSA's 8th National Congress today. He will be standing in for President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Congress is underway at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre at O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg and runs until Friday. The federation says the gathering comes as workers face rising living costs and pressure on household incomes. we spok
South African Youth Economic Council welcomes Labour Court order halting the restart of the recruitment process for the National Skills Fund CEO.
The South African Youth Economic Council has welcomed a Labour Court order halting the restart of the recruitment process for the National Skills Fund CEO. SAYEC says the dispute raises questions about leadership and stability at the Fund. The Council also flagged the plight of over 400 engineering students who it says have not received accommodation and meal allowances since April. We spoke to SA
SACP leader Chris Hani’s killer Janusz Walus could soon run for public office in Poland
The man who assassinated SACP leader Chris Hani, Janusz Walus, could soon run for public office in Poland. Far-right political groups in the country are reportedly eyeing Walus as a candidate for the upcoming 2027 parliamentary elections. Walus was deported to his home country in December 2024 after serving nearly three decades in a South African prison. Our senior producer Ronald Phiri spoke with
SAPS says Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya's resignation will be treated as a dishonourable discharge
The South African Police service says Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya's resignation will be treated as a dishonourable discharge. This after his lawyers tendered the resignation when disciplinary hearings had already started. Sibiya faces accusations including his alleged relationship with businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala.We spoke to policing and Security specialist Eldred de Klerk.
Mantashe's walkout at COSATU Congress sparks debate over unity within the alliance.
ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe's walkout at COSATU's reconvened National Congress in Kempton Park is sparking debate over unity within the alliance. Mantashe, who was leading the ANC delegation, reportedly refused to speak before the SACP and SANCO, insisting the ANC traditionally speaks last.Attempts by ANC Veterans League President, Dr. Snuki Zikalala and COSATU General Secretary Solly
More than 960-thousand candidates will start writing the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams today across the country.
More than 960-thousand candidates have registered to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, which get underway today across South Africa. For matriculants, this marks the culmination of years of hard work, preparation and sacrifice, and for many, the beginning of the next chapter in their lives. While excitement is high, so too are the pressures and expectations that come with on
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
COSATU reconvenes its 15th National Congress today following earlier disruptions
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU is reconvening its 15th National Congress today following earlier disruptions. Delegates are gathering at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, after internal friction completely paralyzed the initial gathering. COSATU affiliates are anticipated to attend as leadership moves to restore order and conclude outstanding business.
All systems go for the 2026 matric examinations
The Department of Basic Education is ready for the 2026 matric examinations, with thousands of candidates expected to sit for the National Senior Certificate exams across the country. Briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube says examination papers have been set, schools assessed for readiness and learners prepared through rigorous assessments and addition
Afrika Mayibuye Movement condemns the shooting at the Bushbuckridge home of President of Contralesa Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has condemned the shooting at the Bushbuckridge home of President of Contralesa Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena. Police are investigating attempted murder and malicious damage to property following the incident on Thursday. Mayibuye says traditional leaders should not have to carry out public duties under threat of gunfire and has called for a properly resourced investigation.
EFF and the African Legal Professionals Association are in the Western Cape High Court today challenging the Impeachment Committee's decision to rescind Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as its evidence leader
The EFF and the African Legal Professionals Association are in the Western Cape High Court today challenging the Impeachment Committee's decision to rescind Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as its evidence leader. The two applicants want the court to set aside the Committee's decision and have Madonsela reinstated. They argue the move to remove him was irrational and undermines the credibility and fa
Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign not happy with what it deems attacks on the Constitutional Court ruling
The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign in KwaZulu-Natal says threats against the Constitution and the Constitutional Court following its recent ruling on asylum seekers amount to an attack on the rule of law. The group says the ruling does not automatically grant asylum but requires Home Affairs to fairly consider applications in line with human rights obligations.We spoke to Yeshelen Govender, Spokes
US President Donald Trump approves of what would be the first-ever live broadcast of a US execution
President Donald Trump has approved the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan for the 2009 Fort Hood, Texas shooting. The execution is set for the third of December by firing squad. The Pentagon is now weighing a plan to live stream it. No execution has ever been broadcast live in the US and legal experts say the proposal sits in an untested legal area. For reaction and analysis on the matter
Jacob Zuma Foundation appeals to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Presidency to ensure proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Presidency to ensure proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead. Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi says the upkeep of the residence through Public Works and the replacement of his ageing vehicle fleet warrant serious consideration. He joins us on the line.
