Category: News

Damage caused by Limpopo floods “catastrophic” – says President

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has visited the Limpopo province where heavy rainfall and flooding has left at least 19 people dead and caused destruction to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

The President, together with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, visited the Vhembe and Mopani Districts to assess the damage caused by the more than 400mm of rain that fell in the area.

“We have just seen the catastrophic damage that has been caused here. We started off in the Vheme District where we saw how a number of houses were flooded and how people have lost their possessions with the huge, huge rains … in this part of our country.

“In the Mopani District, it’s even worse … because there are 36 houses that have just been wiped away from the face of the earth. One five-year-old child has also passed away,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa noted that government officials have been on the ground “doing everything they can to assist the people who have been affected by the floods”.

“Provincial government…has come out in a very strong way. So much as disaster befalls us with climate change, with rains that are now devastating, we’ve been able to find a response. Of course, we need to do a little bit more.

“And of course, our South African Airforce…came out with their helicopters and rescued a number of people from rooftops and from trees. That shows that our response to disaster is getting better both at the institutional level like the Airforce, the South African Defence Force and also at local government level,” he added.

The President noted that community members have been standing by each other during this time.

“The solidarity and the cooperation that we have seen amongst our people here is quite amazing. We heard how one person was thoughtful enough and threw a rope to people who were stranded. They tied the rope around each other and pulled each other out of what would have been certain death.

“A number of lives that could have been lost here have been saved and we are grateful to our people,” he said.

The President warned that the effects of climate change are now truly beginning to show.
“We are told that we can expect more rain in the coming days and this is the effects of climate change.

Climate change is truly with us and those who don’t believe that it is with us, better believe it now, because wiping out of 36 houses when there’s rain has never really been something that we’ve experienced.

“All those households and families are now stranded [and] now have to pick up the pieces of their lives,” he said.

The Limpopo provincial government is expected to brief the media on the heavy rainfall, on Friday.

Knysna water crisis could have been avoided – DA

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The ongoing water crisis in Knysna has intensified debate over municipal governance, political stability and the effectiveness of intervention measures, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) arguing that the situation could have been prevented.

According to the DA, Knysna was governed by a DA-led coalition until 2022, during which time municipal services were stable, infrastructure was maintained and water supply systems were managed without major disruption.

Following the 2021 local government elections, the DA remained the largest party in the municipality. However, a change in coalition arrangements saw the Patriotic Alliance align with the African National Congress, Economic Freedom Fighters and several smaller parties, resulting in a new governing coalition.

Since the change in leadership, the municipality has experienced a deterioration in service delivery, the DA says. In 2024, the Western Cape Government intervened after Knysna lost control of refuse collection. During the same year, a decomposing body was discovered in a municipal water reservoir, raising serious concerns about oversight and operational management.

The Western Cape Government subsequently sought to place the municipality under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution, citing a collapse in governance and basic services. However, the proposal was blocked in the National Council of Provinces, where the ANC and other smaller parties voted against the intervention.

Knysna is now facing a dual challenge of low rainfall and water contamination linked to municipal management failures. The Akkerkloof Dam, the town’s primary water source, is reported to be at approximately 15% capacity, significantly reducing supply reserves.

Provincial authorities say emergency measures are being implemented to stabilise the situation. These include the development of natural springs, refurbishment of existing boreholes, access to private boreholes, and the enforcement of water conservation measures. These efforts are being coordinated by Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell and a Joint Operations Committee.

The DA maintains that the Knysna situation highlights broader challenges linked to coalition governance at local level. The party has proposed legislative reforms in Parliament aimed at stabilising coalitions, including limiting motions of no confidence, raising council seat thresholds and reducing the influence of small parties that can determine control despite limited electoral support.

As the water crisis continues, residents remain dependent on emergency interventions while longer-term solutions are debated, underscoring concerns about accountability, governance stability and the protection of essential municipal services.

