Author: NationWatch

Two South African schools, Michaelhouse and Bishops, have been ranked among the world’s top 150 private schools. The rankings, released by an international education review, highlight the academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and overall reputation of these institutions. Michaelhouse and Bishops have consistently been recognised for their high standards of teaching, student performance, and contributions to leadership development. The recognition places the schools alongside other leading private institutions globally, reflecting South Africa’s growing presence in international education. The rankings also consider factors such as student-to-teacher ratios, facilities, alumni success, and holistic development programs, all of which contributed to Michaelhouse and Bishops…

KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer has issued a warning to so-called ‘construction mafia’ members following the disruption of a R109 million Department of Transport construction site in Pietermaritzburg. During a media briefing on Thursday, Meyer said the incident occurred on Wednesday when a group demanding jobs and subcontracts stormed the construction site, along with seven other government projects in Ward 27. Meyer condemned the actions, stating that violent demands for work would not be tolerated and that he would not negotiate with those intimidating staff. He encouraged individuals with genuine business concerns to approach the department peacefully.…

Johannesburg — South Africa’s economy faces a serious risk of stagnation this year as the country’s electricity crisis continues to trigger widespread power cuts, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. In January, the South African Reserve Bank projected a modest GDP growth of 0.3% for 2023, down sharply from 2% in 2022. However, the IMF’s latest findings following a mission to the country suggest that the short-term outlook for Africa’s most industrialized economy has worsened. “South Africa’s economic and social challenges are mounting, posing a risk of stagnation amid an unprecedented energy crisis,” the IMF said in its statement.…

Team South Africa delivered a promising performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, showcasing talent across multiple disciplines. Analysts say the onus now lies on the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) to build on these results in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The delegation’s performance highlighted both strengths and areas for development, with athletes demonstrating potential in track and field, swimming, and other key events. Sascoc officials have emphasized the importance of strategic planning, enhanced training programs, and investment in athlete development to ensure sustained success on the international stage. With the next Olympic Games…

The Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) latest shortlist for judicial appointments has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process. Observers say the list provides a troubling glimpse into how candidates are evaluated and chosen for key positions within South Africa’s judiciary. Critics argue that the shortlist may reflect underlying political and institutional influences, potentially affecting the independence of the judiciary. The appointments in question cover various superior courts, with particular attention on candidates for the Constitutional Court and other high-ranking positions. Legal experts and civil society organisations have called for greater openness in the nomination and interview…

The KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg is set to relocate to a new R632 million facility to better preserve its heritage and natural history collections. The museum, which opened in 1904 and also houses the Centre of Scientific Research, has outgrown its current premises at 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street. Its new location will be at 96 Jabu Ndlovu Street, the former site of St Anne’s Hospital. Construction is expected to begin next year and is scheduled for completion in December 2029. The museum’s collection includes 10 cultural history galleries, covering archaeology, rock art, Zulu and Nguni anthropology, and European settler history,…

Tshifhiwa Matodzi, the former chairperson of the defunct VBS Mutual Bank and the mastermind behind its collapse, has been sentenced to 495 years of direct imprisonment. The 47-year-old was sentenced on Wednesday at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Matodzi was at the centre of a scheme that looted R2 billion from pensioners and financially strapped municipalities. He faced charges including corruption, theft, fraud, money laundering, and racketeering. Matodzi pleaded guilty to 33 charges and entered a plea agreement with the State. He was sentenced to 15 years on each count, but the court ordered sentences for counts two…

Stellenbosch University’s executive management has agreed to close the Wilgenhof residence following reports of torture and abuse at the 120-year-old male student accommodation. The decision will take effect at the end of the 2024 academic year, pending approval by the university council. Vice-Chancellor and Rector Professor Wim de Villiers said alternative uses for the Wilgenhof buildings will be considered during 2025. The university appointed a three-member panel to investigate the conditions at Wilgenhof after media reports revealed acts of humiliation, torture, and physical and sexual abuse as part of initiation and punishment practices. The panel found that a room known…

Substitute Thapelo Morena scored twice to guide Bafana Bafana to a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday. The victory keeps South Africa level with Group C leaders Rwanda on seven points, with goal difference separating the two sides. Bafana started brightly but were quickly pegged back as Zimbabwe equalised within a minute of South Africa taking the lead. Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring after Zimbabwe defender Munashe Garananga mishandled a back pass 35 seconds into the match. Tawanda Chirewa then capitalised on defensive lapses to level the score,…

The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, marking a historic shift in South Africa’s political landscape. With over 99 percent of votes counted, the ANC received nearly 40 percent in the May 29 election, well below the majority it had maintained since the all-race vote of 1994 that brought Nelson Mandela to power. The main opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), garnered 21.63 percent, while uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, captured 14.71 percent, siphoning votes away from the ANC. Opposition leaders…