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Student safety and conditions in accredited and leased student residences are among the issues that will come under the spotlight when Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim visits the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus on Monday, 5 October.

The oversight visit follows student concerns raised through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk, and aims to engage directly with students and university management on practical measures to address these challenges.

“The Deputy Minister’s delegated responsibilities include student accommodation and housing delivery in the PSET [Post-School Education and Training] sector, as well as student wellbeing and support, including student safety.

“These responsibilities require the Deputy Minister to engage directly with students where they study and live, assess the challenges they face and work with the university and relevant entities to agree on practical remedial actions and clear timeframes,” the Ministry of Higher Education and Training said on Sunday.

Supporting Deputy Minister Cassim will be officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training University Education Branch and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The engagement in the Eastern Cape will include university management, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and other relevant officials. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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South Africa has not experienced load shedding in over 500 days, reflecting the cumulative impact of improved fleet performance, lower unplanned outages, increased generation capacity and reduced reliance on emergency generation resources, Eskom said.

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said South Africa had recorded 504 consecutive days without load shedding since 16 May 2025.

“This milestone demonstrates the sustained progress being made in restoring reliability, strengthening energy security and supporting South Africa’s economic growth and development,” the power utility said.
It further added that the year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has reached 68.11%, reinforcing progress in restoring energy security and supporting economic growth.

“Supported by lower unplanned outages, improved generation fleet reliability and an 80.49% year-on-year reduction in diesel expenditure, South Africa has now achieved more than 500 consecutive days without load shedding,” it said.

The power utility said that in the past week, electricity demand from the grid increased by approximately 1 000MW due to overcast weather conditions reducing rooftop solar output, highlighting the complementary role that its generation fleet and customer-owned solar installations play in meeting the country’s electricity needs.

Eskom’s operational improvement continues to deliver measurable results, with unplanned outages improving by 6.69% year-on-year and approximately 2 943MW of generation capacity returned to service.

Compared with three years ago, Eskom has improved its EAF by 12.76 percentage points and returned approximately 6 492MW of generation capacity to the grid, demonstrating sustained progress in enhancing generation reliability and strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

From 1 April to 1 October 2026, diesel expenditure declined by R4.79 billion, or 80.49%, compared to the same period last year, decreasing from R5.95 billion to R1.16 billion. Over the same period, the Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT) load factor reduced sharply from 6.72% to 1.02%, reflecting the impact of improved plant performance and the contribution of additional generation capacity to the grid.

“Combined, these results demonstrate Eskom’s continued progress in delivering a more reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable electricity supply for South Africa,” it said.

Load reduction
Alongside its operational recovery, Eskom continues to make substantial progress in its commitment to eliminate load reduction by March 2027 through the Load Reduction Eradication Programme.

Seven provinces remain free from load reduction, with approximately 1.5 million customers restored to normal supply conditions.

The number of customers affected by load reduction has declined from 1.69 million to 202 590, representing just 2.8% of Eskom’s customer base.

“While the remaining affected customers are in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, more than 60% of previously affected customers in these two provinces have already been restored to normal supply conditions, with eradication efforts continuing in the remaining areas.”

It added that although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist in certain localised areas, driving infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks.

“Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary, targeted measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network.”

The power utility said it will announce the power system status and Summer Outlook in the coming weeks. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Agriculture (DoA), alongside the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD), National Treasury and the Land Bank, have been directed by the responsible Ministers to take steps to resolve the temporary pause implemented by the Land Bank on new applications under the Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) and restore full funding operations. 

The urgency to find a resolution was highlighted during a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Willie Aucamp on 29 September 2026.

Minister Aucamp briefed the President about the engagements that have already taken place between the DoA and DLRRD to address the shortfall that has occurred as a result of high demand on the facility.

“DoA has already committed additional funding of R150 million; this is in addition to the R325 million grant allocation already transferred to the Land Bank for the 2026/27 financial year,” said the Ministry of Agriculture on Friday.

The Ministry added that discussions are ongoing with the Land Bank to ensure prudence in the management of BFS and avoid a re-occurrence of the situation where farmers are left in limbo.

Following several letters of concern that Aucamp has received about the issue of the funding and the negative impact it potentially has on farmers, the Minister reassured the affected parties that the DoA and other relevant government departments are doing everything to find a quick resolution.

Furthermore, Minister Aucamp has clarified that the Blended Finance Scheme has not been discontinued.
He stressed that funding gaps should not occur.

“Our focus is currently to ensure that farmers receive funding that will enable them to start planting. Land Bank has stated that in the interim the bank is open for 100% loan funding for the agriculture sector.
“The Department of Agriculture is engaging with DLRRD, National Treasury and the Land Bank to address this situation as an urgent matter,” Minister Aucamp said.