The world marks World Mental Health Day tomorrow
As the world marks World Mental Health Day tomorrow, focus is shifting to the emotional wellbeing of children and families. Experts say mental health challenges among young people are rising globally. Parents and schools are grappling with anxiety, behavioural difficulties and learning challenges. We spoke to Educational Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology
Examination quality assurance body UMALUSI says it's all systems go for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams
Examination quality assurance body, UMALUSI says it's all systems go for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams which will start on the 13th of October, UMALUSI says strict quality controls and security measures are in place to secure the exams. The body says they are satisfied with measures put in place to conduct, administer and manage the 2026 matric exams. The exams will end on the 26th of
Asylum seekers queueing outside the Home Affairs Refuge Offices in the Eastern Cape attacked
Tensions were high in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape when a handful of protesters approached hundreds of asylum seekers queueing outside the Home Affairs Refuge Offices, demanding that they leave.This as the asylum seekers were waiting outside these offices for the processes of obtaining permits following the Constitutional court ruling that they can proceed with applications. They claim that they f
Tensions escalated in KZN following protests criticizing the Constitutional Court's asylum ruling
A protest aimed at halting the processing of asylum applications at the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Durban turned violent for a second consecutive day. A scrapyard reportedly operated by a foreign national, located near the centre, was set alight amid heightened tensions. The Refugee Reception Centre has since been closed, with a heavy police presence
Some municipalities are failing dismally to keep townships clean
Despite calls from government and politicians to keep our towns and cities clean, some townships continue to resemble dumpsites. Residents in the affected areas blame infrastructure failures and lack of by-law enforcement. They also point to waste management entities that struggles with an aging fleet and failure to pay maintenance contracts including Pikit-up in Johannesburg. Our Politics Reporte
Various civic moments weigh in on the landmark court ruling that protects asylum seekers' rights
Violence broke out in Soweto, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape over the Constitutional Court's July ruling on asylum seekers.The judgment forced Home Affairs to assess applications on merit instead of irregular entry. Residents blockaded roads, torched vehicles, looted businesses and forced spaza shops to close. Government said unfounded claims can still be rejected while genuine refugees fleein
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back.
Babsy Mlangeni remembered
For nearly six decades, Babsy Mlangeni's distinctive voice became part of the soundtrack of South African life, carrying stories of love, resilience and the everyday experiences of ordinary people. Now, following his death at the age of 83, the music icon - who lost his sight during childhood - is being remembered not only for the songs he gave the nation, but for a legacy that transcended generat
South Africa is moving to strengthen its pharmaceutical independence
South Africa is moving to strengthen its pharmaceutical independence, with the CSIR's FuturePharma facility launch in Pretoria. The facility aims to reduce the country's reliance on imported pharmaceutical ingredients by bridging the gap between scientific research and local medicine production, helping to turn South African innovations into products that can be manufactured locally. Nonhlanhla Nt
The cancellation of the multi million rand Medicare24 Tshwane District contract has led to a deficit of police officers on the ground.
The SACP in Limpopo is unhappy with the Independent Electoral Commission over the registration of one of its ward councillor candidates. The party says its ward 35 candidate in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse municipality was moved and registered in a ward in the City of Tshwane, before the IEC's registration deadline. The SACP opened a case of fraud and wants Motlepe Nchabeleng to be reinstated as its ward
SACP in Limpopo unhappy with the Independent Electoral Commission over the registration of one of its ward councillor candidates.
The SACP in Limpopo is unhappy with the Independent Electoral Commission over the registration of one of its ward councillor candidates. The party says its ward 35 candidate in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse municipality was moved and registered in a ward in the City of Tshwane, before the IEC's registration deadline. The SACP opened a case of fraud and wants Motlepe Nchabeleng to be reinstated as its ward
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemns the kidnapping and death of a four-month-old baby
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the kidnapping and death of a four-month-old baby and alleged rape of the mother in Atteridgeville. Preliminary reports say a pastor and his wife lured the woman to the Hennops River near the R511 under the pretext of performing a ritual. The woman was allegedly tied up and assaulted while the wife stayed with the baby. Police have arrested the pastor's
Department of Employment and Labour says proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act do not create new employment rights for refugees or asylum seekers.
