South Africa

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has expressed its readiness for the 2026 academic year, with schools set to reopen on Wednesday, 14 January.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has condemned the photoshopping of her X account with vulgar images and misinformation as not only distasteful, but also shameful.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will continue to work with municipalities and stakeholders to create much-needed work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has emphasised the importance of community-run and faith-based organisations in helping to move the country forward.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured the public that work is being done to stabilise the water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route.

A low-pressure system is expected to influence weather conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country, bringing significant rain and thunderstorms over the coming days, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

Minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has terminated the lease agreement with Medicare 24 Tshwane District, linked to suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

As the fire in Wemmershoek, Franschhoek continues to burn out of control, the Cape Winelands District Municipality said a reconnaissance flight will be conducted to assess the full extent of the fire.

Firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford in the Western Cape.

As industries gradually resume operations following the festive break, Eskom says its power system remains stable and ready to meet the projected rise in electricity demand amid the heightened economic activity in the coming weeks.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has once again condemned the unilateral military strikes carried out by the United States against Venezuela, reaffirming the country’s

Some 40 National Senior Certificate (NSC) 2025 candidates who were implicated in a breach of exam papers will have to wait to hear their exam results as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the National Investigative Task Team (NITT) investigating the breach continue their processes.

Umalusi has reassured the public that the integrity of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results is intact, despite a confirmed leak affecting 40 learners across three subjects.

In a move to improve water security for the residents of the Rustenburg Local Municipality in the North West and Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, has handed over upgraded water infrastructure for communities.

As the 2026 academic year is set to get underway soon, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has urged learners and students to put their best foot forward academically in order to make their dreams a reality.