First Take SA

In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has upheld a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal, confirming that directives issued by the South African Human Rights Commission are not legally binding. While the Commission retains its powers to investigate complaints and make findings on human rights violations, the judgment makes it clear that it cannot enforce compliance through its directives. The ruling raises important questions about the powers of Chapter 9 institutions and what this means for accountability and human rights protection in South Africa. To unpack this for us we spoke to legal expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued notice to cancel the registration of trade union BEMAWU. Deputy Registrar Mongwadi Mary Ngwetjana cites failure to comply with sections of the Labour Relations Act and says the union ceased to function. BEMAWU and interested parties now have 60 days to submit written representations on why registration should not be cancelled. We spoke to William Bird, Director of Moxii Africa, formerly Media Monitoring Africa.

The Zambian government will repatriate former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral after a 2025 Gauteng High Court ruling. The Lungu family's appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal has reportedly lapsed, clearing the way for the process. Authorities have not confirmed when repatriation will begin as investigations continue. We spoke to Mr. Chanoda Ngwira, Friend to former Zambian President Edgar Lungu

The DA will today open a criminal case against Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe. The charges relate to Minister Tolashe's alleged failure to declare luxury vehicles donated by the Chinese Embassy. The DA will open the case this morning at Cape Town Police Station. The party wants SAPS to run a full investigation into the matter. We spoke to DA MP, Nazley Sharif

The Public Servants Association has strongly condemned the continued attacks on educators in Ekurhuleni, raising serious concerns about the safety of teachers in schools. The union says these incidents not only threaten the lives of educators but also undermine the learning environment and the broader education system. With growing calls for urgent intervention, questions are now being raised about what more can be done to protect teachers and restore safety in schools. We spoke to Olivia Mashigo, Public Servants Association, PSA Gauteng Provincial Manager.