Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Mpumalanga has achieved a historic first after a Grade 11 learner from Sintintile Secondary School was crowned the 2026 national winner of the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP).

This secures Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi’s position to represent South Africa on the global stage in Sweden later this year.

The 17-year-old from Kanyamazane in Mbombela, was named the overall winner during the 27th SAYWP national finals held in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, on Friday, 29 May 2026.

His victory marks the first time that a learner from Mpumalanga has won the national title, placing the province firmly on the map for youth-driven innovation in science, technology and water sustainability.

Hosted annually by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the South African Youth Water Prize is a flagship educational programme for learners in Grades 9 to 11. 

The competition challenges young people to identify water-related problems in their schools and communities, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions that contribute to environmental protection and water security.

Sinenhlanhla captured the judges’ attention with his pioneering project titled “The Sentinel Barrier”, an engineered silicone-based elastomeric coating applied to the inner surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles. 

The innovation is designed to prevent the release of microplastics and chemical leaching into drinking water, offering a practical response to one of the world’s growing environmental and public health concerns.

As the national winner, Sinenhlanhla will represent South Africa at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden in August 2026, where he will compete against some of the world’s most promising young scientists from more than 30 countries.

Reflecting on his achievement, Nkosi said the victory was both humbling and inspiring.

“Winning still feels unreal. More than a personal achievement, I am excited about the opportunity to share my invention with the world. Stockholm is where leading water experts come together, and taking my solution from Kanyamazane in Mpumalanga to that global platform means a great deal to me.

“It demonstrates that innovation does not always require extensive resources or large institutions. Sometimes all it takes is identifying a problem and having the determination to address it,” Sinenhlanhla said.

Beyond the award, Sinenhlanhla sees the competition as a stepping stone toward a future career in engineering. He plans to pursue Mechanical Engineering after completing matric, believing it will provide the technical foundation needed to further develop his invention and contribute to solutions that improve water quality.

“My invention addresses a materials-based challenge, and Mechanical Engineering will equip me with the technical knowledge to improve it and develop scalable solutions. 

“Mechanical engineers play an important role in designing systems that improve water treatment and protect water quality. I want to contribute meaningfully to solving the growing challenge of microplastic contamination through my future work,” he said.

Sinenhlanhla encouraged fellow learners to continue pursuing innovation regardless of competition outcomes.

“Not winning a competition does not define the quality of an idea. Every project contributes to learning, improvement, and helping to strengthen future work,” he said.

He advised learners to focus on their own growth and development, rather than comparing themselves to others.

The national competition showcased innovative research and inventions from learners across the country. Second place was awarded to Alissa Pillay from Star College Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, while third place went to Moegamat Panker and Rylee Joseph from Kimberley Technical High School in the Northern Cape.

Department officials congratulated Sinenhlanhla on his remarkable achievement and praised the role of teachers, mentors, and schools in nurturing young talent and innovation.

The Department further reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Department of Basic Education to enhance water education and broaden opportunities for meaningful youth participation in the water sector.

DWS Gauteng Provincial Head Justice Maluleke encouraged learners to appreciate the important work being undertaken in the water sector and to make the most of the opportunities presented through the competition.

“I urge you to sharpen your minds while you are still in school and to fully embrace the learning experiences and engagement opportunities presented through the competition,” Maluleke said.

The adjudication panel comprised representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Water Research Commission, Nelson Mandela University, Rand Water and Thungela Resources. Seven adjudicators evaluated projects submitted under two categories: the Awareness Category, which focuses on identifying water challenges and proposing practical solutions, and the Innovation Category, which centres on developing technical models and inventions to address water-related issues.

All national finalists received bursaries and laptops in recognition of their commitment, innovation and outstanding participation.

One of the adjudicators, Mashila Phihlela, a former South African Youth Water Prize participant who now works for the Department of Water and Sanitation, shared an inspiring message with the finalists.

“I am somewhere in the future, and I look much better than I am looking now,” he said, encouraging learners to remain hopeful, ambitious and confident about their future. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to improve their vehicles’ visibility and exercise extreme caution when driving late at night or in the early hours of the morning after 24 people died in separate crashes.

“The corporation calls on motorists to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and to take road conditions into account when travelling,” the RTMC said on Monday.

Five people died when a bakkie crashed into the back of a hatchback on Old Randfontein Road in Kagiso, near Mogale City, Gauteng, on Sunday. The crash occurred at about 3am, and all the deceased were travelling in the hatchback.

The driver of the bakkie was not injured, while all five occupants of the hatchback died at the scene.

Nine other people died on Thursday, shortly before midnight, when a minibus and a truck collided at the intersection of the R500 and R42 at Buffelshoek in North West.

The RTMC said the minibus, which was towing a trailer and carrying 13 passengers, collided with a truck. 

Six men, a woman and a girl died at the scene, while another person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to nine.

A head-on collision on the N1 near Nyl Plaza in Limpopo on Friday also claimed five lives.

The crash involved a truck and a minibus. It is alleged that the minibus crossed the median into the truck’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision.

