Indholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-13 i Daily News

The heart of South Africa’s rural landscape beats strongly in the spirit of Mboniseni Nkomonde, an A class student from Velangaye Secondary School, who has earned a coveted invitation to attend the 2025 Matric results announcement at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban today. Hailing from Ulundi, Nkomonde stands out not only for his academic achievements but also for his inspiring journey against the odds. Principal Sibongiseni Ntuli proudly shares that Nkomonde excels in technological subjects, including Engineering, Graphics and Design, and Mechanical Technology, earning certificates of excellence in these fields. However, Nkomonde’s journey has not been without challenges. Coming from a disadvantaged background where both of his parents are unemployed, he utilises social relief grants for support throughout his schooling. Ntuli revealed, “The whole family, consisting of about…

South Africans have a legal remedy called mandament van spolie, which they can use if they are illegally evicted. The legal tool focuses on restoring possession, but it does not pronounce on the lawfulness of the possession or deal with the merits of a dispute. A mandament van spolie order urgently restores undisturbed possession unconditionally when someone is unlawfully disposed of something, but it cannot be reshaped into a merits-based enquiry. It is a summary remedy designed to restore factual possession to a person who has been unlawfully dispossessed, without regard to the merits of the underlying dispute, the lawfulness of the occupation, or the contractual rights of the parties. The court retains a narrow discretion at the periphery of its application to structure the manner of restoration in a…

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the semi-final stage and a tournament devoid of shocks now offers up two mouthwatering ties with hosts Morocco looking to see off the challenges of their fellow continental heavyweights. Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria and Sadio Mane’s Senegal all remain in contention to win the trophy in Rabat next Sunday, even if home advantage still makes Morocco favourites. World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, Morocco are Africa’s top-ranked team and approach tomorrow’s semi-final against Nigeria in the capital defending an unbeaten record since losing to South Africa at the last AFCON. Walid Regragui’s side have conceded just one goal in five matches in the ongoing tournament and doubts about their ability to handle the enormous pressure of playing at home were blown away…

Kaizer Chiefs have taken a concrete step in their pursuit of TS Galaxy forward Puso Dithejane after making direct contact with the player’s camp, signalling renewed intent to bring the former Amakhosi development product back to Naturena. Dithejane, who has enjoyed a standout campaign, has also been linked with Mamelodi Sundowns, but Chiefs now appear determined not to be left behind in the race for one of the Betway Premiership’s most in-form attackers. The 21-year-old has been a key figure for Galaxy this season, collecting multiple Player of the Match awards and two Player of the Month accolades, form that has inevitably drawn attention from the league’s heavyweights. Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has now confirmed that Chiefs officials have already made contact, not only with the player but also with…

There are football clubs in crisis, and then there is Manchester United – a club so committed to chaos that even pressing the reset button somehow involves scrolling backwards. With Ruben Amorim’s tenure now filed neatly under ‘it seemed like a great idea at the time’, the familiar question is being asked at Old Trafford: who next? And more worryingly, who again? Because whenever United wobble, the temptation grows to bring back a “safe pair of hands” – a former manager, a known quantity, a nostalgic comfort blanket – to “steady the ship” on an interim basis. José Mourinho. Ole Gunnar Solskjær, even the whisper of Erik ten Hag’s name will probably re-emerge if someone leaves the lights on too long in Carrington. It would be insanity, however comforting…

The number of South African titles on the global streaming platform Netflix is growing, and in 2026, viewers will be treated to more local productions. Netflix South Africa has announced several titles that are on the 2026 slate, and they have audiences ready to set their reminders. New to the slate is 180, a gritty thriller anchored by a strong Black male lead. The film stars some of the country’s most respected acting talent, Desmond Dube, Fana Mokoena, Prince Grootboom, Warren Masemola and Bongile Mantsai. The film explores the pressures of everyday South African life through the story of Zak, a reformed gangster whose attempt at a quiet life is shattered by a single, life-altering incident, which puts him on a path of revenge. Dube is no stranger to Netflix…

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) announced an overall pass rate of 98.3% for the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, according to reports on the release of the results. The results were released yesterday morning, revealing a slight decrease in the pass rate compared to the figures achieved in 2024. A majority of the pupils have secured the opportunity for tertiary education, as 89.12% of pupils achieved entry to study for a degree. However, the IEB noted that this bachelor’s pass rate is slightly down from the previous year. Beyond degree entries, the results breakdown is as follows: Diploma study: Nearly 8% of candidates qualified. Higher Certificate study: Approximately 1.3% achieved entry. Endorsed National Senior Certificate: A very small number of candidates obtained this qualification. More than 17 400 candidates sat…

The DA in KwaZulu-Natal will have a new provincial leader after Francois Rodgers announced his retirement from politics in 2029. Rodgers, the current Finance MEC under the Government of Provincial Unity has confirmed his unavailability for a third term as the party prepares to hold an elective conference this year. Although the date has not been announced, the discussions and the speculation on who will replace him have started. On Monday, Rodgers said he will not be available for any position when the province goes to the elective conference as he has decided to retire from politics. “I will not be making myself available for any position at the provincial congress,” said Rodgers. He was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg 64 years ago but began his political career as a…

A wave of anxiety is sweeping across South Africa as matriculants await the release of their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Victoria Mxenge Hospital clinical psychologist Misokuhle Mhlongo emphasises the emotional turmoil that accompanies this significant moment in a young person’s life. Mhlongo said feelings of dread, sadness, fear, and frustration are expected as these adolescents grapple with uncertainty about their academic futures. There is also guilt and conscience, while others suddenly become angry. She explained that intense emotions are a natural response to the pressure of waiting for exam results. Mhlongo said they encourage family members to try to notice changes in pupils and be able to associate them with upcoming results. “We shouldn’t be alarmed if there’s that change, but at the same time, we expect to support…

