Category: South Africa Government

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called on African universities to fundamentally rethink inclusion, stressing that disability must be treated as a central design principle rather than an afterthought.

Speaking at the 3rd Edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Universities Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Manamela said current participation rates for students with disabilities highlight the scale of exclusion across the sector.

In South Africa, students living with disabilities accounted for just 1.3% of public university enrolments in 2023, while across the broader post-school education and training system the figure stood at roughly 1%.

“These are not figures of inclusion at scale. They are signs of how much work remains to be done,” the Minister said.

Manamela argued that meaningful inclusion requires systemic change, extending beyond admissions to the way institutions are structured and operated.

He said the problem is not only at the point of admission, but also in infrastructure.

“The problem lies in infrastructure, digital design, assistive technology, curriculum adaptation, staff training, and whether institutions are built on the principle of universal accessibility or on the assumption of a ‘normal’ student. Inclusion is not a speech. It is design,” the Minister said.

Manamela highlighted that gender equality in higher education varies significantly across the continent.

While South Africa has achieved a female majority in enrolment, much of sub-Saharan Africa still faces barriers to women’s access to tertiary education, with roughly 80 women enrolled for every 100 men.

Using Kenya as an example, he noted that tertiary enrolment stands at about 13% for men and 10% for women, underscoring that parity remains a challenge in many countries.

Call for measurable justice and systemic reform

The Minister urged higher education leaders to shift from symbolic commitments to measurable outcomes, including publishing detailed, disaggregated data on enrolment, retention, completion, employment outcomes, disability access and leadership representation.

“Without that, we do not have transformation. We have anecdotes,” he said.

He also warned against simplistic narratives around gender, warning that progress for women should not obscure persistent inequalities, nor should concerns about declining male participation undermine efforts toward gender justice.

“The task is not to choose between women and men. The task is to build institutions capable of producing equality for all.”

Manamela also stressed that challenges within higher education reflect broader societal dynamics, including poverty, labour market inequality, social conditions and access to resources.

“The higher education question is inseparable from the social question,” he said, calling for coordinated reforms that include funding, curriculum transformation, safe and accessible campuses, and stronger links to the labour market.

Toward a more inclusive future

Manamela said South Africa’s experience demonstrates both the potential and the limitations of policy-driven change.

While progress has been made in expanding access, particularly for women, deeper inequalities persist in leadership, employment outcomes, and disability inclusion.

“Our task is to build an education system that reflects the society we want: balanced, fair, accessible and equal. Not access without success. Not inclusion without power. But real equality,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile Mashatile will attend the Amandla Ngawethu Good Friday church service of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG).

The Easter service will be held at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

“The Deputy President has been tasked by the President to lead government’s interaction with the inter-faith communities across South Africa as a champion of the country’s social cohesion and nation-building initiatives. 

“The 2026 theme, ‘The Family at the Foot of the Cross’, focuses on strengthening the family unit and empowering communities to break cycles of violence, abuse, conflict and social fragmentation,” the Presidency said on Wednesday.

The event further highlights the role of faith-based organisations in promoting social cohesion, crime prevention and community resilience.

“Although Deputy President Mashatile has, in this role, traversed the length and breadth of the country, attending various congregations and worshipping with various religious denominations, including the Muslim, Hindu, Christian and African Churches communities, it will be the first time that he attends the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God Easter service in his capacity as the Deputy President of the Republic,” the Presidency explained.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko as well as senior government officials.

The church service is expected to get underway at 10am. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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A 49-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court today after he was found in possession of R3 million worth of illegal drugs, the Hawks said.

“Exhibits worth an estimated R3 million were confiscated which included a VW Tiguan, crystal meth and heroine. The suspect is to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 02 April 2026 facing charges of dealing in illegal drugs,” the police said.

The joint effort of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in the East Rand assisted by the Police Emergency Services, Crime Intelligence and Tshwane K9 arrested the foreign national in Morningside in Sandton on Tuesday.

“It is reported that the multi-disciplinary team followed up information received and observed the vehicle as described. The suspect was stopped and searched together with his vehicle wherein suspected crystal meth was found on the passenger seat,” the Hawks said on Wednesday.

The suspect’s home was also searched and more drugs were found. He was subsequently arrested.

The Provincial Head of Gauteng Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa applauded the efforts by the team and encouraged them to be steadfast in combatting the proliferation of illegal drugs. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has suspended a captain attached to the Protection Security Services (PSS) after an internal investigation uncovered discrepancies and suspicious transactions within the division.

