News today includes access is to the Kruger National Park (KNP) is becoming increasingly limited as rain persists in the far north-east of the country.
Meanwhile, as Iran’s controversial participation in the sea phase of the naval exercise comes under the spotlight, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says she has relayed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instructions regarding military exercises in False Bay and has appointed a board of inquiry to establish if they were ignored.
Furthermore, as some parents still await placement for their Grade 1 and Grade 8 children, Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has refuted claims that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) prioritises foreign nationals over South African pupils in public schools.
Weather tomorrow: 17 January 2026
The South African Weather Service has warned that heavy downpours are expected to continue in Limpopo and Mpumalanga on Saturday, 17 January, with severe thunderstorms likely in parts of the North West and the Free State.
Meanwhile, fire danger conditions and damaging winds are forecast for the Northern Cape. Full weather forecast here.
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WATCH: Kruger National Park limited to essential services as bridges and roads crumble
Access is to the Kruger National Park (KNP) is becoming increasingly limited as rain persists in the far north-east of the country.
Limpopo and Mpumalanga have been battered with heavy rains throughout the week, destroying infrastructure and claiming the lives of at least nine people in Limpopo alone.
The majestic bush setting of the KNP has been swamped by large bodies of water that engulfed visitor camps, staff accommodation and bridges.
CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Kruger National Park limited to essential services as bridges and roads crumble
Motshekga appoints board of inquiry to probe if order for Iran’s naval drill exit was flouted
As Iran’s controversial participation in the sea phase of the naval exercise comes under the spotlight, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says she has relayed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instructions regarding military exercises in False Bay and has appointed a board of inquiry to establish if they were ignored.
The presence of three Iranian warships off False Bay has drawn international attention to South Africa, particularly from the United States (USA), raising concerns about political costs for the country.
“The Minister of Defence, Hon. Angie Motshekga, would like to place it on record that the instruction was clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon and to be implemented and adhered to as such,” a statement from the ministry read.
CONTINUE READING: Motshekga appoints board of inquiry to probe if order for Iran’s naval drill exit was flouted
Saps paid R2.8bn in civil claims since 2022, faces R56.7bn in potential liability
The South African Police Service (Saps) has paid out R2.8 billion in civil claims related to unlawful arrest, detention, and assault since April 2022, with a further R56.7 billion in potential claims still pending.
This information was disclosed by acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia in a written parliamentary response.
In his reply, Cachalia revealed that 48 569 cases of unlawful arrest and detention were pending nationwide as of September 2025.
CONTINUE READING: Saps paid R2.8bn in civil claims since 2022, faces R56.7bn in potential liability
DJ Warras murder case: Will video footage bolster Majola’s bail application?
The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed Victor Mthethwa Majola’s application for bail.
Majola returned to the court on Friday, where his attorney, Dumisani Mabunda, and the state presented their closing arguments.
Stock was fatally shot on 16 December outside a building near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD).
CONTINUE READING: DJ Warras murder case: Will video footage bolster Majola’s bail application?
Foreigners ‘not prioritised’ over SA pupils at schools, Gauteng Education says
As some parents still await placement for their Grade 1 and Grade 8 children, Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has refuted claims that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) prioritises foreign nationals over South African pupils in public schools.
This follows an alleged ongoing campaign by Operation Dudula, which has been mobilising parents in parts of Gauteng and demanding that South African learners be prioritised over foreign nationals in school placements.
In September last year, Operation Dudula allegedly delivered notices to some schools in Soweto, warning them against admitting undocumented pupils for the 2026 academic year.
CONTINUE READING: Foreigners ‘not prioritised’ over SA pupils at schools, Gauteng Education says
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Dion George quits DA | R2.5bn VIP protection | Woman’s body found in Mpumalanga floods
