Category: MIL-OSI

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Strict conditions for providers offering NSC qualification

Source: Government of South Africa

Strict conditions for providers offering NSC qualification

As part of efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of South Africa’s national examination system, Umalusi has outlined a set of non-negotiable requirements for online and distance learning providers offering the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Mafu Rakometsi said that while the number of online learning institutions continues to grow, there is still no regulatory framework in place to formally accredit these schools.

“There is currently no regulatory framework for online education. We have also communicated that the Department of Basic Education has been working on interim measures for the purpose of regulating online schools. Regrettably, not much progress has been made in this regard,” Rakometsi said. 

Umalusi is South Africa’s national education quality assurance body.

In the absence of a policy framework, Umalusi working with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), has developed clear conditions to guide the registration and management of online schools and distance education providers offering the NSC examination.

These conditions, aim to ensure compliance with Umalusi’s quality assurance standards and the integrity of assessments.

Among the key requirements, Rakometsi emphasised that all NSC examinations must be written in person at registered examination centres in South Africa and not online.

Assessment bodies must also register only reputable providers, verify that these institutions offer the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in Grades 10 to 12, and ensure that learners registered for Grade 12 examinations have successfully completed Grades 10 and 11.

In addition, assessment bodies will be required to attest to the credibility of school-based assessment (SBA) marks, ensure multiple levels of moderation, and take full responsibility for examination centres where learners write their final papers.

Rakometsi said Umalusi will continue to work with relevant partners to strengthen oversight of online education while awaiting the department’s policy direction.

“We urge the DBE to speedily finalise the guidelines so that, as a system, we are able to establish the national requirements for the registration of online schools by Provincial Education Departments, and to indicate the requirements to be met for online schools to be accredited by Umalusi,” he said.

He stressed that while technology continues to transform the education landscape, quality and fairness must remain uncompromised, particularly for a high-stakes qualification such as the National Senior Certificate.

READ | Umalusi expresses confidence ahead of the 2025 final exams

– SAnews.gov.za

 

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Fruit juices in South Africa are getting a free ride: why they should have the same health warning labels as fizzy drinks

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Siphiwe Dlamini, Lecturer, Department of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand

South Africa is facing a sharp rise in obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes. Between 2010 and 2019, the prevalence of diabetes nearly tripled from 4.5% to 12.7%. This increase is linked to lifestyle risk factors including drinking sugary beverages, eating unhealthy foods, and not getting enough physical activity.

To help tackle the problem, the government has introduced several public health measures targeting key risk factors, including unhealthy eating.

One of the most prominent measures was the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in 2018. The tax targets added sugars, encouraging manufacturers to reformulate products like soft drinks and energy drinks to reduce their sugar content. But beverages containing naturally occurring sugars, such as 100% fruit juices, are exempt.

Often, 100% fruit juices are seen as healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened drinks. But growing research shows this may not be true. A 2023 meta-analysis of 72 published studies involving over 3 million people found that drinking fruit juice does not lower the risk of type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It was instead linked to a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.

The recommendation from that meta-analysis and other studies is that fruit juices should not be considered a healthier alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages. This could be because, although fruit juices contain more vitamins and minerals than soft drinks, they are also high in natural sugars and lack the fibre found in whole fruits, which helps control blood sugar and keeps you feeling full.

In a further move to curb sugar intake in beverages the government has proposed new food labelling regulations. These would require front-of-package warning labels for products high in added sugar, saturated fat, sodium, or artificial sweeteners. The regulations are still under review. But they align with international best practices adopted by countries like Chile, Mexico and Brazil.

If implemented effectively, they could help South African consumers make more informed dietary choices.

But, once again, fruit juices are getting a free ride. This is even though they have the highest energy (calories) and sugar content (8.4%) across a range of soft and energy drinks, according to our recent study.

As researchers in public health nutrition, we are concerned that the regulations had some important gaps. The proposed regulations introduce a simple package warning label system for prepacked foods that contain added sugar, saturated fat, or sodium and exceed specific nutrient thresholds. It also requires warning labels for products containing artificial sweeteners, reflecting growing concerns about their long-term health effects.

