First Take SA

The Forum for South Africa, FOSA, has raised concerns over government's allocation of nearly R80 million to spaza shop owners, questioning the transparency, fairness and impact of the funding. While the initiative is meant to support small businesses, FOSA argues that without clear accountability and measurable outcomes, the intervention risks missing its intended beneficiaries. The organisation is now calling on government to publish a full list of recipients and provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds have been used. We spoke to Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of Forum for South Africa (FOSA).

The MK Party Is demanding the immediate resignation of Deputy Minister in the Presidency For Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike as the Vice President of the South African Pharmacy Council. The party said his dual role raises serious concerns over governance, ethics and the independence of the statutory regulator. MK Party argued that a sitting Deputy Minister holding office in the Council creates a conflict and undermines public confidence in regulatory integrity. We spoke to Patrick Motubatse, MK Party Member of Parliament.

The African Transformation Movement, ATM has criticised National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza for rejecting their motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. ATM MP Vuyo Zungula said the ATM was unhappy with the decision. In the same breath, Afrika Mayibuye Movement leader Floyd Shivambu said there was no legitimate basis for the rejection and called it opportunistic. We spoke to Vuyo Zungula, ATM Parliamentary Leader.

Several civil society organisations have strongly condemned a recent wave of intimidation and violence targeting migrant communities, including children, in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The groups warn that these actions, which include threats against schools and learners, undermine constitutional rights and put vulnerable children at serious risk. Wee spoke to, Katherine Sutherland, Head of Research and Advocacy at the Equal Education Law Centre.

The African People's Convention (APC) has called for urgent and science-led action in response to the growing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The party is backing warnings from leading epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim, who has raised concern about the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The APC is urging authorities to strengthen border screening, surveillance systems, and public awareness to prevent a potential outbreak locally. Elvis Presslin spoke to Mbhandze Freddy, APC National spokesperson