First Take SA

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has appointed law firm KRM Inc to investigate the death of 10-year-old Milton Neo Mokgoatsane, who was killed when a goal post fell on him at Reagile Primary School in Tembisa. The investigation will look into allegations surrounding the incident and recommend action. MEC Chiloane met with the family and school officials to outline the probe's terms. The law firm will interview witnesses and examine the circumstances, including potential liability and adherence to laws governing learner care. Elvis Presslin spoke to Spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department Spokesperson, Steve Mabona

The City of Tshwane is facing fresh corruption allegations over 31-point-7 million Rand Water tanker contracts awarded to companies linked to Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise. Modise resigned as director of one company following the payments. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink is also urging further investigation into the R777 million water project, which is already under scrutiny by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Modise has denied any wrongdoing. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont

Environment Minister, Willie Aucamp has decided to push ahead and rule on appeals against environmental authorisations for key offshore oil and gas exploration projects. The decision comes against a backdrop of sharply rising global oil prices fueled by ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe strongly criticised environmental groups, accusing their court challenges of delaying South Africa's ability to tap its substantial oil and gas reserves and hampering national development. However, environmental groups argue that exploration could undermine climate objectives and harm marine ecosystems. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Ross Compton, Senior Director of global policy at EnerGeo Alliance, who have welcomed Minister Aucamp's decision...

The Department of Home Affairs is facing pressure to insource over 4 years contracted workers who are part of the Digitisation Programme. Civic group Soil of Africa, representing the workers, says it's unfair for the department to downgrade these employees to insecure month-to-month contracts. The group is planning a march to the Department of Home Affairs and the Union Buildings today to demand permanent employment with full benefits. Elvis Presslin spoke to Soil of Africa Chairperson, King Bongani Ramontja...

US President Donald Trump has slammed Counterterrorism Center's Director, Joe Kent following his resignation in protest of US military action against Iran. Trump called Kent "weak on security" and said he wasn't surprised by the criticism. Kent had claimed Iran wasn't a threat. He also accused Israel and its American lobby of deceiving President, Trump into the conflict. Elvis Presslin spoke to International relations expert Dr. Charles Sinkala to unpack the implications...