South Africa

As the holiday season comes to an end, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape is urging all motorists and travellers returning home to prioritise road safety and responsible driving.

SAPS expects a significant increase in traffic volumes on major routes, as families and holidaymakers make their way back.

Road users are advised to plan their trips carefully, allow sufficient time for travel and ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on their long journeys.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced that the results of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations will be published in accredited newspapers next Tuesday, 13 January 2026. 

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has welcomed the appointment of current Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, has advised community members against harbouring illegal foreign nationals.

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has announced that only 4858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners.

Eskom has moved to assure South Africans that there are no new or emerging breaches to its Online Vending System (OVS).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, to serve as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, convened a high-level meeting last night, to receive updates on the deaths of 48 initiates recorded during the 2025 summer initiation season nationwide.

The department stated that the Minister is reviewing the current provincial monitoring plans in the Eastern Cape and Free State, which have recorded the highest number of deaths. This review is expected to continue until the end of January 2026.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended the successful interception of a cigarette smuggling operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry through the use of advanced drone surveillance technology.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has reiterated that while the mass fish mortality observed in the Hartenbos Estuary in Mossel Bay is not linked to the red tide, it is also not due to a sewerage spillage.