At the tabling of the DoA’s Budget Vote in May, the department said the BFS had supported over 14 000 jobs, including about 7 869 through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and more than 6 480 via the Land Bank. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe have conveyed their condolences following the passing of legendary South African musician Babsy Mlangeni, who died at the age of 83 after a short illness.

“South Africa has lost a musical giant, a pioneer and a voice that became part of the soundtrack of our lives,” said Minister McKenzie on Friday.

Born Bernard Mlangeni in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943, Mlangeni built a remarkable career spanning almost six decades. 

Having attended the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town, where he learned to play the guitar, he established himself as a singer, guitarist and composer at a time when blind musicians faced enormous barriers. 

His distinctive voice and songs about the lives of ordinary people crossed generations, languages and communities. 

“That was Babsy’s gift: he did not need people to speak the same language to feel the same emotion. His music carried warmth, romance, resilience and the experiences of ordinary people. 

“It was music that people could dance to, sing along to, remember their youth through and pass from one generation to the next,” said Minister McKenzie. 

Mlangeni was also a trailblazer whose success challenged perceptions about what people living with disabilities could achieve, and he mentored younger musicians, including the late Steve Kekana.

“Babsy’s story was never only about music. It was about determination, talent and breaking barriers. He did not allow blindness to define the limits of his life or his talent. Instead, he became an example to many and helped open the door for others,” the Minister said.

At the height of his popularity, he won the Black Music Award for Best Male Vocalist in both 1975 and 1976, and in 2017 he received a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. 

In July 2025, he performed alongside other legendary musicians at the department’s tribute concert honouring Mama Abigail Kubeka, where Deputy Minister Mabe delivered remarks. At the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards, Minister McKenzie presented him with the Artist Living With Disability Award. 

“It was a particular honour for me to bestow that award upon Babsy. There is something important about giving our legends their flowers while they can still smell them. Babsy received that recognition, and I will always be grateful that we had the opportunity to celebrate the man, the musician and the legacy while he was still here to receive it,” said McKenzie. 

Deputy Minister Mabe said Mlangeni was more than a musician.

“He was part of the living history of our creative sector, and his contribution helped shape the sound and cultural identity of our nation. His life was a testament to the power of music to tell our stories, preserve our heritage and bring people together across generations,” she said.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has welcomed progress made in resolving outstanding Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) bursary payments and benefits for 162 students at the Ekurhuleni East TVET College (EEC).

This follows interventions to address delays in administering Services SETA bursaries. 

The Ministry of Higher Education and Training said the Services SETA allocated bursaries for 200 students at Ekurhuleni East TVET College, to the value of R15.6 million. 

“A total of 195 students applied. After internal screening, the college submitted 162 as qualifying to Services SETA and SAPCO (implementing agent). The remaining 33 applicants either did not meet the bursary criteria or had not submitted all required documents,” said the Ministry in a statement on Sunday.

Of the 162 on the college list:
–    145 were found fully compliant, and tuition fees were processed in September. A further 17 students are still in process, and the college has committed to completing this within seven days.
–    The college reported that R1.98 million in outstanding allowances had been paid to 132 students in September, following the Deputy Minister’s intervention.
–    A further 30 students remain unprocessed because of banking or documentation issues. The college’s finance team is working with the students and the SRC to resolve these issues, with a commitment to finalise the outstanding cases by Friday, 9 October 2026. The college and Services SETA will reconcile the outstanding cases and payment records.
–    Textbooks have been provided to all Services SETA-funded students.
–    Laptops remain outstanding. The college expedited the procurement process following the intervention by the Deputy Minister and has committed to delivering the laptops by mid-October.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) college updated Deputy Minister Cassim during an oversight visit at the Kwa-Thema Campus on Friday.

Prior to Friday’s visit, the Deputy Minister engaged with Services SETA on 3 September 2026, requesting a detailed update on the administration of its bursaries, including whether qualifying students were receiving their tuition, allowances, textbooks and laptops. 

Cassim called for clear, urgent action to address outstanding tuition payments, allowances, textbooks and laptops at affected institutions, including EEC, and for the reconciliation of beneficiary records and bursary expenditure. 

The Deputy Minister then followed up all these prior engagements with Friday’s visit to the KwaThema campus.

The Ministry added that applicants with incomplete documentation may submit the outstanding documents for reassessment, subject to the applicable process. The college and Services SETA will communicate further on the correct process.
Delays
Other matters discussed during the engagement included delays in the issuing of National N-Diploma and National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 certificates. 

