Category: MIL-OSI

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Senator Rasha Kelej (Ret.) received Kenya First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss their joint programs to build healthcare capacity

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I am proud to share that provided 244 scholarships for local Kenyan doctors in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility & Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more. And around 50% of these scholarships are provided to female healthcare providers which is a great milestone of women empowerment.”

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. Together, we are strengthening and transforming our public healthcare landscape, through the 244 scholarships provided for our doctors. This is an extraordinary milestone that will leave a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare across our nation.

Additionally, we are also working together to support girl education by providing annual scholarships to 47 best-performing but underprivileged girls, as a part of Educating Linda program. This is extremely important as Education is the way forward to empower our girls.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3LkbX4n

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) receiving H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/4aK6BK6

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/44UAUdc

Together with Kenya First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 224 scholarships for young doctors in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of the 244 scholarships:

  • 123 scholarships have been provided for one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology for Kenyan doctors from different provinces across the country.  Upon completion of their training, many Merck Foundation Alumni have gone on to open their own specialized clinics. These experts not only provide much-needed care, but also play a crucial role in raising awareness about the prevention and early signs of diabetes.
  • 10 Scholarships have been provided for Oncology to develop and support the cancer care capacity in the country, a very critical speciality considering the increasing number of the cancer patients in the country and the continent.
  • 46 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, and one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, as a part of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign.
  • Moreover, 64 Scholarships of one-year Online PG Diploma and two-Year Master degree provided in many other critical and underserved specialties like Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more, as part of their Capacity Advancement Program.

Overall, Merck Foundation has so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties.

“We have always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and have been working for it since 2012. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Kenya and the rest of the Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation has also conducted 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.

Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks will soon also be launched in Swahili language.

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44YNHLH), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LkioEy), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4aJg8B9), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aJNHCZ).

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2500 Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers  from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.

• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib
X: https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/44UJF7d

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Africa’s Upstream Future: Momentum Builds, but Investment Discipline Remains a Hurdle (By NJ Ayuk)

Source: APO


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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).

Two breakthrough offshore discoveries in Namibia in 2022 — one by Shell and one by TotalEnergies — marked an important milestone for the country’s future energy landscape and for Africa’s broader upstream ambitions.

The excitement generated by high-impact discoveries creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire continent. I’m convinced that the ongoing interest we’re seeing today in African exploration and production (E&P) stems in part from the major discoveries in Namibia, alongside recent successes in Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, and Egypt.

When you factor in advances in E&P technology, the promise of newly emerging basins, and the continued strength of Africa’s established producing regions, there are genuine reasons to feel confident about the future of African oil and gas.

That sentiment is reflected in the African Energy Chamber’s 2026 Outlook Report, “The State of African Energy,” which projects renewed momentum in the continent’s upstream market during the next several years. According to the report, global E&P capital expenditure (capex) is forecast to reach approximately USD504 billion by 2026, with Africa contributing about USD41 billion.

Africa’s hydrocarbon production is expected to remain stable at roughly 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) through 2026, and new projects are on track to increase output toward 13.6 million boe/d by 2030.

Yes, the report acknowledges that optimism is being tempered by caution. Keen to protect their balance sheets, investors are scrutinizing opportunities closely. But overall, the potential for sustained upstream expansion is truly promising for African states with petroleum reserves. The key will be doing as much as possible to attract the capital needed to pursue the next wave of discoveries.

Frontier and Emerging Basins Signal Strong New Potential

As investors weigh their options, the most compelling signs of progress are coming from Africa’s frontier and emerging basins.

In Namibia’s Orange Sub-Basin, where more than 6 billion boe have been discovered in less than four years, operators are preparing the next wave of high-impact wells. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, is seeing a surge of activity around its recent deepwater finds.

Egypt, which already has long history as a producing state, is experiencing fresh momentum in underexplored offshore acreage. Earlier this year, drilling in the Herodotus Basin confirmed gas at the Nefertari-1 well.

Even in Libya, where hydrocarbons have been produced for decades, frontier acreage remains. BP and Eni aim to spud the Matsola-1 ultra-deepwater gas prospect later this year. If it delivers, the well could pave the way for deeper Sirte Basin exploration and reduce geological risk across the broader Gulf of Sirte.

“The continent continues to offer up new frontiers, all of which may draw exploration capital,” our Outlook report notes. “Places to keep an eye on are the ultra-deepwater portion of the Congo Fan in Angola, the Gabon–Douala Deep Sea Basin offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, the Namibe Basin in Namibia and Angola, the Herodotus Basin offshore Egypt and the offshore portion of the Sirte Basin.

