Daily Archives: January 13, 2026

Safety tips for learners, educators and parents

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 January 2026- The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola extends her sincere congratulations to the Matric Class of 2025 on their momentous achievements. Otola said they wishing them all the best for their future endeavours and may their success open doors to new opportunities.

She further emphasized the aim of the police to ensure the safety and protection of all learners from violence, exposure to dangerous weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, as well as the sale or use of illegal substances on school premises and other criminality during the 2026 school year. Otola added that to support this objective, the safety tips may be implemented by learners, educators and parents to promote a safe and secure school environment.

“Stay alert – walk attentively, do not use electronic devices or earphones, while walking to and from school. Only walk on the pavement and cross walks, look both ways before you cross a road. Check your crossing distance from the school transport, if you are crossing in front of it.

“Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle when crossing a street. Never accept lifts from strangers and trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong, report it. If you are a victim- get help immediately,” she said.

Otola further said if a learner is in trouble should make as much noise as they can to alert teachers and other learners. She added that they should not physically intervene in fights as they could get hurt, but rather inform the teacher or school security.

“Always have an emergency contact with you. Report school bullying and any criminality to your teacher, principal and parents. We also urge school drivers not to stop and yield for pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk or intersection.

“Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Slow down and be attentive around school zones. Stay off cell phones while driving around school zones. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard,” said Otola.

She urged school drivers to watch for bicycles coming from driveways or behind parked cars. Otola said drivers should make eye contact with pedestrians who are crossing the street.

“We urge parents to teach their children the proper way to get on and off the school transport. Always remind your child to walk on the pavement or walk facing oncoming traffic in the absence of a pavement.

“Ensure that your child is buckled up when transported to school. Have regular conversations with your child about school safety, driving practices, and road traffic laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road,” she said.

Otola said parents should be mindful of any changes in their children’s behaviour or demeanour. She said parents should report any suspicious activities or criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop Number at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App.

“The Childline Helpline can be accessed at 116.  All information will be treated as confidential,” said Otola.

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ANC and DA congratulate the Class of 2025

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Picture: Some of 2025 NSC top achievers

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 January 2026- The African National Congress (ANC) has congratulated the Matric Class of 2025 following the release of the National Senior Certificate results, which reflect a historic national pass rate of 88%, the highest in South Africa’s democratic history. The former liberation movement said this achievement surpasses the 87.3% recorded in 2024, and confirms a steady upward trajectory in the performance of the public education system.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said this milestone is a testament to the resilience, discipline and determination of the largest cohort to ever sit for the NSC examinations, with over 900 000 candidates writing in 2025. Bhengu said of particular significance is the achievement of 345 000 bachelor passes, an increase of more than 8000 from the previous year, underscoring a continued improvement in the quality of outcomes that open pathways to higher education and future leadership.

“The provincial performance across the country demonstrates collective progress. KwaZulu-Natal leads with an outstanding 90.6% pass rate, followed by the Free State at 89.33% and Gauteng at 89.06%. Strong performances were also recorded in North West (88.49%), Western Cape (88.2%), Northern Cape (87.79%), Mpumalanga (86.55%), Limpopo (86.15%), and the Eastern Cape (84.17%).

“Notably, every district in the country achieved a pass rate above 80%, reflecting systemic improvement across all provinces. These outcomes are the result of the collective effort of educators, parents, school governing bodies, education workers and communities who continue to carry the responsibility of nation building under difficult conditions,” she said.

Bhengu further said they affirm the effectiveness of curriculum recovery interventions and the commitment of the ANC-led government to restoring learning, strengthening teaching, and expanding access to quality education, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities. She added that while they celebrate excellence, the ANC also extends encouragement to learners who did not achieve the results they had hoped for.

“These outcomes do not define your future. Multiple pathways remain available, including bridging programmes, the Second Chance Matric Programme, technical and vocational education and training, learnerships and opportunities to rewrite matric as part of a broader system of lifelong learning.

“Learners are advised that universities and institutions of higher learning will communicate admission outcomes and registration processes through official online platforms. In light of the large volumes involved, physical enquiries are discouraged to avoid overcrowding and unnecessary administrative strain,” said Bhengu.

She said young people are encouraged to explore the full basket of post-school opportunities, including service through the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as government supported programmes such as Funza Lushaka, nursing training, and other priority skills development initiatives. Bhengu said learners may access their individual results from 6am on 13 January 2026, through their schools or approved official platforms.

“The ANC reaffirms its conviction that education remains the cornerstone of nation building and social progress. There is hope beyond every setback.

“The doors of learning remain open, and the task before us is to ensure that every young person is supported to walk through them with purpose, resilience, and confidence,” she said.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Basic Education and Member of Parliament (MP), Nazley Sharif said they welcome the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and congratulate the Class of 2025 on reaching this milestone. Sharif said they extend special recognition to learners from no-fee schools, learners who succeeded despite socio-economic hardship, and those who overcame personal and structural challenges to complete matric.

