Lee-Yandra Paulsen

Fire crews in the Cape Winelands continue battling the Wemmershoek wildfire near Franschhoek, which originated in the Langrug area. Overnight flare-ups raised concerns, but rapid response by ground teams and aerial support helped contain them. Cape Winelands District Municipality spokesperson Anesca Roodt provided an update on the ongoing operations. “We can report that we've made good progress throughout yesterday and last night, and there were some concerning flare-ups, but through […]

Heathfield High School principal Wesley Neumann, who was dismissed after refusing to reopen his school during the COVID-19 pandemic, has won his Labour Court battle for reinstatement. Neumann was accused of defying instructions from the Western Cape Education Department and faced multiple misconduct charges. After a lengthy legal process spanning five years, the Labour Court has ordered his retrospective reinstatement. Senior CCMA commissioner, management consultant, and University of the Western […]

Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have both filed applications seeking the recusal of retired Justice Sisi Khampepe from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Prosecutions Commission. The commission is investigating allegations of interference in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. According to the Jacob Zuma Foundation’s spokesperson, Mzwandile Manyi, the applications cite alleged conflicts of interest stemming from Khampepe’s previous roles within the TRC and the National Prosecuting Authority. […]

Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of political interference in the criminal justice system has until 20 February to finalise its work. The National Assembly granted the committee an extension after it adjourned oral hearings in November, placing its work under a tight deadline. Committee chairperson Molapi Soviet Lekganyane has urged members to treat public submissions with seriousness, stressing that Parliament has a duty […]

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has extended its university-led allowance distribution system as part of efforts to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency in student funding. Under the revised approach, universities will be required to submit monthly remittance reports detailing all allowance payments made to students. In addition, accommodation allowances for students living in private residences will now be paid directly to accredited accommodation providers, rather than through students. […]

The Labour Court has ordered the retrospective reinstatement (the return of an employee to their job, with back pay and benefits, after being wrongfully dismissed) of Wesley Neumann as principal of Heathfield High School, bringing to a close a legal battle that has spanned more than five years. The ruling has been welcomed by the Special Action Committee–Education (SAC-E), which has described it as a significant victory for justice, fairness, […]