April 15, 2026 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Don’t wait! Late online applications for Grade R, 1 and 8 close on 17 May 2026

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Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier says the on-time application window for Grade R, 1 and 8 placements in 2027 has officially closed, with strong response from parents across the province.

A total of 166,144 learners were successfully registered before the deadline at midnight on 14 April 2026.

Maynier thanked parents for applying on time, saying it helps the department plan effectively to secure school placements for learners.

Parents who missed the deadline can still submit late applications online until 17 May 2026. However, these will only be considered after all on-time applications have been processed.

Schools will now begin reviewing applications in line with their admissions policies. Outcomes will be released online from 28 May 2026, and parents will have until 15 June 2026 to confirm their chosen school.

Parents who receive multiple offers but fail to make a selection by the deadline will automatically be placed at their top-ranked school choice.

Meanwhile, parents needing to transfer children in Grades 2 to 7 or 9 to 12 due to relocation can apply between 3 and 17 August 2026.

The department has urged parents to keep their contact details updated to ensure they receive application outcomes and further communication.

Maynier also thanked parents, school management teams and education officials for their efforts in ensuring a smooth admissions process.

Roelf Meyer appointed US ambassador

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, describing him as a seasoned and capable envoy suited to strengthening bilateral relations.

The President confirmed the appointment on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit in Boksburg on Wednesday.

“Roelf Meyer is a South African, a very loyal and patriotic South African, who has distinguished himself in a number of areas where he has worked. And yes, he did lead the National Party negotiating team, together with myself.

“He was a Cabinet Minister in the initial government of national unity and has done very well in those areas,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President highlighted Meyer’s recent international mediation work as a key asset to his diplomatic role.

“Recently, he's been involved in mediation processes in a number of countries, and that, in many ways, has sharpened his diplomatic skills, where he has been able to get involved either in conflict situations, trying to bring peace amongst differing warring parties at a very quiet level, continuing to assist even our government in these different diplomatic efforts,” he said.

The President said Meyer has already begun engaging key stakeholders in the United States.

“When we needed to appoint an Ambassador to the United States, I found him to be more than qualified to be able to work in the United States, recalibrate our relationship with the United States and interface with a number of stakeholders.

“As it is now, he's been interfacing with a number of people in the United States, both in Capitol Hill and in the various departments of the United States.

“Already a lot of interactions have taken place. So he is, for me, more than well qualified to execute this task,” the President said.

He added that Meyer is expected to formally present his credentials to the US government.

“He still has to present his credentials to the government of the United States or to the President of the United States and I am more than hopeful that just as we have received and accepted the credentials of Ambassador Bozell, he will also be accredited equally in that manner,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa expressed confidence that Meyer will represent South Africa effectively.

“He has always flown the South African flag, and he will do so like all our ambassadors all over the world, and all we should do is to wish him well and the very best, and give him all the support that he needs,” the President said.

He emphasised the importance of the United States as a strategic partner.

“The United States is the largest economy in the world, and it still plays an important role in our own economic fortunes,” said the President.

Two held for possession of 1000 units of abalone

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Two suspects have been arrested for the alleged possession of 1000 units of fresh abalone in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, which lies on the Western Cape and Eastern Cape border.

They were apprehended on Monday in the vicinity of the western side of the Bloukrans River, near the Clinton area, during a routine patrol conducted by rangers.

“During the patrol, rangers discovered several bags concealed underneath trees. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain fresh abalone.

“The section ranger was immediately informed, and an observation post was established in the vicinity of the hidden bags,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

While maintaining observation, a group of suspects returned to the site to retrieve the abalone.

Rangers moved in and successfully apprehended two individuals, while eleven others fled the scene. A follow-up foot patrol, supported by drone operations, was conducted to secure the surrounding area.

During this operation, additional bags of abalone and diving equipment were recovered.

In total, 1 000 units of abalone were confiscated. This included 993 units of shucked (out-of-shell) abalone weighing 142.95 kg, and 7 units in-shell weighing 1.35 kg, bringing the combined weight to 144.3 kg.

The two suspects have been arrested and charged under the Marine Living Resources Act (Act No. 18 of 1998), Regulation 36(1)(a), for possession of abalone without a permit.