The Department of Employment and Labour says proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act do not create new employment rights for refugees or asylum seekers. Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says social media claims that refugees will no longer be regarded as foreign nationals are incorrect. Ministry Spokesperson, Thobeka Magcai elaborates...
As the country marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a new memoir titled I Choose Life has been launched
As the country marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a new memoir titled I Choose Life has been launched. The book explores resilience, faith, motherhood and survival following a breast cancer journey. Author Tebele Makhetha reflects on major life transitions, her corporate career and lessons on courage and purpose. She spoke to Tracey Boomgaard about what the title means to her personally.
Border Management Authority dismisses claims that US deportees are slipping into South Africa through informal crossings from Eswatini
The Border Management Authority has dismissed claims that US deportees are slipping into South Africa through informal crossings from Eswatini. The BMA maintains that all land ports with Eswatini are secured and under surveillance. Meanwhile, Eswatini's government says three nationals from Yemen, Belize and Laos have voluntarily left the kingdom for their home countries in recent weeks. Eswatini m
Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says it is aware of panic and confusion following the recent Constitutional Court judgment on asylum seekers and the Refugees Act
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration says it is aware of panic and confusion following the recent Constitutional Court judgment on asylum seekers and the Refugees Act. Chairperson Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says government is treating the matter with utmost urgency. The IMC hosted an urgent meeting with departments, legal experts and stakeholders to consider the implications. Government say
DA to hold a major march against gender-based violence in Pretoria today
The Democratic Alliance will hold a major march against gender-based violence in Pretoria today. Party leaders, including Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink, Helen Zille and Solly Msimanga, will march from Burgers Park to the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre. The party says women cannot continue to be told to be vigilant while violent criminals terrorise communities. For the latest we spoke
Deputy President Paul Mashatile welcomes progress on the National Dialogue Steering Committee
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has welcomed progress on the National Dialogue Steering Committee following a meeting yesterday. The Presidency says different sectors including youth, people with disabilities, civil society and faith-based organisations have been hosting dialogues. Mashatile says the pilot dialogues show citizens are ready to engage honestly about the country's challenges and offe
SA First Forum writes to Home Affairs Minister demanding urgent action on undocumented South Africans
The SA First Forum has written to Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber demanding urgent action on undocumented South Africans. The forum says an estimated four point four million citizens remain without identity documents, blocking access to education, jobs and banking. It cites cases of learners unable to write Matric and young people unable to access tertiary education. The group has given t
UN Secretary-General calls for the Gaza ceasefire to become permanent
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the Gaza ceasefire to become permanent, warning that three years after the October 7th Hamas attacks, Israelis and Palestinians continued to live with the consequences of the conflict. In a statement issued a day before the sombre anniversary, Guterres reiterated his abhorrence of the killing of more than 1,200 people in Israel and the ta
Democratic Alliance in Gauteng is calling for an urgent probe into chronic medicine shortages at public health facilities
The Democratic Alliance, DA in Gauteng is calling for an urgent probe into chronic medicine shortages at public health facilities. Patients at hospitals including Steve Biko and Charlotte Maxeke and clinics including Nigel and Northmead, have reportedly struggled to get medication for hypertension, epilepsy and other chronic conditions. The DA says the shortages are putting patients at risk and ra
Political commentator and civil society leader Lukhona Mnguni is vying to become the Mayor of Johannesburg
Political commentator and civil society leader Lukhona Mnguni is vying to become the Mayor of Johannesburg. Mnguni will contest the upcoming local government elections under Rise Mzansi. Mnguni says he will focus on tackling corruption, restoring public trust and improving service delivery. Johannesburg faces persistent challenges, including failing infrastructure and governance instability.
