Category: English

No country can expect to reach its development goals without investing in its science, technology and innovation (STI) capabilities. 

This is according to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, during his speech at this year’s Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, which began today in Benoni, Gauteng.

“As part of enhancing our country’s ability to respond to our historical and contemporary challenges, over the past three decades, we have made significant investments with the view of strengthening our country’s STI capabilities.” 

He told delegates that South Africa possesses the largest public science system in Africa, which is backed by institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

He said the country hosts two of the world’s largest scientific instruments – the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) – noting that the SKA has also been used to support maths and science education in rural areas such as Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

The Minister also highlighted the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility at Steve Biko Hospital, which supports drug development, clinical research and advanced diagnostics for diseases including cancer and tuberculosis.

“Why am I sharing all this with you? To make the point that one of the reasons why our country is an emerging global leader in the science domains I have mentioned is because of the basic training in maths and science that our young people receive through our public education system.” 

The Minister emphasised the importance of establishing a future-proof education system, especially as the world navigates one of the most unpredictable periods in human history.

He stated that this is marked by armed conflicts, the threat of pandemics, economic and digital inequality, climate change, biodiversity loss, disruptive technologies, and an increasing threat to multilateralism.

“All these challenges have made the future of humanity increasingly uncertain and have forced us to rethink not only the kind of economic systems we would need to build a shared future for humanity, but also what kind of knowledge and skills we would need to realise such a future.” 

In response, he stated that the country’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2022-2032) promotes a future-ready education.

“By this, we do not mean the kind of education that only anticipates the future, but also one that shapes it.”

He believes that education should emphasise digital and future skills for young people, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and the creation of digital solutions.

“Equally important is the need to complement classroom-based instruction with extracurricular activities that stretch their minds and provide learners with a platform to put into practice the core scientific principles from the classroom in problem-solving scenarios.”

The department is rolling out several initiatives aimed at future-proofing education by equipping learners with digital and future skills, the Minister said.

These include support for STEM Olympiads that allow learners to engage directly with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while building analytical and problem-solving skills. 

At the national level, the programmes are led by the South African Mathematics Foundation and the Eskom Expo, which run initiatives such as the South African Maths Olympiad and the International Science Fair.

The Minister said the department would continue supporting these efforts, with a growing focus on grassroots coaching and mentoring, as well as introducing maths and science at the early childhood development level to address long-standing fears around these subjects.

He cited concerns raised by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube that only 34% of 2025 matric candidates wrote mathematics, and highlighted practical interventions, including support to a KwaZulu-Natal primary school whose learners recently placed second in a coding and robotics competition. 

He also raised the possibility of a special programme to help underperforming matric learners obtain their certificates and prepare for further study.

“I believe that as government and as a country, we must demonstrate a greater appreciation for the role and contribution of our educators.” – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, has encouraged South Africans to share their suggestions on the 2026 Budget. 

The National Budget seeks to maintain a balance between South Africa’s fiscal framework, fund the priorities of the seventh administration, while mitigating the funding requirements impact on the poor and the middle-income household.

It aims to strike a balance between growing the economy and supporting the vulnerable amid limited resources. 

The Minister will deliver the National Budget Speech on 25 February 2026, where he will outline all the financial, economic and social commitments government will prioritise in its planned expenditure.

People may submit views on government spending priorities; addressing a large budget deficit; stabilising State-owned entity finances; energy and water investments; tax policies; debt sustainability; municipal finances and any other economy-related topics.

“Minister Godongwana looks forward to your contributions,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.

Submissions can be sent to National Treasury using this link for Budget Tips: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jzRFGrQCmk-nqHeG9t0yRTqZ86WzI7JHvRvFVz0vJUhUM1FHWEc0MU1GWjc0RFhHQTNZVEQwM0Y5RS4u&route=shorturl.

The public is advised to keep contributions concise and to the point, not longer than 300 words. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has determined to increase the salaries of public office bearers by between  3.8% and 4.1% in different categories.

This after the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers recommended a salary increment of some 4.1% for all public office bearers.

“The increase of 4.1% applies to judges, magistrates, traditional leaders and members of independent constitutional institutions.

“The increase of 3.8% applies to Members of the National Executive, Members of Parliament, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures,” the Presidency said.

The increases will take effect from 1 April 2025.

The Presidency explained that in arriving at its decision, the Independent Commission is required, in terms of section 8(6) of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Act, 1997, to consider:

• The role, status, duties, functions and responsibilities of the office bearers concerned.
• Affordability of different levels of remuneration of public office bearers.
• Current principles and levels of remuneration, particularly in respect of organs of State.
• Inflation.
• Available resources of the State.
• Public service remuneration levels.

