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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening foundational learning, improving financial accountability and expanding Early Childhood Development (ECD), while warning that growing financial pressures in provincial education departments threaten service delivery in schools.

Tabling Budget Vote 16 for Basic Education under the theme “Strong Foundations for Strong Futures” on Tuesday, Gwarube said South Africa’s education system continues to fail the majority of children before they reach upper grades. 

Using the example of two hypothetical 10-year-olds – Lindiwe, who attended a well-resourced ECD centre, and Nelson, who did not – the Minister said inequality begins long before matric.

“Over 90% of South African children are Nelsons and not Lindiwes. This is the education injustice of our time,” she said.

Gwarube said the department’s focus over the past two years has shifted toward “reform, discipline and delivery” – despite severe fiscal constraints.

The Minister identified quality ECD, literacy and numeracy, inclusive education, teacher development, infrastructure and governance as the department’s core priorities.

A major focus of the speech was the expansion of ECD access. Gwarube announced that government exceeded its target of registering 10 000 ECD centres in a year by registering more than 13 300 centres.

According to the Minister, ECD registration has grown by 200% between 2021 and 2026, with more than 1.2 million children now accessing registered ECD programmes.

She also confirmed that the ECD Nutrition Pilot has entered implementation in the Eastern Cape to address childhood malnutrition.

“This responds directly to the Thrive by Five findings that 7% of South Africa’s children are stunted due to malnutrition,” she said.

Gwarube further announced plans to develop national screen-time guidelines for children aged between two and six amid concerns about excessive screen exposure in early childhood development.

At the same time, the department is reviewing the 2004 White Paper on e-Education and developing national guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.

“Our approach is clear: the machine may assist, but the teacher must decide, the learner must think and the system must protect trust,” she said.

On the implementation of compulsory Grade R, Gwarube said government faces major funding challenges.

She revealed that aligning Grade R practitioner salaries with Foundation Phase educators and appointing additional teachers would cost approximately R10 billion over the medium term.

Because National Treasury did not allocate the full amount required, the department redirected R800 million from the ECD Grant to address immediate Grade R pressures.

“This is not ideal, but doing nothing would be worse. We will continue engaging National Treasury for sustainable long-term funding,” she said. 

BELA Act and other draft regulation

The Minister also outlined progress in implementing the BELA Act, saying draft regulations on admissions, school capacity and learner pregnancy have already been published for public comment.

Additional draft regulations on teacher development, home education and school governing body elections will follow during the financial year.

Government is also working on amendments to the South African Schools Act to formally recognise and regulate online schools.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the Children’s Amendment Bill, which Gwarube described as critical to creating “a more efficient, child-centred ECD system”.

Financial state of departments

The Minister raised alarm over the deteriorating financial state of several provincial education departments.

She recalled that a financial analysis conducted in 2024 projected multiple provinces would face serious budget shortfalls over the medium-term expenditure framework period.

Those risks, she said, are now materialising in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Northern Cape.

In response, Gwarube announced the establishment of a Multi-disciplinary Recovery Technical Support Team to assist provinces with budget planning, financial analysis and school resourcing.

“When provincial education finances fail, learners suffer first,” she said.

Payment to schools

The Minister also warned provinces against delaying Norms and Standards payments to schools.

“These funds are not optional. They are not a favour to schools. They are the lifeblood of teaching and learning,” she said.

Training and administrative burdens 

Gwarube said government would intensify support for foundational learning by training 10 000 foundation phase teachers in literacy and numeracy during the current financial year.

The department is also reviewing administrative burdens placed on teachers.

“I am pleased to announce that the National Education and Training Council has submitted proposals to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and the Department will soon issue directives to provinces to drastically reduce reporting tools,” she said.

She said the Funza Lushaka bursary programme has increasingly prioritised Foundation Phase teaching.
According to the Minister, 55% of bursaries in 2026 were allocated to the foundation phase education, up from 42% in 2025.

