Activists urge caution as “Pens Down” season looms

Activists urge caution as “Pens Down” season looms

As the Class of 2025 prepares to write its final matric papers, education activists are urging learners to celebrate responsibly, cautioning that "pens down" festivities often come with serious safety risks. More than 900,000 candidates have sat for the National Senior Certificate exams over the past six weeks, and excitement is mounting as this year’s matric class prepares to write its final paper on Thursday. But the festivities that follow […]

November 25, 2025 40

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GBVF classification as National Disaster signals shift in fight: Hlabisa

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, says the classification of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster marks a critical turning point in the fight against the scourge. Hlabisa says the classification stands as an urgent reminder that every sector of society must converge and intensify measures to confront GBVF. Last week, the National Disaster Management Centre said that after evaluating the risks posed by the ongoing […]

November 25, 2025 23

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Broos announces AFCON preliminary squad

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has named a 54-player preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola. Broos has opted for a blend of youth and experience, sticking largely with the core players he has relied on in recent years while adding several […]

November 24, 2025 162

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Activists call for stronger action after government classifies GBVF as national disaster

Government's recent announcement labelling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a National Crisis at the G20 Social Summit — followed by its official classification as a National Disaster — has sparked mixed reactions, with experts warning that the move may not have the practical impact many expect. GBV advocacy group, the Tears Foundation, says the messaging has created confusion, as the National Disaster Management Centre’s classification does not equate to […]

November 24, 2025 23

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Senzo Meyiwa trial | Witness claims police set him up in the murder case

The defence witness in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Sifiso 'Gwabini' Zungu, has accused police of planting ammunition under his mattress during his arrest in June 2020. Gwabini testified at the Pretoria High Court on Monday, saying he was taken into custody in connection with the 2014 killing of the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, who was fatally shot in Vosloorus while visiting his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo. He claims the state’s […]

November 24, 2025 199

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More arrests expected in school double murder case: NPA

More arrests are expected in the Inxiweni Primary School double-murder case, where principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu and clerk Nobantu Njombini were gunned down last Tuesday. The widening investigation has intensified scrutiny on school security, unlicensed firearms, and rising violent crime in Thembisa. Two suspects — Mogadi Hope Shongwe, a school employee, and Tuki Benjamin Maditsi — appeared in the Thembisa Magistrates Court on Monday facing double-murder charges. Police say more […]

November 24, 2025 63

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Police probe deadly chaotic incident at Schaumburg Combined School

Gauteng police have launched an investigation into the deadly chaos that broke out at Schaumburg Combined School in Hartbeespoort last week. According to reports, four unknown boys allegedly entered the school by breaking through a fence at the back of the premises and began attacking learners who had just finished writing their exams. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says the situation quickly escalated, with younger learners joining the commotion […]

November 24, 2025 89

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Gauteng residents warned of road closures ahead of G20 Summit

Gauteng residents have been warned to expect possible traffic disruptions across the province as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leader's Summit this weekend. Traffic in Pretoria and Ekurhuleni is also expected to be affected, with full road closures already in place around Nasrec. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says officers remain on high alert and are monitoring major routes, including the R21 and R24, which are being used by […]

November 21, 2025 315

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Nationwide GBVF shutdown sees thousands demand urgent government action

Thousands of South Africans took part in a nationwide shutdown today, observing 15 minutes of silence and a symbolic lie-down to honour victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The action, led by Women for Change ahead of this weekend’s G20 Summit, intensified long-standing calls for GBVF to be declared a national state of disaster. It follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent move to classify GBVF as a national crisis — […]

November 21, 2025 61