First Take SA

The South African Communist Party in Gauteng has welcomed the eventual adoption of the province's 2026/27 budget, following an initial failure to secure enough support in the legislature. Valued at approximately R179.2 billion, the budget is critical to funding key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services in South Africa's economic hub. Elvis Presslin spoke to Nkosithethile Bonga, SACP Gauteng Spokesperson

The ANC is set to formally open interviews for metro mayoral candidates this week. The selection process is currently underway. The final list of candidates will be made public by the end of May. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC National spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri

DA NCOP Member on Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell says one week of army deployment on the Cape Flats has delivered no credible plan, no measurable results and far fewer troops than promised. The DA says despite the presence of soldiers, violence continues unabated. Nine people were shot in Mitchell's Plain this week alone, including children in a brazen attack at a taxi rank. Critics argue the deployment lacks a clear operational plan, measurable goals and adequate intelligence, raising serious questions about whether it is making any real impact in curbing gang violence. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell

The South African National AIDS Council, SANAC has welcomed the arrival of the ground-breaking HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir. The twice-yearly injectable is said to be a game-changer in HIV prevention, particularly for high-burden countries like South Africa. SANAC is pushing for local manufacturing to enhance sustainability and affordability. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gertrude Mngola, Health Products Grant Specialist at the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)

DignitySA is taking its campaign for medical assistance in dying to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. The organisation will ask the court to declare the current ban on assisted dying unconstitutional. If successful, Parliament will have 24 months to draft new legislation. DignitySA, which will hold a media briefing today says it's a matter of personal choice and dignity. The application will be heard in the Pretoria High Court. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Nkateko Mnisi, 1st Deputy President of the South African Medical Association Trade Union, SAMATU