“Their achievements underscore the resilience of South Africa’s young people and the importance of protecting learner opportunity at every stage of the schooling system. We also congratulate all IEB matriculants on their 2025 results.

“The DA notes progress in inclusion, with increased participation of learners with special education needs alongside improved performance outcomes for these learners,” she said.

Sharif said they welcome the Minister’s honest and evidence-based analysis of what the results show about the education system, particularly the ongoing challenge of learner throughput, including the drop-off between Grade 10 and Grade 12, as well as persistent performance difficulties in key gateway subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences. She said the DA supports the Minister’s commitment to address these concerns through targeted interventions to improve learner retention and success across the FET phase, and through strengthened support for gateway subjects that are critical to access further study and employment opportunities.

“Protecting learners must remain central to reform. This includes ensuring that learners who benefit from social grants are effectively supported to remain in school and complete matric successfully, so that income support translates into long-term educational and economic opportunity.

“Finally, the DA reaffirms the urgent need to strengthen the foundations of learning, particularly early literacy and numeracy. We welcome the Minister’s strategic focus on foundational learning as the most sustainable long-term lever for improving educational outcomes and ensuring that future matric cohorts are better prepared to succeed,” said Sharif.

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‘Concerted effort to curb illegal proliferation of firearms’

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Picture: Firearms and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 January 2026– As part of intensified efforts to ensure community safety and curb the illegal proliferation of firearms, police in Bojanala District 2 (Rustenburg), arrested four suspects for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents. In Rustenburg and Marikana, intelligence-led operations conducted on 8 and 9 January 2026, by a multidisciplinary team followed up on information regarding suspects allegedly involved in serious and violent crimes.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the operations included members from Crime Intelligence, Provincial Detectives, the Provincial Crime Combating Unit deployed in Rustenburg, District Visible Policing, the Rustenburg Mounted Unit, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Detectives, and the Crime Combating Team. Myburgh said the police were further supported by Bidvest Security and the Royal Bafokeng Tactical Response Team.

“During the first incident on Thursday afternoon, 8 January 2026, a Lesotho national (35), was arrested after police conducted a search at his residence in Bleskop Informal Settlement, near Rustenburg. A rifle and ammunition were found and the suspect failed to produce a valid firearm licence.

“In the early hours of Friday, 9 January 2026, the team continued with the operation in Kroondal, where a Lesotho national (22) was arrested after being found in possession of an unlicensed AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition inside his room,” she said.

Myburgh further said in an adjacent room, a third Lesotho national (35) was found in possession of 25 rounds of ammunition and was also arrested. She added that a man (27) suspected of being in the country illegally, was arrested for contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

“The team then proceeded to a final address in Marikana on the same morning, where a suspect (26) was arrested after police discovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition in his possession, which he could not account for.

“The preliminary investigations have linked this suspect to a murder case reported in Rustenburg during October 2025. All suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg and Brits Magistrate’s Courts respectively soon,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended all members involved for their vigilance, dedication and bravery that led to the successful arrests and seizure of illegal firearms. Naidoo said the recovery of these illegal firearms is a significant blow to criminal elements operating in our communities.

“The police will remain resolute in the commitment to remove illegal weapons from the streets and to ensure that those who threaten the safety of law-abiding citizens are brought to justice,” he said.

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Dagga worth R111 000 confiscated by the police

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Picture: Dagga confiscated by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

13 January 2026- Upington Border Police discovered a significant quantity of dagga during the execution of a search warrant. On 11 January 2026, at approximately 7:30am, a search warrant was executed at the Paballelo Informal Settlement.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said upon searching the premises, the police discovered dagga with an estimated value of R111 400.80. Ehlers said a man (45) was arrested for dealing in dagga and will appear in court in due course.

“The confiscation of the drugs underscores the unwavering commitment of the Northern Cape police to combating drug-related crimes,” she said.

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Taung District Hospital gets new acting CEO

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Picture: The acting CEO of Taung District Hospital, Modiego Benade/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 January 2026- The North West Department of Health in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District said it is pleased to announce the appointment of Modiego Benade as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Taung District Hospital with immediate effect. According to the management, Benade previously served as the Greater Taung Sub‑District Manager, where she distinguished herself through strong managerial capability, strategic leadership, and a commitment to strengthening healthcare systems within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

The North West Department of Health Chief Director in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Abednigo Mvula said Benade succeeds Rebaone Manoko, who has been acting CEO since 2025. Mvula, along with the Director of Health Services, Alfred Gaetsosiwe, formally introduced Benade to the hospital staff, commending her proven leadership record and her vision for advancing the hospital’s performance and service delivery.

“We are confident that Benade’s expertise will drive Taung District Hospital forward, enhancing healthcare services to the community,” he said.

In her remarks, Benade thanked the department for the confidence placed in her and called for collective support as the hospital continues its mission to deliver quality healthcare to the community.

