The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has called on South Africans to actively participate in shaping the country’s proposed new History curriculum for schools, which aims to take a more “African-centred” approach.

This follows growing public debate around the draft curriculum for Grades 4 to 12, which is currently open for comment. The draft was developed by a ministerial task team appointed in 2019 by former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

Gwarube emphasised that the document is still a draft and has been released specifically to allow for public scrutiny and input.

She encouraged broad participation, saying a more inclusive consultation process would lead to a more representative and balanced History curriculum. “The more inclusive this process is, the more inclusive our History curriculum will be,” she said.

The Minister stressed that the curriculum should not exclude key historical events or perspectives for political reasons, nor promote a specific ideology. Instead, it should equip learners with critical thinking skills to interpret the past independently.

She also warned against misinformation circulating about the draft, noting that some claims do not reflect the actual content. Stakeholders are urged to engage directly with the document and provide constructive feedback.

The Department of Basic Education said the draft forms part of a long-running curriculum review process. Public consultations were held across all nine provinces in 2023 and 2024, with feedback incorporated into the current version.

The proposed curriculum focuses on developing historical knowledge and skills, including enquiry, evidence-based analysis, and critical engagement. It also includes a wide range of perspectives, such as African history, archaeology, heritage studies, and oral history, alongside traditional written sources.

The public comment period, which opened on 20 March 2026, will close on 19 April 2026. Submissions will help guide any revisions before a final curriculum is adopted.

The draft History curriculum can be perused HERE.

Comments may be submitted by email to Florence Modipa, Chief Education Specialist, Curriculum Policy, at modipa.f@dbe.gov.za.

South Africans should brace for another steep fuel price increase in May.

According to mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund, the under-recovery on petrol is between R2.82 and R3.20, while diesel’s under-recovery sits at around R9.60. (An under-recovery indicates a hike is likely.)

If the diesel increase materialises, it could push the price of a litre beyond R40, with diesel already exceeding R30 in some areas. (Diesel is not fully regulated like petrol and can vary by region.)

The expected increases are largely due to uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict.

US President Donald Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has added to this uncertainty, with some ships reportedly turned back by the US in the first 42 hours of the blockade.

South Africa currently has sufficient fuel supply, with the Fuel Industry Association confirming that deliveries for May and June have been secured, with more on the way.

However, the looming hikes could trigger a repeat of the situation seen towards the end of March, when logistical challenges led to some fuel stations running dry, alongside allegations of hoarding and price-gouging.

It is also unlikely that Treasury will extend the R3 fuel levy cut into May, as April’s relief has cost the fiscus R6 billion, which will need to be recovered elsewhere.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said at the time that the relief measure was intended for one month, but would be reviewed monthly over the following two months to determine whether it could be extended.

The under-recovery on fuel as of 13 April 2026, via the Central Energy Fund:

The Western Cape SAPS have confirmed that they suspect gang violence motivated the mass shooting in Bonteheuwel last night.  

The incident on Amandel Street saw gunmen open fire on a group outside a shop, and primarily minors were injured.  

Spokesperson, Bridgadier Novela Potelwa, noted that the victims were aged 10, 11, 12 and 16. 

“A group was standing outside a shop when a vehicle emerged and two suspects alighted. The suspects started firing shots… The victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment,” said Potelwa in a statement.  

The Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum has since advised that the young victims are stable in hospital.  

This was one of two incidents reported in the area last night, with police confirming that a 30-year-old man was shot and injured on Citrus Street.  

“[The victim] was shot in the back by a gunman in a moving vehicle. He was also transported to hospital for treatment,” read the police statement.  

Potelwa advised that no arrests have been made for either incident, with both incidents believed to be related to gang violence.  

Lindhorst noted these incidents are deeply concerning, especially as part of daily shootings, taking place amid the army’s deployment.  

He reiterated his call for police “to get a grip on crime”.  

“More boots on the ground without a targeted approach to reduce crime and deal decisively with gangsters will yield the results currently seen on the Cape Flats where gang-related crimes continue and at times increase whilst the army is deployed into our communities,” said Lindhorst.  

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary closure of the Lion’s Head Jeep Track for essential maintenance, reminding visitors that safety and preservation remain top priorities.

The closure will take effect from 20 April 2026 and is expected to remain in place until 20 June 2026, depending on weather conditions and the progress of the work.

During this time, the Jeep Track will be completely inaccessible to the public.

Despite the closure, SANParks says hikers can still reach the Lion’s Head summit via alternative routes.

“These include the Kramat Trail on Signal Hill Road, the Upper Rhine Road trail, and the route from Kloof Road. Lion’s Head parking area will remain open for those starting their hike from the Kramat side.”

This maintenance effort is part of SANParks’ ongoing commitment to improving trail safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Members of the public are encouraged to respect all signage and follow safety instructions throughout the closure period.