“Others that have already played host to exploration cycles may still present significant opportunities in a similar fashion to the Côte d’Ivoire–Tano Basin. One example is the MSGBC Basin, where over 9.5 Bboe was discovered between 2014 and 2019, but which is still viewed as immature in terms of exploration.”

Still, prospects alone are not enough. To translate discoveries into development, Africa must confront the operational and investment challenges that stand in the way.

Data, Imaging, and a New Era of African Prospecting

As encouraging as the upstream outlook is, Africa’s geology remains complex, and that complexity can shape how and where companies invest. In parts of West Africa, for example, thick layers of salt can distort seismic signals and make it difficult to identify potential reservoirs with confidence. And in the far south, strong offshore currents can interfere with seismic acquisition itself, degrading data quality and forcing operators to invest in more advanced imaging and noise-reduction technologies.

But as our Outlook report notes, technology is starting to change these dynamics. “Recent advancements in seismic acquisition, processing technologies, and drilling capabilities have enabled exploration efforts over the past decade to target more intricate prospects at greater depths in Africa as elsewhere,” it states.

These advances have been helping oil and gas companies de-risk prospects once considered too complex or too costly to pursue.

Emmanuelle Garinet, TotalEnergies’ vice president for exploration in Africa, has pointed to Namibia as a prime example of how high-resolution seismic imaging and advanced subsurface modeling can reshape exploration strategies. She noted that the company’s decision to drill the Venus prospect — which lies within the Namibian portion of the Orange Sub-Basin — was possible because the technical data provided enough confidence to reduce uncertainty ahead of drilling. The results validated that choice: the 2022 Venus-1 discovery, estimated at 1.5 to 2 billion barrels of recoverable oil, stands as the largest ever made in sub-Saharan Africa. Its scale has reshaped expectations for what may still be unlocked across the Orange Sub-Basin.

The trend is also visible offshore Angola, where better subsurface imaging and advanced drilling systems are opening deepwater and ultra-deepwater opportunities in heavily salt-influenced geology. Azule Energy aims to drill the Kianda prospect in late 2025. If the ultra-deepwater test succeeds, it could pave the way for exploration across a vast area — more than 30,000 square kilometers — previously viewed as high risk.

The Capital Challenge: Competing for Global Investment

But geological complexity isn’t the only factor shaping investment decisions. Political and security challenges persist in several countries — among them Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — and can materially affect both operations and capital flows. Add to that the lack of clarity around monetization and industrialization pathways, and it becomes clear why some investors remain cautious.

The Outlook report notes that upstream capital spending in Africa has risen consistently over the past three years as the sector recovers from the pandemic-related lows of 2020. Even so, worldwide investment growth has not kept pace with the strong cash flows generated by upstream operations. Analysts from firms like Wood Mackenzie and Deloitte all describe the same pattern: Companies are channeling a significant share of their cash flow into dividends, buybacks, and debt reduction instead of chasing growth at any cost.

In short, Africa is competing for capital at a time when global investors are more disciplined than ever.

In this environment, African states cannot simply assume that interest in our geology will translate into final investment decisions. We must move quickly to capitalize on today’s E&P appetite by reducing above-ground risks, providing clear monetization and industrialization pathways, and building stable, predictable frameworks that give investors the confidence to commit for the long term.

The window of opportunity is open, but it will not stay open forever.

“The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report” is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/4aKVLn1 to request your copy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Johannesburg has failed its informal traders: policies are in place, but action is needed

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Senior Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

Johannesburg’s inner city is a bustling hub of economic life – a dense, dynamic web of informal traders, adjacent businesses and other users. Informal trading remains an essential survival strategy for many households. It is also a key source of affordable goods and services.

Managing this activity, however, is not straightforward. The city authorities face legitimate pressures to maintain order, safety, hygiene and accessibility in highly contested urban spaces. At the same time, they have a mandate to support livelihoods and encourage inclusive economic participation.

Balancing these objectives is complex. But, as urban planners and researchers, we believe it’s possible and necessary. It needs to be done in a way that recognises the realities of both municipal constraints. These include budgets, conflicting political pressures and traders’ contributions. Traders generate local economic activity and provide convenient, affordable goods and services.

Johannesburg’s informal trading sector should not be viewed as a problem to eliminate. Rather, it should be managed effectively. The focus for the city should be on improving how this is done.

The city has a chequered history of managing informal traders. In October 2025, Johannesburg authorities removed informal traders from De Villiers Street in the heart of the city’s central business district. The city went on to expand the operation to other inner-city areas and townships to promote “order” and “cleanliness”.

