By Levy Masiteng 

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has dispatched a team of dam safety engineers to the Senteeko Dam, in the Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, to conduct an urgent technical assessment and monitor reported structural damage.

An evacuation alert has been issued for communities downstream of the dam.

The DWS confirmed that the dam, with a storage capacity of 1.8 million m³, is at risk of failure.

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Authorities have warned that an imminent dam wall failure could potentially release the water into the Suidkaap area, posing serious risks to lives, property, and infrastructure.

Mpumalanga has been hit by persistent heavy rainfall and flooding in January, with authorities issuing repeated flood alerts and reporting damage to infrastructure and disruption to communities in parts of the province.

The DWS said areas most likely to be affected include communities in close proximity to the dam, particularly the Barberton Valley.

“Relevant communications, warnings, and evacuation processes are being implemented by the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of communities living downstream of the dam,” said DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa.

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To mitigate the risk, the owner of the dam is expected to start supervised excavations of a side-channel spillway.

This aims to lower the water level in the dam, reducing undercutting of the spillway channel and preventing catastrophic failure, according to the department. 

“Our assessments indicate that undercutting of the spillway channel is continuing, which poses a threat to the stability of the dam,” Mavasa said. 

“However, there is currently no overtopping of the dam wall, and no excessive seepage has been observed on the earthfill embankment.”

Wisani said that while inflows from Die Kaap River have made it difficult to significantly lower water levels, river flow observations showed a decrease since Monday. 

The Senteeko Dam, officially registered as My Own Dam, is a privately owned, 26-metre-high earthfill embankment dam with a concrete spillway, which is owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA). 

The dam is primarily used for irrigation purposes.

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Mavasa said that the dam’s safety remains a national priority and has told communities to comply with evacuation instructions, avoid low-water bridges, and stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas.

“We also urge members of the public to share verified information responsibly and to follow guidance issued by authorities on the ground.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

South Africa’s post-school education system is under unprecedented strain following a record 650,000 matric passes, exposing what Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has said is a widening gap between success in basic education and limited space at universities.

Briefing the media on the state of readiness for the 2026 academic year on Thursday, Manamela acknowledged mounting anxiety among parents and learners locked in admission limbo, but rejected claims that the system is in crisis. 

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Instead, he warned that an entrenched “university-only” mindset is deepening frustration and distorting public debate about access.

“The narrative that the only option after matric is university is creating a sense of crisis,” Manamela said.

The post-school education and training (PSET) system currently has about 535,000 planned and funded spaces across universities, TVET colleges, community colleges, skills programmes and workplace-based learning. 

While this leaves thousands of qualified learners without a university place, Manamela said enrolment targets are deliberately planned to align with economic demand rather than popular pressure.

“We should not fall into the trap of wanting to train 1,000 lawyers just because there is demand,” he said, adding that such thinking amounted to “populism” rather than rational planning.

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He stressed that a Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee admission to a university or to a specific programme, and that high-demand fields such as law, engineering and health sciences are constrained not only by space but by subject preparation, particularly in mathematics and science.

The surge in matric passes, while welcomed as an achievement, has intensified pressure on universities and accommodation systems, with some communities attempting to influence admissions and employment at nearby institutions.

Manamela said this was destabilising and unfair, urging institutions to engage communities without compromising national admission policies.

To manage the pressure, the department is strengthening alternative pathways, including TVET colleges, community colleges, short courses and occupational programmes that allow faster entry into the labour market. 

Manamela insisted that TVETs are “not residual options” but a central pillar of the system, particularly in addressing unemployment and skills shortages.

He said Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) would play a critical role in this shift, confirming that new SETA chairpersons have been appointed and that the department will engage boards and executives to ensure their work aligns with national priorities.

Manamela said SETAs must not only support young people who are not in employment, education or training, but also actively fill skills gaps and strengthen pathways that transition learners into work.

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Government is also pushing digital expansion to ease capacity constraints, with increased investment in online learning, modular qualifications and workplace-based learning supported through the National Skills Fund.

On student funding, Manamela confirmed that NSFAS will fund about one million students in 2026, including first-time entrants and continuing students who meet progression requirements. 

Cabinet has also approved consultations on a new sustainable student funding model, aimed at reducing exclusions without dismantling NSFAS.

“Our system is under pressure, yes,” Manamela said. “But it is not in crisis. It is being reshaped.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Charmaine Ndlela

Twenty-two-year-old Ayanda Dludla was charged on Thursday in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court with 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder after the scholar transport vehicle he was driving crashed on Monday, killing and injuring multiple schoolchildren.

Dludla was also charged with driving without a valid driver’s licence, operating a scholar transport vehicle without the required permit, and failing to possess a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).