But the regulations exclude certain sugar-containing beverages from front-of-pack warning label requirements, particularly those with naturally occurring sugars. Many juices, such as 100% fruit juices, are exempt despite their high sugar content and significant contribution to overall sugar and energy intake. This raises concerns about the consistency of the policy and whether it adequately addresses the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption across all types of beverages.

To test the scale of the problem, we analysed over 600 non-alcoholic beverages sold in major South African supermarkets. The study found that 21.4% of beverages would require a warning for high sugar, 49.8% for artificial sweeteners, and 58.7% for at least one of these criteria.

The study found that 21.4% of beverages would require a warning for high sugar, 49.8% for artificial sweeteners, and 58.7% for at least one of these criteria. Author supplied

Juices were least likely to qualify for warning labels. Only 30% of juices met the criteria , versus 94.1% of soft drinks and 96.9% of energy drinks. Excluding 100% fruit juices from South Africa’s proposed warning label regulations could have serious public health consequences.

We recommend that the health department revise the criteria for warning labels to include beverages that are high in naturally occurring sugars.

Fruit juices

Fruit juices are often seen as a healthier choice because of their natural origin. In South Africa, regular consumption of 100% fruit juice is common, with many consumers perceiving it as beneficial despite its high sugar content.

This is a problem for a number of reasons.

Because of their high sugar content, fruit juices can cause sharp spikes in blood glucose. For more than 2.3 million South Africans living with diabetes regular consumption may interfere with blood glucose control. But this is not only a concern for people with diabetes. Research shows that even among non-diabetics, frequent intake of fruit juice increases weight gain, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.

Labelling policies that ignore naturally occurring sugars risks misleading consumers. In particular, it misleads those trying to make healthier choices into over-consuming these products. International examples, such as Chile’s approach to food labelling, show that including total sugar content in warning criteria can reduce purchases of high-sugar items and improve public awareness.

Exempting juices also creates an uneven playing field. While soft drink and energy drink manufacturers are pushed to reformulate products to avoid taxes and warning labels, juice producers face no such pressure, despite offering products with comparable health risks.

We also demonstrated that nearly half of the beverages analysed contained artificial sweeteners, which are increasingly used to lower sugar content and bypass the sugar tax. Emerging research suggests these additives may negatively affect gut health and contribute to nutrition-related diseases. Taken together, these factors highlight the need for comprehensive regulation that reflects the full spectrum of health risks posed by sugary beverages.

South Africa’s efforts to regulate sugary beverages are commendable and reflect a growing commitment to tackling lifestyle-related diseases. But excluding fruit juices from key policies risks undermining these efforts.

By aligning regulations with scientific evidence and international best practices, the country can take a more comprehensive approach to sugar reduction. This approach will protect all consumers, especially the most vulnerable.

To ensure that South Africa’s food labelling regulations achieve their intended public health outcomes, we recommend the following steps.

  • Include naturally occurring sugars: Revise the criteria for warning labels to account for total sugar content, not just added sugars. This would ensure that high-sugar juices are appropriately labelled, and consumers are fully informed.

  • Extend the sugar tax: Consider applying the sugar tax to fruit juices with high sugar content. This would encourage manufacturers to explore lower-sugar formulations.

  • Public education campaigns: Launch targeted education initiatives to raise awareness about the health risks associated with all types of sugar, including those found in fruit juices.

  • Ongoing monitoring: Establish systems to monitor the impact of both labelling and taxation policies on consumer behaviour and health outcomes, allowing for evidence-based adjustments over time.