This approach was reminiscent of the 2013 Operation Clean Sweep, which disrupted livelihoods and increased urban inequality and violence. After the events in 2025, the Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of traders who took the city to court. But the court’s ruling has not been implemented.

Read more: Africa’s city planners must look to the global south for solutions: Johannesburg and São Paulo offer useful insights

The city’s 2022 informal trading policy provides a roadmap for a different approach. It provides a structured framework that includes:

  • recognising informal traders as essential contributors to the urban economy

  • setting out clear procedures for registration, spatial planning, permit processes and trader support.

Its strength lies in offering a coherent, rights-based approach that can bring transparency and fairness to how trading spaces are allocated and managed. But its success hinges on implementation that is transparent, inclusive and responsive.

A durable solution

In our view, Johannesburg can turn contested spaces into engines of shared prosperity by:

  • investing in adequate infrastructure

  • promoting collaboration among traders, property owners, municipal authorities and other affected stakeholders

  • enforcing regulations that protect livelihoods instead of punishing them.

A durable solution requires systematic reforms grounded in provisions of the city’s 2022 informal trading policy. This emphasises co-management by various stakeholders. Among them are officials from various relevant departments, municipal-owned entities and the informal traders.

But laws and regulations have to be updated.

By-laws passed in 2012 are still being used to regulate the sector. This is even though a new policy was adopted in 2022.

Updated by-laws would enable the city to reflect the policy’s developmental orientation. This includes its focus on supporting livelihoods and expanding access to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. It also includes creating a conducive regulatory and management environment for informal traders.

Read more: Johannesburg’s produce market has supplied the informal sector for decades: a refresh is due

The policy adopted in 2022 contains several important provisions that support more effective management of informal trading. Key elements include:

1) Informal trading plans.

A comprehensive, independently conducted census of all traders – registered and unregistered – will form the evidence base for this plan. This will enable the city to understand the full scale and distribution of informal trading.

The city must make enough suitable trading sites available. This expanded access would help accommodate more traders legally and reduce pressure on overcrowded locations. Throughout the process, the city must balance the need to demarcate trading sites with:

  • the principle of minimal relocation to protect livelihoods

  • ensuring that pavements, transport routes and other public amenities remain accessible to all.

2) Appropriate infrastructure and services.

Ensuring that informal traders have adequate services supports their livelihoods and also contributes to cleaner, safer, and more attractive streets for all users. All informal trading environments in the inner city would benefit from access to better infrastructure. This includes water, electricity, street lighting, storage, improved sidewalks, trading shelters and ablution facilities.

Read more: Smart cities start with people, not technology: lessons from Westbury, Johannesburg

3) Clear articulation of traders’ rights and responsibilities.

The greatest responsibility rests with the city to transform informal trading management. But the policy also makes clear that informal traders themselves have important responsibilities to ensure the system works effectively.

Once allocated trading sites, traders are expected to:

  • operate only within designated areas

  • avoid restricted or prohibited spaces

  • help to maintain order

  • conduct their business in line with applicable regulations, policies and by-laws

  • play an active role in maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of their trading spaces

  • work collaboratively with the City, neighbouring businesses and other local stakeholders.

The plan also envisages the establishment of an independent informal trade forum, an informal trading task team and a dedicated informal trade unit. Urgent action is needed to constitute these structures.

Next steps

The City has an opportunity to shift from reactive, enforcement-driven approaches to a proactive, developmental model that values informal trading as a central part of Johannesburg’s economy and identity.

There are key next steps that need to be taken.

Firstly, fully operationalising the commitments of the 2022 policy by updating by-laws.

Secondly, by completing a transparent and comprehensive census of all traders. This needs to include involving them meaningfully in decisions about management processes.

Alongside this, the city should prioritise investment in adequate infrastructure and strengthen communication and collaboration platforms. It also needs to establish the dedicated structures envisioned in the policy.

Together, these actions can build an enabling system that protects livelihoods, reduces conflict, and supports a vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient inner city.

– Johannesburg has failed its informal traders: policies are in place, but action is needed
– https://theconversation.com/johannesburg-has-failed-its-informal-traders-policies-are-in-place-but-action-is-needed-270911

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Deputy Minister to support Ministerial Community Engagements in the North West Province

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will support and participate in Ministerial Community Engagements taking place in the North West Province, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Government and communities in addressing crime, safety, and social challenges.

The engagements are convened by the Ministry of Police as part of ongoing efforts to respond to rising criminal activities affecting communities in Mahikeng, Rustenburg, and surrounding areas. The programme seeks to promote dialogue, enhance community trust in state institutions, and reinforce a coordinated approach to building safer communities.

The Deputy Minister’s participation underscores The Presidency’s commitment to intergovernmental cooperation, community-centred governance, and responsive leadership that places the needs and voices of communities at the centre of government action.