“The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers is mandated in terms of section 219(1), (2) and (5) of the Constitution, read with section 8(4) of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1997 (Act No. 92 of 1997), to make annual recommendations relating to the salaries and/or the upper limits of the salaries, allowances, and benefits of the public office-bearers.

“President Ramaphosa appreciates the diligence and integrity with which the Commission developed its recommendations,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Justice and Constitutional Development department has confirmed a fatal shooting incident at the Booysens Magistrates’ Court in Gauteng on Tuesday.

The incident is the latest in a growing trend of violence at judicial facilities, with similar incidents occurring at the Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Wynberg Magistrates Courts in the Western Cape and another incident at Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal – all in the span of last year.

“The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has learnt with serious concern of [the] shooting incident.

“The incident is still active, and law enforcement agencies are attending to the situation. At this stage, it has been reported that five people were shot, with two fatalities,” a department statement said.

Deputy Minister Andries Nel is expected to “proceed to the scene to assess the situation, while the Ministry is awaiting further verified details from law enforcement agencies and court management”.

“The Ministry will provide updates as more information becomes available.

“The Ministry condemns this incident and will work with the relevant security and law enforcement authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to safeguard court users and personnel,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has announced an emergency relief allocation of R20 million to the Knysna Municipality, as part of urgent interventions to address the town’s deepening water crisis.

Majodina announced the allocation following a two-day working visit to the Garden Route District Municipality in the Western Cape, to assess the status of water challenges.

Majodina said the funding, drawn from reprioritised water services infrastructure grants, will be used alongside technical support from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to develop groundwater resources and ease pressure on Knysna’s strained surface water system.

Knysna’s water supply system is currently facing critical water shortages due to a severe localised drought affecting the Garden Route belt in the Western Cape.

The municipality’s primary water storage facility, the Akkerkloof Dam, is currently sitting at approximately 16% capacity, translating to an estimated 13 days of water at current consumption levels. The situation has been worsened by years of inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure, high non-revenue water losses and ongoing vandalism.

During her two-day visit on 17-18 January 2026, Majodina, accompanied by Knysna Executive Mayor Thando Matika and technical teams from both the municipality and DWS, conducted inspections at key water infrastructure sites. These included the Akkerkloof Dam, the Karatara River and several boreholes, to assess their potential for revival and additional yield.

While the low levels at Akkerkloof Dam have brought the crisis into sharp focus, technical assessments revealed that Knysna’s water challenges date back to at least 2023.

According to DWS, sufficient water resources could meet the town’s needs if leaks in the municipal distribution network were reduced and per capita consumption lowered. However, long-standing neglect of infrastructure asset management has left the system vulnerable.

Majodina supported the municipality’s decision to classify Knysna as a disaster area, noting that the request to the Western Cape Provincial Government to also declare Knysna a disaster area, will allow government to reprioritise resources and personnel from various sectors to address the situation.

“It will also assist government to have a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach and response to the water crisis,” the Minister said.

The department is also providing technical engineering expertise to assess the refurbishment requirements of the Knysna Desalination Plant, with the aim of increasing water supply.

The department is further assisting the Knysna Municipality to strengthen its water resources planning and has funded feasibility studies for a new small local dam to meet its longer-term demand.

The Minister urged the municipality to urgently develop a plan to tackle water leaks and install functioning water meters, which are major contributors to the high non-water revenue.

She also encouraged the exploration of alternative water sources, including groundwater, seawater desalination and water reuse, to reduce reliance on surface water.

The Minister highlighted that the department has previously provided support to the Knysna Municipality to assist with refurbishment and upgrading of some of its water supply infrastructure.

“The department allocated R12.4 million and R7 million during the 23/24-24/25 and 25/26 financial years respectively, through its Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), for the rehabilitation of existing water networks and for water conservation and demand management,” the Minister said.

During an engagement with the Knysna Business Chamber, Majodina commended the sector’s commitment to be part of the structures set up to solve the water challenges facing the tourist town.

The Knysna Business Chamber pledged to assist through mobilising its retired technical experts to contribute to resolving the water crisis.

Matika welcomed the department’s intervention and commitment demonstrated by the Minister in availing special emergency relief funding and technical support to address the municipality’s water challenges.

The mayor said the Minister’s hands-on engagement, together with the Department’s immediate, medium- and long-term interventions, complemented by provincial support, signals a strong, coordinated, and collaborative approach across all spheres of government to ensure water security for the Greater Knysna area.