Workers take to the streets as COSATU leads nationwide marches to mark World Day for Decent Work
Workers are taking to the streets today as COSATU leads nationwide marches to mark World Day for Decent Work. The federation says workers face mass retrenchments, non-compliance with the minimum wage and growing casualisation. Marches will target Sun International over planned job cuts and Massmart over the dismissal of hundreds of Makro workers. COSATU is also demanding stronger enforcement of la
Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza challenges global leaders at the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly to shift focus from drafting laws to strictly enforcing them
Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza has challenged global leaders at the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly to shift focus from drafting laws to strictly enforcing them. Addressing delegates in Tanzania, Didiza warned that public trust in democratic institutions is eroding because citizens see a massive gap between paper promises and their daily struggles with poverty. For more, we
Parliament is pressing the Department of International Relations to account for money owed to South Africa by foreign countries
Parliament is pressing the Department of International Relations to account for money owed to South Africa by foreign countries. During a briefing to the Standing Committee on Appropriations, MPs raised concern over the lack of detail on outstanding debts, including funds reportedly owed to SAA by Zimbabwe. Committee members want clarity on how much is owed, how long it has been outstanding and pl
Sharp increase in fuel prices is placing fresh pressure on South Africa's transport and logistics sector
The sharp increase in fuel prices is placing fresh pressure on South Africa's transport and logistics sector. Diesel, which powers most freight movement, is a major operating cost for transport companies. Industry experts warn the impact will be felt beyond the pump, with higher costs for goods and services. Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly says operators are already under strain.
Newly formed Born To Win Party hits the streets of Polokwane campaigning to win over voters.
As the race for the 2026 local elections heats up, newly formed Born To Win Party leader Boy Mamabolo is hitting the streets of Polokwane, campaigning door-to-door to win over voters. Gender-based violence and femicide top his agenda, with Mamabolo saying safer communities and protection for women will be a priority if his party gets into government.
Phahlane says charges against him, provisionally withdrawn by IDAC were concocted.
Former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane says charges against him, provisionally withdrawn by IDAC, were concocted. Phahlane claims the move was an attempt to push him out after he refused to hand over control of SAPS to Robert McBride and Paul O'Sullivan.Meanwhile Forensic Investigator, Paul O'Sullivan has denied allegations against him by Phahlane.
Mozambican human rights champion Professor Adriano Nuvungo issues an urgent open letter to President Daniel Chapo challenging a controversial funding pact with the United States
Mozambican human rights champion Professor Adriano Nuvungo has issued an urgent open letter to President Daniel Chapo challenging a controversial funding pact with the United States. The deal allegedly ties critical international health subsidies to the mandatory sharing of citizens' private medical data and biological samples. Nuvungo warns that trading personal medical details without public con
Department of Basic Education reviews guidelines for teacher-learner WhatsApp communications following growing concerns over professional boundaries
The Department of Basic Education is moving to tighten rules around teachers communicating with learners on WhatsApp and other social platforms. The move follows a string of cases, including a Gauteng teacher suspended after alleged inappropriate chats with a 17-year-old learner and 469 sexual misconduct cases recorded since 2018. The Federation of Governing Bodies, FEDSAS says schools need clear
MK Party calls for urgent government intervention as South Africans brace for a record fuel price increase
The MK Party is calling for urgent government intervention as South Africans brace for a record fuel price increase. The party says rising fuel costs will push up the price of basic goods and transport, hitting the poor hardest. It wants Treasury to consider cutting the fuel levy and other relief measures. We spoke to MK Party MP, Visvin Reddy.
Dismissed Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan to appear before the Madlanga Commission
Dismissed Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan will appear before the Madlanga Commission today BUT behind closed doors. The Commission has ruled his testimony will be heard in camera after his legal team cited sensitive evidence. Khan had previously failed to appear despite being subpoenaed, prompting the Commission to order criminal charges be laid against him. We spoke to Leg
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
Ekurhuleni residents continue to grapple with failing services
Ekurhuleni residents continue to grapple with failing services, crumbling infrastructure and crime, despite the metro's economic importance. Today on our podcast feature we sit down with BOSA mayoral candidate Nongelo Chiume on his practical plan to fix the city. And in this series we will also be hearing from various other mayoral candidates from other small parties.
Trade union Solidarity warns South Africa could lose its AGOA trade benefits before Christmas
Trade union Solidarity is warning South Africa could be cut from the AGOA trade deal before Christmas. The 2000 American law gives South Africa and 30-odd other African countries, duty-free access for over 1,800 products. For more, we're joined by Jaco Kleynhans, Head of Public Liaison at Solidarity.