Details of the engagements are as follows:

Ministerial Community Engagement – Mahikeng

Date: Tuesday, 06 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mahikeng Multipurpose Centre, Mahikeng

Ministerial Community Engagement – Rustenburg

Date: Wednesday, 07 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ben Marais Hall, Rustenburg

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the engagements.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency
Pretoria

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DBE reminds matric candidates: Second Chance Programme is free

Source: Government of South Africa

DBE reminds matric candidates: Second Chance Programme is free

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has encouraged National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates, who were unsuccessful in their initial attempt at the exams, to make use of the official Second Chance Programme.

The Second Chance Programme is provided free of charge to candidates.

Eligible individuals may register to rewrite or add subjects without any payment, in accordance with the department’s policies for the May/June examination cycle. 

The department stressed that it does not endorse any private or commercial services that require payment for participation in the Second Chance Programme. 

“For authentic information, please contact the Department of Basic Education directly or visit the official website,” the DBE said.

The aim of the Second Chance Matric Programme is to provide support to learners, who have not been able to meet the requirements of the NSC or the extended Senior Certificate.

The programme is part of meeting the goals of the National Development Plan and the basic education sector, leading to increased learner retention. Learners are also exposed to bursary opportunities for further studies. 

Candidates to be supported 

  • Senior Certificate Examination Candidates: Learners registered to write the Senior Certificate examinations in June.  
  • NSC Examinations Part-time candidates: Learners who attempted the NSC examinations post 2008, and will write the examinations in May/June and November.

Targeted subjects include Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Economics, English First Additional Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematic Literacy, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

The DBE is set to release the 2025 Matric Results on 12 January 2026. This year, over 900 000 candidates sat for the 2025 exams across 7 000 centres, supported by thousands of invigilators and more than 51 000 markers and moderators. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona

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NSFAS to brief on preparations for 2026 academic year

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS to brief on preparations for 2026 academic year

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is set to outline its comprehensive preparations for the 2026 academic year at a media briefing on Tuesday.

“The briefing will outline NSFAS’s comprehensive preparations for the 2026 academic year, with a focus on funding disbursements and registration support for all universities and TVET [Technical and Vocational Educational and Training] colleges. 

“Dr Maluleke [NSFAS Board Chairperson] will provide detailed guidance on key processes, timelines, and responsibilities,” NSFAS said in an advisory.

At the briefing set to be held on Tuesday, 6 January, the scheme will give details of the 2026 disbursement schedule, funding decisions and eligible lists, as well as 2026 qualification code updates, among others.

“Additional topics will include support measures for institutions and students during the registration period, and the streamlined appeals process,” the scheme said on Monday.

Last week, the NSFAS announced that it has processed all funding applications ahead of the start of the 2026 academic year.

The briefing is set to be held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Pretoria. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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Appointment of Presidential Climate Commissioners welcomed 

Source: Government of South Africa

Appointment of Presidential Climate Commissioners welcomed 

The Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), Dorah Modise, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Commissioners of the PCC.

“We thank and applaud our Chairperson, President [Cyril] Ramaphosa on his well informed and guided decision on the appointment of these diverse leaders of our society and communities to drive and guide our country’s just transition journey and climate action efforts” said Modise.

The Commission was established in 2020 as a multi-stakeholder body to advise on South Africa’s climate change response measures as well as our just transition development pathways and interventions to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy, and society. 

The term of the previous cohort of commissioners ended on 31 December 2025 and the new commissioners will serve for a period of five years from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030 in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No. 22 of 2024).

President Ramaphosa announced the appointment of the new commissioners in a statement on Friday. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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Basic Education reaffirms integrity of NSC exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education reaffirms integrity of NSC exams

The Department of Basic Education has reaffirmed the integrity and governance of the state national senior certificate examination system.

This as it noted with serious concern, unfounded statements relating to the identification of a limited examination breach during the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

“While the Department of Basic Education (DBE) unequivocally condemns any breach of examination integrity, it is both inaccurate and analytically unsound to suggest that the integrity of the NSC is fundamentally compromised or that independent examination bodies are inherently more secure,” it said.

This as the Freedom Front Plus bemoaned the fact that departmental officials have been implicated in leaking matric exam papers, saying this erodes confidence in the public education system.

READ | Two officials suspended over matric exam paper leaks

In its statement on Sunday, the DBE said any compromise of examination integrity is unacceptable, regardless of its scale or origin. 