Fire Season Update – What to do if you encounter wildlife affected by fire

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As the Western Cape continues to experience an intense and extended wildfire season, CapeNature is urging the public to act responsibly and lawfully when encountering wildlife affected by fires. We remind members of the public that our unique fynbos ecosystem is adapted to fire, and it is a natural and necessary ecological process for fynbos.

Without fire, these plants would simply grow old, stop reproducing and die. Even the fynbos dwelling animals have adaptations such as rapid reproduction in the Cape Dwarf Chameleon or Tortoises burrowing deep into the soil when they smell smoke.

To date the Western Cape has already authorised 38 aerial firefighting missions this season, with approximately 90 000 hectares burnt by the recent fires. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, R15 million has already been spent on aerial firefighting support, with further funding being considered as hot and dry conditions are expected to persist beyond March.

CapeNature reminds the public that wildlife displaced or affected by fire must not be touched, captured, fed or removed. Although animals may appear injured or disoriented, many can move away and recover without intervention. Unnecessary handling can cause severe stress, injury or death, and may place people and wildlife at risk.

Importantly, only trained and authorised individuals and/or facilities are permitted to handle, transport or rehabilitate wild animals, in line with environmental legislation and that have the required permit/s is in place. Removing wildlife without authorisation is unlawful, even when done with good intentions.

What to do if you encounter wildlife affected by fire:

If you encounter wildlife that is injured, trapped or in immediate danger because of a wildfire:
-Keep a safe distance and ensure people and pets do not interfere
-Unless the animal is in danger, do not attempt to feed or move the animal
-Observe and note the location
Exact locality of where the injured animal has been found/spotted (GPS/Pin location if possible)
-Correct species identification
-Brief description of the injuries to the animal

Who to Call:

CapeNature Regional Offices:
-Cederberg: 082 455 5569
-Cape Peninsula: 072 592 3517 until 14 January and 076 103 4615 onwards
-Boland and Kogelberg: 082 785 1045
-Witzenberg: 082 784 7173
-Overstrand: 087 087 3841 / 071 999 5348
-Langeberg: 087 087 3895 / 082 496 2449
-Paarl: 087 087 4170
-Garden Route: 044 802 5300/ 087 087 3037
-Karoo: 087 087 3002

SPCA Offices:
-Beaufort West: 072 847 7312
-Cape of Good Hope: 021 700 4140 / 083 26 1604
-Franschhoek: 083 745 5344 / 083 745 5344
-Garden Route – George – Mossel Bay: 044 878 1990/3 / 082 378 7384
-Paarl: 021 863 2720 082 510 6387
-Swartland – Darling – Vredenburg: 022 492 2781 / 082 414 7153
-Swellendam: 028 514 2083 / 084 737 1948
-Wellington: 021 864 3726 / 082 905 9184
-Winelands: 023 615 2241 / 071 025 7805

CapeNature calls on all residents, landowners, and visitors to stay vigilant during the wildfire season and to work together in keeping the Western Cape’s people, properties, and wildlife safe.

DA to probe Eskom’s alleged role in wildfire outbreaks

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will launch a parliamentary probe into Eskom’s alleged involvement in the ignition and spread of wildfires, with a focus on accountability for maintenance, repairs and security failures.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, DA spokesperson on Electricity and Energy, Kevin Mileham, said the party is concerned by increasing reports linking Eskom’s infrastructure to wildfires in vegetation-rich areas across the country, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape.

According to the DA, alleged incidents include high-capacity power cables breaking and sparking dry vegetation, as well as cases of cable theft where damaged lines have struck surrounding vegetation or where fires were reportedly started to burn off cable insulation.

The party says it plans to submit parliamentary questions to the Minister of Electricity and Energy once Parliament’s Questions Office reopens. The questions will seek clarity on a possible link between Eskom’s infrastructure and the recent wildfires.

