First Take SA

Zimbabwe is continuing to mourn the victims of the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy, with a memorial service held at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba town as families and the wider community grapple with the loss of at least 44 lives. The government-operated ferry capsized on Tuesday after reportedly encountering strong waves in bad weather. Official records indicate that at least 119 passengers and crew were documented on board, despite the vessel having a capacity of 90 people. 77 survivors have been rescued, while search and recovery operations continue for those still missing. Zimbabwe declared a State of Disaster, bringing additional resources into the rescue operation and providing support to affected families. Producer, Tracey Boomgaard caught up with Zimbabwe's Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe

The Special Investigating Unit will now probe nearly R4 billion in contracts between Khumzi Investments and the Eastern Cape Department of Education. UDM leader, General Bantu Holomisa wrote to the Auditor-General and Parliament, flagging R3.4 billion allegedly spent on travel and accommodation over five years. He says 1,317 payments worth R336 million were made to the company in 2025 alone, while many schools still lack basics like toilets and transport. We spoke to General Holomisa.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Community Safety Committee meets today in Sandton to examine the management of Community Policing Forums and community patrollers. The session follows claims of intimidation, threats of contract termination and interference with patrollers' right to freedom of association. Committee Chairperson Dr. Bandile Masuku says they will hear directly from affected groups and assess governance in community safety structures. We spoke to Dr. BandileMasuku

A look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of Africa Is Open For Business and Africa Bounces Back

EFF leader Julius Malema is set to face criminal prosecution after the National Prosecuting Authority agreed to charge him with crimen injuria. The case relates to comments he made in April 2025 in which he accused a former Bergview College principal of raping a seven-year-old girl, a matter the NPA previously declined to prosecute due to lack of evidence. AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit, which backed the complaint, says the decision is a test of accountability and the right to dignity. The unit has also filed complaints against ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade over similar allegations.We spoke to Afriforum's Private Prosecution Unit Spokesperson, Barry Bateman.