Category: English

Literacy remains as relevant today as it has ever been. 

For most of us, withdrawing money from an ATM, for example, requires little thought. We simply reach for a bank card and tap a few buttons on a screen – often without considering the knowledge and skills required for these seemingly mundane life tasks.  

For an elderly woman I encountered recently, it was an obstacle standing between her and her medication, writes Neo Semono. 

The woman did not know that she could swipe her bank card at the pharmacy and collect her medication. But, before we blame her daughter for not accompanying her to the ATM, the elderly lady’s daughter resides in another province, and no one else was available to accompany her to the ATM at the time.

Many, myself included, take the ability to read, write and comprehend for granted – given its second-nature status in our lives. However, for some across the world, that skill remains a forlorn dream.

The world recently commemorated International Literacy Day on 8 September 2026. An annual initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the day seeks to highlight the importance of literacy in everyday life.

According to UNESCO, the initiative seeks to remind policymakers and the public of the critical importance of literacy in creating a more literate, just, peaceful and sustainable society. 

In its 60 years of existence, Literacy Day is as important as it ever was in an age where one can command artificial intelligence to perform tasks in a matter of seconds. The hassle of visiting a bank physically to get one’s affairs in order is almost redundant, given the convenience offered by banking apps today.

In an increasingly digital world, basic literacy must increasingly be accompanied by digital literacy. By this, I mean being able to navigate and understand the technology through which essential services are accessed.

This includes, for example, the ability to use the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) website to renew one’s driving licence card, book a learner’s licence test or renew a vehicle licence disc.

Not being able to read or write forces one to depend on others for help. While no man is an island, a level of independence is necessary for personal progress.  A sense of confidence and privacy is needed when withdrawing money from an ATM; filling out a job application or accessing other government services, for instance.

While the elderly woman’s story is sad, South Africa has made meaningful progress in expanding access to education. However, challenges remain.

The Bill of Rights in South Africa’s Constitution states clearly that everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education, and to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.

And no, that is not to say that this right is sitting pretty in the Bill of Rights just for the sake of it. Statistics South Africa’s 2025 General Household Survey (GHS), released in May this year, has shown that the proportion of adults with no education declined significantly from 11.4% in 2002 to 2.6% in 2025.  The survey noted that the simple definition of literacy is the ability to read and write in at least one language, adding that individuals over 60 years have consistently remained most likely to be functionally illiterate, followed by individuals in the 40–59 and 20–39 age groups.

The data further noted that improved access to schooling has led to a significant decline in the percentage of functionally illiterate individuals in the 20–39 age group. While the data is encouraging, the picture among children is concerning.  International benchmark tests and national assessments, according to government, show that eight out of 10 Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language.

While the country has made progress in access to education, this access does not automatically translate into literacy.

The foundations of literacy are laid from a young age – something President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised at the 2026 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, held in January.

At the session, the President said South Africa’s education system can only succeed if learners acquire strong literacy and numeracy skills in the early years of schooling.

He emphasised that strengthening early grade reading and numeracy is both a national priority and a moral imperative. He added that when children do not learn to read for meaning or to work confidently with numbers by the end of the Foundation Phase, the cost is borne by the entire education system.

One of the ways in which government is strengthening the education system is through the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which makes Grade R compulsory, among other provisions.
As part of the implementation of the Act, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube in August 2026, published additional draft regulations and related draft notice for public comment.

Among the draft regulations was a provision for teacher development to improve educators’ skills and teaching methods. The public comment period closed on 5 September 2026.

The BELA Act came into effect on 24 December 2024.

The expansion of Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD) is another government priority, with Gwarube having announced during the Department of Basic Education’s Budget Vote in May that ECD registration had grown by 200% between 2021 and 2026, with more than 1.2 million children now accessing registered ECD programmes.

Ultimately, literacy is about more than words on a page. It is about being able to understand a prescription; navigate a banking app; complete a government form or access a service without having to depend on someone else. 