Part of the inquiry will focus on whether Eskom technicians or subcontractors are carrying out maintenance and repairs adequately, and what quality control measures are in place. The DA says it intends to request Eskom’s maintenance and repair records and compare them with data on electrically ignited fires near high-capacity cables.

The DA also raised concerns about Eskom’s security strategy, arguing that it relies on outdated guarding methods that are ineffective against organised cable theft syndicates. The party says it will question Eskom on its security budget and the use of modern technologies, such as remote monitoring, drone surveillance and arc-detection systems, which could potentially detect faults before fires start.

In addition, the DA says its probe will examine whether suspects arrested in connection with cable theft and related fires are being appropriately charged with environmental crimes and arson, rather than facing lesser charges such as theft or trespassing.

The party maintains that the wildfires should not be dismissed as natural disasters and has called for full transparency and accountability regarding any human actions or omissions linked to the outbreaks.

Class of 2025 sets new national record with historic 88% pass rate

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The Matric Class of 2025 has achieved a historic 88% National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate – the highest in South Africa’s history - marking a significant milestone for the basic education sector. 

The national pass rate represents an increase of approximately 0.7 percentage points from 2024 and was met with resounding applause when announced by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, during the official release of the results on Monday evening, at Mosaïek Church, in Fairlands. 

More than 900 000 full time and part time candidates wrote the matric examinations at approximately 6 000 centres across the country, making it the largest cohort to sit for the NSC exams. Of these, over 656 000 learners successfully passed. 

Congratulating the Class of 2025, the Minister acknowledged their resilience and determination. 

“To the Class of 2025, I say: congratulations on a record-breaking 88% pass rate. Siyazingca ngani. Nisebenzile. You have shown resilience – not only in these examinations, but across years of learning in a country that has asked much of you. South Africa sees you. 

“And to the learners of our no-fee schools: you have shown the country what is possible. You have proven that talent lives everywhere and that when we strengthen the roots, hope becomes an outcome, not a slogan,” Gwarube said. 

Addressing educators, learners, parents and stakeholders, Gwarube confirmed that the results had been quality-assured and approved by Umalusi, affirming the credibility and integrity of the examination process. 

“We can have confidence: these results are earned, not gifted. South Africans, we must also put a stubborn myth to rest: 30% is not ‘the matric pass mark’. 

“The NSC is earned by meeting minimum requirements across a full subject package – including higher thresholds in key subjects, with different pass types that open different pathways after school,” the Minister said. 

She extended her gratitude to the entire education sector for their contribution to attaining this year’s pass rate. 

“To every Premier, every MEC, every Head of Department, every district director, every principal, and every teacher: these outcomes are built day by day, term by term, year by year – and we honour the work behind them,” she said.

Provincial performance 
KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the best performing province in the country, achieving a pass rate of 90.6%, followed closely by the Free State at 89.33% and Gauteng at 89.06%. 

Northern Cape was the most improved province with 87.79% in sixth place. 

For the first time, all 75 school districts across the country recorded pass rates of 80% and above, pointing to more evenly spread performance across provinces. 

Quality of passes and system stability 
While the overall pass rate reached a new high, the Minister emphasised that quality remains a key concern. 

The proportion of Bachelor passes – which provide access to university degree studies – declined slightly from 48% in 2024 to 46% in 2025. 

However, in absolute numbers, more learners than ever before achieved Bachelor passes, increasing by 8 700 to over 345 000 candidates. 

Diploma passes accounted for 28% of results, while 13.5% of candidates achieved Higher Certificate passes. 

The results also reflect a more stable education system, with the majority of candidates writing matric at the expected age of 18, and a sharp decline in the number of learners unable to complete their exam papers – down from about 17% in 2017 to around 2% in 2025. 

Girls continued to outperform boys in participation, making up 56% of the matric cohort. The Minister cautioned, however, that the growing underrepresentation of boys in Grade 12 and post-school pathways requires urgent intervention. 

