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In today’s episode, it is a big day for the country’s matriculants as Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube prepares to unveil the National Senior Certificate results tonight. While public school learners await the official announcement, the Independent Examinations Board has already released its outcomes, recording a 98.3 percent pass rate, with just over 89 percent achieving university entry. Expectations are high that the public school class of 2025 has improved on last year’s results. Educational psychologist Irma Eloff has urged learners and parents to remember that matric results do not define a person’s future.
Severe weather warnings have also been issued as heavy downpours are forecast for Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The South African Weather Service has warned of possible mudslides, rockfalls and localised flooding, with alerts reaching Orange Level 9. Meanwhile, a heatwave is expected in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, as authorities confirm that last week’s fires are now under control. In the Cape Winelands, close to 13-thousand hectares were burnt over five days.
Discovery Health has reversed course following public pressure, announcing that it will cover the cost of a claims system error that left some members facing bills of tens of thousands of rand. The medical aid says affected members will not be required to repay any money linked to the error, and that those who have already paid will be reimbursed. Discovery Health CEO Ron Whelan has issued an apology.
Security concerns have also been raised ahead of the work of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee. Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, who is currently abroad, has questioned the safety of appearing in person before the committee. His concerns follow calls by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for an investigation into O’Sullivan’s alleged influence over IPID. Evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse has addressed the issue with MPs.
Protests are dominating international headlines. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Minneapolis after a woman was shot and killed by a US immigration agent, with unrest spreading to other major American cities. At the same time, US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could consider military action against Iran following a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests there, while Iran has vowed retaliation. Trump is also facing domestic pressure, with US Federal Reserve chairperson Jerome Powell confirming he is now the subject of a criminal investigation linked to clashes over monetary policy and interest rates.
In neighbouring Zimbabwe, the Human Rights Commission has accused the government of violating the Constitution after 15 protesters were detained for months without trial for calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign.
We’re also keeping an eye on developments in the Eastern Cape, where the 59-year-old babysitter accused of stabbing a toddler multiple times in Jeffreys Bay is set to return to court for a bail application. The two-year-old girl was stabbed 15 times on New Year’s Eve but survived the attack.
SPORTS
AFCON 2025 has reached the semi-final stage, guaranteeing a new champion after defending champions Ivory Coast were knocked out by Egypt. The Pharaohs will face Senegal, while hosts Morocco take on Nigeria. In the FA Cup, Arsenal progressed to the fourth round with a 4-1 win over Portsmouth, but Manchester United crashed out after losing to Brighton, marking their earliest exit from both cup competitions in 44 years. In the SA20, log leaders Sunrisers Eastern Cape were beaten by the Durban Super Giants, while the Pretoria Capitals prepare to host MI Cape Town. In rugby, the Stormers suffered a heavy 61-10 defeat to Harlequins, their first loss of the season.
AND FINALLY
The Golden Globes lit up Los Angeles, with several Hollywood stars using the ceremony to make political statements. Actor and activist Mark Ruffalo wore a pin honouring Renee Good, who was killed by US immigration agents in Minneapolis. Actress Teyana Taylor also claimed Best Supporting Actress honours for her role in One Battle After Another.
That is your News Bite for 12 January 2026. For developments on these and more, keep an eye on enca.com and DStv Channel 403.