Young or old, the real measure of our success must be whether people have the skills to participate independently in an increasingly digital society.

Our future depends on it.

Neo Semono is the Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za
–SAnews.gov.za 
 

Heavy rains in the Eastern Cape could not dampen the spirits of the Ngonyama Village community, who turned out in large numbers for the official opening of a R1.4 million shearing shed aimed at boosting wool production and improving the livelihoods of local farmers.

The fully equipped facility was officially opened by Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, alongside Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda.

The Department of Agriculture invested more than R1.4 million in the construction of the facility, which includes a plunge dipping tank, ablution facilities, an office, removable animal-handling equipment, and fencing.

The Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association, which was formed in 2017 and has 48 members, comprising 23 women and 25 men, also received 10 Dohne Merino rams from the department to improve the quality of its flock and wool clip.

During the last shearing season, the farmers sheared 3 409 sheep and produced 19 bales of wool, which were sold to CMW in Gqeberha for R98 342.

Before the department’s investment, farmers had to travel more than 15 kilometres to a shearing shed in Xeni location in another ward.

The Department of Agriculture and Mbhashe Local Municipality are also supporting the facility with vaccination programmes aimed at preventing livestock diseases.

Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association Chairperson, Mtutuzeli Vayisi, said the new facility will significantly improve the conditions under which farmers operate and create opportunities to increase both the quantity and quality of their wool.

“We are very happy that the government has provided us with a shed. Over the past nine to 10 years, we were using our houses to shear sheep. We are hopeful that using this shed will increase the quality and quantity of wool.

“We are also happy that the youth and women are showing interest in wool production because, as an elderly man, I want to pass the baton to younger people to continue,” Vayisi said.

Vayisi added that the Dohne Merino rams provided by the department in 2022 have improved the quality of their flock.

“The rams have changed the quality of our flock, and we are now producing good quality wool,” he said.

Kontsiwe encouraged farmers to use the new infrastructure to increase production and work towards becoming commercially sustainable.

“Farmers should grow and be able to export their own wool for even better returns instead of only supplying other people. This structure should encourage you to roll up your sleeves and work for the development of the community and participate in the economic growth of the province.”

The MEC also urged community members to work with the police to combat stock theft and to report suspicious activities.

Janda called on the community to protect the government-funded infrastructure and ensure that it remains dedicated to its intended purpose.

“The community should not convert the sheds into churches and crèches. You should use them for what they are intended for,” Jada said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says very cold and wet conditions are expected in places over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape and the south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.

The weather service has issued several warnings, including disruptive rain in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, as well as disruptive snow in the Eastern Cape.

Warnings have also been issued for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours in the Northern Cape, parts of the Free State and the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday shows partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions, although it will be warm in places. Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, becoming widespread over the western parts on Saturday.

The weather service has issued the following warnings:

• Orange level 6 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of roads and settlements, both formal and informal, danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and deep water, displacement of affected communities, and loss of livelihood and livestock is expected along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal up to Richards Bay.
• Orange level 5 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements, roads and bridges, as well as disruption to essential services, is expected over the Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Ntabankulu local municipalities in the Eastern Cape.
• Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of roads and settlements, both formal and informal, danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and deep water, displacement of affected communities, and loss of livelihood and livestock is expected over the eastern and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, with the possibility of damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, may lead to injuries and danger to life, as well as localised flooding of susceptible settlements and infrastructure, over the extreme east-central parts of the Northern Cape.
• Yellow level 2 warning: Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, with the possibility of damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, may lead to injuries and danger to life, as well as localised flooding of susceptible settlements and infrastructure, over the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, except for the extreme east-central areas, the western parts of the Free State and the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow level 2 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in localised flooding of settlements, roads and low-lying bridges, as well as localised disruptions to power supply and communications, is expected over coastal areas and the adjacent interior between KuGompo City and Port St Johns, including the extreme north-eastern interior of the Eastern Cape.
• Yellow level 2 warning: Damaging winds resulting in localised damage to settlements, localised interruptions to power and communications, and difficult driving conditions are expected over the southern and western parts of the Northern Cape and the northern parts of the Western Cape.
• Yellow level 2 warning: Disruptive snow resulting in isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and difficult driving conditions is expected over the Matatiele and Elundini local municipalities of the Eastern Cape. 

–SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has vowed that government will intensify its response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as South Africa mourns nine women killed in the Ekurhuleni region since July this year.

Speaking at a Memorial Dialogue against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Chikunga described the deaths as part of a broader national crisis and called for stronger enforcement of laws aimed at protecting women and girls.

“Enough is enough,” Chikunga said, stressing that women should be able to walk, run and occupy public spaces without fear.

Government joined the families and communities of Ekurhuleni in remembering and honouring the women whose lives were tragically cut short amid the scourge of GBVF on Thursday.

Held at the Civic Centre in Kempton Park, the memorial service provided a moment for the nation to mourn, honour the lives of the deceased, and stand in solidarity with their families and communities as investigations into their deaths continue.

Chikunga, who visited the family of one of the victims, the late Elizabeth Moselakgomo, in Kempton Park on Wednesday, said the incident demonstrates the far-reaching impact of GBVF on children, families and communities.

Moselakgomo’s body was identified in Kempton Park on Monday. This was after leaving her home for an afternoon routine run last week. Her daughter alerted the family when she did not return home.
“The trauma we witness here in Kempton Park is not an isolated incident,” she said, describing the violence against women as a systemic national crisis.

Strengthening the fight against GBVF

Chikunga said government is implementing a series of legal and institutional measures to strengthen the fight against GBVF.

She highlighted the requirement for employers to check the National Register for Sexual Offenders before finalising appointments, saying employers who fail to comply could face criminal liability.

The Minister said recent legal amendments will also strengthen the consequences for perpetrators of GBVF, including provisions concerning life imprisonment and parole.

In addition, the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act have removed the ability of police and prosecutors to grant station bail in GBV cases, leaving such decisions to the courts following a hearing.

The Minister cited three pieces of legislation as part of government’s legislative response: the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.

She also noted the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF Council), which will provide a permanent, statutory and multisectoral mechanism to coordinate, monitor and strengthen the country’s response to the scourge.

According to Chikunga, the council’s board, which was inaugurated recently, is expected to develop a comprehensive national action plan addressing GBVF prevention, accountability and interventions across the country.

Chikunga appealed to members of the public with information about missing relatives or friends to come forward to help authorities identify the remaining six bodies.

The Minister said identifying the victims will enable their families to give them dignified burials and assist investigators in pursuing those responsible for their deaths.

Call for men to reject violence

Chikunga issued a direct appeal to men, urging them to reject violence against women and girls.

She said government is placing greater emphasis on promoting what it described as positive masculinity, including engagement with schools, churches and traditional leaders to encourage respect, equality and non-violence.

“True masculinity does not destroy; it builds and protects.”

Chikunga said the deaths of the women should strengthen the country’s resolve to prevent GBVF and ensure accountability.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the Kempton Park cases be prioritised and that law enforcement agencies use all available investigative resources to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The gathering saw Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia deliver the President’s message.

READ | SA stands behind grieving families, conveys condolences: President Ramaphosa

“We are determined to act with urgency to solve these killings, to bring those responsible to justice, and to restore calm and security to communities. The South African Police Service, working together with all relevant State bodies, has dedicated personnel and resources to these cases,” said the President.
– SAnews.gov.za

Social Development Minister Dina Pule and Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta have condemned incidents of school violence, following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Siphosethu Jack at Kuyasa Senior Secondary School, in Dimbaza.

Jack was allegedly stabbed by another pupil in a classroom at the school, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the Dimbaza community and raised concern about the safety and well-being of children in schools.

According to the National Department of Social Development, Jack’s family had transferred him to another school in the hope of protecting him from violence.