“But the boy child is increasingly being left behind, becoming underrepresented in matric cohorts and less likely than girls to return through second-chance pathways. This imbalance requires urgent and targeted intervention,” the Minister said. 

Gateway subjects under pressure 
Despite overall progress, performance in key gateway subjects declined. 

The Mathematics pass rate dropped from 69% to 64%, while Accounting fell from 81% to 78%. Physical Science showed a marginal improvement, increasing from 76% to 77%. 

Only 34% of candidates wrote Mathematics, with the majority opting for Mathematical Literacy – a trend the Minister described as concerning for long-term access to scarce skills and economic participation.

“So, as we celebrate, we do so with clear eyes. The next phase is about deeper mastery – especially in gateway subjects. It is about increasing the number of learners taking and excelling in Mathematics, Physical Science and other gateway subjects with support, so opportunity expands without quality collapsing,” Gwarube said. 

Equity and no-fee schools 
The 2025 results highlighted continued progress in expanding opportunity for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. More than 66% of Bachelor passes were achieved by learners from no-fee schools, reinforcing the message that poverty is not destiny. 

In addition, participation by learners with special education needs increased by 57%, with notable improvements in both pass rates and Bachelor-level achievements. 

However, concerns were raised about the performance of learners reliant on social grants. 

While more grant beneficiaries wrote the exams, their pass rate declined to 78%, compared to 86% previously. The Minister said the department will engage with the Department of Social Development to prevent the discontinuation of grants during learners’ matric year.

A new course for basic education 
Gwarube said the record-breaking results reflect a system that is stabilising, but warned against complacency. 

“Taken together, these results tell a clear story. The system is more stable. Participation is improving. Inclusion is expanding. Integrity is holding firm. But the results also confirm the central truth of our reform agenda: without strong foundations in the early years, inequity will always return later. 

“The new course we have set for the basic education system is defined by deep roots, strong foundations and long vision,” she said. 

The department’s reform agenda, she explained, is focused on strengthening early childhood development, improving early grade reading and numeracy, expanding teacher support, and ensuring learner safety and nutrition. 

The Minister assured those who did not pass that alternative pathways and second-chance opportunities remain available. 

“And to every learner who did not get the result you hoped for: you are not a failure, and your story is not over. There are pathways to improve your results – through rewrites, support programmes and second-chance opportunities. What matters now is that you take the next step, with support, and without shame,” she said.

Highest ever matric pass rate for the Western Cape

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The Western Cape Class of 2025 has achieved a historic milestone, delivering the highest matric pass rate and the highest bachelor’s pass rate ever recorded in the province since the introduction of the National Senior Certificate.

The overall matric pass rate increased from last year’s record-breaking 86.6% to 88.2%, setting a new provincial record. This achievement underscores the continued improvement in learner performance across the Western Cape.

The province’s bachelor’s pass rate, a key indicator of quality matric results, also rose from 47.8% to 49.2%. This is the highest bachelor’s pass rate ever achieved in the Western Cape and the second-highest in the country.

Western Cape candidates further excelled by achieving the second-highest distinction rate nationally. A total of 13 234 candidates earned 31 220 distinctions in 2025, highlighting strong academic performance across multiple subjects.

In key subjects, the province once again led the way. The Western Cape achieved the highest Mathematics pass rate in the country at 73.7%, while candidates also delivered the second-highest Physical Science pass rate nationally, at 80.6%.

Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) recorded outstanding results, with a matric pass rate of 91.9%. The Western Cape also achieved the second-highest bachelor’s pass rate for LSEN candidates in the country, at 60.4%.

These achievements were reached alongside the highest retention rate in South Africa, at 70.0%. This is also the best retention rate recorded by the province since 2021, meaning more learners stayed in school, wrote their exams, and completed their schooling on time, opening doors to further studies and career opportunities.

The Western Cape also produced two top national achievers. Abigail Kok, from York High School in George, was named the top candidate of the Class of 2025 and the top Physical Science candidate nationally. This marks the fifth consecutive year that South Africa’s top matric candidate comes from the Western Cape.

