‘Learners passed NSC more than any other time in history’

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Picture: The Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 January 2025- The Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube said while the matric pass rate does not tell them about the quality of education outcomes that the schooling system is achieving, it is an important indicator of progress.

Gwarube said this during the 2024 Matric Results announcement at the Mosaic Church in Fairlands, Johannesburg. She further said it simply tells them what percentage of learners who wrote the National Senior Certificate achieved the minimum pass requirements for this qualification.

Gwarube added that, to pass the National Senior Certificate, learners are not required simply to get 30% across all subjects, which is often misconceived to be the only pass requirement for the National Senior Certificate.

“Instead, they are required to get at least 40% in their Home Language and two other subjects and at least 30% for three other subjects and must pass at least 6 out of their 7 subjects.

“I am proud to announce that in 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate – more than any other time in our history. South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate has therefore increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%,” she said.

Gwarube said this is the highest matric pass rate in the history of the country and should be a moment of great pride and celebration for all of them. She said when they consider the number of learners that progressed from Grade 10 to Grade 12, they have achieved a throughput rate of 63%.

“This is in line with other middle-income countries. As I have indicated, there are many factors that impact on this rate, including, for example, subject choice changes, shifts to part-time candidature and movements to TVET colleges from Grade 10.

“At a provincial level, I am pleased to announce that every province improved on its performance from 2023 and every province achieved above 84%. Free State is the best performing province at 91.0%, increasing its pass rate from 89.0% in 2023.

“KwaZulu Natal is at number 2 with a pass rate of 89.5%, marking an increase of 3.2% from 2023. Number 3 is Gauteng, which increased its pass rate from 85.4% in 2023 to 88.4% in 2024. North-West comes in at number 4 with 87.5%, which represents an increase of 5.9% from 2023,” said Gwarube.

She said number 5 is the Western Cape at 86.6%, which represents an increase of 5% from 2023. Gwarube said the three provinces all received a rounded off pass rate of 85%.

“However, they are ranked according to highest raw percentage points achieved. Limpopo comes in at number 6, with a pass rate of 85.01%. This represents an increase of 5.5% from 2023. Mpumalanga with a pass rate of 84.99% is at number 7 – a significant increase of 8% from 2023. Eastern Cape achieved a pass rate of 84.98% and comes in at number 8 with a 3.6% increase from 2023. Northern Cape is at number 9 with 84.2%.

“It is also important to add that the Northern Cape is the most improved province. It surged by 8.3% from 2023. No-fee schools improved their pass rate from 81% in 2023 to 85.8% in 2024.

“This too is another sign that our schooling system is maturing. 19 Our education districts have also made us very proud with all districts improving on their performance from 2023,” she said.

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A murder case against rapist, Bakang Katong and his co-accused back in court

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Picture: Three of four accused persons/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 January 2025- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32), his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), is expected to commence today at Taung Regional Court.

The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood. This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.

“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.

“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.

On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa Matlhako 2 e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boingotlo Makaota/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

13 Ferikgong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 16 Ferikgong 2025.

Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba tlhotse ba shadikantse matlho kwa Khotlhatshekelo ya Taung, mme ba lebagane le tatofatso ya go bolaya lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 16, teng kwa Matlhako 2.

Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Boingotlo Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2 ka Labotlhano. Sepodisi se begile fa Makaota a ka tswa a bolailwe ka Labone bosigo.

Go ya ka moagisani wa Maine, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya gagwe. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, modula-setilo wa mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka tiragalo eo, mme re tlhabilwe ke ditlhong thata. Re dira boikuelo go makgarebe a atlhogang gore ba itlhokomele thata jang mo makawaneng a tlang kwa morago a.

“Ko bofelo, ba feleletsa ba ba tseela matshelo, mme re ba rotloetsa thata gore ba itlhokomele. Re leboga sepodisi sa rona sa Afrika Borwa gore ka se sebaka ba be ba setse ba tshwere babelaelwa. Ba dira tiro entle go baagi ba rona.

“Re romela matshidiso go ba lelapa la ga Makaota gore ba beye tshotlhe fa pele ga Modimo, gonne ke ene fela o a itseng.”

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Rustenburg learner amongst country’s top achievers   

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Picture: Grade 12 top achievers during breakfast with Minister of Department of Basic Education, Minister Siviwe Gwarube/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 January 2025- Determination has paid off for a Rustenburg-based Grade 12 learner, Thobeka Langa (17). Despite coming from a financially poor background, without parental support, Langa was among the country’s 2024 matric top achievers, who were honoured by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a Ministerial Breakfast held in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday.

She said this has proven that determination and hard work can change one’s outcomes.

The 39 top achievers were honoured ahead of the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, which takes place later today.

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the event, Langa admitted that she was not expecting to be among the top achievers, especially after a challenging Physics exam.

