Smooth start to NSC exams in Gauteng

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by

The first day of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in Gauteng proceeded smoothly, said Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.

“We are encouraged by the level of preparedness and commitment displayed across our examination centres on the first day of the NSC exams. Our teams acted swiftly where challenges arose, ensuring that every learner was able to write under fair and conducive conditions.

“We are satisfied that these minor incidents did not compromise the integrity of the examination. The Department will continue to monitor all centres across Gauteng closely to ensure the smooth administration of this crucial assessment,” said MEC Chiloane.

In a statement on Tuesday, the provincial government said that all districts commenced their examinations as scheduled, without any disruptions or irregularities.

“A total of 16 968 candidates sat for the 3-hour Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical examination at 09:00 in the morning session. Only four centres recorded minor incidents, all of which were reported before any examination was in session and were promptly managed to ensure that no candidate was disadvantaged.”

According to the department, the Letsibogo Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Meadowlands, Soweto, reported a power outage in the area since Monday afternoon.

The school swiftly implemented contingency measures by using a generator, allowing examinations to proceed without interruption. Accordingly, PJ Simelane Secondary School, also in Soweto, utilised a generator to mitigate similar power supply challenges in the area. Examinations proceeded smoothly at the centre as well.

At Liberty Community School in Bramley, a brief power delay made examinations to start slightly later than scheduled. However, the centre swiftly switched to solar backup, and all candidates completed their practicals successfully.

At the Falcon Educational Centre in Dawn Park, 21 candidates were safely transported to a neighbouring examination centre to complete their practicals. This precautionary measure was implemented after a technical server challenge was detected before the start of the session.

The department further recorded minor absenteeism from both full-time and part-time candidates; however, the figures are not significant and do not detract from the overall successful start of the examination period in Gauteng.

African penguin in Western Cape tests positive for bird flu

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by

The first African penguin in the Western Cape has tested positive for bird flu.

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) confirmed the case, saying about 1,000 seabirds have been infected so far. The penguin, found near Simon’s Town, showed severe neurological symptoms and had to be euthanized.

According to SANCCOB, this is the only confirmed penguin case, but the virus may already be present in nearby colonies. “It could be a mild outbreak or spread further, which would be devastating for African penguins,” said spokesperson Robyn Fraser-Knowles.

At least 30 bird flu cases have been reported this month among seabirds along the Cape coast, including gulls, cormorants, and terns. The Western Cape Agriculture Department first confirmed the highly pathogenic strain on a duck farm near Paarl in July.

The public is urged not to touch or approach sick birds, as the virus can infect humans, though symptoms are mild.

What the public should know:

Report any sick or dead seabirds to SANCCOB immediately: 021 557 6155 or 078 638 3631. SANCCOB’s team is working hard to ensure an appropriate response for each affected bird and that every case is recorded and reported correctly

If the affected bird is not a seabird, use this form to report it to the state vet

Don’t attempt to pick up or handle birds yourself.

Keep your pets away from sick and dead birds

Minister Marais commends SAPS and LEAP for firearm confiscations

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has extended her appreciation to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers, and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing and tireless efforts in removing illegal firearms and ammunition from our streets.

Minister Marais said, “Their recent string of successes is crucial in our collective fight against violent crime. Every gun confiscated matters. It is potentially a life saved, a crime prevented, and a community protected.”

In recent days, LEAP officers recorded notable achievements, including the arrest of two suspects in Samora Machel on 15 October 2025, after discovering a PX3 firearm and ammunition inside a residence.

Just two days later, LEAP officers arrested a suspect who attempted to conceal a firearm and ammunition in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain. This was swiftly followed by the arrest of another individual who was in possession of a Taurus .38 special revolver and six live rounds during a routine vehicle stop on 19 October.

That same evening, LEAP officers patrolling Tafelsig apprehended a suspect who discarded a homemade "zip gun" containing a live 9mm police-issued round. These arrests are testament to the courage and diligence of the officers involved and the importance of persistent policing in known hotspots.

