Tuesday, 18 August 2026

CPUT campuses and residences were shut after weeks of protests over student finances, historic debt and a new admissions fee; a building was set alight at Bellville, and residences must be evacuated by Wednesday afternoon.

The Public Protector found NSFAS unable to resolve 80% of contact-centre queries and said governance instability, acting appointments and weak systems have left the funding scheme in near-permanent crisis.

Research from Stellenbosch suggests grade repetition can improve learners’ content knowledge and later performance, but only if it is paired with strong support; reducing repetition without replacement interventions would leave learning deficits unaddressed.

Zimbabwe was sold as a top safari destination again, with direct flights to Victoria Falls and Harare, strong self-drive and budget options, and highlights including Mana Pools, Hwange, Kariba, Chizarira and the Eastern Highlands.

Singer Lee Cole said his new EP, Letters to Myself, reflects personal growth, and his single Fool explores losing self-respect in a relationship; he has Cape Town gigs lined up in September.