“We further acknowledge and value the ongoing support and cooperation from both the Western Cape Department of Local Government and the National Department of Water and Sanitation, whose involvement strengthens the collective response to the current water crisis. This partnership demonstrates government’s shared responsibility to protect communities, sustain economic activity, and build a more resilient and sustainable water future for Knysna,” Matika said.

The department said it will continue to work closely with the municipality, provincial authorities and other stakeholders, and will provide regular updates to residents as interventions are implemented. – SAnews.gov.za
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

“The President has called the joint sitting in accordance with Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution and Rule 13(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament. The Constitution provides that the President may summon the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces, or Parliament to an extraordinary sitting to conduct special business,” the Parliament said.

During the sitting, which will be held at the Cape Town City Hall, the President will highlight achievements of the administration, flag challenges, and outline interventions for the coming financial year.

SONA marks the official opening of the annual Parliamentary programme and sets out the government’s key policy priorities for the year ahead.

SONA 2026 will be broadcast live at 19:00 on Parliament TV on DSTV Channel 408 and on Parliament’s YouTube Channel. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development says it is working with stakeholders to ensure the speedy re-opening of courts affected by flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

The two provinces, Limpopo in particular, have been battered by rain for the past week, resulting in loss of life and damage to property and infrastructure.

“The damages that occurred include roof leaks at the courts, electricity supply outage, structural damage and inability to access to the courts by both the public and staff due to access bridges that have been washed away.

“The Minister has already engaged with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, as well as other stakeholders to speedily mitigate the challenges encountered. Members of the public will be kept abreast of all the developments in this regard and the temporary arrangements that are being made in the interim,” the department said in a statement.

The majority of courts have not been affected by the flooding.

“The department reiterates its commitment of providing access to justice services and will continue to work with stakeholders to speedily restore services at the affected courts,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says they are providing psychosocial support to the schools and parents who lost loved ones in the accident that claimed the lives of 12 learners in the Vaal area on Monday morning. 

Speaking to the media this morning, Mabona said psycho-social support teams have already been dispatched to schools impacted by the tragedy.

“So, we have started with the process of psycho support, the school has been taken through the process. Actually, we have sent the psycho support to all the schools that are affected,” Mabona said.

He announced that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is expected to brief the nation later on Tuesday on the latest developments following the tragic scholar transport accident. 

The Gauteng Department of Education said counselling services have been deployed to all affected schools, while government works with families to finalise identification processes and provide ongoing support.

He said the support will prioritise learners and educators who were closest to the deceased.

“We’ll normally identify those that are closer to the deceased, meaning the classmates and the educators that would have taught these children… and start with that process of psycho support, and then we monitor it,” he said.

Providing clarity on the death toll, Mabona confirmed that 12 learners died in the crash, revising earlier figures that indicated 13 fatalities.

“We might have released different numbers, but we can confirm that the number of learners that passed on is 12. And out of the 12, we have one child that is unidentified,” he said.

He explained that the department is working with officials alongside families to complete the identification process of the unidentified child.

Mabona confirmed that three learners remain in hospital, with one having been airlifted to a private medical facility due to the severity of injuries, while another learner has since been discharged.

“In hospital we have three learners, one was airlifted to a private facility because the situation there was quite dire, so the family decided to lift that child to a private hospital,” he said.

He added that the driver of the scholar transport minibus taxi involved has been discharged from hospital and handed over to police. He faces charges of culpable homicide.

Mabona said the MEC for Education in Gauteng, Matome Chiloane, will be visiting affected families as they complete processes at the government mortuary, while a comprehensive briefing by the Premier and affected MECs is scheduled for later in the afternoon.

Addressing public speculation and misinformation, Mabona appealed for respect at accident scenes and sensitivity towards grieving families.

“You might have seen at that active scene yesterday some family members and community members wanting to go closer to their loved ones and that might have been a challenge for the authorities, because we are reporting different numbers due to the unconfirmed reports. 

“Later on, we had to add the numbers, and it turned out one child was found on the scene under the car. That’s why it’s important for members of the community even if we are grieving, to know that an active scene must be respected. We need to give authorities the space to carry out their work,” he said. 

He also condemned the circulation of AI-generated images and inaccurate content on social media.

“We have families that are grieving… you are giving a different picture altogether, circulating graphics that are not accurate,” Mabona said.

Mabona said the names and images of the deceased learners would only be released with the consent of their families.

“We are hopeful that after interacting with the families with the MEC, they will grant us permission to publicise the names, because we need to talk about people identified. They have names and they must be celebrated,” he said.

The learners who died in the crash attended Vaal High School, Vaal Primary School, Suncrest High School, El-Shaddai Christian School, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark and Oliver Lodge Primary School.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za