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Renewable energy a ‘defining opportunity’ for Africa’s reindustrialisation – Graham-Maré

Source: Government of South Africa

Renewable energy a ‘defining opportunity’ for Africa’s reindustrialisation – Graham-Maré

The renewable energy industry is a “defining opportunity” for African countries to leverage its vast resources to re-industrialise, create dignified employment opportunities for youth and power a new wave of skills development.

This according to Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, who was speaking at a side event of the G20 4th Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meetings.

“For Africa, this is the defining challenge and the defining opportunity of our century. Our continent holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, vast wind potential, and many of the critical minerals that underpin the global clean energy economy. But our greatest asset is our people. Young, innovative, and ready to build. 

“This combination gives Africa the chance to leapfrog into a new era of re-industrialisation, one that connects renewable energy to manufacturing, beneficiation, and regional value chain development,” she said.

Pressing further, the Deputy Minister explained how the continent’s vast resources can be turned from resources to sources of economic growth.

“It means using our solar and wind energy to manufacture green steel, electric mobility components, hydrogen derivatives and the equipment needed for the energy transition itself. 

“It also means designing this growth to be inclusive, creating dignified jobs for our youth, supporting small businesses and ensuring community sharing the benefits,” Graham-Maré said.

She cited the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Cape Town and the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), in the Eastern Cape, as models of this transformation.

The Atlantis SEZ is a hub for local manufacturing of renewable energy components while Coega IDZ is positioned as a hydrogen export hub.

“These hubs represent more than clusters of factories. They are ecosystems of innovation. They bring together clean energy supply, industrial activities, research institutions, and communities in a single integration level. When done right, they can transform regional economies and demonstrate how industrial policy, energy policy, and social policy intersect. 

“But we are still in the very early stage of this journey. Scaling such efforts will require coordinated investment, enabling policy frameworks, and above all, strong partnerships. 

“Building green industrialisation hubs is not something any single sector can do on its own. It is about systems working together. It starts with policy coherence, aligning industrial, energy, and trade policies, so that clean energy doesn’t just power homes, it powers factories,” she said.

Co-development of technology, de-risking investment capital and public-private partnerships are also key to Africa’s renewable energy re-industrialisation.

“This is how we build an industrial transition that is coordinated, inclusive and sustainable. Each of these levers, policy, skills, technology, finance, forms part of a wider system, that would determine whether Africa can industrialise sustainably and competitively.

“This is where the G20 leadership is vital. G20 economies hold the policy tools, capital and markets that can help unlock a just and inclusive industrial transition in the global South. 

“True G20 leadership means recognising that sustainable industrialisation in Africa, is not peripheral to the global energy transition. It is central to it. It means viewing Africa not as a recipient of technology, but as a partner. We need predictable climate finance frameworks, open and fair trade for low carbon goods and platforms for…co-investment,” the Deputy Minister said.

She highlighted that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is committed to creating platforms for collaboration – bringing together governments, industry and international partners to “connect clean energy, manufacturing and innovation so that each strengthens the other”.

“These efforts are part of a broader movement to build capacity, share data, and accelerate sustainable industrialisation across the global south,” she noted.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged that as the energy transition gains momentum, South Africa “will not leave behind” those industries and communities tied to coal intensive sectors.

“We will bring them with us, turning former coal regions into new green industrial hubs, and giving proud workers new opportunities for the future. Colleagues, Africa’s industrial future will not be imported. It will be built with our energy, our ideas, and our partnerships. 

“If we get this right, Africa will not only power its own development, it will help power the world’s transition to sustainability. This is not just about out energy or industry. It’s about dignity, opportunity and agency. It’s about insurance that the transition, we are all part of, delivers prosperity for all. 

“Together, we can build a future where Africa’s green industrialisation is not a distant aspiration, but a living reality. One which is African in origin, global in impact and sustainable by design,” Graham-Maré concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Government steps up action to address BEEI stipend delays

Source: Government of South Africa

Government steps up action to address BEEI stipend delays

Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring timely stipend payments for Education Assistants and General School Assistants under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).

