By Oscar Mosiane, communication manager and writer, NWU. Visit North West University press office The North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate on renowned choral music composer and teacher Kgotlaetsile Henderson Pule during the autumn graduation ceremony at the Mahikeng Campus on 8 May 2026. The graduation ceremony was attended by Dr Anna Mokgokong, NWU chancellor, alongside Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, and Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research, innovation and community engagement, post-graduate studies with the assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus. Dr Joe Molete, graduation host and deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture, welcomed graduates and guests to the Mahikeng Campus. Also in attendance were Tutu Kgobane, president of the NWU Convocation, and Relation Seobela, president of the Students’ Representative Council. The prestigious honour recognised Pule’s immense contribution to choral music, music education and the development of South African cultural heritage through his decades-long commitment to composing and teaching music. In his acceptance speech, Pule described the recognition as both humbling and deeply meaningful, particularly because it came from a university in his home province. “I never imagined that the work I started many years ago through teaching and composing music would receive this kind of recognition. I accept this honour not only for myself, but also for the many choirs, teachers, musicians and communities who have walked this journey with me,” said Pule. Addressing the graduates, Prof Tyobeka reflected on the important role of higher education in addressing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges. “Our country continues to face serious challenges such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, food insecurity, pressure on healthcare services, government failures and rapid technological change. Therefore, higher education carries a national responsibility,” he said. Prof Tyobeka emphasised the strategic importance of post-graduate education in advancing national development. “Research continues to show that post-graduate education contributes directly to economic growth, innovation, research productivity and institutional development. According to our Department of Higher Education and Training, less than 7% of South Africans between the ages of 25 and 64 hold post-graduate qualifications,” he said. “Further studies continue to demonstrate that countries with strong post-graduate and doctoral output are better positioned to drive innovation, economic competitiveness, scientific advancement and institutional development.” He added that South Africa’s current doctoral output remains significantly below the level needed to meet the developmental aspirations of the country. “South Africa currently produces approximately 3 500 doctoral graduates annually, which remains far below the levels required for a developing economy of our size and ambition. This means those graduating with master’s degree and PhD qualifications today form part of a critical national asset,” said Prof Tyobeka. Addressing the master’s degree and doctoral graduates, Dr Mokgokong reminded graduates that graduation ceremonies should not be viewed only as endings, but as the beginning of a new chapter filled with responsibility and opportunity. “Graduation ceremonies are often viewed as conclusions, but in reality, they are beginnings, as a degree is one of the foundations on which a future is built,” she said. “It provides structure, knowledge and credibility, yet a post-graduate qualification carries a deeper meaning. A master’s degree is not simply another step forward, but an elevator, and the PhD takes you higher.” Dr Mokgokong further emphasised the growing need for ethical and courageous leadership in an increasingly complex world. “The world does not simply need qualified people; it needs thoughtful people, ethical and authentic leaders. It needs researchers, innovators and professionals who are prepared to confront complexity with courage and intelligence,” she said. The conferral of the honorary doctorate on Pule formed one of the highlights of the graduation ceremony, celebrating both academic excellence and the important role of arts and culture in society. The NWU continues to recognise individuals whose work has made a significant impact nationally and internationally, reflecting the commitment of the institution to excellence, innovation and societal transformation.

