Category: English

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday described the late Eyewitness News (EWN’s) politics associate Editor, Tshidi Madia, as someone with a strong personality and a remarkable work ethic.

She said the country has been left with a void, following the passing away of the acclaimed journalist on Wednesday.
Madia died at the age of 42 following a short illness.

During her visit to the Madia family in Leondale in Gauteng, Ntshavheni said Madia reported truthfully, critically and constructively, with a focus on nation building.

The Minister conveyed her condolences to the family, adding that Madia was a patriot.

“She would go miles to fight for the country. I’m sure all of us will remember when she fought for the voice of South Africa at the White House in the Oval Office, but she didn’t stop there. She went to Fox [News] and she had an interview there and she was not intimidated by that platform,” Ntshavheni said.

She added that the political journalist was a daughter of South Africa.

“Her support was not bias to government and to the country. She made sure that her message was about the country. She was not intimidated by the office, not intimidated by an issue, she confronted it head-on.

“She was an ordinary girl who came from Limpopo and made a huge impact in her field of work. She also made sure that the story of South Africa is told, whether good or bad, in a manner that is constructive for the country. 

“It is a great loss for the country. We have asked God to receive her beautiful soul. We are going to miss her dearly. I know that next week when we do the post-Cab [post-Cabinet media briefing], questions from Tshidi Madia will be missing. It will be the first void we are going to feel,” the Minister explained.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late Eyewitness News Associate Political Editor with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) saying Madia would be remembered for her professionalism, courage and commitment to telling South Africa’s story.

“During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation,” the GCIS said.

READ | Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

Deputy Preisdent Paul Mashatile has also conveyed his condolences, saying Madia was a consummate professional.

READ | Deputy President honours renowned, late journalist Tshidi Madia
–SAnews.gov.za 

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In a landmark event during Women’s Month, South Africa officially launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk and National JET Skills Advisory Forum, signalling a strategic commitment to inclusive economic transformation. 

The keynote address – delivered by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile – highlighted that the energy transition is “not just about megawatts” but is fundamentally about people, communities, and equity.

“It must be about ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind,” Manamela told the attendees at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, on Friday. 

Today’s launch saw the unveiling of the JET Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, two pillars of South Africa’s JET Skills Portfolio. 

The Minister believes that these structures are not symbolic but are operational instruments designed to close the green skills gap that hinders energy transition, slows competitiveness and risks excluding those most affected by the decline of coal and other traditional industries. 

“Through this way, we recognise that skills are the bridge between transition and inclusion to economic restructuring and social justice. 

“As Minister of Higher Education, we are actively aware that the post-school education and training system sits at the centre of this transformation. Universities, TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges, community education centres and industry partners must prepare South Africans, especially workers in vulnerable sectors, for new opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles and sustainable industries.” 

Manamela stated that the JET Skills Desk, located within his department, will coordinate the reskilling and upskilling of workers, while focusing on preparing them for opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industries.

“It will drive reskilling and upskilling of adult workers. It will anticipate skills needs through labour market intelligence. It will strengthen curricular and educator readiness, and align training with industry.” 

The aim is to also create skills development zones in provinces like Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. 

“Skills are the bridge between transition and inclusion, between economic restructuring and social justice,” Manamela said, underlining the initiative’s broader national significance. 

WATCH | 

 

The Minister acknowledged that government currently has no dedicated budget line for the transition, emphasising the need for blended funding with public investment leading the way. 

“That is why the mobilisation of blended funding is so important. Public investment must lead, private investment must follow, and philanthropic and development partners must catalyse community-based economies,” he said. 

In the meantime, he said a multi-donor initiative supported by the European Union, Germany and Switzerland, will help catalyse these efforts, demonstrating international confidence in South Africa’s skills agenda. 

“We cannot remain in the face of endless research and reports; the time has come to move to implementation and delivery. Therefore, we must focus on building infrastructure, for instance, colleges and universities strengthen entrepreneurship in affected communities. 

“That’s why we have a Minister of Small Business Development here, amongst others, supporting career guidance and train the trainer programmes, creating clear pathways for youth and women in the glacial economy.” 

The Minister strongly believes that the initiative aims to empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, ensuring they are not left behind in the green economy transformation. 

“This is not only a skills agenda, but also a nation-building agenda, as we conclude and move forward to the G20 Summit later this year under South Africa’s Presidency. 

“Let us remember the Just Energy Transition must be measured not only by how much power we install, but how many lives we improve and how many communities we empower.” 

READ | Mashatile to launch Just Energy Transition initiatives in Johannesburg

On behalf of the Deputy President, Manamela told the delegates that government has pledged its full commitment to ensuring that the JET Skills Portfolio fulfils its promise.

“I call on all our partners, public and private, local and international, to act with agency and imagination to ensure that the transition, that this transition is truly just, let us build a greener, fairer and more prosperous South Africa,” he concluded to a round of applause. – SAnews.gov.za

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Science diplomacy must be harnessed as a tool to close gender disparity gaps, accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science.

This was the central message as South Africa and Tunisia jointly celebrated Women’s Month in Pretoria on Thursday, reaffirming their partnership in advancing women’s empowerment through diplomacy in science, technology and innovation (STI).