“This tragic incident underscores the pressing need for effective measures to ensure that our schools are safe environments, free from violence and fear.

“We stand united in condemning this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Siphosethu’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to them and to all those affected by this tragedy,” Minister Pule said on Friday.

The incident has also heightened concerns among parents in Dimbaza and surrounding communities about the safety of learners at schools.

“We understand the anxiety that families feel when it comes to the safety of their children at school. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth, not places of violence and fear,” MEC Fanta said.

Fanta said schools, parents, community leaders and law enforcement agencies must work together to create safe and supportive environments for children.

Minister Pule added that concerted efforts are needed to ensure that learners attend school without fear of violence.
“Together, we must ensure that no child has to live in fear and that all children can focus on their education and future without the looming threat of violence,” Pule said.

The MEC also called on the community to unite in protecting children and creating safe spaces for learning and development.

“Let us unite as a community to protect our children and create safe environments where they can learn, grow and thrive,” Fanta concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africans have been urged to pay close attention to official weather warnings and prepare early as El Niño conditions raise the risk of extreme heat, reduced rainfall, water shortages, agricultural losses and veld fires.

The call follows seasonal outlooks from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which indicate that El Niño is expected to influence the 2026/27 summer season and may bring warmer and drier conditions to many parts of the country.

SAWS has warned that South Africa is likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures this spring as a strong El Niño event develops in the Pacific Ocean.

SAWS said the latest predictions indicate that El Niño is likely to intensify further and could become the strongest event in living memory. 

National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Director for Disaster Risk Assessment and Early Warning, Pumeza Tyali, said forecasts should not remain technical information, but must be turned into practical action that reaches communities before hazards become disasters.

“As the National Disaster Management Centre, we are continuously coordinating efforts to bring resilience in our communities, and we are continuously monitoring the risks that are associated with El Niño. 

“We are also enforcing the issues that are aligned with the disaster management legislation in coordinating the sectors to ensure they play the role that they are supposed to play and to mobilise national support,” Tyali said.

She said early risk monitoring, contingency planning and coordination between national, provincial and local disaster management structures will be critical to reducing vulnerability during the season.

Possible impacts include pressure on water security, crop and livestock production, health services and emergency response systems. Communities may also face heat-related illness, veld fires and socio-economic pressure if dry conditions affect food production.

“Preparedness must begin before the impacts are felt. This includes tracking hazards, identifying exposed areas, reviewing contingency plans and ensuring that warnings lead to practical measures on the ground.

“Water and sanitation authorities are monitoring demand management and planning for possible drought conditions, while the agriculture sector is supporting farmers with timely advisories on crops, livestock, water availability and food security risks,” Tyali said.

The health sector is also strengthening readiness, including surveillance for water-related diseases and other community health concerns that may arise during periods of high temperatures and reduced rainfall.

“Provincial and local disaster management centres, together with fire and emergency services, are preparing through fire readiness measures, contingency plans, awareness campaigns and public information programmes,” she said.

Tyali emphasised that disaster management is a shared responsibility and that local risk assessments should guide decisions, even as national forecasts provide direction for planning.

The public has been urged not to panic or assume that disaster is inevitable, but to stay informed through official channels and respond promptly when warnings are issued.

The centre also called on the media to help translate technical weather information into accessible language, counter misinformation and keep the focus on preparedness before emergencies occur.

“Please help us to turn this information into action,” the centre said, adding that early planning, coordinated response and clear communication can help protect lives, livelihoods and essential services during the season. 

Seasonal forecast

SAWS’ latest seasonal forecast for October to December 2026 indicates that below-normal rainfall is the most likely outcome over most of South Africa.

The period is also very likely to be marked by above-normal temperatures.

“The rainfall and temperature forecast for November 2026 to January 2027 is very similar to that for October to December 2026, with drier and warmer conditions over most of the country the most likely outcome.