The member is attached to the finance section of the PSS and allegedly used his access to the finance system to withdraw monies running into millions.

An investigation uncovered that he manipulated the system to book out cash for himself under the disguise that the money was meant for travelling expenses for close protectors attached to PPS.

Further investigations uncovered that the money was not received by the close protectors but booked out in lump sum cash amounts by the member.

Following a lengthy investigation, a case of fraud was registered at the Sunnyside police station in Pretoria and an internal departmental investigation has led to his suspension.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, applauded the Financial Management Division for identifying and uprooting criminality within their ranks and has assigned the SAPS anti-corruption unit to investigate the matter.

“The SAPS takes this opportunity to assure the nation that it has stringent measures in place to ensure taxpayers’ monies are utilized in service to the nation and that the SAPS will not tolerate fraud and corruption within its rank. 

“No close protector attached to the President, Deputy President, Ministers or Deputy Ministers are implicated in this case,” the police said in a statement on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be participating in the 2026 edition of the Rand Show, taking place from 2 to 6 April 2026, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, in NASREC. 

In a statement, the SANDF said it will once more utilise the Rand Show as an opportunity to educate and raise public awareness about the defence force, while bringing its work closer to the people. 

It will also showcase and engage with citizens on a variety of careers, training opportunities and social responsibility initiatives, while putting a spotlight on the department’s achievements in peace support operations across Africa.

“The SANDF’s presence at this iconic event re-assures citizens of its commitment while demonstrating the strength, professionalism, and readiness of South Africa’s armed forces. Visitors will be treated to a range of static displays, interactive exhibitions, and live capability demonstrations, offering a rare opportunity to experience the SANDF’s military might up close,” the statement read. 

From advanced equipment and vehicles to specialised units and operational showcases, the SANDF aims to foster greater understanding of its role in safeguarding the nation. 

This participation will also provide a platform for direct interaction between members of the public and the men and women in uniform, reinforcing the bond between the Defence Force and the people of South Africa.

The SANDF has encouraged families, students and members of the media attending the Rand Show to visit its displays and exhibitions and be part of the experience. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has collected some R2.010 trillion in net revenue for the 2025/26 financial year, breaking the threshold for the first time since its inception.

The historical milestone was announced by SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter during a presentation of the preliminary revenue outcome for the financial year on Wednesday.

Collections at SARS have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% since the start of Kieswetter’s tenure seven years ago.

“This is a historic milestone of crossing [the] R2 trillion threshold for the first time in our history. Indeed, a defining moment. This is R155 billion more than what we collected a year ago, a remarkable year-on-year growth of 8.4% under these economic conditions where nominal growth, for now, is projected to have grown at 4%.

“This implies a tax-to-GDP [Gross Domestic Product] ratio of 25.9% and tax buoyancy ratio of 1.73%,” Kieswetter said.

The largest contributors to the collection were individual taxes at R794 billion followed by Value Added Tax (VAT) at R500 billion, company taxes stood at R350 billion while customs reached R352 billion and excise stood at R182 billion.

Kieswetter noted that refunds stood at R458 billion at year’s end.

“Refund payments…especially during tough economic times for small businesses and families in financial stress, are an important lifesaver and a necessary injection of cash into the economy.

“The fact that the R458 billion refunds that we processed represents 5.9% of GDP. So, I am therefore pleased that our growth in refunds has consistently grown higher than gross or net revenue. This even after we’ve consistently increased refund risk management to deal with impermissible and fraudulent refund claims,” he said.

The revenue collector took some 22 years to reach the R1 trillion threshold and just ten years to double the collection to R2 trillion despite the effects of slow economic growth, load shedding and COVID-19.

“We believe that this is noteworthy and reflects the diligent work of our employees, the institutional integrity of SARS and the tax administrator centrality to the fiscal health of South Africa.

“SARS is truly a national asset that must never be taken for granted and must be treasured,” the Commissioner added.

A worthy farewell
Kieswetter will be ending his tenure as Commissioner of the revenue service at the end of this month with an announcement of his replacement to be announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“As I come to the end of the seven years of national service, I recall the President’s challenge to those who cared about the future of South Africa and the generations to come to step forward, to leave behind a comfortable life of retirement, and take their place at the forefront of the struggle where real change happens.

“It was a call to service, a call to restore credibility and the capability of our damaged institutions, succinctly captured in the call ‘Thuma Mina’.

“I want to thank the President, the Minister [of Finance], and all South Africans for affording me the rare privilege to make my humble contribution to the wellbeing of our country and its people. I am filled with immense pride that thankfully, together with the help of the people at SARS, we have given our best to the nation,” he said.

