First Take SA

South Africa's 2026 tax filing season officially opened yesterday, and the South African Institute of Taxation is urging taxpayers to take note of several important changes. SARS is continuing its shift toward a more advanced digital system, aimed at improving accuracy, reducing fraud, and making the filing process more efficient. However, with these improvements come tighter compliance requirements, meaning taxpayers need to be more vigilant than ever to ensure their returns are accurate and up to date. For more we are now joined on the line by Gert van Heerden, Head Technical Practitioner Relations & Support at The South African Institute of Taxation SAIT

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has condemned President Ramaphosa's appointment of Dina Pule as Social Development Minister. It also wants urgent clarity on reports of a meeting in India involving former President Jacob Zuma, Ajay Gupta and South Africa's High Commissioner. The Foundation says ethical leadership and accountability are needed to strengthen democratic institutions. For more we are now joined on the line by Neeshan Bolton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation

The Gardee family is taking the South African Police Service to court for R19 million. They are claiming damages for pain and suffering after the kidnapping and murder of their daughter, Hillary Gardee. Court papers allege a police vehicle was used in the crime. For the latest we're joined by EFF Mpumalanga leader and Gardee family spokesperson, Collen Sedibe

President Cyril Ramaphosa swore in new Ministers and Deputy Ministers at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday. The changes come as the DA starts its GNU tenure amid reported internal tensions, after leader Geordin Hill-Lewis requested several executive changes. The party has also condemned President Ramaphosa's decision to reappoint Dina Pule to Cabinet. For more we're joined by DA national spokesperson, Jan De Villiers

The national squad Bafana Bafana is due to touch down at OR Tambo International shortly after returning from a historic FIFA World Cup in the Americas. For the first time, Bafana made it to the knockout stage before bowing out to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32. Bafana supporters and the media are already at the airport to welcome them home. We now crossover live to SABC Senior Sport Reporter, Thando Mxoli, who is at OR Tambo this morning with all the arrival reaction as they come through