Hearings before the Madlanga commission continued on Tuesday, with testimony about a major drug bust in Aeroton, Johannesburg in 2021. In July that year, the Hawks intercepted nearly a tonne of cocaine shipped from Brazil amid allegations that police officers had tried to steal the consignment. Two South African Police Service officers and two Gauteng traffic officers were arrested. This came after the Hawks had discovered 751kg of cocaine shipped through the same company.  Warrant Officer Marumo Magane, the commander of the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre at Zonkizizwe police station, testified about his involvement at the scene. Magane said that on 9 July 2021, he had received a call from Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba who had wanted help to intercept a truck allegedly transporting drugs. “Chief Mashaba called me regarding information about a truck allegedly transporting drugs and asked for assistance and manpower to follow up on the information,” Magane said. West Rand Hawks Commander Francois Steyn told the commission on Monday that drug investigations fell outside the mandate of traffic officers. He added that the truck company had contacted him after the container attracted significant police attention. Logistics company Yellow Jersey had initially denied the officers access to the shipping container because they did not have a warrant. They had then approached client company Scania to request access. Magane told the commission he had met Mashaba, who was driving a grey VW Golf and was accompanied by a civilian, Mr Nku, who had been driving a charcoal BMW 7 Series. The group had then searched the container. Magane had arrived in a black Nissan NP300 bakkie, which Hawks officers have alleged was later used in an attempt to remove the drugs from the scene. “The container was opened by one of their staff members and to our surprise, as soon as the doors opened, some black bags started falling from the container,” he said. Officers had discovered 999kg of cocaine wrapped in black refuse bags. The cocaine bricks bore different insignia, including a Red Bull logo and a flying falcon, which Steyn previously told the commission were markers indicating the shipment’s intended cartel destination. Witness statements from Hawks officials submitted to the commission allege that some officers at the scene had been attempting to steal the cocaine. They were allegedly intercepted after Scania staff had alerted the Hawks. “Chief Mashaba and I realised it would be impossible for the forklift to unload the truck from the loading bay while the bags were already on the ground and stuck near the trailer wheels. As a result, we instructed Scania staff to load the black bags onto the back of the service bakkie while we waited for other members,” Magane said. He told the commission that more officers from various police units had later arrived at the scene after complaints that individuals were impersonating police officers. “Major General Feroz Khan arrived immediately after Warrant Officer Phakula and the situation got out of hand. Upon his arrival, Major General Khan went straight to the warehouse and met with Scania management. After that, he came back and ordered us to stop our operation,” Magane said. Khan later faced disciplinary action and was acquitted over his involvement as the head of Counter and Security Intelligence in a case that should have been handled by the Hawks. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has accused Khan of being central to alleged corruption within crime intelligence, including claims involving a R600 million crime intelligence slush fund.

The NCC has added 20 more “untraceable suppliers” to its warning list, complicating consumers’ ability to enforce refunds and other protections.

Gauteng Social Development hands over vehicle to Tshwane shelter supporting trafficking victims

Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy on Tuesday night, Orlando Pirates need just three points from their remaining two league matches to clinch the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title. The Buccaneers are at home against Durban City on Saturday and away to Orbit College on the final day of the season on 23 May. And if Pirates get the needed three points, they would have secured a club treble for the first time since the 2011/12 season.ALSO READ: Pirates hold all the title aces as Sundowns slip up at Galaxy Pirates, however, should guard against complacency by thinking the league title is already in the bag.It’s not wise to do that. The Buccaneers must ask their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, how it feels to celebrate winning the league before you actually win it.During the 2019/20 season, Chiefs, under the guidance of Ernst Middendorp, needed three points to wrestle the league title away from Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Baroka FC left Amakhosi heartbroken as they held them to a frustrating 1-1 draw on the final day of the season.Sundowns beat Black Leopards 2-0 in the other game, leapfrogging Chiefs and successfully defending their league title. Chiefs’ failure to win the league title led to Middendorp losing his job at the Naturena-based club.It was not the first time that Chiefs had found themselves in the same predicament. In 1987, during the NSL season, Chiefs lost the league title on the final day. Needing a point from their final four fixtures to win it, Amakhosi lost all of them, and Jomo Cosmos were crowned champions after they beat Leeds United 4-2 on the final day, leapfrogging Chiefs at the top of the standings. Sundowns still lead the log table The reality is that Sundowns are on top of the log, and they lead Pirates by three points, and the Buccaneers still need a win to topple them. If Pirates fail to get maximum points in their last two games, then Sundowns will be crowned champions.ALSO READ: Sundowns’ Cardoso – ‘The calendar has beaten us’Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddau will do well to get this message across to his players and to make sure that it sticks in their heads going into their last two matches; otherwise, just like it happened to Chiefs, it will end in tears for them.So, the message is clear to the Pirates players: get the job done first and celebrate later.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named his second alignment group ahead of the 2026 international season, with 40 players invited to a camp in Cape Town next week. The Boks kick off their season with a match against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June before turning their attention to the newly formed Nations Championship and matches against England, Scotland and Wales in South Africa in July. In August the world champions welcome the All Blacks to the country for a full tour, including three Tests, with a fourth Test set for Baltimore in the USA. Two players will attend their first camp with the Boks, namely flanker Siba Mahashe of the Lions and Zekhethelo Siyaya, fullback of the Sharks. Embrose Papier, Francke Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter and Henco van Wyk, who have attended camps in the past, have also cracked invites to next week’s gathering. This will be the second in-person camp of the pre-season. A second virtual alignment camp, with the overseas-based players, will be hosted following this camp next week. Uncapped players The squad includes 25 forwards and 15 backs and the camp will run from Tuesday next week to Thursday. There is no URC rugby next week. The 10 uncapped players in the group are: Horn, Mahashe, Siyaya, Van Wyk, Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, Riley Norton, Haashim Pead, Emmanuel Tshituka, and Jaco Williams. No players who play their rugby in Japan and Europe were considered for this camp. “This is an exciting group of players, and it’s been pleasing to see them make their presence felt in the United Rugby Championship and during their teams’ Champions Cup and Challenge Cup campaigns this season,” said Erasmus. “This camp will be a good opportunity to expose those invited to our setup and the standards expected of the national coaches. “We’re looking forward to involving Siba, Zekhethelo, Andre, Embrose, Francke, and Henco at this camp as we continue to build our squad depth.” Plyers who’re unfit due to long-term injuries were also not considered for the camp. Players invited to camp: Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter (all Stormers); Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (all Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls); Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Emmanuel Tshituka (all Sharks). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard (all Bulls); Andre Esterhuizen, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams (all Sharks); Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Henco van Wyk, Morne van den Berg (all Lions); Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse (both Stormers).