Meanwhile, Manoko also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the institution, extending gratitude to the District Management Team, Hospital Management, the Hospital Board, and all staff members for their support throughout his tenure.

“Together, we made it,” he said.

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Banna ba le batlhano ba tshwerwe mabapi le kgothoso le go tshwara sethunya se se seng mo molao kwa Reivilo

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Sethunya se se seng mo molao

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 Ferikgong 2026- Banna ba le batlhano ba ba dingwaga di leng magareng ga 25 le 38, ba tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go kgothosa lebenkele kwa motseng wa Reivilo ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba itatlhela ka lebenkele, mme ba shupa mong wa lone ka sethunya pele ga ba ka mo amoga madi a seatleng ga mmogo le dilwana dingwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are: “Banna ba, ba ile ba siela kwa Vryburg, fela sepodisi se ile sa ba baya marowa. Ba tshwerwe ka sethunya se se seng mo molao, ga mmogo le dilwana tse go belaelwang fa di utswilwe.  

“Go begwa fa banna ba, ba setse ba tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane.”  

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Bana ba le bararo ba thudilwe ke sejanaga

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Setshwantsho: Baagi ba ba shakgetseng kwa lefelong la kotsi  

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

13 Ferikgong 2026- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo. Se, se tla morago ga gore mokgweetsi wa sejanaga se se tshweu ka mmala (van) a thule bana ba le bararo gaufi le borogo kwa motse wa Kolong ka letsatsi la Tshipi. Go begwa fa bana bao, ba na le dingwaga di le 11, 15 ga mmogo le 12.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh, mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 11, o ile a latlhegelwa ke botshelo kwa lefelong la kotsi, fa batswasetlhabelo ba bangwe ba ile ba rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae go bona thuso ya potlako morago ga go bona dikgobalo tse di masisi. Myburgh are go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga seo e leng Orapeleng Moroke go tswa kwa motseng wa Kokomeng mono Taung, a ile a tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale ke mongwe wa baagi o neng a shakgetse go utlwala.  

“Mokgweetsi o, le ene o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, fela dipatlisiso ditsweletse,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

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‘A concerted effort needed to address the sluggish uptake in STEM subjects’

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Picture: 2025 Grade 12 top achievers

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has welcomed the marginal increase in the pass rate achieved by the 2025 Grade 12 cohort, attributing the steady year-on-year improvement to the solid foundation laid by previous administrations. The committee said while the 88% is commendable, there is a need for a concerted effort to address the sluggish uptake and throughput in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Joy Maimela said they welcome the increase, especially as it reflects the maturity of the system and work done by the department over the past few years. However, Maimela said the low uptake and throughput in STEM subjects continue to limit the country’s drive towards economic growth, technological development and global competitiveness.

“The committee agrees with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) that efforts should be directed towards establishing a technical school in every district to help drive growth in these subjects.

“The committee also welcomed the overall improvement in performance, noting that the 2025 cohort began their high school journey in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on teaching and learning,” she said.

Maimela further said the committee welcomed the progress made across all districts, with every district achieving performance above 80%. She added that the enormous work put in by all stakeholders, including teachers, parents and district officials, has been central to this cohort achieving this important milestone in their basic education journey.

“May these gains be doubled in the coming years to ensure that our young people receive quality basic education. Despite commendable progress in social justice principles within the basic education sector – access, redress, equity and inclusivity – the committee has called for the improvement in efficiency and quality.

“The committee highlighted the ever-decreasing number of educators against a growing learner population as a major impediment to quality education,” said Maimela.

She said it is unacceptable that while the system caters for an increasing number of learners, teacher posts are not increasing at the same pace. Maimela said the DBE must move with speed to improve quality where challenges exist.

“Regarding throughput, the committee called for renewed focus on understanding and addressing the number of learners who pass Grade 12 compared to those who registered for Grade 1 in 2014. While noting a marginal improvement in throughput, the committee expressed concern that the number of learners who fall by the wayside remains worryingly high.

“The committee welcomed the assurance by the Minister that there is a renewed focus to understand through data, to find targeted solutions and support to ensure that the system’s health is maintained,” she said.

Maimela said while the committee notes the progress made, it emphasised the importance of a fully functional system. She said in this regard, early childhood education and strong support structures at the lower levels of education are critical.

“Education does not exist in isolation, and the many socio-economic challenges faced by society must be addressed to build a functional, quality education system that produces learners who can meaningfully contribute to the country’s economic development.

“The committee also welcomed progress in no-fee-paying schools, particularly in townships and rural areas, which bodes well for the development of these areas. It extended a special commendation to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for continued excellence even under the challenging circumstances the department faces,” said Maimela.

She said the results of the 2025 cohort by KZN highlight what a resilient system can produce. Maimela said the committee urged the department to ensure that all its systems are fully in place to allow teaching and learning to start on the first day of school.

“These include the timely availability of learning and teaching support materials, adequate teacher provisioning, the protection of learning time, and the effective implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme,” she said.

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