Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world.
In today’s episode, EFF leader Julius Malema appeared in the East London High Court for a pre-sentencing hearing, after the matter was moved from the Magistrates' Court to accommodate a large crowd of supporters. Malema was convicted last year of violating the Firearms Control Act following an incident at an EFF rally in Mdantsane in 2018. He faces up to 15 years in prison if the NPA secures a harsh sentence, although legal experts say his lack of previous convictions could weigh heavily in mitigation.
Grief continues in the Vaal, where the community of Sebokeng held a memorial service for the pupils killed in the Vanderbijlpark crash. Fourteen learners lost their lives while travelling to school, with funerals planned for Sunday. The accused driver appeared in court for the first time and abandoned his bail application, while families are demanding that the owner of the vehicle be held accountable as well.
Transport tensions also flared in Lenasia, where aggrieved drivers staged a stay-away following a blitz by the Transport Ministry. More than 60 vehicles were impounded for overloading and permit violations. Drivers argue that delays in permit issuing by the department itself are to blame, while Minister Barbara Creecy has defended the operation and called for advanced training for scholar transport drivers.
Water security is under scrutiny, with officials warning that a water crisis is looming in Gauteng, despite heavy summer rainfall. The warning comes as Knysna grapples with critically low dam levels, prompting emergency funding in the Southern Cape. Water and Sanitation Director-General Sean Phillips cautioned that demand remains at record highs and conditions can change rapidly.
Meanwhile, flood-hit communities in Mpumalanga are calling for temporary but dignified shelter, after nearly 2,000 homes, many of them mud structures, were damaged or destroyed. Mop-up operations are underway as residents say their vulnerability existed long before the floodwaters arrived.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has refused to appear in person before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, citing security concerns and proposing to testify from a South African embassy abroad instead. In entertainment, the film “Sinners” has shattered Oscar history with 16 nominations, surpassing Titanic’s long-standing record, with the ceremony set to take place on 15 March and hosted by Conan O’Brien.
SPORTS
The Paarl Royals knocked the Joburg Super Kings out of the SA20 Eliminator, winning by 36 runs at Centurion, with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius starring with the bat. The Royals now face the Pretoria Capitals in Sunday’s final at Newlands. In rugby, the Bulls will be without Cobus Wiese for their United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh. And Springbok fans have reacted strongly after it was confirmed that the Springboks will face the All Blacks in Baltimore, taking the final Test of the New Zealand tour to the United States as part of efforts to grow the global game.
AND FINALLY
On an inspirational note, the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew have won the Cape2Rio Yacht Race, with the Cape Town sailing team making history after emerging victorious in one of the world’s toughest ocean races.
That is your News Bite for 23 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.