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According to Times Live, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube assured South Africans that the integrity of the 2024 matric results remains intact despite a potential breach. Reports surfaced that a company, Edumarks, was selling matric results for R99.90, raising concerns about how the data was acquired and the accuracy of the results. Some individuals claimed they paid but could not access the results. The Hawks and state security are investigating the breach, which is suspected to have occurred during the final stages of result verification. Gwarube emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring secure systems and promised accountability if the breach originated internally. She condemned the exploitation of pupils and parents by platforms profiting from the leak.

According to Times Live, a police sergeant in Pretoria faces scrutiny for allegedly failing to charge a woman suspected of public drinking after a video went viral showing her resisting arrest. The woman, claiming to be an international lawyer, argued with the officer at the police station, questioning her arrest. Despite the offense of drinking in her vehicle, the sergeant didn’t follow detention protocols or file charges, leading to the suspect’s release. This has sparked a public debate, with some criticizing the suspect’s behavior and others questioning the officer’s handling of the situation. The sergeant has been reassigned to administrative duties while under investigation.

As we approach the end of another year, New Year’s celebrations remind us of the joy of fresh beginnings and cherished traditions. Whether you’re planning a lively party with loved ones, a peaceful evening at home, or an adventurous escape, the spirit of hope and renewal unites us all.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey in 2024. Your support and engagement have made this year truly special, and we can’t wait to step into 2025 with you. Cheers to a wonderful New Year! 🥂🎆

According to News24, South African pop star Tyla shone at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, winning Top Afrobeats Song and Top Afrobeats Artist among her 8 nominations. In her pre-recorded acceptance speech, she thanked her supporters, family, and record label while humorously addressing the surprise of her win. Tyla also used the platform to highlight the diversity of African music, emphasizing her South African roots and amapiano culture.

The event marked another milestone in Tyla’s remarkable year, which included wins at the Grammys, BET Awards, MTV EMAs, VMAs, and SAMAs. Her debut album became the first 2024 release certified Gold by the RIAA. Tyla capped off her South African tour earlier this month and is set to perform again in January 2025.

In a recent interview, Julius Malema, EFF president, addressed Advocate Dali Mpofu’s departure to join Jacob Zuma’s new political party, the MKP. Mpofu had proposed that the EFF and other opposition parties disband to form a new party under Zuma’s leadership, but Malema rejected the idea, insisting that the EFF remains independent, News24 reports. The article highlights key moments and disagreements among leaders over the party’s future alliances ahead of the 2024 elections, with Malema emphasizing the EFF’s commitment to its values despite offers to merge with other opposition factions.

According to Times Live, Cape Town’s law enforcement and emergency teams are ramping up preparations for Guy Fawkes Day, with an emphasis on curbing assault, illegal fireworks sales and discharges, vehicle stoning, and other troublesome activities often associated with the day. The city’s safety and security directorate has concentrated resources on known hotspot areas, aiming to address destructive behavior by youths, such as attacks on adults and elderly individuals using socks filled with paint.

In recent years, incidents related to illegal fireworks have decreased, with a 31% drop from 2022 to 2023. The city has no designated sites for fireworks for Diwali, Guy Fawkes, or New Year’s Eve, and permits are required for any legal displays. Safety and security MMC JP Smith urged the public to help sustain the downward trend by reporting misbehavior and advised pet owners to keep animals indoors to protect them from fireworks trauma.

According to Times Live, former social media influencer “Dr” Matthew Lani has faced a dramatic turn of events after his fabricated persona as a medical professional was exposed. Lani had gained fame by giving medical advice and selling weight-loss products, but this all unraveled when authorities revealed he was unlicensed, and Wits University denied his supposed medical degree. Now, with limited income and living in a shelter, Lani has opened up about his hardships, even warning others about the dangers of seeking fame online. Despite everything, he’s determined to make a social media comeback to tell his side of the story in January, just before his trial in February.

According to IOL, South African actress and entrepreneur Shashi Naidoo recently shared a harrowing experience with her Instagram followers after her phone was stolen in South Africa. Despite security measures, her bank accounts were wiped, and her credit card was charged R500,000. Naidoo urged her followers to remain vigilant with their phones in public spaces and to immediately notify their banks if a phone is lost or stolen. Following her ordeal, she worked closely with forensic investigators to understand how the fraud occurred. She also expressed that this financial setback has been humbling and plans to refocus on her work to recover.

Image credit: Shashi Naidoo, Instagram

According to Vodacom Soccer, Manchester United has announced the departure of Erik ten Hag as head coach following a series of disappointing results, including a recent defeat to West Ham. Appointed in April 2022, Ten Hag led the club to Carabao and FA Cup victories, but recent performances left United in the bottom half of the league. United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe initially backed Ten Hag, but with only three wins in nine league games, the club’s leadership opted to part ways. Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim head coach while a search for a permanent replacement is underway.

According to EWN, the prolonged trial over the murder of South African football captain Senzo Meyiwa, ten years after his death, has spotlighted issues within the country’s justice system. Despite new judges and ongoing hearings, frequent delays have fueled frustration among Meyiwa’s family, fans, and the public. The trial’s pace, especially following the judge’s replacement due to illness, has raised questions about the system’s effectiveness. The five men accused, alleged to have been hired by Meyiwa’s then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, continue to await their day in court as South Africa watches for closure in this high-profile case.