“It has been a really rough journey, and after writing that Physics Paper, I really thought that all my chances of coming here were shattered, but God had other plans.

“As a social grant beneficiary, I will be studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. My dream is to be among those who make an impact in the world,” she said.

Langa emphasised the importance of education as a means of opening up doors to a brighter future. She further said as SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant beneficiaries, they are often undermined.

“Having grown up without both parents, I really thought that I would not become anything, but here I am now. This is confirmation, clarification, fulfilment, and coming to an end of a marathon.

“After completing my studies, I will be a qualified engineer, probably specialising somewhere. Maybe I will still be in South Africa or abroad. Who knows?” said Langa.

Another top achiever, Nqubeko Bekwa from Emzamweni High School in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, said he could not believe that he was among the top students.

The 19-year-old, who will be pursuing his Actuarial Science studies at the University of Cape Town, maintained that in life, there are no miracles, but “one must push hard, have a vision and be disciplined” in order to see positive results.

“You must work hard, even though you feel tired and sleepy. I could not sleep at night because I wanted to be here, and once you change your mind set, everything just happens without any struggle,” Bekwa said.

According to the Department of Social Development, out of 882 336 registered learners who sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, 697 502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of registered learners.

“Out of this number, 1 068 of the learners were children who were in conflict with the law during their schooling years,” the department said in a statement.

Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will announce the NSC results for the class of 2024 in Johannesburg at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police urge learners, teachers and parents to implement safety hints

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Picture: The school patrollers during school/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape police said they aim to ensure the protection of all learners from violence, exposure to dangerous weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds and other emergencies during the 2025 school year.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said they urge learners, teachers and parents to implement safety tips to ensure their safety. Sam said learners should stay alert – walk attentively, should 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 infront of it. Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle when crossing a street.

“It is advisable to always go to the bathroom with a buddy. 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,” he said.

Sam further said learners should make as much noise as they can to alert teachers and other learners when they are in trouble. He added that they should not physically intervene in fights – they could get hurt, 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. School transport drivers should 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 Sam.

He said drivers should also watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars. Sam said they should make eye contact with pedestrians, who are crossing the street.

“Parents should 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,” he said.

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Ministries of Police, Mineral Resources and Energy will visit Stilfontein Mine

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Picture: The Stilfontein Mine

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 January 2025- The Ministries of Police and Mineral Resources and Energy, will visit Stilfontein Mine on 14 January 2025, ahead of the commencement of rescue operations aimed at ensuring that all illegal miners resurface. The national spokesperson of Police, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said this follows the implementation of Operation Vala Umgodi last year in the North West, which led to significant success in curbing illegal mining activities and forcing scores of illegal miners to resurface.

Mathe said the ministries have been working closely with mine owners and a specialised company experienced in mine rescue operations to finalise detailed plans for the operations, including safety measures and the anticipated duration.

“To date, more than 1000 individuals involved in illegal mining have surfaced and been apprehended. SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to uphold law and order and urges all remaining illegal miners to adhere to police calls to resurface.

“The visit will be at Stilfontein Mine on 14 January 2025, at 11h30,” she said.

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A man nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of drugs seized by police during arrest/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 January 2025- A man (33) was arrested for dealing in drugs on 11 January 2025, at around 12:00. The suspect was arrested by the police Deben, Kuruman Public Order Policing Service (POPS), Community in Blue Patrollers and Community Police Forum (CPF) members.   

The suspect was arrested after his house was raided and sachets of Tik with an estimated street value of R1740.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said mandrax tablets to the value of R920 and an undisclosed amount of cash were confiscated. Letsapa said the suspect is expected to appear in Kathu Magistrate’s court soon on a charge of dealing in drugs.

“In an unrelated incident on the same day, Deben police also arrested a man (34) for driving under the influence of alcohol. The police will continue to sharpen their efforts to curb crime and to squeeze the space for criminals to operate,” he said.

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ANC defends Mbalula’s choice of transport to Robben Island

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Picture: The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 January 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted with concern certain misleading narratives surrounding the mode of transport utilised by the Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, during the recent visit to Robben Island as part of the ANC’s 113th anniversary commemorations.

This comes after media reports suggesting that Mbalula shocked ANC top brass by snubbing a ferry and taking a luxury yacht, instead to an event marking the party’s 113th anniversary. According to Sunday Times newspaper, Mbalula stunned the party’s leaders at its 113th birthday bash in Cape Town when he rocked up at Robben Island in a flashy power yacht that belongs to a Cape Town businessman with government contracts.

