eNCA News Bite - 21 January 2026

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In today’s episode, the families of the 12 school pupils killed in the Vanderbijlpark crash (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) are demanding answers after the driver of the taxi they were travelling in was arrested. The 22-year-old faces multiple culpable homicide charges, with police citing preliminary evidence of reckless and negligent driving. Two pupils remain in a critical condition, while the Gauteng Education Department has deployed psycho-social support services to affected families and schools.

Global politics also dominate the agenda, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pointing to a new world order (https://www.enca.com/opinion/trump-he...) during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney warned that the world would not return to a pre-Trump normal, as tensions simmer ahead of US President Donald Trump’s own address. The gathering has been overshadowed by the Greenland stand-off, with the European Union insisting it will protect its interests while keeping dialogue open on Arctic security.

Back home, Eskom has moved to calm fears after a fault at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, insisting there is no risk of rolling blackouts after a line fault at Koeberg. (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) The incident forced the plant’s two units to operate at reduced power, but Eskom says the stability of the national grid has not been compromised.

In the Western Cape, the provincial government says it will not declare Knysna’s water crisis a disaster, citing the absence of a recovery plan despite strained infrastructure and high consumption levels. Premier Alan Winde is monitoring the situation closely as concerns continue to mount.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, the Humansdorp community has marched to oppose bail in a triple murder case, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) following the killing of three men aged between 29 and 35 just days before Christmas. Families of the victims have described the pain of losing their loved ones, as residents handed over a petition at the local magistrates' court demanding justice.

In other news, we’re keeping an eye on… 

Former IPID head Robert McBride continued giving evidence at Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) where allegations of interference and an alleged plot to remove a former acting National Police Commissioner were raised. MPs accused McBride of arrogance during tense exchanges, while he denied claims of involvement in a witch-hunt against Khomotso Phahlane.

SPORTS 

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has called for VAR in the Betway Premiership after a controversial Kaizer Chiefs goal (https://www.enca.com/sport/kaizer-chi...) handed his side a 1–0 defeat at FNB Stadium. The result lifts Chiefs to third on the log, while Arrows remain outside the top eight. In the UEFA Champions League, Bodo Glimt stunned Manchester City with a 3–1 win, while Arsenal tightened their grip at the top of the table with a victory over Inter

Milan. In cricket, the SA20 playoffs are underway, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape facing Pretoria Capitals in Durban, and Joburg Super Kings preparing for a rematch against Paarl Royals.

AND FINALLY 

Cape Town’s highest civic honour has been awarded to David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen, who received the Freedom of the City for their immense cultural contribution. Their celebrated collaborations include District Six: The Musical and Kat and the Kings, placing them alongside icons such as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

That is your News Bite for 21 January 2026. For updates on these stories and more, visit eNCA.com (https://www.enca.com/) or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.