It was highlighted that National N-Diploma applications, which require students to submit their N4-N6 certificates, proof of practical experience and statements of results to the department’s examinations section through their TVET college, often face significant delays.

In response, the Deputy Minister, through the office of the Deputy Director-General (DDG) for TVET colleges, Sam Zungu, will request that the Department’s National Examination and Assessment Directorate provide the Ministry with a report on the delays affecting the issuance of these outstanding certificates, together with a turnaround plan to expedite the processing and resolution of the outstanding cases. 

“I would like to thank Services SETA for its continued investment in skills development and education across the PSET sector.

“It is important that we manage these bursaries properly, so that SETAs and other entities do not withdraw funding because of our administrative challenges. 

“Students should not have to wait this far into the academic year to receive the full bursary benefits for which they qualify. This is a problem across the system, and we must find ways to address it. I also want to thank the college management for working constructively to address the concerns raised,” said Deputy Minister Cassim. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has emphasised the important role of traditional leaders in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

In her address to the Forum of South African Majesties in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister said Their Majesties, as custodians of culture, customs, and community moral fibre, can challenge harmful cultural and patriarchal norms that perpetuate GBVF.

She said Their Majesties can also promote positive parenting and the protection of women, girls and persons with disabilities in rural and traditional communities, while also strengthening community-based prevention, reporting and support referral systems in partnership with Government’s GBVF National Strategic Plan.

In her presentation to Their Majesties, the Deputy Minister said traditional leaders can leverage traditional councils and courts as centres for justice, healing and accountability. 

“The Deputy Minister welcomed the robust and constructive engagement with Their Majesties and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to institutionalise collaboration with the Forum of Majesties,” the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD)  said in a statement on Saturday.

New leadership
In addition, the Office of the Deputy Minister extended its congratulations to the Forum of South Africa’s Majesties on the appointment of its new leadership. 

“In a historic moment for the institution, the Forum has appointed His Majesty King Mangaliso Ndamase as Chairperson and Her Majesty Queen Modjadji VII as Deputy Chairperson. 

This appointment marks history as Queen Modjadji VII becomes the first Queen to serve in the leadership of the Forum of Majesties,” said the department.

The newly aligned leadership follows the passing of the Forum’s inaugural Chairperson, King Makhosoke II Mabena, who led the structure with distinction from its initial launch in October 2024 until mid-2026.
At the launch, King Ndamase was elected to serve as the inaugural Deputy Chairperson, and his elevation to Chairperson ensures continuity and stability. 

“The Deputy Minister commends the Forum for this progressive and unifying leadership transition that reflects both continuity and transformation, and the growing recognition of women’s leadership within the institution of traditional leadership. 

“The Deputy Minister looks forward to working with the new leadership under King Ndamase and Queen Modjadji VII in advancing the rights, dignity and safety of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, particularly in traditional communities,” said the department. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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While extending its condolences, government has condemned the brutal and senseless killing of 14-year-old twins in Mamelodi West in Gauteng.

“Government extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of the siblings. Children are the future of our nation, and every child lost to violence is a loss to the future we are building as a country. We must do everything in our power to protect our children. It is therefore a responsibility we all share,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

In a brief statement on Saturday, the South African Police Service (SAPS)  said the twin were stabbed to death at their home.

“On Friday, 02 October 2026, the police were called to a murder scene where they were shown the lifeless bodies of the twins inside a bedroom with multiple stab wounds. The mother reportedly found the kids when she came back from work,” said the police.

Government added that the loss of children in such circumstances is particularly distressing.

Government also called for collaborative efforts to strengthen the protection of children from violence and ensure that communities remain safe spaces in which children can live, learn and grow.

“The circumstances surrounding these killings are currently under investigation by the police, and government is confident that law enforcement will leave no stone unturned and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

“Government calls on residents of Mamelodi and surrounding communities to assist law-enforcement authorities with any information that could help identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Anyone who may have seen, heard or noticed anything unusual before, during or after the incident is urged to come forward and provide this information directly to the South African Police Service or at the nearest police station.”

It added that information should be shared through official law-enforcement channels rather than on social media.

“The sharing of unverified information, speculation or images can cause further distress to the family and community, and may compromise the integrity of the investigation. The protection of children is a collective responsibility, and everyone must work together to create environments where children are protected from violence and abuse,” said the GCIS.

Additionally, government urged communities not to remain silent when children are at risk.

“The loss of these two young lives must strengthen our collective resolve to protect our children and to ensure that those who threaten their safety are held accountable,” it said.

Report criminal activities to the nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111. Alternatively, use the MySAPS App. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa on Friday elevated its trade and economic relations with Egypt by launching the Joint South Africa – Egypt Business Council (JBC) on the margins of the Alamein- Africa Business Forum.

