Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.
In today’s episode, the nation is reeling after a horrific crash in Vanderbijlpark claimed the lives of 12 school pupils, barely two weeks into the new academic year. The tragedy has once again placed the spotlight on long-standing concerns around scholar transport safety, leaving an entire community in mourning.
Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa says investigators from the Road Traffic Management Corporation are probing the incident, with a full report expected by the end of the week. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his shock and dismay at the loss of young lives.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission has warned of persistent systemic failures in scholar transport across the country. The Commission has released findings from an extensive investigation in the North West, revealing that inadequate transport has forced learners to walk dangerous distances or drop out of school altogether.
In the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde is set to brief his cabinet on escalating violent crime, following two deadly shootings in Cape Town that left six people dead. Police believe the attacks, in Ndabeni and Kensington, are gang-related. Authorities say shootings have occurred every day since the start of the year, making it a grim beginning for communities in gang-affected areas.
At Parliament, it’s former IPID head Robert McBride’s turn to testify before the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system. McBride, who led the police watchdog from 2014 to 2019, was implicated last week by former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. The committee has also decided to subpoena forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan after he raised security concerns.
Internationally, markets are under pressure as tensions escalate between the United States and the European Union over Greenland. US President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs unless the EU agrees to sell the territory — a demand firmly rejected by European leaders. An emergency EU summit is scheduled, with possible retaliation measures, including the so-called “Trade Bazooka,” now on the table.
Global attention is also focused on Davos, where political and economic leaders are gathering for the World Economic Forum. Team South Africa is pitching the country as a stable investment destination, with eNCA’s Heidi Giokos speaking to former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel on the sidelines.
Back home, strong Cape winds are hampering efforts to contain a wildfire near Franschhoek. Firefighters and aerial support continue battling the blaze, while some residents were evacuated overnight as a precaution.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on:
• The Department of Water and Sanitation has pledged R20 million in emergency funding for Knysna, as the town faces the threat of Day Zero due to decades of poor infrastructure maintenance. • Hundreds of families displaced by illegal mining violence in the Sporong informal settlement say they will not return home until authorities guarantee their safety.
SPORTS
Mamelodi Sundowns have started the year on a winning note, beating Orbit College 2–0 to move a point clear of Orlando Pirates at the top of the table.
In cricket, the Joburg Super Kings have clinched the final SA20 playoff spot, securing qualification with a 44-run victory over Paarl Royals.
In rugby, the Stormers are gearing up for a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship derby against the Sharks. Defence coach Norman Laker believes the Durban side has improved since the appointment of JP Pietersen as interim coach.
That is your News Bite for 20 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.