Bronkhorstspruit Bulletin

08/10/2026

All set for the class of 2026 |Umalusi confirms readiness for 2026 year-end exams

SOUTH AFRICA - Umalusi has confirmed that the system is ready to conduct the 2026 year-end national examinations.

The quality assurance body said its audit, conducted from 24 August to 30 September, found the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) ready to administer the exams.

A total of 283 question papers were externally moderated and approved. About 1.08 million candidates are registered to write at 9,183 centres nationwide. The National Senior Certificate accounts for 989,141 candidates - 92% of the total.

Umalusi says all candidates have received admission letters and timetables, and concessions such as extra time and braille papers have been granted. New examination centres were physically audited, while existing centres were evaluated and profiled by risk. High-risk centres will have resident monitors.

Security plans for printing, packaging, storage and distribution of question papers are in place. Umalusi noted marker shortages reported by the DBE in Afrikaans Home Language, English Home Language and History, but said early marking will mitigate the risk. The DHET will finalise its marker appointments by 19 October.

Concerns remain about recurring irregularities with Practical Assessment Tasks and internal assessments at DHET colleges, and the unlawful practice of preventing registered learners from writing certain subjects to improve results.

Umalusi also warned that the local government elections on 4 November coincide with the exams. The timetable has been amended and communities are urged to avoid disruptions at schools used as voting stations.

On the 2025 NSC paper breach, Umalusi said the final investigative report found it was limited to 40 Pretoria-based candidates out of 600,000.

Results will be approved for release on 8 January 2027. 📸 Inside Education

02/10/2026

Legendary musician Babsy Mlangeni dies at 83

01/10/2026

28/09/2026

Journalists work every day to bring them to you.
Today, on World News Day, we say thank you – and we ask you to support them.

26/09/2026

Teens Want to Read in Their Own Languages

TSHWANE - South African teenagers enjoy reading, but they are struggling to find books in their home languages.

That is the key finding of a new Teen Reading Pilot Survey launched at the National Library of South Africa in Pretoria last week.

The survey, led by Nal'ibali Trust, Social Impact Insights Africa and Room to Read, spoke directly to 302 teens aged 10-17 for the first time. In the past, researchers only asked parents and teachers about children's reading.

The report, launched on 23 September, found that most teens read for fun at least once a month and say reading helps them relax. But while most read in English, more than half said they want to read in African languages as well.

Other key findings:

- Girls read more often than boys, and prefer printed books over phones
- Schools are still the main source of books found in homes
- Teens want stories about real life - careers, growing up, and social issues
- Many teens already help younger children learn to read at home

Dr Tara Polzer Ngwato of Social Impact Insights Africa, who authored the report, presented the findings at the NLSA. The launch was opened by NLSA CEO Dr Ralph Links.

"For the first time in the National Reading Survey series, we have heard directly from teenagers about their reading lives," said Lorato Trok, Executive Director of the Nal'ibali Trust.

"What they tell us about libraries, languages and the kinds of books they want gives the sector a clear starting point for the 2027 survey, and for the practical work of getting more books into homes."

The pilot will now help shape the full National Reading Survey in 2027. The organisers say the goal is clear: get more relevant books, especially in African languages, into homes and schools.

24/09/2026

CELEBRATING HERITAGE DAY

Today we celebrate the colours, cultures and traditions that make us proudly South African.

From our languages to our attire, our heritage is our strength. Let us continue to teach our children to be proud of who they are and where they come from.

Happy Heritage Day from us!

What are you wearing to celebrate your culture today? Drop a photo in the comments

23/09/2026

Pre - School Opens Doors For Free To Vulnerable Children

ZITHOBENI - A Bronkhorstspruit Early Childhood Development centre is giving back to the community in a big way.

RJ Segolela Pre-School in Zithobeni has announced it's ECD Community Nutritional Support Campaign, which will offer free schooling to children below the age of 7 who are currently at home.

According to a letter from the management dated 19 September 2026, the campaign will run from October to early December 2026 as part of its community outreach.

The centre says the campaign aims to provide a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where children can learn, play, and develop essential early childhood skills, while also receiving nutritious meals to support their health and growth.

"Every child deserves access to early childhood education, proper nutrition, and opportunities for healthy development, regardless of their family's financial circumstances," the management stated.

The programme is open to children from both privileged and underprivileged families.

Parents and guardians who wish to benefit are urged to register between 23 September 2026 to 9 October 2026.

Documents required:
- Child birth certificate
- Guardian ID copy
- Child's clinic card

For more information, community members can contact RJ Segolela Pre School on 082 691 0678 / 069 402 9319 or email [email protected]. The centre is located at 4104 RDP EXT 4, Zithobeni. 📸 GroundUp

23/09/2026

ADVERT| Kwa Bomba and The Recovery Kitchen presents Street Food Fest!

2 days of good food, good music and good vibes.

Food will be sold by The Recovery Kitchen and Kwa Bomba. Let's meet for good vibes.

23/09/2026

[ BREAKING NEWS ]

Eleven people have been killed and three injured in a late-night mass shooting in KwaMakhutha in KwaZulu-Natal. A pregnant woman is among those who have been killed.

22/09/2026

[BREAKING] The r**e case against Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has been postponed to 29 September. Sibiya is accused of ra**ng an 18-year-old woman and sexually grooming a 16-year-old child