Another crash occurred on Sunday on the N1 between Kroonstad and Heuningspruit in the Free State, where a minibus collided head-on with a Ford Ranger. 

Four occupants of the minibus, who were trapped in the vehicle, were burned beyond recognition.

Another occupant of the bakkie later died in hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.

The RTMC is investigating the causes of the crashes. –SAnews.gov.za

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested an All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF-SA) national office bearer for inciting violence along the N3 southbound in Bergville in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police were conducting patrols along the N3 when they noticed that traffic was moving slowly until it came to a standstill. 

“Police went to investigate and found that there were about 10 people who were stopping trucks. Realising the presence of the police, the suspects fled into the bushes and abandoned their vehicle, a white Isuzu bakkie, with all doors opened,” the police said in a statement. 

“Preliminary investigations uncovered that the bakkie belonged to a prominent ATDF-SA office bearer. Inside the bakkie, police found an ATDF-SA banner and stones. Whilst at the scene, a suspicious white VW Polo was spotted on the N3 northbound. 

“Police followed it up and found that it had come to pick up the owner of the abandoned bakkie. The driver of the Polo and his passenger, both identified as truck drivers, were arrested together with the driver of the bakkie they had come to rescue. 

“The bakkie owner could be linked with the stoning of a bus on the N3 Colenso interchange, moments before he was arrested,” the police said.

According to police, the suspects are being processed and more charges could be added. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) has announced that petrol will increase by R1.43 this Wednesday, while the prices of diesel, paraffin and LP gas will decrease.

The adjusted prices for this month are as follows:

• Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R1.43 increase.
• Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.43 increase.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.24 decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R2.61 decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.96 decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R7.95 decrease.
• Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 17c per kg decrease and 20c per kg decrease in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 101 US Dollars (USD) to 104.59 USD during the period under review. This is due to the continued tension between the US and Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The prices of middle distillates [diesel and paraffin] decreased more than petrol prices because of lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere moves into summer.

“The prices of Propane and Butane remained the same during the period under review, however, the freight costs decreased,” the DMPR explained.

During the period under review, the Rand strengthened against the USD from R16.65 to R16.52 per USD, leading to “slightly lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 12.07 c/l, 14.81 c/l and 14.55 c/l, respectively”.

The general fuel levy has been reduced by some R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, also effective from Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested an All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF-SA) national office bearer for inciting violence along the N3 southbound in Bergville in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police were conducting patrols along the N3 when they noticed that traffic was moving slowly until it came to a standstill. 

“Police went to investigate and found that there were about 10 people who were stopping trucks. Realising the presence of the police, the suspects fled into the bushes and abandoned their vehicle, a white Isuzu bakkie, with all doors opened,” the police said in a statement. 

“Preliminary investigations uncovered that the bakkie belonged to a prominent ATDF-SA office bearer. Inside the bakkie, police found an ATDF-SA banner and stones. Whilst at the scene, a suspicious white VW Polo was spotted on the N3 northbound. 

“Police followed it up and found that it had come to pick up the owner of the abandoned bakkie. The driver of the Polo and his passenger, both identified as truck drivers, were arrested together with the driver of the bakkie they had come to rescue. 

“The bakkie owner could be linked with the stoning of a bus on the N3 Colenso interchange, moments before he was arrested,” the police said.

According to police, the suspects are being processed and more charges could be added. – SAnews.gov.za

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month from 1 June, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a national campaign celebrating a new generation of young officers who are driving ethical policing, professionalism and public service across the country.

Under the campaign: “My Blood is Blue”, SAPS will this month showcase young members who have answered the call to serve, protect and lead with integrity. These officers represent the future of policing and the ongoing renewal of the Service through the SAPS Reset Agenda.

Today, SAPS introduces 31-year-old Constable Pontsho Lophina Kekana, attached to the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, whose commitment to service embodies the values of courage, discipline and dedication.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Constable Kekana joined the SAPS in 2019 with a clear mission, to make communities safer and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime. 

Her journey has seen her serve at the Hillbrow Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Diepsloot Police Station as a Designated Firearm Officer, and currently at the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit.

Armed with a Diploma in Human Resource Management and currently pursuing a BCom degree in Industrial Psychology, Kekana believes that learning and self-development are essential qualities of a modern police officer.

Her responsibilities include intelligence gathering, operational planning, identifying criminal targets and supporting enforcement operations aimed at combating counterfeit and illicit goods crimes that threaten the economy, legitimate businesses and public safety.

Beyond her official duties, Constable Kekana frequently volunteers her time and resources to assist in tracing missing persons, helping reunite families and restoring hope to communities.

“The best decision I ever made was joining the SAPS. Policing gives me an opportunity to live a life of purpose, to serve and protect the people of South Africa,” Kekana said.

As SAPS continues to implement the Reset Agenda, young officers such as Constable Kekana are proving that policing is more than a profession; it is a calling, a national service and a leadership platform for young South Africans committed to building a safer nation. – SAnews.gov.za