– Fruit juices in South Africa are getting a free ride: why they should have the same health warning labels as fizzy drinks
– https://theconversation.com/fruit-juices-in-south-africa-are-getting-a-free-ride-why-they-should-have-the-same-health-warning-labels-as-fizzy-drinks-266307

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GITEX Expands to Latin America, Propelling US$950 Billion Digital Future

Source: APO

  • The world’s largest and best-rated tech show presents GITEX LATAM – its inaugural Latin American edition – in São Paulo, Brazil from 16-17 March 2027
  • GITEX LATAM promises to redefine the region as the definitive epicentre of Latin America’s digital future
  • Event will spark global public-private collaboration and digital infrastructure across AI, agritech, connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity & data centres

As Latin America’s digital market accelerates, poised to reach almost US$950 billion by 2026 (PCMI), a defining next phase of socio-economic transformation beckons with GITEX (www.GITEX.com), the world’s largest and best-rated tech and digital investment show brand, entering the region. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in strategic partnership with the São Paulo Development Agency (ADESAMPA), GITEX LATAM debuts as the region’s first-ever global tech event at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil from 16-17 March 2027.

Leveraging Brazil’s economic and innovation leadership, visionary digital policies, thriving startup ecosystem, and globally relevant technology frameworks, GITEX LATAM aims to redefine the continent as a definitive epicentre where Latin America’s digital future meets the world’s boldest frontiers of innovation.

Ricardo Nunes, mayor of São Paulo, hailed GITEX LATAM as a regional-first gateway to connect local businesses with international opportunities, stating: “São Paulo is excited to host GITEX LATAM, a landmark catalyst enabling our finest innovators to meet global opportunities. This platform will connect pioneering startups, unicorns, and influential enterprises with international markets, unlocking capital, forging partnerships, and expanding visibility on the world stage. At City Hall of São Paulo we are committed to empowering businesses that embodies our creative and entrepreneurial strength, reaffirming our city as Latin America’s foremost hub of innovation, investment, and transformative growth.”

GITEX LATAM to Showcase Brazil as ‘Vibrant Cornerstone’ of Regional Tech

GITEX continues to offer unparalleled access to new markets and business opportunities – reinforced by its rapid international expansion. In just three years, GITEX has forged the world’s largest network of global tech events, organising editions across 14 cities and countries.

In 2027, Brazil joins this exclusive global network. Brazil is one of the world’s leading adopters of digital public infrastructure, offering centralised access to hundreds of services and digital IDs for over 150 million citizens. The country aims for a US$259 billion ICT market (IMARC Group) and US$99.8 billion AI market (Grand View Horizon) by 2033, positioning GITEX as a catalyst in the nation’s rise as a global innovation and digital infrastructure hub.

Celebrating the partnership, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, CEO of KAOUN International, global organiser of GITEX, added: “Brazil is the vibrant cornerstone of Latin America’s economy and a distinguished benchmark for dynamic, inclusive, and consequential technology development. Together with São Paulo – a prolific hub where startup ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ambitious investments thrive – GITEX LATAM shall integrate Latin America with the limitless digital universe, unlocking unprecedented access to capital, knowledge, tech, and talent, as the region scales towards global dominance on the world stage.”

Connecting Global Innovators to a Rising US$6.8 Trillion Economy

With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealing that Latin America’s emerging markets and developing economies collectively generate a GDP of US$6.8 trillion in 2025, GITEX LATAM will serve as a global bridge accelerating the region’s digital transformation. Channelling the capital, technology, and cross-border collaboration globally synonymous with GITEX, the event will shape Latin America’s digital decade and cement its place in the global innovation economy — connecting East and West to inspire a new era of technological growth.

Anchored by a future-oriented programme spanning AI, agritech, cloud, connectivity, cybersecurity, data centres, healthtech, renewable energy, GITEX LATAM will open new gateways into Latin America’s most dynamic emerging markets for global stakeholders. By catalysing public-private collaboration, elevating competitiveness, and igniting new waves of investment, talent, and infrastructure, its impact will inspire transformative outcomes across the region’s rapidly digitising economies and industries.

Convening Global Tech in Latin America’s Leading Startup and Innovation Nexus

Alongside global tech enterprises, thought leaders, policymakers, SMEs, startups, and venture capitalists, GITEX LATAM will examine global digital agendas and pressing innovation shifts, presenting a unified platform for collaboration and investment in São Paulo – Brazil’s economic epicentre and Latin America’s innovation capital.

