An independent investigation by RethinkTheStink’s Project Blue has uncovered widespread pollution in Table Bay, with many Cape Town beaches, including Blue Flag beaches, showing concerning levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Enterococci.

As the excitement of the holiday season fades and the new school year begins, South African students are returning to their classrooms.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has strongly condemned the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for unilaterally implementing a 13.4% increase in member contributions for 2025.

As the festive season winds down, the South African Transport Department has issued a warning for road users to exercise extreme caution due to ongoing inclement weather conditions.

The 2024 matric results will be published as scheduled next week, following a legal victory for the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge, who has been on special leave for more than a year amid allegations of sexual harassment, has cost taxpayers over R2.3 million in his basic salary alone.

A New York appeals court has denied Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in the felony hush money case, paving the way for the former president to be sentenced on January 10, 2025.

South African schools are facing a surge in fee exemptions as many institutions increase tuition fees above the inflation rate.

AFRICA UPDATE WITH SIPHO MANTULA

In a disturbing trend, nearly 40 infants have been abandoned in the Eastern Cape between March 2024 and January 2025. While all babies have been found alive, the situation remains a critical concern for authorities.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (CATS) team has arrested a 35-year-old South African man on charges related to violating the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA).

A decision by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the task team investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal has sparked concern among experts, who fear it could damage public trust in law enforcement.

The release of South Africa’s 2024 matric results on January 13 will draw significant attention, particularly with regard to the performance in maths and physical science—two key subjects for university admission.

In South Africa, coal is more than just a source of energy; it is integral to jobs, industrial growth, and the nation’s economic stability. As global calls for decarbonisation grow louder, coal’s essential role is often overlooked.

South Africans are being urged to exercise caution when using social media and private messaging platforms like WhatsApp, as careless online behaviour can have severe consequences, ranging from job loss to criminal charges. Experts warn that actions such as leaking confidential information, sharing explicit content, or posting misleading updates can lead to disciplinary actions by employers, or even violations of the Cybercrimes Act and the recently enacted Hate Crimes Act.

The ANC in Mpumalanga has confirmed that it will not be attending the January 8th Celebrations in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, marking the party's 111th anniversary. Instead, the province will focus on its own provincial celebrations, scheduled for January 25th at the Kameelriver Ga Morwe Stadium.

South Africa's rail network is poised for a major transformation with the introduction of third-party access, which could improve operations but also requires urgent investment.

AFRICA UPDATE WITH SIPHO MANTULA

New China Virus: In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with alarming images of overwhelmed hospitals in China, sparking fears of another pandemic. These concerns stemmed from a surge in cases of the flu-like Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), particularly among children.

The battle for control of Ingonyama Trust in KwaZulu-Natal is heating up after King Misuzulu KaZwelithini reasserted his authority and ordered the entity’s “suspended” board members not to enter the trust’s offices in Pietermaritzburg.