Speaking at a joint media briefing on Wednesday in Pretoria, Sibiya said the recent delays under Phase V of the programme were resolved, following intensive engagement between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

“Following intensive engagements that continued late into the night, government has now resolved the payment impasse. As of this morning, the UIF has released funds for stipend payments, and Education Assistants and General School Assistants began receiving their payments from 10am,” he said.

Beneficiaries banking with Capitec and FNB have already received their stipends, while those with other financial institutions will receive their payments according to standard inter-bank clearance times.

Sibiya emphasised that the BEEI is a multi-departmental partnership designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and proper oversight.

“The UIF provides the financial backbone of the programme. The IDC ensures payments are processed efficiently and transparently, while the DBE oversees implementation in schools, including attendance tracking and coordination with provinces. This collaboration demonstrates the strength of the South African state when institutions work together in unity and in service of the people,” he said.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged that delays were due to compliance requirements under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and not neglect. He also apologised for the hardship caused to thousands of young South Africans. 

“We must always uphold integrity when managing public funds, but we also acknowledge that delays in verification caused undue hardship for thousands of young people, and for that, government unreservedly apologises,” he said.

To prevent future delays, Sibiya outlined a corrective plan, including timely submission of compliance documents and attendance registers, a joint technical team to fast-track verification, improvements to the Kwantu Payment System, and proactive monitoring by the UIF.

“These steps represent a government that learns, adapts, and acts, not one that hides behind process, but one that transforms process into progress,” he said.

He further stressed that the resolution does not mark the end of accountability. The BEEI project will be a standing item in senior management and interdepartmental review meetings, and consequence management will follow where negligence is identified.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the initiative has created 158,000 employment opportunities for young South Africans, providing work experience, training, and skills development.

“These young people are not beneficiaries, they are contributors to our social progress. Your government has heard you, and today, we have acted,” said Sibiya.

He concluded by emphasising government’s determination to strengthen collaboration between the DBE and DEL, to ensure timely payments, faster verification through digital tools, and transparent communication about programme progress.

“Interdepartmental unity is a model we want to replicate across other youth employment and skills development programmes nationwide. Our people do not want excuses; they want delivery. And that is exactly what we are doing today,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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Three former Gauteng Education officials sentenced for payroll fraud

Source: Government of South Africa

Three former Gauteng Education officials sentenced for payroll fraud

Three former employees of the Gauteng West Department of Education have been convicted and sentenced for theft and fraud, by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The former employees, Thaniso Ralethe (37), Kenneth Maredi Mothiang (43) and Banyana Caroline Mokela (50), were employed by the department between 2014 and 2015, when they fraudulently created ghost employees on the department’s payroll system and assigned them to Bekkersdal Primary School. 

The scheme was uncovered when the school submitted a request to the department to fill vacant posts, prompting an internal review that revealed the fraudulent activity.

Following the discovery, the case was reported to the police, resulting to the arrest of the three officials, who subsequently resigned from the department in December 2015.

On 23 May 2025, the court found the trio guilty, and on 02 October 2025, they were sentenced as follows: Thaniso Ralethe was sentenced to three years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on condition that no similar offence is committed during the suspension period.

Kenneth Maredi Mothiang was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, with four years wholly suspended, on condition that no similar offence is committed during the suspension period. The accused was sentenced to an effective six years imprisonment.

Banyana Caroline Mokela was sentenced to an effective eight years imprisonment. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Le ministère nigérian des Ressources pétrolières nommé « Réformateur de l’année » lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le ministère nigérian des Ressources pétrolières a été nommé « Réformateur de l’année » lors de la conférence African Energy Week : Invest in African Energy 2025, en reconnaissance de son engagement à transformer le secteur pétrolier et gazier grâce à des réformes radicales qui redessinent le paysage de l’investissement au Nigeria.