“It should be noted that the expected very strong 2026/27 El Niño event, combined with global warming, will likely result in 2027 being the warmest year ever recorded. The 2015/16 very strong El Niño event brought unprecedented heatwaves to the southern African region,” the weather service said.

SAWS added that the southern African region has continued to warm up in the 11 years since then.

“If the 2026/27 El Niño event brings the expected below-normal rainfall to southern Africa, heatwaves are likely to occur more frequently.

“These heatwaves have the potential to be severe. However, as current forecasts indicate the potential for an exceptionally strong El Niño, uncertainty remains about its eventual strength and regional impacts.

“For this reason, the extent of expected heatwaves and water scarcity associated with the event will be closely monitored and communicated to disaster management structures, weather-sensitive industries, the media and the public,” SAWS said.

The weather service has advised the public and weather-sensitive industries to follow monthly seasonal forecast updates and daily short-term weather forecasts to prepare for heatwave conditions and other high-impact weather events. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Health (DoH) has called for vigilance of Mpox symptoms following a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases in the past few weeks.

Some 19 cases of the viral disease have been reported, with the majority, 15, reported in Cape Town in the Western Cape.

Three cases have been detected in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Of concern is that 13 of the total cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, which suggests a rapid local transmission of this preventable viral infection.

“All cases/patients range in age from 23 to 50 years, with a median age of 36.5 years, and 18 of them are males with only one female,” the department stated.

The DoH noted that one of the most recent cases involves an “individual who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to South Africa on 14 September”.

“This person underwent testing in Spain after being informed of his probable case status.

“South African health authorities are in contact with the Spanish counterparts regarding laboratory test results of the individual to confirm his mpox status,” the department assured.

The DoH emphasised the importance of “continued surveillance, early detection, and public cooperation cannot be overemphasised in preventing further transmission”.

Mpox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and rash or skin lesions that may appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals or other body parts. 

“Typically, the skin lesions start as flat red spots before progressing to bumps, followed by fluid-filled blisters, then pus-filled bumps and eruptions into crusted scabs.

“The symptoms usually appear within 6 to 13 days after exposure but can range from 5 to 21 days. Therefore, anyone experiencing these symptoms, particularly if they have had close contact with a confirmed case or a suspected case, should seek medical attention immediately and avoid close contact with others,” the department said.

Symptoms may also present themselves in people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

“Mpox is transmitted mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact with the rash or lesions, and contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, or towels used by an infected person.

“Mpox-positive persons can also transmit the virus through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, uncovered coughing or sneezing. Vigilance remains essential, particularly in households, healthcare settings and among close social networks. Hand hygiene through frequent washing or use of sanitisers is one of the effective methods to prevent the spread of the virus,” the DoH noted.

Government has secured limited doses of Mpox vaccines (Tecovirimat) as part of its outbreak response strategy to disrupt local transmission.

“The health authorities will decide where and how to use these doses to contain outbreaks. Vaccination should be accompanied by continued adherence to preventive measures.

“Individuals and communities are urged to support those diagnosed with mpox and those suspected of being infected with the virus, because stigma and discrimination have the potential to undermine an outbreak response by deterring people from seeking medical care,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has noted and respects the Constitutional Court judgment declaring that the Public Procurement Act, 2024, was adopted in a manner inconsistent with the Constitution and is consequently invalid.

The judgment relates to matters brought by the Premier of the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town against the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, the Minister of Finance and others.

Godongwana said public procurement remains a key enabler of economic growth and development. However, he emphasised that this cannot be realised in a weak public procurement ecosystem that is not governed by a legislative framework designed to achieve a procurement system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.

Such a system should also provide for the protection or advancement of persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. 

“Public procurement in its current state will not realise these constitutional principles as it is fraught with challenges that include corrupt activities, fraud, financial loss, poor planning, inferior deliverables, weak institutional capacity, irregular expenditure and failure to sufficiently stimulate local industries. 

“This is evident from the various reports, media exposés and Commissions of Inquiry that have taken place or are underway,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za