However, the party categorically rejected the misrepresentation that Mbalula’s transport choice was an indulgence in luxury.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said that was an operational decision guided solely by practical and logistical considerations to ensure the efficient execution of a tightly packed programme. Bhengu-Motsiri said Mbalula had an intense schedule on the day, which began in Robben Island, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Songezo Mjongile, a regional cake-cutting ceremony and multiple stakeholder engagements.

“Every engagement required precise coordination to ensure that all obligations were met without delay or disruption. To suggest that such logistical decisions were anything other than necessary is to wilfully ignore the realities of a demanding leadership role during a historic occasion.

“There was no unethical conduct or undue benefit derived from these arrangements. The businessman in question is a reputable, above-board entrepreneur, whose relationship with the ANC is limited to being a stakeholder, as is the case with many other legitimate partners who share in the goal of building a better South Africa,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri further said there is also a need to acknowledge the apparent coordinated effort to discredit the ANC by painting its stakeholders and associates in a negative light. She added that this growing trend seeks to delegitimise lawful partnerships between the ANC and credible business people, relationships that remain essential in driving forward the socio-economic transformation agenda.

“The ANC will continue to defend and foster these partnerships, as they are critical to achieving the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). The ANC remains resolute in its mission to address the socio-economic challenges facing our country.

“Reflecting on the overwhelming success of the January 8 Statement rally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Khayelitsha and the Western Cape for their enthusiasm, and unwavering support,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She said the rally demonstrated once again the deep bond between the ANC and the people it serves, and it symbolised a renewed commitment to unity and progress. Bhengu-Motsiri said in line with this renewed commitment, they proudly declare 2025 to be: “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!”

“This declaration reflects the ANC’s ongoing dedication to renewing and revitalising itself to better serve the people of South Africa.

“We call on all South Africans to join hands with us in this mission to make the ANC a stronger, more responsive movement that is truly reflective of the people’s aspirations,” she said.

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Three life sentences for a rapist masquerading as prophet

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Picture: Community members protesting outside court over a rape case/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 January 2025- A man was sentenced to three life terms imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. This comes after Fezile Zozi committed the crimes in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng in May 2010, August 2021 and September 2023. 

In committing the offences, Zozi would after meeting the victims, cleverly volunteered to accompany them to their places, but ended up raping them. It emerged during the proceedings that Zozi met the first victim (15), in the evening on 20 August 2010.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of his own accord, he accompanied the girl who was going home. Mokgwabone said they were on the way when Zozi dragged the girl into the bushes and raped her. 

“The convict was on bail in August 2021, when he met a woman (18), who was on her way home just after midnight. Once more, he volunteered to accompany the woman.

“They were walking when Zozi told the woman that she was bewitched. Further that he had the ability to heal the woman. Due to the woman’s refusal to the proposal, Zozi forcefully undressed and raped her next to the road,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, two years later, Zozi met a woman (38), walking home in the early hours of the morning. He added that in this instance, Zozi pretended to be a prophet and attempted to apply prophetic practices to the woman.

“Upon refusal, the woman was dragged to the nearby bushes and raped. Consequent to investigations including the linkages, all the cases were combined for the purpose of trial,” said Mokgwabone.

In addressing the court for a severe punishment, the state prosecutor, advocate Kefentse Diseko, highlighted the gravity and prevalence of the offences. Diseko told the court that the accused violated the constitutional rights of the victims.

“The convict was accordingly handed life sentence for each of the three counts of rape. The sentences will run concurrently. He was in addition, declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000,” he said.

Meanwhile, in welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari and the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, pointed out that while the rape incidents caused trauma to the victims, it is pleasing that the collaboration of entities to ensure justice to the victims of crime, continues to yield positive results. Asaneng applauded Diseko, as well as other role players for their cooperation, which ensured that another criminal is removed from society.

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More than 1194 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 January 2025- More than 1194 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested by the police in the North West for working together with other law enforcement agencies and role players.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrests were executed between 6 until 12 January 2025. Mokgwabone said the suspects were among others, arrested for illicit mining, murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common and dealing in drugs.

“This includes illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises and driving under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, 115 suspected undocumented persons were also taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Of the total arrests, 614 were effected during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. The arrests include an Angolan national (36), who was arrested in Vryburg on 10 January 2025, for possession of crystal meth,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said a Nigerian national (35), was detained after being found in possession of crystal meth and 91 mandrax tablets. He added that in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng, the operation which began with a roadblock, led to the shutdown of an illegal Second-Hand Goods Dealership.

“That after information was operationalised that the dealer was operating without a registration certificate. The dealer was as a result, issued with a fine. As part of the operations, 307 premises, 3 888 persons and 1 197 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, 250 licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections. The operation further led to the confiscation of liquor, 55 ammunition, five firearms, jewellery, nine cell phones, a variety of drugs and many other items,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the police and other law enforcement officials for their persistent hard work in ensuring the general safety and security of the communities.  

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