La loi sur l’industrie pétrolière (PIA) de 2021, complétée par une série de décrets exécutifs – notamment le décret sur les opérations pétrolières en amont (incitations à la rentabilité) – signés cette année, constitue la pierre angulaire de ce programme. Depuis la promulgation de la PIA, le Nigeria a mené une stratégie audacieuse d’exploration et de production, suscitant à nouveau l’intérêt des investisseurs mondiaux grâce à des mesures fiscales destinées à encourager les investissements. La législation a réformé la gouvernance du secteur, scindé la Nigerian National Petroleum Company en une entité à vocation commerciale et mis en place un cadre réglementaire modernisé afin d’attirer les capitaux et de favoriser une croissance durable.

La PIA a introduit un régime fiscal plus équitable, des systèmes d’octroi de licences transparents et un fonds de développement des communautés d’accueil, garantissant que les communautés bénéficient directement des projets à proximité. Depuis son introduction, la loi a catalysé plus de 17 milliards de dollars d’investissements directs étrangers dans l’industrie pétrolière et gazière nigériane, reflétant la confiance croissante dans le nouvel environnement politique du pays.

Fort de cette dynamique, le gouvernement fédéral a intensifié les réformes visant à restaurer la compétitivité et à débloquer des projets longtemps retardés. En avril 2025, le président Bola Ahmed Tinubu a signé un décret historique sur la réforme du secteur pétrolier et gazier, visant à améliorer l’efficacité fiscale et la compétitivité des coûts dans l’ensemble des opérations en amont. Ce décret a introduit un cadre de crédit d’impôt basé sur les performances, incitant les opérateurs à réaliser des réductions de coûts vérifiables. Ces réformes devraient renforcer la stabilité fiscale, accélérer l’exécution des projets et éliminer les goulets d’étranglement qui ont historiquement entravé les investissements.

Ces réformes interviennent alors que le Nigeria vise à augmenter sa production pétrolière au-delà de deux millions de barils par jour tout en faisant progresser la monétisation du gaz et les projets d’infrastructure. Parmi les initiatives majeures en cours dans le nouveau climat d’investissement, citons le gazoduc Nigeria-Maroc, d’un montant de 10 milliards de dollars, le développement en cours du gazoduc AKK et plusieurs décisions d’investissement définitives en eaux profondes prises par des opérateurs internationaux et locaux. Parallèlement, le ministère accélère le développement de raffineries modulaires, renforce la transparence en aval et élargit le rôle du pays en tant que plaque tournante régionale du gaz.

« Le ministère des Ressources pétrolières a fait preuve d’un leadership extraordinaire dans la mise en place d’un secteur énergétique transparent, compétitif et résilient. Les réformes du Nigeria débloquent des milliards d’investissements, font progresser les infrastructures et garantissent que le développement énergétique profite directement à la population », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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ExxonMobil récompensé en tant que leader Gouvernance Environnementale et Sociale (ESG) de l’année lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

ExxonMobil a remporté le prix « ESG Leader of the Year » lors de la conférence African Energy Week : Invest in African Energy 2025, en reconnaissance de sa contribution à l’éducation, au développement de la main-d’œuvre et à la croissance inclusive à travers le programme STEM Africa. Cette initiative crée de nouvelles opportunités pour les étudiants à travers le continent, reflétant l’engagement de l’entreprise à autonomiser la prochaine génération de leaders africains dans le domaine de l’énergie.

Lancé en 2024 par la Fondation ExxonMobil en partenariat avec Junior Achievement Africa, STEM Africa a déjà touché plus de 3 000 étudiants et enseignants au Nigeria, en Namibie, en Angola et au Mozambique. Le programme propose une formation immersive en sciences, technologie, ingénierie et mathématiques, dotant les jeunes Africains des compétences nécessaires pour s’épanouir dans les secteurs de l’énergie et de la technologie. Au cours de sa première année, 96 % des étudiants participants ont exprimé leur intérêt pour une carrière dans les STEM, soulignant la capacité du programme à inspirer l’ambition et à combler les lacunes éducatives.

L’initiative forme également les enseignants locaux à dispenser des programmes modernes et adaptés à l’industrie, créant ainsi un effet multiplicateur qui étend l’apprentissage bien au-delà de la salle de classe. S’appuyant sur la forte présence d’ExxonMobil à travers l’Afrique, STEM Africa intègre l’autonomisation des communautés, l’innovation environnementale et la préparation de la main-d’œuvre dans les activités de l’entreprise.

