Category: English

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has called on the 2025 matriculants to uphold integrity and honesty as they prepare for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Speaking during the 2025 Grade 12 NSC candidate pledge signing ceremony at Hoërskool Vorentoe on Friday, Chiloane reminded learners that their journey and the pledge were bound by destiny.

“In 2013, two significant events occurred. First, the Council of Education Ministers established this pledge requirement. Secondly, you, the Class of 2025, entered Grade 1, beginning a journey that brings you here today. Somehow, it is as if destiny aligned your educational path with this commitment to integrity,” he said.
The MEC commended the Class of 2025 for their resilience in adapting to new learning methods and emerging stronger despite challenges.

“Class of 2025, you carry a special distinction. As the 18th cohort to write the NSC examinations, you have navigated unprecedented challenges. You adapted to online learning, returned to modified classrooms, and still managed to master not just traditional subjects but new offerings like Technical Mathematics and Sign Language. Your resilience has already been tested and proven,” Chiloane said. 

The event brought together 390 candidates – 221 from Hoërskool Vorentoe and 169 from Westbury Secondary School, who joined more than 192,000 Grade 12 candidates across Gauteng taking part in similar ceremonies. 

“You are living proof that when neighbouring schools unite, when communities collaborate, we create something powerful. While you gather here, identical ceremonies unfold across all 1,040 examination centres in Gauteng, binding 192,745 candidates in our provincial covenant of integrity,” he said.

Chiloane reminded learners that the NSC exam was not just another test but a key to their future.
“The NSC Examination is not just another test; it is a high-stakes national assessment that unlocks doors to employment and further education. Every mark you earn honestly becomes a key to your future. Every shortcut you resist strengthens your character. Every rule you follow protects not just your qualification, but the credibility of the entire system,” he said.

He also cautioned candidates against distractions and the misuse of social media.

“I urge you to disconnect from social media during this critical period. These platforms, which can be wonderful tools for connection, too often become breeding grounds for anxiety, false information, and cyberbullying during exam time. I am not asking you, I am instructing you: stay off social media during your examinations. Your emotional well-being depends on it,” he said. 

The MEC reiterated the department’s zero tolerance towards cheating and misconduct during exams.
“No cellphones or watches in examination rooms – not in your pocket, not in your bag, nowhere. No disruptive behaviour that disturbs other candidates. No unauthorised materials or devices. No giving or receiving assistance. No writing on behalf of another candidate,” he warned.

The MEC further urged learners to be vigilant and report any wrongdoing. 

“Your pledge today includes a commitment to report wrongdoing. This is not about being a snitch; it is about protecting the value of your qualification. When someone cheats, they do not just cheat the system; they cheat you by devaluing the very certificate you are working honestly to earn,” he said. 
Chiloane expressed appreciation to educators, school governing bodies, parents, and religious leaders for their collective role in guiding and supporting learners.

He also encouraged learners to maintain integrity throughout their examinations.

“Be the cohort remembered not only for the highest pass rate, but for the highest integrity rate. Be the generation that made cheating obsolete. I want a 100% pass rate from you,” Chiloane said.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the MEC reminded the learners of the significance of the pledge they were signing.
“As you prepare to sign this pledge, remember that this signature represents your word, your honour, your commitment to face these examinations with courage and integrity. You are not just promising to write examinations honestly. You are promising to write your life story with integrity. The pen is in your hands. Write wisely,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates to approach their final examinations with honesty, integrity, and a sense of responsibility to themselves and the country.

Speaking at the National Senior Certificate Pledge Signing Ceremony held at Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Friday, Gwarube said the pledge represented a moment of deep meaning for learners across South Africa. 

“It gives me great pride and joy to join you today, as we gather to witness a moment that carries deep meaning for every learner in our country — the signing of the National Senior Certificate Pledge,” she said.

The Minister said the day was about affirming South Africa’s shared values. 

“Today is about affirming who we are as a people and what kind of citizens we want to become. It is a day that speaks to integrity, honesty and accountability, the very values that form the foundation of our education system and our democracy,” the minister said. 

