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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called on South African universities to strengthen their financial sustainability and governance, while ensuring that they remain focused on their public purpose.

Addressing the 4th Universities South Africa (USAf) Higher Education Conference at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Convention Centre on Wednesday, Manamela said universities cannot fulfil their purpose if they are financially unstable, warning that financial sustainability must not come at the expense of their responsibility to society.

“A university that cannot pay its bills cannot fulfil its purpose, but a university that balances its books, while losing its public purpose, has also failed,” Manamela said.

Held under the theme: “Co-creating a Resilient Future”, the conference brought together university leaders, academics, researchers, professional staff, students, labour representatives and international guests.

Manamela said the future of higher education must be considered through three interconnected issues: how universities are financed, how they are governed, and the kind of knowledge and human capability they develop in a rapidly changing world.

“Public trust connects all three. It depends on the choices we make about resources, power and knowledge.”

On university funding, the Minister stressed the need to distinguish between student and institutional financing.

“They are connected but they are not interchangeable. Getting NSFAS [National Student Financial Aid Scheme] to work reliably is essential. It does not, on its own, repair a laboratory, renew a library, support a research programme or reverse years of deferred maintenance.

“A funded student needs a functioning institution. A functioning institution needs students who can afford to learn. Our financing debate must hold both obligations together,” the Minister said.

He also warned universities against waste, saying every rand lost through poor procurement, unmanaged projects or decisions taken for private advantage reduces the resources available for teaching and research.

“We need an honest account of the full cost of student success. We need to know which costs are necessary for academic quality, which activities can be shared, and which arrangements persist because nobody has been willing to change them. 

“The measure of success cannot be enrolment alone. We should ask whether students learn, complete their studies and acquire the capacity to contribute to society and build livelihoods,” he explained.

On governance, Manamela reaffirmed the importance of university autonomy and academic freedom, saying universities must be able to produce evidence and arguments that government may find inconvenient.

He said councils, senates, executives, students and staff each have distinct responsibilities that need clear boundaries and effective working relationships.

“When councils drift into daily management, executives evade oversight, or institutional disputes become contests over access to resources, the university loses time, money and credibility.”

Manamela also called for stronger accountability, noting this should extend beyond the submission of documents, to whether decisions are lawful, conflicts of interest are managed, concerns are heard, and consequences follow misconduct.

Manamela further called for closer collaboration between government, universities, industry, communities, students and labour to build a resilient higher education system.

This can include exploring shared infrastructure and services, strengthening research and student development partnerships, improving governance arrangements, and expanding collaboration in areas such as shared computing resources, research networks and African language technologies.

“Co-creation becomes meaningful when each participant accepts obligations, as well as making demands,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has arrested three police officers, including one woman, after separate investigations into allegations of theft and corruption.

“The arrests were effected on Wednesday by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Polokwane Tactical Response Team, following thorough investigations into allegations of criminal conduct,” the police said in a statement.

According to reports, a 46-year-old male police officer is facing two counts of theft, following allegations that a complainant’s bank card was unlawfully obtained while the complainant was in police custody. Burgersfort SAPS registered the case in December 2023.

The accused is expected to make his first appearance at the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The subsequent investigation established that two withdrawals, totalling R9 000, were made from the complainant’s bank account.

The matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed that the police official be charged with two counts of theft. A J50 warrant of arrest was subsequently issued, and the suspect was arrested.

In the second incident, two police officials, aged 33 and 47, are facing allegations of corruption relating to the unlawful solicitation and receipt of R1 000 from a foreign national.

“It is alleged that the complainant was taken to his place of residence after police officials attended to a complaint involving a suspected counterfeit R200 banknote. The officials allegedly demanded R1 000 from the complainant in exchange for not arresting him for allegedly being in the country [illegally].

“The money was subsequently handed over to the police officials, after which the complainant was released. The case was registered at Ohrigstad SAPS in August 2026,” the police said.

The matter was investigated by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit and referred to the Control Prosecutor for a decision. J50 warrants of arrest were subsequently issued against both police officials.

The two accused were arrested and are expected to appear in Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court today.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, welcomed the arrests and commended the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for their diligent investigations.

