First Take SA

Twelve senior police officers and a company director are set to appear in Pretoria Magistrates' Court today, facing corruption charges tied to the R360m Medicare 24 contract. The contract, meant to provide health services for SAPS staff, was cancelled in May 2025 amid allegations of tender irregularities, with links to implicated individuals, including murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Elvis Presslin spoke to Juanita du Preez, Spokesperson for Action Society

The Drinks Federation of South Africa says illicit alcohol costs the country billions, with an estimated R25 billion annual market value. Illicit trade accounts for 18% of the market, resulting in R16.5 billion in fiscal losses. DF-SA is calling for coordinated action to combat the issue. The federation will participate in the EMEA Security Conference in Cape Town. A Responsible Trade Task Force has been established to tackle the problem. Elvis Presslin spoke to Shamal Ramesar, who is the Head of Research at the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA)

The uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party has approached the High Court in Pretoria on an urgent basis to block what it calls the unlawful release of public funds tied to National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi. The party claims serious doubts over Batohi's fitness to remain in office and fears she could still pocket a large gratuity payment despite those concerns. Elvis Presslin spoke tp MK Party MP, Mzwanele Manyi

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) is calling on the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC to strengthen electoral systems and restore public confidence ahead of elections. FOSA cites concerns over vote rigging, ballot paper handling and voting process vulnerabilities. The group demands urgent interventions, including independent monitoring, strict vetting of election staff and prevention of political interference. Elvis Presslin spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South Africa

Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests has ordered former Higher Education Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane to apologise in the National Assembly for gross misconduct and misleading Parliament on SETA board appointments. The committee says Nkabane, now ANC Deputy Chief Whip allowed alleged political interference and her advisor to effectively control the process. Elvis Presslin spoke to Karabo Khakhau, MP and DA Deputy Spokesperson on Higher Education and Training