News Bulletin of 19 January 2026, 6pm

Johannesburg electricity utility City Power will now communicate directly with customers to speed up responses during outages, maintenance, and other service interruptions.
Ward councillors remain central to governance, raising service delivery concerns, but direct communication will reduce delays and allow them to focus on oversight.
Customers can report issues via the Chatbot Joulene, the toll-free line 0800 003 156, or at service centres. A dedicated escalation line will be announced soon.
City Power says the move aligns with guidance from the Office of the Speaker of Council and reaffirms its commitment to working with councillors while improving service delivery.

The Department of Basic Education is offering a free Second Chance Programme for learners who were unsuccessful in their 2025 National Senior Certificate exams.
Eligible learners can re-write or add subjects without any cost.
The programme is designed to help learners obtain their Grade 12 certificate and improve opportunities for further study, career development, and access to bursaries.
Subjects on offer include Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Economics, English First Additional Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
Career consultant Dr Sanele Gumede says the programme works.

Volunteers from Friends of Kloofendal, or FroK, have been removing invasive plant species at the Kloofendal Nature Reserve to protect local wildlife and restore natural habitats.
The team focused on young and flowering plants, ensuring they are cleared before spreading seeds, helping grasses and native vegetation to thrive.
FroK has previously tackled larger invasive trees and shrubs, and now their work targets smaller species such as Pompoms, Inkberry, and Prickly Solanum.
The effort supports the reserve’s ecosystem by reducing bush encroachment, allowing grass growth, and improving conditions for mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, and insects.
The volunteer team works regularly in the reserve, combining conservation with opportunities to observe wildlife and maintain the park’s natural beauty.