Addressing the Class of 2025, Gwarube commended learners for their perseverance through 12 years of schooling and urged them to face their examinations with integrity.

“You have overcome difficulties and uncertainties, and now you stand on the threshold of one of the most defining moments of your young lives. As you prepare to write your National Senior Certificate examinations, you will take a pledge today that commits you to approach this milestone with honour and integrity,” she said.

She reminded learners that integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

“Integrity is one of the most important qualities any individual can possess. It means doing what is right even when no one is watching. It means being truthful in your work, being reliable in your promises, and standing firm in your principles,” she said. 

Gwarube emphasised that the pledge was not a mere formality, but a vital step in protecting the credibility of South Africa’s education system.

“The pledge you will take today is a solemn declaration that you will not allow dishonesty, cheating, or any form of misconduct to define your journey. It is a commitment to fairness and truthfulness. When you put your name on that pledge, you are saying that your success will be earned through your own effort, not through shortcuts or deceit,” the Minister said. 

She warned that dishonesty during examinations undermines not only individuals but the entire education system.

“If we allow cheating or dishonesty to undermine these exams, we not only harm ourselves, but we harm the credibility of the entire system. We damage the value of the certificate that thousands of honest learners have worked hard to achieve. We weaken the trust that society places in our education system,” Gwarube said.

She described the pledge as “a collective act of protection — protecting your future, protecting your integrity and the integrity of the system, and protecting the reputation of our country.”

Gwarube said the ceremony was a reminder that education is not only about academic achievement but also about developing character and values. 

“Our vision for the basic education system is not only to produce learners who pass exams, but to produce young people who are principled, ethical, and inspired to build a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said.

She encouraged learners to embody empathy, respect and responsibility, noting that the future of the nation depends on principled citizens.

“The future of our country will depend not only on how educated we are, but on how principled we are. A nation that values honesty and fairness will always find its way forward, no matter the challenge,” she said. 

The Minister also expressed hope that South Africa’s learners would contribute to a values-driven continent.

“We also take pride in knowing that the kind of learner we nurture here in South Africa will contribute to a thriving and values-based Africa. The future of our continent depends on young leaders who understand that integrity is the true measure of leadership.”

She encouraged learners to write their final examinations with confidence and pride.

“Your hard work will open doors. Your honesty will sustain your success. Your integrity will define your legacy. When you walk into the examination room, walk in with the assurance that your future is in your hands. You are capable, you are ready, and you are the hope of this nation,” she said.

Gwarube also wished learners well for their valedictory ceremonies, urging them to celebrate integrity, effort, and resilience.

“Let your valedictory be a celebration of integrity, effort, and resilience. Let it be a reminder that the lessons you take from school are not only found in books, but in the values that will guide your lives.”

She expressed gratitude to teachers and parents for their continued support of learners across the country.

“To the teachers and parents who have walked this road with our Matric Class of 2025: thank you. Your dedication, sacrifice, and belief in our young people make all the difference,” she said. 

Closing her address, the Minister told the learners that as they take the pledge today, they must remember that they are not just promising to be honest in their exams, but in all that they do in life.

“May you go forward with pride, and may your efforts shine as brightly as your dreams. I wish you all the best for your final examinations. Write them with confidence, honesty, and the belief that you are shaping a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Competition Commission has played a critical role in assisting government to keep a close eye on anti-competitive practices that inflate the price of food.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered an address at the 7th Social Justice Summit held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

“Since 2007 the Commission has conducted a number of inquiries to enforce fairness and accountability in food markets. Examples of this include the bread and milling cartel cases, the grocery retail market inquiry and the fresh produce market inquiry.

“[This] work is directly contributing to a fairer food system. Reduced retail food prices make basic and nutritious foodstuffs more affordable for low-income households,” he said.

Turning to food retailers, the President called on those companies to join the government in efforts to curtail rising costs.

