January 7, 2013
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Motshabi Hoaeane.
Making headlines:
 

South Africa’s 2013 Matric pass rate reaches 78%.

Egypt's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi edges closer to the presidential bid.

And, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says the police 'hit list' issues have been put to rest.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said in Johannesburg on Monday that the 2013 matric pass rate exceeded the basic education department's target by reaching 78.2%. In 2012 it was 73.9%, she said.

The department had aimed for a 75% pass rate by 2014. There were 576 490 full-time and 130 646 part-time matriculants who sat for the 2013 exams.

Motshekga announced that schools in poor communities performed better in 2013, with 1 832 schools from the lower three quintiles achieving pass rates of 80% and higher. Matrics from these schools got a total of 78 407 bachelor passes. A bachelor pass is required for admission to universities.

She said there were also gains in pass rates for the "gateway subjects", mathematics and physical science. A total of 59.1% of pupils passed maths in 2013. In physical science the pass rate was 67.4%.

In the 12 main subjects, the matric class of 2013 achieved 67 855 distinctions, up from 55 650 the previous year
 

Egypt’s local media reported on Monday that army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi would declare his candidacy for president.

With no other obvious candidates for the post, the general who deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July, has kept Egyptians guessing about his intentions as the clock ticks down to the presidential vote that could happen as soon as April.

Sisi's candidacy would further deepen divisions between the many Egyptians who believe a firm hand is needed to steer the country through crisis and Islamists bearing the brunt of a state crackdown on dissent.

The question of Sisi's intentions has become more pressing since the army-backed authorities signalled that the presidential election would come ahead of parliamentary polls – reversing the original timetable.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Monday that the police "hit list" containing the names of 18 police officers was a fabrication, and any issues it created had been put to rest.  This comes after Mthethwa met with the affected officers in Pretoria earlier in the day.

The list first came to light on Saturday during the funeral of Lt-Gen Layton Mzondeki "Sean" Tshabalala, whose name was reportedly on it.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba tweeted that former national police commissioner Bheki Cele told mourners at Tshabalala's funeral in Randburg, Johannesburg, that there was a list of police officers who had been badly treated.
Mthethwa said the ministry and police were not going to waste their energy on a "drama" whose origin was unknown.
 

Also making headlines:
 

Tunisia's army has shelled militant hideouts near the Algerian border as part of a campaign against hardline Islamists.

China, the biggest investor in South Sudan's oil industry, has called for an immediate ceasefire in the world's newest state.

And, State-owned energy company Eskom is confident of short-term electricity supply despite a ‘tight’ system.
 

That's a roundup of news making headlines today.