First Take SA

In the City of Tshwane, the Bad Buildings Committee has stepped up enforcement against illegal structures and safety violations. This week a multi-disciplinary operation in Pretoria West and surrounding industrial areas issued 21-day contravention notices, warnings and fines to several property owners. Officials say the sweep targeted illegal construction, health and safety breaches and unauthorised manufacturing setups. Elvis Presslin spoke to ActionSA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, Henriette Frohlich

Tensions ran high at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday as parents clashed over learner enrolment. Protesters demanded immigrant children be admitted, while others insisted South African learners be prioritised. The school says it followed proper admission procedures, but civic movement March and March claims nearly 100 local children were denied space. Addington is the reportedly only public primary school in the area. Elvis Presslin spoke to March and March Leader, Jacinta Zinhle MaNgobese Zuma

Frustrated parents in Gauteng are calling for the scrapping of the online school application system, with thousands of learners still unplaced as the 2026 academic year begins. Around 4,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 students are yet to be allocated schools, with many reportedly placed far from home. The Gauteng Department of Education says it's releasing placement offers daily, but parents remain skeptical. The department has extended call centre hours to assist, but critics argue systemic failures are causing unnecessary stress for families. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Education Department Spokesperson, Steve Mabona

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the resignation of Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka, who was suspended following allegations of attempting to bribe a journalist. Macpherson had laid criminal charges against Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, citing "sickening" corruption attempts. The move comes after a video surfaced showing Malaka and Makgolane allegedly offering R60,000 to Daily Maverick Investigative journalist, Pieter-Louis Myburgh to suppress negative reporting. Macpherson has requested the IDT board investigate all contracts issued under Malaka's leadership and vowed to restore integrity to the entity. Elvis Presslin spoke to Daily Maverick Investigative journalist, Pieter-Louis Myburgh

The Democratic Alliance is urging International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to take action against Iran at the United Nations Human Rights Council. The call comes as Iran's death toll from anti-government protests nears 3000. The DA says South Africa's constitution requires the government to protect human rights globally and condemn authoritarian regimes. Elvis Presslin spoke to Na'eem Jeenah, Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for strategic reflection