Reforms 

Gwarube also announced reforms to how provincial education performance will be measured.

While welcoming the Class of 2025’s national matric pass rate of 88% — the highest in South African history — she argued that quality cannot be judged on pass rates alone.

The department will now rank provincial performance using a broader “basket of indicators”, including Bachelor pass attainment, distinctions, gateway subject participation and learner retention rates.
“This will give South Africans a more honest picture of quality, participation, progression and subject depth,” she said.

The Minister further confirmed that disciplinary and criminal processes are under way following the detection of examination irregularities in a small number of scripts in Gauteng during the 2025 matric examinations.
READ | Basic Education reaffirms integrity of NSC exams

Infrastructure

On infrastructure, Gwarube announced that 99.9% of pit toilets identified under the 2018 SAFE Initiative backlog have been eradicated, with only one project remaining under construction.

However, she acknowledged frustration over delays.

“I am pleased that we are closing the last project on that backlog, but angry that it has taken this long. Project management in the public service must improve,” she said.

Government has allocated R16.3 billion through the Education Infrastructure Grant for sanitation, safety, overcrowding reduction and rural infrastructure projects.

Foundation Phase National Catalogue

The Minister also announced an independent external investigation into the Foundation Phase National Catalogue procurement process following concerns over possible irregularities.

The process relates to the procurement of learning materials for Grades 1 to 3.

While National Treasury’s assessment was inconclusive, Gwarube said there were sufficient concerns regarding deviations from competitive bidding procedures to warrant a full investigation.

“This investigation must be conducted urgently by a reputable, independent law firm with the expertise, credibility and capacity to withstand scrutiny.

“Corruption in education is never victimless. And neither is weak governance. Both are ultimately paid for by children,” she said. 

Governing well

Budget Vote 16 allocates R38.2 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, including R32.7 billion for conditional grants. 

This includes nearly R11 billion for school nutrition, R16 billion for school infrastructure, R4.6 billion for ECD, R477 million for Mathematics, Science and Technology, and R307 million for learners with disabilities.

Concluding her address, Gwarube said government would ultimately be judged not by policy announcements, but by whether children “could read better, count better, learn in safety, eat at school and leave school with strong futures because we governed well.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will today launch the country’s electoral programme ahead of the general voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026.

The purpose of the event is to unveil the IEC’s communication campaign, demonstrate readiness for the upcoming Local Government Elections and raise awareness on key aspects of the electoral process, including operational readiness, important timelines for the elections, and priority electoral information of interest to the public and stakeholders.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially announced 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s upcoming Local Government Elections, setting the stage for political parties and voters to begin preparations.

“The 4th of November 2026 is the date that we have set for the Local Government Elections that will have completed a full five years since the 2021 [municipal elections]. This is in line with our constitutional construct [to] keep to those timelines that are clearly set out in our Constitution,” President Ramaphosa said at that time.

The proclamation of the election date followed consultations with the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister. It signalled the official start of the campaign period, with political parties expected to mobilise support and prepare for the polls. – SAnews.gov.za

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Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says an agreement has been reached between Eskom, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and its power utility, City Power, to keep the lights on in the city.

About a week ago, Eskom issued a notice of intent to reduce, interrupt and/or terminate electricity supply to certain bulk supply points in the city due to the R5.2 billion owed by the City and City Power (CP) to Eskom. 

“I’m delighted to say that we have found a path to resolve this problem,” the Minister said, following a meeting with all stakeholders, including Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.

Some two years ago, the two parties had reached an Electricity Supply Agreement to address the debt issue. 

“The City… experienced a number of challenges leading up to the end of last year and the beginning of this year, and they were unable to keep up with the provisions of that agreement. Eskom… then issued a notice of either interruption, disruption or discontinuation of bulk electricity supply to the City of Johannesburg.

“What we have agreed to… reaffirms the provisions of the existing agreement, which says we need to keep up with the current account and find a way of servicing the debt that has now grown,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister said Eskom, the City and City Power will “work out a partnership” because of the sheer magnitude of the City and the residents who are paying for services.