He told the court he would not be applying for bail.

Two learners who were being transported by Dludla died of their injuries on Thursday morning, bringing the death toll to 14.

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Dludla told the court he does not have a lawyer and intends to apply for legal representation through Legal Aid.

Dashcam footage from the truck involved in the collision shows the Toyota Quantum scholar transport vehicle was not travelling in its designated lane, and Dludla allegedly swerved into the truck’s path, resulting in the collision.

Preliminary reports also indicate the scholar transport vehicle was overloaded, carrying 18 passengers instead of the permitted 14.

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One learner has since been discharged from hospital.

Dludla will appear in court again on 5 March.

This is a developing story.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

A chilling clip, now circulating widely online, shows what many social media users are calling clear negligence and reckless driving by the minibus taxi driver involved in a crash that killed a dozen schoolchildren near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg.

The release of this footage comes a day before the driver is expected to face the court on Thursday.

The driver of the scholar transport minibus involved in the crash is expected to appear in court on Thursday, according to police.  

The 22-year-old man was arrested after being discharged from hospital and will face twelve counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

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The crash occurred on Monday morning, when the privately operated minibus transporting pupils to multiple schools collided head-on with a truck on the Fred Droste Road, near the N1 highway.  

Officials initially reported varying death tolls in the immediate aftermath, with some early accounts putting the number of children killed at 11 or 13, before provincial authorities said 12 pupils died at the scene, and five were taken to hospital, one of whom was later discharged.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said on Tuesday that preliminary findings indicated the driver’s professional driving permit (PDP) to operate a minibus had expired. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the driver had previously been reprimanded for reckless driving.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Wednesday commended Tokelo Secondary School in Evaton, Sedibeng, for improving its matric pass rate from 65% in 2024 to 85% in 2025.

“This tells a powerful story. A story of resilience. A story of not giving up”, Ralehoko said.

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“When results drop, it is easy to lose confidence. But this school chose to fight back and proved that improvement is possible when there is focus and commitment.”

As part of the Back-to-School programme, Ralehoko praised educators for remaining dedicated under pressure and learners for showing discipline and determination despite difficult challenges.

She urged the Class of 2026 to build on the progress made and aim even higher, stressing that academic success begins as early as Grade 8 and that every lesson matters.

Ralehoko, together with Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor Sipho Radebe, handed over school shoes, backpacks and sanitary packs to learners.

“This support is aimed at helping learners prepare for the academic year ahead,” the department said.

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During her visit, the MEC highlighted the link between health and education in promoting academic performance.

“Through this programme, we bring health services closer to learners. We conduct health screenings, provide health education and offer support for physical and mental wellness,” she said.

“We want learners to stay in class, focused and ready to succeed.”

Ralehoko also addressed challenges affecting young people, warning against teenage pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse, and negative peer pressure.

“Girls must protect your future. Avoid relationships that promise gifts but destroy dreams. Sugar daddies and blessers do not offer love — they offer risk,” she said.

Addressing boys, she added: “Becoming a father too young can derail your future. Respect girls and respect yourself. Abstaining and making responsible choices is not weakness; it is strength.”

She encouraged learners to make use of Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services available at clinics, which provide confidential, respectful and supportive care.

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“As government, we are not here to judge you. We are here to support you and guide you towards healthy choices,” she said.

Ralehoko said government remained committed to listening to schools and communities to improve schools and address challenges collectively.

“Work hard, stay disciplined and protect your health,” she said.

Ralehoko and Radebe also planted a tree at the school to provide shade, improve the school environment and support future food security.

Health promoters were on site to educate learners about family planning and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Lebone Rodah Mosima 

The assault case against six Milnerton High School learners who are not minors was postponed to March on Tuesday to allow prosecutors to finalise outstanding investigations, the National Prosecuting Authority said.

NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the case against the six learners was postponed to March 11, while two other accused who are minors will be dealt with in the children’s court.

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“The consultation with the victims and downloading of photographs are still outstanding. Their bail has been extended and their bail conditions remain the same,” Ntabazalila said.

The case against the minors had also been postponed, he said. One minor was expected back in court on February 6, and the other on March 11. “Both cases are postponed for further investigation,” he said.

None of the accused can be named, as per a court order.

Bail of R2000 was extended for all of the accused, who are currently being schooled online.

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The case follows widespread public outrage after a video circulated on social media in October last year showing a 16-year-old Grade 10 pupil being struck with a belt, hosepipe and a stick or hockey stick while other pupils looked on and filmed the assault.

The Western Cape Education Department said at the time that the school had identified eight learners and that the School Governing Body approved their precautionary suspension pending formal disciplinary hearings.  

INSIDE EDUCATION