News Bulletin of 17 January 2026, 1pm

Pretoria-based swimmer Reino von Wielligh is set to take on his most ambitious challenge at this year’s aQuelle Midmar Mile, where he will swim 32 miles over the February 5-8 event, as part of the Midmar Mile Charity Challenge.

The swimmer says this year will mark his 21st consecutive appearance at Midmar and his ninth year undertaking extended-distance swims in support of charity.

The athlete says he hopes to raise R32 000 committing R1 000 per mile, with funds directed towards an official Midmar Mile charity and the children’s cancer organization Happy Bundles.

The aQuellé Midmar Mile has raised over R22m for various charitable causes, since its inception in 2016.

The Department of Basic Education is urging National Senior Certificate candidates who were unsuccessful in their initial exam attempt, to take advantage of the official Second Chance Matric Programme.

The aim of the Programme is to provide support to learners who have not been able to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate.

Eligible candidates may register to rewrite or add subjects at no cost, in line with the department’s regulations for the May/June examination cycle.

Department spokesperson Terence Khala confirmed that the programme is offered free of charge to qualifying candidates.
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The Western Cape province has once again produced South Africa’s top Matric learner, for the 5th consecutive year.

Abigail Kok from York High School in the province is the overall achiever for the class of 2025 and the top candidate in Physical Science.

The province recorded its highest ever matric pass rate of 88.2%, with strong performances in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

Kok says it's all about maintaining balance and working hard throughout the year.