“The DBE does not minimise such incidents. On the contrary, the department acted decisively, transparently, and in accordance with the law by publicly acknowledging the breach, instituting a National Investigation Task Team, suspending implicated officials, and initiating criminal and disciplinary processes. These actions reflect institutional accountability and systemic resilience, not failure,” it explained.

The department said the detection of the irregularities itself demonstrates the robustness of its quality assurance and monitoring systems. 

“The breach was identified through internal controls during the marking process, swiftly traced to its source, and isolated through established mechanisms. Credible examination systems are defined not by the absence of attempted breaches, but by the strength of their detection, response, and remediation frameworks. On this measure, South Africa’s NSC continues to meet national and international benchmarks.

“Assertions that examination irregularities are unique to the public examination system, or to the DBE specifically, reflect an uninformed, extremely narrow and parochial reading of national and global assessment systems.”

The department said international experience shows that no examination authority public or private is entirely insulated from human misconduct. 

It further added that in  South Africa, the DBE, the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), work collaboratively through formal service-level agreements to ensure coherence, quality assurance and national benchmarking. 

“This cooperation strengthens the credibility of the national examination ecosystem rather than fragmenting it,” the department said.

The department said the NSC examination, as administered by the DBE, continues to underpin access to higher education, skills development and employment, and is widely trusted by universities and employers.

“The Department of Basic Education rejects the insinuation that the integrity of the National Senior Certificate is in terminal decline or that public schooling is structurally incapable of safeguarding assessment standards. Such claims are unsupported, selectively framed, and politically opportunistic.” The DBE’s Director-General Mathanzima Mweli said.

The DBE is set to release the 2025 Matric Results on 12 January 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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Department gives update on West Coast red tide

Source: Government of South Africa

Department gives update on West Coast red tide

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has confirmed that the event where large numbers of dead white mussel, whelks and other shellfish were washed out at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai on the West Coast has remained confined to those two areas. 

Observations by Fisheries Control Officers (FCOs) and satellite imagery, indicate visible red tides from Elandsbaai 100km northward, to above the Olifants Estuary on the West Coast. 

There have been no mortalities of fish or shellfish reported associated with these visible new red tides. However, there remains a high risk of toxicity and it is still advised that “all shellfish, irrespective of being washed out or collected from shore or subtidal, should not be eaten”.

Satellite imagery and reports by members of the public and FCOs, also confirm a visible red tide in Walker Bay, Hermanus. 

“This red tide is bioluminescent, the phytoplankton producing spectacular flashes of colour at night. There have been no reported fish or shellfish mortalities reported with this red tide but a cautionary approach remains that no shellfish be collected and eaten,” the DFFE said.

Further eastwards, there has been a mass mortality of fish in the Hartenbos Estuary in Mosselbaai. This mass mortality, the department said, is not due to a red tide, but is the result of sewerage discharge and resultant eutrophication and ammonia toxicity.   

“There are a variety of reasons for the current mass kills and washouts of fish and shellfish on the West and South Coasts. However, the department cautions members of the public to refrain from eating any washed out marine animals as they carry significant health risks, rendering them unsuitable for consumption,” the department said.

The DFFE will continue to monitor the situations with respect to the extent of the red tides and resultant mass mortalities on the West Coast and South Coast. – SAnews.gov.za

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GTI delivers strong December 2025 enforcement results

Source: Government of South Africa

GTI delivers strong December 2025 enforcement results

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has recorded robust law-enforcement outcomes through the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) during intensified operations conducted between 1 and 31 December 2025.

Working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and other law enforcement agencies, officers discontinued 410 vehicles, impounded 110 vehicles, and made 88 arrests across the province as part of efforts to curb lawlessness, remove unsafe vehicles and protect commuters during the festive season.

Johannesburg recorded the highest enforcement activity, with 2 825 e-force infringements, 186 vehicles discontinued and 39 vehicles impounded. 

Tshwane issued 914 handwritten notices, recorded 1 311 e-force infringements, and discontinued 155 vehicles. 

Ekurhuleni saw 35 arrests, 35 impoundments and 69 vehicles discontinued, while a further 15 arrests were recorded in Sedibeng.

Crackdown on public transport

A crackdown on public transport revealed serious non-compliance. Officers found 498 minibuses operating without licence discs, 629 drivers without valid driving licences, and discontinued 358 minibuses for critical defects.

Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the results reflect a firm stance against unsafe and illegal operations.

“These outcomes demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on our roads. Operators who endanger commuters through non-compliance will be dealt with decisively,” said Diale-Tlabela.

She commended GTI officers for their commitment during the festive season and urged commuters to prioritise safety.

“We call on commuters to use licensed and compliant public transport only. Road safety is a shared responsibility. E Thoma Ka Wena! It Starts With You,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona

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