Headline 1
Gauteng opens late applications for 2026 Grade 1 and 8 admissions
Story 1
The Gauteng Department of Education opened late applications yesterday for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions for 2026.
The move comes as more than 10,000 learners remain unplaced, including 2,848 for Grade 1 and 7,447 for Grade 8.
Parents and guardians can select only one school with available space during this period. Placement and transfer offers are being processed daily according to regulated admissions criteria.
Appeals and objections are also being managed, with parents given specific timeframes to respond.
The department has urged parents to use the late application window responsibly as it works to place every learner fairly.
The move comes as more than 10,000 learners remain unplaced, including 2,848 for Grade 1 and 7,447 for Grade 8.
Parents and guardians can select only one school with available space during this period. Placement and transfer offers are being processed daily according to regulated admissions criteria.
Appeals and objections are also being managed, with parents given specific timeframes to respond.
The department has urged parents to use the late application window responsibly as it works to place every learner fairly.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
aQuellé shares festive cheer across South Africa
Story 2
aQuellé is bringing joy to elderly care facilities and children’s homes across the country through its Share the Christmas Joy initiative.
The campaign includes surprise visits, donations of limited-edition Christmas-flavoured products, and shared moments such as decorating trees and giving surprise packages. Staff at the homes say the gestures uplift spirits and show that residents are cared for.
The visits are continuing as the Christmas season unfolds, creating moments of connection and celebration in communities nationwide.
The campaign includes surprise visits, donations of limited-edition Christmas-flavoured products, and shared moments such as decorating trees and giving surprise packages. Staff at the homes say the gestures uplift spirits and show that residents are cared for.
The visits are continuing as the Christmas season unfolds, creating moments of connection and celebration in communities nationwide.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Longtime Shrimp Basket customer saved after fall at home
Story 3
78 year old Charlie Hicks, a daily visitor to the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola, Florida, is recovering after a fall at his apartment, thanks to the quick actions of chef Donell Stallworth.
Hicks missed his usual lunch, prompting Stallworth to check on him, where he found him severely dehydrated with two broken ribs.
He called 911 and stayed with Hicks until help arrived. Hicks spent two months in hospital and rehab, with Shrimp Basket staff visiting regularly and assisting in setting up a new apartment for him.
The restaurant has announced Hicks will receive free gumbo for life, highlighting the strong bond between him and the staff.
Hicks missed his usual lunch, prompting Stallworth to check on him, where he found him severely dehydrated with two broken ribs.
He called 911 and stayed with Hicks until help arrived. Hicks spent two months in hospital and rehab, with Shrimp Basket staff visiting regularly and assisting in setting up a new apartment for him.
The restaurant has announced Hicks will receive free gumbo for life, highlighting the strong bond between him and the staff.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:
The Rand is trading at 16.78 to the US Dollar, 22.43 to the British Pound, and 19.68 to the Euro.
Brent Crude Oil is at 59.68 per barrel.
The Rand is trading at 16.78 to the US Dollar, 22.43 to the British Pound, and 19.68 to the Euro.
Brent Crude Oil is at 59.68 per barrel.
Split analysis
Local: 91 words (33%), National: 77 words (28%), International: 105 words (38%)