Au-delà de l’investissement social, ExxonMobil continue de promouvoir des normes opérationnelles de pointe dans l’ensemble de son portefeuille africain. L’entreprise poursuit le développement de projets en eaux profondes au large du Nigeria et de l’Angola, tout en menant des explorations pionnières dans le bassin de Walvis en Namibie. Au Mozambique, ExxonMobil dirige le projet historique Rovuma LNG, conçu avec des mesures intégrées de réduction des émissions de carbone et des programmes de renforcement des capacités pour les ingénieurs locaux. Ensemble, ces initiatives mettent en évidence le potentiel du secteur énergétique africain tout en créant des opportunités tangibles pour les communautés locales.

« L’impact d’ExxonMobil va bien au-delà des volumes de production : il s’agit d’autonomiser les personnes et les communautés. Grâce au programme STEM Africa, l’entreprise forme une main-d’œuvre qualifiée qui sera le moteur du développement énergétique futur de l’Afrique, tout en veillant à ce que l’inclusion et les opportunités restent au cœur du progrès », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

À mesure que les marchés énergétiques mondiaux évoluent, le leadership d’ExxonMobil en matière d’éducation, d’innovation et de responsabilité environnementale établit une référence en matière de citoyenneté d’entreprise en Afrique. Le cadre ESG de l’entreprise met l’accent sur des résultats mesurables, allant de l’élargissement de l’accès à l’éducation et de la création d’emplois locaux à la réduction des émissions opérationnelles.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources Named Reformer of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources has been named Reformer of the Year at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, in recognition of its commitment to transforming the oil and gas sector through sweeping reforms that are reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape.

A cornerstone of this agenda is the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, complemented by a series of Executive Orders – most notably the “Upstream Petroleum Operations” (Cost Efficiency Incentives) Order – signed this year. Since the enactment of the PIA, Nigeria has pursued a bold exploration and production strategy, reengaging global investors through fiscals designed to incentivize investment. The legislation overhauled sector governance, unbundled the Nigerian National Petroleum Company into a commercially oriented entity, and established a modernized regulatory framework to attract capital and foster sustainable growth.

The PIA introduced a more equitable fiscal regime, transparent licensing systems and a Host Community Development Fund, ensuring communities directly benefit from nearby projects. Since its introduction, the Act has catalyzed over $17 billion in foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s new policy environment.

Building on this momentum, the Federal Government has intensified reforms aimed at restoring competitiveness and unlocking long-delayed projects. In April 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed a landmark Executive Order on Oil and Gas Sector Reform, targeting fiscal efficiency and cost competitiveness across upstream operations. The Order introduced a performance-based tax credit framework, incentivizing operators to achieve verifiable cost reductions. These reforms are expected to enhance fiscal stability, accelerate project execution and remove long-standing bottlenecks that have historically impeded investment.

These reforms arrive as Nigeria aims to increase oil production above two million barrels per day while advancing gas monetization and infrastructure projects. Major initiatives progressing under the new investment climate include the $10 billion Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, ongoing AKK pipeline development, and multiple deepwater Final Investment Decisions by international and indigenous operators. At the same time, the Ministry is accelerating modular refinery development, enhancing downstream transparency and expanding the country’s role as a regional gas hub.

“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has shown extraordinary leadership in building a transparent, competitive and resilient energy sector. Nigeria’s reforms are unlocking billions in investments, advancing infrastructure and ensuring energy development directly benefits its people,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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ExxonMobil Honored as Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Leader of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

ExxonMobil took home the ESG Leader of the Year award at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, in recognition of its contributions to education, workforce development and inclusive growth through the STEM Africa program. The initiative is creating new opportunities for students across the continent, reflecting the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Africa’s energy leaders.

