Masabata Mkwananzi

Senior Multimedia Journalist at The Star

Vaal mourns 14 learners lost in deadly crash: Heartbreaking memorial brings community together

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

The Vaal community gathered at an emotional memorial service on January 23 to honour 14 learners killed in a tragic scholar transport crash. Families, neighbours, ...

Heavy hearts: What families of deceased 12 learners were forced to endure at the accident scene

Masabata Mkwananzi|Updated

Grieving families of 12 learners who perished in a tragic incident are now facing another trauma - the revelation that the transport operator was operating with ...

Behind the fatal school vehicle crash in the Vaal, driver's past history and permit under scrutiny

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

A private scholar transport vehicle carrying 18 learners collided with a truck in Vanderbijlpark on Monday, killing 13 children. Police are investigating whether ...

Education crisis as more girls than boys complete matric in South Africa

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

South Africa's Basic Education Minister warns of a growing crisis as significantly more girls than boys complete matric, with many male students dropping out between ...

Two arrested in Musina after police discover explosives during traffic stop

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Police in Musina arrested two men after discovering over 100 blasting cartridges and detonators in their vehicle during a routine stop for speeding on the N1 freeway. ...

NSFAS announces completion of 2026 funding applications as reform debate continues

Masabata Mkwananzi|Updated

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has processed over 893,000 applications for 2026, with 609,403 students qualifying for funding. Meanwhile, the Finance ...

SA drivers to get relief as fuel prices projected to decrease in January

Masabata Mkwananzi|Updated

South African motorists can expect relief at the pumps in January 2026, with petrol prices projected to decrease by up to 54 cents per litre and diesel by up to ...

Trust in public education threatened as matric exam scandal deepens

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube awaits a preliminary report on the matric exam cheating scandal that has implicated department officials and affected multiple ...

South Africa tops global generosity index: Ubuntu spirit shines in new study

Masabata Mkwananzi|Updated

South Africa has claimed the top spot as the world's most generous nation in a comprehensive global study measuring empathy, emotional support, and kindness rather ...

Fake news: City of Johannesburg denies cutting electricity at ANC's Luthuli House

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

The City of Johannesburg has officially refuted reports claiming that electricity was disconnected at the ANC's Luthuli House headquarters over an alleged R365,000 ...

Scammers are using fake traffic fines to target South African drivers during festive season

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Scammers are taking advantage of the festive season and confusion around South Africa's new AARTO traffic system to trick motorists into paying fake fines. Learn ...

Justice delayed as ActionSA confronts NPA over Lily Mine trapped bodies

Masabata Mkwananzi|Updated

Nearly a decade after three workers were buried alive at Lily Mine, ActionSA is taking legal steps against NPA head Shamila Batohi for failing to pursue criminal ...

Dangerous overloading: Polokwane officers intercept bus carrying 117 passengers

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Limpopo traffic officers prevented a potential tragedy when they intercepted a 65-seater bus carrying 117 passengers, including 15 children, on the N1 bypass in ...

DJ Warras murder: political figures decry South Africa's rising violent crime

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

South African political leaders have condemned the daylight murder of media personality DJ Warras in Johannesburg, calling it symptomatic of the country's crime ...

Saulsville massacre suspect's criminal past prompts demands for parole system overhaul

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

ActionSA has condemned South Africa's justice system after police revealed the prime suspect in the Saulsville massacre that killed 12 people was released on parole ...

Public outcry: Petition launched against controversial, 'job-killing' Business Bill

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

The Democratic Alliance has launched a national petition against the draft Business Licensing Bill, warning it will drown small businesses in red tape and stifle ...

SAPS recovers hijacked truck with medicine worth R2.5 million in Tshwane

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Tshwane police units demonstrated exceptional coordination in recovering a hijacked truck carrying Codeine medication valued at R2.5 million. Through swift collaboration ...

Tembisa school principal and administrator gunned down in office

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

The Gauteng Education community is reeling after a school principal and administrator were fatally shot at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa. Officials have condemned ...

Child Protection Register failures spark legal action against education authorities

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

The Teddy Bear Foundation and SECTION27 are taking legal action against government departments for failing to maintain the National Child Protection Register properly, ...

Government is unable to blacklist businesses in the R2 billion hospital corruption case

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

ActionSA has condemned the Gauteng Department of Health after it admitted having no power to blacklist suppliers involved in the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital scandal. ...

US set to welcome Afrikaner refugees as emigration move invokes mixed feelings

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

The US is preparing to welcome 49 white Afrikaners as refugees, igniting fierce discussions about legitimacy and political motives.

Khoisan group evicted from Union Buildings threaten to report Ramaphosa to Trump

Masabata Mkwananzi and Zelda Venter|Published

The Khoisan group have been protesting for their “indigenous rights” and recognition as South Africa's “first nation”. They criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, ...

Trevor Noah doubles as Grammy host and nominee in the 2025 ceremony

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

South African comedy sensation Trevor Noah returns to host the 2025 Grammy Awards for a milestone fifth consecutive year, while also securing a nomination for Best ...

Instagram will no longer allow adults to DM teens who don’t follow them

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

Photo-sharing app Instagram has introduced new policies to protect its young users from interacting with adults on the platform.

WhatsApp vs Telegram: Battle of the features

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published

A comparison of the features offered by WhatsApp and Telegram.