Wendy Dondolo

Journalist

Heat, hunger and hope: Inside Home Affairs queues across SA

Brandon Nel , Simon Majadibodu , Wendy Dondolo and Xolile Mtembu|Published

An IOL investigation across nine Home Affairs branches reveals persistent long queues and delays, despite online booking systems and promises of improved service. ...

Parliament backs review process as 28 million South Africans depend on social grants

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Parliament's backing of a grant review process aims to safeguard the livelihoods of 28 million South Africans reliant on social assistance.

Today's weather: Severe storms, extreme heat, and fire danger across SA

Wendy Dondolo|Published

South Africa faces a day of severe weather, with thunderstorms in the east, extreme heat in the interior, and high fire danger across various provinces.

East London, Graaff-Reinet among 21 SA towns set for renaming

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has approved 21 geographical name changes across South Africa, including renaming East London to KuGompo City and ...

PICS & VIDEO: Fire at Paarl Hospital contained, no injuries reported

Wendy Dondolo|Published

A fire at Paarl Provincial Hospital was swiftly contained by emergency services, ensuring the safety of all patients and staff.

Tuesday's Weather: Severe thunderstorms and extreme heat strike SA

Wendy Dondolo|Published

South Africa faces a mix of scorching heat and severe thunderstorms, with weather warnings issued for various regions.

Ramaphosa: Unemployment and poverty are falling, but South Africa’s recovery must continue

Wendy Dondolo|Published

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a significant drop in unemployment and poverty levels in South Africa, urging for sustained economic recovery and investment ...

Extreme heat warning for SA: Monday temperatures could exceed 40 degrees celcius

Wendy Dondolo|Published

South Africa faces dangerous weather conditions this Monday with temperatures soaring above 40°C in multiple provinces, prompting official heat wave warnings.

Grade 11 learner stabbed to death during break at Mpumalanga school

Wendy Dondolo|Published

An 18-year-old Grade 11 learner was fatally stabbed during break time at a Mhluzi school near Middelburg. Police have arrested a 20-year-old Grade 10 pupil following ...

Cape Flats violence: 26 killed within 24 hours in weekend bloodshed

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Over the weekend, Cape Flats experienced a tragic surge in violence, resulting in 26 deaths.

Eight Milnerton High School learners return to Court over brutal bullying assault

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Eight Milnerton High School learners are set to appear in court following a shocking bullying incident that left a Grade 10 student injured.

Today's weather: Disruptive rain and flood warnings issued for Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Monday will see heavy rainfall and potential flooding in northern and eastern South Africa, with warnings issued for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.

Weekend weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across large parts of SA

Wendy Dondolo|Published

South Africa is set to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms this Saturday, particularly in the central and eastern regions, leading to potential flooding and ...

No space for thousands as universities hit capacity wall

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Public universities in South Africa are facing significant challenges in accommodating the influx of matriculants for 2026, as funding constraints and leadership ...

COVID-19 SRD grant not ending, DSD warns against fake news

Wendy Dondolo|Published

The Department of Social Development has issued an urgent warning about false claims circulating on social media regarding the termination of the COVID-19 Social ...

Back to school 2026: Government pledges placement for all learners

Wendy Dondolo|Published

With the 2026 academic year commencing, the government reassures parents and caregivers of public schools' readiness to welcome learners.

Another 33 undocumented minor children intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Another 33 undocumented children were intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, with two suspects arrested for allegedly facilitating their illegal cross-border ...

Zwelinzima Vavi urges support for boycott of US-hosted FIFA World Cup

Wendy Dondolo|Published

Zwelinzima Vavi calls for a boycott of the US-hosted FIFA World Cup, citing FIFA's hypocrisy and the exclusionary nature of US immigration policies.

Over R350 million in counterfeit goods seized as police arrests 33 in nationwide December crackdown

Wendy Dondolo|Published

South African Police Service seizes counterfeit goods worth over R350 million and arrests 33 suspects in a nationwide operation during the festive season.

‘Learners must never be punished’: Basic Education Committee slams withholding of learners’ report cards

Wendy Dondolo|Published

The Basic Education Committee in South Africa has raised urgent concerns regarding the unlawful withholding of report cards and the financial pressures placed on ...

Cape Town sounds alarm as dam levels plummet after heatwave

Wendy Dondolo|Updated

With dam levels in Cape Town dropping significantly due to increased consumption during hot weather, authorities are urging residents and businesses to cut back ...

NSFAS funding for 2026: Everything you need to know

Wendy Dondolo|Published

NSFAS announces its readiness for the 2026 academic year, having processed a record number of funding applications and implemented new systems to support students ...

Here are the SASSA grant payment dates for January 2026 — and why biometric verification matters

Wendy Dondolo|Published

SASSA has released the January 2026 payment schedule for social grants, emphasising the need for beneficiaries to verify their biometric details to prevent fraud ...

Fury at Kirstenbosch as SANBI defies calls to cancel the Kiffness concert

Wendy Dondolo|Updated

Amidst rising tensions, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Mothers4Gaza demand an apology from SANBI for allowing a controversial concert at Kirstenbosch, arguing ...

Weather Alert: Final December weekend brings stormy weather to much of SA

Wendy Dondolo|Updated

Severe thunderstorms with potential flooding are forecast to hit Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and other interior provinces this Saturday, with conditions gradually ...