Suspended Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya is expected to face his disciplinary hearing today
Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is expected to file an urgent legal bid to block his internal SAPS disciplinary hearing today. His defense team says they are pushing for a postponement to prepare for his compounding legal woes. Sibiya faces internal misconduct charges tied to the Madlanga Commission alongside separate criminal counts of rape, grooming and human trafficking. Si
Trade union Solidarity warns South Africa could lose its AGOA trade benefits before Christmas
Trade union Solidarity is warning South Africa could be cut from the AGOA trade deal before Christmas. The 2000 American law gives South Africa and 30-odd other African countries, duty-free access for over 1,800 products. For more, we're joined by Jaco Kleynhans, Head of Public Liaison at Solidarity.
US President Donald Trump escalates his campaign strategy with an unprecedented financial promise
US President Donald Trump has promised five-thousand-dollar checks for American adults if Republicans win the midterm elections. The announcement has sparked debate over voter incentives and the state of the US economy. Trump said the rationale behind the proposal was the country's "tremendous economic success" We spoke to former US diplomat and international relations expert, Mr. Brooks Spector.
SASSA urges social grant beneficiaries to ignore escalating social media panic regarding routine compliance assessments
The South African Social Security Agency, SASSA is urging social grant beneficiaries to ignore escalating social media panic regarding routine compliance assessments. SASSA Head of Communications, Dr. Paseka Letsatsi, confirms that being selected for a mandatory status review does not equate to an automatic suspension or rejection of funds. The agency says these ongoing audits are standard verific
Gauteng Legislature's transport committee demands immediate behavioural changes from motorists as South Africa officially begins Transport Month
The Gauteng Legislature's transport committee is demanding immediate behavioural changes from motorists as South Africa officially begins Transport Month. Committee Chairperson Greg Schneemann flags reckless behaviour, drunk driving, speeding and surging road rage as major factors compromising safety ahead of the high-pressure festive season. The legislative body says while fixing road infrastruct
Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya's court case intensifies
The state's first witness in the bail application of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya told the Randburg Magistrates court that whatsapp messages confirm that Sibiya did in-fact communicate with a 16 year-old girl and asked her to send him explicit images and videos of herself. Sibiya was arrested last week on charges of rape, human trafficking and the alleged sexual g
A focus on Eastern and Western Cape ANC court matters
ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa's legal team has told the Johannesburg High Court that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula did not have the power to remove Lungisa from the party's proportional representation candidate list. Lungisa is challenging his exclusion from the list ahead of the November 4 local government elections where he says he was the number one candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay. Zara
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
ActionSA welcomes Public Protector's finding against former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi.
ActionSA has welcomed the Public Protector's finding against former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi. Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka found Mashazi guilty of improper conduct for appointing an unqualified official as Deputy Metro Police Chief. Mashazi appointed Ndumiso Gcwabe in 2022 despite him lacking the required degree qualification. ActionSA says the finding vindicates its stance at th
Ramaphosa Announces Major Measures to Curb GBVF
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given municipalities sixty days to carry out women's safety audits in all high-risk areas, following the discovery of eleven women's bodies in Ekurhuleni. He says broken streetlights, hijacked buildings, overgrown spaces and unsafe routes must be identified and fixed urgently. The President has also ordered police and the NPA to recover unresolved rape and murder case
COSATU Urges Urgent Passing Of R10 Billion Fuel Relief Bill
COSATU is lobbying Parliament for the immediate passing of the Second Special Appropriation Bill to unlock ten billion rands in emergency fuel relief. The federation wants the funds directed straight to the Central Energy Fund's Equalisation Fund to cushion consumers against volatile international oil markets. For spoke to COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks.