In a statement, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said Egypt is South Africa’s strategic partner and largest export market in North Africa.

“It has by far the largest population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, over 102 million, a GDP [gross domestic product] of $362 billion, and is one of Africa’s most diversified, large, and dynamic economies. There are solid opportunities for South African companies in the medium-to-long term and a platform for commercial activities in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa,” said the dtic.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Egypt has increased.

“According to data received [from] Statistics South Africa, direct bilateral trade increased by 26% from R3.4 billion in 2024 to R4.3 billion in 2025. Secondly, South Africa’s exports to Egypt grew by 21% from R1.3 billion in 2024 to R1.6 billion in 2025. Based on direct data, South Africa had a trade deficit with Egypt from 2021 to 2025.

“These are positive results, making South Africa Egypt’s 46th export destination and 58th source of imports from the rest of the world in 2025,” the department said.

Key initiatives of the JBC include:
–    A launch of a Mining and  Minerals Partnership, Automotive and New-Energy Mobility Partnership.
–    An Agriculture and Agro-processing Corridor, an Engineering and Infrastructure Partnership.
–    A Renewable Energy and Green Industrial Platform. 
–    An Africa Joint-Venture Investment Fund, as a private-sector investment vehicle targeting companies and projects capable of expanding beyond the two domestic markets.

Meanwhile, dtic Minister Parks Tau participated in the Africa Automotive Investment Forum, held on the margins of the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Automotive Industry Potential under the AfCFTA.”

READ | Call for stronger partnerships to drive automotive investment, job creation

The Forum was hosted by Dr Mohamed Farid Saleh, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Government of Egypt, in collaboration with Afreximbank and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM). Participants at the Forum observed the signing and launch of the Joint Business Council between South Africa and Egypt.

“The outcome of this relationship results in deepening bilateral trade and investment by creating practical commercial partnerships between South African and Egyptian companies, while using both countries as gateways into Southern, North and wider African markets,” the department explained.

For South Africa, the Forum provided an opportunity to position the country as a key manufacturing and investment anchor within an emerging continental automotive value chain, while strengthening linkages between South African automotive producers, African markets, component manufacturers, logistics networks and sources of capital.

The Forum brought together policymakers, governments, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component manufacturers, suppliers, investors, financiers, logistics providers and development partners to identify bankable investment opportunities, strengthen regional automotive production capabilities and advance the development of integrated continental supply chains. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Transport has confirmed a maritime incident off Mossel Bay that has resulted in the recovery of three bodies of crew members, while two others are still missing.

The department also conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased crew members.

“The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and to the maritime industry following a fatal incident off Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

“The department confirms that on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, the uMkhuseli Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV), managed by AMSOL on behalf of the department, experienced a man overboard incident approximately 40 nautical miles off Mossel Bay during inclement weather,” the department said.

In its statement on Saturday, the department said a crew member was pulled overboard while handling a mooring line. A search and rescue operation was immediately activated.

“A fast rescue boat dispatched to assist capsized in rough seas with four crew members on board. Three bodies have since been recovered. The search was paused overnight due to deteriorating conditions and resumed on Thursday morning for the two crew members still missing.

“The department commends all vessels that responded to the distress call and the NSRI [National Sea Rescue Institute] volunteers for their courageous efforts under difficult conditions. A helicopter with winch capability was dispatched from Cape Town to support the operation,” said Minister Creecy.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will commence a preliminary investigation into the incident while AMSA is providing support to the families and affected crew members.

“The safety of our seafarers remains a core focus area. The department will continue to monitor the implementation of and compliance with safety measures in maritime operations,” said Deputy Minister Hlengwa. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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A former Home Affairs employee found guilty on charges relating to corruption, fraud, and contraventions of the Immigration Act will appear in court again in November 2026 for a pre-sentencing report, said the Hawks.

The 34-year-old was found guilty on 1 October 2026 in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in KwaZulu-Natal.

The accused was found guilty on 66 counts of fraud, 66 counts of corruption, 66 counts of Contravention of the Immigration Act and 66 counts of Contravention of the Identification Act.

“The charges are related to activities which took place between February 2022 and July 2023, wherein a group of South African citizens allegedly facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by foreign nationals at a Department of Home Affairs (DHA)  office in Pietermaritzburg,” said the Hawks in a statement on Friday.

The unlawful activities took place outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, when the DHA offices were officially closed. These unlawful activities resulted in a case being opened for investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation Unit.

“The accused has been in custody since his arrest,” said the Hawks, adding that he will appear in court again on 13 November 2026.-SAnews.gov.za 

 

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