Iga Swiatek insists “everything is fine” despite back-to-back losses in the lead-up to the Australian Open, with the world number two “super sore” but confident of recovering for the season-opening Grand Slam. The Polish star crashed 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in the mixed-teams United Cup final in Sydney on Sunday, which came on the back of a lacklustre 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals. A shellshocked Swiatek lost seven games in a row against Bencic, including a rare set to love, with a racquet toss and tears at the end of the match summing up her frustration. It was uncharacteristic for the six-time Grand Slam winner, who rarely loses consecutive matches. She most recently did so at the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November,…

FEW FIGURES in South African football have been as visible, as debated and as misunderstood as Bobby Motaung. For over three decades, his presence at Kaizer Chiefs has symbolised authority to some, nepotism to others, and continuity to those who understand the inner workings of the club. ‘Bobsteak’ has been praised, vilified, caricatured and scrutinised – often without context. Yet when the son of Amakhosi boss Kaizer Motaung speaks of his role, the language he uses is not that of power, but of service. “We are custodians,” he says. “We are serving.” That he does not say ‘I’ but rather ‘we’ goes smack against the general notion he is a spoilt son of the boss who sees the club as a “family business” in which his word holds sway. That…

Teyana Taylor’s star has never shone brighter. Over the past year, the multi‑talented entertainer has marked one of the most remarkable seasons of her career, earning major nominations, landing high‑profile acting roles, and reestablishing her voice in music. From commanding the big screen to delivering critically acclaimed performances on television and in film, Taylor is proving that her creative evolution is in full swing. The multi-hyphenate star has become a stand-out of the current awards season thanks to her performance in One Battle After Another. Her role in the film has earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking a breakthrough moment in her acting career. The film’s cast has also received recognition during the awards circuit, further cementing Taylor’s place among Hollywood’s rising acting talents. Her…

The City of Tshwane’s 800 old municipal vehicles will soon go under the hammer with a view to rake in some much-needed revenue, but the DA has expressed doubts that the exercise will yield the actual benefit the municipality is hoping for. This follows an announcement by Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who said on social media that the city would sell off its vehicle fleet due to maintenance costs, with the revenue earmarked for municipal operations. The auction, scheduled for February, is anticipated to attract interest from various buyers, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the city’s finances. Moya said the identified vehicles are currently stationed at various depots and that selling them on the second-hand market will be a more practical solution. “These vehicles are too expensive for the…

Firefighters over the last week have had their hands full with at least 10 major wildfires reported across the province, many of which have been contained due to efforts by fire and emergency services. As of 1pm yesterday, firefighters were still busy tackling the wildfire at the Swartberg Mountains, north of Oudemuragie, which, according to the Garden Route municipality, started late afternoon on January 11. “CapeNature and Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Brigade Services responded to this fire incident, and suppressed lower lying areas above the Oudemuragie farms. No infrastructure is impacted at the current time. “Today’s actions included the Garden Route District Municipality deploying a helicopter through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, as well as deploying a ground firefighting team. CapeNature has extended on the aerial resources,” the municipality said. “Crews…

While thousands of learners are anxiously awaiting their matric results today, educators and offender learners at Rustenburg prison school Thuto-Kitso Secondary School are aiming for a 100% pass rate and top accolades. They will have their national matric results announcement and award ceremony later this month, on January 19. The Department of Correctional Services said they are confident that all the learners will pass, following an academic year defined by high discipline, perseverance, and consistent educator support. The school has a proven record of success, producing several top achievers and enabling numerous inmates to progress to tertiary education. Educator Botshelo Tabane confirms the current cohort’s determination to succeed. “This group is focused not only on passing but on excelling and surpassing previous records,” Tabane stated. He highlighted the school’s sustained…

Every few years, when South Africa is struggling and the national mood is raw, the same idea resurfaces in the Western Cape dressed up in new language, polished by social media, and sold as “democratic self-determination.” Today it is called Cape Exit. Yesterday it had other names. The substance, however, has not changed. Let us say this plainly and without euphemism: this debate is not new, it is not progressive, and it does not represent the people of the Western Cape. It is an old politics of withdrawal repackaged for a new generation and Capetonians have consistently rejected it. CAPEXIT and its supporters speak loudly, but democracy is not measured by decibels. It is measured by numbers, mandates, and consent. Here are the facts: • In the most recent national…

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane believes his side are well positioned to challenge for continental football as Usuthu prepare to resume their Betway Premiership campaign in fifth place on the standings. The Durban-based club return to league action just one point behind third-placed Sekhukhune United and two adrift of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, a platform that has sharpened expectations around a possible CAF qualification push. For Zwane, the league position reflects a demanding but productive first half of the season. “It was very challenging but I think most of the players came to the party and played to the best of their ability and in that way we were able to gather a lot of wins even though we gave away points we shouldn’t have at times,” he explained. AmaZulu’s campaign…

The PSL Betway Premiership will resume earlier than initially scheduled, with fixtures starting next Monday rather than the previously planned Tuesday. This shift follows Bafana Bafana’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, enabling a swift return to domestic football. Following a disappointing 2-1 round-of-16 loss to Cameroon, the national team has returned home earlier than expected, giving local clubs a two-week window to recover before the competitive resumption. The unplanned break is particularly timely for teams such as Orlando Pirates, which boasts a significant representation in the national squad. The rest period allows players to recover from chronic injuries, ensuring they are fit for upcoming league matches. Sundowns’ fixture change against newly promoted Orbit College, from Tuesday to Monday, is a strategic adjustment ahead…