“These companies are very good distributors of our food. However, they are making billions of profits and if we are talking about food prices, we want to call on them to look at the prices they charge for food at the till.

“We also want to call on them to look at the high margins that they charge. Because it’s all very well for them to say there needs to be food security, there needs to be affordable food prices, but they are the ones who drive the high food prices.
“They are the ones who must join us in taking action to reduce food prices. We want them to join us when it comes to reducing the cost of living. Food prices are what drives the cost of living higher,” he said.

Furthermore, a whole of society approach is needed to ensure that people do not go to bed hungry. 

“This has to be a collective action by all of us: government, business, civil society, academia and everyone. We need to have a comprehensive approach to looking at how we ensure that there is true food security and affordable food prices for the people of our country,” he said.

WATCH | President addresses the Social Justice Summit 

Stepping up efforts
The President acknowledged that although there has been much done in “improving the health outcomes of our people, we need to do far more”.

“The Medium-Term Development Plan is clear that food security is central to reducing poverty and improving human development in general. Its first target is to reduce the proportion of South Africans living below the food poverty line from 30.9 % in 2022 to 25% by 2029. 

“Secondly, it is to reduce the number of individuals vulnerable to hunger from 5.4 million to below 2.9 million over the same period.

“To achieve these MTDP [Medium-Term Development Plan] targets over the remaining period of four years of this administration, government has prioritised a coordinated set of strategic interventions,” he said.

Interventions include regular review of the National Minimum Wage to match inflation, reviewing the indigent policies to “ensure that communities have more money in their pockets to buy decent food, diversifying food security programmes, and expanding the social welfare net”.

The President highlighted that the G20 Ministerial Food Security Task Force Declaration affirms the right to food as fundamental.

“Its principles resonate deeply with our values as South Africa which are encapsulated in the spirit of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because you are”. Achieving equality, solidarity and sustainability in food systems requires partnerships.

“It demands that we put evidence to work. It demands that we act collectively – across government, business and civil society – to ensure that freedom from hunger becomes a lived reality for every South African,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the School Nutrition Programme as one of South Africa’s most impactful pro-poor programmes since the dawn of democracy.

The President delivered a keynote address at the 7th Social Justice Summit held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The school nutrition programme feeds some 9.7 million children from indigent households during the week, with studies showing the positive impact it has on learner attendance, concentration and academic performance. 

“Put into perspective even further, when one is quantifying the longer-term impact, last year, learners from quintile 1 – 3 schools accounted for 67% of all bachelor passes. These learners, who now have the opportunity to go on to achieve their dreams, will have received 12 full years of nutrition support at school through this programme.

“Without a shadow of doubt, the School Nutrition Programme is one of the most transformative, pro-poor and pro-development policies to have emanated from our democratic dispensation. It is more than just a support system; it is a strategic effort to promote a healthier, more educated future,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, government has gone on to ensure that these learners receive two meals a day at school.

“…[Learners] now get two meals a day – breakfast and lunch – because as children come to school in the morning, they have invariably not had breakfast. 

“This is a real impactful change,” he added.

Additionally, social grants are also playing a critical role in feeding the households that some of these learners come from.

“The social grant system is a lifeline for millions of South Africans, who rely on grants to feed themselves and their families. The impact of social grants on supporting nutrition cannot be understated.

“There is a vast body of research from government as well as civil society organisations backing up the assertion that grants are associated with better nutrition and lower food insecurity.

“The National Income Dynamics Study/Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey… found that the Social Relief of Distress or SRD grant introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of people below the food poverty line by 2 million in 2021,” President Rampho sa said.

Government interventions

President Ramaphosa continued to outline government’s efforts to fight food insecurity since the dawn of democracy.

He pointed to “provincially managed programmes to support food production in the form of backyard food gardens”as one example.

Nutrition at a primary health level is also being prioritised through initiatives including breastfeeding promotion, micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women and a National Obesity Strategy.

“Since 2003, we have also implemented a mandatory food fortification programme for staples like wheat and maize flour to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutrition.