The SAPS also recorded successes across the Western Cape. In Elsies River, SAPS members arrested a suspect found with a firearm which had been reported stolen in Gordon’s Bay earlier this year. In Muizenberg, two illegal 9mm pistols and ammunition were confiscated from a suspect linked to an attempted murder case.

Furthermore, the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit continues to make progress in the fight against gang-related crime. Notable recoveries in the past few days include:

*A cache of firearms – among them rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers - and ammunition discovered during a joint operation in Langebaan;
*A 7.65 Browning pistol with ammunition found in Athlone;
*A Taurus G3XL with 9mm rounds and drugs discovered during patrols in Elsies River;
*A 9mm pistol and 110 rounds of ammunition seized in Manenberg; and
*A 9mm pistol found in Mitchells Plain.

Additionally, operations in Bishop Lavis, Steenberg, and Hanover Park resulted in arrests for firearm and drug-related offences.

A stolen Baretta 9mm pistol was also seized at a spaza shop in De Doorns, leading to the arrest of two individuals, and the retrieval of a shotgun in Worcester. Both cases were made possible through community tip-offs.

Minister Marais said, “I sincerely thank the brave and vigilant residents who came forward with information. You are our partners in this ongoing effort to reclaim our communities from criminal elements. I urge all residents to continue reporting illegal firearms and suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

“I call on SAPS to ensure that these arrests are followed by thorough investigations and prosecutions. Removing a firearm from our streets is only part of the solution; securing a conviction is what ultimately brings closure to victims and serves as a deterrent to others”, Minister Marais added.

Matric Exams kick off

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams for the Class of 2025 officially begin today.

The Western Cape Education Department has wished all matric candidates the very best for the exam period, extending gratitude to teachers and parents for their vital roles in preparing learners for this milestone.

The department praised matric teachers for their dedication and hard work in guiding learners through their final year, saying they have helped turn more than a decade of investment in education into success.

“Behind every dream realised is a teacher who believed", said Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier.

"We also thank our matric parents for all the support, care and love that they have provided to our learners throughout their school years".

The department called on communities across the province to support matrics during this critical time and to avoid any disruptions near schools.

Candidates were commended for their commitment in attending extra classes and using revision materials provided by schools and districts. Learners were also reminded to maintain healthy routines - including rest, good nutrition, and time management - to stay focused and calm during the exams.

“This is your time to shine,” Maynier said. “You’ve worked hard for the past 12 years, and now it’s time to focus and finish strong. We believe in you and look forward to celebrating your success in January.”

Woolworths Donates Over 500kg of Food As Cape Town Marathon Cancelled

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by

As the official food sponsor of the 2025 Cape Town Marathon, Woolworths had prepared to fuel 24 000 runners with fresh produce and snacks at several points along the route — including the halfway mark and the finish line.

But when the marathon’s cancellation was announced at 4:45 a.m. on Sunday, the Woolworths team quickly shifted gears to make sure none of the food went to waste. By 10 a.m., all the supplies had been collected by 18 charities for distribution to those in need.

In total, Woolworths had organised 26 000 bananas, 20 000 Clemengolds, 280 kg of potatoes, 10 kg of dried fruit, 5 000 apples, 4 800 dates, 1 800 sandwiches and 600 hot cross buns — all of the same Exceptional Quality customers expect from any Woolworths store.

Instead of refuelling runners, the nutritious food ended up nourishing communities across Cape Town — ensuring that every item found a home and nothing went to waste.

Woolworths Chief Customer Officer and keen runner, Spencer Sonn, said:

“I had planned to be at the Woolies nutrition point at the halfway mark to support the athletes, especially our many Woolies employees who were running this year. Naturally, I was disappointed to hear about the cancellation — I know how much effort and dedication each runner put in. The silver lining is that orphanages, old-age homes and soup kitchens across Cape Town could benefit from the wholesome food. That’s truly the Woolworths Difference in action!”

Woolworths’ commitment to sustainability and community upliftment forms part of its Good Business Journey. In the past year alone, the retailer donated over 800 000 kg of surplus food to South African charities — a clear reflection of its ongoing mission to be one of the world’s most responsible retailers.