Author: Silver Sibiya
More than a thousand mourners gathered under one roof in Sebokeng, in the Vaal on Friday, to bid a heartbreaking farewell to the 14 learners who lost their lives when the scholar transport they were travelling in collided with a truck on Monday in Vanderbijlpark. The memorial service brought together grieving families, friends, community members, and political leaders, including Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane and former ANC Gauteng Secretary-General TK Nciza, all united by pain and loss. From the moment the service began, the atmosphere was heavy with grief. Emotional hymns filled the hall as mourners sang in an effort…
The case against 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla has been postponed to 5 March for further investigation following his brief appearance at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, south of Johannesburg. Dludla is facing 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder stemming from a deadly scholar transport accident involving a truck on Monday, in which several schoolchildren lost their lives. During proceedings, Dludla appeared visibly shocked as Magistrate Claudia Venter informed him of the seriousness of the charges and the need for legal representation. Defence attorney Cathna de Klerk told the court that her client did not object to his images…
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the decision to institute an inquiry into Iran’s participation in recent naval exercises off South Africa’s coast is aimed at establishing what may have gone wrong before major decisions were taken. The inquiry follows strong criticism from the United States after warships from BRICS partner countries China, Iran, Russia and the United Arab Emirates took part in the maritime drills held near Cape Town earlier this year. The exercises sparked diplomatic concern, particularly over Iran’s involvement, given ongoing geopolitical tensions and international sanctions against Tehran. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 2026 Basic…
Political parties in Gauteng have condemned what they describe as a deepening humanitarian and security crisis in the Sporong informal settlement in Randfontein, west of Johannesburg, following violent attacks allegedly carried out by illegal miners. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) say residents have been subjected to intimidation, terror and forced displacement by heavily armed foreign nationals, commonly known as zama-zamas. This follows a Newsnote report earlier this week highlighting the growing crisis in the area. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the EFF Gauteng said it had taken note, “with serious concern”,…
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s historic 88% matric pass rate is a clear sign of progress in improving the quality of education. He was delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Basic Education Lekgotla in Boksburg. Ramaphosa called on the private sector to play a more active role in shaping the education system by clearly articulating the skills they require from future employees. He said companies should begin identifying and nurturing potential talent from an early age. “Even at a young age, they must begin to identify and nurture the learners they would want to bring into their companies,”…
Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister Andries Nel has issued a grave warning following a brazen and deadly attack at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, where gunmen struck in broad daylight, turning a place of justice into a scene of terror. Nel was speaking outside the court on Tuesday after five people were shot, two of them killed instantly, in what he described as a disturbing and escalating trend of violence targeting eyewitnesses and accused persons during court appearances. He warned that attacks at national key points are a direct assault on South Africa’s Constitution and the rule of law. “Those…
About 400 families from the Sporong informal settlement in Randfontein, west of Johannesburg, say they were forced to flee their homes following repeated and violent attacks by illegal miners. Residents allege that the miners regularly broke into their homes, demanding money and other valuables. They claim their lives were turned into a nightmare, with the attackers threatening to kidnap their children for ransom if they failed to comply. Zanele Morapedi described some of the terrifying experiences endured by the community. “They come in large numbers. When they enter your house, they surround your shack,” she said. “Sometimes four or five…
Police have arrested the driver of a scholar transport vehicle following a deadly crash that claimed the lives of twelve learners in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. The 22-year-old driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital, where he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident on Monday, 19 January 2026. Police say he is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours. “The driver faces twelve counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving. Police say they visited hospitals and the local mortuary to verify the number of…
ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo has been granted R2 000 bail following a brief appearance at the Palmridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Khumalo is facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm. The charges stem from an incident in 18 December when he and his crew was raiding a home suspected of drugs. After which Khumalo handed himself over at the Katlehong Police Station. He was accompanied by ActionSA leadership, including Michael Beaumont and Funzi Ngobeni. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the police station, singing struggle songs and chanting his name. He…
Heartbreak and anguish gripped Gauteng on Monday after a devastating crash involving a scholar transport vehicle claimed the lives of 13 children near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. The learners, travelling to five different schools in Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging, were killed when the minibus taxi they were in collided with a truck. Their lives were cut short in an instant, turning what should have been an ordinary school morning into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. Gauteng Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide as investigations into the crash get underway. Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo says both drivers, along with…