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In today’s episode, the death toll from the Vaal scholar transport crash has risen to 14, after two more pupils died in hospital. The crash, allegedly caused by the reckless driving of a taxi driver whose professional driving permit had expired, has prompted a nationwide scholar transport blitz by authorities. The driver is facing charges, while Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has announced plans for dashcams and stricter penalties to improve safety. Gauteng’s Transport MEC has also set up a committee to address the backlog of permits and applications.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that scholar transport remains a long-standing problem, a matter that overshadowed the Basic Education sector lekgotla. Civil society groups, including Equal Education and the Professional Educators Union, say the deaths should never have been the trigger for action. Transport officials are expected to release a preliminary report on the crash, while the 22-year-old driver charged over the Vaal crash was due to appear in court today.
Flood damage is mounting in Mpumalanga, where the province faces a R2.1-billion repair bill after weeks of heavy downpours. Hundreds of homes have been damaged or washed away, with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane saying people living near river streams and low-lying areas will be provided with temporary residential units. Public Works Minister Dean McPherson has called for cooperation across all three spheres of government, as experts warn that the floods highlight South Africa’s growing exposure to climate change and the need to build more resilient infrastructure.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump dismissed wind power, blaming windmills for Europe’s economic decline. China has pushed back strongly, saying its installed wind power capacity has ranked first in the world for 16 consecutive years. Trump also claimed progress on a Greenland framework deal following talks with NATO leaders.
Back home, suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is testifying before the SAPS Ad Hoc Committee. He stands accused of corruption and mismanagement, including signing off on the fitting of blue lights to vehicles linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Mkhwanazi has admitted knowing Mike van Wyk of Medicare24, who allegedly suggested fitting the blue lights.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
The South African rand has climbed to its strongest levels in more than three years, briefly touching R16.13 to the dollar, levels last seen in August 2022. In Yeoville, Johannesburg, law enforcement uncovered illegal activity at a property zoned as a church, including the printing of fake banknotes and fraudulent documents.
SPORTS
In the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona beat Slavia Prague 4–2 to move up to ninth on the standings, while Liverpool continued their strong run with a 3–0 win over Marseille.
In the SA20 playoffs, the Pretoria Capitals beat the Sunrisers Eastern Cape by seven wickets, with Dewald Brevis starring with a rapid 38-ball 75. Joburg Super Kings face the Paarl Royals tonight at Centurion. At the Australian Open, 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka reached the third round, becoming the oldest man since 1978 to do so at Melbourne Park.
That is your News Bite for 22 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, keep an eye on enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.