DENOSA welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on the recent killings of women
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, DENOSA, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on the recent killings of women and government's renewed efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Among the measures announced is a four-point action plan that includes stronger law enforcement interventions, community safety audits, and intensified efforts to ad
Rhodes University Flags Concern Over Disruption To Student Services
Rhodes University says it is deeply concerned about the continued disruption of essential services on campus amid ongoing student protests. The university's leadership has accused the Student Representative Council of preventing staff responsible for critical services from accessing residences and campus facilities. These services include the provision of food, cleaning, and water, which the unive
SALGA Says Municipalities Must Act Urgently To End GBV Crisis
The South African Local Government Association, SALGA says ending gender-based violence and femicide requires urgent action from municipalities. SALGA was responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa's address announcing interventions to confront the escalating crisis. The Association says it supports the directive for all municipalities to conduct women's safety audits within clear timeframes. We spok
Tragedy In Marondera As High Profile Aviation Crash Leaves No Survivours
A multi-agency aviation probe is underway in Zimbabwe following a devastating helicopter crash that killed all six people on board in the Marondera Rural district. The private aircraft went down at approximately five o'clock yesterday evening east of Harare, completely destroying the cabin upon impact. Emergency response teams and forensic investigators are on the scene dealing with recovery opera
South Africa issues a third formal demarche against US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell over alleged undiplomatic conduct
South Africa has issued a third formal demarche against US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell the Third in nine months over alleged undiplomatic conduct. Dirco says both sides remain committed to resolving outstanding issues. Washington however says it has no interest in further diplomatic maneuvering and the ball is in Pretoria's court to repair ties. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi withdraws the reservation of high-demand spectrum for the Wholesale Open Access Network
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has withdrawn the reservation of high-demand spectrum for the Wholesale Open Access Network, paving the way for ICASA to license this spectrum to operators. The move could have significant implications for competition, investment, network capacity, and digital connectivity in South Africa. To unpack what this means for the telecommunications sector and consume
GBVF Sector of the National Dialogue of South Africa convenes a community dialogue in Kempton Park
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide, with recent killings in Ekurhuleni and other parts of the country once again highlighting the scale of the crisis. In response, the GBVF Sector of the National Dialogue of South Africa is convening a community dialogue in Kempton Park under the theme "From Silence to Safety: Strengthening Community Response t
South African Law Reform Commission proposes two new bills to radically change how the state handles massive medical negligence claims
The South African Law Reform Commission has proposed two new bills to radically change how the state handles massive medical negligence claims. The commission warns that an explosion of lawsuits over the last two decades is heavily draining public funds and crippling healthcare service delivery. The draft laws aim to set up an independent redress commission and enforce pre-litigation rules before
SAFTU supports Employment Services Amendment Bill regulating labour migration but warns against dividing workers along nationality
The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU, has expressed support for the Employment Services Amendment Bill, saying it supports efforts to regulate labour migration and protect jobs, but warns that workers must not be divided along nationality lines while employers continue to exploit cheap labour. The federation says the focus should be on enforcing labour laws, protecting both South Af
President Ramaphosa gives municipalities 60 days to carry out women's safety audits in all high-risk areas speedily
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a four-point plan to effectively deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in the country. This follows a nationwide outcry after the killing of twelve women in some parts of Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg in the past two months. Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings last night, Ramaphosa instructed law enforcement agencies to focus
23-year-old woman has become the latest victim in South Africa's relentless scourge of gender-based violence
A 23-year-old woman has become the latest victim of gender-based violence in Gauteng. Boitumelo Gift Mashita was brutally murdered in Tembisa yesterday, just as police continue to investigate the discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni. The Tembisa Tracking Team launched a manhunt for her estranged husband, who was wanted as a person of interest in the case. Hours later, he was found dead ins
Zimbabwe's second-largest city Bulawayo is facing another severe water crisis
Zimbabwe's second-largest city Bulawayo is facing another severe water crisis. More than a million residents are under acute water stress as reservoirs deplete, with usable water now reported to be below 50 percent of capacity. The city says years of poor rainfall, a growing population, and ageing infrastructure are putting supply under pressure. Bulawayo has relied on strict water-shedding for ov
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana
A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back
Afrika Mayibuye Confident And Ready To Contest 2026 Polls - Shivambu
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement says it is ready to contest this year's local government elections. The party, led by former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu, has fielded over 400 councillor candidates in 240 municipalities across all nine provinces. Shivambu says Mayibuye is positioning itself as an alternative to established parties. He was speaking to SAfm's Elvis Presslin about the party's vis
United Nations General Assembly convenes a high level meeting in New York to mark 25 years since the Durban Declaration
The United Nations General Assembly convenes a high level meeting in New York today to mark 25 years since the Durban Declaration. Adopted in South Africa in 2001, the Programme of Action remains the global blueprint against racism and discrimination. The meeting comes amid continued debate over the framework's legacy and implementation. UN Human Rights Regional Representative for Southern Africa
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