Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has pledged to strengthen cooperation with scholar transport operators to improve learner safety and ensure compliance with transport regulations across the province. The commitment follows a meeting with operators held as part of the Learner Transport Education and Awareness Programme (LTEAP), an initiative aimed at promoting regulatory compliance and improving the safety and quality of learner transport services. The department welcomed the engagement, which focused on educating operators about their legal and operational responsibilities. “During the session, operators were sensitised to their legal and operational responsibilities, including operating licence requirements, vehicle roadworthiness and…

Parts of South Africa are preparing for extremely hot weather this weekend, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C in several provinces, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The forecast warns of high temperatures across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses and increased fire danger. In North West province, conditions are expected to remain generally fine and hot, although isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers may develop in the extreme eastern areas. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and limiting strenuous…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is set to intensify its operations and assess police readiness ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November. The announcement follows the fatal shooting of four African National Congress (ANC) Youth League members in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday night. Several other people were injured in the incident, while the alleged suspect later surrendered to authorities. Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo was among the officials who visited the area following the shooting. She assured the public that investigations were under way to establish the motive behind the attack. “We cannot at this…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has raised concerns about South Africa’s high unemployment rate, highlighting its impact on millions of people and the urgent need for measures to protect jobs and promote economic inclusion. The country’s 33.6% unemployment rate was a key focus of Mashatile’s keynote address at the 8th National Congress of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), held in Kempton Park. He noted that unemployment affects approximately 8.5 million South Africans, many of whom face desperate circumstances and are excluded from meaningful participation in the economy. Mashatile also urged public- and private-sector organisations to treat retrenchments as…

As the final matric examinations are set to begin on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, learners have been urged to adopt healthy study habits and prioritise their mental wellbeing throughout the examination period. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) reiterated this call as the examinations coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, acknowledging the stress and pressure that often accompany this critical stage in learners’ academic journeys. The department cautioned learners against unhealthy study habits that could negatively affect their mental health, concentration and overall wellbeing. “Excessive pressure, prolonged study hours, inadequate sleep and last-minute cramming can affect concentration, memory and overall…

Ferrari Formula 1 fans were treated to an unexpected dose of fun when drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc staged a playful “hack” of the team’s official Instagram account. The duo delighted followers by posting a series of light-hearted, unauthorised videos featuring playful filters. They even changed the page’s profile picture to something less conventional. Ferrari joined in on the fun, issuing a tongue-in-cheek “unofficial statement” to keep the joke going: “Scuderia Ferrari HP confirms that, over the past two hours, two individuals within the organisation gained unauthorised control of our social media channels. During this period, a series of…

The Department of Water and Sanitation has resolved to lay criminal charges against the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) over alleged ongoing pollution at the Hartebeesfontein Wastewater Treatment Works (HWTW). Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom, accompanied by Victor Nkuna, a representative of the Limpopo-Olifants Catchment Agency, laid the charges at Olifantsfontein Police Station on Thursday. Bloom said the decision followed what he described as the municipality’s failure to adequately address residents’ complaints about pollution from the wastewater treatment works. “Residents have complained about the severe pollution. It has also resulted in the loss of a…

With the 2026 Local Government Elections fast approaching, young voters in Potchefstroom are facing a familiar question: will their votes bring about change, or will the problems remain the same? In Ikageng, opinions among young people are sharply divided. While some still view the ballot as a powerful tool for shaping their communities, others are questioning whether participating in elections can deliver the change they have been promised. Newsnote spoke to young people in the area about their views ahead of election day on 4 November. For Thamsanqa Ndakane, voting remains an important way for citizens to exercise their power…

To increase awareness of rental rights among young people, the Department of Human Settlements is taking its Know Your Rental Rights campaign to higher education institutions across the country. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Rental Housing Tribunals (RHTs), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training Students Association (SATVETSA). According to the department, the campaign forms part of a broader national strategy to promote awareness of rental rights among young people. “The initiative is aimed at addressing challenges experienced by students using private accommodation, including unfair rental practices,…

The North West Department of Education is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming final matric examinations. To ensure a well-organised and conducive learning environment, Superintendent-General Lengane Bogatsu met with the department’s Curriculum Unit to assess its readiness and address any outstanding issues ahead of the examinations. With only seven days remaining before the Class of 2026 begins writing its final papers, the department has raised its pass-rate target from 95% to 97%. All four districts have been assigned specific performance targets to help achieve this ambitious goal. MEC Dr Desbo Mohono believes the new target is achievable through the concerted…