The Provincial Commissioner reiterated that SAPS members are expected to uphold the law and conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

“SAPS in Limpopo will continue to take decisive action against members who are alleged to abuse their positions of authority for personal gain,” said Scheepers.

Members of the public are encouraged to report allegations of corruption, theft and other forms of misconduct involving police officials through the appropriate SAPS reporting channels. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has outlined a series of measures to strengthen South Africa’s asylum system and broader migration management following the Constitutional Court judgment that expanded access to the asylum determination process.

The measures follow an urgent IMC meeting on Wednesday night to assess the operational impact of the judgment, after Refugee Reception Offices experienced a significant increase in people seeking to lodge asylum applications.   

Briefing media in Pretoria on Thursday, IMC Chairperson and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said the IMC is working with the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, law enforcement agencies and other departments to address the immediate pressure on the asylum system.

The IMC said the Constitutional Court judgment, handed down in July in the matter of the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Others, must not be interpreted as legalising unlawful migration or giving people an automatic right to remain in the country.  

The Court declared certain provisions of the Refugees Act unconstitutional because they prevented some people from accessing the asylum system solely on procedural grounds. These included people who had entered South Africa irregularly, did not possess an asylum transit visa or failed to report to a Refugee Reception Office within the prescribed period.

The Court found that such procedural barriers could result in people being excluded from the asylum process before their claims were properly assessed.

READ | ConCourt asylum ruling does not automatically grant refugee status – IMC

The response includes strengthening refugee processing capacity and administrative systems, enhancing identity verification and biometric screening, accelerating the adjudication of asylum applications and improving information-sharing between migration, security and law enforcement agencies.

Government will also intensify efforts to identify fraud and abuse within the asylum system.

“Our coordinated response includes continuing to enforce immigration laws against persons who do not qualify for protection under South African law. We further reiterate that abuse of our systems will not be tolerated by the State,” Kubayi said. 

SIU investigation to be extended to refugee centres

The IMC said it would recommend that President Cyril Ramaphosa extend the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) proclamation to include all Refugee Reception Offices, with the aim being to investigate and address the fraudulent issuing of asylum status.

The committee said it is also engaging legal teams to consolidate existing court judgments relating to migration, assess their implications, and advise government on implementation.

The legal team will consider options available to the State, including precedents for dealing with situations where significant time and resources are required to implement court judgments.

The legal team is also coordinating government’s response to directives issued by the Gauteng Judge President following two contradictory judgments from divisions in the province.

Refugee centres to move closer to borders

The IMC reiterated its plan to move Refugee Reception Offices from inland areas towards South Africa’s borders. The phased relocation is expected to start in December.

The committee said this would allow asylum applications to be processed closer to points of entry, with people whose applications are rejected able to be turned back at ports of entry, while those whose applications are approved can proceed into the Republic.

The move forms part of government’s broader review of migration policies and legislation. Home Affairs has already begun the legislative drafting process following the review of migration policy, including legislation governing the granting of refugee status.

Five-Point Plan remains in force

The IMC stressed that the Constitutional Court judgment has not changed government’s broader Five-Point Plan for managing migration.

The plan focuses on strengthening border management and preventing illegal border crossings; tackling criminal syndicates involved in human smuggling, trafficking and document fraud; improving migration management and documentation systems; accelerating the deportation of people who have exhausted their legal remedies and do not qualify to remain in South Africa, and promoting social cohesion and lawful migration practices.

“These measures remain central to government’s efforts to ensure safe, secure and orderly migration,” the IMC Chairperson said. 

The IMC also reiterated that Cabinet had approved a phased border infrastructure plan aimed at strengthening the country’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of people and goods.

Warning against misinformation and vigilantism

The committee expressed concern about misinformation and disinformation surrounding the Constitutional Court judgment, saying this could fuel social tensions and undermine confidence in government institutions.

It urged South Africans to verify information through official Government channels rather than social media posts, fabricated content and sensational claims.

The IMC also welcomed a request from Operation Dudula leadership for engagement and said a meeting would take place on Thursday.

The committee warned against vigilantism and discrimination, while urging cooperation between citizens and Government in addressing migration challenges.

“At this important moment, it is essential that all sectors of society uphold the Constitution, respect the independence of the judiciary and reject any attempt to incite hostility, violence, vigilantism, or discrimination,” Kubayi said.