Takunda Muchuweni, from Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, was named the top LSEN candidate in South Africa, a remarkable achievement that reflects dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

Congratulations are extended to the Class of 2025 for an exceptional set of results. This group of learners has been one of the hardest-working matric classes to date and has set a strong example for future cohorts.

Appreciation is also expressed to matric teachers for their outstanding commitment, long hours, and extra support provided throughout the year. Gratitude is extended to parents and guardians who supported learners every step of the way and now share in this important milestone.

To the Class of 2026, the baton now passes to you. Learners are encouraged to commit themselves fully to their studies, following the example set by the Class of 2025. Every hour invested in schoolwork is an investment in the future, and the province looks forward to celebrating your achievements next year.

Department monitors Knysna water supply interventions

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured the public that work is being done to stabilise the water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route.

In a statement on Friday, the department said it noted with concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.

In early December 2025, the Knysna Council at a meeting, declared the Greater Knysna Municipality as a water-stressed area. At the time, Executive Mayor Thando Matika said it was a necessary step to allow national and provincial interventions to be completed and evaluated for their effectiveness in providing sustainable water solutions for the area. In addition, water restrictions were increased to Level 4.

At another meeting with senior representatives from national and provincial government, including the DWS, the Mayor made reference to the combined pressures of below-average rainfall, ongoing drought patterns across the Garden Route, saline intrusion in critical water sources, and limited reservoir storage capacity in certain supply zones.

“The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) notes with serious concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District.
“The department is working closely with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Knysna Municipality, and other municipalities, which are Water Services Authorities, to safeguard water security and mitigate the impact of the crisis on residents, businesses, and the tourism sector,” the department said.

The DWS added that Knysna’s water supply system has reached a “critical stage” with the Akkerkloof Dam, the municipality’s primary storage facility, currently at approximately 19% full, translating to an estimated 13 days of usable water at present consumption levels.

“The situation constitutes a serious water security crisis and warrants immediate and collective action from all sectors of society.

“Compounding this pressure are below-normal rainfall patterns, reduced river flows due to drought conditions, and recent incidents of infrastructure vandalism. These factors have significantly reduced inflows into the system and further constrained the Municipality’s ability to meet growing demand,” it said.

Response
In response to the deteriorating situation, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC), a standing intergovernmental structure, has been activated to oversee coordinated interventions.

The structure is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government, and Knysna Municipality and draws technical and regulatory support from the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) and the Garden Route District Municipality.

The JOC is tasked with planning and executing short-term emergency measures, medium-term resilience interventions, as well as longer-term water resource solutions to reduce vulnerability to future climatic and environmental shocks.

Given the severity of the matter, the department has directed the municipality to urgently explore and activate alternative water sources, including groundwater abstraction, borehole development, and reuse technologies.

The DWS, together with BOCMA, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, and Knysna Municipality, will implement a Compliance and Enforcement Blitz to assess adherence to water use authorisations, imposed restrictions, and environmental regulations.

The intervention is intended to prevent illegal abstraction, wastage, and non-compliance that could further compromise available supply.

The following measures are currently being monitored by DWS in collaboration with the JOC:
1.    Demand reduction initiatives encouraging all water users to significantly curtail consumption.
2.    Sourcing and blending of additional water supply where technically feasible.
3.    Enforcement and monitoring of Level 4 water restrictions.
4.    Public communication and awareness campaigns to keep residents and visitors informed.
5.    Preventative maintenance of critical infrastructure to minimise unplanned outages or leak-related water losses.

These actions are aimed at extending available supply, delaying system failure, and preserving reserves for priority domestic and public health needs.

Climate change
“The current crisis underscores the growing impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in coastal and tourism-driven municipalities,” it said.

The department further reiterated that Water Services Authorities can no longer rely exclusively on surface water systems and must diversify portfolios through a mix of groundwater development, water reuse and recycling, and stormwater capture, among others.