Launched in 2024 by the ExxonMobil Foundation in partnership with Junior Achievement Africa, STEM Africa has already reached more than 3,000 students and educators across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique. The program delivers immersive training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, equipping young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in the energy and technology sectors. In its first year, 96% of participating students expressed interest in pursuing STEM careers, underscoring the program’s ability to inspire ambition and bridge educational gaps.

The initiative also trains local teachers to deliver modern, industry-relevant curricula, creating a multiplier effect that extends learning well beyond the classroom. Building on ExxonMobil’s strong footprint across Africa, STEM Africa integrates community empowerment, environmental innovation and workforce readiness into the company’s operations.

Beyond social investment, ExxonMobil continues to advance industry-leading operational standards across its African portfolio. The company is progressing deepwater developments offshore Nigeria and Angola, while spearheading frontier exploration in Namibia’s Walvis Basin. In Mozambique, ExxonMobil is leading the landmark Rovuma LNG project, designed with integrated carbon-reduction measures and capacity-building programs for local engineers. Together, these initiatives highlight the potential of Africa’s energy sector while creating tangible opportunities for local communities.

“ExxonMobil’s impact extends far beyond production volumes: it’s about empowering people and communities. Through the STEM Africa program, the company is building a skilled workforce that will drive Africa’s future energy development, while ensuring inclusivity and opportunity remain at the heart of progress,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

As global energy markets evolve, ExxonMobil’s leadership in education, innovation and environmental responsibility is setting a benchmark for corporate citizenship in Africa. The company’s ESG framework emphasizes measurable outcomes – from expanding education access and local job creation to reducing operational emissions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Verdant IMAP conseille Ctrack dans une levée de fonds de 23,4 millions de dollars pour réunifier ses activités télématiques mondiales

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Verdant IMAP (www.Verdant-Cap.com) a le plaisir d’annoncer avoir agi en qualité de conseiller financier et arrangeur exclusif de Ctrack Holdings, à l’occasion de la clôture réussie d’une levée de fonds de 23,4 millions de dollars américains (environ 406 millions de rands sud-africains).

Cet investissement, mené par Sanari Capital et 27four Investment Managers — deux acteurs de référence du capital-investissement en Afrique du Sud, tous deux reconnus pour leur solide certification B-BBEE, soutiendra la poursuite de l’expansion internationale de Ctrack à la suite de l’acquisition de l’activité télématique mondiale d’Inseego.

Le financement a été structuré autour du Fonds de Croissance 3S de Sanari, qui a apporté 14,4 millions de dollars américains (environ 250 millions de rands), et d’un investissement complémentaire de 27four Investment Managers à hauteur de 9 millions de dollars américains (environ 156 millions de rands).

Cette opération marque une étape stratégique majeure pour Ctrack, correspondant à la réunification de ses activités mondiales. En 2021, Convergence Partners avait acquis les activités Afrique et Moyen-Orient de Ctrack auprès d’Inseego. En 2024, Ctrack a finalisé l’acquisition des activités télématiques internationales restantes d’Inseego en Europe, Australie et Nouvelle-Zélande.

Grâce à cette levée de fonds, Ctrack consolide désormais sa plateforme, sa technologie et sa clientèle au sein d’une structure mondiale unifiée, renforçant ainsi sa capacité à offrir des solutions intégrées sur tous ses marchés.

La plateforme Crystal de Ctrack fournit des informations télématiques prédictives à des clients opérant dans la logistique, la construction, les administrations publiques et les assurances. Désormais, Ctrack peut déployer ses services de manière harmonisée et transparente à travers l’Afrique, le Royaume-Uni, l’Europe, l’Australie et la Nouvelle-Zélande.