“Johannesburg is just too big to fail. It is the powerhouse of the South African economy and the epicentre of the financial markets in the country and across the continent. As opposed to dealing with Johannesburg at arm’s length…we have accepted that we need to provide some degree of support to City Power. 

“There are a lot of customers who are paying and I think it would be particularly unfair for those customers to be collateral damage, so we need to find a solution,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues in the media industry on the passing of respected journalist, Baldwin Ndaba.

“His distinguished career spanned several years across several publications, where he made an outstanding contribution to journalism in South Africa. He will be remembered for his professionalism, commitment to truth, and dedication to telling the stories that shaped public discourse,” the GCIS said on Tuesday.

Government also recognised his commitment to regional and provincial journalism during his time at the Diamond Fields Advertiser, where he contributed significantly to community-centred reporting and amplified local voices and issues.

“Government honours his contribution to the media sector and recognises the important role he played in informing, educating, and shaping democratic dialogue in the country,” the GCIS said. 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni Diko, also expressed profound sadness at the passing of Ndaba, highlighting his contribution to the journalism profession and democratic accountability, which left an indelible mark on South Africa’s media landscape.

She described Ndaba as a fearless and principled journalist who understood the critical role of the media in strengthening constitutional democracy.

“Through his incisive reporting, commitment to truth and passion for objective journalism, Ndaba ensured that the voices of ordinary South Africans were amplified while those entrusted with power remained accountable to the people,” Diko added.

She further noted that Ndaba’s distinguished career was characterised by integrity, professionalism and intellectual depth, adding that his work consistently reflected a commitment to ethical journalism and the public interest.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find strength and comfort during this difficult period of mourning,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has welcomed the findings of the 2025 General Household Survey (GHS) released by Statistics South Africa, showing that household access to improved water, sanitation and electricity has improved significantly over the past 23 years.

The report reflects continued progress in improving the living conditions of millions of South Africans through sustained investment in basic services, infrastructure, housing, education and social development. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the survey confirms that democratic South Africa continues to expand access to essential services and improve the quality of life of households across the country.

The findings show significant long-term progress in access to formal housing, electricity, water, sanitation and digital communication. 

Formal dwellings increased to 84,2%, up 10,7 percentage points from 73,5% in 2002. 

Access to electricity has increased substantially, from 76,7% in 2002 to 90,6% in 2025, accompanied by reduced reliance on traditional fuels. 

More households now have access to improved sanitation and piped water services (flush toilets and pit toilets with ventilation pipes), with data showing an increase from 61,7% in 2002 to 84,0% in 2025. 

The survey further reflects growing household access to internet connectivity and mobile communication, demonstrating progress towards a more digitally connected society.

“Government is particularly encouraged by improvements in household infrastructure and living standards, including increased access to formal dwellings and the continued reduction in the use of unsafe and inadequate sanitation facilities. 

“These gains are the result of sustained public investment and coordinated service delivery efforts across all spheres of government,” the GCIS said.

The survey also highlights the important role of social support measures that the government has in place in protecting vulnerable households and reducing the impact of poverty and economic hardship on communities. 

The report revealed that by 2025, grants reached 39,5% of individuals and 50,6% of households, with nearly one-quarter (23,4%) relying on them as their source of income.

“Importantly, the findings bear testament to a government that is working and provide evidence that enables the government to continuously improve planning, resource allocation and service delivery interventions.

“While progress has been made, government acknowledges that many South Africans continue to face socio-economic challenges and reiterates that it remains focused on addressing these challenges through targeted reforms, infrastructure development, economic recovery measures and partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods and creating sustainable opportunities for all citizens,” the GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns on their remarkable achievement in securing the CAF Champions League title.

The Minister described the victory as a testament to the club’s dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

He added that Mamelodi Sundowns have once again demonstrated why South African football continues to compete at the highest level on the African continent.

