It’s Tuesday, 17 February 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
South Africa’s unemployment rate has eased slightly, but remains stubbornly high. The latest quarterly data shows the unemployment rate has dropped to 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 31.9% in the previous quarter. Economists say the improvement still does not change the bigger picture: the economy is not creating enough sustainable jobs.
A school community in Thembisa is in mourning after a tragic accident. A Grade 5 pupil died in a Thembisa school soccer field tragedy after a goal post fell during break time. Gauteng Education says an investigation is underway, with renewed concern over safety and infrastructure in public schools.
Authorities are warning residents not to be pulled into a rumour-fuelled frenzy after a small amount of gold was reportedly found in Springs. Officials say the Springs gold rush sparks legal and safety warnings, after people began digging at the site and reports emerged of payments being demanded for access.
Communities in the Eastern Cape say they feel overlooked as debate continues about the deployment of the SANDF to crime and gang hotspots. Residents in the Northern Areas of Gqeberha are calling for intervention in their neighbourhoods too, arguing that gang violence is not limited to the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Crime is disrupting healthcare in Khayelitsha after residents say the Town Two Clinic was forced to shut for more than two weeks following alleged extortion threats. Community groups say patients were left stranded, while the City says services have resumed.
US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died at 84, with tributes highlighting his long history of activism and solidarity movements globally.
Back home, a fourth suspect linked to the murder of Pretoria e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat is expected to appear in court after handing himself over to police.
SPORTS
· Proteas Women suffered a setback as Pakistan won a consolation match, though South Africa still took the series.
· In football, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meet in a major Betway Premiership clash that could shape the title race.
· At the T20 World Cup, results are tightening the race for the Super 8, with qualification pressure building across the groups.
That’s your News Bite for Tuesday, 17 February 2026. For more on these stories, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.