News

Akhona Maphumulo  @akhonamaphumulo9   Getting a licence in South Africa may be becoming a different experience for applicants following the introduction of computerised learner’s licence testing systems aimed at reducing corruption and improving road safety.   According to Cape Town ETC, learner’s licence pass rates declined from 60% to 40% following the rollout of computerised learner’s licence testing systems introduced nationally in 2021. The publication reported that the Road Traffic […]

Abygail Smit   @Abysmit06    Following the nationwide protest, set to take place on 30 June 2026, the North-West University (NWU) has taken precautionary measures to ensure student and staff safety.    The nationwide protest, organised by civic movements March and March as well as other interest groups, is in line with ongoing calls for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. The protest has prompted police to enhance operation readiness. […]

Akhona Maphumulo  @akhonamaphumulo9   The Department of Higher Education and Training has placed the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration following ongoing governance instability, operational failures and concerns over non-compliance and fraud. Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela announced the decision during a media briefing, stating that the intervention aims to restore accountability, improve operations and rebuild trust within the institution.   Being placed under administration means […]

 Caitlyn Miles @Kaitlynmiles123                                                                                                                             The Potchefstroom community has been left shaken after the death of 18-year-old Charlize Botha on 11 April, following a motor accident on Thabo Mbeki Street. The 21-year-old driver remains in critical condition with possible sentencing ahead. While the outcome is devastating, decisions leading up to nights like these are deeply familiar to students.   A third-year student, whose identity is known to Wapad, […]

James Klusener @jamesklusener   Since the increase of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, along with AI overviews being baked right into Google search, students have turned to AI for health advice.  This idea may seem harmless on the surface. However, for several reasons, it’s best to avoid these platforms, as they can be misleading and also exploitative by harvesting data from you for their own benefit.  […]

Tebello Monokwa @tebello_monokwa   The appointment of Prof. Binu Luke as the chief director of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine marks a historic step for North-West University (NWU). Effective from 1 April 2026, this milestone signals the university’s commitment to expanding medical education and addressing South Africa’s healthcare workforce needs.   “The values of ‘The Arch’ will be the guiding light as the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine begins […]

Tebello Monokwa @tebello_monokwa   Student side hustles are rising as young people seek financial independence, practical experience, and survival strategies while balancing academic demands and personal responsibilities in university life.   Rikhotso Junior, a student entrepreneur behind the Jesus brand, said, “I came up with the idea when I realised that clothing is something we wear every day. It’s not just a business to me, but a calling and a […]

James Klusener  @jamesklusener   Prediction markets recently emerged as a new and addictive form of gambling for some South African students, who traded on various global events. As of now, prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, are still not officially available in South Africa (SA), since they lack the necessary regulations and laws that other gambling sites such as Betway adhere to, although they are still easily accessible.    […]