“We have [also] leveraged fiscal and market-based measures to improve food affordability. Since 1991, we have implemented zero-rating of the basic foods basket to support low-income households, and this list continues to be expanded.

“In 2018, we began implementing a health promotion levy on sweetened beverages to support efforts to decrease diabetes, obesity and other related diseases,” President Ramaphosa highlighted.

He called on the summit attendees to “reaffirm the conviction that social justice cannot exist in the presence of hunger”. 

“Let it remind us that the realisation of the right to food is not only a measure of policy success, but a test of our collective conscience,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The summit leverages the country’s G20 leadership to champion the African agenda and global cooperation. 

As a platform for intersectoral collaboration, the summit deliberates constitutional commitments and policy outcomes, including the positioning of food justice as a transformative driver of social cohesion, regional food security and global solidarity. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economies on the continent, South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency has launched an initiative to unlock and accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects.

Cross border connectivity through roads, bridges, railways, water and transmission lines is vital for fostering trade, enhancing competitiveness and lifting the living standards of people. 

“Recognising that increasing quality infrastructure investment is critical to support faster economic growth, sustainable development and disaster resilience, members reaffirmed the focus on addressing impediments to scaling up private investment in infrastructure,” said the Chairs summary of the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting on Thursday.

During this meeting, the South Africa’s G20 Presidency launched the Ubuntu Legacy Initiative as it supports the full operationalisation of  the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The trade agreement intends to boost intra-Africa trade and economic integration by creating a single continental market for goods and services.

The Infrastructure Working Group, under the South African Presidency, has provided practical solutions to developing a credible pipeline of projects underpinned by an enabling environment and well-structured project preparation practices supported by the availability of timely and good-quality market and project level data.

Moreover, the group came up with solutions on the de-risking of sustainable infrastructure investments through blended finance instruments, including guarantees and credit enhancements; and advancing cross border projects for regional development across economic, governance and financial dimensions.
To ensure the effective implementation of the project, the National Treasury has partnered with the African Development Bank.

International financial architecture

The G20 reaffirmed the critical role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in driving poverty reduction, economic growth, and development across client countries.

“Members underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs and other international economic and financial institutions.

“Members committed to addressing debt vulnerabilities in low- and middle-income countries in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner,” the Chairs summary said.

In addition, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors reaffirmed support for the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

They welcomed the DSSI recent progress, which further strengthens its implementation in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner.

Launched in 2020, the DSSI temporarily suspended debt payments for eligible low-income countries to help them cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Members welcomed the increased information sharing between the G20 and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and expressed support for continuing this collaboration. Members noted the G20 Presidency’s note on supporting debt sustainability and addressing liquidity challenges in vulnerable developing countries.

“Members noted the G20 Technical Presidency note on the recent voluntary use of climate resilient debt clauses (CRDCs). Members called for enhanced debt transparency from all stakeholders, including private creditors. Members supported a G20 Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability,” the statement said.

They urged the international community to support vulnerable countries whose debt is sustainable but are facing liquidity challenges and encouraged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to further continue their work on feasible options to support these countries, which should be country-specific and voluntary.

“Members generally supported continued IMF collaboration with Regional Financing Arrangements (RFA). Members have advanced the domestic approvals for their consent to the quota increase under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) and look forward to finalising this process with no further delay.”

They acknowledged the importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members’ relative positions in the world economy while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members. 

“Members acknowledged, however, that building consensus among members on quota and governance reforms will require progress in stages. Members supported the call for the IMF Executive Board to develop a set of principles guiding future discussions on IMF quotas and governance by the 2026 Spring meetings in line with the Diriyah Declaration.

“Members acknowledged the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) on capital flows and noted the International Financial Architecture Working Group Co-chairs’ note on understanding NBFI behaviour and investment in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs),” said the summary. 

READ | G20 supports efforts to address high debt servicing costs
–SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is currently hosting the Science Diplomacy Summer School with the aim of equipping participants with knowledge needed to address Africa’s developmental and global challenges.