According to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2025, São Paulo ranks first both nationally and regionally – attracting over US$33.5 billion in VC funding within the last decade. São Paulo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has also reached US$113 billion in value and spawned 11 unicorns that have surpassed the US$1 billion barrier (Real Instituto Elcano).

Rodrigo Goulart, Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labour of São Paulo, said: “São Paulo awaits GITEX LATAM with tremendous anticipation, not least because of the immense potential to elevate tech cooperation to historic new heights across Brazil and Latin America. By leveraging the world’s largest network of digital economy relationships – a network universally synonymous with GITEX – we are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents.”

The GITEX LATAM announcement, made on Tuesday during GITEX GLOBAL – the world’s largest tech and AI show running from 13–17 October at DWTC – carries added significance due to major Brazilian and wider Latin American participation. Brazil is the official Country Partner at this year’s 45th edition in the UAE with ApexBrasil, the nation’s trade and investment promotion agency, exhibiting across two pavilions featuring more than 50 startups and innovation hubs. City Hall of São Paulo is also showcasing over 10 startups, while Chile and Ecuador are making their debut at GITEX GLOBAL, joining representatives from more than 180 countries.

Additionally, news of GITEX LATAM follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Brazil. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership and pledged to explore new collaborative opportunities in AI, agriculture, climate change, innovation, renewable energy, and emerging technologies. For more information on GITEX LATAM: www.GITEXLATAM.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Global.

Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi
PR Manager
DWTC
tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com
+971 58 552 3994

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About GITEX LATAM:
GITEX LATAM is the first-ever GITEX event in Latin America. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with the City Hall of São Paulo, the inaugural edition takes place at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil, from 16-17 March 2027. Channelling the capital, technology, and cross-border collaboration globally synonymous with GITEX, its programme stands to shape Latin America’s digital decade and cement its place in the global innovation economy — connecting East and West to inspire a new era of technological growth. GITEX LATAM welcomes big tech enterprises, SMEs, thought leaders, startups, and investors from around the world – providing a global bridge to accelerate the region’s digital transformation, increase global access, elevate regional competitiveness, and inspire new partnerships, capital, talent development pathways, and AI and digital infrastructure enhancements. More information is available:  at www.GITEXLATAM.com.

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Nigeria intensifies fight against vaccine-preventable diseases with nationwide measles–rubella and polio campaign

Source: APO


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The Government of Nigeria has launched a nationwide integrated vaccination campaign targeting more than 106 million people across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. 

The campaign delivers measles–rubella, polio vaccines, and HPV vaccination, to close immunity gaps and protect children and adolescents from life-threatening diseases.

Led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the  Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and other partners, the campaign was officially flagged off in Abuja by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“This effort builds on our united front against polio, tuberculosis, HPV, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. With these vaccines, our children will be protected and enjoy a lifetime of safety,” the First Lady said. 

Targeted population

The 2025 Integrated Measles–Rubella and Polio Campaign targets children aged 9 months to 14 years for measles–rubella vaccination and children under 5 years (0–59 months) for the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2). The campaign also delivers malaria chemoprevention (Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC) for children aged 3–59 months, NTD treatments for persons aged 5 years and above, and HPV vaccines for girls aged 9 years.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the campaign as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s health system.

“This campaign is proof of what strong leadership, community engagement, and partnership can achieve,” said Professor Pate. “We will continue working with our partners to ensure that every child in Nigeria is reached and protected.”

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Mr Peters, noted that the campaign represents not only a health intervention but also an investment in education.

“By protecting our children from vaccine-preventable diseases, we are ensuring that they stay in school, thrive academically, and grow into productive citizens,” he said.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry-Balingo, commended the initiative for integrating vaccine delivery with other health interventions.

“By combining vaccines with malaria and NTD interventions, this campaign reinforces routine immunization, strengthens the health system, and contributes to national health security,” she said.

United effort 

The flag-off ceremony brought together key actors in Nigeria’s immunization efforts—Gavi, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society organizations, State Primary Health Care Boards, donor agencies, and frontline health workers—who reaffirmed their commitment to reaching every child and building a resilient health system.

Traditional and religious leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), also pledged continued support to mobilize communities for vaccination.