The IMC said South Africa’s migration challenges required cooperation across national, provincial and local government, as well as with social partners and communities.

IMC to report on migration plan

The committee said it would continue with its immediate, medium-term and long-term tasks until the objectives assigned to it by the President are achieved.

The IMC is scheduled to hold its regular meeting next week, followed by a media briefing on progress towards implementing the Five-Point Plan.

The committee said South Africa’s migration system must balance border security, lawful migration and the protection of people who genuinely qualify for asylum, while ensuring that the country’s laws are enforced. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality’s accelerated service delivery intervention is yielding positive results, with a decrease in the number of reported water leaks across the city.

This follows a city-wide programme led by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba to restore critical water and sanitation infrastructure and address persistent leaks and sewer spillages. 

The intervention forms part of the municipality’s accelerated programme, which deploys technical response teams to areas affected by persistent water leaks and sewer spillages.

According to the municipality, since the programme started two months ago, the city has seen a significant reduction in the water leak backlog, with the number of reported water leaks dropping from 13 000 to 3 900.

On Wednesday, Xaba conducted a high-level inspection of water and sanitation infrastructure in uMlazi Wards 80, 81 and 88, where he monitored repairs to water leaks and the clearing and flushing of severe sewer network blockages.

“Our goal here is not just to apply temporary fixes, but to ensure our maintenance crews clear the backlog systemically, restore the dignity of our residents, and protect our environment from toxic spillages,” Xaba said. 

He warned that the misuse of public infrastructure remains a primary driver of recurring sewer system blockages across the municipality.

Xaba urged residents to help protect the city’s infrastructure by refraining from disposing of foreign objects in sewer manholes.

He also encouraged residents to report illegal water connections, which he said overload existing water and sanitation infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Twenty-four undocumented persons were arrested in Reitz, in the Free State, on Thursday.

Their arrest follows a joint crime prevention operation conducted in the early hours of this morning, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The arrested persons comprise five females and 15 males from Malawi, as well as four males from Lesotho. 

The crime prevention operation targeted contact and property-related crimes which were identified as priority concerns during the previous quarter within the Reitz policing precinct.

The police operation targeted crimes such as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, murder, residential and business burglaries, damage to essential infrastructure, theft of copper cables and stock theft. 

“As part of proactive measures to address these challenges and prevent further criminal activities, members of the Reitz police, Nketoana Local Municipality and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit conducted a joint operation which yielded positive results,” the police said in a statement.

“The South African Police Service remains committed to working together with relevant stakeholders to prevent and combat crime. Through collaborative efforts, we can create safer communities and save lives,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi  has assured the public that examination bodies have systems in place to address and manage assessment and examination irregularities.

Rakometsi was briefing the media on Thursday in Pretoria on the state of readiness for the final examinations, which are due to commence on 13 October.

A total of 1 079 879 candidates will sit for the General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training (GETC: ABET), National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] Level 4 and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

“Should they arise, irregularities will be handled within the relevant system and in accordance with the regulations governing the conduct, administration and management of assessments and examinations.  

“Umalusi urges assessment bodies to take every necessary step to identify and prevent irregularities during the examinations. Candidates are also warned against using unlawful means to gain an unfair advantage. Hard work, honesty and diligent study remain the foundations of academic success,” he stated. 

Rakometsi noted that Umalusi remains concerned about “recurring irregularities involving Integrated Summative Assessment Tasks [ISAT], Practical Assessment Tasks [PAT] and Internal Continuous Assessments [ICASS]” at Department of Higher Education (DHET) colleges.

These core assessment components are used in South Africa’s technical, vocational and general education systems to measure students’ theoretical knowledge and practical competence. 

“Umalusi has repeatedly advised the DHET that successful implementation of ISAT and PAT requires comprehensive planning, including adequate resources and facilities and appropriate scheduling. 

“However, little progress appears to have been made. Umalusi will deploy officials to monitor the conduct of the examinations and ensure full compliance with the relevant regulations,” Rakometsi assured.

He cautioned against preventing learners from writing examinations.

“Umalusi sincerely hopes that the persistent practice of teachers and principals preventing registered candidates from writing examinations in particular subjects will not recur.

