Author: Naledi Khumalo

Gauteng Load Reduction Schedule 7-13 April 2026: Timetable Gauteng residents will continue to experience rotational power cuts this week as Eskom rolls out its latest Gauteng load reduction schedule. The Eskom schedule April 2026 confirms that affected communities will face both morning and evening outages, lasting between four and five hours in some areas. Morning and Evening Power Outages Across Gauteng Power outages Gauteng residents face are divided into two daily windows: Morning: 05:00 to 09:00 Evening: 17:00 to 22:00 Despite national load shedding being suspended after over 300 consecutive days without it, Eskom has emphasized that rotational power cuts…

Happy Easter to all our eKayNews readers Happy Easter to all our eKayNews readers, Easter is a time that carries a special kind of quiet magic—one that gently reminds us of hope, renewal, and the beauty of fresh beginnings. As this Easter holiday weekend arrives, we at eKayNews want to take a moment to pause from the fast pace of headlines and stories, and instead connect with you on a more human level. Whether you are celebrating with family, reflecting in solitude, or simply enjoying a well-earned break, this season offers something meaningful for everyone. Your continued support, engagement, and…

NSFAS paid 822 dead students: audit finds deep failures NSFAS paid 822 dead students: audit finds deep failures, exposing one of the most serious breakdowns in public fund management in South Africa’s higher education sector. The shocking findings, revealed in a damning audit by the Auditor-General of South Africa, have sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny over how billions in student funding are administered. At the centre of the controversy is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), a critical institution designed to support students from poor and working-class backgrounds. Instead of fulfilling its mandate efficiently, the scheme is now…

Mixed-weather conditions to hit Gauteng this weekend Mixed-weather conditions to hit Gauteng this weekend, bringing a blend of sunshine, cloud cover, and scattered thundershowers across the province. Residents in Pretoria and Johannesburg should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, with warm daytime temperatures giving way to sudden rainfall later in the day. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the forecast highlights a classic Highveld weather pattern—clear mornings followed by cloud build-up and isolated storms in the afternoon and evening. For anyone planning outdoor activities, this means staying flexible and weather-aware throughout the weekend. A classic Highveld weather pattern The…

President Ramaphosa authorises SANDF deployment in fight against crime President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of 2,200 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members under Operation Prosper. Running from March 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, this R823.1 million nationwide initiative spans five provinces, with localized operations already underway in Gauteng hotspots like Riverlea, Westbury, and Benoni. The military intervention serves as a critical “force multiplier” to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in volatile communities where traditional law enforcement has been overwhelmed by heavily armed syndicates. The primary objectives of this massive deployment are to dismantle organized…

UNISA Becomes First African University to Own Airport in SA In a historic breakthrough for education and industry in Africa, the University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially become the first African university to own and operate an airport, marking an unprecedented shift in how higher education intersects with practical industrial training and technological advancement. The landmark acquisition, finalized in early March 2026, saw UNISA secure a dedicated 20‑hectare aviation facility purpose‑built for hands‑on learning in aeronautics, aviation management, drone technology, and advanced engineering — a move that positions the university at the forefront of experiential education on the continent.…

Weather forecast | Sunday, 8 March 2026 Weather forecast | Sunday, 8 March 2026 indicates a mix of severe storms, strong coastal winds, and scattered showers across different parts of the country. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), several regions will experience unstable weather conditions, particularly in the northern provinces where heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected. The South Africa weather forecast highlights possible flooding, damaging winds, and hazardous travel conditions in areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Meanwhile, coastal communities in KwaZulu-Natal are being warned about strong winds and rough seas along the northern coastline. Other provinces such…

Weather forecast | Saturday, 7 March 2026 Weather forecast | Saturday, 7 March 2026 shows a mix of severe storms, strong coastal winds, and warm conditions across several parts of South Africa. The latest South Africa weather forecast highlights the possibility of intense thunderstorms in the northeastern provinces, while coastal regions between Plettenberg Bay and Durban are expected to experience powerful winds that could disrupt beach and port activities. According to meteorological warnings, provinces including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, northern Gauteng, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal face the highest risk of severe weather. Heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and damaging winds are expected in…

Home Affairs issue smart ID to young man blocked from getting one because his name starts with “!” Home Affairs gives smart ID to young man blocked from getting one because his name starts with “!” after a long-standing technical limitation was resolved. !Khūboab Oedasoua Lawrence, a young man with a traditional Khoi-San name, finally received his smart ID card from Minister Leon Schreiber on Thursday. This event marks a historic step in recognising Khoi-San traditional names on official South African identity documents. Department of Home Affairs smart ID system upgraded The Department of Home Affairs smart ID system previously…

The South African government announced a significant step in controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as SA receives one million foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Argentina this weekend. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed the first batch will arrive as part of a proactive vaccination strategy aimed at achieving “FMD-free status with vaccination.” The shipment from Argentina represents the first phase of a broader agreement, with a further five million doses expected in March. These high-potency vaccines are crucial to safeguarding South Africa’s national herd of over 14 million cattle, ensuring protection against FMD while rebuilding stability in the livestock sector. SA receives foot-and-mouth…