Both countries, which mark National Women’s Day in August, used the occasion to reflect on their shared history of women’s struggles and emancipation, while strengthening collaboration to address barriers to gender equality in science and innovation.

The event was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Embassy of Tunisia, with the theme: ‘The Role of Science Diplomacy in Women’s Empowerment: South African–Tunisian Experience’.

READ | Deputy Minister Gina to address SA-Tunisia Women’s Day celebration

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, stressed that “science knows no borders”. She called for deeper cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia.

“We are here to insist that science diplomacy without a gender dimension is incomplete. We, as women across borders, must start collaborating on joint scientific and research projects more than before. We must support each other across nations,” said Gina.

She highlighted achievements made since the signing of the 2010 STI cooperation agreement with Tunisia, including joint research projects worth over R14 million. 

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to inclusivity through policies such as the STI Decadal Plan, the Grassroots Innovators Programme, and targeted support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

South Africa’s strides also include National Research Foundation funding instruments for Master’s and PhD studies, the annual South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), and bursaries offered through the SA Radio Astronomy Observatory, which currently supports Tunisian researcher, Dr Raja Mchaalia.

Tunisia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Karima Bardaoui, outlined her country’s progress in advancing gender equality since independence in 1956. Women now make up more than 55% of science graduates and hold a high proportion of PhDs.

“We have implemented policies aimed at ensuring access to education for all and at providing knowledge, tools and opportunities that help bridge gender gaps and promote equality, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or geographic location,” said Bardaoui.

She said science diplomacy can help address underrepresentation in leadership, funding disparities, and cultural barriers, while inspiring the next generation of African women scientists.

The programme, supported by the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), featured thematic discussions with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), United Nations Women, the Commission for Gender Equality, and representatives from leading South African universities.

Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, Dr Barbara Glover, urged greater visibility for women in science.

“Let us put women on the map so that the younger ones can see,” said Glover.

A recipient of National Research Foundation bursaries, Glover shared how science diplomacy enabled her to study in both Africa and Europe.

Founder of Traversing Liminality, Dr Lulamile Gwagwa, encouraged the DSTI to create a networking platform for SAWiSA participants to engage and collaborate. 

Recent SAWiSA winner, Dr Maurine Musie, said the awards inspired her to start a podcast on maternal and neonatal health in Africa. 

The event concluded with a united call to strengthen bilateral and continental partnerships that place women at the centre of science diplomacy.

Gina summed up the spirit of the day: “Women supporting each other, instead of competing against each other, bring a unity and strength like no other. Let’s hold hands and empower each other across our countries.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions Application Period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in the province’s public schools will officially close at midnight.

“We urge all parents who have not yet completed the full five-step process to do so immediately. Failure to act before the deadline will result in disappointment and loss of placement priority,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Friday.

Parents are encouraged to apply now before applications close at midnight by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.

As of Thursday evening, at 19:15, the GDE Online Admissions System had recorded a total of 800 530 Grade 1 and Grade 8 online applications, with Grade 1 applications accounting for 345 493 applications and Grade 8 applications were at 455 037.

“We are concerned that a significant number of applications remain incomplete. To date, 52 929 incomplete applications have been recorded. These include parents who registered details but did not finalise school selections, and those who applied but failed to submit or upload the required documents,”  the MEC said.

Parents are reminded that certified copies of all required documents must be submitted to schools or uploaded online by 12pm on 9 September 2025. 

The proof of home address is particularly important, as placement is based on feeder zones. Applications without this document will be regarded as incomplete.

The department has reminded parents and guardians that incomplete applications will not be considered for placement offers. 

Similarly, applicants who submit fraudulent or invalid documents will forfeit placement offers as well.

Only learners with complete applications and verified documents will receive placement offers during the placement period, starting from 16 October 2025 until all learners are placed.

Placement is not based on a first-come, first-served basis but according to the following criteria, applied in order of priority:

• Home address within the school’s feeder zone, closest to the school.
• Sibling/previous school.
• Work address within the school’s feeder zone.
• Home address within a 30km radius.
• Home address beyond a 30km radius.

–SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent condolences on the passing of Judge Vuyelwa Vivienne Tlhapi.

Tlhapi, who served at the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria, passed away last week Thursday. She was widely respected for her analytical jurisprudence, integrity and commitment to strengthening the rule of law.  

Throughout her distinguished career, Tlhapi advanced justice, accountability and good governance through landmark rulings, including the restoration of the AmaRharhabe kingship, the order compelling the release of records relating to the Nkandla project, and judgments reinforcing principles of fair process. 

Tlhapi devoted her life to public service, beginning as a Magistrate, progressing through private practice where she co-founded her own firms, and serving as an Independent Electoral Commission commissioner during South Africa’s first democratic elections.

She was selected for the pioneering Bridget Mabandla Aspirant Judges Programme and appointed a judge in 2010, earning a reputation for fairness, integrity, and dedication to constitutional and administrative justice.

Kubayi has extended her heartfelt condolences to Tlhapi’s family, colleagues and the broader legal fraternity.

“The justice family is poorer with the passing of Judge Tlhapi. Her unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and fairness has left an enduring legacy in our courts,” said Kubayi – SAnews.gov.za