Advertise on podcast: First Take SA

Thousands of Gauteng learners are reportedly without transport after the provincial education department failed to pay scholar‑transport operators.  The Democratic Alliance says at least 20 schools are affected, with operators reporting they have not received payments for more than three months, breaching  a 30‑day contract term.  The Gauteng Small Bus Operators' Council says the Department of Roads and Transport has also not issued required permits, prompting many operators to suspend services. DA Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos says the situation has cost learners valuable school time and left parents in distress. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos

Members of the National Union of Mineworkers, NUM have been protesting outside the Industrial Development Corporation's head office in Sandton, demanding action over imminent job cuts at Cast Products South Africa, which faces liquidation. The union says hundreds of jobs are on the line and is calling on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to intervene and find a solution. For more on the situation, Elvis Presslin spoke to NUM PWV Regional Organiser, Mpho Hlongwane

AgriSA has welcomed the United States Senate's approval of a one‑year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA. The Act grants eligible sub‑Saharan African nations, including South Africa, duty‑free access to the US market. AgriSA says the so‑called "Liberation Day" tariffs of 30 percent have reduced some of AGOA's benefits but the programme remains vital for local exporters. To discuss the impact, Elvis Presslin spoke to AgriSA Chief Executive Officer, Johann Kotze

The Baphiring Tribal Authority, in partnership with The Princess & Friends NPC, is hosting the first Annual "The Rural" Career Expo. The event is currently underway at the Baphiring Tribal Offices and Sports Grounds in Mabaalstad, exposing around 4 000 learners to career paths in accountancy, commerce, STEM field - science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) , medical sciences, arts and humanities. It also provides career guidance, mentorship and access to scholarships and bursaries. For more on the expo, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mr. Boitumelo Msimango, Stakeholder Coordinator at Bokamoso PR Media company

The water shortage in Johannesburg, especially in Midrand, has entered its seventh day, leaving thousands without running water. As local elections approach, RISE Mzansi says the crisis must be addressed at the ballot box. The party is urging residents to vote for new leadership in the upcoming local government elections to address the ongoing water challenges. Elvis Presslin spoke to RISE Mzansi National Chairperson and Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa

The Democratic Alliance in the City of Ekurhuleni has raised concerns over salary increases awarded to two senior officials who are now on precautionary suspension. Caucus leader Brandon Pretorius says Khemie Beharie, Head of Legal Services, and Linda Gxasheka, Head of Human Resources, each received a 28 percent raise, about R585,000, just two months after being appointed to their departmental posts. Both officials are currently suspended pending investigations linked to separate allegations from the Madlanga Commission. Elvis Presslin spoke to Brandon Pretorius, DA City of Ekurhuleni Caucus Leader

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is expected to announce today that he will not seek re‑election at the party's federal congress In April. Steenhuisen, who has led the DA since 2019 and also serves as Agriculture Minister, has faced mounting criticism from groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity, as well as from some farmers. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel described Steenhuisen's centralised, state‑heavy response to the foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak as the "last straw," saying it reflected an ANC‑style reliance on a failing system and eroded support among core voters. Tensions have also risen over the DA's stance on the BELA Act and its stance on racial transformation policies. Elvis Presslin spoke to Afriforum CEO, Kallie Kriel

Today marks World Cancer Day, which is observed globally on the 4th of February. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) says the country's cancer burden is growing fast with new cases projected to double by 2030, reaching around 220,000 annually. The Association says people‑centred care can save lives, restore dignity and give hope. Elvis Presslin spoke to CANSA Clinical Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, Professor Michael Herbst

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has condemned the refusal by Paul O'Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament's Ad-Hoc Committee, citing alleged security concerns. The party says no individual is above the law and all persons summoned to appear before the committee must comply. The MK Party notes inconsistencies in Mr. O'Sullivan's position on security concerns and says adequate security arrangements were offered to Mr. Mogotsi, which he declined. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party Member of Parliament, Sibonelo Nomvalo

Disgruntled residents of Midrand in Johannesburg will hold a peaceful march today on Vodacom Boulevard and Lever Road to demand water. The community says they have been without water for two weeks and are demanding immediate action. Concerned Midrand Resident, Lebogang Shovhote spoke to Elvis Presslin

The City of Johannesburg says a full investigation will be conducted into the Doornfontein explosion, which caused a wall to partially collapse. Public Safety MMC Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku says the building was a warehouse converted into a residential structure. DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille says the explosion, which left four people injured, could have been prevented. Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku spoke to Elvis Presslin

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 South African Jewish Board of Deputies says it is shocked and disappointed by DIRCO's decision to declare Israeli Chargé d'Affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata, giving him three days to leave the country. DIRCO says Seidman committed unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms, challenging South Africa's sovereignty. In response, Israel has declared South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Edward Byneveldt, persona non grata, citing South Africa's actions against Israel in international forums and its move against the Israeli consul. Elvis Presslin spoke to National director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Wendy Kahn

KwaZulu-Natal police say Hawks Head Major-General Lesetja Senona breached security protocols by entering the police headquarters on a weekend and failing to sign the register. The provincial department issued a statement in response to Senona's claims that he was kicked out of his office and had his electronic devices confiscated on the instruction of Provincial Police Commissioner Lt. Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Senona also alleged he was followed to his Durban residence by marked SAPS vehicles. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said several unusual activities by Senona raised security concerns for the police. For analysis on the matter Elvis Presslin spoke to Specialist Investigator, Mike Bolhuis

The changing of geographical names of places and towns continues to evoke strong emotions across South Africa. This week, 21 name changes and name registrations from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal were approved. The Executive Director of Lex Libertas, Ernst Roets says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie's approval of these name changes, including Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sokubwe, shows the problem of centralised power in South Africa. Roets says opposition parties in the Government of National Unity have become an extension of the ANC, making the ANC stronger as a result of the GNU. Elvis Presslin spoke to Executive Director of Lex Libertas, Ernst Roets