Déclarations

Hein Jordt, PDG de Ctrack, a déclaré :

« Cette réunification constitue une étape déterminante dans l’histoire de Ctrack. Grâce au soutien de Sanari Capital, de 27four Investment Managers et à l’appui continu de Convergence Partners, nous regroupons à nouveau l’ensemble des activités mondiales de Ctrack. Nous sommes ainsi en mesure de proposer une offre internationale cohérente, fondée sur l’innovation, la portée mondiale et un engagement indéfectible envers nos clients, en Afrique comme sur les marchés internationaux développés. »

Brandon Doyle, PDG de Convergence Partners, a ajouté :

« Verdant IMAP a joué un rôle essentiel dans l’intégration de Sanari et 27four, deux partenaires de confiance, renforçant ainsi la structure actionnariale de Ctrack pour sa prochaine phase de croissance mondiale. Nous nous réjouissons de poursuivre cette collaboration alors que Ctrack continue d’innover et d’étendre son impact auprès de ses clients à travers le monde. »

La participation de Sanari Capital et de 27four Investment Managers illustre la confiance des investisseurs dans la trajectoire de croissance de Ctrack et met en lumière le rôle du capital inclusif dans la création d’entreprises technologiques compétitives à l’échelle mondiale.

Cette transaction démontre la capacité de Verdant IMAP à structurer des opérations de capital-développement complexes et transfrontalières, en particulier dans les secteurs de la technologie et des infrastructures. Partenaire exclusif d’IMAP dans la région, Verdant IMAP relie des entreprises africaines à des investisseurs internationaux et des partenaires stratégiques grâce à un réseau mondial présent dans plus de 50 pays. Cette opération renforce la position de Verdant IMAP sur des segments clés tels que la technologie et la mobilité.

Distribué par APO Group pour Verdant Capital.

Contact presse:
Orient Mahonisi
Verdant IMAP
Tél. : +27 10 140 3700
Courriel : orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

À propos de Ctrack:
Ctrack est un leader mondial de la télématique, de la gestion de flotte et de l’analyse prédictive fondée sur l’intelligence artificielle. Grâce à une plateforme unifiée couvrant l’Afrique, l’Europe, l’Australie et la Nouvelle-Zélande, Ctrack propose des solutions avancées permettant à ses clients d’améliorer la sécurité, l’efficacité et la prise de décision en temps réel. Sa plateforme Crystal accompagne des clients dans les secteurs de la logistique, de la construction, des administrations publiques et des assurances.

À propos de Verdant IMAP:
Verdant IMAP est une banque d’investissement panafricaine de premier plan, spécialisée dans les fusions-acquisitions et les marchés de capitaux privés. Verdant IMAP est le partenaire exclusif d’IMAP pour sa région. Avec des partenaires présents dans 51 pays et plus de 450 spécialistes en M&A, IMAP figure parmi les leaders mondiaux du conseil en fusions-acquisitions.

Site web : www.Verdant-Cap.com

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Government resolves stipend payments for education assistants

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has assured Education Assistants that their stipend payments have been resolved, and that all eligible beneficiaries will receive their funds.

Speaking at a joint media briefing on Wednesday in Pretoria, Minister Gwarube said payments began flowing from 10am, following intensive overnight engagements between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Employment and Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

“I can confirm that as of 10am this morning, payments have started flowing from the Industrial Development Corporation to Education Assistants. 

“This is a massive relief to the thousands of young people who have been waiting for what is due to them. This delay should have never happened, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that this is avoided in the future,” Gwarube said.

The Minister acknowledged the hardship caused by the delay in the September stipend payments, which affected thousands of Education Assistants under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).

“Many of these young people depend on their stipends to support themselves and their families. When payments are delayed, it affects people’s ability to meet their most basic needs, food, transport, accommodation and toiletries. It affects their dignity,” she said.

Gwarube explained that the delays were caused by administrative challenges related to the uploading and verification of attendance registers, a mandatory process designed to ensure accountability and prevent payments to ghost employees.

“A system of administrative checks and balances, which was meant to safeguard public funds, buckled under pressure and failed to ensure the timeous payment of stipends to Education Assistants.

“When the system failed, contingency plans were not activated by the responsible departmental officials swiftly enough. Attendance data for September was not submitted on time, leading to thousands of Education Assistants not getting paid on time,” she explained. 

The Minister clarified that the delay only affected Education Assistants whose stipends are disbursed through the IDC. Those paid via National Treasury received their payments on time.

While expressing relief that the issue had been resolved, Gwarube emphasised that accountability must follow.

