Category: MIL-OSI

Quality assurance council, Umalusi, says it has noted with concern the issues raised by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube regarding reported irregularities in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English Home Language examinations.

The Minister briefed the media earlier on Thursday, highlighting suspected breaches linked to this year’s exam papers. 
In a statement, Umalusi confirmed that it received a preliminary report from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, outlining the nature of the alleged irregularities. 

“Having studied the report, Umalusi is satisfied with the steps taken by the DBE thus far, including reporting the case to the SAPS [South African Police Service]. Similarly, Umalusi is pleased by the ongoing investigative work aimed at determining the magnitude of the irregularities,” Umalusi said. 

It further welcomed the ongoing investigations aimed at establishing the scale and scope of the breaches. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is expected to table its final findings before the Executive Committee of the Umalusi Council during the approval of results meetings scheduled for 6–8 January 2026.

To safeguard the integrity of the investigations, Umalusi said it will not engage the media further on the matter until 09 January 2026, when it will make a pronouncement on the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 year-end national examinations.

The council moved to reassure the Class of 2025, parents, higher education institutions and stakeholders that the probe will not delay the release of results for all NSC candidates who are not implicated in the alleged irregularities. 
This as this year’s NSC examinations began on 21 October and concluded on 27 November.– SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) together with police specialised units, the Hawks and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) are conducting search and seizure operations across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng as part of an investigation into the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

According to the corruption busting unit, a “sophisticated syndicate” allegedly siphoned some R161 million from TERS with the investigation linked to 16 companies and 35 individuals.

“The SIU investigation…has uncovered evidence suggesting a well-organised syndicate orchestrated the submission of false TERS applications on behalf of individuals who were not employees of the applicant companies.

“The substantial funds received were not paid to workers; instead, they were distributed among syndicate members in patterns consistent with money laundering,” the SIU explained.

Teams involved in the raid are searching for “crucial evidence” including documents and digital evidence.

“The seized evidence will undergo forensic analysis to support the investigation, and the SIU will pursue civil action to correct any wrongdoing identified and recover financial losses suffered by the State.

“As stipulated by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, which governs the operations of the SIU, the unit will refer evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said.

Key persons of interest include:

• Thamsanqa Madlala: As a primary person of interest, Madlala’s company received R18 million in TERS funds. The SIU investigation reveals that payments were directed toward asset purchases for the alleged mastermind and other syndicate figures.
• Yolanda Nombuso Mgobo: Identified as a central figure who received and distributed over R18.6 million in syndicate funds. Searches are underway at her residences in Scottburgh and Amanzimtoti, as well as at premises linked to her fiancé.
• Sphamandla Sokhela and Nhlakanipho Zondi (Attorney): Alleged proxies for Mngomezulu. Searches are being conducted in Pietermaritzburg and Edendale.
• Senzo Gumede: Director of companies (Amakhosana Contractors and Senzisipho Pty Ltd) used to launder funds, with searches in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
• Sboniso Ronald Cele and Simtholile Dlamini: Alleged “runners”. Searches are focused on Port Shepstone and Johannesburg (Oakdene).

The SIU is also conducting searches at the UIF Head Office in Tshwane.

“The investigation has identified several officials whose possible involvement is being probed to determine whether they facilitated fraudulent applications, bypassed audits, or cleared ‘victim’ profiles from the UIF system.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate allegations made in respect of the affairs of the Unemployment UIF in terms of Proclamation R.8 of 2021.

“The SIU investigated TERS payments to individuals who were not entitled to receive them and submitted false, irregular, invalid, or defective applications to the UIF, including the causes of such maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has unveiled the province’s new Provincial Financial Recovery Plan (PFRP), a multi-year initiative aimed at restoring fiscal stability, tightening oversight and strengthening long-term service delivery.

Speaking at the launch in Durban on Wednesday, Ntuli said the 2025–2029 plan targets annual savings of R1.5 billion through structured reforms, improved financial discipline and stricter controls across all departments.

“Where waste exists, it will be eliminated. Where processes are inefficient, they will be reformed,” Ntuli said.

The briefing, held at the Marine Building, was attended by Members of the Executive Council, legislators, and senior government officials.

Objectives to drive fiscal recovery

The PFRP is underpinned by seven key strategic objectives designed to stabilise the provincial fiscus and safeguard essential services, and these include:
•    Restoring fiscal stability through reduced overspending and improved financial discipline across departments.
•    Achieving targeted savings of R1.5 billion annually via cost-containment and efficiency measures.
•    Protecting core service delivery in essential sectors such as Health, Education, Transport, and Social Development.
•    Strengthening revenue optimisation by improving collection systems and enabling departments to generate additional revenue.
•    Reducing and optimising expenditure through value-for-money procurement, office-space rationalisation, and digital systems.
•    Leveraging information technology for real-time financial monitoring and improved decision-making.
•    Strengthening Communication to restore public and investor confidence in the province’s governance.