“On behalf of the Government of South Africa and all football-loving South Africans, I congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns on this outstanding achievement. 

“Your success has brought immense pride to our nation and serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers across the country. You have flown the South African flag high and shown that through hard work, discipline, and teamwork, greatness can be achieved,” McKenzie said on Tuesday.

The Minister further commended the players, the technical team, the management, the supporters, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to this historic success.

“As champions of Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns have not only written another memorable chapter in their illustrious history but have also strengthened South Africa’s standing in continental football,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that exceptionally high rainfall totals have been recorded at the Ceres Automatic Weather Station (AWS), highlighting a notably active start to the winter rainfall season over parts of the south-western interior in the Western Cape.

“Climatologically, May marks the transition into the Western Cape winter rainfall season. However, the magnitude of rainfall observed during May 2026 was significantly above normal,” the weather service said on Tuesday.

Rainfall observations extracted on 22 May 2026 indicate that the Ceres AWS has already accumulated a monthly total of 507,0 mm for May to date. 

“This amount far exceeds rainfall totals recorded during the preceding months of 2026. The most significant rainfall event occurred between 10 and 12 May 2026, when two persistent and intense cold fronts affected Ceres and much of the Western Cape,” SAWS said.

During these three days, the station recorded 69,4 mm on 10 May, an exceptional 333,2 mm on 11 May and 75,6 mm on 12 May.

According to the weather service, the May 2026 rainfall total recorded at the Ceres AWS was exceptionally high when compared to the station’s long-term climatological monthly averages.

The station recorded 507,0 mm during May 2026 (to date), while the long-term average rainfall for May is approximately 80,4 mm. 

This means that rainfall during May 2026 was more than six times the average monthly rainfall normally expected for this time of year.

The rainfall total also exceeded the climatological monthly averages for the peak winter rainfall months, including the June average of 245,2 mm, the July average of 182,0 mm and the August average of 120,0 mm.

While the substantial rainfall contributed positively to dam levels, groundwater recharge, river flows, and agricultural water availability, the excessive rainfall over this short period had adverse impacts on communities.  

“Much of the impact associated with these extraordinary rainfall amounts was experienced across the Witzenberg, Breede Valley and Langeberg Municipalities, largely due to the Breede River catchment system originating in the Skurweberg Mountains near Ceres. 

“The river flows through Mitchell’s Pass into the Breede River Valley and continues through major agricultural and wine-producing towns such as Worcester, Robertson and Swellendam before reaching the Indian Ocean at its estuary in Witsand. As a result, heavy runoff and rising river levels contributed to widespread impacts across parts of the catchment,” SAWS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga has filed a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission against Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni.

The Magistrate presided over the extortion and money laundering case against taxi boss Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and others in Kwaggafontein earlier this month.

The matter was controversially struck off the roll after the prosecutor failed to appear in court.

READ | NPA exploring options in Sibanyoni matter

“The formal complaint is premised on serious concerns that the NPA has in the manner in which she conducted the court proceedings…that culminated in the two orders that she granted.

“The two orders relate to the conviction of the prosecutor for contempt of court, authorisation of a warrant of arrest against him and striking the criminal case off the roll in terms of Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

“In as much as we have filed a notice for leave to appeal against the contempt of court order and the authorisation of a warrant of arrest, we deem it prudent that we consider the filing of a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission,” the prosecutorial body said.

The NPA said it holds a “firm view” that the conduct displayed during proceedings “raises serious institutional concerns relating to judicial decorum, procedural fairness and the proper administration of justice”.

“Investigation of the complaint to the Magistrates Commission would therefore serve the broader purpose of protecting the integrity of the Magistracy, ensuring accountability, and preventing recurrence of similar irregularities in future proceedings,” the NPA explained.

NPA Head Advocated Andy Mothibi added: “This process will go a long way in protecting the image of the criminal justice system and in setting the records clear”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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