Representing WHO, Dr Alex Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative, described the campaign as a defining step toward health security for Nigeria and Africa at large.

“It reflects national leadership and collective commitment to ensure that every child, wherever they live, is protected against preventable diseases,” said Dr Chimbaru.

WHO technical support

To implement the campaign, WHO provided comprehensive support across all stages of pre-campaign preparation—developing training manuals, data collection tools, and detailed activity plans; and facilitating national and state-level training-of-trainers sessions down to the ward level, in close collaboration with NPHCDA and State Primary Health Care Boards.

WHO also deployed one technical assistant to each state to support implementation. In addition, experts from the WHO Country Office, Regional Office (Africa), and Headquarters have been actively present in various states to monitor campaign progress in real time. Their presence ensures rigorous oversight and enables timely, data-driven problem solving to address challenges as they arise helping to optimize performance and drive progress toward achieving campaign targets.

Implementation and integration

The campaign will be rolled out in two phases and four streams over a 10-day vaccination period, followed by a two-day mop-up.

Phase 1—covering northern states and Oyo—will integrate measles–rubella and polio vaccines in October. Additionally, Kano, Yobe, and Oyo states will incorporate NTD and malaria interventions alongside measles, rubella, and polio. Southern states will conduct stand-alone MR campaigns in early 2026.

Likewise, other routine immunisation antigens will be available for eligible residents in zero-dose local government Areas (LGAs). This large-scale effort supports Nigeria’s commitment to the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

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Republic of Congo reinforces measures to curb potential Ebola outbreak

Source: APO


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The Republic of Congo has stepped up measures to rapidly detect and respond to potential Ebola outbreak as neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a new outbreak of the virus in Kasai Province in the central region of the country.

A rapid scale up of outbreak control measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has helped slow down the spread of the virus, with no new cases reported for 18 days as of 13 October 2025.

“We are the immediate neighbour of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is regularly affected by outbreaks. We share over a thousand kilometres of border and common populations. Many people transit through ports and other entry points. We have already experienced Ebola; we are highly exposed. It is essential to raise awareness among personnel at entry points,” says Dr Jean Claude Emeka, the Ministry of Health’s Director of Hygiene and Health Promotion.

More than a thousand participants, including port health authorities, took part recently in an outbreak preparedness training session to bolster measures such as screening, early detection and handling of suspected cases.

“Prevention is better than cure. We must not wait for the outbreak to reach us when it is already affecting our neighbour,” says Christian Voumina, Operations Manager at the main airport in the capital Brazzaville. “As the main entry point for international travellers, it is crucial that staff are informed about the disease and the measures to take. Ebola is one of the most dangerous diseases, so we must act early.”

With support from World Health Organization (WHO), the health authorities have carried out an assessment of the national preparedness plan and are updating the National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan. Public awareness materials to ensure health measures are observed by the population have also been developed and distributed.

“We are on high alert,” says Emma Gisèle Monka, a health officer at Brazzaville’s Maya Maya International Airport. “I’m ready. I distribute information leaflets and what I’ve learned (in the training) enables me to respond to questions about symptoms, mode of transmission and preventive measures.”

Disease surveillance and clinical care measures are also being strengthened. Isolation wards have been set aside at two main public hospitals in Brazzaville, while an ambulance has been stationed at the city’s main airport.

The ongoing preparedness efforts mark a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. By strengthening surveillance capacities, structuring coordination mechanisms and investing in staff training, health authorities, with support from partners, are working to build a resilient health system capable of responding not only to Ebola but any public health threat. 

“WHO stands with the government to strengthen capacities, ensure surveillance at entry points, and guarantee a rapid response in case of detection,” says Dr Vincent Sodjinou, WHO Representative in the Republic of Congo. “This commitment goes beyond Ebola. It is part of a comprehensive epidemic preparedness approach. This involves strengthening health systems, continuous staff training, establishing multisectoral coordination mechanisms and developing robust contingency plans.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Republic of the Congo.