“We cannot and will not treat this as a routine administrative matter. I have instructed both the Director-General and the Acting Director-General to immediately institute appropriate consequence management and hold accountable any officials who are found to have failed to discharge their responsibilities in the management and implementation of the BEEI,” she said.

Gwarube added that the DBE is reviewing the BEEI’s internal governance structure to strengthen systems, clarify roles, and improve oversight. The programme will now be a standing item in meetings between the Director-General and provincial Heads of Department, while a formal Service Level Agreement between the DBE and IDC will soon be finalised.

“Schools that fail to comply with the submission of attendance registers will face serious consequences,” she warned.

Minister Gwarube reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring trust and stability in the initiative, which provides work and skills training opportunities to over 150,000 young South Africans.

“We owe it to these young people and to the schools and learners who depend on their contribution to manage this programme with diligence, excellence, integrity, and compassion. We dare not fail again. 

“I want to reassure every Education Assistant you will receive what is due to you. We will not allow this situation to happen again. We are building stronger systems to ensure that payments are reliable, timely, and transparent,” she said. 

In closing, the Minister thanked the partner departments and agencies involved in resolving the issue, as well as the Education Assistants for their patience and professionalism during the delay.

“The lesson from this experience is clear: we must be faster, better coordinated, and more vigilant. As Minister, I am committed to ensuring that my department meets that standard,” she said.- SAnews.gov.za

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DHET, Microsoft SA signs agreement to boost AI and digital skills

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the department and Microsoft South Africa on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills development.

The three-year agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors in preparing South Africa’s workforce for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The partnership marks the third public-private partnership agreement secured by Deputy Minister Gondwe since assuming office in July last year. 

Since assuming office, the Deputy Minister has actively championed public-private partnerships as a means to address the country’s high unemployment rate. 

Since her appointment, Gondwe has been actively championing for strategic public-private partnerships as a means to address the country’s high youth unemployment rate.  

The Microsoft MoU aims to address the digital skills gap and ensure that students are equipped with the skills demanded by the economy.

The Deputy Minister officiated at the MoU signing ceremony on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) at Microsoft South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg, on Tuesday. 

“I am very excited to see this MoU with Microsoft come to fruition. It will significantly enhance skills development in our TVETs through Microsoft’s one-year AI engineering programme and the wider Digital Literacy courses,” Gondwe said.

She emphasised the importance of digital and AI skills in navigating the modern world and securing future employment opportunities. 

The Deputy Minister also underscored the importance for students to be prepared for the job market, once they exit the higher education sector, and have the right skills for employability, including self-employment and entrepreneurship. 

National Technology Officer (NTO), Microsoft South Africa, Asif Valley said digital fluency is foundational to inclusive economic growth. 

“This MoU with the Department of Higher Education, marks a pivotal step in closing the skills gap, and ensuring that students across the country are equipped, not just for employment, but for innovation, leadership and impact in a digital economy.

“By aligning curricula with industry demand and expanding access to future-ready tools, we are investing in a generation that will shape South Africa’s resilience and competitiveness for decades to come,” Valley said. 

The MoU covers AI and digital skills development in the following focus areas: 

  • TVET Colleges: Microsoft will offer its self-paced Microsoft AI Engineer programme to TVET colleges, providing a one-year, short, blended learning course to train students. Microsoft to avail training content, guidance for programme facilitators, and provide mentoring to TVET colleges. Microsoft will collaborate with industry partners to support the enablement of TVET colleges on the Microsoft AI Engineer programme.
  • AI in leadership training: Microsoft will offer short courses on AI in Leadership Training to all TVET college principals and DHET senior leadership.
  • Education Transformation Framework Project (ETF): Through the MoU, Microsoft will collaborate with DHET on the Education Transformation Framework Project (ETF), which assists education leaders in navigating sector changes by developing strategies on leadership, policy, teaching, and learning to ensure student success.
  • General Digital Skills Programme: Microsoft will partner with DHET to enhance students’ digital skills through the Digital Literacy Programme. – SAnews.gov.za