“As previously stated, this unlawful practice is driven by an attempt to improve examination results. Umalusi urges learners and their parents or guardians to report any such incident immediately to the relevant authorities,” Rakometsi urged.

The examination period

The examination timetable has been amended to accommodate the Local Government Elections.

“Umalusi has previously identified political activities and community protests as factors that can disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations. Because the Local Government Elections on 4 November coincide with the examination period, related political activities may affect examination operations.

“Umalusi will therefore work closely with assessment bodies, provincial education departments and other relevant stakeholders to prevent election-related activities from interfering with the examination process,” he stated.

Communities were urged to help ensure that the examinations proceed without incident.

“Many schools, including those used as voting stations, hold extra classes on weekends and during holidays to prepare candidates for examinations. Umalusi therefore urges all stakeholders, including political and community leaders, principals, teachers, parents, etcetera, to minimise the disruption caused by political activities, especially in the vicinity of schools serving as examination centres. 

“Umalusi appeals to everyone to provide candidates with the support they need during this critical stage of their educational journey and to take every possible step to ensure that no candidate is unduly disadvantaged,” Rakometsi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will operate extended train services this weekend for supporters attending the MTN8 Final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. 

On Saturday, trains will operate along the uMlazi, KwaMashu, Pinetown, Crossmoor and South Coast corridors, providing supporters with a convenient and reliable way to travel to the match. A return ticket will cost R20.

Services on all five corridors will operate to Moses Mabhida Station until 5:30pm, ahead of the 6pm kick-off.

A dedicated shuttle will operate between Durban Station and Moses Mabhida Station every 30 minutes from 1pm to 6pm.

Services along the five corridors will resume at 8pm and continue until 10pm. The shuttle from Moses Mabhida Station to Durban Station will then operate from 10pm to 10:30pm, allowing passengers to connect with onward services.

PRASA said limited park-and-ride facilities will be available at Durban Station, uMlazi Station and KwaMnyandu Mall for R50 per vehicle.

“Supporters are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and travel by train to avoid traffic congestion and parking constraints around Moses Mabhida Stadium.”

“As the backbone of public transport, PRASA is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable rail services that enable supporters to travel to and from major sporting events with ease and confidence.”
Train schedules will be published on PRASA’s official digital platforms. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called on universities to prepare students for an increasingly artificial intelligence (AI) driven world, while ensuring that South Africa develops the skills and research capacity needed to shape the technology.

Delivering a keynote address at the 4th Universities South Africa (USAf) Higher Education Conference — held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Convention Centre on Wednesday — Manamela said AI is making the traditional role of universities in developing critical thinking, testing evidence and taking responsibility for knowledge even more important.

“The university has always done more than transmit information. It has taught people to question an argument, test evidence, practise a discipline and take responsibility for what they claim to know. Artificial intelligence makes these functions more urgent,” Manamela said.

He cautioned that AI systems could produce content without establishing whether their claims are true and can generate answers without understanding the social consequences of acting on them.

“Its usefulness does not remove our responsibility to judge it.”

Manamela said South Africa’s response to AI must extend beyond the question of whether students use the technology to complete assignments.

He said universities and the country need to consider who develops AI technologies, whose languages and experiences are represented, who controls the infrastructure and who benefits from the knowledge produced.

“We need graduates who can use these tools intelligently and question them competently. We also need researchers capable of helping to build them,” the Minister said.

The Minister said African language technologies, appropriate datasets, computing capacity and sound research partnerships are of educational and developmental importance.

“This requires the humanities and social sciences, alongside engineering and the natural sciences. Questions about bias, power, labour, law and human dignity cannot be settled by computing power alone,” Manamela said.

The Minister called on universities to move beyond general discussions about AI and make practical choices about teaching, assessment and research capacity.

Manamela said technological change will also require people to return to learning throughout their working lives. “Universities must consider how they can make that possible, while maintaining the depth and standards that give their qualifications value.”

Taking place from 7 – 9 October 2026, the conference brings together university leaders, academics, researchers, professional staff, students, labour representatives and international guests to generate practical insights, strengthen partnerships, and develop collective strategies that will enable universities to remain responsive, adaptable and impactful.

The conference theme: “Co-creating a Resilient Future”, reflects the recognition that resilience, innovation and renewal can only be achieved through meaningful collaboration. – SAnews.gov.za

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