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President Boakai Declares Wednesday, October 15, ‘World Sight and White Cane Safety Day’

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as “World Sight and White Cane Safety Day,” to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s World Sight and White Cane Safety Day’s celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Montserrado County, under the theme: “Taking Action and Breaking Barriers–Advancing Economic and Social Inclusion in Line with the Government of Liberia’s AAREST Agenda for Inclusive Development”.   

The Proclamation calls on all relevant ministries, local and international organizations NGO’s, civil society organizations, partners-in-progress, to join the National Union of Organizations for the Disabled, in collaboration with the National Commission on Disabilities and the Liberia Christian Association of the Blind in organizing appropriate programs befitting the observance of the Day.

The Proclamation is in consonance with Resolution 56.26, adopted by Health Ministries of the World Health Organization mandating Member States to observe World Sight and White Cane Safety Day focusing awareness on the recognition that eye health and visual impairment are of public health concern.  

It further indicates that since the invention of the White Cane, it has become a significant symbol of courage and hope in blindness, which serves as traffic sign and courtesy request from police, motorists and pedestrians to give the right of way to the blind, including, access to all public transports.     

The Proclamation also adds that it is the sole responsibility of the Government of Liberia to recognize and protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens, particularly, those who are physically challenged including the blind. 

 Approximately, 285 million people worldwide live with impaired vision and blindness and of these, 39 million people are blind; 246 million have moderate or severe visual impairment while 19 million children are visually impaired or blind, as 82 percent of the people live with blindness at age 50 and above in low-income countries across the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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South Africa: Deputy Minister Mhlauli hosts the Roodepan G20 Leadership Dialogue

Source: APO


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Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 09h00 host a G20 Community Leaders Dialogue at the Roodepan community’s Roman Catholic Church in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District, Northern Cape.

This activity will form part of the Government’s country-wide G20 outreach programme. The objectives of the outreach are to:

– Create awareness about South Africa’s membership to the G20;

– Inform the public about South Africa’s role as the Presidency of G20 through profiling lead roles and achievements of South Africa’s contribution to the continent and the African Union through trade and financial policy statements;

– Solicit stakeholder engagement and advocacy for South Africa’s role in the G20 with various stakeholders; and,

– Profile the outcomes of the 130 identified G20 meetings, including the summit through both the Sherpa and Finance tracks.

The dialogue will be preceded by the visit of the Deputy Minister and other leadership to housing project in Roodepan at 09h00, and then proceed to the Roman Catholic Church for engagement with the community leadership that will commence at 10h00.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli, as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for the France Baard District, will use the opportunity to engage the Roodepan leadership on the District Development Model in general and how it will better the lives of the people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Manamela engages UFS amid student protests

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Following ongoing student protests, Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, is engaging with the leadership and stakeholders at the University of the Free State (UFS) to protect the remainder of the 2025 academic year.

The protest started after the university announced its decision to discontinue provisional registration from 2026, prompting demonstrations that escalated on Monday evening, resulting in several security officials sustaining serious injuries.

Manamela confirmed that he has been briefed on the university’s decision to temporarily close the institution until stability is restored.

He said the gravity of the situation necessitates that the safety and security of all students, staff, and property be prioritised.

“The violence that led to serious injuries is deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are with the injured officials and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“While we recognise the right to protest, it must remain peaceful and within the prescripts of the law. The destruction of infrastructure and violence against persons and property only serve to undermine legitimate concerns and jeopardise the academic future of all students,” Manamela said in statement on Tuesday.

The Minister said he remains in direct contact with the Vice-Chancellor of UFS. A key focus of their discussions is ensuring the preservation of the 2025 academic year.

Manamela has instructed his department to work closely with the university to develop contingency plans that will minimise academic disruption and ensure that no student is unfairly affected by the temporary closure.

He also called on all student leaders, including members of the university community, and all concerned parties to choose the path of constructive engagement over destruction.

READ | Work continues to restore safety at Fort Hare, Free State universities 
– SAnews.gov.za
 

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Condolences for former Kenyan Prime Minister 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday extended his condolences to the government and people of Kenya following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother,” said President Ramaphosa.

