The South African community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Pearl Mkhize, a vibrant young woman remembered for her warmth and energy. Mkhize, a devoted Kaizer Chiefs supporter and well-known figure among fellow Khosi fans, di£d in a devastating car accident in Umlazi over the weekend.
Friends and supporters were left heartbroken as details of the crash emerged, accompanied by a short video clip that surfaced on social media. In the footage, Mkhize appears full of joy, laughing and celebrating life just moments before tragedy struck. At one point, she is heard joking about how only “four months are left until December,” a remark that has since become haunting for those who knew her.
Her sudden d£ath has reignited urgent conversations around road safety in South Africa, where thousands of people lose their lives in traffic incidents every year. While police are still investigating the cause of the Um§lazi crash, the video clip prompted speculation about whether alcohol was a factor, highlighting the risks not only for drivers but also for passengers.
Pearl’s family described her as a “ray of sunshine” whose laughter could brighten even the darkest day. Community members and fellow supporters of her beloved football club have gathered online to share condolences, recalling her loyalty and infectious personality. For many, she represented more than just another fan—she was a reminder of the joy and unity football brings to South Africans.
As tributes continue to pour in, her death is also being used as a reminder for communities to exercise caution on the road, particularly during weekends when traffic accidents often spike. Local leaders have urged motorists to remain vigilant, saying that Pearl’s passing is a tragic example of how quickly lives can be lost.
South Cape TVET College & UNISA: Higher Certificate in Education (NQF Level 5)
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Programme Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
Closing Date: 30 September 2025
For aspiring teachers who may not meet the immediate requirements for a Bachelor of Education degree, South Cape TVET College, in partnership with UNISA, is offering the Higher Certificate in Education (HCE) at NQF Level 5.
This one-year bridging programme provides students with the academic grounding and practical support necessary to transition into either Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) or Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6) studies at UNISA. It is particularly aimed at those with the passion to teach but who may have missed the traditional entry thresholds.
Highlights of the programme include:
120-credit qualification at NQF Level 5
A curriculum that combines theoretical study with practical guidance
Direct progression into UNISA’s B.Ed degree upon completion
Blended learning through both face-to-face sessions and online resources
On-campus academic and registration support
Applicants require at least a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an APS score of 18 and a minimum of 40% in the language of teaching and learning, though Senior Certificate (SC) and National Certificate Vocational (NCV) holders may also qualify.
In addition to certified copies of school qualifications and identification documents, prospective students must provide proof of address and, where relevant, marriage certificates or previous student numbers.
Financially, the programme is accessible through NSFAS bursaries, though funding approval depends on meeting eligibility criteria.
For many aspiring teachers in the Western Cape, this programme represents not just a qualification, but a chance to embark on a meaningful career path while gaining the skills needed to succeed in education.
Pretoria’s HR Job Market Heats Up: New Vacancies Open Across the Capital
While South Africa reflects on tragedy and opportunity elsewhere, Pretoria’s professional scene is also buzzing with movement—particularly in the field of human resources. The capital city is currently witnessing a notable surge in HR vacancies, offering opportunities for graduates and experienced professionals alike.
Among the most eye-catching postings is a Recruitment Coordinator role at Lesira Manufacturing. The position focuses heavily on onboarding, particularly ensuring new hires feel supported during their first 90 days. In an era where employee retention is a growing concern, this role underlines the importance of HR professionals who can smooth transitions and foster a welcoming company culture.
Another prominent listing comes from Ergasia Placements, which is advertising for an Internal Recruitment Administrator. This role requires at least two years of experience in candidate sourcing and interview coordination, underscoring the continuing demand for recruitment specialists capable of keeping talent pipelines active.
For those with broader HR expertise, Simplify Recruitment is seeking an HR Generalist in Pretoria. Applicants are expected to hold a degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or Organizational Psychology, along with at least 2–4 years of industry experience—preferably within retail or FMCG. The appointment highlights how companies are increasingly looking for versatile professionals who can handle everything from workforce planning to employee relations.
On the developmental side of HR, INFUSE is offering a contract-based, remote position as a Learning and Development Lead. This role appeals to specialists in training, content creation, and educational workflows, reflecting a growing emphasis on equipping staff with lifelong learning opportunities.
Not to be overlooked, entry-level applicants also have options. Intelleto (Pty) Ltd is recruiting an HR Graduate for its Pretoria branch, with a stipend of around R5,000 per month. For new graduates, this is an invaluable stepping stone into the HR profession, providing exposure to real-world tasks and a platform for growth.
These vacancies paint a picture of Pretoria’s HR market as dynamic and layered. At the top end, generalists and L&D leaders are in demand for their ability to shape long-term workforce strategies. In the middle, recruiters and administrators remain vital in keeping hiring pipelines active. And at the entry level, graduate positions are ensuring a fresh stream of talent joins the profession.
The trends also reveal how HR in Pretoria is evolving. Companies are prioritizing employee experience, training initiatives, and strategic workforce planning alongside the traditional administrative functions. For job seekers, it means opportunities are available across multiple specializations and seniority levels.
Experts recommend that candidates keep a close eye on platforms such as Pnet, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerJunction, which consistently post updates on HR vacancies in the city. With Gauteng remaining the country’s economic powerhouse, Pretoria’s demand for skilled HR professionals shows no signs of slowing down.
For aspiring or practicing HR practitioners, now may be the perfect time to step into the market—or to aim for that next career move.
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