Held in collaboration with its partners, the summer school is a hybrid event, taking place both online and in person in Gauteng from 15 to 24 October 2025.

The council said the innovative programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to effectively leverage the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy in addressing Africa’s developmental and global challenges.

The programme offers participants a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of science diplomacy as a critical tool for navigating complex global challenges.

The HSRC said that through contextually relevant case studies, dialogues, and reflective exercises, participants will explore the diverse roles and perspectives of policymakers, diplomats, scientists, and civil society actors. 

This combination of theory and practice is designed to enhance analytical and critical thinking, while fostering innovative strategies to strengthen Africa’s voice and influence in global science and diplomacy arenas.

The programme takes an interactive and practice-oriented approach, combining conceptual learning with hands-on activities and engagement. Participants will explore various dimensions, tracks, and methods of science diplomacy through relevant case studies, dialogues, reflective exercises, and working groups.

By the end of the summer school, attendees will understand the tools, soft skills, and expertise necessary for effective science diplomacy. They will learn to apply systems thinking to science diplomacy at the multilateral level using real-world scenarios. 

In addition, participants will gain a solid understanding of policy stakeholders and effective engagement mechanisms for scientific and diplomatic partnerships.

The participants will engage in integrating African perspectives, knowledge systems, and priorities into global science diplomacy dialogues, identifying opportunities and challenges for advancing science diplomacy within the African context.

The summer school include three online sessions via MS Teams. 

There will be in-person sessions held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre on 20 and 21 October 2025.
All materials related to the summer school are available to registered participants on the HSRC website: https://hsrc.ac.za/science-diplomacy-summer-school/. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Group of Twenty (G20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors has reaffirmed its commitment to support efforts by low- and middle-income countries to address debt vulnerabilities in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner.

“We recognise that a high level of debt is one of the obstacles to inclusive growth in many developing economies, which limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, disaster resilience, healthcare, education and other development needs,” read the Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability on Thursday.

The declaration was released at the conclusion of the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, which took place in Washington, DC in the United States of America. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

It further outlined actions to enhance debt sustainability.

While the risk of a systemic debt crisis appears to be broadly contained, many vulnerable low and middle- income countries face high financing costs, large external refinancing needs, and a significant outflow of private capital.

According to the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, interest payments on total external public debt have increased significantly and have more than doubled over the past decade for low-income countries (LICs).

“We reiterate our commitment to further strengthen the implementation of the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner,” the declaration said.

Launched in 2020, the DSSI temporarily suspended debt payments for eligible low-income countries to help them cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We reaffirm our call to enhance debt transparency from all stakeholders, including private creditors. We support the ongoing review of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Low Income Countries Debt Sustainability Framework (LIC-DSF), which will result in further improving the methodology underpinning the IMF-World Bank Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) for LICs and thus contribute to understanding and addressing debt vulnerabilities more effectively,” the declaration stated.

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors noted that the voluntary use of crisis resilient debt clauses where appropriate could potentially provide vital breathing space and liquidity.

“We note the efforts to explore the consideration of the use of liability management operations and debt-for-development, debt-for-climate, or similar swaps on a voluntary and case-by-case basis, with a balanced view on their benefits and limitations to help strengthen debt sustainability.”

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors indicated that they remain committed to engaging constructively with key stakeholders in further advancing common understanding, including with the private sector, official bilateral and multilateral creditors and debtor countries, for example, in the context of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR).

“It is important to engage with and enhance the voice of borrower countries. We continue to urge the international community to support vulnerable countries with a strong reform agenda whose debt is sustainable but are facing liquidity challenges and encourage the IMF and the World Bank to continue their work on feasible options to support these countries, which should be country-specific and voluntary. 

“We underscore the importance of addressing gaps in debt management, debt transparency, public financial management, and domestic resource mobilisation and will continue to advance adequate capacity-building initiatives to this end,” the declaration said. –SAnews.gov.za