As schools close and families enter the festive season, parents, caregivers and guardians are urged to place the safety and well-being of children at the centre of their holiday plans.

With children spending more time at home, in public spaces, and online, risks increase significantly when supervision slips.

The festive period is traditionally a time of celebration and travel, but it is also potentially one of the most dangerous times of the year for children.

In South Africa, incidents of child trafficking, kidnapping, road accidents and abuse tend to rise during this period. Parents are encouraged to always know their children’s whereabouts and ensure they are never left unattended in unsafe environments.

Child trafficking has become a crisis that continues to raise alarms and concerns.

According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), there’s been

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South Africa is preparing to bid farewell to its five‑year driver’s licence cards, with the Department of Transport confirming that validity will be extended to eight years.

The announcement was made in December 2025 by Director‑General Mathabatha Mokonyama, who told Parliament’s Select Committee on Public Infrastructure that the country will move to an eight‑year driving licence.

The decision follows years of debate over the administrative burden and costs associated with frequent renewals.

Minister Barbara Creecy previously expressed support for the change, noting that ordinary motorists should benefit from longer validity periods, while drivers of heavy vehicles and passenger carriers may still face shorter renewal cycles for safety reasons.

Currently, South African licences remain valid for five years, a period shorter than most international standards.

The Department of Transport included the proposal in its 2025/26 annual performance plan, aiming to publish a notice in the Government Gazette for

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