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has once again cemented its reputation as one of South Africa’s leading education hubs, with four private schools named among the best in the world in the 2026 Spear’s Magazine Schools Index. The annual ranking, regarded as one of the leading global guides to elite private education, recognised five South African schools in total, four of them based in KZN. The schools are: Hilton College Michaelhouse St Anne’s Diocesan College Cordwalles Preparatory School They were joined by Western Province Preparatory School in Cape Town. More than just academics Unlike traditional school rankings that focus largely on exam performance, the Spear’s Schools Index also considers factors such as reputation, leadership development, extracurricular offerings, culture, pastoral care and international standing. The index has become increasingly influential among internationally mobile families, wealth advisers and high-net-worth individuals looking for globally recognised schools. This year’s list placed South African schools alongside internationally renowned institutions such as Eton College in the UK and Harvard-Westlake School in the United States. KZN private schools continue to shine Hilton College, founded in 1892, remains one of the country’s most recognised boys’ boarding schools and is known for its academics, sport and leadership programmes. Nearby St Anne’s Diocesan College was recognised for balancing academic excellence with creativity and personal development and was the only girls’ school from South Africa to make the list. Michaelhouse in the KZN Midlands continues to build an international reputation for its holistic approach to education. Meanwhile, Cordwalles Preparatory School in Pietermaritzburg earned recognition for its strong focus on foundational academics, sport and character-building. But prestige also comes at a price. The schools also rank among the most expensive in South Africa. According to estimates published alongside the ranking, annual boarding costs are approximately: Hilton College: around R530 000 Michaelhouse: around R485 000 St Anne’s Diocesan College: around R387 000 Cordwalles Preparatory School: between R320 000 and R325 000

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has questioned why Magesi FC decided to host Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium instead of the smaller venue. Against Masandawana, Dikwena tsa Meetse opted to play their home game at the Seshego Stadium outside Polokwane. Cardoso complained about the stadium despite his team narrowly getting a win. Last weekend, Magesi hosted Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium after the fixture was moved from the Seshego Stadium. The Buccaneers claimed a comfortable 3-0 win to close the gap to Sundowns. Speaking to the media after his team’s 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy, Cardoso felt Pirates were handed a huge advantage in the title race. “As I said, in terms of the calendar, the management of pitches, you saw Pirates playing in pitches where we didn’t play. We played Magesi, they took us somewhere in the country, where the pitch is small, Seshego Stadium. But when it’s Pirates, they invite them to a big venue, a nice pitch to play football,” he said. “So, this is the reality that we have to face.” Cardoso feels the red carpet was placed for Orlando Pirates The Sundowns coach did not concede that the title race was over. “If we don’t become champions, it’s because someone else had a good season,” Cardoso added as per Kickoff. “But also, I think the red carpet was opened in front of them, so I think it is important, to be fair, to analyse what happened in recent weeks.” Do you agree with Cardoso or is he just bitter?

Icasa has told minister Solly Malatsi that full alignment with the ICT sector code requires changes to legislation.

Government must lean more on the private sector in a fiscally constrained environment, communications minister Solly Malatsi has said.