Ntuli emphasised that the success of the plan will depend heavily on the leadership of Heads of Department and the commitment of public servants.

He said the province will introduce structured institutional capacity-building programmes to ensure that every official, at every level, is equipped with the skills, tools, and systems required to implement the reforms.

He also called for strengthened performance management and accountability across all levels of government, describing financial recovery as a shared responsibility.

He commended the Provincial Treasury for its pivotal oversight role, emphasising that the department will continue to guide departments toward prudent spending, improved compliance, and long-term institutional resilience.

Treasury emphasises discipline and frontline services

Finance MEC Francois Rodgers said the plan provides a clear roadmap for how the Government of Provincial Unity intends to reduce the province’s debt burden on the KZN fiscus without compromising service delivery.

“Our focus remains on the frontline departments of Education, Health and Social Development. These are at the coal face of service delivery. Ensuring their optimal function forms part of our vision to develop a capable and ethical state. Where there’s no compliance, there has to be consequence management,” Rodgers said.

Provincial departments will be expected to develop their own financial recovery plans over the next year. These must align with value-for-money principles, ensure responsible management of financial resources and clearly define measures to reduce corruption in supply chain management processes, amongst others – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has called on South Africans to review and submit their inputs on the newly drafted Traditional Courts Regulations and Draft Code of Conduct.

According to the department, the Act has already been assented to but isn’t yet operational.

“The Act…will take effect once the Minister promulgates the required Regulations.

“Publishing the draft Regulations and Code of Conduct is therefore a key step toward implementing a uniform national framework for traditional courts.

“The Act seeks to affirm customary law values, strengthen the role of traditional courts, promote efficient and integrity-driven systems, ensure national uniformity, guarantee meaningful community participation, and expand access to justice,” the DJCOD said on Wednesday.

The draft regulations were “developed following consultations with national and provincial traditional affairs authorities and the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders”.

“The Regulations outline roles and responsibilities within traditional courts, recording procedures, collaboration with other courts and training requirements for all personnel.

“Training in respect of presiding over disputes will be provided by South African Judicial Education Institute, and the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College will also offer training on other aspect related to the management of courts.

“The draft Code of Conduct sets ethical and procedural standards for traditional leaders and presiding officers, including rules on conduct, duties, attendance, gifts and professional relationships,” the department explained.

The deadline for written submissions on 13 February 2026.

“The documents will be available on the Department’s website following publication in the Government Gazette on 19 December 2025.

“The Department encourages broad public participation to ensure that traditional courts operate fairly, uniformly and in line with constitutional values,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has issued an alert about a scam targeting new, unemployed, and substitute teachers, misleading them into believing they have been selected for permanent teaching positions and then asking for payment under false pretences.

According to the department, several schools have reported incidents in which young teachers received WhatsApp messages from individuals posing as district officials or school principals. 

The messages claim that a permanent position has become available at a specific school and that the recipient is the preferred candidate.

The message instructs the teacher to report to the school with specific documentation and requests a “once-off fee” of approximately R2 800. 

This fee is allegedly required for the “authorisation of an appointment letter” at district offices, and the message also includes banking details for the fraudulent payment.

“Regrettably, some teachers have fallen victim to this scam, arriving at schools having paid the so-called ‘authorisation fee,’ only to discover that no such post exists. 

“This deception has caused significant distress to the affected individuals and has the potential to damage the reputations of schools, principals, and district officials who are being impersonated,” the statement read. 

The provincial department has since urged all affected individuals to report these incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.

While these investigations are ongoing, the WCED want to warn the broader public to be aware of this scam and to note that: 

•    Permanent teaching positions are exclusively advertised through the WCED’s Directorate of Recruitment and Selection.

•    The WCED, including head office, district offices, and schools, will never request payment for job applications or appointments.

•    The online e-recruitment system is the official platform for advertising and applying for posts.

•    Unemployed educators must register and apply via the e-recruitment system.

•    Temporary appointments are managed directly by schools; applicants must verify the legitimacy of any advertised post.

•    No payment is required for any appointment within the WCED.

•    Suspicious activity must be reported immediately to the WCED and SAPS.

The WCED said it remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of its recruitment processes and safeguarding the well-being of all educators.

“We sincerely hope that no further individuals fall victim to this malicious scam, which not only undermines the reputation of our staff and institutions but also shatters the aspirations of young professionals seeking meaningful employment opportunities in education.” – SAnews.gov.za