“To support institutional resilience, DWS is further assisting Knysna Municipality through its Policy Development Special Project to develop and implement new Water and Sanitation By-Laws, enabling more effective regulation, tariff alignment, and enforcement capacity going forward.”

Appeal
DWS remains concerned about the potential socio-economic implications of the crisis on households, public services, the local economy, and the tourism industry, particularly during peak season.

It appealed to residents, businesses, and visitors to use water sparingly and responsibly. It also condemned incidents of vandalism of municipal infrastructure and called on community members to report such actions to law enforcement authorities.

“DWS wishes to reassure the public that the national, provincial and district spheres of government, along with sector stakeholders, are aligned and working collectively to stabilise water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route,” it said.

Western Cape Education ready for the 2026 school year

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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has expressed its readiness for the 2026 academic year, with schools set to reopen on Wednesday, 14 January.

“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is prepared and ready for the start of the 2026 school year. Educators and school-based staff will return on Monday, 12 January 2026, and learners will enter the school gates on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to begin their first term,” the provincial department said.

It further added that the beginning of a new school year sees hundreds of thousands of young people starting their learning journey, which is the first step towards independence and economic inclusion.

“By ensuring that their children are well-prepared for the school year, as well as every school day, parents are giving their children the strongest foundation for becoming independent and thriving adults.

“We urge parents to ensure they are fully prepared for the start of the school year by reading all communication from their child’s school carefully. Notices often include important details such as stationery lists, uniform requirements, and other essentials,” said the WCED.

The WCED has procured and delivered essential items well in advance to ensure teaching and learning in schools can begin immediately.  It said that schools were able to order top-up textbooks between 12 and 23 May 2025, with full delivery completed by October 2025, amounting to R58.7 million.

Stationery for non-section 21 schools valued at R25.3 million was delivered by November 2025, and an additional R31.6 million worth of goods were delivered by December 2025.

“We are also ready to respond to new requirements that may arise due to late applications or unexpected demand.”

Late applications
The WCED is currently processing a significant number of late school applications for the 2026 academic year.

“As of 7 January 2026, the WCED has successfully placed 180 960 (96% of) learners for whom applications were received for Grade R, 1, and 8 for the 2026 school year.

Placement is still in progress for 7 540 learners in these grades. However, late applications continue to affect placement progress. 

Since 1 November 2025, the WCED has received 10 666 late applications:
•    November 2025: 5 873 new late applications
•    December 2025: new late 4 035 applications
•    January 2026 (up to 7 January): 758 new extremely late applications

“Late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. This means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen, delaying the process further,” it explained.

The department is working to secure placement opportunities for learners who are still awaiting allocation.

“With schools reopening for staff on Monday, we will engage more extensively with principals and management teams to identify additional spaces. Further movement within the system is expected as schools finalise promotion, progression, and enrolment lists, which often create additional capacity.”

In addition, the WCED will conduct its 10-day snap survey once schools have been open for ten days. The survey provides accurate data on learner numbers in each grade, allowing the system to settle before reporting.

The information gathered is critical for determining where additional resources - such as furniture and equipment—are needed and where further placement opportunities may exist.

The department also urged any parent who has not yet applied for the 2026 school year to do so immediately at their education district office.

eRadio Charity Focus: SA Harvest 2025 Reflections with CEO Ozzy Nel

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In this episode of Charity Focus, we reflect on SA Harvest’s impact during 2025 with CEO Ozzy Nel.

He shares key moments, challenges, and successes from the year, highlighting how partnerships and community action helped fight hunger across South Africa.

A thoughtful look back at lives touched, lessons learned, and the road ahead.

For more information, visit: https://saharvest.org/

Happy Holidays! The eRadio SA Newsroom will be back early January 2026

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The eRadio Newsroom is taking a well-deserved break and will be back with all the news you need to know from Monday 5 January 2026. Happy Holidays!
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