The former Prime Minister who led the East African nation from 2008 to 2013, passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

The Presidency said President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first,” said President Ramaphosa. –SAnews.gov.za

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Umalusi expresses confidence ahead of the 2025 final exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Quality assurance body, Umalusi, has expressed full confidence that the country’s examination system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end-of-year national examinations. 

Briefing the media on the state of readiness in Pretoria on Wednesday, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, said that while an audit had identified some areas of concern, these were not systemic and would not compromise the credibility of the examinations.

“The report presented by Dr Dliwayo makes it clear that, by and large, the system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end of year national examinations. For that reason, I can report to the public that the system is ready,” Rakometsi said.

WATCH | Umalusi briefing 

[embedded content]

According to Umalusi’s audit report, a total of over one million candidates are registered to sit for various national examinations this year, including more than 900 000 learners writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams under the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Of these, 766,543 are full-time candidates, while there are a further 137,018 part-time candidates who wrote in previous years and are seeking to improve their results, will also sit for the 2025 examinations.
In addition, 17,427 learners will write the NSC under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), while 6,174 candidates are registered through the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

The examinations will be conducted across more than 9 400 examination centres nationwide, covering both public and private assessment bodies. 

Presenting the detailed audit report, Umalusi Senior Manager Dr Mary-Antoinette Dliwayo, said the quality assurance body had completed a comprehensive evaluation of all assessment bodies, including the DBE, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the IEB and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

Dr Dliwayo said the audit focused on key areas, such as candidate registration, security of examination materials, readiness of marking centres, and systems for managing irregularities.

“Based on the evaluation, Umalusi is satisfied that all candidates have been registered in accordance with examination regulations, that question papers have been externally moderated, and that adequate security measures are in place for the printing, packaging and distribution of question papers,” she said.

She added that Umalusi is also confident that all markers will be adequately trained before the commencement of marking, which will begin on 15 November and end on 18 December 2025.

Irregularities

Rakometsi issued a stern warning to learners and educators to refrain from any form of examination irregularity or cheating, saying such acts undermine the integrity of South Africa’s national examination system.

“Umalusi berates and condemns this criminal practice with the contempt it deserves. Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system, which we are mandated to jealously protect as a Quality Council.”

He also urged parents, guardians and communities to provide support to all candidates and to protect schools and examination centres from being disrupted by any form of protest action.

“We appeal to parents, guardians, teachers, and every other stakeholder to provide the necessary support to all candidates during this critical period. Umalusi discourages communities from using examinations as leverage for protest action. It is the duty of every South African to jealously protect the education of our children,” he said.

Areas of concern and monitoring

While Umalusi’s audit highlighted certain areas requiring improvement, such as a shortage of markers in some subjects and ongoing data consolidation in the DHET’s N3 examinations, the body said these issues are being addressed and will not affect the overall readiness of the system.

All concerns have been communicated to the relevant Heads of Department, Directors-General of the DBE and DHET, and the CEOs of the IEB and SACAI for corrective action before the start of the exams.

Going forward, Umalusi said it will continue to monitor the conduct of the examinations at a sample of centres to ensure compliance with regulations and uphold the integrity of the results.

The quality assurance processes following the examinations will include mark verification, standardisation of results, and approval of their release by Umalusi’s Executive Committee on 9 January 2026. 

Well wishes for the Class of 2025

Rakometsi concluded by commending all stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining the credibility of the country’s examination system and wished the Class of 2025 well as they prepare to write their final examinations.

“Umalusi applauds the efforts of the Department of Basic Education, Provincial Education Departments, DHET, IEB, SACAI and all other stakeholders for doing everything humanly possible to uphold the credibility and integrity of the examinations. 

“We wish the Class of 2025 strength and determination as they enter the final lap of their educational journey,” he said.

Ahead of the start of the 2025 NSC examinations on 21 October 2025, the DBE called on learners to stay focused and make the most of the support provided through revision materials, radio lessons, catch-up sessions, and school-based study camps.

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In its statement at the weekend, the DBE said it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a smooth conclusion to the 2025 academic year. –SAnew.gov.za