The Commissioner encouraged all taxpayers to remain compliant while praising employees at the revenue service.

“Collecting over R2 trillion is not an accident, but the outcome of the more than 14 500 employees who diligently perform millions of activities meticulously to achieve this record collection.

“Every rand not only helps build a capable state that honours the social contract but also enables the state to deliver for all South Africans and strengthen fiscal integrity of South Africa.

“The record achievement we reached today is because of all compliant taxpayers;
I would like to thank them for their fiscal citizenship and contribution to help the most vulnerable in our society,” Kieswetter concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across parts of the country on Thursday and Friday, as many South Africans prepare to travel for the Easter period.

In its latest weather outlook, SAWS said conditions will be cool to warm in most areas, but hot in some regions, with a higher likelihood of scattered showers in the western parts of the country.

The forecast comes as increased traffic volumes are expected on major routes, with authorities urging motorists to plan their journeys carefully and remain weather-aware.

Safety focus for Easter travellers

With changing weather conditions, SAWS is encouraging travellers to prioritise safety on the roads, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms and reduced visibility.

The weather service encourages travellers to download its WeatherSmart app which will help in detecting weather conditions ahead of time.

“Headed somewhere this Easter? Our weatherSmart App helps you know when to stop, stay safe from lightning and arrive relaxed. Your safety travel this Easter is only as good as your data,” the weather service said in a post on X, highlighting the importance of using reliable weather data to make informed travel decisions. 

The WeatherSmart App is among the tools being promoted to help motorists track conditions in real time. According to SAWS, the app enables users to monitor weather patterns, identify when it may be safer to delay travel, and stay alert to lightning risks.

Lightning awareness and verification

As thunderstorms are expected in some areas, SAWS has also emphasised the importance of lightning awareness, particularly for those travelling long distances or leaving property unattended.

The service offers a Lightning Verification Report at a fee, which can confirm whether a lightning strike occurred at a specific location a tool aimed at helping citizens protect valuable assets and support insurance claims if needed.

SAWS has urged the public to stay updated through official weather platforms and to adjust travel plans where necessary. 

With variable conditions expected over the Easter period, travellers are advised to remain cautious, take regular breaks, and ensure their journeys are guided by up-to-date weather information to arrive safely at their destinations. – SAnews.gov.za

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A new partnership between government and the private sector is set to equip thousands of South African students with critical digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills aimed at improving their chances of securing future employment.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the Department of Higher Education and Training and Google South Africa, will expand access to training programmes across universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) institutions.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, said the initiative is designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market shaped by digital transformation.

“Digital and AI skills are vital for navigating the modern world and securing future employment opportunities. It is essential that our students, especially those in remote and township areas, are prepared for the job market once they leave our sector and possess the right skills for employability, including self-employment and entrepreneurship,” Gondwe said.

The agreement, signed in Johannesburg on Monday, 30 March, alongside Google South Africa Country Director Kabelo Makwane, marks the fourth public-private partnership spearheaded by Gondwe’s office to strengthen youth skills development.

Expanding access to digital training

The Google MoU seeks to enhance digital skills, incorporate AI in higher education, and promote workforce development in South Africa. It will offer access to training programmes for public universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, including an initial 10 000 Google Career Certificate scholarships.

In addition to student training, the partnership will prioritise upskilling educators through initiatives such as Generative AI for Educators and a “train-the-trainer” model to promote wider skills sharing across institutions.

The agreement also includes support for curriculum development, with Google providing access to AI tools and collaborating with institutions to develop locally relevant content. Device support will be enhanced through the deployment of ChromeOS Flex to revitalise existing hardware, offering strategic hardware advice, and empowering IT teams through advanced training.

The MoU will also include collaboration on policy and governance, sharing expertise on AI policy development and the use of AI in public institutions.

Makwane said the partnership reflects Google’s commitment to building local capacity and unlocking economic potential through technology.

Makwane further emphasised that the commitment to higher education and South Africa overall, is deeply rooted in capacity building.

“AI has moved from theory to everyday reality. Our research shows digital technology is a massive catalyst for South Africa, with Google tools alone contributing R118 billion to the economy in 2023. AI is set to add another R172 billion, creating new skills and unlocking growth opportunities for all citizens.

“To capture this value, we must close the skills gap and empower our youth to innovate for Africa’s unique context. Inclusivity is key; when South Africans build with tools that understand their environment and languages, technology becomes a true driver of growth,” Makwane said.

The agreement will be implemented over a period of two years. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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