Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

The family of anti-apartheid activist Fort Calata, who was killed alongside three others in 1985, has accused former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma of deliberately obstructing efforts to uncover the truth behind political killings carried out by the apartheid regime. Speaking to Newsnote at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) proceedings in Johannesburg, Fort Calata’s son, Lukhanyo Calata, said the two former heads of state may have acted as apartheid spies and are now working together to prevent justice for victims’ families. The commission hearing comes as Mbeki and Zuma seek the recusal of commission chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe,…

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is likely to face reduced internal scrutiny following the resignation of his long-time critic, Dion George, from the party. George, the former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, announced his resignation from the DA on Thursday during an interview with eNCA, describing the situation within the party as “intolerable”. “The situation has become intolerable. I am being pushed out and it is no longer feasible for me to remain in the party,” George said. He claimed he learned through the media on 7 November 2025 that Steenhuisen had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa…

Transport Minister Barbara Greecey has commended traffic authorities in Limpopo for preventing dozens of overloaded and unroadworthy vehicles from entering South Africa. Greecey said law enforcement officers conducted successful operations at the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as along key routes in the province, particularly the N1 corridor from the border through Louis Trichardt towards Polokwane. The operations mainly targeted trucks and buses. “We conducted a major crackdown following a tragic incident at the beginning of October, where 91 passengers were found on a 60-seater bus,” Greecey said. “Much of our law enforcement focused on…

The government is moving to enforce a complete ban on drinking and driving on South African roads. This was revealed by Transport Minister Barbara Greecey during a media briefing in Pretoria, where she provided an update on road fatalities recorded over the festive season. The minister said preliminary figures show a five percent reduction in both road accidents and fatalities compared to 2024. A total of 1,427 people died in 1,172 crashes during the period. While welcoming the decline as a step in the right direction, Greecey stressed that government remains deeply concerned, noting that most — if not all…

Education authorities in Gauteng have defended the province’s online school registration system amid growing frustration from parents struggling to secure school placements for their children. Some affected parents have called on the department to abandon the online system in favour of walk-in applications, arguing that the current process disadvantages learners and leaves many without placements. Addressing frustrated parents at Ebony Park, outside Midrand, Johannesburg District Acting Director Klaas Macheke said the online admissions system was introduced to broaden access to education and curb discriminatory gatekeeping practices previously experienced at some schools. Macheke recounted witnessing parents queuing outside schools as early…

Despite severe overcrowding and infrastructure challenges, the principal of one of Gauteng’s top-performing schools says a relentless work ethic and a clear vision have driven sustained academic success. Rivalani Makhubele leads Kalfontein Secondary School, which currently accommodates more than 2,300 learners in mobile container classrooms originally intended as a temporary solution. The school was designed for just 1,100 learners, but demand continues to rise. “The waiting list grows constantly. Even when a learner leaves, the space is immediately filled,” Makhubele said. Speaking to Newsnote after Kalfontein achieved a 96% pass rate in the 2025 matric examinations — results announced on…

Gauteng authorities believe a sustainable school nutrition programme is key to achieving academic excellence. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted this during a visit to schools in Ebony Park outside Midrand, where she stressed that well-nourished learners are better able to focus and perform in class. Starting her visit at Kalfontein Secondary School, Nkomo-Ralehoko said school nutrition is especially critical in disadvantaged communities where parents often struggle to provide food. She emphasised the importance of food gardens in supporting feeding schemes and improving learner performance across all grades. The MEC noted that the Department of Health has introduced initiatives such as…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi praised the province’s strategic investments in Schools of Specialisation (SOSs) as key contributors to the Class of 2025’s impressive matric performance, announced today alongside Education MEC Matome Chiloane at Telkom Park in Centurion. Gauteng achieved a record 89.06% pass rate, up from 88.4% in 2024, securing third place nationally behind KwaZulu-Natal (90.6%) and Free State (89.33%). The national pass rate reached a historic 88%. Lesufi highlighted that SOSs are tailored to meet the skills demands of Gauteng’s economy, ensuring learners gain relevant, employable knowledge rather than subjects leading to unemployment. “Our education system must be relevant…

Gauteng education authorities have singled out township schools for praise following the release of the province’s 2025 matric results, despite an overall performance that was described as unimpressive. Several township schools produced some of the province’s top achievers. Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced the results alongside Premier Panyaza Lesufi in Centurion, revealing that Gauteng achieved a pass rate of 89.06 percent. Chiloane highlighted Lefureng Secondary School in Soweto as a standout performer, noting that the school currently operates from mobile classrooms. “The brick-and-mortar school we are building for Lefureng is a symbol. It says we see you, we believe in…

Despite what appeared to be poor organisation by the ANC during its anniversary celebrations in Moruleng, North West, lobbyists backing Secretary General Fikile Mbalula’s presidential ambitions believe the January 8 rally—along with a series of fringe events leading up to it—significantly advanced his campaign for the party’s top position. Mbalula reportedly received the loudest applause at events he attended, including the main rally on Saturday. “We had our own programme. We deliberately did this to avoid Mbalula playing second fiddle to the outgoing president or to Paul [Deputy President Paul Mashatile]. He needed to demonstrate his own popularity, and we…