Update at Noon

Friday, 18 September 2026

A crime and public accountability-focused bulletin covered rising mpox cases, murdered police officers, NSFAS applications, state capacity concerns and major green-hydrogen investment plans.

1. 12:13

   Two off-duty police officers were fatally shot while responding to a spaza shop robbery near Mthatha; Eastern Cape police activated a 72-hour plan to find the perpetrators.

2. 12:17

   South Africa recorded 18 confirmed mpox cases and one probable case, with the Western Cape the epicentre; health officials linked infections to a social gathering and urged testing.

3. 12:22

   NSFAS applications opened through 31 October, while Minister Buti Manamela urged students to apply separately to universities or TVET colleges because funding does not guarantee admission.

4. 12:38

   The Public Service Commission told the Madlanga Commission that policy implementation is undermined by leadership instability, acting senior posts, weak accountability and frequent ministerial turnover.

5. 12:55

   A proposed Eastern Cape green-hydrogen project is valued at $5.8 billion, with planned 3,000MW renewable capacity and production of green ammonia for shipping and fertiliser.

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